|
|
|---|
|
|
|---|
An innovative solution for those who can't wait for another six months to get a hold of that certain items seen on the catwalk is to offer them straight away after the show ended. Burberry has done it, and now being followed by Topman too. Last Wednesday when they present the Man collection during London Fashion Week, Topman announced that fashion lovers can purchase some items that they saw on the runway through online. And to follow suit, Asos also did the same thing by selling some pieces donned by the models in their e-shopping site recently.
And that include this weekender bag by James Long. What is unique about the bag is the marbled, paint splattered print design that looks like the artist went amok or accidently spilled his color palette on it. It seems that the design make a comeback for SS11 since it was seen on some pieces by Alexander McQueen and at highstreet in recet SS10.
This weekender is a made of cotton canvas with leather trim. Quite roomy since there's extra inner zippered pockets to fill in small items. I know it may not be anyone cuppa tea, but I think this bag is such an art itself. A statement bag, perhaps, especially if you carry it along when you wear something rather plain outfit. It made your whole ensemble 'pop'!
Talking about James Long, is it fair for me to say that he's the new enfant terrible of British fashion? Someone who's not afraid to create designs that pushes the limit. Someone that fuses art and edginess but at the same time the clothes seems to be wearable. Just like Alexander McQueen - the former enfant terrible of Brit fashion. Or, perhaps, James Long could be hailed as the new McQueen for the next generation? Just watch this space... I got my eyes on him. ;)
Ready for a dash of Jil Sander for Uniqlo again? +J Autumn/Winter 2010 will continue to give the fans some great cut from the world's famous designer. New designs are seen on some pieces which is different from last year when +J made a debut on the highstreet. There's a wool knee-length peacoat which looks quite military, a tuxedo jacket in wool flannel with a slight twist on the lapel, and a dress shirt that looks like a contemporary version of a typical pleated-front tuxedo shirt.
There's also some revival of old favorites but given new look like the puffa coat (last year it was in denim), light down jacket as well as the premium version of the quilted outerwear. As usual, the collection will also include smart trousers, denims, sweaters and accessories like belts and scarves.
Yet I think, the women's colletion is far better than the men's this time around. They got much variety and better cut compared to any previous collection that Jil Sander did for Uniqlo.
When will it be in store? Next week, starting from 7 Oct onwards.
[pix from uniqlo]
Things that I love apart from men's clothing and accessories is definitely the home decor. In London, the best place to check out the best home furniture and accessories is at Tottenham Court Road (apart from Ikea, which is actually quite far from central). On both sides of the street there're awashed with stores like Bo Concept, Habitat, Heals, Next Home, Dwell, Harveys, etc... etc. From modern contemporary to slightly traditional, they're all there to devour your temptations.
I love seeing their window display coz sometimes I can get great idea on how to change the whole outlook of a room. And what better to go and check it out if not at nightime, especially when the lights are still switched on after the store closing. It is when the decor really comes to life.
I love Habitat for their modern take on furniture. It's not much more different compared to Ikea though since both companies are under the Ikano 'umbrella'. But the price tag at Habitat is much higher than Ikea, given the furniture is not as easily DIY-ed as the latter. Yet, one great news to be welcomed is that they're now offering a 10% discount for student with a valid NUS Card. So, it's time to deck our rooms with Habitat's then for their delicious arrays of home accessories!
Some of the pix I took while strolling around the street...
The modern Scandinavian decor at Habitat
The armchair at Heal's
Diamante skulls in various color at Dwell
There's even some diamante iguana too!
Rose pillow to add some flair on your sofa
this sofa actually in bronze color. like Gucci theme!
the dishbowl with snakeskin motifs
Left: Franklin Simon fedora. Sold for $8.95 in 1936 (about $142.00 in today's dollar).
Left: Pandora black doeskin shoe piped in black and gray. Sold for $12.75 in 1936 (about $202.00 in today's dollar).
Left: McCutcheon's navy felt beret with grosgrain trim. Sold for $10.00 in 1936 (about $158.00 in today's dollar).
Leonardo da Vinci said: "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication".
I think that really suits to describe about this portfolio from Montblanc. Codenamed 'Meisterstück', I just love the simplicity of it with the smooth leather body and very structured design. In a glance it's quite similar to Louis Vuitton Minuto or Prada Saffiano portfolio.
This portfolio is made of Southern German full-grain cowhide which is dyed through using unique Montblanc deep-shine finish. The size is perfect enough if you wanna fill in A4-sized documents or a netbook inside. And with some extra zippered inner pocket, plus a large one on the back - you definitely won't look messed up once you enter the boardroom meeting.
What's more? It also include two slot-in compartments for writing instrument, one medium-sized and six small document pockets, and a ring for keys. Quite a feature, huh, given the size of this portfolio is just 39 x 28.5 x 5 cm - which is perfect enough to make you look sharp when you hold it alongside your smart suit.
Ever wonder how the London girls dress? Well, fyi London is divided into 32 administrative boroughs (much like districts) which consists of Inner London and Outer London. From Enfield up north to Croydon at down south, Hillingdon on the far west to Barking & Dagenham in the east (Dagenham, as in the latest movie - Made in Dagenham). Yet, to most Londoners we always identify ourselves to just North, South, East and West Londoners (ooh, look.. I use the word 'we'..ahaks!). And people from each part of London dress quite differently from one another.
For example, if I see someone that look very street and sometime quite artistic (some even look chav, no offence), then I can identify them as the East London people. Or someone that look quite posh, he/she may come from the West since Notting Hill and Kensington are located somewhere around there. Or people who tend to look rock'n'roll glam in designer/street combo, well... most probably they hailed from the North (think Kate Moss, Amy Winehouse, Jamie Hince). From the south, anything can go ... but most look kinda boho chic since there's a huge 'melting pot' community living in that area like the Caribbean and South American as well as some African too.
Me? I'm from North London. That's why rocking in skinnies and mix-and-matching with designer/highstreet is what we do best. Ahaks!
Read on the article from ES Magazine in the previous Fashion Issue to have a glimpse on how the girls of London put their outfit together. All I can say, for men - it's not so much different either. :)
|
|
|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
