My MANy Bags News #326

Below: Do your part to help Japan... Get this limited edition Bottega Veneta keychain today! All profits will go to the Japanese Red Cross society:)

Bottega Veneta Limited Edition Keychain To Help Japan Relief Efforts

The recent Japan earthquake tragedy has brought together numerous fashion brands to help in the relief efforts. Bottega Veneta is now offering a specially designed keychain and will donate all profits of its sale to the Japanese Red Cross Society. The keychain, designed by Bottega Veneta Creative Director Tomas Maier, is made of hand-woven intrecciato nappa leather and represents the Japanese flag.

Get yours at any Bottega Veneta stores worldwide or on bottegaveneta.com. The keychain retails for SGD$260 and will only be limited to 1000 pieces worldwide.

Source: Bottega Veneta

When I had a slight freak-out in Loehmann's, and other stories...

I spent most of Memorial Day running around Manhattan with one of my favorite fashiony cohorts, doing things like the McQueen exhibition at the Met (goose-bumpingly great), the YSL-Pierre Berge documentary L'amour Fou (eh) and a long, lingering visit to Barneys (fantabulous, as always). It was pretty much perfect. But then it was even MORE perfect, because -- while killing time scouring for Helmut Lang at Loehmann's -- another shopper caught my eye. Was that? Could it be? Really? Yes, it my personal fashion icon Iris Apfel in her signature round glasses, poking around the racks of discounted Dolce like the rest of us.

I introduced myself, shyly, as a fan. (Which seemed more appropriate than gawping from behind a rack of clothing.) Her response: "Thank you," and then: "I'm sorry I look like crap." (She didn't. She was colorful and adorable. I, on the other hand, was wearing a sweaty tee and shorts. Gah.) We chatted for a few minutes, and then I practically skipped out of there.

Weekend = made.



Also: I am SO breaking out the 80s charm necklace this week in celebration. If it wasn't so hot, I'd break out the oversized muff as well. Love.

Texture Tuesday.

Did you ever make these lil' potholders with a loom or crochet hook? I don't still have any that I made myself but the bumble bee-coloured one was made by my mother.

LONDON - sheila, kiesha, carla & dominek, 05/31/11

The Material Boy #472

Below: Remember this 3.1 Phillip Lim Leather Tote I blogged about a while ago? Apparently, this larger 'KC Leather Satchel' lookalike in the pic below is from the Fall Winter 2011 collection. No wonder I cannot find any information about the bag a couple of months back. I found out the name, thanks to a reader. The bag is called Pashli Satchel (Modelling pic from Garance Doré)

Below: The gorgeous Pashli Satchel comes in gorgeous Jade, Ink, Taupe and black colours. I absolutely love the zipper sides and chain details. A must have for next season:-P

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel

Remember this '3.1 Phillip Lim KC Leather Satchel' lookalike I was coveting about a couple of months ago... but found that the SS2011 version was way too petite for guy's use? Garance Doré took a pic of a fashion editor carrying a larger forest green variant with chain details. But no one seem to know where that version came from. Well... the 'bag gods' (namely Style.com) have unveiled the mystery. Yes, they are definitely from 3.1 Phillip Lim... but they are from Fall Winter 2011 season instead of Spring Summer 2011. No wonder no one at the stores can enlighten me with more details, and neither thru researching online. But thanks to a reader, I got more information. The name of the bag is Pashli Satchel, which runs a range from totes to shoulder camera bags. The Pashli Satchel retails for USD895 (approx. SGD1185).


I am loving every aspect of the Pashli Satchel. From the textured leather, to the deep Fall Winter tones of Jade, Taupe, Black and Ink, to the interesting gold tone side zippers with metal chain pulls, I cannot fault the design. Some people may feel the bag resembles a cross between the ever popular 'schoolboy' bags (the likes of Alexa and PS1) and Céline... I strongly feel the bag stands out with its own personality.

Below: Love the ink blue colour as well...

I can't wait for this gorgeous bag to debut in stores. They are hot on my buying list, especially the green version. I just hope the size will be large enough for guys:-P 3.1 Phillip Lim has many bags that is sure to win you over for Fall Winter 2011. So keep a lookout for this fast rising Amercian brand:-) Available for pre-order at Nordstrom. If not, wait for the bag to hit Singapore's 3.1 Phillip Lim store.

Remember to also check out pics of the entire 3.1 Phillip Lim Fall Winter 2011 bag collection on my Facebook Fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.

3.1 Phillip Lim is located at Hilton Hotel, Singapore.

Source: Garance Doré, Style

SAINT PETERSBURG - aurora fashion week, bonus

Ad Campaign And Catalogues #221

Below: Check out the new Louis Vuitton Fall Winter 2011 Ad Campaign...

Louis Vuitton Fall Winter 2011 Ad Campaign

Louis Vuitton's Fall Winter 2011 Womenswear runway presentation may have filled you with evocative feelings of fetishism, old world hotel porters and french maids, the concept for the corresponding ad campaign surprisingly bears little sign of this 'fantasy'. Instead Marc Jacobs and photographer Steven Miesel chose to be inspired by a story of vintage cars and the beautiful female passenger that travelled in them. Varying ideas it may be, the result was nonetheless no less impressive.

Bearing a classic feel and a romance of old world travel... those girls are beckoning out to you to share a ride. Of course... who wouldn't adore the alluring new Fall Winter 2011 bags and accessories that had every fashion fan talking even before debutting in stores (those hand cuffs inspired 'fetish' bracelets and furry bags are TDF!)

The Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2011-2012 campaign shoot was a complex and carefully coordinated operation involving not only six young, up-and-coming models, five vintage cars and their chauffeur, but also seven pairs of pedigree dogs.

"Steven Meisel and I met and decided we would do this wonderful story of beautiful vintage cars, little dogs and fresh-faced young women. It's a very classic scenario, and of course it suggests travel, but I think we gave it a fresh, modern and sometimes a little bit naughty, tongue-in-cheek spin." Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton Artistic Director

These striking scenes take up the narrative of the Louis Vuitton fashion show at the point where the woman leaves her hotel and steps – along with her pet pooch – into her chauffeur-driven limousine. "Who wouldn't want to be this gorgeous young woman in the back seat of this beautiful car?" asks Marc Jacobs. "And wherever she's going, she's dressed in style this season by Louis Vuitton."

Look out for these fascinating ads in magazines from Aug 2011.

Source: Louis Vuitton

JUNE 2011- SCANDINAVIA, ITALY & FRANCE

June 1-4: Copenhagen, Distortion Festival

June 5-8: Stockholm

June 9-11: Firenze, Firenze4ever with Luisa Via Roma

June 12-14: London

June 15-17: Oslo

June 18-19: Bergen (1st time!)

June 20-21: London

June 22: Oslo, Elle party

June 23-26: Paris, Menswear Fashion Week
On the 23rd, I will host a Frames of Life (Giorgio Armani) event where among other delights, a video I shot for the brand will be screened.

June 27: Bayonne, I will finally get my 'stolen' computer back

Moscow, May 2011

travel almanac

Images: Travel Almanac

I'm currently reading a fantastic new magazine called The Travel Almanc, which "explores the topics of traveling and temporary habitation from the personal perspectives of innovative figures in the fashion, music, art, and film worlds". The first issue features travel focused interviews with David Lynch, Terence Koh, Andy McCluskey of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and James Murphy; a feature on Ryokans, traditional Japanese guesthouses, hotel reviews, an essay on 'how to travel in modern times' and other small, quirky features. It's so simple but beautifully done - and it's giving me itchy feet!

#winning

-so, my hair and i had a little argument lately.

i decided to quit it just in time before it could pack its hello kitty

suitcase and leave me first.

i am just not the being dumped type of girl.

can you hear me hair?

ha, who has the last laugh now?



-shorts are the new

uhm

shorts.

so i bought about 36 new ones.



-bunnies, excuse the lack of creativity in posing and settings lately.

slack leaning against walls is getting old.

i know.



as well as i know that i love u.

take care precious ones!

kiss



shorts+bag: stylenanda (seen at knightcat), shirt: zara, sunnies: nastygal, shoes: jc via nordstrom, lipstick: mix of mac girl about town and pink eyeshadow.

Vice. Horace.

I shot this story for Vice to go with an interview with designer label Horace.

- - - - - -
styling - Sam Voulters
hair - Michael Jones
makeup - Xabier Celaya
assitant - Laura Chatteron
models - Mei/fm models & Jermaine/D1
- - - - - -

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #220

Below: With this much of good designs... be ready to fall in love with many of Coach's Fall Winter 2011 mens bags... I know I did... at least these 6 as seen below!

Coach Fall Winter 2011 Mens Bags

Here's more pictures I got from the Coach Fall Winter 2011 press kit I received a week ago. I have to admit, beyond the selection I saw in the showroom... my 'wandering eyes' have also set my heart 'aflutter' to these other designs which I am absolutely loving.

Coach is going ultra masculine with their mens range next season, with a huge focus on utilitarian and functional designs. All the bags featured in the Fall Winter 2011 catalogue made for such user friendly daily companions to hold documents, travel essentials or pretty much anything. I love the duality of both hand grips and shoulder straps in most bags which is most ideal for ease of movement in our urban lifestyle.

Here's a few of my favourites (From top down):

1) Portfolio cases are one of my obsession as does clutches. I don't know why... but I always find guys with minimal to carry very confident and suave. Perhaps by not being burdened by big bags, they send off a vibe of relaxed charm. I am impressed with people who can operate with minimal, a 'feat' which I am still trying to achieve. So these Crosby Portfolio cases are hot on my want list. The Crosby collection is a new range for Fall Winter 2011 and the most elevated out of the entire Coach family of Mens' bags. Everything is top of the line. From the extraordinary natural-grained Italian leather to the Soft Port leather trims to (Indulgent!) 14K gold plated custom hardware, the materials says it all. The authentic crocodile version shown above simply seals the deal for me... finished with just the right amount of metal buckle hardware for a sophistcated and uncluttered look. A Power executive's must have!

2) Besides the Crosby Portfolios... I also love that Crosby Soft Briefcase in deep green leather. Very roomy and classically alluring with subtle gold foil branding. The perfect companion to the office, business trips and even for the gym.

3) Every guy needs a messenger bag. A leather one is the best. These Bleecker Legacy Couriers are such handsome bags, they are ideal for the executives who wants to be taken seriously. No longer will you be mistaken for a 'refuse-to-grow up' high schooler when you sling these over yourself. The minimal design in Soft Port leather, sometimes burnished to showcase the natural beauty of the leather hide evokes a vintage charm while boosting your professional image. I love the tan colour version the best. Hands free days is thumbs up for commuting about our hectic urban lifestyle.

4) But if you need a bigger bag because you are those guys who brings everything, then this Rivington Quilted Tote in black light-weight Italian leather is your answer. I love the quilted design, giving it a Fall Winter feeling of protection. The size will hold anything, and the shoulder strap and long hand strap options let you cross body, hand carry or shoulder sling the bag. Talk about versatility.

5) Besides leathers and canvas, bags exists in other materials as well. How apt for Coach to use Wool Fabrics with graphic patterns to create some of their most interesting Fall Winter designs. I love this Stripe Wool Utility Tote. Needless to say, I was instantly taken in by the pattern on the wool material, very masculine and dandy-ish, a comfy bag to hug for cold winter days:-)

6) If having just interesting wool fabrics alone is not enough for your bags... turn to Coach's new Reversible totes for double the bag fun. This range is literally 2 bags in one for you to reverse to the look you deem most fitting for your mood that day. This smart' ticking stripe grey wool' version shown above on this Wool Reversible Tote gets my vote. Simple, no frills and yet versatile for any situation... from boardroom chic to downtown relaxed. Best part is, if you get tired of the bag at any time, flip and you get to refresh the look! I love choices and this bag gives you just that.

Fall Winter 2011 is looking very promising for Coach's Mens Range. I have already seen Japanese magazines featuring the collection like crazy in the latest issues of UOMO and Leon. If the Japanese loves it, you can be sure that meant something:-)

Source: Coach

SAINT PETERSBURG - aurora fashion week, day 2, 05/27/11

East of Eden

I'm just about to head out the door to hang out with some of my best friends that I've known since junior high! If we survived that together, we can survive anything; especially a night at the local pub.

Have a darling weekend!

I hope you all have lots of fun plans for the weekend and bank holiday (UK peeps), we will be enjoying a few days in the country side with family eating food, cycling and hopefully a few laughs at a comedy show. What do you have planned?

I thought you might like to see a few pics of Lula's Darling dress in action it's such a charming style I don't know how I struggled to name it.. When I see it now all I can think of is Daarling...