Men in Red ... Etro F/W 2009-10

When I was young, I always knew that red is just red – one, single shade that is eternally hot and flaming.

That perception lingers in my mind until one day, while I was in the art class, I suddenly realised that red can be split into several related colours, such as purple, aubergine, plum, burgundy, magenta and so on. What a revelation, I exclaimed.

This season, Etro takes red as its prime subject for its menswear collection. Staged to the avid fashionistas and fashion media members, the revered Italian fashion house uses red in different incarnations to create a subtle yet sartorial autumn/winter vestments for men.

Long-known as a colour that embodies power as well as the virtues of true warrior, the collection kick starts with a well-tailored suiting in vermilion red. Paired with a chequered shirt and slim black tie, the addition of knitted head covering in multi-tonal yarns and a knitted elongated scarf in brilliant shade of crab tree apple red, divinely represent the new look of a modern-day harlequin or court jester with a touch of true Italian sartorial.

Apart from suits, cloaks and coats too received the similar treatment of colours, with delicate pomp and colour richness. For instance, Harlequin prints of overlapping dual-tone colour shapes richly adorn the coats with bright red macramé lapels. Of course, taming the fiery redness of the jacket and bringing forth the wearer’s masculinity is the black turtleneck top worn with matching front-pleated pants and finely gilded slim belt.

On the other hand, another key piece of the season for men, which is the cloak, is truly made to reminisce the ones worn during medieval times.

Akin to a beautiful medieval tapestry with lush, thick furry collars, the Etro cloaks feature longer lines with tonal hand knitted and fringed trimmings, plus buttons to protect style nomads from harsh winter winds.

And to inject the sense of style and smartness to the modern nomad, the cloak is beautifully paired with bright turtleneck top, which perhaps dyed in crab tree apple hue, and relaxed brown pants that matches the milieu of the rich tapestry-like cloak.

As for the accessories department, Etro coveters can always look forward to knitted maxi scarves, unique woollen gloves cum mittens and 1920’s inspired shoes in mauve-dyed python and sharkskin.

Etro autumn/winter 2009 collection for men is available now at all Etro stores, select multi-brand retailers and upscale departmental stores worldwide.

*Photos courtesy of Etro.

Etro – Ground Floor, Parkson Pavilion, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.

Beth Ditto Rocks Evans with Beth Ditto at Evans Collection

The arrival of The Gossip’s front woman Beth Ditto seems to fall on a perfect timing. Perfect because for such a long time, plus size women needs and desires to look beautiful and great are often being neglected in favour of the stick thin and size ‘0’ wearers.

And indeed, Ditto’s presence in the fashion world has somehow gave these plus size women a morale boost, while subsequently instilling one common belief in their minds – “If Beth Ditto can look stunning without having to be a walking hanger, then I too can do it!”

After being crowned by GLAMOUR as the International Artist of the Year, and after making the whole fashion sphere talking for her bold nude appearance in LOVE magazine, Ditto is ready to secure that ‘fashion icon’ title.

How? Simply by collaborating with UK’s high street fashion retailer for the plus size women, Evans on a fashion collection, known as Beth Ditto at Evans collection. Working close Evans’ Head of Design Lisa Marie Peacock, the collection is based on Ditto’s unparalleled sense of fashion, as well as her own brand of music.

Strongly influenced by the Eighties, which has been gloriously revived by fashionistas since the past few years, the collection consists of key pieces such as dresses with sweetheart neckline, knee-length top with batwing sleeves heavily drenched in metallic sequins (reminds me of what Madonna wore in her ‘Music’ video presentation at the London leg of her “Confessions Tour”), long-sleeved knitted dress with face graphic and doused with silver threads plus a black and metallic unique spider web designed chain knitted dress.

Dresses and double-purposes tops aside, Ditto also included a number of printed leggings adorned with domino prints, a swirl print cape, and two-in-one hoody with lots of spots against purplish milieu, a jumpsuit in plain blue, and a cute cat print tee. Completing your Ditto inspired look are a couple of accessories in monotonous hues such as pumps, wide belt detailed with gems, studded suede hobo bag and clutch with lip-shaped handles.

To truly capture Ditto’s emotion and the spirit of her premier collection for the British high street retailer, renowned photographer Rankin stepped in to capture the moments, which later immortalised as the collection’s ad campaign.

Surrounded by bright neon and fluorescent lighting, reminiscing the typical fashion spread shoot back in the 80’s, Ditto immediately strikes her best yet natural poses and the result was a set of remarkable photographs that genuinely mirror her inimitable style and flair.

Beth Ditto for Evans collection is available now at selected Evans stores throughout Britain and also online at Evans web store.

*Photos by Rankin/courtesy of Evans and style.com.

To check out the nearest Evans store that carries Beth Ditto at Evans collection, log on to http://www.evans.co.uk/ for more information.

Plast-Chic Is The New Chic .... Vivienne Westwood Anglomania for Melissa SS09

Recessions are crappy; likewise credit crunch and so forth. With credit limits are getting shallower time to time, along with the urge of wise (or smart) spending these days, has obviously left the unfortunate fashionistas (think Isla Fisher’s ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic” role Rebecca Bloomwood) with less choices.

I know exactly how hurtful it is when having to curl your sights away from things you relished most in this life, like a pair of posh Manolo Blahnik sandals in exotic reptile skin or perhaps, a 2.55 Chanel bag.

However, there is no need to deprive oneself from the warm and luxurious touch of designers’ hands because Vivienne Westwood knows just the right way to keep her fans up-to-the-minute at hard times like these with her current spring/summer 2009 Anglomania Collection for Melissa!

An ingenious collaboration between two icons of the fashion world, the new spring/summer 2009 collection fully reflects Vivienne’s unique take on fashion, which often spells unmatched individuality, ultra boldness, unconventional patterns and provocative to the core.

Like her clothing and accessories collection, Vivienne’s footwear collection for Melissa also features her trademark ORB, which represents power and tradition mingling with future through the image of an orbited crown.

There are four styles to choose from and they are Melissa’s signature Ultragirl flats, Lady Dragon, Three Straps and Toe Shoes Mary Janes. One of Melissa’s classic offerings, the flats has been customized by the Dame with chic printed soles and captivating colours. Another flat but high cut variant, called Three Straps is actually a plasticised version of one of Vivienne’s original footwear collection that she created and debuted decades ago.

And last but not least, the two collections for high heel lovers – Lady Dragon and Toe Shoes Mary Janes. The Lady Dragon D’Orsay line screams classiness and sensual charm with metallic ORB charm or heart cut out adorn its vamp. On the other hand, the Toe Shoes Mary Janes runs away from the typical Mary Janes variant with cutouts and long halter straps in electrifying hues.

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania for Melissa spring/summer 2009 collection is available now at all Melissa outlets and selected retailers worldwide. The collection is also available online at melissaplasticdreams.com.

*Photos courtesy of Melissa Australia.

Memoirs of a Mystic Memory ... Rachel Gilbert A/W 2009 Collection

There were times where season cycles boggled my mind. As we know, when people who live up in the Northern Hemisphere are basking in the summer sun, the situation goes vice versa in the Southern one – winter with occasional snow.

Since most of the designer brands are based in cities close to the Northern half of the world, it means the clothes and accessories designed are made according to its seasonal requirement. The same fact also applies to the southern one. But at times, I just can’t imagine what it would look like to wear Fendi fur coat in Sydney on December, when summer reaches its peak and a Collette Dinnigan’s tank top in Paris, when, you know how the city’s climate is within the same month, right? Frigid to death I assume!

Well, like what they say, those were the days. Today, despite the different continent and climate that we lived, it is good to know that the fashion scene has been streamlined, befitting the global market, which is often predominated by trends set by the Northern Hemisphere lot. Now lets leave the season story behind as I want to share with you my new online discovery from Down Under. Lo and behold, Rachel Gilbert.

Either in London, New York or her homeland Australia, the name Rachel Gilbert needs no further introductions anymore. Rachel, notable for her liberal use of luxury fabrics and embellishments in creating her evening dresses, received her education in fashion designing at the prestigious Whitehouse Institute of Design.

She then built her portfolio by working with Australian fashion designers Lisa Ho and Morrissey as womenswear designer. In addition, Rachel also moved to New York where she became the head designer of Chick, the fashion label conceived by Nicky Hilton.

In 2007, Rachel started out her own self-named fashion empire and caught the attention of the fashion authorities worldwide, which soon led to the brand being retailed in more than 50 locations around Australia and the world! For the upcoming fall/winter 2009 (which I believe is commencing now in Southern Hemisphere), the mood is about rejoicing the mystical times immemorial in fashion timeline thus its title – The Memoirs of a Mystic Memory.

Combining silhouettes of every era in the modern fashion history, the melange has resulted into a collection of fabulous daywear and evening garbs. Hemline trimmed into sharp triangular shapes with embroidered detailing, lending a sort of boho 70’s feel while sequins and other sorts of embellishments thrive throughout the collection while fringed flapper dresses are set to steal the party’s attention. There’s also a hint of 80’s, which can be seen on the mini-dress with ruched long sleeves and detailed hem and neckline.

On the necklines, chunky faceted square-cut crystals beautifully are used to beautify the area while butterfly wings sleeves are made elongated and roomy, reminding me of Japanese kimono. And oh, talking about colours, the colour palette is absolutely stunning and tempting too with clever mixture of black and white, gleaming gold and shining silver, a dash of royal purple, a stroke of grey sky and the autumnal shade of persimmon.

Rachel Gilbert’s fall/winter 2009 ready-to-wear collection is available now at selected multi-brand boutiques around Australia, London, United States and also on the web at net-a-porter.com and Le Black Book.

*Photos courtesy of Rachel Gilbert Sydney

Rachel Gilbert Sydney – Milk Bar, Shop 4, 157 Curlewis Street, Bondi Beach, 2026 NSW, Australia.

Traversing The Cities ... Geren Ford SS09 Collection

Here’s my Diana Vreeland-esque “Why Don’t You” statement of the day – “Why don’t you load the fantastic vibes of Buenos Aires, Capri and Sydney into your spring/summer’s walk-in closet?”

Sounds impossible, right? Well ladies, that won’t be impossible anymore because the sensation and the feel of these coveted destinations, separated by three different continents, have been meticulously interwoven into a collection of desirable garbs and accessories by designer Geren Ford.

Retaining the Californian boho chic features that have been part of Geren’s style trademark, the new collection has its inspiration drawn from the surroundings and dreamy moods of these places.

Just think of waking up to the smell of aromatic South American coffee and the tempestuous sweetness of Dulce de Leche (an Argentine desert) in the heart of Buenos Aires’ old world charm; a lazy afternoon on a wooden boat amidst the blue and vast Mediterranean coast of Capri and ends with a superb girls’ night out in the cosmopolitan Sydney.

Now let me share with you a special itinerary on how to absorb the aura of these cities without having to be there physically.

Start your morning by basking under the old world charm of Buenos Aires with a sweet but simple ensemble of white Mac Henley with a pair of grey Capri pants.

Or how about swapping the white one with something more colourful to start your day like the gather tee in yellow and teal? That should be an awesome choice!

As the afternoon approaches, swap your outfit once again for that lazy noon by the sea in Capri mood with this sexy rivet shift in purple and teal with gilded rivets detailed on the frontal.

If you prefer to skip the boat and have lunch with your girlfriends at the seaside restaurants, go for a purple mini dress with ruffled short sleeves, which also looks perfect for after-lunch cocktail.

When night falls, shift your mood to the lively ambience of Sydney at night with a royal silk halter gown, a super fantastic choice to paint the town red!

And as what I have been told by Geren last year (remember my interview with her?), your Geren Ford woman look will be complete now with an array of fabulous accessories.

Must covet items for this season are woven clutches with lock clasps in dazzling colours and those patent sandals. Yum-may!!!

Geren Ford spring/summer 2009 collection is available now at Maizen Maison.

*Photos courtesy of Geren Ford.

Maizen Maison - 112 Jalan Maarof, Bangsar Baru, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Covet This ... Mason Bag by The Gentlemen's League

The fashion world could not help it but to go gaga over tattooed bags. However, some guys do believe that carrying the same bag with similar tattoo prints while strolling around town seems so un-cool.

Why? The reason is simple - tattoos are usually high in sentimental value and no one wants to be seen sporting similar tattoo designs in the public (unless if it indicates your tribe, clan or something). Therefore, why don’t you rich boys chip out some of your retail therapy fund and invest (yes, that’s the word) in The Gentlemen’s League Mason bag

What’s cool about this bag?

For the uninitiated, this is the bag of the bags and it is not mass produced. Instead, the Mason bag is hand-painted by Adam Razak, the master artist of The Gentleman’s League.

Huh, The Gentlemen’s League? Is that a secret society?

That’s a good try but a wrong guess. The Gentlemen’s League is neither a secret all-male society nor a fashion label. It is a group of artists residing in the Big Apple and they are all passionate in beauty, art and creativity. In addition, the group also frowns upon today’s idea of labelling and selling mass-produced and generic aesthetics as luxury.

How do I know that Mason will put me in the style spotlight?

As I’ve mentioned earlier, the Mason bag is not mass-produced. So, expect to just a few copies of this. Furthermore, the bag is also signed, titled and embossed with commission number. Meaning, no two bags will look alike.

What’s the damage to own this aesthetic piece?

That would be $2500.00 a pop. Convert into Malaysian Ringgit, that sum is equivalent to RM 9068.75 – a drop in the bucket for someone who truly appreciates personal style and cutting edge fashion statement.

Where can I buy it?

Make your way to Début in New York, the sophisticated spot for sophisticated style du jour.

*Photos courtesy of Début New York.

Début New York – 298, Mulberry Street, New York NY 1001

Aesthetical Feet ... Omelle SS09 Collection

When I first saw Omelle shoes, I immediately told myself that these shoes aren’t made for walking, but to be displayed on the counter along with other artsy sculptures.

Well, I don’t know what others may think but for me, I would think ten times to put them on although you may say that they are awesome for fashion statement making. Now, if you think Omelle may sound rather foreign to you ears, that is because Omelle is one of the new and emerging shoe brands that is about to take the shoe world by storm.

In other words, big boys like Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik and Giuseppe Zanotti should take precaution because Omelle’s contemporary sculptural heels could simply bring a run off their money.

Founded by two friends Cherise Angelle, who has experience working in luxury product placement and Nicole Lafave (art director and self-employed designer), Omelle (pronounced as äh-melle) is best described as luxury footwear with personality.

Wholly crafted by the skilful hands of Italian craftsmen in Italy, Omelle shoes, be it sandals or booties, are what every fashion-savvy women desire. You know, those pairs of shoes that she would positioned in front of her shoe closet, waiting to be worn for the right moment or any momentous occasions with insouciance and aplomb.

Further evoking your passion and dreams to own them are the detailing and luxurious materials used in its making, coupled with the edgy and forward-thinking designs inspired from furniture designs, textiles, architectures and also graphic design.

For spring/summer 2009, get ready to embrace in the aesthetic spirit of fashion with Omelle’s gravity defying collection. Crafted out in a variety of luxe skins and hide, including exotic reptiles, each shoe is made to perfection with not a single artistic touch spared.

While most shoe designers prefer to stick to the gladiator or Masai neckpiece-inspired coil straps, Omelle begs to differ with meticulous yet technical approach. For example, the Mary Janes (known as Brianna) is beautifully done with rounded toe box with D’orsay approach (notice the heel covering at the back) and edgy snap buckle.

I also love the heels, which is adorned with metal piece as well as the soles. Both are made of sanded woods. For Gossip Girls fans, especially Serena’s wannabes, you will be absolutely thrilled to know that Blake Lively’s character Serena van der Woodsen sports one of Omelle’s shoes called Cecilia (high-heeled ankle booties) in the series!

However, for those who are in pursuit of style edginess or should I say eccentrics, why don’t you go for Cole and Darby?

Although I would like to describe it as the modern-day version of Puss in Boots’ boots (because it is a spitting image of what Puss wore in the fairy tale), Cole is best described as boot meets sandal sort of incarnation with halter vamps and a small cut out on the heel, drenched in sensuous burnt cobble hue.

On the other hand, the cutting edge Darby is a meticulously techy sheen boots-meet-sandal with flat heels tinged in the classic storm hue.

Other must have pieces from Omelle to complete your spring/summer bounty also include strappy high heeled sandals with gilded arrow-styled pointed heels (called Actress), flat sandals in eel skin called Ari, the super aesthetic Artist sandals with arched cut out quarters and the sophisticated Cappy pumps.

To set your feet and heart on these marvellous works of art, visit Omelle’s online store and order as many as your feet’s content! You can also get them from Début New York.

*Photos courtesy of Omelle.

Omelle at Début New York – 298 Mulberry Street, NY 10012.

Meet Parker from Coach

A friend just caught her boyfriend red handed – he mouth-kissed her best friend inside the latter’s bedroom, on her own bed at her party!

As usual, “blame it on the alcohol” was his reason; an obvious reason any man would come out with when they were caught cheating while being intoxicated. So, she turned to me and somehow, I immediately became a five-minute Oprah, consoling her who was cursing and sobbing incessantly.

Honestly, I’ve rarely been into this sort of situation, you know, catching your man cheating with another woman or vice versa (reminds me of that Sex and the City episode where Samantha caught Richard on bed with another woman).

However, like an epiphany, something crossed my mind and I believe he would suit her taste perfectly as he embodies all the qualities that she possess –whimsical, free-spirited and always on the hunt for something fresh and vitally vibrant. And his name is Parker – a new creation from Coach.

Reliable and trustworthy (sorry guys but that is true), Parker’s fresh silhouette and feminine colours could easily brighten up your rainy early spring morning to a sunny summer’s day. Crafted out from supple leather and other luxurious materials, Parker does not exist in just one shape.

In fact, there are tens of incarnations that you could look forward to, such as a contemporary leather satchel in pale yellow and brass hardware finishing, fabric-lined and boasts multiple pockets for almost everything – your PDA, pens and much more. What’s more, the soft pleats and twisted straps adorning the collection lend character and dimension, as well as undying glamour.

Apart from the satchel, Parker also comes in an array of totes as well as clutches with fabulous designs and marvellous colours that are worth every ringgit you spent. There’s one in nylon with a Pop Art-inspired photo print of a laughing girl, as well as in colourful butterfly print with dog leash closure and lots of pockets for storing little things.

If you fancy having a tattoo but afraid of the pain and the needle, then Coach has an alternative for you – Parker photo leather tattoo print tote and clutch. Both clutch and tote comes with Coach Tattoo prints, leather threaded chain link handles and leather trimmed.

The Parker collection by Reed Krakoff for Coach is available now at all Coach Stores worldwide.

*Photos courtesy of Coach.

Coach – Ground Floor, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, 50088 Kuala Lumpur; 2nd and 3rd floor, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur; G228, Ground Floor, The Gardens Kuala Lumpur, 59200 Kuala Lumpur; Lot SATP G31/37, Concourse Area, Passenger Level (Satellite A), Kuala Lumpur International Airport; Lot CM06, Central Mall Fashion Gallery, Penang International Airport.

The Divine Walk ... Jerome C Rousseau spring/summer 2009 collection

For the art-blind lot, it may take years to comprehend the messages and aesthetical value buried within the über-modern sculptures of celebrated architect/artist Ettore Sottsass and gravity-defying colour collages of London-based artist Verena Paloma Jabs

But for shoe designer Jerome C Rousseau, the works of the two aforementioned artists were the influence bases of his works. He took Sottsass’s edgy sculptural silhouettes and Jabs’ high velocity working palette, mixed them together and voila, the mixture resulted his latest spring/summer 2009 footwear collection.

Named after mythical female figures notable for their historical past namely Freya, the Queen of Norse gods and consort of Odin, ancient Greek princess cum constellation Andromeda and the legendary part-woman and part-lioness creature Sphinx, the new collection is best described as a beautiful collation of studied silhouettes richly drenched in splatters of effervescent hues.

Albeit the winter months are over, it is obvious for one to think that booties should be kept inside the shoe closet for the next six months and taken out once the fall/winter seasons return. However, if you still craving its warmth and poise especially when working in colder-than-the North Pole air-conditioned spaces, opt for the beautiful Andromeda. Doused in nude tinge accented with black patent accents, the neutrally sexy Andromeda booties sport open toe boxes and come with zippered fronts.

In Norse mythologies, Freya is often portrayed as the blond-haired and blue-eyed goddess with unparalleled beauty, certainly on par with her Greek counterpart Aphrodite. Now, you can embrace her divine charm and exceptional splendour with the edgy Freya mules. Tinted in feminine lipstick pink, the mules metaphorically personify the passion and eternal grace that the goddess possessed. What’s more, the fabric black rosette on the vamps brings forth the air of forever celebrated classic style.

And as the sun falls below the horizon, letting his queen the Moon takes over the throne and shine, go for Jerome’s two other offerings – Medusa and Sphinx. Just like its namesake, the Medusa high-heeled d’orsays is crafted in white leather trimmed with black piping and meticulously woven heel counter, the shoe perfectly characterizes the traits of Medusa and Sottsass’s sculpture. On the other hand, sexy Sphinx sandals, added with its gold-coloured lining spells luxurious allure and high confidence.

Jerome C Rousseau’s spring/summer 2009 collection is available now at Shuz KLCC.

*Photos courtesy of Jerome Rousseau.

Jerome C Rousseau @ Shuz KLCC - 102-103A, Level One, Ampang Mall, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, 50088 Kuala Lumpur.

A Sprouse-ing Spring .... Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton 2009 Tribute Collection

My love-hate relationship with Louis Vuitton’s Stephen Sprouse graffiti collection may sound like this: colour wise, it’s too eccentric and too flashy for me or anyone who prefers settling down with subtle yet subliminal colours. But style wise, anything spruced up by the late Stephen Sprouse aren’t just coveted for style. It’s a piece of art, baby!

Recently, to the delight of young and audacious Louis Vuitton fans around the world, the highly-revered French fashion house has just resurrected the collection back to life after being archived for about nine years (last seen in 2001, prior to Sprouse’s death in 2004). Unlike the initial collection which was rather monochromatic, Louis Vuitton’s Creative Director Marc Jacobs gave the collection another lease of colourful life in splashes of Day-Glo colours, matching Sprouse’s design trademark.

"I tried to use the things in Stephen's vocabulary, and give the collection the shape, silhouette and styling that Stephen would have done when he was at the top of his game,” says Jacobs of the collection.

“It really is a complete homage, and a complete combination of what is Louis Vuitton, and what is this legendary icon, and then what are the icons and the lasting aesthetics that Stephen left in the fashion world, he further added"

Iconic bags such as the Alma, Pocehette, Speedy, and Neverfull were transformed into another range of otherworldly iconic pieces that worth displaying inside Tate Modern Arts Museum or The Met in New York.

And for the first time, Jacobs also created a collection in Sprouse’s honour using one of his renowned aesthetics - a rose. Legend has it that Sprouse always send images of rose to his friends as his way of saying Thank You.

That was after he started using coloured version of Xerox copier in the 70’s, where he would use the machine to enlarge photos many times until the images were distorted and gradually turn abstract. Apart from leather goods, high cut strappy boots and high-heeled shoes collection scrawled with Day-Glo graffiti of handwritten Louis Vuitton logo all over, Jacobs also added a few ready-to-wear capsule pieces to accompany the collection.

"I did my best, in a very first degree way, to do what I think Stephen would have done, or has done, in terms of fashion," says Marc Jacobs of the capsule ready-to-wear line he created in homage to Stephen Sprouse.

Harking to back to the days when Milli Vanilli and 21 Jump Street style ruled over the TV screens voraciously, or another close reminder – Kylie Minogue’s “In My Arms” video, the capsule collection, among others, consists of printed bikinis, scarves, plus a couple of tops and bottoms.

Made perfect for the incoming summer months, you definitely can’t go wrong in them while sunbathing at one of the private cabanas along Monte Carlo beach.

If dainty Speedy scrawled in lime-green or scrawled swimming trunk in electric pink are out of your reach, then there’s always small goodies for you to take home such as the edgy Sprouse enamelled yellow gold bracelet or the legendary monogrammed scarf with Sprouse rose print.

Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton tribute collection 2009 is available now at Louis Vuitton stores worldwide.

*Photos courtesy of Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton – UG6, Upper Ground Floor, Starhill Gallery, Jalan Bukit Bintang 55100 Kuala Lumpur; Lot G26A-C, Ground Floor, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang 50088 Kuala Lumpur.

Don't Jump Aboard Without ... Potion and Poppy from Jimmy Choo Cruise 2009

Ahoy holidaymakers, ‘tis the time for you to leave that dreadful grey skies and snow-bound grounds of your home for the pleasant sunshine. As the fuel price is dropping drastically around the globe, more are turning to the novel ‘green’ Christmas rather than sticking to traditional white.

Think of Christmas by the Caribbean or South Pacific with coconut trees rather than traditional bedecked Christmas tree, plus one or two piña colladas or perhaps some exotic blend cocktail in your hands. Don’t forget about lying and swinging lazily on the rustic brown hammock too!

But before you embark on another trip of the lifetime to the other end of the world (cruise trips are always fancy and far beyond imaginable sometimes), put away those hideous sandals and pack these dainty heels from Jimmy Choo’s latest Cruise 2009 collection instead – the Poppy and Potion sandals.

Why I must stash them into my suitcase?

These god-sent sandals are special because they are drenched in bright candy-like neon hues, which will spice up just anyone’s wardrobe or mood. Even the heels itself, known as the Mondrian, are made of coloured resin or Perspex rather than being traditionally conceived from wood.

What are they made of? Aren’t the heels safe?

Good question. The Potion sandals are made of patent leather while the Poppy sandals are made of both suede and patent leather. As for the clear Mondrian heels, they are totally safe to wear.

Where can I wear them?

You can wear them just anywhere, either at daytime or in the evening. If you wish to relive the disco days, then put either one and start hitting the club. These sandals will guarantee you the most attention from the party animals as soon as you made your royal entrée into the club.

What is the best style arsenal should I pair it with?

Embrace the psychedelic beauty of neon hues with another dazzling creation by Jimmy Choo for the Cruise season – the Dylan bags. Translucent and drenched in candy hues, they are the right arm and eye candy for you to take to the beach.

Though some may say the approximate price tag of RM 2501.30 may be ridiculous for a plastic beach bag, for avid fashionistas, it’s just another must have from the shoemaker of the stars!

How much does it cost to walk on the clear heels?

The sassy Poppy sandals cost around RM 3300.00 a pair while multicoloured Potion price is upon request.

Where can I get them?

At all Jimmy Choo boutiques, Jimmy Choo Online store at jimmychoo.com, net-a-porter.com, as well as selected departmental stores and multi-brand footwear retailers worldwide.

*Photos courtesy of Jimmy Choo/Valiram Group.

Jimmy Choo - Lot G43, Ground Floor, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur 50088.

Have a Kinky Little Christmas ... Frame Bra by Kiki de Montparnasse

When it comes to sexual fantasy, some men prefer their leading ladies to be in their own skin or also known as naked. But there are also men who prefer seeing their women in lingerie, provocative and alluringly sexy lingerie.

But here’s a problem – what if the man prefers his woman to be in lingerie but also a tad naked at the same time? Well, intimate fashion and lifestyle purveyor from the Stateside, Kiki de Montparnasse knows how to handle it very well. Boys, say hi to the innovative yet stimulating Frame bra from its bold Cage collection.

Why Cage?

The Cage collection is designed to mimic the appearance of cages, with lots of cut-outs on strategic position. The tactical positioning and feminine shape also give the Cage collection a distinctive look and feel.

What is the bra’s drool factor?
The drool factor lies on the design of the bra itself. First of all, the bra is away from the conventional bra design. Furthermore, it has no fabric insert to support and cover the breasts, making it truly erotic and unique at the same time.

Are the nipple covers optional?

Yes, definitely. This practical piece of lingerie allows you to style it based on your own preference. Therefore, the choices (nipple show or no show) are always yours!

Does it come with a matching bottom?

It is but sold separately. The panty (US$125.00) too has all-over ruching trim with French lace front and stretch fit. There’s also a separately sold garter (US$175.00) too if you want a complete ensemble.

Panty would be too much coverage for me and I prefer to see more skin.

Then go for Cage panty (US$295.00). This panty has lots of cut-outs with barely there coverage on the front and side.

Okay, so I have the bra, the panty and the garter. Still, my intimate moment is lack of fun. Is there any add-on?

Well, yes. Besides lingerie and lounge or sleepwear, Kiki de Montparnasse also has a selection of pleasure instruments to spice up your intimate moments. If your man loves being restrained and at the same time, has the predilection of being spanked and dominated, this Restraining Art Kit would make the perfect sex gift for both of you. It comes with wrist and ankle cuffs, straps and paddle, all in supple leather for spanking.

How much does a “sex to remember” will cost me?

The frame bra retails at US$195.00 while the Restraining Art Kit will set you back at US$995.00 a set.

Where can I get them?

Kiki de Montparnasse Flagship Stores at New York or Los Angeles, or in Asia at Lane Crawford Hong Kong, Restir Tokyo, and 10 Corso Como Seoul. Also available online at Kiki de Montparnasse’s online store.

*Photos courtesy of Kiki de Montparnasse website.

Kiki de Montparnasse - 79 Greene Street, New York NY 10012; 8280 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046; Lane Crawford, Hong Kong Podium 3, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central Hong Kong; Restir, Tokyo Yayoi Building, 4-2-2 Ginza Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan 104-0061; 10 Corso Como, Seoul, Korea.

It's a Shangri-La Out There ... Galliano AW08-09

It was the mid-90 and the fashion world was still buzzing about Galliano taking over Christian Dior’s Creative Direction helm from late Gianfranco Ferre. Among all of his extravagant collection for the brand, his Communist China-inspired autumn/winter collection was the one that everyone in the industry talked about.

12 years and a string of successful prêt-a-porter collections later, Galliano is back to reprise his success by turning to China for inspiration once again. For Galliano’s autumn/winter 2008-09 line, the designer drew his inspiration from the vibrant yet undying cultural influences of Chinese and Tibetan mixed with fashion nuances derived from halcyon days (think of actress Jean Harlow in her classic movie Shangri-La). Of course, Galliano fashion line would never be complete without his signature eccentricity!

Best described as ‘east meets west meets Galliano’, the Galliano autumn/winter collection is abundant with oriental imperial luxury. Traditional Chinese motifs swathed most of the pieces, ranging from liquid chiffon caftan top to backless long dress.

Drenched in vibrant colours which are synonymous to both cultures like red, purple, green with blacks and autumnal tones, plus some use of contemporary colour blocking, not a single piece from the collection was spared from the sense of edginess.

Apart from the classic prints, Galliano also incorporated the art of embroidery and lots and lots of soft fur or wool trimmings to unleash the opulence in them. Staples of the season from this haute couturier diffusion line would include a purple V-neck top with large flared sleeves in butterfly printed silk, printed dress with short sculpted sleeves and soft chunky knitted woollen shawl, fluid black sheath dress, and also a sophisticated black tunic with long leopard-print cuffed sleeves and neck.

But before you could leave your home bragging to the world that you are wearing pieces created by one of the most revered and feared couture gods, don’t forget the magic word – accessorize!

To match your ethereal Shangri-La look, Galliano has created a number of fashionable objet d’arts in store for you. Hot on the list are quilted d’orsays with Chinese ribbon knots on the vamp in black, Galliano dog tag in sterling silver with his name spelled in Chinese character, belts in screaming and gleaming colours, as well pochettes and handbags in his signature ‘le gazette’ print.

Galliano’s autumn/winter 2008-09 ready-to-wear and accessories are available now at HIT Gallery, Suria KLCC.

*Photos courtesy of Melium Group.

Galliano at HIT Gallery – Ground Floor, Melium Galleria, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Next Destination? New York!

Now let’s get this straight. I know many of us have been dreaming to get Patricia Field to come over to our house and revamp our wardrobe so that we can dress like the Sex and the City characters season forever.

But British retailer Marks and Spencer got good news for you. They just roped in Pat Field for a special ready-to-wear and accessories collection for this season! A premier collaboration between M&S, one of the essential purveyors to British lifestyle and the New York-based strawberry-haired stylist known for her gravity defying personal and on set styling, the collection is simply called “Destination New York”.

Drenched in New York’s infectious fashion essence, the collection aptly mirrors the styles of our four beloved characters from, where else, Sex and the City.

Furthermore, the birth of this much anticipated off the rack line has abruptly put off the archetypal perception to Marks and Spencer’s clothing choices which is too British-oriented (well, that’s what they say and not me). Oh, I could also see some style hints from the “Cashmere Mafia” wardrobe too on some of the sexy yet provocative pieces.

There are so many styles you can choose from. However, Carrie Bradshaw (or her Cashmere Mafia equivalent, publisher Mia Mason) emulators would be totally surprised with some of the designs that truly resemble some of the avant-garde designer pieces she had worn in the Sex and the City movie. For instance, the statement-making black and gold-accented orchid corsage dress is similar to the white-gold hibiscus corsage dress she wore in the movie, save for the colour differences.

And if you are a fan of Samantha Jones’s ultra provocative yet sultry sense of style, this turquoise dress with dangerously plunging cowl neck is a genuine reflection of the PR maven’s insouciance and charisma. I mean seriously, no one could ever flaunt her sexuality using clothes like Samantha Jones does.

To accentuate that mind-blowing look, Pat Field has stylized it with a unique belt featuring hardware with engraved snakes on it. A tribute to Roberto Cavalli’s predilection with snakes perhaps?

But as usual, never forget the vital part – accessorize. Besides designing clothes, the designer cum stylist too has created an array of accessories for you to; you know, buy or loot from Marks and Spencer.

Choose from that edgy abstract-printed foulard, a feathery oversized rounded tote bag, or just that Cavalli-esque belt itself. In other words, your fashion godmother Patricia Field will constantly spoil you with erratic style choices.

Patricia Field’s “Destination New York” collection for Marks and Spencer will be available at Marks and Spencer Suria KLCC starting next month onwards.

*Photos courtesy of Marks and Spencer.

Marks and Spencer – Concourse Level, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, 50088 Kuala Lumpur.

The Fatality of Fame ... Tara Subkoff for Bebe

Being famous is purely seductive. Who doesn’t like being photographed by paparazzi; appear in tons of magazines as the cover girl, and yes, indulging in all the greatest parties and award shows on earth.

Oh boy, if you ask me, I am more that willing to part with my soul and sell it to the devil to live that sort of life (although I’m partially living like one). However, fame could also be lethal. Acting like a virus, it seeps into your veins and mind. At the same time, it also triggers a sort of faux euphoria in you, causing to you to gradually drown without being noticed.

Soon, as the euphoria is over, you started to feel intimidated by your own shadow. You started to hate paparazzi that surround you and start to feel strange. Soon, the world that you created turns into a fading holographic image. This is probably what Tara Subkoff tried to tell her audience in her new short movie called Fame Fatale – how fatal being famous and fabulous could be.

Directed and written by Subkoff and shot in Hollywood, the short celluloid masterpiece is well-seasoned with thrill, intensity, and emotional display. In other words, it’s like watching a real Hitchcock movie rather than an emulated one! Also sharing the writing credit was Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher who co-wrote the movie screenplay.

Apart from that, Lydia Hearst’s performance in the movie was not disappointing at all. Though only a few words were uttered by her character as a famous star at the end of the movie, the way she displayed her emotions were veritably convincing. With a great amount of acting talent and unparalleled beauty she possessed, I bet many film directors will be making a beeline to meet her agent and propose leading roles!

Besides writing and directing the short feature, Subkoff also took the liberty to design the wardrobe herself. Collaborating with San Francisco’s high fashion purveyor Bebe, she created a limited edition fashion line for fall/winter 2008 under Bebe’s DesignLab banner.

Drawing her inspiration from the movie and laced with sensuality and femininity, Subkoff has created an array of clothes and accessories that truly embodies the spirit of a true Hollywood femme fatale – seductive but subtly dangerous.

Predominated by black, each piece is crafted to ooze audacity and charm at the same time. Influence from the past i.e. the 80’s could be traced on the black heavily sequined jacket worn with empire-line mini dress and black leggings.

But if you want to play fashion goddess of the modern day, then the pleated silk toga top may look absolutely perfect. You can wear it either with a pair of trousers, jeans, or perhaps a long pencil skirt to highlight your womanly curves. It is also offered in electric blue.

But wait a second, girls! Before you could storm into the nearest Bebe store to get them, I need to tell you this: the Tara Subkoff ‘Fame Fatale’ for Bebe DesignLab is only available at few select Bebe stores in United States and Canada. But don’t worry; you can also purchase them online at bebe.com. By the way, Malaysia is not on the delivery list. Sigh!

*Photos courtesy of Bebe and taken from Tara Subkoff’s “Fame Fatale” movie.

DesignLab by Bebe – San Francisco Centre, 965 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103; 100, Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10001.