Future Of Fashion Blog

Fashion Trend: High Shine Couture

2011-10-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

High Shine

A high shine look is an essential trend for autumn/winter 2011. From sparkling sequins to glitter and fringing, embroidery to appliqué – this look is all about high voltage impact. Make light work of this look by teaming reflective materials with wet look finishes and PVC to achieve the ultimate in glam couture. Every year we see sequins and the return of the gold and silver palettes as we head into winter party season but this year the combination of metallics, polythene and laminated fabrics have given a fresh new twist to the look, resulting in High Shine.

The look is dramatic and clashing your prints is a key feature. Be brave and team red with orange, gold with a different shade of gold and don’t be afraid to indulge in the more risqué aspects of this trend, such as wet look PVC and rubber. Autumn’s metallics are extending beyond gold and silver; pearlised pewter will be huge this season, looking particularly affective when paired with nude and blush tones. There are many ways to shine with this look and it’s suitable for all body shapes and sizes – a sensuous trend that exudes confidence and ultra reflective glamour.

On The Runways

High Shine Couture has been illuminating the runways with some serious amp-age this autumn/winter 11. Stella McCartney, Christopher Kane and Marc Jacobs are all masters of this trend, fusing unconventional fabrics with ladylike styling to achieve the look. Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton were also joining the light brigade with their reflective sequins and laminated cashmere.

Celebrity Style

Celebrities are no stranger to this trend and what better way is there to ensure you are the focal point of an event than with a high voltage look. Jennifer Connelly teams an ultra short green sequinned Balmain dress with skyscraper punk heels to elongate her legs, whilst Nina Dobrev uses a suede nude shoe to add length and not detract from the beauty of the dress. Kim Kardashian works this trend multiple times on the red carpet, using a backless sequinned dress at one event and a gold foiled dress that flatters her curves at another.

Hints & Tips:

Do embrace all things glittery, sequinny and PVC. A glamorous night time look can be achieved with these without looking like a Christmas tree.
For a sure fire way to nail this trend, invest in a pair of good quality sequinned or metallic trousers. They may be slightly more expensive but they will see you right through the party season.
Look for sequinned blazers in a variety of colours – electric blue will look amazing teamed with black skinnies and heels.
If clashing your reflective pieces is a little much, team a high impact mini with a nude, high round toe shoe to keep the dress the focal point.
Metallic leather and polythene are great textures and investing in a top of this material whilst pairing with high waisted trousers or a high waisted skirt will provide high impact, lady like glamour.
Look out for silk vests. They fit right into this trend but are a subtle way to wear.

Get On Trend

stroll along the sea bed with Mr. Lagerfeld and the stingrays

2011-10-04T16:23:00.000-07:00

Wow, after such a boring week of the highly anticipated Paris fashion week, there was something to be excited about. There seem to be a lot of designer who have been inspired by the sea and what is under it. The fascination with mer-people started off at Marchesa in New York and carried on to Riccardo Tisci's latest Givenchy and now Chanel.

The collection was cleverly thought through with the usual colour palette seen in the spring and in a Chanel collection; sea foams, pretty seashell pinks, pale seaweed green, pearlescent white and of course black. The dresses were short and youthful, they are frothy and almost flowy. The fabric were shredded then sewed back on the dress that is reminiscent of seaweeds, flowers, anemones, and corals; those wonderful but subtle things you would see under the sea.

This collection seem new for Chanel, it looks new or newer and more experimental than past seasons; which was just different colour tweeds cut in different ways with an androgynous twist. This seems very feminine and light. Not too much to think about. This season Mr. Lagerfeld explores new things like pearlescent sequins and that couture/ cocoon shaped shoulders which we have been seeing everywhere, the see-thru plastics which had print on them of course. He also brought in the pearls which is so iconic for Chanel, he made them into belts, necklaces, hair pieces and buttons.

The accessories were the best part for me personally. As you may know I love the ocean, the sea creatures and anything that you can find in the sea or on the beach. The clutch bags were either geometric shaped which look like some kind of metallic rock or they were beautiful natural things you find in the sea like seashells which were giant cowries, some were encrusted with pearls. Or like a parcel wrapped in Chanel chains which almost look like lost-then-found treasures from under the sea. Absolutely adorable! Also those shiny sea urchins earrings which actually look like a bluetooth earphone for a mobile phone were smart. My favourite though was the basket/netted bag that was covered in little pieces of corals you would actually find on the beach. I mean I wouldn't carry one but I would happily put it on my shelf and treat it like a piece of art!

It was utterly and completely clever for the designers to choose to do these ready-to-wear collections at this time when the economy is taking another dip into the recession. Mr. Lagerfeld definitely knew what he was doing, showing such a strong collection of accessories is very smart since it will probably sell best and using the material he is using in this collection. Like the shiny patent leather and lots of plastics including the pearls, i'm guessing is going to cost less than those iconic bag in lambskin! Even those metallic shoes weren't made of leather! Standing or "gliding" across the runway was a gigantic manta-ray, I thought that it was such a miss opportunity to not show any manta-ray skin but I guess that would cost too much!

Stella Artois 4

2011-10-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

I am not a Stella Artois fan, well I do like them but what I'm trying to say is I'm not an alcoholic. I just love the colours and the style of this commercial. The concept is very clever and it is so visually rich.

Fiery Engines and pleated skirts at Prada

2011-09-30T14:47:00.000-07:00

The way men objectify women could be the same as how men see sport cars; sexy and untouchable. This was the idea that circles the Prada show.

I thought that the show was very focused with lots of pastels and prints. There were fiery engined cars, like Cadillac from the 50's in pale pinks and mints. The skirts were pleated and feminine, worn with sheer blouses and large statement jewellery.

The attitude of the girls were very sexy, especially Abbey Lee, exposing the mid part which seems to be the new proportion this season. There were many tube tops (which sounds funny when it is in a prada show), which were like scrunchies on the model (that we have previously seen in Prada before in S/S 2009 show).

Some of the proportions were frumpy (in the best sense of the word) and very milanese madame-esque in a way, with the knee length skirts and the slightly oversized coat in old wallpaper flower prints.(similar to those we seen at the fantastic mens show earlier this summer) This collection reminded me slightly of nannies, a milanese nanny in the sixties especially all the dresses with toy cars print. That juxtaposed with those very sexy, almost fetishistic shoes make it very interesting. And once again we will be seeing, editors, fashionistas, editor stalkers aka bloggers wearing them everywhere next summer!

Picasso at Jil Sander

2011-09-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

The 2-D face printed onto these knits were just incredible. As a big fan of modern art and Jil Sander, this just do it for me. The people in the knows said that Picasso was the inspiration but this looks like Miró to me, no? What do you think?

Under the Sea at Marchesa

2011-09-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

This was Marchesa first walking/runway show. I've always thought what Georgina Chapman creates is so beautiful, they are couture-like, mainly focusing on evening wear. They are always delicate and feminine.
This collection in particular, I find very inspiring because of the texture that was created by layering of tulle and the pleating of the fabrics. They were apparently inspired by Ernst Haeckel's illustrations of jellyfish and squids. Odd? Not really. And Sadko in the Underwater Kingdom by the russian painter, Ilya Repin. I am the biggest fan of Ernst Haeckel's illustrations, after being forced by my brother to buy his book: Art Forms in Nature, from the Met a couple of years ago. I would have become a marine biologist if I was smart enough.
The dresses were in sea foams, beiges, off-whites, pale pinks, lilac. There were so many sequins, beads and feathers which were sewn onto the bodesses which are made of tulle. Everything seems to be symmetrical, the shapes that vaguely suggests the shape of sea plants and flowers grows onto the model's figure. These dresses suggest some kind of beautiful maiden/ sea creatures. I love everything about it. My first favourite Marchesa show, I usually find them too over the top but here they just look breath-taking. I find the inspiration, inspiring.

beautiful flowy things at Jonathan Saunders

2011-09-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better than watching the fashion shows and by that I mean slide"shows" on style.com, from your computer screen. That's basically what I did all week.

The London fashion week starts off impressively with Jonathan Saunders leading the way with sorbet colours and sheers that reveals the models nipples. There were ombres of sea greens and lemon yellows juxtaposed with peachy toned nudes jackets. This was a new to way to block colours. There were also fantastic knits, cardigans and jumpers worn with calf length skirt, which was said to be the "new" length. The shoes were also fantastic, the ribbons were whimsical and colourful and i'm sure these clothes will send all the editors over the edge. Jonathan Saunders is a fantastic designer, he didn't just grabbed my attention with those fantastic prints but he also happened to share the same last name as my friend.

I look forward to the Milan and the Paris fashion week. I am looking forward to Balenciaga, Marni and also Prada, to see what Mrs. Prada is going to do. Hopefully it will be an exciting week!

Proenza Schouler Spring/Summer 2012

2011-09-17T10:53:00.000-07:00

Proenza Schouler was my favourite show from the New York week so far, 3.1 Phillip Lim was also wonderfully airy with the kite inspired dresses as the designer claim, the dresses were mostly white with a dash of bright colours. I love colours on the runway, it is optimistic in a way and it brightens the mood.We are seeing peplum skirts popping up everywhere and for some reason I think it may have been inspired by the Jil Sander S/S 2011. They are cute.Anyway, the Proenza Schouler collection was the one that stood out to me, especially the super short shorts and the skirts in shiny eel skin. It's quite refreshing to see something different from Mr. Hernandez and Mr. McCollough.I am also looking forward to all the pastelles colours for next summer, especially the stuff at Acne here!

Hello

2011-09-14T10:36:00.001-07:00

hello

three roses

2011-09-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

film back, black and white

greens and blues

2011-09-09T02:36:00.000-07:00

More experimental stuff: film back with slide film

bank holiday weekend

2011-09-08T04:51:00.000-07:00

film back 6x4.5, black and white. (the scan made the colour a bit funny).

then and there

2011-09-02T11:32:00.000-07:00

Lanvin Fall 2011/12 Video Campaign by Steven Meisel

2011-08-29T02:51:00.000-07:00

I just can't help my self but to post this. Cheesy: check, dancing: check, Lowell Tauchin with Milo Spijkers and Karen Elson with Raquel Zimmerman(who onced told US Vogue she takes dancing classes); check, check, check, check.... This is too funny and adorable to be true. Everyone who has eyes should watch this or endure it without falling off yor chair for 1:01 minute. Mr. Elbaz looks adorable!

roses and papers

2011-08-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

trevor II

2011-08-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

Photographed by Dham Srifuengfung

smiles

2011-08-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

I'm now back in London again, goodbye to rainy Bangkok and say hello to rainy (well half rainy) London. I am only here for two weeks to intern with a respectable magazine and I am so grateful for it! I will be updating on stuff I may be doing for the next week or so, so please keep checking back!

the botanist

2011-08-20T08:29:00.000-07:00

Trevor at Apple BKK photographed by Dham Srifuengfung

wedding day

2011-08-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

As promised, these are the shots that I think embodies the mood of the day. It was a beautiful wedding in the morning the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Bangkok (or O-Len-ten as us Thais pronounce it). Which is one of my favourite location in BKK, great food, period.
The wedding was traditional and very quick. Even the groom wore the originally puffy Thai trousers! I always love to dress up for weddings, and all the guests and my family certainly did as everyone looked beautiful. There were problably metres and metres of satin and at least one kilometre of lace!

you toss all the mornings lost to the clouds and you watch it go

2011-08-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

Some more photos I took when I visit the boxing club in Samui, these were taken for my art exams which I really want back but we can't get them until November! Anyway, I had a lot of fun with Danilo (the boxer) and hope you like them too!

Rodarte x Opening Ceremony Menswear F/W 2011

2011-08-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

It is so refreshing to see a collection like this for fall, I have been excited about this collection since I heard that Rodarte and Opening Ceremony are collaborating. This was a very smart way for Rodarte since the clothes they show are not so commercial and is really not for everyday. I've always been interested into hearing about the idea and the concept behind their collections but never really seem to see anything that is wearable until now.
I don't know why we can't pre-order the men's stuff but you can with the women's collection here! These photos were so cute, I cannot help but resist putting them here. Check out the 15 looks!

a blink

2011-08-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy lately and have no time to post things and do things here which is really annoying so I am really sorry. It has been almost a week since my last post which is a long time ago...for me.
I was at my cousin's wedding which was really good and fun so i may post some photos from there!

ariel

2011-08-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

photo by me

we could flood the streets with love or light or heat whatever

2011-08-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

New York in July

2011-07-29T06:45:00.000-07:00

New York was so so fun. Once again I got to visit one of my favourite city (minus all that annoying security and queueing at the JFK). It was great as always but so so hot, I mean in London it was a completely different, with all the rain and the occasional breeze, in New York it was very dry and very hot. Kind of remind me of Bangkok actually.
I know that going in July was going to be different because the last time I was in New York was in February and the new S/S stuff would have just arrived, this time around there were little bits and pieces left from the sales and most of the good stuff has gone. So my main goal was to just eat, visit all my favorite restaurants, go to Soho and have a rest.
I ended up eating at all my favourite places; Quality Meats, Balthazar, and Marea. I also got to buy a bunch of really good jeans from Rag and Bone.

Ps: I am obsessed with MGMT again at the moment, I can't stop listening to them.

Notice the word "French tickler" on the bottom left corner.

Knitted bike cover outside Acne + they have incredible sales, lots and lots of jeans in my size. So... kudos to them!

I was mostly in Soho so these amazing shadows from the fire exit stairs and the graffiti were all I was attracted to.

the ugly duckling

2011-07-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

love this since I was very young.

very now

2011-07-22T03:37:00.000-07:00

1 and 2 Mark Rothko

4, 5, 6, and 7 Blinky Palermo

3 and 8 Red Mug, Blue Linen
9 and 10 Proenza Schouler Neoprene bag

leavers pt. II

2011-07-20T16:52:00.000-07:00

leavers

2011-07-19T05:27:00.000-07:00

Some disposables from the leavers' ball.

Fluo-pastels | Style encounter | Greene St. NYC

2011-07-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

Menswear Spring/Summer 2012

2011-07-17T15:41:00.000-07:00

The menswear's show for S/S 12 has been okay, nothing monumental, at the moment the designers seem to be striking a perfect balance between that extreme minimalism and the over the top thing. Which unfortunately can make the clothes extremely boring and wearable (the double edge sword), which I love. There were some stand outs of course, like Prada. But the general feel seems to be very Holiday-inspired, like hawaiian print shirts, super short shorts that looks like trunks, beach appropriate footwear, colours and more colours.

One of my favourite show this season was not actually a show but it was a presentation of 3.1 Phillip Lim. Followed closely by Balenciaga and Dries Van Noten with honourable mentions to Alexander Wang, Victor & Rolf and Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci. The clothes are all very relaxed and easy.

Kim Jones debut his first collection for Vuitton with a very cool crocodile varsity jacket. That was all I really saw in that show.

Alexander Wang

Balenciaga

Dries Van Noten

Givenchy

Victor & Rolf

3.1 Phillip Lim

© Alexander Wang

© Balenciaga

© Dries Van Noten

© Givenchy

© Victor & Rolf

© 3.1 Phillip Lim

lazy

2011-07-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

old photos of james by dham

Just came back from new york and I am super tired and still packing to jet off away again but this time to bangkok. Can't wait to just relax in my nice tidy room with my dog. Here I can't even see the tv because of all the boxes(we are renovating!). Here are some photos of a friend very long time ago. We were just silly and having fun! I will be updating stuff on New York.

The grey area

2011-07-09T17:58:00.000-07:00

Louis shot on 25/03/11 02:14:05 PM

My brother once told me that fashion photography is probably the most shallow and simple form of photography. He continued that everything is so controlled and that there is nothing easier than taking pictures of beautiful people and then later turning them into black and white. I didn't argue or even start to explain. This conversation came about when I was looking through all the Prada campaign archive on TFS done by Meisel in the early 00's and late 90's. I was blown away by the composition, the colours, the mood...it goes on. Check out the ones of Amber Valetta, so cinematic.
Anyway, I've had people said similar things to me many times and I was never really offended as much as I felt stuck or even stunned. Without soundings too pretentious or too hipster/alternative about things, I find it incredibly rude and weird that now people are telling me what I think looks good. It's like telling picasso to choose a "more appropriate" colour palette or telling Dali he should look at things more realistically. I am in no way or probably never will be as great as them but I mean, I have never been commissioned to do any photographs or shoot for anyone but if I was I would shoot what I know and what I like. I mean if it was so simple then I don't see why they don't do it themselves and make tonnes of money out of it. If it was SO easy, SO methodical and SO formulaic as that.
The point was that those people say that I can only take photos in greyscale because "it just makes everything look better." I like greyscale because it is what i felt like at the time and most of the time I do like them. There is something very appealing about the different shades of grey that I just love. When I was young I draw a lot and I use only graphite so I'm very used to seeing things in that kind of spectrum, lightness, darkness, shadows and all that.

Bella shot on 11/02/11 at 07:24:55 PM

Louis shot on 25/03/11 12:42:51 PM

This is no way an ambush to any other photographers(never) or colourists. I love them too! I mean the reason I love all these editorials and "fashion photos" although I know everything from the lighting to the immitation nude bras(exception of French Vogue in Roitfeld's day) is artificial, there is something very optimistic, a strong emotion and a story behind them. There's a fantasy, something floating in the air, how that person chooses to dress, why they dress like that, where they came from and where they are going, their attitudes. When I feel that and relate to it(and we react to things in very different ways,) then I say "now that's a great photo." Mr. Tisci recently collaborated with Visionaire to create a glossy, coffee-tabled, oversized-magazine-esque book that explored religion and fashion.
There a a bunch of fashion photographers out there who likes black and white(I don't know any of them personally, this assumption is based on works they have done.) David Sims, Largerfeld, Lindbergh, Inez and Vinoodh.... It goes on, I can't really be bother to list. I personally respond to Hedi Slimane(One of my first post was on him) and Willy Vanderperre. I mean I just can't get enough of them, even if the clothes are hideous, what ever they shoot I like. This doesn't mean I am going to go out and buy the products they are selling but it means that I will drag the photos onto my desktop(my desktop gets very messy) and stare at the photo for at least 5 days and then slip it away in an appropriately named folder. To me that mean that the photo is special and it is something I want to look at again.
I have never been taught any of this photography stuff(Don't we all wish we were Victor Demarchelier?) I was actually self taught, (some also says it's my camera, they say the photos are good because your camera is big and expensive) I mean if I have to use disposables cameras(no way a jab at disposables, they are awesome, used up five 30 something shots of them during my leavers' ball) for the rest of my life, I would still be doing what I do and probably in black and white film if possible!
I guess I just want to conclude that I love what I love and if you can do better then....please teach me. Enlightened me, I am a buddhist so please lead the way. I am happy to assist full time if I'm not at school.
So here are some of my photos, completely unretouched, no post processing accept for turning them from RAW to JPEG files. And FYI I preset my camera to take pictures in greyscale so I haven't just "turned them into black and white". PEACE OUT BITCHES.

kiddy stuff #3

2011-07-08T06:14:00.000-07:00

1| Acne Paper - Duncan Campbell

2| Prada Stripey Jumper - On sale!

3| 3.1 Phillip Lim Lambskin shorts - reduced from almost 600 pounds to 100! Very soft and more wearable than you may think.

4| Jil Sander Memphis Derby S/S11 - Super comfortable.

5| REN Vita-Mineral Day Cream

6| REN Rosa Centifolia Cleansing Gel - absolutely amazing and natural, no dodgy stuff

7| Aesop Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm - Australian skincare line, very natural and everingthing smells amazing.

All photos by me

Contender of the Coats

2011-07-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

Hunting for coats for fall on one of the hottest day here in the UK is odd but ... I need a coat for the next 10-20 seasons to come. Something comfortable, light but warm, textured, slightly oversized (so I can layer stuff underneath it), light grey or beige not black(i really dislike black and i can't really explain why, ask Anna). I look at many collection and have concluded that I like the texture at Lanvin, the bright colours at Raf and the cut from Dries. It is such a big dilemma when you are trying to find the "perfect" coat that you want to treasure and wear for a very long time because 1) they cost like 1500 pounds and up 2) there are so many types of cut that suits you but for different occasions 3)You want something interesting, not too much that it will dated the next season but also something that is not boring(another charcoal grey coat double button, two pockets...I'm already yawning).
I started my hunt by looking at Lanvin which I remember that I liked the first look(the photo below) which is a grey knee-lenght coat with wide lapel in tweed textured fabric. This coat would have been good, the colour was perfect but it won't be in store until august and it costs about 3000 pounds. I went to Lanvin and they do have one coat in which was a very simple charcoaly black coat like the one in the first picture but the pocket has a horizontal zip. It fits very well, very slim, streamline but very normal. Not something I will treasure or want to wear again and again.

So I went to Dover Street Market and stumbled upon Celine Women RTW, there were two coats, one in navy and one in taupe with a dark velvet collar. They were both wool. They were very light, masculine(based on a man's coat). The guy(Ben Freeman) who works there told me that they were from the pre fall collection. They were perfect actually, I especially like the taupe one, it has a zipper instead of buttons and it fits so well. The navy is a classic with no button. What I like was that the shape were very interesting and quite roomy. The lines and the shape of the jacket was very precise in contrast with the Lanvin coat that I've tried on earlier. I couldn't find any pictures but the shape of the coats were exactly like the one in orange in the picture below. Here it looks very feminine but It actually looks very good on. I still feel odd about investing 2600 pounds on a women's coat tho.

I am also waiting for the stuff from Dries Van Noten, so far it looks very good, but again I have to try them on before making a decision. I like the boxy shape of these coats. And the fur collar if worn right can look very good.
Shopping can be so difficult mentally. If you have any suggestion for a good investment coat, do tell me.

sea lion women

2011-07-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

Acne Menswear Spring/Summer 2012

2011-06-27T11:53:00.000-07:00

on a rainy day

2011-06-25T16:10:00.000-07:00

All from Picnic #5

2011-06-25T03:51:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, June 14, 2011 12:50 AM

by Dham Srifuengfung

Jil Sander Spring/Summer 2012

2011-06-23T03:33:00.000-07:00

Photos by Sonny Vandevelde

Lumpy knits, see thru PVC coats, pythons, shiny glossy leather, more home-project lumpy knits, shorts, high waisted shorts, ipad case and touristy waterproof case hang around the neck, colourful python boots, more pythons, more PVC and a touch of that teal-y, sea green we have been seeing everywhere.

He continued on that theme of rebellious youth but now, there seem to be something a little more aggressive, a little more rigour in the attitude. It was very 40's Berlin meet the reptilian sci-fi boys from Mars. The wet slickness of the hair, the skin and the fabric suggest future but also referencing the past with the cut; the classic mac and pin-stripped suits. Everything was loose but there was still a sense of restraint, the boys in the show look very smart in a way that would only exist in this weird place Mr. Simons has taken us to.

Oh Mrs. Prada, you did it again!

2011-06-23T03:08:00.000-07:00

Arguably, one of the most anticipated show in Milan and rightly so. Again Mrs Prada delivered a spectacular show of a cross between a cartoon cowboy and a southern golfer from the 70's. There were shoes that were brilliant, they were frilly, colourful shoes with rounded blue spikes. The dominating component here ware probably the prints; very colourful one of flower power and golf-y things matched with cute hats. And also those embellished shirts and clutch with colourful gemstones(the kind you get on a medieval toy sword). Some how they are very fun and new, perfect for editorials. So I am sure we will see them everywhere next summer.

It is exciting to see something new and fresh every season and Mrs. Prada is really that force. Apparently she said, "I hate golf" after the show backstage.

Photos by Sonny Vandevelde

Resort 2012

2011-06-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

Acne Resort 2012

YSL Resort 2012 by Stefano Pilati

Proenza Schouler Resort 2012 by Jack and Lazaro

Stella McCartney Resort 2012

Givenchy Resort 2012 by Ricardo Tisci

Lanvin Resort 2012 by Alber Elbaz

I have finally finish my exams, the last one was yesterday morning! It was maths C4 and it was probably the most stressfully anticipated exam ever so I am very happy that now it is over! So I've been busy revising of course but thought that I should get this out before I start wanting to talk about all the mens show showing in Milan at the moment, so here we go, here are the Resort 2012 I like.

We are getting fantastic colours again but now instead of bright fluorescent, the colours are a little more faded, or off. So we see lots of mints and mustards lurking around everywhere. If there weren't colours, then there are prints: those amazing, exotic, tropical, wild flower prints we see at Givenchy, The hawaiian inspired prints at stella mccartney or the Navajo and mexican squares at Proenza Schouler. While Mr. Pilati took a different turn at YSL, sailing that is. A mixed of 40's sailor inspired stripes match with bold 80's seashells and anchor accesories. It was a bit like female sailors on shore leave with those cute stripey dresses followed by those flowy dresses at the end that remind us of those pin ups of that era. And Lanvin did what they do best; flowy, long, feminine yet powerful and directional.

Rise of the Craftman and Fall of the Prince. Indeed.

2011-06-15T17:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, finally got round to review this! One of my favourite this season and all time for Mr.Simons. The reaction was slow but steady and it builds up. There is something so genuine about this collection, it was not so overly simplified as Mr. Simons was in the past and at Jil Sander.
The mood was set by a show invitation that reads "Rise of the Craftman and Fall of the Prince." The music that played was Nicki Minaj's and Eminem's Roman's Revenge which was kind of strange and surprisingly effective.

The colours were interesting for fall, he seem to translates what he did at Jil Sander to his own collection, referencing Yves Saint Laurent with those bright colours. My favourite were the bright coloured coats with the rounded shoulders which kind of remind me of those Balenciaga couture *1(refer to reference at the bottom) with the cocooned shape and wraps over the shoulders. There is also something shell like about them, the neoprene(i think) remind me of my scuba wet suit and somehow that is quite comforting. They were like parka which i love but with a thicker tougher fabric which holds it shape very well emphasising those wide sleeves, I just can't wait to see it. I do love an oversize parka, a good coat seem to cover everything and all the worries in the world just seem to diminish.

This was Raf Simons's Maximal Minimalism to the max, something that he has been toying with for seasons. The collection also consists of camel and white duffel coats(2085 pounds as told by the very helpful guy at Oki-ni) with the wooden toggles. There were plenty of knit and college sweatshirt again with the rounded shoulders. They are contrast with highly glossed latex trousers which somehow seem to work. the knitwear were like ski-sweater(again like his Jil Sander Womenwear Fall 2011 *2(refer to reference) where the girls remind me of Catherine Deneuve in Belle de Jour) *3(refer to reference). It reminded me of something in the 90's, something I see when I was younger, something nostalgic. The sweatshirt was printed in college frat type font that reads "Dead Prince College" and "Memory Ware Collector" (referencing one of Mr. Simons' favourite artist Mike Kelley *4(refer to reference.) The gelled up hair is also something very 90's.

The dialogue were clear, I get it, I love it, I will be saving up for it as the price quote were scary and finally something to look forward to except for the dull, dead winter of London.

References

her voice was full of money

2011-06-14T12:57:00.000-07:00

Acne Fall/Winter 2011/12 Runway

2011-06-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the looks I like from the Acne F/W. Can't wait to see them in person especially those ankle length coats and those touristy sweatshirts. Some very interesting layering and bright pop of colours (in cobalt and purple..) which is quite refreshing for fall. Acne is very demure this season and there are some great staples which are not necessary based on trends and those are the clothes I love. One thing that caught my eye again this season are those sunglasses... they are just incredible, the oversize-ness, the tortoise shell, the clear acetate perfected with the tinted gradient.

I am still looking forward to the Raf Simons Collection which I will talk about passionately, soon. I wish they have a store outside Japan, because I really need those coats!

glossed

2011-06-05T14:58:00.000-07:00

back and mostly greyscale

2011-06-01T00:59:00.000-07:00

Photos via Fashion Gone Rogue and the fashionisto

First and Second, Jil Sander Fall/Winter 1996 & 07
Third, Barbara Donninelli
Forth, Robert for FHM via CQC
Fifth, Joan Pedrola
Peter Lindbergh - Lara
Vogue Homme Japan
TFS - Peter Bruder
Ninth, Mathias Lauridsen for Bund
Tenth, Harpers Bazaar - Constance Jablonski
Charlie Westerberg, Topman
Vanity Fair - Sasha P.

kiddy stuff #2

2011-05-31T03:08:00.000-07:00

1 | Prada Sandwich Brogues in TABACCO
2 | Marni suede aviator hat
3 | Marni 3/4 sleeve knit
4 | Marni lambskin backpack in navy

New things I bought recently from Paris and Marni. These shoes as you may know, I've been wanting. I also finally got this backpack that I have blogged about here and you can buy it online too, here and here. It is not too big or too small, it is perfect for me. The lambskin make the bag super light and super soft, probably one of the best purchase lately, and I won't be buying another backpack for a while... I got mine from Paris and is so happy that I did!

The brogues seems to be okay at the moment, I walked in them from Knightsbridge to Kensington yesterday in these and they seem fine. I wear size 9 but ordered these in 8.5, knowing that they will be a little bigger. They are hard like most brogues are but comfortable to walk in. I am scared the foam is going to peel off though! Which is very bad for a very expensive pair of shoe. So hopefully it wont! If they do I'm sure Prada has a repair service.

New Haven Maths Club | Gant Rugger Pre-fall

2011-05-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

GANT Rugger prefall 2011 from Gant Rugger on Vimeo.

A bit late on the blog but saw this on other blogs and loved it so I want to share it with you here.

blueistism

2011-05-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

Taken in Mauritius October 2010

food porno

2011-05-26T15:17:00.000-07:00

Again, I am talking about La Maison de la Truffe, which I will always love. The fact that I can only go there when I am in Paris makes it even better.

I am completely obsessed with fish at the moment especially cod and salmon, I somehow feel like it is really good for me. I had the Cod with seasonal truffle (3rd photo) and the norwegian smoked salmon (1st photo). I was so happy and being at school for so long, I haven't had anything as good as this for a long time. I am actually thinking of becoming a pescetarian! I love chicken too much and I don't think I can ever give that up.

Food is so important especially at a time like this when I am constantly hungry and tired. These photos will only be a reminder of what I had and how happy I was at the time, so happy that I wanted to share this with you.

funny shoes

2011-05-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

I saw this man's shoes and thought they were interesting. We have been seeing these sandals everywhere and I mean like scuba diving shoes. This makes me a little sad since I really want to go scuba diving but can't because I am right in the middle of my exams. I envy those who has done their exams...

It wasn't the shoes that were particularly inspiring to me but it was the attitude that he had. But again this was in Paris, he was smoking and he had tattoos so I don't think you can really go wrong. He was genuine and wasn't trying to be something else that he wasn't. And again I only really photograph people I find interesting which is bad, because I really should be photographing everything. Practice makes perfect like some people like to say

passing by

2011-05-23T14:45:00.000-07:00

it falls and falls

2011-05-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

only a reflection

2011-05-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

Raf Simons Fall/Winter 2011

2011-05-13T15:25:00.000-07:00

I think I just died. I love everything here, I can't stop looking at them and maybe I am crazy but I would wear everything here especially those oversized parka/duffle/coat, love child of the three. For now just watch and see and later on we shall dissect the outfit individually. The message on the invitation reads "Rise of the craftsman and fall of the prince". Hmmm...indeed

Seasons after seasons, I just cannot seem to get over Jil Sander or Raf Simons, no matter how Uniqlo or United Color of Benetton it looks. Maybe it is an obsession and I may need help because I won't have enough fund to finance these.

Footnote: Sorry for posting so many videos lately, it is not that I am lazy but I just have been so visual these days, you know?

Coral Conservation

2011-05-11T02:07:00.000-07:00

We should this so our children and grand children can still enjoy the ocean. Scuba diving is one of the best thing in the world, and it is probably what I enjoy doing most, next to art and photos.
Source: South Pacific BBC

hiding things away

2011-05-08T01:35:00.000-07:00

Puppy Love Is Hear to Stay | Symposium on Popular Songs | Disney

2011-05-03T03:00:00.000-07:00

inspiration: Cecily Brown

2011-05-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

a type

2011-04-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

More photos from the boxing school in Samui. Now I have started on my artwork which is based on boxing, it shows a series of moments I caught when the boxer (Danilo) was training.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION Each tablet contains:

2011-04-29T23:58:00.000-07:00

summerland

2011-04-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

I've just returned to London from a three extremely hot weeks break in Thailand. I am quite excited since I miss the shopping and London. However I am not looking forward to doing exams which is slowly approaching!

However the plane journey was fantastic, I watched a bunch of movies which were really good - Tron, a really cool sci-fi movie and How Do You Know, which was a very unconventional chick flick (in a good way.)

Anyway, When I was looking out the window, I saw this and thought it was absolutely stunning. I also got hold of the May issue of British Vogue which is of course all about weddings - I an quite sick of it already! However I picked it up because of Freja Beha and an amazing editorial of Agyness Deyn and Tim Walker. Look at them on TFS.

once was

2011-04-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

voyeuriste

2011-04-20T01:22:00.000-07:00

...

2011-04-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

Nothing to write about yet, these shots are by my brother of me and my dog. I am quite bored here, it is way too hot and i cannot wait to go back to london.

a man you've never known

2011-04-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

A Man You've Never Known by The Strange Boys

i have always been a dreamer

2011-04-12T01:02:00.000-07:00

Spending time at the thai boxing school in Samui taking pictures to use as a source material for art. The weather has been incredible here! I had a lot of fun talking to many people from different places coming to Thailand to learn Thai boxing. Never actually realise how popular thai boxing is.

I am leaving Samui today back to Bangkok. I can't wait to go back to London actually. The weather seems to be very good.

Alexander McQueen Exhibit | Savage Beauty

2011-04-09T21:10:00.000-07:00

This was a very beautiful exhibit of Alexander McQueen's work, I especailly love the dress made out of mussels, I always thought they look beautiful. Enjoy!

Photos by: Sølve Sundsbø Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Yale University Press via The Cut

"Girls on Film" French Vogue P. Inez & Vinnodh Sty. Emmanuelle Alt

2011-04-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

Love Duran Duran and Inez and Vinoodh

prada sandwich shoes

2011-04-05T20:41:00.000-07:00

© by Prada

I know, I know, I know. I am finally ordering one of these. I have been wanting them since I saw them on the runway (while others said they were ugly and the daily mail even made it official). There is just something about them that I like, I makes brogues which kind of reminds me of old men more wearable for me.

I want this one, the TABACCO, I've been trying to look for as many photos as possible as I won't be able to see them in real life. I am sure I want them now. To be be completely honest, as a person who loves minimalism, I never found Prada that appealing. Don't get me wrong, I love the runway shows, the presentations, the styling and the quirkiness of Mrs. Prada but always find their clothes too flashy(minimally flashy) and it screams PRADA which I absolutely hate. I mean talking about it now just give me a little flash of those hideous sneakers they do every season with the huge red stripe which engraves PRADA.
But these shoes where almost love at first sight(or a crush), it will give me extra height and they will look smart without being too anal about looking smart.

Hopefully I will like them when they arrive or else, I may just have to put them on a shelf and just look at them.

I hate it when I like hyped or widely coveted item such as this because my judgement somehow becomes distorted. Every season there are a couple of items like this, this season's contenders include those colourful Prada fur stole/scarf and definitely the D&G white lace dress(cover of ALT's first french vogue).

Clément Chabernaud

2011-04-03T05:18:00.000-07:00

The native parisian cannot be ignore as he shows up in many campaigns ranging from Salvatore Ferragamo to Uniqlo J+ line. Clément Chabernaud is the quintessential model at the model. Love his sad puppy look. He seems to be working for designers who I really love such as Mrs. Prada and Raf Simons. He is even harder to ignore when he is obviously Mr Vanderperre's muse(great photographer and model duo). I love Willy Vanderperre's work which portray that extreme minimalistic style that I always love and never get bored of.

There are so many photographs that I like with him on it but it is just simply impossible to post all of them. He worked with Steven Meisel (Prada and Cavalli Campaign) and Milan Vukmirovic in (many) L'Official Hommes editorials. He was also captured by the Satorialist in the street, and it is just one of the best photograph ever.

He reminds me of Buster Keaton, no? And also this is which Mr Gatsby looked like in my head when I was reading the book.

Check out more photos.....

Source TFS and The Satorialist

Numero #122 April 2011 | Ph. Greg Kadel | Feat. Malgosia Bela

2011-04-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

Roc Paradise

2011-03-28T14:42:00.000-07:00

These jeans look perfect for the summer, I really like the super light wash and they fit well. They are kind of pricey for a pair of jeans so it may be an investment piece for this summer.

Marni Lambskin

2011-03-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this look so perfect! I love rucksacks and I love lambskin so POOF, perfect combination. Buy this at Mr. Porter here. I will have to think about it for a while since it is priced at around 700 pounds!

shore leave

2011-03-24T13:57:00.000-07:00

homesick and other things...

2011-03-18T00:21:00.000-07:00

I know I don't write much and you probably won't expect this from me but I've just been very busy lately with school and art and trying to get everything in place. I have had no time to blog which makes me a bit stress. I can't wait for the holiday which is coming in about two weeks. I hope everything is ok.

I've been reading a lot about John Galliano and hmm... any thoughts... I'm sure there will be no reply but I'm just interested.

I am currently obsessed with Inez and Vinoodh, one of the best duo photographers out there, incredible work, check them out here if you haven't seen their work before. Why are duo photographers so great? look at Mert and Marcus, I mean I've never been so excited about a single photograph.

I have been obsessed with books, photo books, so I've been hunting some limited ones from eBay and bought some none limited one that I like. I will show them soon. I bought Patrick McMullan's Men's Show, Uomini by Dolce and Gabbana (by Mariano Vivanco) and Chasing Beauty by Richard Phibbs(one of the best sport photographer out there, incredible). I've been looking at lots of forms because it is linked to my art project at the moment.

Charlotte Rampling in The Night Porter

2011-03-12T16:08:00.000-08:00

Yes I do love this movie, especially the scene where she was singing for the ss guard and NO I did not post this before of Marc Jacobs's F/W 11 louis vuitton collection. Charlotte Rampling is stunning, always and I cannot get over that yet.

graceful elegance

2011-03-12T15:46:00.000-08:00

On Mount St., London

Charlie Westerberg by Peter Gehrke

2011-03-09T14:44:00.000-08:00

Prada Womenwear Fall/Winter 2011

2011-03-07T02:59:00.000-08:00

boys don't cry

2011-03-04T14:33:00.000-08:00

Parka A.P.C, Trousers Zara, Tee Alexander Wang, Shoes Lanvin

the bird and the cloud

2011-03-01T14:06:00.000-08:00

NY DAY1

2011-02-26T19:08:00.000-08:00

Shopping at Nars for the X-Ray Book I have been eyeing and went to BookMarc which is another Marc Jacobs store in the village, they have incredible selections of photo books and autobiographies. My favourite section is the erotic section which is full of 'tasteful', porn-esque picture books by the name of Bruce Weber and Guy Bourdin and more! Love it, It was such a good shopping day!

one of a kind

2011-02-25T18:03:00.000-08:00

I was extremely bored so this was what I do to my dog when i am bored and feel a little creative. The outfit were inspired by Chanel and Christian Dior Haute Couture. Hope you like this!

out and about with j

2011-02-25T14:19:00.000-08:00

Untitiled | MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA

2011-02-25T14:16:00.000-08:00

It has a raw, grassy smell, very fresh like mowed lawn after a rainy day. It smell very different to what I have and I absolutely love it! I changes too, so later in the day it becomes something sweeter and more loose but still maintaining the leafy smell.

TOPSHOP UNIQUE FALL 2011 | LONDON

2011-02-23T15:04:00.000-08:00

There were plenty to digest at the latest showing of Topshop Unique, while their last fall collection features bushy eyebrows and antlers. This season the designers at Topshop Unique were inspired by a certain type of canine: dalmatians perhaps?

The collection features plenty of thick dalmatians fur coats (faux I hope) and high waisted trousers that seem to look so flattering on the models and little printed blouses with the collars. The clothes are wearable, young yet a little playful. I am always happy when I see a collection like this because it means that people can express fashion without having to break the bank.

So I have broken up the collection into four sections(because I'm just crazy like that): The coats, the printed sweatshirts, anything with those cute collars and the pleated blouse, and long, wide trousers.

Look at those sweater shirts with the pin striped suit jacket. APPLAUSE to the stylist!

© by NYMAG
Well, all and all, this was a pretty cute collection for Topshop Unique. Will you be lining up for these pieces for the next collection? I know some of my friends who have a soft spot for dogs will just die when they see this (F.a...s). What did you guys think about Topman Design, like it or not? Hopefully I'll look through the collection soon. I am departing to New York tomorrow and hopefully it's not too cold! I still try to post thing, I know that probably five people read my blog but...well.:)

even if i knew, i wouldn't want to say

2011-02-21T12:32:00.000-08:00

beauty

2011-02-19T12:48:00.000-08:00

I going to run out of money| Marc by Marc Jacobs F/W 2011

2011-02-17T12:10:00.000-08:00

More looks I like from New York, most of the womenswear has been interesting but nothing striking yet, I'm looking forward to Paris, Milan, and London to come.

Again, 70's clothes are back, after I mentioned Prada F/W 2011 collection, I knew that similar style are going to appear elsewhere. I love those colourful, chunky, knitted jumpers and those belted pleated trousers. The round glasses are cool too and the coats! I am so happy because there is Marc by Marc Jacobs in London somewhere in Mount Street and I will definitely be checking them out. I love the brogues too but my friends are going to say they look like old men's shoes!

What do you think? What was your favourite collection so far? I think this was a very wearable season. Everything just seem easy and relatable but we want more crazy stuff! Nothing statement yet except for Thom Browne ofcourse, that was interesting. Check out more below!

Favourite Menswear from New York Fashion Week

2011-02-16T10:08:00.000-08:00

Preppy boys gone bad at Robert Geller this season, the models wore earthy toned colours/black cardigans and jackets and studded leather jackets and glove. Paired with classics shirts and loose fitting trousers. So it was marriage between a country gentlemen and a biker I guess. The "lounging" trousers were incredible, they were loosed and look very comfortable. They were loosed leggings. I love that everything was not too tight it kind of just flow from one to look to another.

They are very wearable but there are something special about them that make me want all of them so I'm going to save up for next season and I'm going to go check them out in New York, next week. If I haven't mentioned this, I am going to NY next week! Very excited, I missed SoHo and the food and the shopping!

Kirsten Dunst for Band of Outsiders Spring 2011

2011-02-14T01:11:00.000-08:00

Kirsten Dunst for Band of Outsiders. Yet another celebrity collaboration. This was shot at the Huntington Botanical Garden. I clothes are cute but I'm more in love with the polaroids and the the stuffed animals!

imo

2011-02-14T01:03:00.000-08:00

Shot on February 10 at 5:51pm

Bella

2011-02-12T02:49:00.000-08:00

Shot on February 10, 6:35/6:27/6:01pm by me

Chloé Fall/Winter 2011 Ph. David Sims Feat. Iselin Steiro & Malgosia Bela

2011-02-10T05:02:00.000-08:00

Can't believe I've never blogged about David Sims before. I love minimalism so therefore I love david sims, I was in the library the other night and I end up looking through UK Vogue, the March issue and this campaign caught my eye, and I absolutely love! I love the colour, the lighting, the mood, the simplicity... Thumps up to Chloé. Hannah MacGibbon is perfect for Chloé and can't wait to see their F/W2011 Collection.

sea lion

2011-02-08T14:10:00.000-08:00

Menswear Fall/Winter 2011

2011-02-06T13:55:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my favourite looks from the Fall/Winter 2011 collection. As you can probably guess, I am slightly obsessed with these huge coats or anything that will keep me warm. I love Marni, this season, wonderful, simple clothes. Those totes look very cute too and I can feel the waves of the bloggers blogging about them now. I looked at their website and for a plain wool sweater, I would have to pay 400 Euro, which is quite ridiculous. I will just stare for now.

Raf Simons was amazing again, I especially love those knits with the pattern, very cute and wearable. Raf Simons never disappoints, its probably because I love minimal things, they are just so easy and cool. I've never been in love with a YSL collection before but I am starting to understand why men and women love them so much. The TAILORING, those clothes look impeccable, so we love you Mr. Pilati, never leave.

I was disappointed with the Dries Van Noten Spring/Summer 2010 collection with their bleach cloud prints, which I actually think looks very cool but I just don't think it would look good on me! This season was heaven, again those thick coats and the colour palettes just seems like it was custom to my taste, the navies, the greys, the beige, and the mustards.

Which collection do you like and should I spend £3000 on a YSL coat?

new old camera....

2011-02-04T07:15:00.000-08:00

a new place to shop

2011-02-04T07:13:00.000-08:00

Mr Porter is a new website, that is linked to Net-a-Porter but now for men. I can't wait for it, is wonderful that now there are more place for people to shop online. I am curious to see what brand will sign up to the web