Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week NYC & Fashion's Night Out

New York Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Week kicks off on September 9 at its brand new Lincoln Center home. Best known for its opera, dance, music, and arts, the steps at Lincoln Center will see scores of skinny, tall, well-dressed women and men flocking towards a jam-packed schedule of designer shows including newcomer Prabal Gurung, and the always hotly anticipated Project Runway finale. If that isn't excitement enough, Anna Wintour's economical fashion brainchild Fashion's Night Out (aka FNO) sets off September 10 worldwide with the second annual biggest fashion party in history! Hundreds of NYC retailers will stay open 'till all hours, beckoning shoppers with free food, live music, and insane celebrity appearances. I mean every single fashion celebrity you've ever fantasized about, such as Ms. Wintour herself, the royal Olsen twins, Marc Jacobs, and many many more. Last year I spent a good portion of FNO at the Alexander McQueen store, mingling with champagne glasses and Luci Liu, then it was on to the Stella McCartney store which teemed with fashionistas and a special appearance by Kate Hudson and Stella herself. Click here to read my adventure from last year's FNO. And click here for a list of the best FNO events in NYC you will not want to miss...

Givenchy, Diane von Furstenberg, Jason Wu, Stella McCartney: Resort 2011 Collections Cont...

GIVENCHY








DIANE VON FURSTENBERG





JASON WU





STELLA McCARTNEY



Courtesy of style.com, WWD

My MANy Bags Lookbook #19

Winter Exotica

It's been a while since I did a lookbook post. After a long lapse and browsing thru Net-a-porter and Bottega Veneta's Pre-fall/Fall Winter 2010 collections, I had an inspiration moment. Hence, my first attempt at women's lookbook!

Winter time is the season for luxe and over the top decadence. And what better way to flaunt that indulgence then to have some exotics all over. So this woman I had in mind, channels ferocious allure, sexiness and confidence. Burberry Prorsum's tough luxe Cropped Shearling Biker Jacket keeps her warm over a stunning Stella McCartney's One Shoulder Python Print Dress, while she glamourize herself with iridescent coloured Bottega Veneta Metallic Python Sandals and Insect Motif Antique Sterling Silver Cuff. For arm candy, who else to turn to but the late ingenious Alexander McQueen for an eye catching De-Manta Faithful Python Clutch. All the pieces keeping in the tones of warm greys and ink blues, while accented with a dash of green.

Source: Net-a-porter, Bottega Veneta

Gender Bender #59

Stella McCartney Washed Canvas And Rope Belt

Summer time calls for some breezy sailing looks for lounging on the yacht while soaking in some sun and sea. And I found the perfect belt to round off your island hoping adventure with a touch of sophisticated glamour. This Stella McCartney Washed Canvas And Rope Belt in white and gold gets my vote:-) The white colour and rope material adds just the right touch for a nautical theme. The gold hardware splashes you with glamour befitting your luxurious yacht. Made for ladies, but guys call easily pull this off. At first glance, who would have guessed this is meant for ladies since the belt buckle is neutral in design and the belt spot a smart utilitarian look with no girly details.

I can see it matching perfectly with khaki pants and navy shorts. A refreshing break away from your conventional leather strap designs.

However, the belt is pricey considering it's all canvas and rope. And white canvas do get stained easily. But when you love something this much, can mere reasons like these deter you to purchase at all? I think not. At least not in my case:-P I want the belt... just need to find the $ which is always the most crucial reason on whether you make a successful shopping acquisition. Looking forward to the day when lady luck bless me with lottery wins and I can buy anything I like!:-) For now, I better work my butt off to make those $:-p

Source: Net-a-porter

Retail price: £264.09 (without VAT). Where to buy: Net-a-porter

Gender Bender #27

Stella McCartney/Le Sportsac Nylon Weekend Tote

It's been a while since I can find a bag to post for the Gender Bender category. I was pretty excited when I saw this bag available on www.luisaviaroma.com. I remembered I have seen this range of bags being blogged about on bagaholicboy's blog. But the pics he posted were for smaller and more lady-like bags.

This weekend tote however looks huge and masculine with less defined curvy edges and a utility, military inspired design. I am absolutely on the looks of this huge nylon tote! Being a Le Sportsac bag, I presume this bag is lightweight and durable, perfect for daily use or even travelling. Durable enough to withstand the rigours of air travel and multiple airport checks, it is also easy to match with many outfits due to the beautiful neutral taupe colour. Brass studs, gold zippers and brown leather trimmings (Faux leather I think, since it is part Stella McCartney) also adds good colour contrast to the bag.

However, one setback, the price is pretty expensive for a nylon and Le Sportsac bag. Perhaps Stella McCartney's name is branded on this bag and it is afterall a limited edition range, hence the price tag becomes 'big' as well.

(On a second look, this tote somehow resembles Tod's nylon bags:-P)

Retail price: Euro $433. Where to buy: www.luisaviaroma.com

Gender Bender #26

Stella McCartney Navy Large Shopper Bag

This is the 2nd Stella McCartney Bag that I have blogged about. I dun know why...but I love her large tote bags. The previous post was also for a huge tote bag but unfortunately, www.net-a-porter.com sold out on that during their end of season sale. I was too hesitant and thus someone bought that before me. And I did spent quite a bit shopping locally, so it seems the bag is not destined to be mine:-) Nevertheless, here's my other chance to buy a Stella McCartney bag. I love that the tote bag is pretty 'manly' in style. No girly details and the colours this time in dark navy is even more unisex. Although basic, there is enough detailing to make the bag that much more interesting than traditional man bags. The material is of a cracked leather lookalike. Note that Stella McCartney is one of the few rare designers that refuse to use animal related materials in her fashion line in support for her cause of loving animals. I respect that very much. Even with actual leathers, I am impressed she is able to find good alternative materials that look and even feels luxurious like actual leather.

This roomy tote of width 50cm, length 45cm, depth 15cm is huge for anyone. I am a big bags guy...so this size fits me perfectly. The navy colour is less boring than the usual black and the gold hardware is striking against the dark colour. Interesting detailing include the buckled handles, the bottom side folds with a gold squared ring and the rock star chic studded shoulder straps.

Retail price: UK 585 pounds. Where to buy: www.brownsfashion.com

Gender Bender #03

Stella McCartney Appaloosa Large Tote

I seldom pay attention to an all exclusive womenswear designer like Stella McCartney as the impression I get from them is their designs will be way too girly. However, I have been bored with man bag designs lately and have picked up the courage to carry 'gender bending' bags these days. So while browsing thru www.net-a-porter.com, a womenswear website based in UK, I spotted this very beautiful large tote bag in taupe. Perfect size to be used by a guy(20 inches wide and 15 inches high). Perfect colour for summer. and the customised gold hardware makes it look exclusive, not just simple D rings or buckle designs that everyone is using. And to top it off...comes with a removable shoulder strap...which for me these days is a must requirement since I love the idea of being able to sling and tote my bag around. Furthurmore, there is a little coin pouch attached by a nice gold chain that can come in handy with loose change. The only thing girly about this bag is the large round zipper pull marked with Stella McCartney, since she only does womenswear...so if anyone sees you carrying this around, they know this is a ladies bag. :-) but who cares...it's is subtle enough so I see no problem. www.net-a-porter.com ships worldwide...hmm....I am very tempted now. BTW, I respect Stella McCartney's philosophy of not using any animal related materials as she is a vegetarian and she is preaching what she believes. I totally support her and that changed my perception of the brand greatly. Hope one day she will expand into menswear. Maybe under a different name...more masculine sounding name perhaps. Meanwhile..I will be happy carrying this gorgeous bag around.

Retail Price: UK 532.72 pounds (excluding shipping). Where to buy: www.net-a-porter.com