Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #192

Below: Mihara Yasuhiro's Spring Summer 2011 Womens collection offers controversial take on iconic bags... such as the 'Grunge Birkin' (I named it that!) which I adore till death! Need! (Price is SGD1490)

Below: Even Céline's Classic Box Shoulder Bag is not spared! How's that for bag sarcasm??!?

Below: Love this duffel shaped handbag given a military spin with those canvas 'backpack' straps... Those sculpted heels and leggings are super cool too!

Mihara Yasuhiro Spring Summer 2011 Womenswear

Further to my post on the 'Grunge Birkin' from Mihara Yasuhiro's Spring Summer 2011 Womens Collection... here's official pics from the brand's lookbook. Gorgeous and witty take , not to mention bold (imagine all the backlash from H Fans!) take on one of the world's most iconic and distinguished bag. If you noticed, not only the Birkin was 'remodelled' but even Céline's highly popular Classic Box Bag is also being reinterpreted!

How's that for bag 'politics'?!?!

Fun and witty I must say. Take it at a humour perspective and I really love it. Beyond the 'controversial' bags, the ready to wear pieces from Mihara Yasuhiro's womens collection are also very interesting. A bit of dishevelled glamour added with a military, equestrian feel. Check out those stockings and the amazing sculpted heels. Mihara Yasuhiro is always high on originality and creativity, sometimes unexpected such as his sarcasm at iconic bags.

Inspiration for the collection:
The Miharayasuhiro SS11 collection takes its inspiration from the artist Georgia O’Keefe and her early work ‘Black Iris III’. The collection is both representational and abstract as it explores the relationship between Eastern and Western culture and the paradox of the wearer’s strength and fragility.

The collection comprises three broad styles. Tailoring, military, and work wear.

Masculine tailoring, trench coats and structured jackets are transformed with floral printing. Reminiscent of O’Keefe’s style, the flowers not only fill the garments with shape but also remind us that this is lived in and not simply an object.

In contrast to the structured tailoring, the military garments strike feminine silhouettes. Layers of silk drape sensitively to create safari jackets and dresses reminiscent of the Japanese kimono. Floral camouflage created with Mihara’s technique of woven photographic print delivers traditional dress for a new era.

Washed denim shirts evoke O’Keefe’s personal style, a style which is reinvented through drop-neck shirts, washed denim jeans and frayed jersey garments. All of which give the sense of time over which these garments have been worn.

The rugged and artistic energy in this collection is finally channeled into a collection of minimal chic shoes and traditional footwear takes on a new image. Tasseled loafers become pumps and wooden soles float on clear acrylic heels.

This collection tells the story of a woman’s strength established through time. Encouraged in abstract thinking, educated in expression and inherently feminine.

Mihara Yasuhiro is available at Club 21, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore (Women's store)

Source: Mihara Yasuhiro via Club 21 Global

The Material Boy #431

Below: Spotted: 'Grunge' Birkin anyone?!?!

Below: Thanks to Club 21 Thailand... I got more pics of this fun but 'controversial' bag:-P Comes in quite a number of colours from browns to blues to reds...

Below: Interior of the bag with a metal plaque clearly marking Mihara Yasuhiro's name... wonder what Hermès will think:-P

Mihara Yasuhiro 'Grunge' Birkin?

Spotted on the shop windows of Club 21 Bangkok... I was first contemplating who did this version of a birkin... was it a cheap knock-off or some collaboration? But I must admit, feeling the 'Hermès snob' in me (although I do not own a birkin, I do not want anyone blaspheming this sacred icon in the bag universe). So I went into the store 'hell bent' on finding out who committed this atrocity!


But to my surprise, the designer is none other than Mihara Yasuhiro... one of the most creative and original designers in the world. So coming from him, I get his wicked sense of humour. It is mocking at the most iconic bag in the world and I love it! Imagine what will real Birkin owners react standing side by side this 'sarcastic' version by the japanese designer:-P How cool and fun!

This Mihara Yasuhiro version (Retailing in Bangkok for THB 38,500 or in Singapore for SGD1490) has lots of attitude...with a piece of raw edge leather extending from the front and hanging from the base. Wicked! Even the price is a mockery of the original, at almost 10 times lesser:-P How fun.

I hope Singapore's Club 21 store carries this bag too. I can't wait to try it! I want one too.

(Updates: Club 21 Singapore at Four Seasons Hotel will stock the bag at just SGD$1490.
Available in black and brown:-)

Go to Club 21 Thailand's Facebook page to view more pics:-)

Below: Oh, the bag looked fab when shoulder carried! Loved it:-)

Source: myMANybags, Club 21 Thailand, Club 21 Global

Inspiration Thursday!

Tokyo Incoming: Wardrobe Planning...

If money is no problem, and items readily available... What would I wear on my upcoming 'virgin' trip to Tokyo? Land of the rising sun is mecca to radical fashion fanatics. Should I go all the way? Probably not. I cannot pull off or have the guts to mix and match in the most odd of manners like the Jap guys.

But I would be happy to try what I have sketched today:-P Ah... Some Balmain military cool. A lightweight Céline Cabas, some easy walking 'cut-out' shoes from Jil Sander, slouchy ribbed T-shirt with amazing braided detail from Mihara Yasuhiro. And a nice pair of Khaki pants to round off the look. (Okay maybe this outfit is not winter proof... but imagination knows no weather patterns. :-P should make me stand out while not shouting out?!?!:-P)

Oh lastly, I want to keep my hair longer with asymmetric fringe, Manga style, here I come! Need to blend in with my destination:-P

(See my other sketch here:-P)

Source: Céline, Mihara Yasuhiro, Balmain, Jil Sander

My MANy Bags Lookbook #22

What's Up, Brad?

I am starting to watch 'Rachel Zoe Project: Season 3' and I simply adore Brad Goreski every time I see him appear on screen. Congrats to Brad scoring the style director position with the departure of Taylor. I think Brad has impeccable style and taste. He will do a good job. I also love to see what he wears on the show which makes for great inspirations. It is really Brad who got me hooked on Rachel Zoe Project more than anything else.

So for this new lookbook post, I dedicate the style to Brad Goreski, interpreted thru the eyes of Me:-P Geeky look with a touch of flamboyance. Matching Neil Barrett's contrasting collar shirt and matching bowtie with Mihara Yasuhiro's grey contrasting rolled up hem trousers for a preppy feel. Tom Ford's Sunglasses adds to the refined gentlemen look while Panerai's 18kt Radiomir 42m Rose Gold Casing Watch says it all for luxury. For touches of flamboyance, this Brad Goreski inspired guy carries a Limited Edition Trussardi 1911 Animalier Overnight Bag, playing up the wild side in him. Balmain Homme's Silver Metal Loops Leather Belt gives a much needed rebel bling, while Nicholas Kirkwood's Lace Print Sculpted Heel Brogues lets him express his sensitive side:-)

I love Brad! Geek chic never looked this good until he came along!

Source: Trussardi 1911, Neil Barrett, Tom Ford, Nicholas Kirkwood, Balmain, Mihara Yasuhiro, Panerai

The Material Boy #383

Below: An innovative shoe design from Mihara Yasuhiro. Browns Fashion stocks this in brown colour while you can find the black version at Club 21 Mens, Singapore...


Below: I love the leather strap being able to wrap around the ankles for a unique look when wearing shorts or cropped pants...

Below: As seen on the model on the runway of the Mihara Yasuhiro Spring Summer 2010 Men's Show...

Mihara Yasuhiro Ankle Strap Backless Lace-ups

At last, I found pics of one of my most favoured shoes for the season. Ever since I spotted them in Club 21 Mens at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, I have been so tempted to buy these. But due to restricted budgets I have set myself, this pair of lace-ups is still on my wishlist. I am just waiting for the right time to make my 'wishes' come true.

If you live outside of Singapore, grab your hands on them from Browns Fashion, who is an exclusive retailer for Mihara Yasuhiro in UK, but they do ship international.

I love the leather strap wrapping around the ankles when worn, adds a unique look and works exceptionally well with shorts or rolled up pants. A hybrid between lace-ups and sandals (with the missing back part of the shoe), it takes you from casual to formal occassions with ease:-) I also love the deliberate washed effect on the leather which adds to the character. Definitely indifferent. The only setback, perhaps is the shoes do not look great under regular length pants or jeans. You must be ready to expose your ankles for the look to work. But here in Singapore, wearing shorts is so normal, this should not be a problem.

Retail price: £550. Where to buy: Browns Fashion

My MANy Bags News #208

Below: Mihara Yasuhiro Spring Summer 2010 Show at Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore... so exciting to wait for the opening of the show since it's my favourite menswear collection for Spring Summer 2010...

Below: The linkway between Four Seasons Hotel and Hilton Hotel transformed into an out of this world show venue... show is about to start, guests are trickling in! Me and my friends have great seats at the front row where the models will walk in from:-P

Below: The show venue with mood lighting... notice the lights on the ceiling, like stars or 'Christmas':-P

Below: Hurray, music on, show has started!

Below: The washed leather vest is one of the signature look for the collection... a boyish explorer...

Below: This is actually a vest with atttached long sheer draping scarfs... very romantic... it's an interesting textural contrast to the destroyed tee

Below: Shirts with amazing pocket details...paint splatter slouchy pants. Mihara's pieces surprises you when you inspect them up close...

Below: My favourite look... those sandal/ boots are amazing. Tough chic... I would buy them in a heartbeat if only they are available at Club 21!

Below: My 'fuzzy' attempt to capture the back of the shoe! Love love!

Below: Ladies, Mihara Yasuhiro does womenswear too! These destroyed dresses have sequins under the slilts. The footwear is amazing too! U can find them at Club 21 store at Four Seasons Hotel...

Below: A play on transparency, softness against distressed treatment...

Below: The suiting features lightweight fabrics with a worn in look... but yet so refined and elegant befitting a young 'prince'...

Below: My favourite look again... love those sandal/boots!

Below: I was expecting the show to end and everyone leaves for the cocktail reception...when all of a sudden, Mihara Yaushiro himself makes an appearance and takes his well deserved bow. My reaction was too slow to capture a good pic! Darn!

Below: A buffet awaits hungry guests and best of all, you can shop while you eat!:-P Club 21 stores are just on each side:-P

Below: Inspiration for the collection: Le Petite Prince:-) I love the book!

Below: As a true fan, I had to take a pic with Mr Mihara. He is so approachable and has strong personal style. Love his pants and hair!;-P

Below: Thank you Club 21 for the invitation!

Mihara Yasuhiro Spring Summer 2010 Show At Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore

Last evening, I had the pleasure of being invited to an intimate runway presentation organised by Club 21 and Mihara Yasuhiro. The event showcases one of the strongest and my favourite (which I have been raving about on my blog the past few months) Mihara Yasuhiro collection, inspired by the french fable, Le Petite Prince. A imaginative collection that plays on the explorations of the character in the book, with amazing distressed pieces of fine and interesting details and also refined suiting to match. Beyond all the ruggedness of slouchy pants, destroyed tees and deliberate worn-out footwear, the collection also carried a air of elegance and innocence that plays on the designers' strength for boyish charm that taps on the allure of youth. Mihara's attention to detail is also unsurpassed and deserves applause.

The elegant event played to a beautiful setting of soothing ambient ceiling lights (resembling stars perched in space), paint washed walls and floors in neutral shades of sand, almost giving you a sense of exploration in the desert. All these aptly contributed to the mood of Mihara Yasuhiro's Le Petite Prince Inspired Spring Summer 2010 collection. As the show started, I was treated to many inspiring pieces with creative cuts or details, such as a vest with attached long draping sheer scarf or silver foil shorts or a blazer with a seductive sheer back. It was a balance of the toughness of the explorer looks contrasted with the softness of almost weightless fabrics and transparency. There was also a pair of boots/sandal design that I would have snapped up in an instant if Club 21 had managed to stock them. (Unfortunately, they did not! I am so sad!). Even my friend who does not follow fashion was seduced and appreciated the beauty of the collection.

As the show came to an end, I was caught off guard with the designer himself poping out from behind the curtains, taking a bow! Mihara Yasuhiro in person! I almost (quote Rachel Zoe) DIED:-P

Guests were then treated to a surprisingly delicious buffet of some of the best pastries, creme brulee, roast beef and probably the best smoked salmon I have ever tasted. As the event took place right outside the Club 21 stores, we were able to shop as we eat:-) How convenient. Club 21 dedicated the entire first floor to Mihara Yasuhiro's collection and I have to say they carried an impressive range, new pieces specially ordered for this occassion. I love many many pieces and happily choose 2 which I will make a payment today. There is a storewide 20% discount for the next 3 days, so hurry down if you want to shop some Mihara or other designers!

A wonderful evening with amazing ambience to view an impressive collection. Like a fan boy, I had to take a pic with Mihara Yasuhiro, who was very friendly and had a strong personal style. I enjoyed the evening very much, all thanks to Club 21 yet again.

Source: myMANybags