Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #166

Kris Van Assche Spring Summer 2011 Mens Bags, Shoes And Accessories

Kris Van Assche continues his focused and fuss free, almost 'sterile' (free from frivolous detailing) aesthetics in his Spring Summer 2011 Mens accessories collection. Footwear being the standout yet again in the collection, with new shapes and interesting designs. The ankle boots with frayed edging (on the elastic panels) and matched with thick wedge soles looked fresh and edgy, adding a worn out appeal to any look.

The trainers feature detailings such as wrap-around shoe laces, thin slits across the front and comes in varied materials of suede, washed canvas and brushed leather. Sandals are also eye catching pieces, with my favourite being the 'gladiator' lace-up ankle height sandals that creates a powerful visual statement. It's footwear befitting any urban warrior!

Bags, belts and wallets follow the minimal design direction but often contrasted with unusual materials such as thick raffia ropes, fabric ribbons or braided leathers. It's these unusual mix that gives Kris Van Assche accessories that differentiating appeal to his competitors.

Colours in tones of sandstone, beige, anthracite grey and black add to the sombre feel, evoking a sharp sense of modernity in each design.

Source: Kris Van Assche

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #122

u





Guys: It's Time For 'Booty' Call!

Oh no! Not that kind of 'call', what were you thinking?!?! This is a PG13 blog!

Yes, I am talking about the major influx of boots in all manners for guys this Fall Winter 2010 season. From riding boots, dressy boots, military boots, biker boots to hiking boots... you name it, you got it. My favourite are those gorgeous tall boots with shearling lining from Burberry Prorsum (retails for USD795) and Kris Van Assche's modern take on the military boot.

So what are you waiting for? 'Booty' calls!

Source: Paul Smith, Kris Van Assche, Salvatore Ferragamo, Hermès, Burberry Prorsum, Dior Homme, Versace, Etro

The Material Boy #277

Below: Kris Van Assche's Spring Summer 2009 Rose Brooch...alternative to LV's?

Kris Van Assche Fall Winter 2009/2010 Mens Accessories

I always find Kris Van Assche not a good match to Dior Homme. Perhaps his predecessor, Hedi Slimane wowed the world with his slim and rock star look and left such a great impression that it is hard to not to compare. For Kris Van Assche's own label, he is more free to express his ideas with being under the shadows of anyone. I always like his take on asymmetrical shapes, unusual designs of footwear. For next fall winter 2009/2010, I am a fan of his 'wrap around' design for the footwear. It is different and yet unique. And the asymmetrical buckles for his belt is a signature and recurring style now. Love the braided version. Even the silver bracelet with just a twisted design creates a subtle yet appealing appeal. Kris Van Assche is a master of subtle surprises. Never too overbearing, just enough for those who appreciates details to admire.

On the side, Kris Van Assche does some flower brooches for men. Perhaps an alternative for Louis Vuitton's more opulent version?

Source: Kris Van Assche

The Material Boy #164

Kris Van Assche Mens Accessories Fall Winter 2008/2009

Interesting is the word I have to described Kris Van Assche's line of men's accessories for fall winter 2008/2009. Somehow, amidst all that understated appearance of the shoes, belts and ties...there is something quietly mesmerising underneath...slowly captivating me:-)

Let's start with the shoes, the brown high cut boots which appears plain and nothing out of the oridinary...but the colour being just a brilliant shade of brown. The strategic placement of the zippers twirling around the top of the shoe is like the icing on the cake...it becomes not only functional but blends naturally as an extension of the design rather that an after-thought. I felt that was really clever.

As for the high cut sneakers, the diagonal placement of the velcro straps again forms a skeletal pattern which are both functional and yet adds design appeal to the shoe. Again, functionality build on good design.

Next comes the belt, braided belts are nothing to shout about. We see those around all the time. But if you examine the way the leather has been braided...that is when you appreicate this belt. The braiding is really special and intricate! I would love to own this belt in brown. Would go great when you want to pull off an elegant look. The odd shaped buckle also adds a surprise to the otherwise formal looking belt. From these designs, I wonder if Kris like things assymmetrical. Maybe this is his inspiration. Strange thought but it somehow works

Lastly, I also like the ties. The very 'gentlemen' checks tie in the most dashing grey. I love the way the check pattern blends to the background and not get contrasted too much. Very pleasing to the eye and definitely makes the wearer look suave and sophisticated.

In summary, I love all these pieces from Kris van Assche. I wonder why it never got much exposure. Maybe it is too understated to form an impression. Why can't he make things like that for Dior? Did he keep all his better ideas for his own brand instead of Dior?:-)

What do you guys think? Dior Homme or Kris Van Assche is better ?

Retail price
1) White Sneakers: Euro $533 and available at www.luisaviaroma.com
2) Braided Belt: Euro $440 and available at www.thecorner.com
3) Plaid Tie: Euro $85 and available at www.thecorner.com

Source: www.krisvanassche.com

Ad Campaigns & Catalogues #13

Kris Van Assche Menswear Fall Winter 2008/2009

This is probably one of my most favourite ad campaigns for fall winter 2008/2009 now! I can't believe it, that Kris had the bold and innovative mind to do a campaign like that for his collection. I am duly impressed. Based on his runway show which features vintage washing machines, this campaign takes on cues from that presentation and was shot in L.A, in a laundromat. But if you look closely, there are underlying homoerotic theme and lots of suggestive imagery (Oh yeah, wet undershirts, suds and hot bods!). Kinda like soft porn done in an artistic way! Much much tasteful than Tom Ford's campaign which is more blatant. I love it! The scenes were entirely depicted thru the reflections from the washing machines. Very clever. It's there and yet not there! I am seriously going to pay lots of attention to his collection this season because of this 'effective' advertising!:-P

(Thanks to Paolo for posting about this! He has the most amazing content in his blog.)

Here is what Kris Van Assche's website says about the campaign:

Kris Van Assche And Jeff Burton Collaborate On A Visual Project

Designer Kris Van Assche and photographer Jeff Burton collaborated on a series of 12 layouts which will run in 12 select, international magazines as a unique advertising campaign for Van Assche’s FW 08.09 men’s collection. Photographed in Los Angeles in March 2008 in a Laundromat, the series started as an artistic collaboration for A Magazine. A Magazine is a bi-annual Antwerp-based magazine. Each issue is edited by a guest curator who freely develops the content of the issue. Van Assche is the curator of issue No 7 (on newsstands in May 08). Previous curators include Yohji Yamamoto, Martin Margiela, Martine Sitbon, Haider Ackermann. The location for the shoot, a Laundromat, was chosen based on the set design of Van Assche’s FW 08.09 runway show, for which vintage washing machines were placed alongside the catwalk. Typical for Burton’s work, the casting consists of real people and porn actors. His photographs capture the idea of seduction and sensuality, without any crudeness. Kris Van Assche, a longtime admirer of Burton, especially appreciates the poetry Jeff Burton pulls from the world of pornography : a place where it is hard to find. Beginning with September issues, 12 layouts will run in 12 select international magazines. Each layout will thus be exclusive to the magazine. The full series can be seen on www.krisvanassche.com.

"I did not want to present a classic campaign", says Van Assche. "I wanted people to feel the excitement of this encounter between two creative people who truly appreciate and admire each other’s work. 12 different lay outs in only 12 magazines worldwide is a radically new way of looking at advertising. It is more of an artistic event".

Source: www.krisvanassche.com

My Shopping Conquest #15

Kris Van Assche Black Bow Tie Long Sleeve Shirt

Here you go, the reveal from my sunday purchase!

It seems dandy chic is in this fall season. Lots of designers are offering sartorial styles, but they are more relaxed than restrictive and conservative. Lanvin, Dior Homme, Bottega Veneta and Miharaya Suhiro are good examples of dandy chic. More than ever, dressing up is dressing down. guys want to look elegant and stylish and not just in tees and jeans all the time.

I was surprise that I was able to find something during spring summer season sales that can transcend into next season's dandy chic trend. This is a great thing to happen, to be able to buy into the trends of next season at discounted prices:-) and 50% off as well!:-)

So here I am, with my new Kris Van Assche Black Bow Tie Long Sleeve Shirt:-) I know I have put Kris down for his creative reins over Dior Homme. I am not a fan of his Dior. But his own namesake label is a different story. His ideas fits the direction of his own label better and they feel more natural for his label than Dior Homme. Modern dandy and classicism do resonate well with his label.

Back to my shirt...:-P this fine piece of tailoring is a dear to behold. The most interesting aspect of the design is the little removable bow tie that slots into an opening at the neck area. You are in way being sartorial and formal with a bow tie, but not exactly wearing the actual piece of formal neckwear. Very unique and quirky in a way. Clever idea to dress formal without being too formal. Beyond this interesting feature is the exceptional cut of the shirt. Slim fitting with fabulous pleated details along the 2 sides on the back of the shirt. I love my back view for once after wearing this shirt.

To be honest, when I saw this shirt, it felt very Lanvin as well since Lanvin has been doing bow tie looks for a while now:-P Lanvin is synonymous with easy dandy styles and bow ties are abundant for fall winter 2008 looks. Check out that large bow Lanvin t-shirt! (although it is not a bow tie) I love it. (Bryanboy got this gift, worth Euro $519, from www.luisaviaroma.com.) How generous and thoughtful of them!) However, I dun see myself wearing it. I rather stick with my Kris Van Assche shirt. It's cute but smart and more my style. Comes in white as well if black colour is not your cup of tea.

Pricing wise, this shirt is expensive. I still have to pay SGD$410 after a 50% markdown. Sundays should never be spent shopping:-P

Source: Model pic from www.gettyone.com. Lanvin Bow Tee from www.luisaviaroma.com

Retail price: SGD $819. Where to buy: Club 21 Mens at Four Seasons Hotel