My Bag Collection #63

Below: Another new bag for Spring Summer 2011... Mihara Yasuhiro's 'Grunge' Birkin makes it to
my bag collection. Love it!

Below: Details that resembles the read deal (Hermès Birkins)... but with a unique feature in the form of hand cut extension flaps on the front and back. An unfinished appeal that gave this Mihara Yasuhiro bag it's personality:-)

Below: I debut the bag today... amidst stares along Orchard Road:-P Fun experience. Love the size of the bag too.

Mihara Yasuhiro 'Grunge' Birkin In Brown

Japanese designer, Mihara Yasuhiro's twisted take on the legendary Hermés Birkin is one of the most controversial (if not most interesting and fun) bag to be had this Spring Summer 2011. Behold, Mihara Yasuhiro's 'Grunge' Birkin, a deliberate 'wicked sense of humour' directed at an iconic bag:-) I first blogged about this 'Grunge Birkin' here and had mixed reactions from bag fans all over. The 'Grunge' birkin name (which I innocently gave the bag when I wrote my post) somehow got stuck as the bag's unofficial title as word gets spread around the internet. (something I must admit I am in a way proud of:-P).

Some bag lovers hated the guts of Mihara Yasuhiro while others understood his humour and sarcasm... but I just love the bag for the fun of it. Of course, knowing it's from Mihara Yasuhiro (he is often applauded for his innovative mens collections) gave me even more reason to want the bag. Hence, the 'Grunge' Birkin became a must-have in my SS2011 shopping list.

Unfortunately, Singapore's Club 21 store did not stock the colour I want, so I had to turn to my original source, Club 21 Thailand for the acquisition of the bag. Navy was my first choice of colour, but this Thailand exclusive hue sold out at the time I had wanted to buy the bag. I had no choice but to settle for another colour which turn out to be a blessing in disguise. I chose a reddish brown tone which is absolutely gorgeous and I am loving it more day after day. The textured leather used is also more polished and structured than it's distressed leather counterparts, hence holding the shape better. To sweeten the appeal, the bag gets complimenting gold tone hardware which adds a welcoming touch of luxury.
Mihara Yasuhiro's 'Grunge' Birkin is crafted with longer handles (can shoulder sling easily), comes in a handy size (about 38cm width) but most interestingly, features a unique hand cut extension (no two bags are alike) on the front and back of the bag. It is these odd extensions that gave that 'unfinished' appeal which forms the bag's personality. Love it!

I debut the bag to a flurry of staring eyes, walking down Orchard Road today... all in the name of good fun and humour:-) This bag is fast becoming my top favourite bag... a fun and unique addition to my bag collection. Well done Mihara Yasuhiro!

(More pics on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.)

(PS. the Mihara Yasuhiro 'Grunge' birkin also comes in a mens size (about 42cm width) that is exclusive to Club 21 Mens Singapore. Do check it out!)

Source: myMANybags

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #192

Below: Mihara Yasuhiro's Spring Summer 2011 Womens collection offers controversial take on iconic bags... such as the 'Grunge Birkin' (I named it that!) which I adore till death! Need! (Price is SGD1490)

Below: Even Céline's Classic Box Shoulder Bag is not spared! How's that for bag sarcasm??!?

Below: Love this duffel shaped handbag given a military spin with those canvas 'backpack' straps... Those sculpted heels and leggings are super cool too!

Mihara Yasuhiro Spring Summer 2011 Womenswear

Further to my post on the 'Grunge Birkin' from Mihara Yasuhiro's Spring Summer 2011 Womens Collection... here's official pics from the brand's lookbook. Gorgeous and witty take , not to mention bold (imagine all the backlash from H Fans!) take on one of the world's most iconic and distinguished bag. If you noticed, not only the Birkin was 'remodelled' but even Céline's highly popular Classic Box Bag is also being reinterpreted!

How's that for bag 'politics'?!?!

Fun and witty I must say. Take it at a humour perspective and I really love it. Beyond the 'controversial' bags, the ready to wear pieces from Mihara Yasuhiro's womens collection are also very interesting. A bit of dishevelled glamour added with a military, equestrian feel. Check out those stockings and the amazing sculpted heels. Mihara Yasuhiro is always high on originality and creativity, sometimes unexpected such as his sarcasm at iconic bags.

Inspiration for the collection:
The Miharayasuhiro SS11 collection takes its inspiration from the artist Georgia O’Keefe and her early work ‘Black Iris III’. The collection is both representational and abstract as it explores the relationship between Eastern and Western culture and the paradox of the wearer’s strength and fragility.

The collection comprises three broad styles. Tailoring, military, and work wear.

Masculine tailoring, trench coats and structured jackets are transformed with floral printing. Reminiscent of O’Keefe’s style, the flowers not only fill the garments with shape but also remind us that this is lived in and not simply an object.

In contrast to the structured tailoring, the military garments strike feminine silhouettes. Layers of silk drape sensitively to create safari jackets and dresses reminiscent of the Japanese kimono. Floral camouflage created with Mihara’s technique of woven photographic print delivers traditional dress for a new era.

Washed denim shirts evoke O’Keefe’s personal style, a style which is reinvented through drop-neck shirts, washed denim jeans and frayed jersey garments. All of which give the sense of time over which these garments have been worn.

The rugged and artistic energy in this collection is finally channeled into a collection of minimal chic shoes and traditional footwear takes on a new image. Tasseled loafers become pumps and wooden soles float on clear acrylic heels.

This collection tells the story of a woman’s strength established through time. Encouraged in abstract thinking, educated in expression and inherently feminine.

Mihara Yasuhiro is available at Club 21, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore (Women's store)

Source: Mihara Yasuhiro via Club 21 Global

The Material Boy #431

Below: Spotted: 'Grunge' Birkin anyone?!?!

Below: Thanks to Club 21 Thailand... I got more pics of this fun but 'controversial' bag:-P Comes in quite a number of colours from browns to blues to reds...

Below: Interior of the bag with a metal plaque clearly marking Mihara Yasuhiro's name... wonder what Hermès will think:-P

Mihara Yasuhiro 'Grunge' Birkin?

Spotted on the shop windows of Club 21 Bangkok... I was first contemplating who did this version of a birkin... was it a cheap knock-off or some collaboration? But I must admit, feeling the 'Hermès snob' in me (although I do not own a birkin, I do not want anyone blaspheming this sacred icon in the bag universe). So I went into the store 'hell bent' on finding out who committed this atrocity!


But to my surprise, the designer is none other than Mihara Yasuhiro... one of the most creative and original designers in the world. So coming from him, I get his wicked sense of humour. It is mocking at the most iconic bag in the world and I love it! Imagine what will real Birkin owners react standing side by side this 'sarcastic' version by the japanese designer:-P How cool and fun!

This Mihara Yasuhiro version (Retailing in Bangkok for THB 38,500 or in Singapore for SGD1490) has lots of attitude...with a piece of raw edge leather extending from the front and hanging from the base. Wicked! Even the price is a mockery of the original, at almost 10 times lesser:-P How fun.

I hope Singapore's Club 21 store carries this bag too. I can't wait to try it! I want one too.

(Updates: Club 21 Singapore at Four Seasons Hotel will stock the bag at just SGD$1490.
Available in black and brown:-)

Go to Club 21 Thailand's Facebook page to view more pics:-)

Below: Oh, the bag looked fab when shoulder carried! Loved it:-)

Source: myMANybags, Club 21 Thailand, Club 21 Global

Inspiration Thursday!

Tokyo Incoming: Wardrobe Planning...

If money is no problem, and items readily available... What would I wear on my upcoming 'virgin' trip to Tokyo? Land of the rising sun is mecca to radical fashion fanatics. Should I go all the way? Probably not. I cannot pull off or have the guts to mix and match in the most odd of manners like the Jap guys.

But I would be happy to try what I have sketched today:-P Ah... Some Balmain military cool. A lightweight Céline Cabas, some easy walking 'cut-out' shoes from Jil Sander, slouchy ribbed T-shirt with amazing braided detail from Mihara Yasuhiro. And a nice pair of Khaki pants to round off the look. (Okay maybe this outfit is not winter proof... but imagination knows no weather patterns. :-P should make me stand out while not shouting out?!?!:-P)

Oh lastly, I want to keep my hair longer with asymmetric fringe, Manga style, here I come! Need to blend in with my destination:-P

(See my other sketch here:-P)

Source: Céline, Mihara Yasuhiro, Balmain, Jil Sander

My MANy Bags Lookbook #22

What's Up, Brad?

I am starting to watch 'Rachel Zoe Project: Season 3' and I simply adore Brad Goreski every time I see him appear on screen. Congrats to Brad scoring the style director position with the departure of Taylor. I think Brad has impeccable style and taste. He will do a good job. I also love to see what he wears on the show which makes for great inspirations. It is really Brad who got me hooked on Rachel Zoe Project more than anything else.

So for this new lookbook post, I dedicate the style to Brad Goreski, interpreted thru the eyes of Me:-P Geeky look with a touch of flamboyance. Matching Neil Barrett's contrasting collar shirt and matching bowtie with Mihara Yasuhiro's grey contrasting rolled up hem trousers for a preppy feel. Tom Ford's Sunglasses adds to the refined gentlemen look while Panerai's 18kt Radiomir 42m Rose Gold Casing Watch says it all for luxury. For touches of flamboyance, this Brad Goreski inspired guy carries a Limited Edition Trussardi 1911 Animalier Overnight Bag, playing up the wild side in him. Balmain Homme's Silver Metal Loops Leather Belt gives a much needed rebel bling, while Nicholas Kirkwood's Lace Print Sculpted Heel Brogues lets him express his sensitive side:-)

I love Brad! Geek chic never looked this good until he came along!

Source: Trussardi 1911, Neil Barrett, Tom Ford, Nicholas Kirkwood, Balmain, Mihara Yasuhiro, Panerai