The Material Boy #455

Below: Bryanboy’s coverage of Thai Designer JBB* by Jirawat Bote Benchakarn’s Fall Winter 2011 menswear collection (at the recent Singapore Mens Fashion Week) inspired me for some military fashion inspirations this Monday. I need to combat serious Monday blues!

Below: Love these pieces from MR PORTER that carries the military flavour without being too literal...

Below: Most of all, I want this pair of Trussardi 1911 Camouflage Print Espadrilles!

Military Monday: 'Butch' Up!

Inspired by Bryanboy’s pics covering Thai Designer JBB* by Jirawat Bote Benchakarn’s Fall Winter 2011 menswear collection (Shown at the recent Singapore Mens Fashion Week 2011)... I decided I am going to seek ‘military retail enlightenment’ today. Love JBB* by Jirawat Bote Benchakarn’s take on Military Camouflage pattern, pairing it with refined sartorial suiting and shorts. Not entirely a new idea, but I love the contrast these looks create.

Hence, I browsed online and found these lovely pieces to share here. Pieces that fit the military theme without going too literal. Trussardi 1911 has an amazing pair of camouflage print espadrilles (￥43,050) that presents a relax resort feeling...while ready to rough it out in any terrain:-)

Marni’s contrast panel short sleeve shirt (£196) is perhaps the army version of colour blocking, using jersey and cotton fabrics in olive and black tones for effective panelling effect. I love the way the back of the shirt looks... it’s a timeless and interesting piece that will command attention! I also love Burberry Brit’s dark olive green slim fit cargo trousers (£125), which breaks away from the sloppy looser versions and gets you into a more streamlined and smarter silhouette.

Wear all the above pieces together then round it up with Trussardi’s Camouflage Print Laptop Sleeve (use it as a clutch!) ... tada... you have a hot military look, ready to brave thru any Monday Blues!

Marni and Burberry Brit available at MR PORTER: The Mens Style Destination.
Trussardi 1911 available at RESTIR.

Source: Mr Porter, Restir, Bryanboy

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #151

Below: 3 bags for men. 3 bags to be wishlisted... #1 Trussardi Canvas Camouflage Print Laptop Sleeve... doubles as a handy and fabulous clutch!

Below: #2 Pierre Hardy Canvas Geometric Print Large Pouch... instant abstract artistic flair!

Below: I got mine with red leather trimming!

Below: #3 Céline Leather Horizontal Cabas with size zippers... Timeless minimalist cool!

Wednesday Inspiration: 3 Men + 3 Bags

Researching for blog content today seems to bear little results for me today. So I decided to scour the cyberspace for some 'BAG PORN' (namely pics of real people carrying hot bags of the moment) and see what I can gather.

Here's 3 delectable arm candies with pics of real people flaunting them (from the recent Mens Fashion Week Fall Winter 2011). These bags have been on my shopping radar for the longest time. One I already welcomed into my bag harem, the other 2 will one day make their way there.

Bag #1: Trussardi 1911's Camouflage Print Laptop Sleeve (Euro 190) is just a cool classic. Military themes for men just comes back again and again. This laptop sleeve from Trussardi is from their classic range (Thanks to Milan Vukmirovic). Use it as a protection for your beloved laptop or simply as a handsome clutch for that bit of military luxe. I love the material and print since I own the belt and can attest to the quality. This will make 'camouflage calling' complete!:-)

Bag #2: Pierre Hardy's Geometric Print Canvas Pouch (SGD290) provides an abstract, artistic uplift to any ensemble. The spot of colour be it red or blue adds a colour interest, while holding just enough to get you thru any of your days. The gold tone zip is refined and the luxurious lambskin lining is delightful to touch. I know I love mine!

Bag #3: I was not attracted to the landscape format of the famed Céline Horizontal Leather Cabas with side zippers (SGD1950) before. The stiffer leather and side zips made the otherwise soft and slouchy tote bag structured and no longer appears easy and simple. However, this image of this guy using the bag changed my mind. Look at the way he zips it half way thru, creating the attitude of nonchalance for the bag. The size is well proportioned for a man and the gold tone zips enhance the luxurious feel of the understated bag. Now I am adding it to my wishlist!

Source: Style, Stockholm Streetstyle, Céline, Pierre Hardy, Trussardi 1911

My Shopping Conquest #114

Below: What have you shopped over this festive holiday? Here's the first of my shopping conquests for this holiday season... received just last week from Tokyo, beautifully wrapped by www.restir.com...

Below: Something that I wanted long time back... finally I have it! From Trussardi 1911:-)

Below: Yes, it's a brand new belt!

Below: I am crazy military this Fall Winter 2010... and this Trussardi Camouflage belt is a must have! It's classic and timeless with a 'butch' appeal:-)

Below: Made in Italy...age old technique by the brand... as stated in the description card... Well made it is!

Below: Winter or summer, camouflage pattern will always be relevant:-)

Below: I had the pleasure of visiting Restir's actual store in Tokyo Midtown Mall when I recently visited Japan... such a cool store. Almost club like... very good selections, my taste!

Below: I took this lousy pic of the store front... was in a rush...oops..

Below: The posh and wood clad Tokyo Midtown Mall...go check it out... nice brands there, although more womens than mens:-) Most importantly, Restir is here!

Trussardi 1911 Camouflage Canvas/Leather Belt

The highly anticipated holiday of the year, Christmas holiday is over. Did everyone have a 'bountiful' holiday? One filled with lovely presents from friends, family or yourself?

I have not been posting my shopping conquests for a long while. Being busy with work and holiday... time was scarce to makes pics of my shopping.

So finally, had some time on my hands over the X'mas holiday... so what have I gotten for X'mas? Time to share #1 of 'I lost count' frantic festive shopping...

I have been raving about this Trussardi 1911 Camouflage Canvas/Leather Belt since months ago here. The military theme has been one of my favourites in fashion and I cannot begin to recall how many olive colour clothing, and army style things I got this Fall Winter 2010. So this is a must have for my 'military' chase. The only place I have seen this belt being sold was at www.restir.com. The Japanese online retailer had a boutique in Tokyo Midtown Shopping Mall which I deemed a must visit during my recent Tokyo holiday.

Fates has it that I miss out on getting the belt in person when I was at the store then... reason being I forgot my passport for tax free shopping (although it is 5% rebate only... Japan's high mark up for luxury goods means every cent saved is every cent you pay less). I could have used my friend's passport to get the belt, but after pondering a while, I could not bear to spend over $450 so early in my Japan trip so I pass it up.

Upon returning to Singapore, I chanced upon www.restir.com's online 1 day flash sale, and lucky stars smiling upon me, the belt was markdown by 40%! This is the higher powers' calling for me to grab the belt. It's shopping blasphemy if I denied myself this chance. So after pleasant email exchanges and one click of a check out button... the belt arrived in Singapore last week. Indeed a marvelous piece of fashion accessory. Last flashy than Louis Vuitton's monogramouflage belt... but more timeless. I love it! Time to play 'military macho' this festive holiday!

What have you guys shopped over Christmas? Share here!!!

Source: myMANybags, Soph Blog

My MANy Bags Lookbook #23

Merry Plaid Winter

After a trip to Japan, I am inspired by winter wear, especially themes of English sensuality, the great outdoors and folklore. So for my new long overdue Lookbook post, I shall create a look mixing classic plaid patterns (English), a bit of rugged outdoor charm and lots of festive spirits (Red colour!). Perfect for spending the holidays in mountain log cabins, warming up to log fires, treading knee deep in snow covered forests... ahhh...the spirit of X'mas time.

Trussardi 1911 and Neil Barrett are 2 of my favourite brands this Fall 2010 season. Hence, outerwear of wool plaid pea coat, cosy neckwear of red wooly snood from Trussardi 1911 are top selections. To extend the cosy feeling of thick wool coat, I pair these pieces with a pair of cargo sweatpants from The Soloist. To add some grunge attitude, I leave it to pieces from Neil Barrett to work their 'grunge' magic... black extreme creased knit sweater, wool fabric and croc embossed leather badges and then finally round it off with some tough military boots and Bell And Ross Phantom Watch.

Finally to pack all the winter necessities for a winter getaway, Trussardi's fabulous wool plaid and leather duffel is the perfect arm companion while reinforcing my 'Merry Plaid Winter' theme. Happy Winter time, merry merry X'mas everyone!

Source: Restir, The Corner

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #155

Below: Leopard print is the star of Trussardi's Spring Summer 2011 menswear collection. A Limited Edition capsule collection, Animalier, will be launched to pay tribute to this jungle style and sold only by the most exclusive retailers:-)

Below: Some of the Spring Summer 2011 looks have already featured this limited edition collection, with gorgeous jackets, belts and shoes.. I love the look. It's luxurious with such refined styling!

Below: Although not the Animalier collection, these military green and grey leopard print jackets and bags gives camouflage and tough luxe new inspirations!

Trussardi 1911 Animalier Limited Edition

The leopard print is a key design inspiration for the Trussardi 1911 Spring/Summer 2011 mens collections. Seen in prominence on clothing (tops and blouses to jackets in everything from cotton and silk to leather) and accessories (such as bags, travel luggages, small leather goods, and footwear), the print is the linking thread for the many desirable and highly wearable looks offered next spring summer.

To pay tribute to this classic and yet versatile jungle style, the leopard print will be launched on a Limited Edition capsule collection, 'Animalier' for men, comprising of jacket, sneakers, belt, overnight bag, and trolley. All these fine spotted pony pieces showcase Trussardi's tradition and leather-working expertise as the fashion house that has been represented by the greyhound, celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2011.

Starting next November, these special items will be sold in Trussardi 1911 boutiques and in fine retailers worldwide such as The Webster in Miami, Barneys in New York, and Restir in Tokyo.

I would love to own that luxurious carryall. Classic but flamboyant in a very refined adventurous way. Like a gentlemen returning from an outpost in the safari.

Source: Trussardi 1911

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 #413

Below: Love this Trussardi 1911 Camouflage Belt...

Trussardi 1911 Camouflage Belt

I need this Trussardi 1911 Camouflage belt (approx. SGD$450) on my waist. Like now! I love the camouflage print, versatile and right on trend. I need. I want... much better looking than Louis Vuitton's Monogramouflage version. It's 'Milan Vukmirovic' chic!

Source: Restir

The Material Boy #404

Below: Prada 'Cordura' Camouflage Print Cotton Bag with Saffiano Leather Trim – £475

Below: Prada Printed Camouflage Nylon Messenger Bag with Saffiano Leather Trim – £560

Below: Prada Printed Camouflage Nylon Tote Bag with Saffiano Leather Trim – £485

Below: Trussardi 1911 Camouflage Weekend Travel Bag with Suede Trim – €1120

Below: Trussardi 1911 Coated Linen Camouflage Print Weekend Duffel – was €750, now on sale €375!

Luxe Camouflage Bags

Time to boost up those gym toned muscles, and flaunt some tough military chic, luxe style. Cast aside those regular versions from army surplus stores, up your fashion statement with designer ones! Here's a selection of some designer camouflage print bags from Prada and Trussardi 1911 that will send men drooling over.

The Prada 'Cordura' Cotton Bag is so 'cute' (so round and full:-P) and handy for travelling. My favourite among the lot. Definitely a 'rough-it-out' bag for the urban jungle!

Source: Prada, Trussardi 1911

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #98

Below: Exquisite detailings are abundant in Trussardi 1911's Spring Summer 2010 Mens Bags... such as this duffel with beautiful ethnic motifs... or dusty pale blue suede for some 'desert blues'...

Below: These remind me of LV's carpet looking bags...but somehow more modern and lightweight:-P

Below: The feather detail on the tan coloured duffel is simply breath-takingly beautiful...

Below: More man totes in different material variations...

Below: The details on the sides is incredible, straight and zig zag 'stitch' like designs is clever...

Below: Love this simple denim tote that uses the frayed fabric as a design element...

Below: Army duffel packs never looked this good...

Trussardi 1911 Spring Summer 2010 Mens Bags

Navajo theme rages thru the Spring Summer 2010 Mens Collection for Trussardi 1911. Milan Vukmirovic did his modern spin on the American India culture and came out with some exceptionally beautiful and artful bag designs for the season. Feather embellishments, tooled leather with ethnic patterns, washed denim, soft suedes are just some materials that adds to the appeal of the collection. The shapes are in the purest form for male bag designs with totes, duffels and backpacks as major inspirations.

I adore the tan suede duffel bag with the exquisite native Indian motif on the side formed by feathers, as does the leather duffel or totes in various leathers etched with ethnic motifs. The distressed denim tote stands out for me, clever detailing formed by the frayed fabric.

So which one is your favourite? We need Trussardi here in Singapore!

Source: Trussardi 1911