The Material Boy #426

Below: Who wants these Spring Summer 2011 Mens Shoes as much as me:-P?

Shoes To Lust For: Spring Summer 2011

In fashion, you have to plan ahead. Fashion never stops for anyone, so it is imperative for the discerning shopper to know your next seasons' purchase even before the current season is over. Fall Winter 2010 is coming to an end... end of season sales are in full force. So what better time than now to peruse over what's coming. Plan your shopping budget, instead of 'throwing away' money on items that may just be passing trends when current season ends. Save some bucks for new seasons offerings no matter how attractive the sale discounts may be:-) Or buy into items that will stay relevant for new seasons to come. That's the sale shopping strategy I am adopting this year:-)

So here's a look at upcoming shoes that I am loving. Top on the list are thoese Burberry Prorsum sandals that I have lament over since it first appeared on the runway many months ago. Now it is time to lust over them and plan to buy them if the price and fit is right!

Next on the list are those Neil Barrett Suede And Nappa Leather Hybrid Sandals/Chukka Boots which will match exceptionally well with skinny jeans. Urban warrior off duty anyone? If covered designs are still too uptight, Dior Homme's modern Leather Strap Ankle Sandals are a great alternative for modern footwear.

For a touch of sporty attitudes, Raf Simons Lace-up Leather Trainers are beckoning out to me. I love the crazy, displaced positions of the shoe laces which creates a unique design. These trainers will serve you well on and off the running track:-P

I also love the fluorescent orange and blue soled Jil Sander lace-ups for a spot of colour shock value completed with sartorial elegance. These shoes make a statement without being vulgar. And colour is a key trend for Spring Summer 2011! Wear with shorts or rolled pants:-)

Speaking on lace-ups and smart shoes... Christian Louboutin's Denim Studded Rollerboy will always have a special place in my heart. Versatile and eye catching, it's a shoe that warrants envy eyes anywhere you tread to. Next up, how about Distressed Patchwork Suede Lace-ups from Officine Creative which will make any summer shorts look complete with a dash of casual debonair:-P

Lastly, Loewe's White Leather Brogues with Wooden Soles will be what I will turn to for smart footwear to round off smart weekend ensembles... Hamptons or English charm?

So what's your 'lust list' for Spring Summer mens footwear? Anyone planned any purchases yet?

Source: Luisaviaroma, Loewe, Christain Louboutin, Burberry Prorsum

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #171

Loewe Spring Summer 2011 Menswear

What can we expect from the Spanish luxury label, Loewe come next Spring Summer 2011? All I can say is... this is one impressive collection that will appeal to the most tasteful of dressers, especially those who do not shy away from colour and love sartorial styles.

I am in love with the savvy styling that seem to be inspired from handsome, young Ivy League smarts and Wall Street power broker types. The smart casual looks include playful shorts matched with thick jumpers (think college chic) and accented with dashes of pinks, reds and purples (love men who wears colour)! I adore the feel of the combination, smart dressing but never too uptight.

The suited options are as appealing, especially when 'summer friendly' light coloured suits are paired with eye poping accessories the likes of a purple briefcase and matching slim tie (I want!). Lastly, I cannot even begin to mention those wonderful lace-ups in navy and whites... I just love everything!

Source: Loewe

Loewe & Costume National Spring 2011: Paris Fashion Week

Some lovely summery shades of ice cream here such as Strawberry at Loewe and Citrusy Sherbets at Costume National...





COSTUME NATIONAL






Images courtesy of WWD, main image: Vogue UK

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 #124

Below: Loewe Fall Winter 2010 Mens Bags and Lookbook... Don't you simply feel the blood rushing thru with excitement with this stunning burgundy colour on Amazona Messenger, Weekender and Tote bags...

Below: Or this Oro coloured Suede Satchel?

Below: How about some understated luxury in the form of Loewe's Signature Collection in calfskin. Comes in messenger satchel or a classic zip tote...

Below: The Papelle Collection of shopping totes gets update with a dark grey colour...

Below: Do you guys like the blatant branding for the Heritage Collection? Although shapes are nice and elegant, the size of the branding bothers me... they look like a counterfeiter's dream...

Below: The Ada Collection with this immaculate briefcase style bag that gets my vote for the corporate types...

Below: Or this smart travel size Ada 40 duffel that could perhaps be your 'ticket' to get an upgrade to business class on your many corporate flights...

Below: And the Loewe Fall Winter 2010 collection continues to tempt...

Below: Who said briefcases have to be boring black...

Below: Anagram clutch bag?

Loewe Fall Winter 2010 Menswear And Bags

For the coming winter season, Stuart Vevers continues to work his understated magic on Spanish Luxury Brand, Loewe. Bags are created to win the hearts of male bags fans not thru overtly embellished details but thru classic shapes and pared down designs. I bet even the most hardcore 'anti-manbag' male will approve. This design vision extends right down to the menswear, which sees very refined male dressing, a suave gentlemen who does not scream for attention, but knows his immaculate style.

House signatures such as the Amazona Suede Weekender and Messenger bags are given a new shade of delectable burgundy red (LOVE!!!), while there are leather totes/briefcases worthy of any boardrooms. I however, do not approve of the oversize logo bag designs (Named the Heritage Collection) that seem to be 'counterfeiters' heaven'. When branding becomes crudely blatant, there is an inevitably sense of tackiness that comes associated with fake bags selling from a car boot.

Céline did their take on plain shopping totes while Loewe created their 'Papalle collection'. The difference is Loewe took it to the extreme to emulate the actual brown paper bags from your local grocer, and in my opinion ultimately lacks the refine appeal that Céline's totes had. The pricing is also reassuringly expensive, with the small version costing almost SGD 2K! However for fall season, we see a large dark grey version that somewhat 'redeemed' the price and appeal.

Loewe continues to bestow their male fans with lust worthy male bags, and under Stuart Vevers' design vision, the Spanish label looks set to fast become an indispensable wardrobe option for any style savvy guy.

Source: Loewe