My Bag Collection #58

Below: New Pierre Hardy Shopping for Spring Summer 2011! Love my new clutch!

Below: This season, the cube pattern is in khaki,light blue and black printed on uncoated canvas with black leather trim and lining...

Below: Added my Gucci fox tail bag charm for a Céline Prefall 2011 Look! Love!

Below: The Pierre Hardy pouch seen on the arms of fashionable men during the recent Fall Winter 2011 Mens fashion week... The size is perfect!

Below: This spring summer 2011, the cube pattern also appeared on totes (Sold in Club 21 Mens, Four Seasons Hotel - SGD1490 (Khaki version) or Studiohomme for € 645.00 as shown in pic below) besides pouches...

Pierre Hardy Cube Pattern Canvas Pouch

I am a fan of clutches and folios. And recently I just added the 6th clutch bag to my collection! Balenciaga, Lanvin and Pierre Hardy are top choices, due to their perfect size for guys.

And this time, another of Pierre Hardy's amazing cube pattern designs but in light blue, black and khaki from this Spring Summer 2011 season. The canvas is uncoated for SS2011 and is trimmed with black calf leather. I already have a red leather trim coated canvas version, and it proved to be handy, being able to hold just the right amount for a party or a nice afternoon lunch appointment. What's more... after getting obsessed with Céline's Prefall 2011 Fox tail bag charm for their leather pouches... I did my own version on my new Pierre Hardy Cube Pattern Canvas Pouch with a Gucci fox tail:-P

So chic! (The pouch is available at Club 21 Mens, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore)

Source: myMANybags, Céline

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 #109

Below: New arrivals to succumb to! Something small from Pierre Hardy...


Below: A cool handy pouch from Pierre Hardy...love the printed geometric print with red lambskin trimmings!

Below: Handy and eye-catching to use as a clutch for events...

Below: Love the gold zippers...adds a luxurious touch...

Below: Trim and lined with lambskin...again, luxurious! This is what seals the deal for me...

Below: The materials care tag that comes with the pouch...

Below: Spotted 2 amazing finds at Club 21 stores at Four Seasons Hotel. Immaculately cut Balmain blazer and Alexander Mcqueen's super well priced embossed skull full leather Faithful De-manta tote (plain black calf leather with croc embossed, cannot find the exact pic)...

Below: I am going camel colour for yesterday's shopping expedition with a touch of leopard print:-P Love my Zara Haircalf leather belt!

Pierre Hardy Geometric Print Canvas And Leather Trim Pouch

Yesterday was shopping 'Club 21' day... Saturdays are best enjoyed savouring new arrivals at the stores. And Club 21 mens at Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore has plenty of new things to tempt and deplete bank accounts.

I spotted plenty of 'fantabulous' pieces which I want, but in the end, in view of my upcoming holiday, I refrain from succumbing to my shopping impulse. But I did managed to pick up an amazingly priced Pierre Hardy Geometric Print Canvas And Leather Trim Pouch which makes a great clutch (And selling for an affordable SGD$290)! Lined and trimmed with soft red lambskin, this is one cool pouch for events and parties when you need to carry just enough but not alot. I love the touch of red and the handy size of 31cm (w) x 20.5cm(h).

Can't wait to use this for events. Eye catching and quirky. Comes in 3 sizes, largest being a laptop sleeve and also in blue leather trim. Go check it out:-P (3 pieces of each available only)

Other amazing pieces I spotted includes an amazingly cut Balmain Satin Collar Blazer at approx. SGD$3950 (it's immaculately cut with a slight peaked shoulder. Makes me have such a v-shape silhouette) and a super value priced all leather Alexander Mcqueen Faithful De-manta Large Tote with embossed skull effect for only SGD$1450! Hurry if you want that... 1 piece left at the women's store. (exactly the same as the one in canvas and leather sold at the men's store. This is more luxurious!)

Love Club 21 mens!

Source: myMANybags, Balmain, Alexander McQueen

My MANy Bags News #231

Colorama Graff - Limited Edition #6

Each season Pierre Hardy comes up with a limited edition design of his signature trainers (see previous designs here). With only 500 pairs made, these coveted unisex trainers have become not only a fashion statement, but also a collector's item.

So come June 2010, Club 21 Mens @ Four Seasons Hotel Singapore as well as some of the best boutiques around the world (such as Colette in Paris, Dover Street Market in London and Corso Como in Milan among the list), will stock this latest pair of limited edition Colorama Trainers.

For this season, the new Colorama pays tribute to Graffiti Art. Named Colorama Graff, the design takes its shape in a series of wide, white “marker” like lines, enhancing the contours of its brightly multicolored backgrounds. An additional thin black patent piping highlights these different areas of eye catching and contrasting colors (Yellow, Orange, Red, Blue, Grey). This is wearable art in some sense, very cool!

Colorama Graff trainers will retail for SGD 820 or Euros 390.

Source: Pierre Hardy via Club 21

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #73

Below: Any guys for 'peep toe' shoe designs for Spring Summer 2010?
(Lad Musician Spring Summer 2010 Mens Collection. I love those shoes!
Especially the black ones.)

Below: Phillip Lim did his take on peep toe shoes as well for his new SS2010 collection which I adore just as much!

Below: Peep toe shoes originates from the women's collections... which goes to show the cross gender influences men and women's designs share these days...
(Balenciaga Women's Cruise 2010... look at the similarity of the women's and men's version of this shoe trend...)

Peeping 'Toms'...Nope..It's Toes!

Men and women's fashion have always shared a cross gender influence on each other. More so on the women's side than men's.

Over the past 2 years, I have noticed men's shoe designs getting more avant garde and bold, with influences from women's peep toe shoes infiltrating into men's arena. I first noticed this trend sharing with the Balenciaga men's take on the ladies' Open Toe Hiking Boots/Gladiator heels for Spring Summer 2008.

Below: Balenciaga first brought my attention to peep toe (open toe) shoes in Spring Summer 2008. It was a male interpretation of the Fall Winter 2007 Women's hiking/gladiator heels/boots as shown below... These shoes are so rare, it never made it to Singapore or many parts of the world. If they do appear, they flew off the racks as soon as they get stocked...

That same season, Prada did her 'peep toe' trainers which did not seem to do very well (evident with markdowns starting at 60% off here in SG during sales that season and still with plenty of sizes left), perhaps too radical for men at that point in time.

Below: I got these Prada Open Toe trainers which at the beginning found it hard to mix and match. But now I love these and find them really versatile and unique. I get compliments every time I wear them. I guess all it takes is to get use to a new style and that takes time...

Pierre Hardy did his take on the peep toe shoes in a hybrid design of sandals and chukka boots which faired better and now a recurring design in his collection to this day.

Below: Pierre Hardy is also one of the more experimental shoe designers to offer peep toe styles for men, as evident in this pair of hybrid sandals and chukka boots. Notice the similarity to Balenciaga's Cruise 2010 Women's shoes shown above...)

Japanese designers embraced this shoe trend and we see 0044 and Giuliano Fujiwara partaking in open toes for SS2008 as well. These brands were perhaps the forerunners that help perpetuate the idea of peep toe shoes for guys.

Below: If anyone were to embrace a new trend first, they have to be the Japanese! 0044 and Giuliano Fujiwara's take on open toe shoe designs in Spring Summer 2008...

Below: Giuliano Fujiwara Spring Summer 2008 collection with those killer shoes!

As the seasons come and go, more and more designers evolved and followed. So till this season, we still see these open toe shoes going strong on the men's runway. Phillip Lim, Lad Musician, Julius did their fair share of peep toe shoe offerings for Spring Summer 2010. I am a huge fan of this version of shoe. Their versatility as both sandal and shoe makes them highly wearable while making a bold and strong statement. Will this trend continue? Will you wear such designs which supposedly originates from the ladies?

Source: Style.com, Fashionsnap

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #42

Below: Pierre Hardy Fall Winter 2009 Mens Shoe Collection. Loving that tan coloured boots
with small buckle detail at the back!

Below: Brogue style boots and lace-ups with an angular top and detailing...

Below: The angular design extends to grey trimmings for boots and shoes as well...

Below: Chunky crepe sole mocassin style boots...and drool worthy python skin ones

Below: His signature Chukka Boots in patent leather and suede...

Below: Trainers using metallic leather as a design element...

Below: The top sneaker is Fall Winter 2009's colorama limited edition design...

Pierre Hardy Fall Winter 2009 Mens Shoes

An innovator, not a follower, Pierre Hardy is a name highly regarded when it comes to shoe design. Often than not, we can expect interesting and unique ideas from this maestro of footwear. Pierre Hardy shoes' appeal extend beyond his own namesake label that even Balenciaga taps on the Mr Hardy's talent to create one of a kind pieces for them.

For Pierre Hardy's Fall Winter 2009 Mens Shoe Collection, we see recurring and new shoe styles. Crepe sole moccasin style winter boots, tan leather boots with small buckle detail at the back (which I absolutely adore) to sneaker styles juxtaposing metallic with coloured leather. There are also brogue style boots and lace-ups among other similar ones decorated with grey trimmings. All these spot an interesting angular design for these detailings.

This time round, it's a mixed feeling for me after viewing the collection. Some designs are more coveted while others not. It's a love or hate relationship. However, one thing is for sure with regards to wearing Pierre Hardy shoes...they are 'understatedly' stylish without being blatant. And limited distribution of these shoes equate exclusivity. Perhaps that is why I count myself a fan:-P

Source: Pierre Hardy

My MANy Bags Lookbook #04

Fall Inspirations

For next season, I am inspired by Japanese label, Julius and the concept of pairing longer tops with shorter blazers (I just got my Raf Simons Ruched Back Blazer tailored again to become slimmer). Something darker and melancholic for winter, edited to suit me:-). Slim and trim with strong accessories such as the weird Pierre Hardy Open Toe Shoes and Givenchy's Chain Trim Duffle bag. It's time to get tough and 'creepy' (Ann Demeulemeester's Beetle Brooch does the trick!) for colder, harsher weather:-P

Source: Julius, Givenchy

My Shoe Collection #39

Pierre Hardy Grey Patent Leather Open Toe Gladiator Sandals
(Reveal from 'Let There Be Light!')

After consistently paying my $tribute$ to the 'high fashion temple' of Club 21, I have amassed a 'significant' amount of 'merit' (namely in Club 21 Reward Points) through out the past few months. Being a loyal 'devotee' sure does have its perks. And with double club points to go with your weekend Club 21 purchases till May, the road to 'heavenly' rewards comes 2x faster!

Finally with enough 'merit' set aside, I am ready to redeemed my 'hard-earned' devotion. Last Saturday, I made a 'pilgrimage' to Club 21 mens to check out what offerings I may be able to choose from. The range and temptation is mind boggling. Too much goodies are in store, that for once, I am loss for words on what to be rewarded.

I remembered I blog about this pair of Pierre Hardy Grey Patent Leather Open Toe Gladiator Sandals a short while back. And it had lingered in my mind ever since I saw it on Pierre Hardy's website. As expected, Club 21 being at the forefront of Singapore's luxury fashion scene, they stock this design! I gasp when my eyes behold upon this shoe. All else, not even the cool Lanvin or Jil Sander shoes that screams for me to pick them could take my eyes off this Pierre Hardy baby.

So I asked to try on the shoe. This time being a bit smarter, I took size 41 (one size up than my Pierre Hardy Open Toe Chukka Boots) and they feel more comfortable and fitting now. Perfect summer colour, easy to coordinate and matches a myriad range of styles. Gladiator style sandals is so in these days (perhaps not for women anymore, since all the 'ah lians' are wearing gladiator shoes even if they have 'pig trotters' for feet) but men's footwear is still relevant in this style with many designers offering footwear inspired by ancient roman designs.

However, Pierre Hardy being Pierre Hardy...he never settles for a direct copying of any reference. He did his magic and injected ingenuity to craft a Greek style design (Think Hermes' winged sandals who is the messenger of the Greek gods) out of his signature chukka boots. In place of cover toe, he replace it with strap style open tote design similar to last Spring Summer's Open Toe Chukka Boots (which I also owned). Metal buckles are also added for function and detailing, this shoe cages the feet well and I suddenly feel I am ready for a 'mall arena' to fend out any opponents to get the best shopping bargains!

Gladiator chic with a contemporary twist never look this good:-P Indeed, the 'shopping gods' of Club 21 has granted me 'fleet of foot' and high style to match:-P I am ready to fulfill my 'holy' mission to help save the economy:-) A sign of 'Divine' intervention:-P

The sandals looks so compatible with my Balenciaga anthracite weekender!

(I paid a small amount of SGD $139 after offsetting the purchase with SGD $360 worth of vouchers redeemed thru my Club 21 points. Paying 'tribute' at Club 21 sure does reap its rewards!:-P)

Retail price: SGD $499. Where to buy: Club 21 Mens at Four Seasons Hotel