Similar Vibes, Different Designers

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Many times when I mentioned the statement "great minds think alike" it always brought me to the claim "clone"! Coz somewhere, somehow when you see things are similar in design or in look, they might've been a copycat, right? Maybe yes, maybe no. Kinda like a deja vu.But I like to call it as - they're inspired by each other - that's the less mean statement than 'copycat'. Anyway, imitation is a form of flattery...

On the recent catwalk for Spring/Summer 2012, it seems that some pieces are actually quite similar to what I saw in the previous SS11. From the gradual tones blazer seen on Nicolas Ripoll who walked for Moschino that probably has the similar vibes as the McQueen jacket last SS11, to the cropped leather biker jacket worn by the model at Neil Barrett SS12 which is almost the same as Burberry one donned by Jeremy Young last year. Or in fact, both are seen on the same season, as the azure blue suit on Ryan Taylor in Bottega Veneta is almost equivalent to the Jonathan Saunders SS12, except for the buttons (which is more on Saunder's suit).

Whatever it is, if the clothes work for one season, no reason why you can't make it work again for next one. As long the vibes is good, it doesn't matter which designers did what for their collection. That's fashion : there's no rules!

Moschino SS12 (L) , Alexander McQueen SS11 (R)

Neil Barrett SS12 (L), Burberry Prorsum SS11 (R)

Bottega Veneta SS12 (L), Jonathan Saunders SS12 (R)

[pix from style.com]

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Jason Godfrey for New Icon

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Jason Godfrey - the guy in the America's Next Top Model promo ad  - has graced the editorial spread for the latest issue of New Icon magazine. Wearing the Spring/Summer collection by Gucci, Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier and Alexander McQueen - what more could you ask for to look good in the new season?!

p/s: Can I have his anti-ageing, please...

Shirt, belt and trousers - all by Gucci

Suit - Versace

Degrade Shirt - Alexander McQueen

Jacket - Gucci

V-neck t-shirt - Jean Paul Gaultier

Ensemble - Gucci

[pix scanned from new icon june/july 2011]

Get some of the similar look at Alexander McQueen and Gucci.

degrade shirt - Alexander McQueen

Floral shirt - Gucci @ Farfetch.

Horsebit-patterned shirt - Gucci @ Farfetch.

[pix from alexander mcqueen and farfetch]

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Trendspotting: Neutrals for Summer

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Don't you guys feeling the heat these days. While on the northern hemisphere they're now preparing for summer to arrive, right here in the equatorial we're already having the pinch of the scorching weather first hand. Very hot indeed, even the bushes near my house are set ablazed due to the nature's own radiated energy.

Anyway, mentioning hot weather and summer - the neutral tones that blend with the beach are the key to melting into the summer this year. White, cream, sand, taupe and light beige are going to be this season's hot favourites. As summer heat are very demanding, cotton and linen are the fibers to be worn, alongside with the lighweight materials and mesh-knitwear that allows more ventilation to the body.

Talking about beach - I think I need to go to Pulau Perhentian or Sipadan to whisk off this work stress...

Linen cardigan - Dunhill

T-shirt - Acne; Trousers and belt - Hermes; Sunglasses - Raf Simons

Swimshorts - Orlebar Brown

(L) V-neck sweater - Alexander McQueen

(R) Jacket and shorts - Jil Sander; Rope sandals - Dolce & Gabbana

(L) Double-layer sweater and shorts - Dolce & Gabbana

(R) Shirt, shorts and rope belt - Dolce & Gabbana 

(L) Knitted top and trousers - Salvatore Ferragamo; Sandals - Gucci

(R) Cotton shirt - Dolce & Gabbana; Trousers - Louis Vuitton

Cashmere jumper - Maison Martin Margiela, Trousers - Yves Saint Laurent,

Rope sandals - Dolce & Gabbana

[pix from the guardian UK]

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Spring Trend: Print Shirts

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One of the biggest trend for Spring is print shirts. It never fail to reappear every year since it has become a staple not only in the fashion magazines and on runways, but also in real life by which people wear it on the streets. In fact I think it even started to become a seasonless thing as it also seen in some fall/winter collections.  

Nowadays prints not only focused on the classic florals, but has elevated into diversity. The silhouettes of animals, shapes of flying butterflies, splattered paints, micro polka dots and stars, and even aeroplanes has made its way into creatively forming some kind of prints on men's shirt. Some examples are shown here, taken from Mr. Porter website - showing that men also is no more afraid to look fashionable in prints (just like moi in previous floral shirt).

So, which one is your choice? The one by Richard James looks pretty cool. Kinda have that McQueen vibes in the SS11 collection. If you want something much bolder butterflies, you might find it at Roberto Cavalli (as being worn by Arthur Sales in the ad campaign). 

[pix from mr. porter]

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Wear the Art by McQueen

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If I could have some pieces in my wardrobe that could be claimed as wearing art, I'll definitely choose these two items from Alexander McQueen's Spring/Summer 2011 collection. The jacket is amazingly cut, and the fact that it has the gradual tones, distressed look making it much coveted piece that is worthy to be kept. And the poppy print shirt in red/black is also beautiful - looks as if you're wearing a bolero jacket on the outside, though it's only the illusion from the flower print itself. Truly magical pieces...

Alexander McQueen Spotlight Jacket Blazer - $4000

Alexander McQueen Poppy Print shirt - $1125

[pix from ssence]

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Highstreet vs. High End: 'Offset' Monk-strap Loafers

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For any shoe maniac, you must have different types of formal footwear in your shoe closet. Lace-ups oxfords and derby, as well as the slip-ons or sometimes called loafers and moccassins. The advantage of wearing a pair of loafers is the quick-to-wear coz you don't need to mess up with the laces which took most of the time to be done. Especially during emergency, which took forever to take it off or wear it on. With loafers it's easy - you just slip and go!

Mentioning loafers, you too must have different types of loafers in your collection. (You've seen mine right?). You must have one with tassel, one with crossbody strap like the Gucci horsebit or webbing, and also monk-strap loafers - which is characterized by the presence of buckle, either one or many, on the side of the footwear. If you're really crazy enough, then you've gotta have them in many colors like black, brown and neutral, or in different materials such as matt leather, patent leather, exotic skin, velvet..etc etc! (but at the moment, just start with one type first ok!).

Anyway, mentioning monk-strap loafers I like these lots by which the buckle is located slightly offset towards the back of the foot. I love how contemporary it look, unlike the typical one where the buckle is exactly on the side (click here for example). What's out there in the market? On the high-end designer part you got this loafers by Alexander McQueen with slightly rounded toe, giving the look of almost traditional. The price? A mega yikes!! £435.

Alexander McQueen Gable Leather Shoe - £435 @ Harrods

(you can get cheaper at Mr Porter.com, £408)

On the highstreet side, the one by Kurt Geiger looks equally good if not better. I actually prefer this one more coz the almond toe gives a sense of modern and much contemporary look compared to the previous. And of course, it's cheaper and you won't burn a big hole in your wallet - in fact you can get two of those, one in matt leather like this and the other in patent leather - with the price of one McQueen! Talking about chiconomics, right? :)

Kurt Geiger Garret leather loafer - £170.

(there's also another version in patent leather)

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Lookbook: White Lovin'

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1. Ruch-front t-shirt: Topman
2. White micro-cord trousers - Bottega Veneta @ Matches Fashion
3. Skull neckerchief - Alexander McQueen @ Farfetch
4. Slim leather belt - Topman
5. Canvas tote - Burberry
6. Diamante canvas tote with ostrich leather trim - Gucci
7. Chrono watch in white leather strap - Emporio Armani
8. Chrono ceramic watch - Emporio Armani
9. Padded pleather hi-tops - Topman
10. White brogue lace-ups - Paul Smith

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+J Spring/Summer 2011 Collection

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Did some of you already enjoyed the new collection by +J - Jil Sander for Uniqlo - that has been out in-store and online last week? I dunno about this time coz I'm not there to experience it either at Oxford Street or Westfield London where the colletion is housed in-store. I heard the reception is better than last year. Yes, last year I'm not really sure how to put it: in short, it's quite a cold response. Though the event for the +J Spring/Summer 2010 is organized by Grazia magazine, there're not many people around. When I stepped in, I think the store is mine. you know what I mean? As I mentioned, quite a cold response, as cold as the winter chill in January 2010.

Anyhow, I'm quite pleased to see good range appear in the collection for SS11. Many light colors and much better fit than before. Though still lots of basics and some is even repetitive like the previous - but thats what you want from +J. Simple, clean silhouette, great cut - and the most important: a touch from a high-end designer without the high-end prices.

Anyway, when I browse thru some pieces I can't help but quite delighted with how it appears to be. Some whites seems to make its way which seems to be abscent in SS10. What is better is, how some pieces looks like they can be a great substitute to the high-end labels.

For instance is the white blazer, which will be in-store and online next March, looks like a good replacement for the YSL seersucker jacket. With just one fifth of the designer price... who wouldn't feel tempted? Or if you're going to an evening event, the tuxedo blazer by Jil Sander for Unilqo looks equally good as the Alexander McQueen one, without the hefty price tag of course.

So, did Jil Sander succeed in bringing her designer midas touch  without the designer price for everyone to enjoy? I don't have to answer that coz the pix could tell it all.

Other pieces that is truly welcomed into the collection is the cropped trousers. Last summer in London I'm quite sceptical to try on the Uniqlo's own range which I think looks quite silly. I thought: cropped pants, who would wear that? But I'm wrong coz being a little 'mischeavous, adventurous' freak myself, it turned out that the cropped pants is something I truly like. Why and how?

Look. I didn't wear any shorts with a hemline that goes higher up above my knees. So, these cropped pants work wonders coz not only it can be worn as its own, I tend to roll it up and voila... I got an instant shorts, without exposing my knees. I thought it was brilliant coz it skims my legs even better than any shorts out there in the market since the fabric contains elastane. And that's why I'm rooting for this +J cropped pants too coz I think it'll be as good as, if not better, than what Uniqlo has done previously.

One more item that I never fail to buy for two consecutive seasons by Jil Sander's +J range is the shirts. White shirt to be precise. I dunno what it is, but I think +J white shirt is the best in town. The fabric is just right - it's not too sheer or peeking, the fit is awesome, and the price is very affordable. Two consecutive seasons (FW09/10 and SS10), I find there's a little tweaking here and there too. It's not the same even if it looks like it. For this new SS11, I saw a different take on their classic white shirt as well. What is it?

Try to look at the pix. Can you see the diagonal hems on both sides of the waist? How's that will change your look, you ask? It'll made you appear slimmer coz it'll make a slim silhoutte around your torso. I can't give much explanation coz you have to try it yourself. I have a couple of shirts with that diagonal-hem feature myself, and that's why I can tell you briefly what it does. Skim to slim. :)

Btw, I love the peak collar of these shirts. They're to die for!

As I said, +J is all about simplicity. Clean and chic, at the same time. The basics that +J offers is utterly seasonless actually coz you can wear it practically all year round. Except for the wool overcoat which is quite heavy (who would wear wool overcoat in summer!?), other pieces can be worn anytime. (Trust me, I have a lot of +J pieces from both seasons myself!). But another word of advice: select carefully coz not all pieces looks good - some can be too tacky (like the utility jacket two seasons ago, yikes!).

Anyway, these are some look in their ad campaign fronted by Clement Chabernaud.

P/S: Think I should head down to Fahrenheit 88 in KL to check 'em out...

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Butterflies Couture

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The fashion world might have lost Alexander McQueen. But the fashion world would definitely not gonna lose the McQueen's touch that he is famous for. Even under the direction of the new Creative Director, Sarah Burton. the true essence of McQueen will always shine and blossom like flowers, and fly up high like butterflies... The beauty. the charm, the immaculate artwork, the workmanship - the pieces that come out from the Alexander McQueen fashion house is truly one of its kind. Too good to be worn as a daily wear, rather it should be kept in a gallery to be adored for its artistry and allure. 

I'm truly taken by these 'butterflies' dresses that Sarah showcased in the previous Fashion Week. Either the one worn by Frida in tangerine or black and white version worn by Lindsey. No words can describe how beautiful they are. If you look from afar, you'd never know that the flower patterns are actually made of the butterflies' wings, spreading out making up the whole construction. Though they're pret-a-porter collection for Spring/Summer 2011, nonetheless they look very couture. And how symbiotic the collection is with what Alex McQueen used to do before. I have to say, a very big kudos indeed to Sarah to keep the spirit of the designs flowing flawlessly.

Don't you just love these dresses? And there's one saying: Love is like a butterfly. It goes where it pleases and it pleases wherever it goes. I think, yes... these dresses can really pleases anyone. And that's why you too gonna love 'em!

[pix from style.com]

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High End vs. Highstreet: Skull Keyring

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Feeling a bit goth and wanna go crazy with your accessories? Then what better than to get the skull keyrings to keep the keys intact with you. On the high end side is this matt black metal skull keyring by Alexander McQueen. Priced at £70, it has Swarovski crystal eyes and a small tag scriptures the McQueen emblem on it. Great design and the hardware looks very high quality.

But of you're feeling a bit skint (like moi) but never wanna compromise on the skull theme - then the one at Paperchase at just £5 could be yours. This stainless steel keyring is in chrome with bone skull on it that resembles the symbol you normally found on pirate flags. Pirates of Caribbean, perhaps? Erm.. probably not. :)

Alexander McQueen matt black metal skull keyring
[pix from alexandermcqueen.com]

Paperchase chrome skull keyring

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Alexander McQueen Leather Tassel Skull Keyfob

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So, it seems that many people think wearing the Alexander McQueen underwear is a bit too much. Is it because of the design which has skulls on it? No, coz no one can see it anyway since they're stuck down under. It's the price actually which is a whopping ridiculous for any typical bloke could pay to cover the family jewels! It's even more expensive than any Calvins or Aussiebums which is much better brands for undies available in the market.

Anyway, if you're still not putting off with having any McQueen's stuff, then this keyfob might be the one you should get. It features a gunmetal skull with black Swarovski crystal on its eyes, leather tassel detail and a hoop for your keys. There's also the designer-stamped plaque at top to ensure people who saw it that the keyfob is really 'a McQueen'. Well, this thing is still pricey - but at least it won't have to go down the washing machine with all the detergent and stuff unlike the undies (except if you forgot to remove it from your pocket, erks!).

Where to get? At Net-A-Porter.com.

[pix from net-a-porter]

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