Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #209

Below: I love the new Spring Summer 2011 Martin Margiela Mens Accessories collection... Love the boots covered with gold leaf and the lace-ups where the leather extends all the way to the soles:-)

Below: Understated bags with a used effect:-)

Below: The mens jewellery mimicks work tools and has a charming vintage finish...

Maison Martin Margiela Spring Summer 2011 Mens Accessories

Mr Margiela may be absent from the creative reins of his namesake brand, his spirits still lives on in Maison Martin Margiela's collections. For Spring Summer 2011, I am duly surprised by the amount of desirable pieces I covet from the mens collections, definitely heaps of improvement from the past 2 seasons.

The use of mundane objects as inspirations have always been embedded in the brand's DNA. Often imbued with a twist, the designs always surprises with ingenuity and understated aesthetics. For this season, I love those gold leaf coated boots which appeared raw but sends out an individualistic glamour unseen anywhere else. Leather bags made from tan leather that is ridden with scratches tells a different story about charisma and appeal for the owner. Love that holdall!

As for mens jewellery, work tools have been reworked to become understated and yet interesting mens rings, bracelets and necklaces. Unexpected mix of materials adds to the appeal. I want those leather and brass nugget bracelets with hammered effects, or even the unusual belts with atypical shaped buckles. All done with a vintage finesse!

Bravo on this new Spring Summer 2011 collection! This is inspiring-fashion:-P

More pics of the Spring Summer 2011 Maison Martin Margiela Mens Accessories collection on my facebook fan page. 'LIKE' my page if you enjoy reading this post:-)

Source: Maison Martin Margiela

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #162

Below: 'Invasion' of desperate housewives and suburban husbands? Shopping totes like those you get in supermarkets are a new style statement! Céline, Loewe, Jil Sander are all sending shopper totes into the arms of fashion fans all over...

Below: Which is your favourite?

Let's Go Shopping: 'Grocery Shopping' Style Totes

Invasion of 'fashionable' housewives and suburban husbands? Grocery shopping has never been this chic.

From Céline, Dior Homme, Loewe, Jil Sander to Martin Margiela... luxury brands are turning these mundane packing you get in supermarkers to new trend makers. Shopper totes are a new trend in bag designs!

I love the fun take on something so ordinary and turning it into a fashion statement:-P Of course, my favourite has to be Céline's leather cabas, but Jil Sander's bright neon coloured 'Market bags' are also stylishly delectable as well!

Let's start shopping.

(More 'grocery shopping' style totes on my facebook fan page. 'LIKE' my page if you enjoy reading this post:-p)

Source: Céline, Loewe, Dior Homme, Jil Sander, Martin Margiela

My MANy Bags Lookbook #24

Below: New myMANybags lookbook for Spring Summer 2011!

Colour Rush

It's a flurry of colours this Spring Summer 2011 season. Much as I love the colour blocking trend, I do not see myself in head to toe outrageous hues. So I devised my own colour blocking style toning it down just a little. Using a white shirt as the base, I surround it with other more eye poping pieces and accessories to create the colour trend.

Martin Margiela White Plastron Shirt is plain but with an unusual longer back (like a swallow tail) for added detailing interest. Balenciaga's Mimosa RGH Triple Tour Bracelet gives a yellow boost against the bright Topman 'Yves Klein Blue' Slim fit Chinos. A Jil Sander Orange Colour Belt wraps around the waist, dissecting the white top and blue bottom while giving another layer of colour blocking. Finally, I accessorise the outfit with a pair of the hottest shoe of the season, Prada's Espadrilles Brogues, a cute blue Net-net Swallow Shaped Fabric Brooch and my favourite Céline Cabas Linen Stripe (for its subtle touches of blue and red).

I am having a colour rush!

(Check out my other lookbook posts here)

Source: Prada, Mr Porter, Balenciaga, Topman, Lane Crawford

My MANy Bags Lookbook #05

Lazy Sunday...With A Bit Of 'City Cowboy'!

Since I was so smitten with the latest D&G Spring Summer 2010 sexy Cowboys, I decided to put together a look based on the colour tones of the wild west. Of course, mixed and matched to myMANybags taste:-P

A simple Number (N)ine tan coloured cardigan kicks off the whole look. The silk pocket trim and the sleeve crochet pattern gives off a vintage feel. Paired with D&G's latest 'Cowboy Boots' print tank top to sex it up a bit. Relaxed fit YSL jersey trousers will ensure optimal comfort for lounging around on lazy Sunday afternoons. As for jewellery, it will have to be my current obsession, the nonchalant Martin Margiela nail pendant necklace that adds a touch of 'workwear' fun. Desert browns, beiges and whites... fresh country style palette, perfect for the most easy day of the week.

Click here to see my other lookbook proposals!

Source: Dolce & Gabbana, Matches Fashion, Browns Fashion, Marni

My Shopping Conquest #76

Below: D.I.Y 'Margiela joy'...

Martin Margiela Silver Necklace With Nail Pendant

Yes, with the help of a reader...I finally laid my hands on this 'nearly-escaped' Martin Margiela Silver Necklace with Nail Pendant:-)

Thanks Jeff...

Instant shopping gratification is just a click away...:-P Best part...u only need to do it yourself:-P

Retail price: Euro $140 (Sale @ Euro $84 with Euro $35 postage. Sucks!).
Where to buy: www.thecorner.com

The Material Boy #296

Below: The brass version as sold in www.oki-ni.com. Such an interesting necklace.
But sold out:-(

Below: And I was too late to buy the silver version from Club 21 Mens...grrr...

Martin Margiela Nail Pendant Chain Necklace

I had a close call with this Martin Margiela Nail Pendant Chain Necklace. First seen on the pages of Vogue Hommes International and finally on the current issue of Style Magazine, Singapore, I was immediately smitten by the weird and yet interesting concept of this piece jewellery. Alas, I mae up the decision too late to buy the necklace from Club 21 mens. It got sold just hours before I returned to the store last Wednesday to buy it. At an incredible price of SGD $229, this was one Margiela piece that needs to be owned! Perfect for dressing nonchalance, bad boy attitude with an edge. So sad, I miss out on this piece of jewellery. I sourced online for the necklace, but it was all sold out everywhere. Who bought this necklace in silver from Club 21 Mens last week?!!???! :-)...time to get some claws working there:-) Just kidding.

I hope to find these in some other ways. Wish me luck. I shall pray hard to the shopping gods to let me chance upon it again. Next time there will be no hestitation. Good things sold out fast!

Source: www.ok-ni.com

Retail price: SGD $229. Where to buy: Club 21 Mens at Four Seasons Hotel

My MANy Bags Sales Updates #28

Oki-ni Secret Sale Is Now On!

Further to the sales updates happening in Singapore, a true savvy shopping fan also shops beyond his shores:-) Time to scout for even more goodies from across the globe. And thanks to Oki-ni, I have been made 'privy' to the secret sale they are having right now:-)!

So hurry...shop ahead of others before the sale is made known to everyone else! Lots of goodies to be found at Oki-ni's online website, since they stock many interesting labels from Jil Sander, Opening Ceremony, Martin Margiela to Alexander McQueen! Oki-ni is based in London and they do ship internationally!

Click on this link and be led to the secret sale site. Key in SECRET30 to get a 30% discount:-) Happy shopping! Below are some of the 'gems' I found on the site. Tempting...

Prices featured are before discount:-)

1) Alexander McQueen Fringed Stripe Scarf - £149. Size: 24.5" x 61". Made from cashmere/modal...can imagine how soft this scarf will feel!

2) Alexander Mcqueen Leather Lace-up with neon fluro sole- £395. The bright coloured sole is simply stunning!


3) Jil Sander Centurion Sandals - £285. Cool sandals that will last you for a long time to come! Perfect for summer days:-)


4) Jil Sander Trim Cardigan- £299. The contrast detailing provides for an interesting design...Everyone can never have too many cardigans:-P


5) Raf Simons x Doc Martens Sandals - £160. What can you say about innovative shoes like these?!?!? and now on sale?!?!? Grab it!


6) Martin Margiela Chain Ring - £119. Made to resemble a bicycle chain link...it's quirky cool Margiela style!


7) Martin Margiela Sci-Fi Sunglasses - £275. This is so different, it's a statement piece!


Source: www.oki-ni.com

The Runway Sniper #14

Martin Margiela Spring Summer 2009 Menswear

It's seems disco fever hits Martin Margiela...sort of. Part of the collection are interesting pieces infused with saturday night fever, think circa 1970 when John Trovota still looks slim and slender and can shake his booty. The disco ball metallic mirrored effect is applied onto lapels of a well-cut jacket, on the bib of a basic white shirt and the most outrageous leggings, reminding me of Balenciaga's robotic C3PO leggings for Spring Summer 2007 womenswear.

But despite the over the top pieces that were the leggings, most of the collection are really wearable and beautiful pieces that are strangely alluring to me. I have caught on Margiela fever. That ensemble of a beige trench with skinny white pants (with piping on the side) and a horse shoe buckle is so ravishing. That off white pea coat is to die for as well. I will definitely have to pay more attention to Margiela's work from now on.

The Material Boy #110

Martin Margiela Leather Lace-Ups

You might be wondering why I am recommending another pair of lace-ups. It seems all lace-ups are more or less the same. But hold that thought for the time being...have a look at this pair by Martin Margiela. The leather flap where the laces are, wraps all around the shoe which is unseen of. What an interesting reinterpretation of a classic design:-) One of a kind and yet aesthetically beautiful. It is this sort of little quirky take on a classic design which sets things apart.:-) And I believe Martin Margiela has done well with this pair of lace-ups. I especially like the white leather version, which is so french riveria and playboy chic. But for the more classic types, the dark grey version works great as well.

Now on sale at www.aloharag.com with a 40% discount!

I am a Margiela fan now!

Retail price: US$447 (markdown from US$745). Where to buy: www.aloharag.com

My Shopping Conquest #11

Martin Margiela MM6 'Die-Cut' Cities Leather Belt

I am absolutely in love with this gem I discovered 2 days ago at the Blackjack store. Was there shopping the preview sale for my new Raf by Raf Simons canvas sneakers when I notice this quirky belt lying atop one of the shelves, stocking Maison Martin Margiela MM6 line. This unique leather belt has die cut letters of names of cities around the world. From Paris to Osaka, it is just simply cool. Surprisingly, there are no belt holes as the buckle will fasten inbetween the alphabets. So it is the best fitting belt I ever own!:-P The metal buckle has been given an aged treatment so it looks worn and vintage. The brown leather also looks seasoned with use, which is very Martin Margiela as he is famous for reworking vintage items.

This belt is actually for ladies, but the belt (again) loops from left to right which is the men's way of wearing. There is even a thicker version which is so masculine and looks great with jeans. In the end, I chose the thin version becos I want to pair it with my shorts and looks more elegant.

I was skeptical about the belt first, did not try it on first sight. But went back to Blackjack the second day, tried it on and was immediately sold:-) Perhaps because my most favourite city in the world is on it...Paris, je t'aime!

It was a good idea to go back to buy this:-) I did not regret a single bit, especially at a great price. I paid SGD $201 after a 37% discount.

Retail price: SGD $319. Where to buy: Blackjack at Forum, The Shopping Mall

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #01

Trendspotting With 'The Sartorialist' In Florence

This is going to be new section on my blog highlighting what real people wear:-), styles that inspires and excites me and what I would like to share with everyone:-) The sartorialist already has an excellent blog highlighting street styles, so you'd probably will see a lot of pics from his blog, but I will filter out only those that resonate with me:-)

Every new season, the sartorialist travels to the major fashion cities to get snapshots of the trendy fashion folks attending the fashion shows/events or the ultra chic locals that could make or break a trend. Here is a couple of styles from his current visit to Florence to cover the Spring Summer 2009 menswear shows and presentations. Real fashion on real people is most exciting.

Firstly, the summer shorts look with a blazer. (Remember to click on the pics to view larger formats and details) How cool is that. It's both casual and yet not sloppy with a touch of class. I love the style of the guy with the stripe blazer and the navy shorts and the boat shoes. Fabulous match.

(I found a Martin Margiela white pinstripe jacket that could pull off this look perfectly.:-) Dun you love the white key brooch on the jacket? Get the jacket at www.eluxury.com for the sale price of US $829. The interesting white key pin at US $125)

Secondly, seems coloured footwear has caught up with dear gentlemens in Italy...and of all colours, purple! WOW...it is refreshing to see purple shoes on guys. I first notice the coloured shoes at spring summer 2008 DSquared2 shows (see attached pic). It is now translated to real life. :-P

More to come. Check here to see more street snap pics.

Source: www.men.style.com

The Material Boy #107

Martin Margiela Guitar Bracelet

I think I am in a paradox of fashion styles now. On one hand I love the 'maximalist' decadence of Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and all those bling and flashy styles that screams LOUD, while on another side, I am liking quirky, conceptual yet modern and understated elegance that comes from Helmut Lang, Balenciaga and Martin Margiela.

Maybe it's because of my trip to Blackjack yesterday, which I stock up on more clothing. (Yikes!) I saw a lot of interesting pieces which I have not taken notice before until yesterday. Those pieces were really fresh and unique (MCQ, Martin Margiela, Helmut Lang and so on...). They look chic and yet have a lot of personality.

So today while browsing www.oki-ni.com for more Martin Margiela, I discover this 'gem' hiding within the online store:-) I am so loving this bracelet from Martin Margiela which is in a weird guitar shape! Ain't it special and quirky? This is one piece of jewellery that will be a conversational piece when your friends spots you with it. People will definitely ask you what you are wearing and where did you get that.:-P

The bracelet is made of a brass guitar shape cutout and rolled to form a cuff shape with a fastening by a leather cord. A brilliant design. I think it will look great for me. Comes in a very nice box too:-)

Wonder if Club 21 stocks this. Have to check tommorrow:-P

Retail price: UK 109 pounds. Where to buy: www.oki-ni.com