The Runway Sniper #75

Below: Welcome back to tasteful glamour, Balmain Fall Winter 2011! No more tattered and atrocious safety pinned rags from SS2011...:-P Love the metallic suits and blazers without lapels. The crystal embellished jumpsuit is hot!

Below: Crystal embellishments that will make these Balmain pieces masterful collectible and red carpet pieces... but also sky rockets the prices to astronomical levels. One thing's for sure, you probably will never find them in Zara and Topshop...:-P Love the white boots!

Below: Metallic jeans will rise to be the staple for fashionistas for next season's Fashion Week... I have a strong feeling about it!

Balmain Fall Winter 2011 Womenswear

Christophe Decarnin may be absent from his recent Balmain Fall Winter 2011 show, nonetheless he seemed to have literally 'clean up' his act! Presented on the runway are levels up from SS2011's atrocious safety pinned and tattered rags, and Balmain glamour is back at its glory. Albeit, pared down and more tastefully sexy... perhaps Balmain's take on the minimalist frenzy going on in fashion now.

The new sensibility can be attributed to new styling consultant Melanie Ward (Best known for her work with Helmut Lang, king of minimalist... and perhaps the change for a more subtle display of glamour this season for Balmain?) who takes over from Emmanuelle Alt. She brings with her a new direction for the brand. From the collarless, slightly oversized metallic blazers, looser pants and dresses... the silhouettes are less severe and more focused. Of course, everything is given a couture boost with intricate crystal embellishments that will sky rocket the prices to astronomical levels.

One thing's for sure, a lot of fans want Balmain to succeed, anxiously waiting for the moment when Christophe Decarnin stops his repeat vision of biker chic and dwells into a new territory for the 'sexy' French brand. This season, Balmain achieves that and I am so happy:-) Easy comprehensible glamour that everyone understands and want. I can literally see those metallic jeans/blazers fly off the store racks for next season!

Applause!

Source: Style

The Runway Sniper #74

Below: Watch the runway video of Mulberry's highly anticipated Fall Winter 2011 Womenswear Collection!

Mulberry Fall Winter 2011 Womenswear And Runway Video

Emma Hill is known to draw references for her Mulberry collections from the most whimiscal of inspirations. From Valley of the Dolls (Fall Winter 2010), to Garden blossoms of Spring Summer 2011 and now Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox for her latest Fall Winter 2011 Collection.

The English countryside takes centrestage, as does its mysterious inhabitants, where the runway show was held in a hedgerow and hillock-daubed Ballroom at Claridge’s Hotel yesterday (20th February 2011). Hedgerow animals such as foxes, hedgehogs and squirrels; trees filled with birds; a wooden catwalk, benches and a garden shed; and plenty of toadstools of all shapes and sizes form a fantasy-like setting that transports the audience to the mood of the collection.

The ready to wear pieces are fabulous and may be commercial in some aspects, but they were never the heroes of any Mulberry collection. The bags are the true 'scene stealers' of the runway. And this season, we see a welcoming change, as in a more controlled colour palette and patterns for the collection. Less brash and more sophisticated, these new arm candies, the likes of highly popular Alexa bags and its sister, Tillie, appeared in camel, moss green, bright turquoise (my favourite!) and gold during the catwalk. Which ones to pick? The choices are aplenty! One thing’s for sure, once I get more information, I will definitely share it here to all Mulberry fans.

But for now, I love the turquoise coloured bags... Especially the new rising star of Mulberry, Tillie (Those trompe l’oeil metal buckles are now seen on belts and jackets!) How fresh for dull winters!

Full set of runway pics on my facebook fan page.

Source: Mulberry

The Runway Sniper #73

Below: Another same old, same old... Balmain Fall Winter 2011 Mens collection... just that this time it's styled into a nomad, highlands mountaineering theme... The Balmain man has shed the urban biker styles and hop onto a field trip to the Himalayas?

Balmain Homme Fall Winter 2011 Menswear

Everyone who have followed my blog knows I am a fan of Balmain. I have been supporting the brand since its rise to fame with their womenswear in 2008. When menswear came in Fall 2009, I jumped at the first chance to buy into the Balmain Homme collection. Biker chic, rock star allure and military luxe were major influences for Balmain, and with right timing aligning with the world fashion trends...Christophe Decarnin's collections (both men and womens') got everyone talking and wanting Balmain. Of course, the ridiculous pricing helps to create media buzz and made every fashionista/o willing to go on baked beans just to afford the brand.

4 seasons into Balmain Homme, I must say I feel like eating stale baked beans that's sitting on the table 24 months long (6mths per season, 4 seasons now...you do the math). And it's not a very good plate of beans to swallow.

Although this Fall Winter 2011 season does look better than the current SS2011 collection, very much every item is recurred. From Denim shirts, biker pants, plaid shirts to peaked shoulder blazers to tall boots... reworked a little here and there and they are represented as a new collection. Imagination thumbs down, wearability thumbs up, classics pieces always fit and never go out of style. So I have come into conclusion for my new Balmain shopping formula now... let's all buy Balmain during sale seasons. And it's those further marked down seasons like 70% off that I am talking about. Isn't it a fantastic feeling we get the 'new season' styles but we just pay deservingly less! Smart strategy? Anyone wants to join me?:-)

Of course, I am being very harsh with my critic this time. But pardon me, I still covet some of the pieces, especially with this Fall winter 2011's nomad/mountaineer theme. However, more so now, I imagined creating the looks from my own closet's inventory and not those pieces from the new collection.

Balmain is all about styling rather than conceptual fashion. It's a feeling that you get from the lookbooks that exudes those yearning for the pieces. Balmain excels in creating these 'effortless, highly attainable' styling, served with a hefty does of French nonchalance and attitude, that all men can aspire towards . I lost count the number of times I have been sold into the collections just by browsing the lookbooks.

I think this is Balmain's winning triumph card and why they continue to pursue this design direction and strategy. Easy fashion that most guys can adopt into their wardobes while siphoning luxury prices off them... a winning formula that will make Balmain owners chuckling to the bank. Afterall, profitability and fashion co-exists on a fine balance, and it ain't necessarily a bad thing to go for mass appeal when you can get the big bucks:-)

Check out more pics of the collection on my Facebook page.

Source: Balmain, Fashionisto

The Runway Sniper #72

Below: An ode to the Coca Cola drinking and Mickey Mouse Cartoon watching generation... D&G Fall Winter 2011 Menswear is a fun and upbeat collection!

Below: Love the colours and those familiar iconography... kitsch but nostalgic as well! Drop crotch but skinny leg pants in a huge array of colours seem to be favoured by Dolce & Gabbana next Fall...

Below: I love my Coca Cola and Mickey Mouse anyday!

Below: Soft drinks and pop culture amalgamated so well together for the collection!

Below: Coffee, tea or Coca Cola me?!?!

Below: Mickey Mouse prints inverted on the oversized sweater... a touch of street vibe?

Below: Even the shoes are imbued with eye poping colours...

D&G Fall Winter 2011 Menswear

D&G looks to the 'Coca Cola' drinking and 'Mickey Mouse' cartoon watching generation for inspiration this coming Fall Winter 2011. American youth culture has invaded the Italian fashion house and it's a riot of candy coloured energy bursting on the runway. I love it!

Upbeat and highly wearable, I almost see myself in every look. Especially love the kitsch but nostalgia-inducing 'Coca Cola' slogan pullovers, or those Mickey Mouse decorated nylon down jackets in blinding hues! These iconography will resonate so well and elicit a smile to those who live through this era. The fitted silhouettes, teamed with a new D&G proposal of drop crotch but skin tight leg (or simply Skinny Carrot Pants) trousers in candy jar colours are very welcoming. What a breath of fresh air from the sombre tones we have always been presented with during winter seasons.

With a collection this fun, I know I will be 'endorsing' myself to D&G for next Fall Winter, just as the brand has itself to Coca Cola and Mickey!

Source: Dolce & Gabbana

The Runway Sniper #71

Below: Burberry Prorsum Fall Winter 2011 Menswear... 60's + Bold colours + Oversized coats + Sculptural shapes + Amazing Furry hats... That pretty much sums up the collection:-P

Below: Do I sense Prada Fall 2010 with these looks?:-P.. Oops...

Below: Gorgeous plaid coats with leather and shearling trim...

Below: Love the ''Jaguar Mink' fur on the hats and coats...

Below: No one likes to be rained on their parades, unless you are wearing fabulous Burberry Prorsum:-P Bravo to the showmanship for this season!

Burberry Prorsum Fall Winter 2011 Menswear

"Burberry Weather Boys - A coat for all seasons." Christopher Bailey

And it literally did. Protection from London's wet and cold winters is what Christopher Bailey had in mind, right on cue with the roots of the brand. So it was quite a spectacle to see rain literally falling onto the raincoat clad models at the end of the show. That's some showmanship by Burberry Prorsum... love it:-)

The Fall Winter 2011 Mens collection from Burberry Prorsum casts off the heavy military influences from past seasons and gets reborn into a refreshing 60's inspired elegance with outerwear being the focus of the collection. From the first showing of the plaid blanket coats in an array of bright hues to the oversize sculptural shapes, the collection immediately gets thumbs up in my books. (Although the few looks featuring the brightly coloured patent leather coats reminded me somewhat of Prada's Fall Winter 2010 collection...perhaps they both share a 60's influence). The show then proceeded on, marching in models onto the runway, wearing some of the most gorgeous brown plaid coats trimmed with shearling and leather. Of course, as the show moved on, it was evident those furry Baker Boy caps are going to be the next hot accessory come Fall Winter 2011. Matched with black and white 'Jaguar mink' long coat, the look is a formidable style statement for any winter.

I love the simplicity of the collection. Classics updated with new materials (Bonded textured nylon?!?!) and the colour theme ranging from camel, tangerine to dark charcoal ensures there will never be a dull moment in winter.

Last of all, what stood out even more were the bags that have seemingly stolen the limelight in many Burberry Prorsum shows. My favourite 5 are as follows. I am crazy about the Alligator flat briefcase with a unique tubular pallsander wood frame for the handles. Fresh shape, great size... it's my dream bag for next Fall:-P I shall start registering with Santa now for my next Christmas wishlist. Or of course, I can also raise that £15,000 within the next week and be delivered with this arm candy in the next 2 months. Where are my sponsors?!?! (A guy can dream yeah?)

Below: My top 5 picks for those arm candies... 1) Alligator Briefcase with lock (£15,000)

Below: 2) Gladstone canvas briefcase with lock (£995)

Below: 3) Gladstone canvas tote bag (£995)

Below: 4) Large Mink Fur Tote Bag (£5750)

Below: 5) Large Felt Canvas Tote Bag (£895)

So what are your favourites? Do remember you can purchase them right now at www.burberry.com and received them within 2 months. How's that for 'showing off' even before Fall 2011 season is here?:-P I'd say, the feeling will be incredible!

Source: Burberry

The Runway Sniper #70

Balmain Spring Summer 2011 Womenswear

Biker frenzy has hit Spring Summer 2011. Burberry embraced the theme and now Balmain takes their girls to Harley Davidson territory and into the realms of Americana. Grunge to the max but with couture execution. Intricate embellishments of leather perfectos, t-shirts, shorts and mini skirts with staples, safety pins, studs recur look after look. DIY heaven?

Perhaps Christophe Decarnin wants all the girls with 'Balmainia' to hone their skills in some home 'arts and craft' project? The Balmain attitude is present and strong in the collection. But it's still the same old trick one more time. Quite a few looks also resemble Isabel Marant's Fall Winter collection which sees rolled up jeans with heels and bomber jackets. Balmain, you need to get someone else beyond the French Vogue team to do your styling consultation!

I must say I am not convinced by the collection. Balmain can do better. Safety pins seemed too pedestrain and easy way out for a house that thrives on ridiculous pricing and famous for meticulous hand work.

However, some looks are still pretty cool. The red metallic biker jeans, 'faded American flag print' tank and super mini shorts are sexy to the max, highly wearable to those rich 'model-esque' Balmain fan girls. Wear it if you can flaunt it!

Watch the video where Telegraph UK interviews Christophe Decarnin backstage. In a way, I am not feeling him giving his ideas a good explanation. It's a tall task fishing answers out of him. Poor Hilary Alexander. Undeniably, his direction of Balmain did take him to the forefront of fashion media attention, with or without much explanation. Let's see how well the fashion pack respond this time with Christophe's new collection...

Source: Style, Telegraph UK

The Runway Sniper #69

Below: Biker girls running 'amok' on the Burberry Spring Summer 2011 Womenswear runway... one part heritage, one part motorcycle racing... check out those studs on the shoulders and sleeves!

Below: Christopher Bailey's biker girls are going luxe, with python skin and plenty of attitude...

Below: Those silver leather skinny tights are sure to up your sex appeal and frilly leopard spotted dresses for a touch of flirtatious femininity...

Below: The brand's signature trench coats are shrunk down in length, quilted, padded, trimmed and transformed to cool motor racing styles...

Below: Be the first to wear the SS2011 collection...order the outerwear on burberry.com today and received them in 7 weeks time... Here's my top picks: (left to right) Gabardine studded shoulder peplum jacket - £2,195.00, Silver metallic short double front biker jacket – £2,395.00

Below: (left to right) Python trench coat with studded collar - £5,995.00, Cropped studded leather biker jacket - £9,995.00

Below: (left to right) Cotton crochet jacket with contrast leather sleeves - £1,795.00, Patent leather peplum biker jacket - £2,195.00

Below: (left to right) Studded sleeve bonded twill trench coat - £2,595.00, Leather peplum biker jacket - £2,195.00

Below: Plaited python sling bag - £1,995.00

Below: Bridle house check stitched patent sling bag - £750.00

Ridle patent clutch bag with strap - £650.00

Burberry Prorsum Spring Summer 2011 Womenswear

Skin tight, sassy biker girls stride down the runway last night at Burberry Prorsum’s Spring Summer 2011 Womens Collection. It was literally a racing enthusiast moment with so many incarnations of motor racing gear gone luxe.

Christopher Bailey successfully blend elements of the house signature trench coats into biker jackets, shrinking them, working them in gabardine fabrics, python and metallic leather, accented with bags and belts in colour splashes of lime, spearmint and opal. Beyond all the 'toppling' models (hope no one has twisted ankles!), excessive studded bling and beautiful soundtrack, the collection took the Burberry brand beyond its equestrian and English military roots into the the world of fast tracks and hot wheels. Tough girls with sexy attitudes. Those super tight biker style ’leggings’ in metallics and leather should knock out any guy that crosses these Burberry girls’ path. Hot!

I wouldn’t say this is the best Burberry Prorsum collection that is being put out by Christopher Bailey. There were plenty of commendable effort in updating what we have come to know of biker styles (padded, studded, exotic), but there was still something lacking in the ‘freshness’ department. I would have love to see a more unique take on biker wear (The collection seemed too literal in some sense), perhaps pushing the limits a bit more. I would have wished Bailey had gone a little easy on the studs for some jackets. I wonder how heavy those statement pieces might be. Nonetheless, I am sure the collection will be well received by Burberry fans and converts to cash registers ringing for the brand next year.

(Oh, applause to Burberry for bringing fashion closer to fans all over the world... you can now purchase those gorgeous jackets and bags onlin at www.burberry.com. Delivers within 7 weeks!)

Source: Burberry

The Runway Sniper #68

Below: Tsumori Chisato Fall Winter 2010 Womens Collection is eclectic, ethnic and simply eccentric with unexpected details. Love this dress... do you notice the goat motif that becomes part of the fringe detail? Shimmery and colourful...

Tsumori Chisato Fall Winter 2010 Womenswear

Overdosed on severe minimalist looks running rampant in the fashion world now? Want something less uptight and more uplifting? Then count on Tsumori Chisato for highly imaginative and individual womenswear, that often has a hint of japanese 'kawaii (cuteness)' while breaking away from the austerity of other big brand names.

This fall winter 2010 season, look toward the far east to the world of gypsies, persian carpets, desert nomads and turkish empires for what the designer termed a 'pop ethnic' collection.
Loomy cotton white dress with the accent of black and white patterns are imaged from nomadic tents, while turkish military-like beige poncho and shiny black velvet jacket with gold spangles are coordinated with colourful paisley print for a mad mix of far eastern influences.

There is an unrestrained expression of imagination in the clothes as seen in the vivid patterns and colours. That dress with the goat motif extended as fringes is amazingly surreal. Just as eye catching are those 'optically challenging' tights with contrasting shimmer and colourful graphics that gives Pucci a run for its money.

Fun accessories such as flatshoes with tent motif and magical lamp shaped necklace also add to the designer's concept of pop blended with ethnic influences. Under all that fashion 'bric and brac', there lies the eccentricities of manga, adventure and undisputed crazy mix-up style only a Japanese designer fathom. Not every women wants to dress monochromatic and 'clinically cleansed' of details. Tsumori Chisato's Fall Winter collection caters to ladies who wants that opposite.

Tsumori Chisato can be found in Blackjack, Forum Shopping Mall in Singapore. (Menswear is also stocked here). Good news awaits fans of this manga meets high fashion brand:-P So stay tuned!

Below: And look what I got from Tsumori Chisato during the recent Club 21 sale... a cute bowtie with shimmery silver spots:-) Love it! Can't wait to wear it to events for some nerdy cute chic!:-P

Source: Club 21 Global