The Material Boy #336

Louis Vuitton 'Wardrobe And Trunks' Monogram Canvas Keys And Coin Pouch

It's been a while since I found anything Louis Vuitton that catches my eye. Last night while braving the crowds at the Ion Orchard's Grand Opening amidst Carrie Underwood singing live on stage, I managed to 'safely' land myself at Takashimaya, Ngee Ann City. While enroute to Kinokuniya bookstore for weekly brain food replenishment, I caught sight of a very cute Louis Vuitton Key Pouch hanging off an LV bag in the window display. My first reaction was that would look great embellishing travel bags and luggages. The theme of nostalgic voyages has always fascinate me. And the key pouch has vintage trunks labels (I love those nice classic fonts) as core design element, which entirely speaks to me:-) I could easily be absorbed into the romance of worldly travel by affluent gentlemen and ladies from yesteryears. Think Titanic:-P It would make a charming companion for your travel keepalls and also being handy to hold your small items or change.

I seldom fancy monogram patterns in its entirety, but this Louis Vuitton 'Wardrobe And Trunks' Monogram Canvas Keys And Coin Pouch gets my approval for stealing the limelight from the monogram background with its vintage inspired trunk labels, toning down the pattern visibly. One other key appeal is the very complimentary orangey brown colour ways that seem to match very well with the brown monogram canvas. It's classic and collectible. Surprisingly, it is also reasonably priced at US$270 which seem too gold to be true by LV standards. The other key pouch (Mini Pochette Patch Accessories) with these printed labels already costs more at around AUD $400!

Perhaps a nice little pre-x'mas present for myself:-P Tempting thought.

(PS. Just checked the SGD Pricing..it's $445! How inflated the pricing can be here:-( Yikes!)

Source: Louis Vuitton

Retail price: US$270. Where to buy: Louis Vuitton Ngee Ann City

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #28

Louis Vuitton Pre-Spring 2009 Menswear

Clean, understated...simple and yet nonchalant styles dominate the Louis Vuitton Pre-Spring 2009 Menswear collection. Simple muted soothing colour palettes in the likes of pastel pink, sky blue, soft whites and beiges are juxtapose with steel greys and smart blacks. The overall result is a sophisticated collection that will cater to the modern day stylish male, with a wardrobe selection from day to night, city to beach.

Prominently featured in the lookbook are the Sac Sport duffel bags in blue Siwa leather and beige suede. Lovely bag with such a wide array of styles that it can match. I was duly surprised at its versatility.

Another item that left me drooling are the perfect summer shades, Socoa Damier (UK 295 pounds) in silver with a unique photochronic lens which darkens in bright light to reveal a damier checks pattern! How cool. There are also very lovely sandals, Movie Thong Sandals in calf leather which as the name suggests is definitely befitting the Hollywood superstar in you. The long trench paired with soft pink knitwear is also a winning look!

All in all, wearable pieces in timeless styles. Somehow Louis Vuitton has done a brilliant job this season.

Source: www.louisvuitton.com

The Material Boy #216

Gucci Ruby Skinny Stripe Pants

After obsessing thru the picture in Men's Folio magazine, I have derived at the conclusion that I want those Gucci Ruby Skinny Stripe Pants the model is wearing as well as the Louis Vuitton Sac Sport.

Dear me...any higher powers above that can grant me the 'dough' to own these, please answer my prayers now...and no...I will not sell my soul nor do any misdeeds...but I am willing to eat more baked beans:-P Fair trade?

Source: www.gucci.com

Retail price: US $595. Where to buy: Gucci Boutique at Paragon

The Material Boy #199

Pierre Hardy Colorama 3 Limited Edition Sneakers

It is the time of the year again! Pierre Hardy has been releasing his limited edition Colorama sneakers for the past 2 years, usually happening end of each year. This year, he is doing something I can forsee myself wearing! Presenting the new Pierre Hardy Colorama 3 Limited Edition Sneakers. Only 500 pairs are made and only sold in a selection of the very best stores worldwide. Fortunately, Club 21 mens is one of them! A white based design with multi colour blocking and trimmings effect . Not as loud as the previous versions but definitely more tastefully done and easy to match an outfit.

Love it!

So many things to buy, so little money!

Grrrr..

Source: www.frillr.com

Retail price: SGD $819. Where to buy: Club 21 Mens at Four Seasons Hotel

The Material Boy #197

Loewe Red Croc Skin Loafers And Gucci Metal Knot detail Red Leather Moccasins

Similar to saying that 'it takes a real man to wear pink', the same could be said of a man who dares to wear red shoes. Lately I am strangely attracted to this 'unusual hue' for a man's shoe. It's loud. It's not very easy to pull off, but when done right, red shoes simply looks chic on a guy. Red adds a splash of colour and draws onlooker's eyes upon you. Some men may like the attention, some may not. For me, if worn with the right looks, I'd shout, "Look at me for all you want!"(Exhibitionist within me screaming:-) Bottom line is...red shoes are simply stylish!

2 pairs of slip-on type red shoes have caught my eye this Cruise 2009 season. One is the ultra luxurious Loewe Red Croc Skin Loafers and the other is the Gucci Metal Knot Detail Red Leather Moccasins (US $595). I have only seen the red Gucci pair during the Cruise 2009 collections presentation at the Paragon Boutique recently. (My friend Kuan who was at the runway show immediately commented how much she liked the red shoes. I am just warming up now:-P)

I suspect the Loewe croc skin version will look amazing in real as well, especially since it is already so drool worthy just from pictures. Anyone know the price? Update here please:-P

Matched with either shorts or jeans, the shoes bring out a new level of colour for your ensemble. Trés chic! I love it! I feel like a 'millionaire' already with these luxurious shoes.

Lastly, it begs the question...'Are you 'MAN' enough for red shoes?'

Source: www.loewe.com, www.gucci.com

The Material Boy #196

Gucci Cruise 2009 Grey Guccissima Leather Tote and Duffel

Yesterday I took my brown Guccissima leather tote out for a sunday shopping spin. This is one handsome and timeless design that matches a lot of looks and is so me. I love that the bag is light-weight and in a very handy size, not too bulky to be cumbersome. It's one of my favourite bags now.

So I made up my mind...if I cannot find my grey (argent) Balenciaga Women's Weekender, then I may get the Gucci Grey Guccissima Leather Medium Tote again. Or if I think getting a duplicate is silly, then perhaps the Grey Guccissima Leather Medium Duffel.

Gorgeous colour. And at a fantastic price. These are bags that can lasts a long time without going out of style. And the new grey colour is gorgeous and perfect for summer and my resort looks:-P

Retail price:
1) Gucci Grey Guccissima Leather Medium Tote: US $795 (Or should be SGD $1290 as per the brown coloured version)
2) Gucci Grey Guccissima Leather Medium Duffel: US $895

Where to buy: www.gucci.com

Ad Campaigns & Catalogues #19

D&G Cruise 2009 Ad Campaign

Spring is near. Winter is ending. Signs of seasonal change can be felt thru natural means (Temperatures, snow etc), but living in a tropical country, we do not enjoy these physical. We feel the change of seasons thru other means. One of the best ways to grasp the concept of seasons is thru fashion.:-)

Fashion comes and goes as fast as seasons change. When end of season sales starts, and cruise collections start streaming in, you know we are soon to welcome warmer weather and more light-weight and colours in our dressing.

D&G is always the first to launch their new collections. So I am not surprised to see their cruise 2009 ad campaign as early as late November. Featuring the usual group shot of gorgeous 'clone like' models posing in different ways, this time they are set along the Seine River in the chic city of lights, Paris. Sun kissed boys and gals draped in whites, pinks and leopard prints lounge on the decks of the cruise boat as it sails passed famous Parisian landmarks. French Riviera looks abound, somehow following the direction of the Spring Summer 2009 collections.

To be honest, although the campaign looked fabulous, this visual style has been appearing in D&G ads for so many seasons, I feel a change is needed to 'revitalise' D&G fans again.

What do I love in this collection? The pink satin blazers, the tie dye knits and abundant whites for easy breezy holiday looks.

Source: www.dolcegabbana.com

My Shoe Collection #35

Gucci Tan Coloured Tattoo Print Leather Lace-Ups
(Reveal from 'Advance Spring Summer 2009 Shopping...')

As some of you might have guessed, I did get the Gucci Tan Coloured Tattoo Print Leather Lace-ups. Same as Deluxeduck, I am a huge fan of the sailor/seaman inspired tattoo illustrations. So this pair of lace-ups is perfect to get a bit of attitude and quirkiness when you wear it.

Both sides of the shoe features a different set of illustrations. Mermaids, anchors and hearts are some of the interesting elements imprinted on the 'aged' tan leather. I feel the same way as Mr Duck on the tattoos blending in better with the tan colour than white.

To sweeten the deal, I got this pair of lace-ups at less than full retail price. I used SGD $180 worth of Takashimaya vouchers (Both from Takashimaya Amex card rebates, my Bally Baltic bag purchase and $50 birthday gift vouchers from my office.) to offset the hefty price tag of SGD $900. Beyond paying less than retail, I got another $70 vouchers back with the shoes as the rebate voucher promotion was on again the following weekend from my 'Bally Baltic bag buying' weekend. With $10 voucher back for every $100 spent, plus 6% rebate from Takashimaya Amex card, it means I have knocked off another $100 from the price tag.

Literally I got a '30% discount' of sorts for new arrivals! How cool!

I love Takashimaya! I love Gucci!

Retail price: SGD $900. Where to buy: Gucci Boutique at Takashimaya

The Material Boy #193

Gucci Cruise 2009 Womens Khaki Military Shorts

Another cute pair of shorts I like. But it's from the women's collection by Gucci. Hmmm...I wonder if guys can pull this off. It looks just like what a guy's pair of military cargo shorts look like, except more refined and glamourous. The slanted pockets is really cute as does the light gold hardware and belt.

What do you guys think? Does this look like a 'skirt' or can be passed off as a guy's shorts? I should be able to fit into the biggest size in the women's range. Hopefully the zippers is where it should be...in the front!:-P

Beautiful things comes at a price. Even more crazy than Dsquared2, this costs US $1150. Yikes!

Retail price: US $1150. Where to buy: www.gucci.com

The Material Boy #192

DSquared2 White Checkered Tailored Shorts

My hunt for the perfect pair of shorts has begun. Dsquared2 seems to offer chic options despite the brand having 80% tacky and cheap looking things in their line. Somehow, if Dean and Dan wants to be sophisticated, they can do it!

This pair of cute DSquared2 White Checkered Tailored Shorts is perfect for summer. In a way, the fine checkered lines, more like 'window pane pattern' made the white less stark and also adds a sense of relaxed elegance to the casual piece. DSquared2's cut also makes a man feel sexy. Dean and Dan knows how to cut at the right places and enhances certain important assets for a guy (If you know what I mean). That is why their jeans are selling like hot cakes when Club 21 stocks them.

Hopefully the new Dsquared2 dedicated boutique we will be getting in Ion, Shopping Mall will open soon and stock this. I know it is ridiculously priced but if the cut is perfect for me, I will not mind. I see lots of wears for this shorts and it will be worth any price.

Retail price: US $525. Where to buy: www.eluxury.com

The Material Boy #191

Gucci Cruise 2009 Beige Ebony GG Plus Canvas Bags With Light Brown Leather Trim

Sorry I have to babble about Gucci bags again. I have to stress that I am in no way related to Gucci and will not get any 'benefits' out of blogging about this brand:-) I just happened to find material to blog about from Gucci and their new cruise collections are resonating to me in many ways.

During my express shopping stop at Gucci Paragon today, I spotted the new range of Gucci Cruise 2009 Beige Ebony GG Plus Canvas Bags. Although Willis (Gucci SA and friend) have shown me the 2 totes in small and big size while I was shopping in the Takashimaya store last Saturday, I was not very impressed with the designs.

Upon a second look today, the bags are starting to grow on me. The light brown leather trim and beige/Ebony GG canvas are a very sophisticated colour combination. Easy to match lotas of outfits and the light gold hardware (Namely studs and zippers) adds a certain amount of glamour to these otherwise 'basic entry level' Gucci bags. I also love the size of these bags... the large tote and duffel being my favourites.

I tried on the duffel bag today and it is definitely a worthy piece of luggage to tote around looking chic at airports and airplanes. I feel this range of Gucci bags can withstand the rigours of air travel and security checks. What's more, the pricing being so affordable, you can put your mind to rest if it ever gets some knocks and bumps.

For those of you looking to get designer bags at a good price, this range may be for you. The red and green web ribbon on the bags will ensure your 'investment' gets recognition and attention as it shouts Gucci from 'malls' away!

Happy shopping!

Source: Pics from www.gucci.com

Retail price:
1) Gucci Cruise 2009 Beige Ebony GG Plus Large Tote: SGD $670
2) Gucci Cruise 2009 Beige Ebony GG Plus Small Tote: SGD $640
3) Gucci Cruise 2009 Beige Ebony GG Plus Duffel: US $695 (Need to check SGD prices)

Where to buy: Gucci Boutique at Paragon

The Material Boy #190

Loewe Cruise 2009 Menswear And Accessories

Loewe...the venerable Spain luxury label has finally made its menswear debut! With Stuart Vevers (Ex Mulberry Chief Designer) holding the creative reins, this first collection of menswear is scoring flying colours in my books. I love the looks! It's luxe, it's daring in use of colours and it's fitted and slim while being very wearable! In these dark economic times, purchasing luxury brands means you have to make the money spent work harder. So classic, longevity styles will be a key factor in consumer's decisions.

I love this new Loewe Cruise 2009 Menswear collection. As I have mentioned before, real men wear pink! Not every guy can carry this colour well.Embrace this brightly coloured hue in clothing takes 'courage' to ward off onlooker's stares. So the man who wears pink is exceptionally comfortable in his maculinity. Stuart Vever is apparently not shy about using colours in his new cruise collection. He has chosen an exceptionally exciting colour palette, ranging from lush green, crimson, whites, navy to...yes, bright coral pink! That decision paid off! I absolutely love the pink suit ensemble and the pink coloured leather tote! How refreshing. It is time to shed off the browns and blacks of winter and get ready for a colourful summer.

Beyond the bright colours, do get totally in awe with the tailored and fitted silhouettes. Shorts are a key trend here. As does big man bags in every incarnation. The Amazona which was previously only available for the ladies, is now made in a bigger size, suitable for the metrosexual male of today. I love the brown version with gold Loewe logo.

These looks are so me. And these are the styles that I am gonna be following for next spring summer!

However, one piece of bad news. Singapore will not stock the ready to wear collections. But we can still indulge in the new mens accessories. Hong Kong will be the nearest shopping heaven to get yourself these luxurious looks. I want that pink belt! Yum!

If the collections to follow are going to be as good as this...I see myself joining the Loewe fan club for sure!

Source: www.loewe.com

The Material Boy #189

D&G Gingham Check Woven Shirt

Cruise 2009 collection is starting to trickle into online retail websites:-) And I always love cruise collections. There is a certain lightness from the heavy winter looks so everything feels fresh and sunny yet again.

A new lust worthy offering I spotted 5 minutes ago while surfing www.saks.com, is this beautiful D&G Gingham Check Woven Shirt! I love D&G's cut for shirts, fits perfectly and ultra fitted.

Featuring blue gingham patterns with shoulder epaulets and patch pockets. What makes the shirt interesting is that the designers have displaced the check pattern diagonally for the pockets and collars. I love the visual effect created, how ingenious! There are also smaller check pattern lining the placket and interior neckline.

I forsee pairing this with white shorts and a pair of strappy sandals. I feel like I am on holiday already!

Retail price: US $315. Where to buy: www.saks.com

The Material Boy #187

Gucci 'Benefit To Unicef' White GG Plus Canvas Tote With Red Patent Leather Trim And Tattoo Print

Talk about my rekindled love to Gucci brand after a stale Fall Winter 2008/2009 collection. Much as I had admired the decadence of the many gold chunky hardware and luxurious coats for fall winter, when I get to see the actual items in the stores, they look too overwhelming. The Russian playboy style wears down the wearer. Furthermore, these looks will never survive past the season they were designed for and it will look dated right after.

However, the opposite can be said of the new Cruise 2009 Gucci menswear. Not only is it relevant to Singapore's hot climate, the idea revolving around luxurious holiday is a timeless theme. People aspire to live the high life and dress chic for vacations. The resort theme just have so much potential to coordinate with any existing wardrobe. Predominant colour schemes of white and other summery hues are uplifting amidst gloomy economic times. As all of you know, I am obsessed with the sailor inspired tattoo illustrations from this collection as well.

As people start to tighten their belts and brace themselves for a harsh 2009 economy, luxury brands will have to work harder to give their customers better reasons to part with their hard earned cash. What better way to coerce consumers to spend with you than to tie up with charity and 'help' them give back to society while they shop! Contributing to a good cause is irregardless of any economic climate. So I fully support Gucci's new campaign to benefit Unicef with their new Tattoo Hearts range! And it's 25% of the sale, quite a generous percentage.

After browsing thru the collection, I am totally smitten by this Gucci 'Benefit To Unicef' White GG Plus Canvas Tote With Red Patent Leather Trim And Tattoo Print. Not only will you give back to society while you shop but the design is also something very drool worthy. It features a beautiful white GG Plus monogram canvas overprinted with my favourite tattoo illustrations of mermaids and sea-faring icons. The red patent leather trimmings pops up against the white GG canvas and adds to the charm of the bag. I am very happy Gucci chose red patent leather instead of the usual brown or black. This colour scheme is rare when it comes to man bag design.

Beyond the above interesting features, I also like the zip top closure and removable red patent leather shoulder strap. The bag just oozes character and charm.

I am not sure if this bag will make it to Singapore stores. But if it does, I reckon it will be worth consideration for my Spring Summer 2009 shopping list. Guess Goyard might have to take a back seat again for a while longer. Hahaha!:-) Being able to donate to Unicef with this purchase will make the shopping experience even sweeter:-) All hands up for doing charity and shopping at the same time!

Retail price: US $1245. Where to buy: www.gucci.com