My MANy Bags News #332

Below: A new begining for esteemed luxury shoe brand, Berluti with the appointment of Alessandro Sartori of Z Zegna fame as its Artistic Director... look out for the brand's first ready to wear collection in 2012!

Berluti Appoints Alessandro Sartori As Artistic Director And Will Launch A Ready-To-Wear Collection For 2012

Berluti, shoemaker since 1895, will be dressing the contemporary man from head to toe from 2012 onwards. Not only will Alessandro Sartori of Z Zegna fame be appointed as the new Artistic director, but he will designed the Italian shoe brand's first ready-to-wear collection. This is to allow Berluti to present a more complete wardrobe for their esteemed clients. Alessandro's new role will commence from 1st July 2011 and he will be based in Paris.

Alessandro Sartori graduated from the Milan Design School and was until now Artistic Director for the Z Zegna line at Ermenegildo Zegna. He will devote his skill and creativity towards the development of Berluti, respecting the values and history of the House.

“Since 1895, Berluti has always been the most prestigious shoemaker in the world. Its renown, its history, and the quality of its creations are unrivalled in the Men’s universe. I am extremely proud to have been chosen to develop this emblematic House. " Alessandro declared upon his appointment

Antoine Arnault commented: “In respect of Berluti’s fabulous history and legendary customers, in keeping with this exceptional heritage, we are at last going to dress the contemporary man from head to toe. Berluti and the LVMH Group welcome Alessandro; we eagerly await his first creations.”

Berluti shoes are top of the line, with a trademark leather finish of a unique sheen that is reportedly highly original and difficult to replicate. These are shoes that the most discerning of gentlemen covet. Berluti pride themselves with a long list of illustrious and eclectic customers, from artists such as Pablo Picasso to filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg. Prices are just as exclusive, pay anything from SGD$1600 - $2900 a pair.

Berluti store in Singapore is located at #01-19a Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road, Tel: 6304 1329.

Source: Berluti via Club 21 Global

The Runway Sniper #77

Below: Balmain Homme Spring Summer 2012... evolution rather than revolution. But there are some elements from that collection that at least evolved, no matter how marginally... such as the use of Python skin... which forms this beautiful biker vest. LOVE:-P

Below: More python skin used... on trimmings for hoodies...

Below: This collection by new creative director, Olivier Rousteing sheds away some of that 'Decarnin uncouthness' and brings in more refined aethetics, in the form of many tailored tuxedo looks... The usual skinny and tight silhouettes are also challenged and now we see skinny tuxedos matched with drop crotch tailored pants over boots...

Below: Immaculate tailoring... and some extent of innovation, such as this cut off sleeves Tuxedo jacket vest... I like it!

Below: This feels a bit Rick Owens...

Below: For ultimate luxury, a crocodile skin leather Tuxedo jacket which will definitely find Kayne West a fan...

Below: Hoodie and trainers... Dior Homme feeling to this look...

Balmain Homme Spring Summer 2011

Rather than analysing why Olivier Rousteing's 1st Balmain Homme collection (Spring Summer 2012) played so safe to what Christophe Decarnin has done... I will comment on pieces which I like and some which I feel have evolved, no matter how marginally.

The use of snakeskin is one new material that Olivier Rousteing has injected to his first reign over Balmain Homme. I love that Biker Vest in matte Python which is quite an unusual material for this men's design. Other visible deviation from the 'Decarnin' flavour includes the reinforcing of Balmain's severe skinny tailoring for their sartorial pieces. Tuxedo jackets reworked to become vests, cropped shorter or paired with drop crotch matching pants over boots, send off a totally different rock chic sensibility. Balmain boys no longer need to keep to the usual super tight silhouettes. Think a cross between Rick Owens and Dior Homme.

In keeping with Balmain's unending pursuit of ultimate luxury, Olivier Rousteing presents a beautiful crocodile leather tuxedo jacket that leaves the common man only to admire from a far distance. The presumably exorbitantly priced tuxedo leather jacket may only find Kanye West as its owner since he may be the only fan who can afford this. All in all, this collection casts away some of that 'uncouth' Balmain look (highly frayed and destroyed pieces which we both love and hate) and reinvigorates with a more polished and sophisticated aesthetics.

As for my favourite pieces... I think I am going to snap up more of their TDF biker jeans, this time in lemon sorbet yellow or salmon pink. The jeans get more skinny this time too, which I find very welcoming:-)

Below: I love those pastel coloured Skinny Biker jeans! My favourite look for the collection:-)

Innovation this collection may not be, but highly wearable and $ coercing it will be.

(Full set of pics for Balmain Homme Spring Summer 2012 collection is on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my page if you enjoy reading this post.)

Source: Style

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #179

Below: Clutch bags seems to be carried by many guys at Milan Fashion Week, SS2012... Have you got yours yet?:-p

Below: My 2 favourite clutch bags! Lanvin and Bottega Veneta...

Below: or make it 4... Trussardi 1911 and Prada... I love man clutches!

Milan Mens Fashion Week Spring Summer 2012: A Clutch Story

Here's another compilation of all the lovely clutch bags that the boys in Milan are carrying right now! Which one is your favourite? From Lanvin's Python Skin version, to Bottega Veneta's classic Intrecciato Weave Design to Prada's eye popping coloured pieces... Guys and clutches do go well together. Some are just laptop or tote bags (Fold up your Céline Cabas and you go a clutch! See my facebook fanpage) given a new creative way of use. The possibilities are endless, but the style is immense:-) I love clutches on guys!

And lastly... I want these silver Prada Espadrilles Brogues!
More pics on my facebook fan page. 'LIKE' my fan page if you enjoy reading this post.

Source: Stockholm Streetstyle

The Runway Sniper #76

Below: Ethnic inspirations meet English eccentricities? Love the new Burberry Prorsum
Spring Summer 2012 menswear collection...

Below: These appliqué shirts and tees look reminds me of Miu Miu mens Spring Summer 2005...

Burberry Prorsum Spring Summer 2012 Menswear

Throw in a mix of English eccentricities, craftsmanship and ethnic inspirations... and there you go... Burberry Prorsum's Spring Summer 2012 menswear. Upbeat, wearable, intricately crafted but with enough quirk (check out those dorky knitted caps!) to warrant our consumer dollars. Chrisopher Bailey has done another outstanding job balancing practicality and runway appeal.

“This collection started with our iconic heritage as the foundation, we really wanted to emphasise this feeling of handcrafted pieces, celebrating craftsmanship but always with this playful element. We have taken our icons and played with texture to personalise and give them a real character and charm using colour to highlight the intricate detail that goes into crafting them.’’
Christopher Bailey, Burberry Chief Creative Officer

Focus is on outerwear once again. But this time, they are more summer-friendly, with plenty of parka jackets that will not seem like an overkill in summer heat. Silhouettes are given a wide over narrow proportions, with the skinniest of pants often matched with oversized jackets. While the delectable brightly hued pieces definitely garnered a lot of applause, I feel it is the footwear who stole the limelight for this collection.

Those new S2012 footwear is love at first sight! I love them so much that I am going to start a 'shoe fund' for next Spring Summer 2012 dedicated to Burberry Prorsum shoes (I know they will probably cost an arm and leg, so it is good to start saving early). Those thick soles in cock material and navajo fabrics/woven leather mixes are eccentric and fun, making them a must have for any shoe fan. One minor complaint though... the 'wedge sole' look seems inspired from Prada's infamous SS2011 Espadrilles Brogues. And for that matter, the entire ready-to-wear collection reeks of a Miuccia flavour (Think past Prada and Miu Miu collections... Especially Spring Summer 2005). Brand them Prada and they would still feel most at home. Mutual designer inspirations? I guess... which is not necessary a bad thing. What do you guys think?

More pics of Burberry Prorsum's SS2012 Mens RTW collection and Accessories on my facebook fanpage. Be the first to get those outerwear and bags now as they are available for order online till 27 June. 'LIKE' my facebook fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.

Source: Vogue UK, Burberry

Watch Burberry Prorsum SS2012 Menswear Show Live Stream Here!

Watch The Live Stream Of Burberry Prorsum's Spring Summer 2012 Mens Show Here On My Blog

Happening exactly at 5pm, Milan Time (or 11pm, Singapore time), Burberry Prorsum will debut their SS2012 menswear collection to the fashion world! So fans of Christopher Bailey's work, stay tuned for the live stream of the runway show on my blog later this evening.

Immediately after the show, viewers all over the world will be able to buy outerwear and bags from the collection at burberry.com. Nothing beats the feeling of being the first to wear and use those pieces!:-)


Click-to-Call/Click to Chat functionality on on burberry.com enables instant customer service, offering the ultimate luxury, personalised Burberry experience. Orders can be placed until 27 June for delivery within 8 weeks, revolutionising luxury industry lead times.

Are you excited? I am already!

Source: Burberry

My MANy Bags News #328

Below: Sexy new Spring Summer 2012 Ad Campaign imagery for Mercedes Benz Concept A-Class is here! 1 year in advance... Terry Richardson photographs Jessica Stam who is styled by Giles Deacon in Emanuel Ungaro... (Click on image to enlarge for better view)

Below: Check out the video and behind the scenes for this new Ad Campaign!

Terry Richardson shot Jessica Stam (Styled by Giles Deacon) For Mercedes Benz A-Class SS2012 Ad Campaign

Mercedes Benz has long been a supporter and collaborator for fashion. Not only are they the partner for numerous Fashion Weeks worldwide (New York and Berlin to name a few) , but now, they have even engaged Fashion world's top photographer, model and designer to create their Spring Summer 2012 ad campaign.

The Concept A-CLASS show car embodies the vision of the next generation of Mercedes-Benz. To celebrate, photographer Terry Richardson has turned the spotlight on the Concept A-CLASS, creating a picture of seduction that is truly breathtaking. Top model Jessica Stam poses on the roof, lending a further dimension to the tremendous dynamism of the Concept A-CLASS. The stunning black dress with lace sleeves, a daring cut-out on the neckline and details made from feathers is a creation by Giles Deacon for Emanuel Ungaro.

Anders Sundt Jensen, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars says of the campaign:
“We came up with the theme of ‘accelerate the pulse’ for Mercedes-Benz’s Spring/Summer 2012 fashion commitment; Terry Richardson has created a truly successful reflection of this with his motif. It symbolises passion and extrovertness and portrays the Mercedes-Benz Concept A-CLASS as the first vision of a young and progressive generation. For the implementation of the key visual, we deliberately chose protagonists that have a similar strength of character and individualism as the Mercedes-Benz Concept A-CLASS. Photographer Terry Richardson, model Jessica Stam and designer Giles Deacon are successful modern artists from whom we’ll be hearing much more in the future too.”

I feel the release of this ad campaign to be somewhat early (1 year in advance?!!)... Fall Winter 2011 has yet to arrive and Spring Summer 2012 is still far in sight. But nonetheless, it's always a visual treat to see new creative work inspired by Fashion. Sorry Jessica, I am absolutely digging the car more than you. This new Mercedes Concept A-Class is one ultra sexy piece of engineering! Car enthusiasts... start drooling!

Source: Mercedes Benz