My MANy Bags News #310

Below: Dolce & Gabbana launches a book, Uomini, as part of Dolce & Gabbana Mens 20th Anniversary celebration... seen in the pages are some of the world's most beautiful men, such as David Gandy... flaunting his hot bod and of course, Dolce & Gabbana's sexy underwear. Someone hand me a tissue, I am nose bleeding!
(Click on pic to enlarge for better view!)

Below: Sebastian and Jesper Lund... 2 of my favourite male models... brothers posing in underwear? Oh my... must be awkard:-P

Dolce & Gabbana – Uomini

Dolce & Gabbana has always embraced the alpha male types in terms of the men whom they envision their clothes most suit. So it is very appropriate for them to celebrate these masculine archetypes and published a volume that seeks inspirations from these male beauty ideal which transcends times, trends and culture. Titled Uomini (= men), the book is a part of Dolce & Gabbana Mens 20th Anniversary celebration and supports Project EUPLOOS (www.linesonline.org)

Get ready for major nose bleed as you browse thru the pages of this beautifully photographed book, lensed by Mariano Vivanco both in black and white and colour. David Gandy, Sebastian and Jesper Lund, Miguel Iglesias... are just some of the beautiful male faces to grace the pages of the book. And bear in mind, they are either wearing Dolce & Gabbana's sexy underwear or nothing:-P

I shall leave you to peruse the book in its entirety and 'nudity' at your own leisure, of course after you get the book for yourself. But here's some pics (of course, more 'General' rated ones.) for your viewing pleasure.

I love the shot of David Gandy and the Lund Brothers!

More pics on my facebook fan page:-)

Source: Dolce & Gabbana

My Shoe Collection #49

Below: New shoes for 2011... first shoe purchase for the new year, all the way from Bangkok's Dolce & Gabbana boutique...

Below: Meet my Dolce & Gabbana Raw Canvas And Waxed Leather Cap Toe Derby Shoes from the Pre-Spring 2011 collection...

Below: Raw cut woven canvas mixed with waxed leather cap toes and heel just gets all the right tick in my shoe shopping checklist...

Below: Perfect to go with summer shorts... but I took half a size down since the shoe is cut longer...

Below: Love the woven canvas fabric with raw edges... rustic elegance??!?

Dolce & Gabbana Raw Canvas And Waxed Leather Cap Toe Derby Shoes

I may have been a fan of bags... but I am also an admirer and avid shopper for shoes:-)

For the first 2011 addition to my ever growing shoe family...(which I got during my New Year vacation in Bangkok)... something from Dolce & Gabbana. It's really a love at first sight. I forgo the chance to buy my Hermès Clic Clac H Bracelet in White and Gold for this. But I never regret my decision:-)

Meet my new shoe for new 2011, Dolce & Gabbana Cap Toe Derby Shoes in Raw Canvas and Waxed Leather. There is just something with mixing raw edged canvas with gloss waxed leather in Khaki and Beige tones that I cannot resist. I wore a pair of white shorts when I tried them at the Siam Paragon store... it was perfect for summer styles. Hence, I brought it all the way back from Bangkok to Singapore, a pair of shoes that travelled thousands of miles even before I started walking in them:-) The shopping gods have spoken... I was meant to have them. Especially when my Club 21 member's discount was applicable even in Thailand:-)

(Note: The shoes have a slightly long body, so I took half a size down to look proportionately to my ankle width so I can wear them with shorts)

Now available at Dolce & Gabbana's boutique at Ion Orchard Singapore (Price:SGD890).

Source: myMANybags

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #188

Below: A very appealing and masculine Dolce & Gabbana Spring Summer 2011 Mens Shoes and Bags collection. Love all the deliberate worn in treatments ranging from materials to treatments given to the collection... Bravo! I especially like the woven leather loafers that takes on 'rustic peasant' themes...

Below: Easy slip-ons and contrast captoe lace-ups are very desirable and suited for upcoming warmer months...frayed egding are a welcoming detail to the designs...

Below: Rope sandals for carefree, rustic charm:-P

Below: These carryalls looked ready to be whisked away with you to exotic island getaways anyday... the woven leather pieces as well as the washed canvas ones are the strongest...

Dolce & Gabbana Spring Summer 2010 Mens Shoes And Bags

Spring Summer 2011 for Dolce & Gabbana reminisces back to the brand's DNA and roots. Masculinity in its purest form was put on display on the runway, sending hordes of chiseled faced epitome of male perfection looking their best in Dolce & Gabbana. There is a working class inspired theme to exemplify this masculinity, rooted heavily in the Sicilian roots of the designers.

You see 'worn-in' treatments such as frayed edging, waxed leather and washed fabrics, given to the accessories to compliment the down-to-earth but yet elegant collection of ultimate masculine fashion. Clever panelling and contrast design of cap toe laceups with woven fabrics are one of my favourites from the wide array of footwear available for Spring Summer 2011. I am also drawn to light and airy rope sandals and the rustic charm of woven leather loafers. There is so much to adopt from the collection (it's been a while that DG whas appealed to me this much) which breathes a carefree, nonchalant summer attitude for your summer styles. These casual but elegant shoes also look poised to jet set with you to the most exotic of island getaways from the Mediterranean to the tropics.

The overside travel bags that you will be bringing also feature woven details, leveraging on the 'peasant' inspired menswear collection but given a luxurious spin with leather and washed canvas. I am pleased the brand has also chosen to use matte brass metal plaques for branding, proposing discreet over brash display of logos. Subtlety is key in present day fashion trends when minimal embellishments and discreet styles wins the day.

I love this new collection. I already got myself a pair of the desirable footwear while I was in Bangkok recently. So any guess what I got myself?:-P

(See more pics of the DG Spring Summer 2011 on my facebook page here. Remember to LIKE my page for exclusive content and updates)

(The pieces are starting to trickle into the Dolce & Gabbana store at Ion Orchard, Singapore (Managed by Club 21 Global). Do drop by to check them out! I spotted a lovely contrast checks shirt (Price SGD$590) (See below) which I tracked from Bangkok to Singapore, with no size for me... sob sob! Who got the size 38?!!!!!)


Source: Dolce & Gabbana

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #137

Below: Carrot pants are my new favourite for Fall Winter 2010! Have you gotten yours yet? These slouchy on the top but skinny on the legs trousers are seen on many runways... from Dries Van Noten's cuffed hem versions...

Below: to Dolce & Gabbana's tailored or washed effect styles...

Below: or Neil Barrett's contemporary interpretations paired with high cut boots...

Below: or Topman Design's baggy cargo style design...

Below: Find affordable versions of skinny carrot pants at Topman, so many colours and fabrics to choose from...they looked fab dressed up or down:-)

Below: Carrot pants looked great with blazers or chukka boots like those similar to Pierre Hardy's!

Carrot Pants For Men

Typically a silhouette of trousers for women, these roomy at the crotch but tapered at the legs design (hence the shape of a carrot) are now seen commonly for men's collections. From Dries Van Noten to Dolce & Gabbana to Neil Barrett, designers are embracing this shape of pants for their boys. This fall winter 2010, the legs are even more skinny to emphasize the tapered shape and the volume on top. I really love the interesting proportion which gives skinny or baggy pants a run for their money.

Slim guys worked this style of pants especially well, since it gives a bit of volume to the lower body but still tight at the legs. The carrot pants are also very versatile and can be worn for many different looks. Rolled up the hem and pair with blazers for casual dandy flair, tucked into boots for a tough appeal or get those cuff hem versions which seem like a hybrid of sweat pants and tailored looks. The possibilities are countless!

I love my carrot pants, having gotten a few pairs myself. Topman has many designs to choose from, in many colours and fabrics, all at a good price (From SGD$83). Of course, for guys who wants the best, top luxury menswear designers are more than willing to offer you their luxurious versions.

What do you think of carrot style pants?

Source: Neil Barrett, Dries Van Noten, Dolce & Gabbana, Topman, Style Sightings

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #136

Below: It's time to take a hike! Let's do some 'urban mall mountaineering' with these fabulous hiking boots! (we do scale new heights when it comes to multi level exploration of retail stores in mega malls!)

Take A Hike, Boys! – Fall Winter 2010 Hiking Boots

Ever since I saw the pic below from The Sartorialist, I am on the lookout for hiking style boots that will achieved an urban adventurer look. Country ensembles are also gaining momentum this Fall Winter 2010 season, so these mountain trekking footwear are a must have! Italian guys have even worn hiking boots with suits for fall season which adds an unexpected twist to these outdoor shoes. Talk about being 'creative':-P (See pic below). I love it!

Below: Check out this guy below pairing what is supposed to be formal wear with footwear that was always thought to belong to the outdoors! Interesting!

Something that is in line with the boots trend for this Fall Winter season and yet has a rugged look to tread thru the 'shopping' terrains of Tokyo and Hokkaido! (I am headed to Japan in Dec! Yay!) Something that will allow me to achieve the look! I have everything already from the pic, from the military green overcoat, to the stripe t-shirt (Zara!) to the skinny white jeans, all I need now are those hiking style boots:-P

Here's some options I have gathered, from Bally to Dolce & Gabbana to Paul Smith... but I am loving the Zara ones the most. Since I love the price tag to be expected for Zara's version (SGD 199 and 229 for the top and bottom one respectively:-P) Ultimately, I intend to invest as little on winter gear and as much as I can on Tokyo shopping!:-) Call it my 'smart shopping' budgeting!:-)

Anyone else for hiking boots:-P?

Source: Bally, John Richmond, Dolce & Gabbana, Zara, Paul Smith

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #121

Below: Something luxuriously furry for the ladies and perhaps some men
(that Versace bag is from the mens range:_P)...

Hairy Companions: Fall Winter 2010 Bags And Accessories

PETA will be fuming mad. Ladies will gleefully brag. And perhaps some men too will join the pack. You either love or hate it.

However, fur is here to stay much to the dismay of animal enthusiasts. Designers are going in full force with their pursuit of ultimate luxury. For this Fall Winter 2010 season, furry materials are presented in its full glory by many designers on bags, shoes and more.

One thing I know, whether is it real or faux fur, the look is definitely winter and supremely decadent. So take your pick. it's time for some furry 'companions'...

Source: YSL, Christian Louboutin, Loewe, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #137

Below: Click on pics to enlarge for better view... especially this hot shot that follows!

Dolce & Gabbana Fall Winter 2010 Mens Ad Campaign

“A men’s parlour, where suit patterns take the place of cigars but nevertheless imbue the room with the same sense of a serious business in undertaking. Tailoring is a decisive issue; everything should be measured and sculpted on the body as if a work of art.”

As described in the rationale behind the concept of the Dolce & Gabbana Fall Winter 2010 Ad campaign... we see all these muscled hunks, representative of the masculine sexy aesthetics of the brand, having some buddy bonding at the tailors. I think this brings Dolce & Gabbana more down to earth, showing a more human side to the clothes while imbued with a sense of Italian sartorial heritage. A good change from the often overtly sex charged clones of previous seasons.

Now who wants to wrestle or better, 'measure up' Adam Senn, Noah Mills, Sam Webb, Evandro Soldati and Arthur Kulkov? Sign me up please! Beautiful shots by Steven Klein who recently directed Lady Gaga's Alejandro video.

BTW, check out this clip of the models singing a 'Birthday' song backstage for Dolce & Gabbana's 20 years in men's fashion:-) The duo commemorated this occassion during the recent Spring Summer 2011 mens show. Spot the cute guys, and although most of the models are straight... which one do you think could be gay?:-P (There is this maroon tank top guy (see 00:31) whom I am placing my bet on...:-P



Source: Dolce & Gabbana

My MANy Bags News #239

Meet Matthew McConaughey For Dolce & Gabbana In Milan

Are you one of those lucky ones who are in Milan right now for the Spring Summer 2011 mens shows? If you are, star spotting opportunities abound, and who can you meet this time?

Well, one person you can meet for sure is hunky Matthew McConaughey, the
charismatic Texan actor whose name has repeatedly made the hottest men lists. Being the spokesperson for Dolce&Gabbana’s fragrance The One for Men, Mathew will attend the Dolce & Gabbana show and celebrations for Dolce & Gabbana Uomo’s twentieth anniversary. He will then be at the la Rinascente Piazza Duomo on 18 June at 7pm, to grace the public with his looks, his smiles and his autographs. So do not miss out on this chance to meet Matthew in person.

Someone help me get his autograph! Grrr...I should have gone to Milan!

Source: Dolce & Gabbana

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #132

Dolce & Gabbana Prefall 2010 Mens Shoes

Ever since I suffer from 'overtly loud branding' phobia on luxury goods, Dolce Gabbana has slip off my shopping radar since Spring Summer 2007 season. I used to be a major fan of the Italian duo, their clothes channel sexuality and impeccable Italian charm, as evident in my massive collection of DG RTW pieces. Those were the days... but as time progresses, I got over my 'flashy branding' days while Dolce & Gabbana (not D&G) evolved their brand direction to a more sartorial and sophisticated style.
Prefall 2010 continues this renewed brand direction with pared down designs on the footwear. Goodbye to the days when DG initials simply overwhelms the design. Now, the branding is toned down and subtle, with shapes and cuts of the shoes as the core draw for savvy shoe fans.

Riding hot on the military trends for Fall Winter 2010, Dolce & Gabbana introduces their own interpretation of Army boots. Interesting vintage leather finish with extra light 'car tyre' rubber soles, and clever paneling design on the back, all poised for a must-have footwear for next season. I love the vintage brown version, it reminds me of army officers from yesteryear. If you fancy low cut versions, there are also derby and brogue style 'boots' which are equally appealing options.

For the active DG fan, vintage finish low/semi high cut trainers will see you treading with style on and off the treadmills. Leather and suede in subdued palette of dark browns, deep greys and blacks all juxapose and matched up beautifully together. The green coloured trainer is a real stand out, as does the 'scruff up' white version. Both beckons out to me most and I see them ideal for those gym days or even a good weekend out about town:-)

Check out the Prefall 2010 collection in the flagship Dolce & Gabbana store at Ion Orchard if you are in Singapore!

Source: Dolce & Gabbana via Club 21