Menswear F/W 2013 Collections

If you haven't noticed, this has been a long overdue post that I've been meaning to write, considering the fact that Couture week has already passed. In any case, I forced myself to post this because of how much I loved this year's menswear collections. 

Alexander McQueen 

Burton seems to be upping the theatricality of the McQueen shows especially with the menswear this season with the statement "saran wrap" masks, the severe hair and the uncanny setting of the show. Strict and disciplined tailoring celebrates McQueen's training at Savile Row with Burton subverting this strength into a modern adaptation of traditional menswear.

Burberry Prorsum

Christopher Bailey's presentation at Burberry is a nod to their classics notably their outerwear and trench coats. However, it's good to see that despite the show being called "I ♥ Classics", Bailey has interpreted their key pieces in a new way. The show ended with one of my favourite jackets I've seen in a while. Made of latex, the coats have the sensibility of a leather jacket while maintaining the transparency of a lighter fabric.

3.1 Phillip Lim

The bold prints at 3.1 Phillip Lim are balanced with simple wardrobe staples that give off an urban vibe. What I like about this collection is how easy it is to pull of these looks on the street. Backpacks go hand in hand with the material of the pants, giving it a city practicality that I'm sure anyone would appreciate.

Christophe Lemaire

The nature of Christophe Lemaire's "easy chic" menswear collection is a refreshing change to the military tailoring that has been all over the menswear shows last week. Despite the relaxed tailoring and soft fabrics, the looks themselves maintain a masculine attire while offering a sartorial edge.

Christopher Kane

When Christopher Kane's male customers started to order the Frankenstein print shirt from his womenswear collection, it was natural for him to produce one for the opposite sex. Already gaining a following on street style blogs, the print itself is further explored with animal prints appearing on coats and sportswear looking hoodies. I asked all the guys in my class and they agreed that unlike most collections seen on the runway, this collection is actually something they would wear. Thumbs up all the way!

Gucci

In contrast, I also appreciate some good old military jackets from time to time. In my mind, any guy should appreciate strict military tailoring as it accentuates the figure of a man. It's just like finding the right dress to show off all the right curves in a women. Gucci's colour palette hits the mark in my mind as it gives a new dimension to the wardrobe staples like military jackets and tailored pants.

Christopher Shannon

The first thing I like about Christopher Shannon is the blue in his menswear collection. Of course, there are also many other likeable things like the "patchwork" pants and the zipper shoulders that can be detached from the shirt itself. In a way, it reminds me of Sarah Burton's S/S 2011 RTW show at Alexander McQueen with the slashed shoulders as a reinterpretation of Lee's infamous pagoda shoulders. Kudos to his sense of humour and the easy styling of his separates.

Colette

Taken from http://www.imittelstand.de/themen/presse.html?boxid=508873

Taken from http://www.popscreen.com/v/61F58/Shop-Profile-Colette-Paris

Taken from http://jetsettimes.com/2012/09/11/interview-with-colette-paris-a-constant-movement-and-energy-in-style-design-art-and-food/

From the top: "I Love NY" vest from Mark McNairy || Vestax Typhoon DJ Controller || A page from my sketchbook of my grad trip in Europe || Green'N Violet Watch from Swatch || L'air de Colette room spray
All items from Colette

People often ask me what's the one place that I have to go to in Paris. Considering the amount of shopping to be done and the temptation of crisp buttery croissants amongst other foods, the list is almost impossible to finish. However, there is one stand out shop that I return to whenever I'm in Paris. Next to the Tuileries gardens stands the concept store Colette on the famous Rue Saint-Honoré. As a lover of anything fashion, Colette supplies my fantasies with its wide range of products from its enviable music selection to its seemingly must-have items. Their collaborations with art/design companies are also worth noting. Also feel free to check out the artists that pop up occasionally in their exhibition space or the cool water bar if you have time. If Paris is too far a destination, you can always check out their online store with the products all listed out for easy viewing. Not in the mood for shopping? Then chill instead with the music playlist that goes through all the latest tunes on their website.

Check them out at http://www.colette.fr or go to their store directly at 213 Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris.

#HKFashionBloggers: Style Summit

From the left: Louie Wada from Rockncouture/Visala Wong from V for Visala/me
Credits to Herman Joseph Li from V for Visala 

Being the responsible blogger that I am, I stupidly forgot to take pics at HKFashionBloggers' Style Summit at Linguini Fini. I guess this is what you call getting caught up "in the moment". And boy was it a good night! I needn't mention that I'm still new to the blogging scene but that night really showed me how important it was to make connections within the industry. Heck, I didn't even have a business card and when everyone started to whip theirs out, I felt like shrinking myself into a small corner. Mental note to self: be prepared and know what kind of event you're going to.  Oh and another thing is to go to the bathroom beforehand so that you get to practise your "introductory speech" with the right facial expressions and handshakes to look "calm and composed". Of all things though, that was the complete opposite of what I was that night. Thinking back, I think I've said enough OMGs to last a lifetime. But then again, as a first timer and being the novice blogger that I am, it's impossible not to be at least a little starstruck.

Many thanks to Jasmine Webster for organising such a fun event for the fashion bloggers of Hong Kong! I met a lot of great people that night and I don't think it'd be possible for me to mention everyone here. Visala Wong was someone I never thought I'd meet but that night proved me wrong. It's also funny how I recognised Michael Cheung (FRESH magazine) from my primary school days. I also have to give a big shoutout to Louie Wada from Rockncouture who was a great partner to have for the night. Here's to HKFashionBloggers!

OOTD: Funny Friends

It's funny how Nicole pointed out that all three of our initials put together would form the acronym NNN, much like the fashion house Maison Martin Margiela. We came up with the name N^3 but then that would have made us sound like a pop boy band from the year 2000 e.g. N*SYNC. In any case, name or without name, we set out on our usual weekly lookbook shoot in Kowloon Park. We found a cool looking maze to the left of where we usually go and it turned out to be a great location. The whole set up felt like a bizarre Alice in Wonderland moment with NYCs Central Park as the backdrop. It's moments like these that make me realise how much I love lookbook-ing! (if ever there was such a word...)

John Galliano's comeback of the century?

BREAKING NEWS

Galliano is back!

The much-loved designer known for his over-the-top creations and outlandish style has now come out of hiding. Galliano, who was unfortunately involved in an anti-Semitic rant ultimately costing him his job at Dior is now grateful for his undertaking and residency under Oscar de la Renta. With the help of Anna Wintour, Galliano is now preparing for NYFW by spending the next 3 weeks with de la Renta.

“John and I have known each other for many years and I am a great admirer of his talent.”

Admittedly, Galliano responded by saying,

“I am an alcoholic. I have been in recovery for the past two years … I remain committed to making amends to those I have hurt.”

True to his words, Anti-Defamation League national director Abraham Foxman has welcomed his move to NYC with Galliano's "demonstrated effort to learn from his remarks about Jews, Hitler and the Holocaust."

"Mr. Galliano has worked arduously in changing his worldview and dedicated a significant amount of time to researching, reading, and learning about the evils of anti-Semitism and bigotry."

Things seem to look a lot better now with Galliano's promising return to fashion. Here's a few of my favourite looks from him to celebrate his long awaited comeback! 

Menswear Collections: Street Style

It's going to be a few more weeks until we see the fall collections for 2013. But meanwhile, let's indulge ourselves in Tommy Ton's street style shots during the menswear collections!

All images taken from style.com

Fotanian 2012

    

I've been lazy again and stopped blogging for a brief hiatus. What can I say? It's the start of school again but hopefully I can break free from my bad habits. Last weekend, the annual arts festival Fotanian was rumoured to be bigger than before with over 88 studios and 250 artists participating. As a Fotanian virgin, 

I had no expectations but I was pleasantly surprised with the variety of art they had to show. My favourite pieces were the sculpture work of the artists in 1611 WE SCULPTORS and the carefree sketches of Liu Siu Jane at Art Horizon Workshop. Never had I seen a landscape drawing with such large pen gestures abstracted in a way that reminded me of abstract expressionism. Despite the western influences of the drawing itself, the elongated plastic sheet subverted the traditional Chinese ink paintings. I wasn't able to see all the studios but I would definitely say that the highlight of this experience was being able to see the juxtaposition of the East and West in the work of Hong Kong artists. How do you find the art scene in your town?

Art Horizon Workshop

Unit 45, 11/F, Block F, Wah Lok Industrial Centre

Shan Mei Street 31‐41, Fo Tan, N.T., Hong Kong

1611 WE SCULPTORS

Unit 11, 16/F, Block B, Wah Luen Industrial Centre

15-21 Wong Chuk Yeung Street, Fo Tan, N.T., Hong Kong

OOTD: Of Parks and Plazas

While I made futile attempts at downloading the software needed for my architecture homework, I spent the time touching up my Lookbook photos instead. Nicole and I went to the Fotanian arts festival yesterday to check out the open art studios that are usually closed to the public. Despite trying to find an industrial looking setting, we found a nice park in the most unlikely location amidst the towering industrial buildings. Perhaps the title "Urban Jungle" would have been fitting here. I tried something different this morning by jumping, something I haven't done before in my Lookbook shoots. I can definitely say it's a lot more fun than simply standing and looking at the camera. Guess it's time for me to break free from my usual stand, pose and pout routine...