MFW | Detention in Fashion - DSquared FW14 Photos and Review

I love the efforts put into DSquared looks and garments every season because each piece is so distinct yet holds together well as a show. I love the ladies DSquared shows too. In menswear I go for their accessories and shoes which are much easier in making the transition between runway to your local street because everything is quite loud. Yet at the same time, the power, confidence and over the top-ness is what I adore from DSquare collections. The theatrical show of FW14, Milan Fashion Week - prison cells and mental asylums is a daring take on fashion.

DSquared is all about sex appeal in all their shows. And the sexiest thing to sell is confidence and glamourous clothes. I feel that DSquared is really focused on gender roles too - the menswear has extremely masculine pieces whereas the ladies are all about North American (the continent) luxe.

MFW | True Obsession - Calvin Klein Collection FW14 Photos and Review

Let's kick off Milan Fashion Week with a bit of Calvin Klein coolness, or rather, warmness for their Autumn Fall Winter 2014 collection. The show emphasised looks which were super utilitarian without sacrificing any points on style. Huge jackets and pullovers in earthy tones stamped across with bold logos were the highlights. But note, logos with a twist, as it's not a plain stamp of CK or Calvin Klein but of their coveted fragrances.
My favourite is the dark olive oversized Obsession sweatshirt and maybe the stylist was a little obsessed with layering - jackets over jackets over sweatshirts over shirts!

The runway looks began with wide pants and then switched over to more tailored fittings. Overall, all the garments were very masculine with strong lines and the oversize motif. The warm and fuzzy textures at play were very modest in bringing over the (much needed) utilitarian aspects of fashion. I don't know, maybe it was the cross-promotion that got me going. Don't be fooled by the 'dull' tones of the looks - these neutral colours can readily be added to anyone's wardrobe.

my must haves 2014

Once again, kicking off the post with "I haven't blogged in a while" but you know the age old excuse of uni and work - actually I can't really blame work I haven't been doing much of that. I've been buying a few things and rewarding myself for nothing (I guess if I was in charge of the economy I'd cause some pretty bad inflation). Nonetheless I think I can get back into routine very soon since exams are quickly approaching, less than 2-3 weeks away and I'll be done in 32 days.

Karl Lagerfeld / Marc by Marc Jacobs / Dior Homme / Acne Studios
Costume National / Saint Laurent Paris

The not-so-nice-to-me month of May passed so quickly actually. It was mainly just contemplating to begin my assignment due next Friday - I have yet to start because towards the end of a semester I just get so burnt out. I think it's time for window retail therapy and really make a list of stuff I want to achieve in buying, seeing as I have ticked off most of the stuff from last year. I do feel that shopping is empowering and can provide satisfaction. Also, this is probably the only age I'll be able to splurge (living at home, no mortgages and other debts) until later in life.

I do think that from frequent shopping, I have realised the downfalls of fast fashion. I don't always feel comfortable wearing fast fashion because the quality of the clothes does make a difference. I used to think the opposite, wearing it just for the style and the quality can suck it and get in the trash in a year. But buying quality items that will last a long time really does pay off. I find that I always return to 'slow fashion' than my fast fashion buys. Oh except for jeans, I wear black jeans 363/365 days a year.

I think a lot of bloggers talk about the items which they like or whatever but wouldn't actually buy so it does seem a little superficial. So I am doing the world good in setting myself goals. Ha! That's my justification anyway. Hmmm.. Maybe there will be good sales on because of EOFYS. Yes please. I'll feel so proud of myself when I get all these things - but looking at the balance of my savings right now, they will have to wait. I'll try not to break the bank again because I did recently, with a purchase from Saint Laurent but my idea about money is that well, you can always make more. I know, it's so bad.

Karl Lagerfeld 7 Watch

Watch Pick: Karl Lagerfeld 7


I've been eyeing this watch ever since it came out in 2013. But it's more expensive than any other of my existing watches and I can't bring myself to buy it yet. Also because I haven't really seen anything else too outstanding this year to my liking. It should go on sale soon. right? Haha time to bargain hunt. So freakin cool because the prismy triangle theme is so futurist and luxe which I adore. AND - it's black so it can basically be an everyday watch. Oh but there's a leather strap one which I rather not get.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Big N' Boss Leather Duffle Bag

Bag Pick: Marc by Marc Jacobs Big N' Boss Leather Duffle

So I did mention in this post that this was one of the most interesting mens duffles of NYFW SS14. And my eye is on it. I'm actually very proud of getting the Saint Laurent 24 Classic Black Leather Duffle this year and I told myself and my friends that I wouldn't really look at anything else for a while because that one should last me a long time but this MMJ bag has been in the back of my mind for a while and plus, it's nowhere near the price of the SLP. The main things are the great colour combination and size.




Shoes Pick: Saint Laurent Paris Black Leather Sneakers / Acne Adrian Black Sneakers

Saint Laurent Paris Classic Black Leather Sneakers / Acne Studios Adrian Sneakers in Black Leather

Now I kind of regret the words I used because everything else seems to sound nice except this (perhaps 'Pick of Shoes' no). I think sneakers are so cool and casual that they fit my daily style the best. I don't agree that menswear should always be that GQ-esque look (you know, all dressed up, in a suit and all) to be 'mens fashion'. I think a cool and collected everyday style is very important too. Sneakers really reflect the luxe and energetic nature of a guy's personality. When I was younger I would only wear high tops but in the past few years that has slowly changed when I realised that high tops really cut off the length of your legs (I had no low tops and now about half my shoes are low tops). I was tossing up between those colourful trainers from Raf Simons x Adidas or these Black Sneakers from Saint Laurent/ Acne Adrian Black Sneakers. Well of course the Acne ones are cheaper but the only thing I don't love is that they are patent leather - too much shine for everyday. These shoes are also very versatile and can go easily with almost any outfit. Leather is so important though, so that they become timeless additions to my wardrobe.

Dior Homme Blacktie 177S in Blue Acetate

Sunglasses Pick: Dior Homme Blacktie 177S in Blue Acetate

Which two things do I buy the most? Sunglasses and watches, well maybe I buy shoes more these days (I'm pretty sure in 2014 alone I got roughly 8 pairs of shoes already). I just don't like constantly buying new t-shirts and shirts. Anyway I have yet to get something from KRISVANASSCHE because I think he is so talented and I love seeing his designs for Dior Homme. I did mention in this post that I was infatuated with these shades BUT - I can't find them anywhere in Australia, nor have I seen them online form the site I'm usually on because Dior has such a limited and exclusive stock lists. Time to check out the Dior concept store but to go in means I will have to buy something right? Haha. I'll go for these sunglasses or something KVA has done in collaboration with Linda Farrow because the quality of those sunglasses are through the roof - and they're always luxe and smart. I'm not kidding. And I don't really like sunglasses with a bar because they make me look like I've got a monobrow :D

Costume National Cyber Garden EDT for Men

Fragrance Pick: Costume National Cyber Garden

Haven't actually looked at much because I have basically all the ones I want - my favourites this year are probably Bottega Veneta Pour Homme, Calvin Klein Red and Davidoff The Game Intense. Check out my Cologne Diaries. But in the beginning of the year when I visited Melbourne, I came across the new one from Costume National. Although the store keeper offered his sole bottle (which was the tester before the stock came in) at a reduced price, I thought I would be better off getting a completely new one. He didn't like this one as much as their first fragrance but I think this one is more fresh and summery. Which is great because who knows how long it will take for me to find this (it might be summer by then) as I haven't seen it in major department stores in Australia just yet.

Most of these things are accessories or what I think are secondary garments/ whatever lol, because I already have nice t-shirts, shirts and jackets I bought throughout the year. Oh god, my favourite and most useful ones to date are from Raf Simons and ASUZA - good jackets are good investments.

PFW | Clean Fall - Bill Tornade FW14 Review

A show of lean and clean silhouette as a timeless basis for Bill Tornade, the AW14 collection at Paris Fashion Week was one of the most appealing and bankable runways. The suit was the definite focus at the show but not without playful additions of colour-block sweaters, sneakers, and brushes of leather as a modern update. The collection showed off so many wearable looks and pieces which can add to anyone's wardrobe.

This collection is for the man who is casual and cool, yet dressy and smart. Almost everything hugs the body quite well for a clean-cut and fresh look.

PFW | The Best of Avant-Garde - Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, Thom Browne Menswear FW14 Review

Avant-garde shows are so good for people who love window shopping and seeing all the things you wouldn't really wear. No really I love watching the menswear shows at Paris FOR avant-garde. It's really interesting to see what's going on and because they're often so iconic and instantly recognisable, they can mark times in fashion and it's quite fun to talk about them. In experimentation, there's such a fine line between new, refreshing, quirky, special, and being too conceptual and poorly received. In any event, the more experimental styles are best in Paris, home of fashion and haute couture. These shows are often very theatrical and special in its themes and so they're really really enjoyable.

The best avant-garde AW14 collections at Paris Fashion Week were from Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto and Thom Browne.

PFW | Print Me! - Lanvin Menswear FW14 Review

Mystery can be the best asset to a man. With a modest and toned down notion of style, silhouettes and shadow prints in Lanvin's AW14 collection at Paris Fashion Week introduced some of the most covetable pieces in prints.

There were jackets of almost every shape and fit - the panels of leather and fur were the most interesting. Collared shirts, tips and the innovative Lanvin accessories spelled out their theme in the collection: individualism.

PFW | Re-Creation - Valentino Menswear FW14 Review

Valentino is one of my favourite labels for its luxe and elegance. From their sunglasses to their bags, I always find that their accessories are so interesting.  In the AW14 menswear collection at Paris Fashion Week, Valentino centred creativity on remaking traditional and well known pieces. Most of the pieces are quite modest with a somewhat relaxed fitting. The coats are very couture with blocks and prints but still very wearable. The collection played with a safer palette in a man's wardrobe with navy, tan, brown and black.

The Cologne Diaries - Davidoff The Game Intense Review

29 March 2014

Winner Takes All. Get Intense.

Extending and building on the foundations of its predecessor, The Game Intense rubs off with a more distinctive touch of luxe and game. For lovers of GQ style, this one is a definite hit. Coty Prestige, with the release of The Game Intense builds on an echo of the classic styles and feel of Davidoff to bring men a longer lasting and sophisticated scent for evening wear.

The fragrance has a medium sillage which is great because it is quite intense and strong. It's something more understated than the overreaching 1 Million by Paco Robanne.

MBFWA14 | Weekend Edition Wrap-Up (Sunday 5pm Show)

Why did I disappear for two weeks? Well the first week I was swamped with 3 assessments (on top of that, April means that it was time for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia 2014) and then I got a week of break I decided to take a sabbatical. Dramatic. I know. Anyway I was super excited for this (of course I was, it was a peep-hole to Australia's fashion industry). But because I knew I was going to be so busy during this week, I decided to give this year a pass.

Then on Sunday morning I got a text and was invited to the Weekend Edition Shows. I was really grateful for my friends who could join me on a whim AND I feel in love with the Weekend Edition. You gotta love the location as well. Carriageworks just gets better and better - with a huge area to play with, beautiful stalls of Maybelline New York (giving away their latest lipstick), Swarovski (photobooth to be abused) and Mercedes-Benz went all out to give attendees the best fashion treatment in the country. And yeah, we could relax at the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge too :D

The beautiful thing about the Weekend Edition is that it is the composite show of the best garments from the most influential designers of the week like Alex Perry and Alice McCall. Although the show does lack some wholesomeness than watching individual shows (with the set and everything), it was still such a heavy and perfect binge of fashion. Other favourites include Cameo and Jayson Brunsdon.

The Weekend Edition showcased Phoenix Keating, MacGraw, Leroy Nguyen, Hayley Saesser, DUVENAGE, ZHIVAGO, We Are Handsome, Talulah, Emma Mulholland, Desert Designs, SUBOO, Alice McCall, Gail Sorronda, Cameo, Michael Lo Sordo, by johnny, Bec and Bridge, Aje, Serpent and the Swan, IXIAH, Ae'lkemi, Betty Tran, Aurelio Costarella, Jayson Brunsdon, Alex Perry, Carla Zampatti, Bianca Spender, Haryono Setiadi, Ginger and Smart, Dion Lee, Romance Was Born and Ellery. Check out more photos at the event after the jump.

PFW | Printclashes and Matches - Dior Homme FW14 Review

The label's big gun in menswear, Mr Kris Van Assche did stronger for this collection than his own, preserving the elegant and high-end tailoring of what we've come to expect of Dior Homme while bringing in a punch of youthful and playful energy. The AW14 collection at Paris Fashion Week displayed effortless and beautiful tailoring along with iconic prints of florals, scribbles and spots. Although the basic colour scheme is the 'can't go wrong' colour for a man's wardrobe, the navy suit will never look the same again.

Looking at the shots, its hard to miss the transitions from traditional and formal tailoring to more casual and street oriented styles.

PFW | Speed It Up - John Galliano Menswear FW14 Review

John Galliano, the label now headed by Bill Gaytten delivered exciting and new menswear at Paris Fashion Week 2014. The AW14 collection showcased one of my favourite pieces in the entire week, the navy diamond print blazer. Most top-heavy looks were very enjoyable. It was interesting to see cycle tights on the runway but I'm not really sure about on the streets.

Colour blocking was a strong theme fitting in nicely with the 'active' and speedy motif with those cycle pants. The navy diamond blazer was so good with a white shirt for a classic, modest but modern look - even though it wouldn't really be John Galliano without some bold and over the top elements.

PFW | Point Wild West - 3.1 Phillip Lim Menswear FW14 Review

The West has been reinvented by the East. 3.1 Phillip Lim's ready-to-wear mens AW14 collection at Paris Fashion Week drew on themes of the wild west. This along with effortless street style luxe, the label's true excellence is at ready-to-wear and is still one of the strongest this season.

The label's cowboys sport some modern oversized pieces with a generous sprinkle of prints and patterns. Denim, leather and knits are key in the collection, creating volume and contrast.