The Material Boy #487

Below: Prada have heard our pleas... the new versions of those highly popular SS2011 Espadrilles Brogues gets taller with a thicker rubber sole! They also feature a more obvious colour stripe under the jute rope trimmings...

Below: But I prefer these without the jute rope... and features a striking contrast white stripe on the thicker soles! Which colour? Tobacco+Blue+Black or Black+Orange? Decisions, decisions...

Prada Fall Winter 2011 Brushed Calf Leather Brogues



It is a blessing in disguise I did not get myself a pair of those highly popular Prada SS2011 Espadrilles Brogues. I have always been complaining why Prada did not make the SS2011 versions with a thicker rubber sole as seen on the runway or as per the womens. Thankfully, I am not alone, many of you felt the same way too (to the extent that some guys got the women's version to enjoy that extra half an inch under your feet).

Below: The Spring Summer versions have a thinner sole...

The shopping gods be with us. Prada heard our thoughts and pleas. For Fall Winter 2011... their new Tri-colour Brushed Calf Leather Brogues feature not only new colours/variations but with the thicker sole which we all have been clamouring!



I guess the only complain now is which pair to get... I love all the versions for Fall Winter 2011 collection! Will you choose those with jute rope trimmings as per SS2011 (but thicker soles... check out the new colour trim revealing under!) or the white stripe versions sans the jute rope? I seem to have a bigger inclination to the latter... what about you?:-)



(The Brogues retails for SGD1360 or €580)



Source: Prada

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #184

Below: I am now obsessed about Prada's Fall Winter 2010 Camouflage Print Briefcase with a shoulder strap. I wonder if I am too late to track one down! Looked fantastic against suiting style, as modelled by David Thielebeule (Accessories Director of Allure) ...

David Thielebeule Spotted With His Prada Fall Winter 2010 Mens Camouflage Print Leather Briefcase



I was never a fan of Prada's Camouflage range of mens leather bags when it launched in Fall Winter 2010.

But today, upon seeing David Thielebeule (Accessories Director of Allure) holding one while dressed in his immaculate suiting style. The Prada Camouflage Print Briefcase (USD1685) gives an interesting hard edge to the sleek black Topman suit he is wearing. Opposing themes create the most interesting looks.

LOVE! I am now inspired and obsessed. Wonder if I am too late to track one down...

Source: Streetpeeper, Prada

My MANy Bags Lookbook #26

Below: I want to make a stripey statement this Fall Winter 2011...

Stripe Statement

I have been thinking about statement trousers for the longest time. Something out of the convention of single coloured or common menswear patterns (such as checks, houndstooth etc). Something with a bit more zest and excitement.

Today, I spotted this pair of bright green 3.1 Phillip Lim Stripe Jacquard Trousers which got me inspired. I decided to build a look around it to see if I can convince myself to adopt the style.

Colour blocking was a dominant trend for SS2011... but bright hues managed to survive and Fall Winter 2011 remains the season for colours. These bright green trousers is timely to befit the ongoing colour trend and perfect as an opposing base for any basics. I decided to balance the 'bohemian' look of the trousers with a refined collegiate style, reminiscent of intellectual undergrads, playfully mixing it up with opposing pieces in their wardrobe.

For the top, I am keeping it smart with a 3.1 Phillip Navy blazer, grey wool knit sweater to rein in the intellectual aspect of college life. A Kitsuné stripe wool scarf also helps to add another level of Harvard flair.

To keep the stripe theme going, I choose Prada's Fall Winter 2011 thick soled brogues which features a striking white stripe across the sides and fun Paul Smith stripe pattern socks. It's truly a 'stripes united' moment!

I always believe no look is ever complete without a bag. So my bag of choice is Kitsuné's large canvas weekend bag that keeps to the college feel, functional and non pretentious. Finally, Lanvin's silk twill flower pin brooch completes the look with a welcoming dandy touch. Now, you are ready to charm the ladies and impress fellow gentlemen:-)

(Check out pics of the individual pieces to form the look on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fan page if you enjoy reading this post)

Source: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Lanvin, Kitsuné, Prada, Paul Smith

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #181

Below: Heed your 'highlands calling' this Fall Winter 2011... Tartans are here to invade your bags, shoes and other accessories!

Below: That Céline Tartan Cabas has my name on it! Love those Prada nylon totes too:-)

Highlands Calling: Tartan Patterns Are Invading Fall Winter 2011!

After browsing thru many lookbooks of Fall Winter 2011's accessories, one key pattern that dominated is tartan. Tartan is particularly associated with Scotland, having clandestine origins where specific designs and colours are adopted by families and clans as a form of identification.

For Fall Winter 2011, designers have heeded their Highlands calling... sending an array of accessories from bags, shoes and small leather goods decorated with tartan patterns. Christian Louboutin added a touch of aristocratic clandestine charm to his infamous Rollerball Spikes and the new Roller Girl flats. Céline used a blue and green version on their highly popular luggage totes and leather cabas. Prada went all tartan crazy and splatter the pattern all over nylon totes, leather wallets and card cases.

Get ready your scotch whiskey and men in kilts... Tartans have arrived!

(Check out more pics on my Facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.)

Source: Prada, Céline, Vivienne Westwood, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Louboutin

The Material Boy #480

Below: I love these new Prada Fall Winter 2011 plaid patterned nylon totes!Below: Comes in red (Black Stewart) or a more subdued blue (Black water)... and retails for SGD590. Hurry down to Prada's Ion Orchard boutique in Singapore if you are keen!

Prada Fall Winter 2011 Mens Plaid Pattern Nylon Totes

Remember my excitement about my purchase of Prada's very light-weight and handy nylon tote from SS2011? Now I can get double the excitement with these gorgeous bags making a return for Fall Winter 2011 in new plaid patterns! Love the red hued black stewart or the stunning sky blue macrae colours! Designs are very much the same as SS2011, except the leather handles have been changed to Prada's signature Saffiano leather and at a higher price tag of SGD590 (instead of SS2011's SGD470). Plaids are synonymous with preppy chic and abundantly seen on the Fall Winter 2011 runways. So grab yours... I know they are going to sell out fast:-)

The black stewart and black water colours are now available at Prada Ion Orchard. Hurry!

Below: I also tried on Prada's Fall Winter 2011 Metallic Lurex Polo Shirt, which I love. (But they costs as much as those highly coveted Prada Espadrilles Wingtips...yikes!)

(On a side note, I tried out the Prada Fall Winter 2011 runway metallic lurex polo tee... and I have to report, they are gorgeous. Very nerdy and preppy glamourous... interesting statement piece that has already seen Bryanboy and Pelayo Diaz each adorning the shimmery styles... However, be prepared to part with SGD1360 for the short sleeve version and SGD1490 for the long sleeve style. Comes in metallic blue on blue or brown with blue collar. What do you think? Worthy of investment?)

Source: Prada, 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

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #173

Below: Jude Law wears the hottest shoe of SS2011! Prada Wingtips Espadrilles, I want!

Below: The different colours of these highly coveted shoes... LOVE!

Jude Law Wears The Hottest Shoe For Spring Summer 2011: Prada Wingtips Espadrilles

Handsome Jude Law wears the hottest shoe of the season... a design that sold out in many stores worldwide and still on the wishlist of many fans. Yes, Prada Wingtips Espadrilles fever has hit Mr Jude Law as well!

But did Jude Law do those amazing shoes justice? I am afraid more could be done with his outfit to compliment the design of those amazing shoes. He may looked comfortable and nice with his jacket, jeans and t-shirt look. Come on, wear something a bit unique, like a smart blazer and shirt look to bring those expensive shoes to the spotlight:-) Having said that, I still love Jude Law and those Prada shoes!

Check out my facebook fan page for more pics. 'LIKE' my fan page if you enjoy reading this post.

Source: Upscalehype, Prada

My Bag Collection #61

Below: I found my perfect travel 'Day Bag'! Thumbs up for the light-weight and versatile Prada Tessuto Stampato Nylon Shopping Tote!

Below: Gorgeous arabic geometric print on thick nylon material with blue nylon lining and a generous internal zip pocket. Can hold quite a good amount of weight for sure:-) Wrinkle resistant and light!

Below: Me with my new Prada Tote... and the brown version is featured in the latest issue of UOMO Japan magazine! Casual or smart, it goes all ways:-P (I am wearing a SHIPS (Japanese brand) gingham checks cotton jersey panel effect shirt with Neil Barrett and Miu Miu Badges, Topman Skinny Carrot Pants, Raf Simons Dip Dye Trainers, Hermés Rivale Double Tour Bracelet.)

The Perfect 'Travel' Day Bag: Prada Tessuto Stampato Nylon Shopping Tote

Making short trips over weekend is one of the best joys to motivate you to get thru gruelling work weeks. Yes, we live for the weekends. So if you are gonna be travelling short getaways, always make sure, you travel in style and most importantly, travel light. There's no point in getting relaxed if you constantly got weighed down by all the heavy luggage you have.

A good light-weight luggage will reduce a significant amount of the burden. More people pay attention to that now. But what we usually conveniently ignore most times... is the Day Bag which will probably see more light than your designer trolley case or duffel bag. That is why finding a light but aesthetically appealing 'day' bag becomes a top priority. A bag that is no frills, fits all styles, wrinkle resistant, compact, light-weight, dirt resistant, durable and fabulous no matter where are paramount requisites for my search.

A tall order? Not if you have this Spring Summer 2011 offering from Prada! I found all these qualities in this Prada Tessuto Stampato Nylon Shopping Tote:-) I love the arabic themed geometric prints, the handy but roomy size, the durable lightweight nylon (the nylon is dual layer inclusive of the lining, so it can take quite a good amount of weight!) and versatile blue colour may make this my perfect travel 'Day Bag'. It can be worn casual or formal (have seen a guy wearing a smart suit with the bag and looking immaculately refined) This bag came just in time to save the day as my very old canvas Prada tote in Brown is due for retirement soon.

Costing only THB11500 (approx. SGD$470 after VAT refund) in Bangkok... this is affordable luxury (Check out the swanky Prada metal emblem on the bottom corner!) with many mileage potential to make the investment even more worthwhile.

Below: Comes in other colours and patterns too!
(See my previous posts on these gorgeous Prada bags here)

I took the bag out for a spin quite a couple of trips already. Very handy. I know Mr Edward approves, he loves 'hanging' by his new bag too:-P

Source: Saks, myMANybags

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #170

More sequin bags to invade your wardrobe... Prada's Spring Summer 2011 Paillettes Collection offers some highly bling bags for adoption... Any brave fashionista taking the plunge yet?

Sequin Mania Part 2: Prada Spring Summer 2011 Paillettes Collection

Further to my post on sequin invasion from Dolce & Gabbana's Fall Winter 2011 collection (Both men and women + Bryanboy giving his approval)... here's Prada's take on sequin mania. Introducing the Pailettes Collection reminiscent of the abundant stripe patterns used in the Prada SS2011 womens collection. Comes in totes and clutches with the brightest and very fun metallic hues. Best news... these highly bling bags can be bought right away as they hail from the Spring Summer 2011 season. 'Early bird' gets the customers, huh?:-) Anyone for sequins already?

Is the sequin trend something to die for or they belong to the fashion graves as fashion faux pas?

Source: Prada

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #168

Below: Proenza Schouler Extra Large PS1 Bag looking perfect for their male fans!

Below: Proenza Schouler Large PS1 Bag with tribal print, truly unique:-)

Below: The first time I have seen this Proenza Schouler tote bag being featured... looking nice with the prints and colours...

Below: Balenciaga Lune Bag with it's Céline vibe...(although it debuted before the luggage tote)

Below: This is my favourite... 3.1 Phillip Lim's KC Leather Satchel... waiting for Fall Winter 2011's larger version with chain zippers!

Below: Prada's Executive Tote getting more attention by bag fans these days...

Below: Always the hot favourite, Céline's luggage tote...

Below: Now for the classics... Fendi's Peekaboo Bag...

Below: Hermés Birkin... love the bright green colour (anyone know what colour is that?)

Street Peeping: Bags On The Streets

Yet another edition of a summary of bags springing up around the world's most fashionable cities. For this edition, I pleased to find new designs besides the usual classics of Céline Luggage Tote, PS1 Bags and Balenciaga Arena Bags.

New comers such as 3.1 Phillip Lim's KC Leather Satchel are on my 'to-watched' list. A new larger version is due for Fall Winter 2011... and I am already putting it onto my 'must-buy' list. Prada's Saffiano Leather Executive Totes, deemed the 'Prada-kin (Prada's lesser next of kin to the Birkin)' is also spotted on the arms of fashion fans more and more. I have seen many women toting this style even in Singapore. Balenciaga's Lune Bag is a new surprise for me, as I am so used to the Arena Studs Motorcycle family of bags, that this understated gem is often left to the back of your mind. The Lune Bag is gorgeous in propotion and has a certain Céline luggage tote flair (but debuted way earlier than the luggage tote). And finally, a pic of a guy with a Proenza Schouler PS1 Bag in extra large format. Now I am very tempted to get a PS1!

What's your pick? Which bags have you been carrying or spotting on your part of the world?

Source: Street Peeper, Stockholm Streetstyle

The Material Boy #460

Below: Found these Prada S2011 Espadrilles in my size! So should I or should I not?

Prada Spring Summer 2011 Espadrilles Brogues: Should I or Should I not?

I finally spotted these in my size... (the mens version in tobacco brown colour!). But the question is, after seeing the thicker soles with a orange colour band on the sole of the women's version, do I still get the mens? That strip of orange colour makes the shoe pop even more... the thicker sole is also much more funky. However, sizing is an issue when getting the women's version... since it is cut narrow and the possibility of fitting into or getting one in my size is still questionable. So do I go for the men's version, readily available to me now (compromised on the much preferred Women's version) or try my luck for the version I truly love?

There's also a final worry that these shoes might become irrelevant after SS2011... too many people own and worn them. Not a good thing since these are pricey shoes!

Dilemma, dilemma... decisions, decisions:-)

(PS, both men and women's version are of the same price)

Source: Prada

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #213

Below: Prada is going 'Plaid' crazy this coming Fall Winter 2011... Plaids, tartans or checks are appearing on all manners of bags and small accessories...

Below: Who will purchase these oversized luggage bags from the Fall Winter 2011 runway?

Below: Prada is tapping on their Spring Summer 2011 Espadrilles Brogues' success again for Fall Winter 2011... these thick sole shoes are making a comeback next season, sans the jute rope trimmings... Will you still buy these without the espadrilles design detail?

Prada Fall Winter 2011 Mens Accessories

Prada Spring Summer 2011 Accessories collection for both men and women was all about colours and stripes. For Fall Winter 2011, the attention is turned to the world of 'PLAIDS' (or tartans or checks as you deem fit:-P). We see these classic patterns printed on messenger bags, backpacks, duffels and totes to small accessories:-) The plaid patterns even managed to appear on Prada's signature saffiano leather for small accessories such as wallets and card cases. Are the boys ready for plaids? Céline Fall 2011 collection uses tartans as a pattern as well... so is this a trend for Fall Winter 2011 accessories?

Besides plaid patterns, there are also simple luggage bags (as seen on the runway) in fresh new fall colours of pale blue and burgundy browns. I wonder how will these oversize bags translate to actual market demand. So much for travelling light and convenient, they seemed really cumbersome and I presume heavy...

Now on to the shoes:-) which is always Prada's biggest strength. The success of Prada's Spring Summer 2011 Espadrilles Brogues sees this popular design make a comeback for Fall Winter 2011. But this time, the summer element of using jute rope trimmings (espadrilles style) has been removed and exposing the stripe detail sides on the soles. Colours are also adopting a more sombre tone, in deep burgundy and timeless black. Will you buy these fall winter versions? Sadly to say, I still like those from Spring Summer 2011, they are more fun and funky.

As for the other shoe designs, they are just mediocre. Suede ankle boots, moulded sole trainers, chunky sole loafers... nothing outstanding enough to beat the popularity of those infamous Espadrille Brogues.

Have Prada's new Fall Winter 2011 Accessories collection entice you enough to take your picks already (6 months ahead)? Or none for the taking? One thing's for sure, Prada Fall Winter 2011 Mens Accessories collection is definitely not going to enjoy the success of Spring Summer 2011 season... at least in my opinion. But I may be wrong.

Check out my facebook fanpage for more pics of the collection. 'LIKE' my fan page if you enjoy reading this post:-)

Source: Prada

My MANy Bags Lookbook #25

My Marine Style: Spring Summer 2011

I have blogged about the nautical influences in Spring Summer 2011 collections. The key to wear your sailing inspired pieces was not to be too literal.

Here's my take on My Marine Style, merging city and the sea, dandy and the sailor.... Khaki earth tones with sea faring blues, nautical iconography with classic plaids and stripes... it's all about contrast.

Dries Van Noten's Contrast Checked Sleeve Cotton Shirt, Junya Watanabe's Cropped Trousers with Fold Up Contrast Hem and Swear's 'Chaplin 1' Stripe Canvas Lace-ups get some classic dandy styles going. Burberry's Twisted Cord Necklace and ASOS's Brass Anchor Buckle Leather Belt adds a hint of high seas adventure. Finally, a touch of blue (From Prada's Canvas Briefcase) to round off the nautical flair... and my Marine Style is complete:-) City or the sea, here I come!

So what's your marine style this season?

See my other lookbook posts here

Source: ASOS, Farfetch, Net-A-Porter

The Material Boy #456

Below: Fashion fast forward... only for the brave fashion brigade! Buy into Fall Winter 2011's Prada Mens Lurex Polo Tees now instead of 6 months later:-) Made for women, but works for guys too... these Fred Perry x Richard Nicoll Lurex Polo Tees gives an instant metallic touch!

Prada Mens Fall Winter 2011 Lurex Polo Tee vs. Richard Nicoll x Fred Perry Spring Summer 2011 Lurex Polo Tee

Are you ready to buy 6 months ahead of Fall Winter 2011 trends? Well, today while shopping over lunch break... I spotted the Spring Summer 2011 collection from Fred Perry's collaboration with Richard Nicoll. One of the memorable pieces is the Metallic Lurex Polo T-shirts that resembles those seen prominently on Prada Mens Fall Winter 2011 runway.

Below: Replace the Pearl buttons on the Fred Perry x Richard Nicoll Lurex Polo Tees and you can pull off these womens shirts without anyone knowing:-P

Although Fred Perry x Richard Nicoll's Lurex Polo Tees are made for womens, the cut is unisex in my opinion. Just replace the pearl buttons with regular ones and you will be wearing Prada's Fall Winter trend way ahead of any fashion pack:-P

Of course, the pricing of £125 will probably be a fraction of Prada's version. These limited edition Fred Perry x Richard Nicoll Polo Tees comes in an Aqua Haze colour and a pearly silver tone. I love the silvery ones! (Check out Fred Perry's website for more info, or visit the boutique at Fred Perry Laurel, 19 Ann Siang Road, Singapore. Tel +65 6325 3018.)

Do you dare brave 6 months of trend forward experimentation?

Go to my facebook fan page for larger pics:-P

Source: Fred Perry, Prada

The Material Boy #452

Below: These are my picks of the best mens shoes for Spring Summer 2011!

Below: I want them all! So what's your picks?

My Top Picks: Best Shoes Of Spring Summer 2011

What are your picks for the BEST mens shoe designs to hit the stores this Spring Summer 2011?

Here's my favourites, the best of the best of the season...

1) Prada Espadrilles Brogues in Tobacco
This pair of shoe needs no introduction. It’s on everyone’s wishlist and every Prada store’s customer wait list. Combining high street style thick rubber soles with elegant classic brogues and adding a touch of summer with espadrilles jute rope trimmings... this is the perfect example of a winning design for hybrid shoes. Quirky without being cheesy, statement making without being overly brash, this shoe is an refreshing twist from all the conventional shoe designs. Good job Prada! I am sure these will help cash in and surpass the 150% higher net profit of 2010 (that WWD just announced) for your next financial year:-P

2) Christian Louboutin Denim Rollerball Spikes
Another hot shoe on every guy’s wish list has to be something from the red soled family of Christian Louboutin. The right combination of grunge and luxury, these ‘over the top’ priced Rollerball Spikes are made even more versatile and appealing with the introduction of SS2011’s denim version. Every man needs his jeans. And every fashion fan worthy to be called stylish needs a pair of these fierce shoes!

3) Jil Sander Leather Derby with Blue Painted Sole
Raf Simons exemplifies the colour blocking trend for Spring Summer 2011 season thru his bold use of colours at Jil Sander. These leather Derby with coloured soles is the shoe every colour blocking fan need to compliment any colourful ensemble! Using almost neon blue (Presumably Yves Klein blue) as an eye poping accent colour, you cannot help but notice the guy who walks his path in these eye catching heels.

4) Dolce & Gabbana Raw Canvas & Leather Lace-ups
If there’s a pair of shoes that can take you from city to resort for this season, Dolce & Gabbana Raw Canvas & Leather Lace-ups is the shoe you must have. Crafted with raw edge (unhemed) canvas and burnished leather, these lace-ups sends off resort chic at its best. The elegant lace up designs also ensures if you ever venture out of your holiday sea-front abode to hit the clubs, you will still look as smart and never lose an inch of your charm.

5) Lanvin Python Trim Buckle Leather Slip-ons
Channel some urban warrior in you with these shoes from Lanvin. Python and croc skin textures with smart trekking details (the fastening buckles) create an unexpected design twist on formal slip-on leather shoes. This is tough luxe at its best!

6) Louis Vuitton Leather Lace-ups with high back panel
Brogues are huge this Spring Summer season. But when you interpret the classic design and make it modern, such as reconfiguring the proportion of the back panel or using different materials for textural interest, an entirely new set of aesthetics is achieved. This Louis Vuitton pair is simply classy and masculine with just the right amount of new ideas to make it a true investment piece. These are shoes that will give your bucks longevity and take you into seasons after seasons of savvy dressing. Love!

I want them all:-)

Share your top picks of footwear. Which shoes are your favourite this Spring Summer 2011 season?

(More drool worthy shoes for SS2011 on my Facebook Fanpage. 'LIKE' my fan page if you enjoy reading this post:-P)

Source: Prada, Christian Louboutin, Jil Sander, Dolce & Gabbana, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #163

Below: Designers turn to mother naure for inspirations this Spring Summer 2011... Are you ready for juicy and flamboyant prints the likes of Prada, Stella McCartney and Jil Sander?

Below: Menswear are not spared the floral explosion going on this season... Etro and Jil Sander are amongst the many designers offering floral prints for their menswear...

Nature Nurture: Spring Summer 2011 Is All About Nature Inspired!

Designers the likes of Prada, Stella McCartney, Jil Sander, Etro, Akris and many more are turning to Mother Nature for inspirations. Nature inspired prints in the most unexpected and quirky incarnations (on both mens and womens collections) are found all over ready to wear, bags and shoes for Spring Summer 2011. From juicy fruit prints (Stella McCartney) to crazy Baroque Bananas patterns (Prada) to giant neon coloured florals (Jil Sander, D&G and Etro)... the bigger and louder the better!

It's time to appreciate mother nature more now (just look at the looming nuclear crisis happening now in Japan) ... time to get some 'eco chic' going!

Check out my facebook fan page for more nature inspired pieces from Spring Summer 2011. 'LIKE' my fan page if you enjoy reading this post.

Source: Prada, Stella McCartney, Jil Sander, D&G, Etro