My MANy Bags Trendspotting #183

Below: Hermés Twilly as a bracelet... the most affordable Hermès accessory you can own!

Hermés Twilly As A Bracelet

Have you ever loved the appeal of an Hermés bracelet(the likes of Collier De Chien, Kelly Double Tour and The Rivale) but found the pricing way out of reach? Well, with a little bit of imagination and creativity, you can enjoy some of that Hermés charm on your wrist and yet do not have to cost you an arm or leg.

Hermés Twilly to the rescue. Twilly is one of the most versatile and multi-functional accessory in the Hermés arsenal. Typically used to decorate or protect the leather handles of those precious birkins, however its usage extend way beyond. This little fine piece of silk can be worn as a scarf, folded as pocket square or even double up as a bracelet. It's the most affordable entry level Hermés that anyone could own. Just check out the pic above. This lady has successfully decorated her wrist and added that Hermés sophistication with a little twilly magic. Love the pink and Kelly strap pattern on her Trés Kelly Twilly. With so many Twilly designs to choose from, you can literally wear a different Hermés bracelet everyday!

I love the idea of Twilly as a bracelet. Simple but yet elegant and sophisticated. Even boys can adopt the look if you choose more sombre and neutral colours. I usually prefer smaller patterns as they wrap around better on smaller surfaces such as the wrist. Do not be afraid to play with bold colours too. You'd be surprise how bright hues can create a different look altogether. The possibilities are simply limitless. To add icing to the cake, opt for some Twilly Bijoux such as the medor metal square studs for some bling bling hardware to give CDCs a run for their money:-)

What are you waiting for, at SGD230... the Hermés dream is not that far fetch after all.

Source: Sartorialist, Hermés

My MANy Bags News #325

Below: 'Hermés x VANS' sneakers anyone?

'Hermés x Vans Sneakers' Anyone?

Will you ever believe me if I told you the world's most luxurious designer brand, Hermés has collaborated with high street shoe label, VANS? Can you imagine this marriage of 'high-low' even in this modern (and democratic) day of fashion?

Well dream on if your answer is yes. Hermés will probably frown upon the first mention of such an idea. But with a bit of creativity and ingenuity... this union of 'luxury with high street' can truly happen!

Below: So the question begs... do Hermés fans approve of this 'union' of high street and ultra luxurious?

Celebrity stylist Robert Verdi is such a 'matchmaker'. Since he cannot get his favourite luxury brand to collaborate with his favourite high street shoe brand... he took things into his own hands. He asked VANS to make customised sneakers for him out of his vintage Hermés scarves! Brilliant! And surprise surprise... I must admit, I really love the end result:-) Those gorgeous printed Hermés scarves with their whimsical designs brings a high sense of style when translated onto those familiar high street shoes. They are one of a kind. They definitely have lots of personality. Most importantly, they are the result of some good creative thinking! Have you ever thought of making shoes out of Hermés scarves? Inspiring... now I want my customised Hermés x Vans shoes too. What about you?

Below: For me... I love it! It's one of a kind and it takes some creativity to make this union happen! Love the beautiful prints of the scarves on the shoes:-P

Source: Creative Boys Club

My Shopping Conquest #123

Below: My Hermés 'goes lucky' shopping conquest... Love my new Hermés SS2011 'Lucky Stripe' Cotton Losange Scarf with lots of horse shoe to bless me good luck:-P

Below: I first saw this on Mens Uomo Japan Magazine... in white and tabac. It's love at first sight. But I got mine in Thalassa blue which is as gorgeous, if not more versatile:-P

Below: The white version as featured in Hermés Spring Summer 2011 Mens Runway...

My New 'Lucky Charm': Hermés Spring Summer 2011 'Lucky Stripe' Cotton Losange Scarf in Thalassa/Tabac/Ficelle

Hermés uniquely shaped losange scarf has always been on my wishlist. I have never found one that is light-weight enough to suit Singapore's hot humid climate. The luxurious cashmere and silk versions are nice (not to mention expensive... at SGD$1550!) but they can get you feeling like a 'sauna' if you attempt it in daytime Singapore. However, if you get yourself a pure cotton version, it's a different story.

For Spring Summer 2011, Hermès sends down the runway with one of my most 'favourite to date' Losange Scarf design. Check out this Hermés 'Lucky Stripe' Cotton Losange Scarf from the mens collection. As the name suggests, it featured prints of little horse shoes done in quirky Hermés style. Horse shoe has long been a symbol for good luck. If one does magic to enhance your luck... imagine what hundreds of them will bring to the wearer of this scarf...:-) Call me supertitious. (There are simply many imprinted on scarf... so this is one mega lucky charm!:-P)
So when I spotted this scarf at the Liat Towers Hermès store in Singapore, I had to own it. I am deeming this new Hermés Losange scarf my lucky charm. Let's see if my luck will change and the forces beyond sends me more $, love and health:-P

My scarf is in the colour ways of Thalassa/Tabac/Ficelle. A turquoise based blue with golden brown prints. There is a white version featured on the Mens SS2011 runway. Perfect for summer days, the breathable cotton fabric is not suffocating nor too warm for tropical weather. The look is also more contemporary due to the flowing nature of cotton, does not drape and appear too 'heavy'. Good for casual or semi formal looks, imagine millionaire playboys on the loose in Cannes or St. Tropez. (The runway styling from the SS2011 mens runway gives me that impression:-P)

Best part of the purchase... this cotton version has an attractive pricing of SGD450 (as compared to SGD1550 for a cashmere piece). Hence, no one should resist its beckoning:-)

Source: Style, myMANybags

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #171

Below: Inspirations from downunder this Tuesday! Céline, Lanvin, Hermés and Jil Sander...

Tuesday Inspiration: Sydney Fashion Week

Sydney may not be the trio of fashion cities (Milan, Paris and New York) everyone look towards to for trendsetting styles... but it seems the fashionistas from down under has not been living in a rabbit's hole afterall. Fashion is as inspiring in beautiful Sydney as does the streets of Paris or Milan. These are collages of what tickles my 'fancies' today. Anyone for Tuesday inspirations?

Below: Love those Lanvin SS2011 Sandals!

1) Céline bi-colour leather cabas. This Spring Summer 201o version is from Phoebe Philo's debut collection for Céline. The strong orange colour gives a good contrast and visual impact against the khaki colour. LOVE! Why didn't I grab this version when it was for sale then? I also love the way the cabas is being carried sides folded in, giving a tapered shape to the whole silhouette.

2) Hermés Collier De Chien in Chocolate and Gold Hardware. I have found and conquered the silver Palladium Hardware CDCs... now I am on the hunt for any of the gold versions. Especially the delicious colour combination of Chocolate and Gold. Or even better, Alligator skin. My dream CDC!

3) Lanvin SS2011 Mens Sandals. This gentlemen in Sydney pulled off the sandals with such panache. Paired with light weight knit, tussled hair... he adds an air of refined sporty attitudes with that gorgeous pair of Lanvin Sandals. I love and need the shoes now:-)

4) Jil Sander Floral Print Silk Twill Market Bag. This is one of the most interesting bags to hit the stores this SS2011. Jil Sander's luxurious take on the mundane shopping carrier bags are a hit among fashionistas. I love this floral print version... very summer fun... girly chic to the max. Of course, as a guy, I probably picked the full leather versions in fluorescent pop colour.

Source: Facehunter, Style

The Material Boy #463

Below: Where art thou? My latest Hermès obsession... The Kelly Double Tour So Black! Love the all black hardware... a new level of sophistication and mystique:-)

Hermès Kelly Double Tour So Black

I know I am a late warmer for this elusive Hermès beauty. From the Fall Winter 201o collection of Avengers meets James Bond theme... So black is a limited edition series launched a season ago, which includes a Kelly So Black Bag (see pic below).

Ever since my face to face encounter with an actual Hermès Kelly Double Tour So Black (Approx. SGD730) at Bangkok's international airport, I cannot seem to get it out of my mind. Unfortunately, the only piece I found was too small a size for me, so I had to pass it up. I am now madly in love with the all black hardware (even the dust bags are black!) which adds a new level of mystique and sophistication to this classic piece of Hermès accessory. Of course, the So Black series being highly limited makes it a challenging but satisfying hunt when you finally landed yourself one. I am on the prowl now... going to mobilise all the shopping scouts I can find to get my very own exclusive piece.

Meanwhile I shall keep admiring the beauty of this latest Hermès obsession from the pic above...

Source: Hermés

The Material Boy #453

Below: What do you wish for this Friday? Weekend is shopping time! These colourful Hermès Kelly Double Tour Bracelet is screaming BUY ME:-P

TGIF, It's Time For Hermès!

Check out these colourful Hermès Kelly Double Tour Bracelets! Never expected so many vibrant hues for Kelly bracelets. I am smitten by the ones in Iris (Bluish purple) and Ruby. These bracelets are now a must have, especially appropriate for this Spring Summer 2011's colour blocking effects:-P Even the orange red version in epsom leather is a stunner! LOVE:-)

What do you want this Friday?:-) I know I found my wishlist for this weekend!

Source: Hermès

Retail Price: USD430. Where to buy: www.hermes.com

The Material Boy #447

Below: Want Hermès Collier De Chien (all silver version) style for less? Here's my shopping find for the day! I want!

Kenneth Jay Lane Gunmetal Pyramid Cuff vs. Hermès Sterling Silver Collier De Chien

If you have been lusting over the all silver version of Hermès Collier De Chien... but could not afford to part with over SGD4000 for it... here's the 'recessionista' version.

Spotted this Kenneth Jay Lane Gunmetal Pyramid Cuff which gives a flavour of Hermés' design... looks fab with the huge single square stud. Best of all, the price tag of £80.85 (w/o UK VAT) is simply unbeatable!

Grabs yours here at Net-a-porter! I want...

(More excuses to get this... Free international shipping at Net-a-porter till March 20!)

Source: Net-a-porter, Hermès

The Material Boy #446

Below: Hermès Thales Bracelet has been featured in the latest Fall Winter 2011 collection! Now I am putting this black and silver version on my shopping list:-P

Hermès Thales Bracelet Featured On Hermès Fall Winter 2011 Runway Show

I want the Hermès Thales Bracelet in black and silver... new Hermès creative director, Christopher Lemaire has style one of the looks for his Fall Winter 2011 collection with this favourite accessory of mine!

I have the gold and brown version, but now I want it in silver & black too!

I am in love:-P This will definitely be on my next Hermès shopping list:-)

Source: Style, Hermès

My Shopping Conquest #117

Below: Nothing beats the feeling of something in an orange box for the festive season...

Below: Yes, it's my new Hermès Wide Black And Gold Clic Clac Lacquered H Bracelet...

Below: Exquisite and luxurious... this one accessory to up the glam factor for any occassion...

Below: Gold and black is a formidable combination for luxe appeal!

Below: So which version appeals to you more? Lacquered or just gold 'H'?

Hermès Wide Black And Gold Clic Clac Lacquered H Bracelet

Nothing beats celebrating a happy occassion over anything wrapped with an orange box and tied with an Hermès ribbon:-)

This was suppose to be my birthday present for 2010. Since I got it in Oct, I never document or wore it, hence it is now the perfect X'mas and New Year 2011 gift for myself yet again. I was hunting for the 'regular' wide version (narrow was looking too slim for my preference in this colour combination) with the gold H and black enamel. I miss up on it and regretted ever since. But one fine day while shopping at Hermès DFS Scottswalk, I chanced upon this new Lacquered H version. Definitely a love at first sight. What I learned from shopping at Hermès... when your desired items come your way, grab it while you can. It's more thru fated that you will own the item than it is to hunt for one. Hesitate and someone will pick it up instead of you. So I did what my new 'Hermès shopping lesson #101' told me... I brought it home! The pricing (SGD$1150 instead of $950) may cost SGD$200 more than the gold H version, it's worth every penny with the more subdued colour way.

Of course, you can imagine how happy I am with this new accessory to my growing 'orange family', that's priceless...

Source: myMANybags

My MANy Bags News #290

Below: Rosie Huntington Whiteley and Jason Statham spotted with a Hermès Birkin and Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Nero Duffel respectively...

Below: Rosie Huntington Whiteley, looking fabulous in the recent Victoria Secret's fashion show runway... For someone young and beautiful as her...the Birkin seems to have added years to her look. Agree?

Below: The iconic Hermès Birkin Bag in Blue Jean...

Below: Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Nero Duffel Bag... great travel companion if you want to travel in style:-P

Spotted Hermès Birkin On Rosie Hungington Whiteley And Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Nero Duffel On Jason Statham

I just got to watched Victoria Secret's latest fashion show a couple of hours ago and I was wowed by the beautiful, elaborate lingerie + 'costume' design. Most importantly, by the beautiful girls and the surprising line-up of models for this year's show. I cannot believe Anja Rubik made it as a Victoria Secret's Angel... always thought she was too edgy for a bombshell look. But she pulled it off in a way. Lily Donaldson looked very at ease on the catwalk. Who knew she has such great 'assets' too:-P

But of the girls, Rosie Hunington caught my eye with her super seductive lips:-P That brought to mind a pic that I recently came across of her alongside 'boyfriend(?!?), Jason Statham at London's Heathrow Airport.

She did not seem like the Hermès birkin kind of girl. Rosie's look is playful and young (she's 23)...and Birkin bag was unlikely to be her choice of bag. But she carried one... in Blue Jean (I think) with silver palladium hardware. Do you guys think she look too young for a birkin? Me think so. The bag although being such an icon (here lies the problem) weighs her down...and made her more mature in her years than she should be. She had looked so cute and full of youthful zest in her Victoria Secret's runway, perhaps a more edgy alternative the likes of Givenchy's Pandora bag or even a PS1 bag would befit her age better. My humble opinions:-P... feel free to convince me otherwise.

As for Jason Statham (twice Rosie's age)... he looked composed and well 'heeled' with his gorgeous Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Nero Duffel Bag. I wished he'd took off that cap. It's just the opposite of what Rosie is doing (She gained 'years' with such a classic handbag) but Jason looked as if he is trying to rekindle his teenage years, perhaps to be a better match for his young girlfriend?

Enough said, I still love those bags! They make gorgeous travel companions for sure, looking as good as the cute couple:-)

Source: Just Jared, Bottega Veneta

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #143

Below: 'Sheer' joy of Spring Summer 2011? Men's peekaboo torso and nipples?!?! Many designers are proposing transparency for next season. Neil Barrett's Spring Summer 2011 menswear sees lots of take on this transparency trend... sheer tops anyone? I like this look, blazer to show just a little and not too overwhelming for the eyes...

Below: Leather and sheer seemed to create an interesting opposing aesthetic of tough vs. the feminine... use transparency wisely to not look effeminate and trying too hard... (Neil Barrett SS2011)

Below: If you are shy, layer the translucent top over a solid for a more subtle take... (Neil Barrett SS2011)

Below: Burberry Prorsum proposes biker's take on masculine/feminine transparency trend... netted knit top over biker style pants and tough looking sandals...

Below: Military shirts in sheer fabric for Burberry Prorsum SS2011... again, tough over soft...

Below: Even more classic brands like Bottega Veneta are also not shying away from showing subtle skin... layer a trench over, show enough of pecs to tease... chest hair in minimal amounts please:-)

Below: Not even Hermès are spared from the invasion of transparency in menswear...

Below: Givenchy SS2011 also sees men dressing in sheer shirts, who says women can only do the seductive look:-)

Below: Nipple bearing seems fundamental for Spring Summer 2011 menswear... Lanvin agrees too...:-)

Below: Alexis Mabille SS2011 Menswear... sheer and flamboyant...

'Sheer' Joy For Spring Summer 2011

Remember this guy whom I commented I was against men showing off his nipples no matter what the situation is?


Time to eat my words back... *Glurp*. It may used to be 'socially' unacceptable for men to flaunt skin thru translucent fabrics (guys who do, screamed effeminate and fetish) things are about to change. Our female counterparts have always leverage on 'seduction' thru 'now you see it, now you don't' fabrics... now it is the guy's turn to 'shine' in this arena. (One thing I find strange is that guys wearing sheer tops are feminine, but it is strangely acceptable when guys bare the full torso during summer. That's considered masculine).

For Spring Summer 2011, transparency have been a big trend on the women's runway. But it seems designers all over have decided it is just as good a fashion statement for men as well. So here we are, presented on the runways of almost every major fashion brands, be it avant garde houses like Neil Barrett, Lanvin or Givenchy, or classic houses like Hermès and Bottega Veneta... each had their interpretations of transparency to some extent.

Nipples, pecs and abs 'peeked' in abundance thru sheer fabrics, lightweight knits or netted tops... it's 'male-physique' galore for any adoring eyes:-)

I wonder how widely adopted will this transparency trend be when Spring Summer 2011 hits full steam. I know if I am to wear sheer tops, I'd do it in Neil Barrett's style, militant and tough, over blazers and utilitarian pants to oppose the femininity of this subtle exposé. Or even Burberry Prorsum's biker take, with leather jackets complete with killer strap sandals.

What say you guys? Will you ever be ready to 'peekaboo' some nipples and abs?:-) Is it 'sheer joy' or 'sheer despair' for you?

Source: Vogue UK

Great Minds Think Alike #27

Below: Fendi's lookalike enamel bracelets with F initials... similar idea to Hermès Clic Clac H Bracelets... yay or nay?

Fendi Bi-coloured Enamel Bracelets vs. Hermès Clic Clac H Bracelets

If anyone is willing to pay €399 for an Hermès Clic Clac H Enamel Bracelet, then why would him/her then turn their shopping radar away from Fendi's Bi-coloured versions when it is only €162.92 (less than half the price and twice the colour! Available at www.luisaviaroma.com).

Perhaps this is what the house of Fendi is thinking when they launch this series of bracelets. The great resemblance of their bracelets to Hermès Clic Clac H is very evident. Logo initials, enamel coloured coating, hinge closure...

However, do producing lower priced similar designs truly work that way into a consumer's shopping mindset?

What will Hermès think about these? Is copying truly flattering? Will you buy into these 'cheaper' versions bearing not the 'H' but 'F'?

Food for thought.

Source: Fendi, Hermès

My MANy Bags News #286

Below: A new Hermès Birkin combination for Spring Summer 2011? Like it or nay for you?

Hermès Spring Summer 2011 Birkin

Anyone for the latest Spring Summer 2011 Hermès Birkin in bi-material of calf leather and lizard skin trimmings?

Stunning or letdown? What do you guys think? It's a contemporary colour combination, luxurious and modern...but does it lose the essence of this bag's classic appeal?

Source: Hermès

The Material Boy #420

Below: 'Affordable' options for Hermès bags... Etrivière Canvas and leather shopping tote in green bronze... love the belted handles!

Below: Comes in navy too...

Below: The Cabag bag with interesting hand carry and shoulder sling handles and Clou de Selle hardware...

Below: For the travelling man, the Arion Cabas is a good companion...

Below: as does the Arion Weekend Bag..

Hermès Canvas Bags For Men

Lusting for a birkin? But still waiting for your order? Or not enough funds at the moment to get any Hermès leather bag?

Here's a round up of some of the more 'affordable' options for the well clad guy on his way to his holy grail Hermès bag. Something 'in the middle' to fill in or just be sufficient to 'quench' that Hermès owning ego:-)

On with the list...

1) Etrivière Canvas and leather shopping tote in navy/green bronze canvas with ebony leather handles. Measuring a good size 16" x 17" x 6", with straps adjustable to to 17" for comfortable shoulder carry, this is definitely tops my option for a more affordable yet handsome Hermès arm candy. I love the belted design of the handles, simple yet interesting enough to garner a second look. I think this makes a good travel tote too, light-weight and yet sturdy enough to support our indispensable laptop! I love the green bronze colour! (Price: USD1450)

2) Cabag GM weekender bag (size 42) has now become quite a recognisable Hermès design without having to blatantly embellish the design with huge branding. The unique dual handles, short for hand carry and long for shoulder sling, has become a trustworthy sidekick for birkin owners who want a more casual and lightweight companion on laid back days or even to the beach. I love the Clou de Selle ends on the rotating handles which gives just the right amount of hardware and maintaining it's lightness. The Cabag bag comes in so many colours that I am sure one will be to the liking of any Hermès fans. This also work great as a weekender getaway tote, roomy enough to pack a good wardrobe (measures 16.5" x 15" x 7.9") while easy for everyday carry. (Price: USD1400)

3) Arion Cabas. Okay, this may seemed less affordable than the previous 2 bags mentioned above (at USD3175). But let's face it, an Hermès travel bag this size in leather will easily cost you half your condo down payment, so what's this Arion Cabas' price when you compared with its leather counterparts. I love the cris cross leather strap design, connected with a subtle H buckle on both sides, silently whispering Hermès without screaming out its value. A good roomy tote measuring 19" x 14.3" x 10.3", this bag can defintely pack you a week's worth of clothing while being functional and light-weight for the road!

4) Arion weekend bag. An offshoot of the Arion Cabas, but in a zip duffel bag style. Equally handsome and functional, but always retaining the tasteful subtle aesthetics, signature with the house of Hèrmes. Measures 19.7" x 8.3" x 11.8" and costing USD3300.

So which one has taken your fancy?

Source: Hermès

The Material Boy #419

Hermes Covered Collier De Chien In Red

Has been on my shopping radar for a while now and keeps recurring in my mind... shall I or shall I not?:-P

Source: mymanybags

Vintage: Yasmeen Ghauri in Ad Campaign for Hermès, Spring/Summer 1994

Apparently Hermès has used an East South Asian model before Lakshmi Menon: Yasmeen Ghauri in Spring/Summer 1994 and Lakshmi Menon in Spring/Summer 2000.

Model: Yasmeen Ghauri
Ad Campaign: Hermès, Spring/Summer 1994
Photographer: Unknown

Source: yasmeen-ghauri.com

The Material Boy #417

Below: Hermès Clic Clac H Wide Enamel Bracelets... the NEW lacquered H versions! Love! (SGD1100)

Below: The regular versions which are equally nice but more bling... (SGD$950)

Hermès Clic Clac H Enamel Bracelets: Laquered or no?

I was recently shopping at Hermès and found out the latest version of the coveted Clic Clac H Enamel Bracelets have arrived in Singapore stores! These are the highly sought after Laquered H versions which are new and introduced only this Fall Winter 2010 season. We have all seen the extra wide version in silver palladium and black, but these beauties come in the wide size and features a gold version as well! (The lacquered H somehow makes the bracelet look more suited for guys as the amounts of gold and silver hardware are now toned down.)

So lovely on my wrist and I am in LOVE yet again...

However with these new Laquered H detailing, it also means an increase in pricing. Retailing for SGD1100 (or USD680), there are now only a handful to be found at the local stores. There is a silver and black version at Hermès Takashimaya and a gold and black version (GM size) at Hermès Liat Towers. Hurry if you are interested, these could be gone by the time I post this, so do call to enquire.

(The regular version retail for SGD 950 (or USD560) which some people might prefer the H being the original hardware colour.)

Which is your preference? I'd take both any day!

Source: Hermès