Being nationalistic?

August is filled with nationalistic pride in the air as Malaysians (and Singaporeans) both celebrate their Independence Day during this month. My childhood celebration of Hari Merdeka (as they call it here in Malaysia) consisted of the ritual gathering in front of the television and anticipating for the Merdeka parade. And I could still remember the odd year when my father decided to brave the impossible human traffic at and around Merdeka square and brought the whole family to see the action live. This allowed me to witness firsthand the colourful uniforms and blasting but pleasing sound of the many marching bands  - which I presume one of the reasons of me opting to join the school brass band during Form Two. As I am one of the biggest band geeks in the world I felt bummed not being able to attend activities which involve bands parading down the historic Merdeka Square anymore especially this year, since life and daily job has taken rein over me.

 There's also the possibility that I missed some exciting, and at times, wacky carnival floats by big-budgeted companies to entertain the crowd, that also means a lost photo op. (But from the looks of it there's nothing really new or innovative about the complexity of float-making though). Sadly to say there is nothing much I could do today as well, as the overly clichéd annual Malaysia Day gigantic gathering is being held across the South China Sea in Sarawak this morning, which means another lost of potentially golden moment in photography...

But rest assured, a bit of nationalistic mood is infused in this outfit post as I  unconsciously stood in front of a Malaysian flag, near Bangsar Village II recently. So, there you go: my sad attempt to proof pride for the country with incorporating a flag at the background in soft focus, juxtaposed with the clashing colours of my outfit...

Not so summer kicks

Past-season fashion will always be in fashion (well, in my books at least), depending on how classic and relevant the design is. Due to the ever changing and rapid turnover of trends I find it too fleeting, and not to mention expensive to keep up with the latest styles of clothing. Hence buying last season items at a fraction of the original price is one of the ways for me to enjoy fashion without creating a huge dent in my bank account which is already burdened with monthly bill payment, etcetera.

Unfading turquoise

For this outfits post I'm combining the Chrisopher Kane print t-shirt with my go-to colored pants - the turquoise Sisley, that surprisingly still holds up after repeated use (it has been almost four years since I purchased them on-sale at the United Colors of Benetton store in Volgograd, Russia).

Perhaps this is proof of the sustainability of high-street clothing in terms of quality, and perhaps it's not an exaggeration to say that the quality is almost comparable to the expensive designer ones. Of course I will not place myself into another high-street x high fashion battle by stating which camp 'pioneers' in the design and esthetics department, but personally, I appreciate the beauty of both worlds. One supports the other in many different ways and I'm glad the lines separating them are blurred ever so...

Margiela fever

I suppose you are getting pretty tired to see endless entries regarding THE Margiela, but we could not hide our excitement on their upcoming collaboration with H&M (another three days left, have you eyed on any specific pieces?). True, the designer has left his eponymous brand but the nostalgia definitely lingers. Doing re-editions at a mass scale is a pretty brilliant move to introduce the enigmatic brand to the more 'commercial' world, at least to me, personally...

I'm sooo excited to have acquired a few Margiela-related pieces previously (some are vintage from Labels Inc, and some are from their MM6 x Opening Ceremony line that I scored during the Musa sales). Regretfully I rarely wear them out. This might sound pathetic but the reason being I truly cherish the pieces and I fear ruining them from over-wearing!

Hopefully the impending H&M collaboration will provide me another Margiela piece (albeit not truly authentic I'm satisfied enough; to those MMM elitist/purist fans, go away to your regular MMM boutique, thanks). In fact the launch which is barely a few days left pushed me to style up and wear my personal pieces, that serve as a memento, just in case I could not get hold of the high street pieces come November 15th. The date will surely be anticipated with excessive palpitations...

MM6 x Opening Ceremony palazzo pants, worn with Zara blazer, Uniqlo striped tee, eBay belt

Malacca 3.0

To wander alone at the UNESCO heritage site in Malacca last weekend was just the right moment trying to have a little time of peace for myself - figuring out life and its purpose, things that are important to me right now (family, friends, current job, Dunia Fashyon, last but not least) and just basically soaking in the beautiful terrain, steep in nostalgia.

I brought my DSLR and had a great inspirational moment capturing photos of the picturesque and historical surrounding. DF has never seen a post with this too many images (it's good to have a first for everything) and this is rightly the time for a barrage of pictures: collaged, edited, filtered and saturated like nobody's business...

The Dutch graveyard. The tombstones are painted in pristine white - eerily romantic, if you ask me.

Summer sales happiness

It's good to know that MUSA has managed to clear much of their inventory from SS2010 and beyond, in order to move on to their next project which is still in a hush hush mode. But it's sad the venture into independent European labels is rather short-lived though. I try not to toot my own horn here but dare I say I am among the lucky persons (but unlucky financially, if you'd like to think the other way) who managed to scoop a great bargain that this sale offers (offers, as in present tense. Yes, it's still ongoing). 

As I tweeted previously the Christopher Kane items at MUSA are so greatly discounted it surpasses the London sample sale calibre. I'm not exaggerating! Now the seemingly unattainable FW2011 tartan print shirt becomes my possession at a fraction of the original price...

I tried to pair the (here's my attempt to create a new colour vocabulary) dusty gold t-shirt with a nearly-matching jacket, tailored to my petit frame. Remember when the jacket was a tad too large? The pleated wool trousers are from Et Vous, a French label, acquired during a separate MUSA sale. I love the baggy yet tailored silhouette, the pleats, and the best thing is they're cropped at the ankles! They actually come together with a jacket but the Gaga-esque exaggerated shoulders made me think twice to wear it...

I'm wearing a custom-tailored jacket from eBay, Christopher Kane FW 2011 tartan print shirt, Et Vous pleated trousers, Comme des Garcons Shirt shoes, Ayame socks, brooch from a market in Sabah

It was not a coincidence as Arman and I decided to wear Kane's t-shirt from the same collection. The purple hue is a more vibrant option than my more subdued version. This is further augmented by a shiny clutch from Marc by Marc Jacobs. I guess outfit color-coordination speaks volumes in terms of reflection of the wearer's personality - perhaps the notion of bright colors equals to outgoingness and vice versa is indeed a tried-and-tested concept...

 

Arman's recent trip to Johor Premium Outlet has resulted in this interesting beaded sneakers from Adidas x Jeremy Scott commercially successful collab. Arman always gets amazing footwear on our jaunts to JPO but I, on the other hand, always come back empty-handed due to the lack of small boyish shoe size there.

P/S: By the way, if you haven't noticed we have joined forces at Dunia Fashyon and Arman has put on some wonderful news, e.g. all the Oroton updates. 

Have a great weekend!

written by Hafidzudin
twitter: @naboonies

MUSA FOREVER

Musa Kuala Lumpur is embarking on a new project, and as a consequence they are having a warehouse sale - an effort to clear up their space. It's located at their office in Danau Kota. I'm not exaggerating when I say most of the items are discounted up to 90percent! Hence even the pricier labels like Gareth Pugh, Christopher and Margiela seemed much affordable now.

I should just shut up and let the pictures do the talking...

Whimsical trend: Darth Vader visor

You can consider that I'm a relatively big fan of Star Wars, ever since the prequel episodes were released - I was still in Form Three when Episode One: The Phantom Menace was in the cinemas. I even collected the Episode One Pepsi posters! Now you know such nerdiness actually existed at some point of my life. Cue Sheldon Cooper's "BAZINGA!" remarks.

 

A collage of Star Wars + fashion forrays. Clockwise from top left: Commes des Garcons 2012; Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen for Stylemint; Illustrations by John Woo: Jar Jar Binks in Maison Martin Margiela, Princess Amidala in Gareth Pugh, Darth Vader in Band of Outsiders, Scout Trooper in Viktor & Rolf; Adidas x Star Wars sneakers; Nicolas Ghesquiere and Charlotte Gainsbourg for Harper's Bazaar; Black Milk swimsuits; Thom Browne SS12; Balenciaga SS12. 
Image credit: fashionista.com    

On the other hand, fashion only pervades me during my blossoming years of young adulthood, not until a FEW years ago. I love it when both of my favorite worlds collide. Although a Star Wars theme in fashion is not something new, it is always comforting to see that the presumably cooler-than-thou fashion realm has at least a tiny bit of fixation on intergalactic battles, Jedis and light sabers.

We all know that the latest addition of Star Wars + fashion is in the form of Nicolas Ghesquiere's Balenciaga SS12 collection, notable the oversized visor hat, which oftly reminds people of Darth Vader's helmet.

 

Image credit: first photo - fashionista.com; last two photos: Coco's Tea Party.

Of course this by no means resemble Balenciaga's out-of-the-Galactic-Empire (see what I did here?), Darth Vader imitating, disproportionately long, questionably functional version. But when I saw this visor at Daiso, typically worn by middle-aged Korean ladies I saw during my summer trips, I can't help but get excited over the fact this is the cheapest way to emulate the trend. Despite its rather short brim, at RM5 a pop, I'm sure this can be an equally stylish substitute of the real deal. I'm pushing the futuristic look a wee bit further with this lava lamp print shirt by Christopher Kane Fall 2011...

   
I'm wearing visor hat from Daiso, Christopher Kane lava lamp print, Topman skinny trousers, Marni at H&M sandals

Topshop NewGen T-shirts

After the calmed craze of Marni at H&M I headed to Topshop in Suria KLCC to have a look at Topshops' NEWGEN  t-shirts. As we know Topshop has been sponsoring British Fashion Council's NEWGEN scheme for already ten years. It seems that a celebration of a decade of sponsorship is due, hence the collection, which is designed by its most celebrated alumni.

Christopher Kane, Richard Nicoll, Erdem, Peter Pilotto, Ashish, Meadham Kirchoff, Jonathan Saunders, Gareth Pugh, Mary Katrantzou, House of Jazz, Roksanda Ilincic, Marios Shwab, Louise Gray, Nasir Mazhar, JW Anderson, Emma Cook, Peter Jensen, Holly Fulton, Craig Lawrence and Michael van der Ham have all created T-shirts for the initiative...

Christopher Kane for Topshop

 

Ashish for Topshop

 

JW Anderson for Topshop

  

I tried a few t-shirts on but could not justify the price (about RM160 per piece), considering the fact that I have splurged during the riotous rampage at Marni at H&M.

At the same time Mary Katrantzou's collaboration with Topshop also was in-store when I was casually browsing. Surprisingly the silk lamp shade-shaped dress was almost sold out, and there were only a few pieces left including this cropped t-shirt. Who would have known that KL-ites have the guts (and the height, hopefully) to possibly pull off Katrantzou pieces...

The cropped Mary Katrantzou t-shirt - too ambitious an attempt for that androgyny look

Marni metallic sandals and oriental feel

I initially had qualms about things too shiny and metallic, especially when it comes to clothing items. The mentality embedded in my mind, it seems, is that it is either too flashy for day wear, or too tacky for evening wear (for guys, at least). But somehow I have changed my perception over the years, thanks to a barrage of runway images and look books styled to incorporate such glistening material.

In effect, I have mustered some bravery to style the metallic silver sandals acquired at the recent Marni at H&M shopping frenzy, and somehow felt rather experimental donning the ever so oriental-infused T-shirt from Christopher Kane. But in this case, the powerful print need not be clashing against the gleam of the footwear, hence the sweater cover-up...

 

Uniqlo sweater, Christopher Kane SS12 T-shirt, H&M jeans, Peter Pilotto for Kipling bag, Marni at H&M sandals

 

Chasing the Greyhound in Yellow Decks

The vivid color/pastel fever is perpetuated yet again during last week's outing. This time around the pastel part involves a newly-purchased shirt with print detail from Greyhound, a Thai label that has been quite a serious player in the international menswear market. 

 

The shirt possesses a quirky look with this 'iron-on' effect of a print right in the middle of the shirt, which is also present as elbow patches.

Cause it's D-A-M-A-G-E-D

Whether I like it or not I have to wear my roach aftermath tee shirt anyway, because no amount of repair can give the shirt justice (unless, of course, if I had someone like the late François Lesage at my disposal, covering the holes with ethereal embroidery).

Instead I chose to don it out, whilst perusing furniture at IKEA of all places. Don't we all love a bit of generic 'designer' and most importantly VERY affordable furniture from Sweden... well, designed in Sweden at least?

I have (brilliantly) decided to hide those atrocious holes underneath a new mustard Uniqlo cardigan, deliciously knit in fine merino wool, and the best part is, it was on sale. An autumnal color combo I've decided to style it in - paired together with this marronish/purplish cotton trousers, also from Uniqlo, which I bought in Singapore almost a year ago.

Roaches ate my Christopher Kane!

This entry deserves a hell lot of bold and exclamation marks because it's true, boys and girls!!!

The damned pest, notorious for lurking in narrow crevices and striking in pitch dark apparently has been staying in my closet since God knows when!!!

And they have decided to nibble my Christopher Kane SS2011 cosmic print t-shirt!!!

I don't believe it I hear you say? Have a look for yourself...

Great great procurements

What I'm about to discuss is perhaps bordering on pure consumerism but have you ever liked that one thing and wished you could purchase it right away? That you probably like it so bad you return to the shop over and over again to take a look at that item, and you still can't shake the image off your mind?

Well, I really love the Christopher Kane SS12 t-shirt  that I have previously blogged about here. And I always return to the only store that stocks it (Musa, that is) just to have a look at it over and over again, but somehow took one step back after seeing its price tag.

 Technically I did not acquire the oriental motif-laden shirt straight away at its original price (which obviously might well break my bank account instantly), but fortunately Musa has generously reduced the delicate t-shirt price considerably to the point that even my generally middle-class income could purchase this treasured piece....

Whimsical trends: Cosmic prints

This has a high potential to be my next blog header image!

You might notice cosmic/galactic/universal prints have seen a great surge these past two seasons, all thanks to designers like Christopher Kane who pretty much takes the responsibility in propelling beautiful galactic prints on the runway. I honestly do not know if he stole those gorgeous universe prints from NASA's archive of space images. Ha!

I for one am a big fan of prints, especially the (vaguely) painterly ones. When I saw Mr Kane's famed cosmic collection both for men and women some time last season, my childhood ambition to be an astronomer was suddenly re-triggered and was very tempted to grab a hold of one of the pieces. Oki-ni had a great selection of men's t-shirts, however the exorbitant (pun intended) price was a HUGE let down.

This is a unisex resort 2011 collection from Christopher Kane (kidding haha)

Come spring summer sales I happily noted that the t-shirts are sold half price at SSense.com, a Canadian-based e-boutique. Never mind that it's a women's t-shirt (isn't that old news?), the thought of the lower cost compared to Oki-ni made me joyous already.

Staring all day long at the mesmerizing vivid print...

The fabric is breezy, semi-sheer modal. The tag says 'dry cleaning only'. This shirt better be worth the dry cleaning fees which I only allocate to garments that I love. This is garment number thirty four.

No wonder people say e-window shopping is addictive. For those who have a weak will power like me can easily succumb to the temptations of sales. Who's to be blamed? (okay stop it I know I can see fingers pointing at me now). But the journey to the galaxy did not end here. I figured the more cosmic themes in an outfit the better...

The cosmic theme resonates perfectly in the Kipling x Peter Pilotto SS2011 collaboration. This Milky Way bag boasts a roomy space where I can stuff all my garbage when I'm in a hurry. The bag is also on a heavy discount at Kiplings outlet in One Utama.

We love matchy matchy hues...

Aren't you amazed by Lady Gaga's equally famous galactic-inspired Born This Way video?

Or Katy Perry's alleged copycat E.T video...

Well, thumbs up for Ssense for having a fairly good range of sizes. The negative part was the extortionate fixed postage fee! Imagine paying 50USD for such a light item. It was a rather foolish/wise decision to purchase it anyway, as the cost that I saved post discount is more beneficial than the shipping fee. (yes I hired an accountant to calculate that 'value-for-money shopping' for me).

Worn with Zara blazer, Cheap Monday jeans, vintage woven leather shoes

A 90's song that would be apt for all things cosmic is of course 'Intergalactic' by Beastie Boys...

Hopefully it's not too late to wish Happy Ramadan al-Mubarak for Muslims out there!

Christopher Kane's oriental motifs, Comme Des Garcons clutches

I'm jumping for joy as I typed this as Comme Des Garcons has finally landed in Kuala Lumpur! My cravings for CdG attains satiety in spite of only leather ware being featured here. A collection of blindingly loud neon-hued clutches and wallets of varying sizes awaits the adventurous lot. The urge of getting my hands on these babies intensifies ever more so after looking at this beautiful image by Tommy Ton, which actually gives the clutch more justice (you know my digital camera is shit so yes it's apples and oranges...).

                         

On the other hand those who'd rather stick to classic colours can opt for these demure card and coin holders or wallets which are suitably arranged next to their more kaleidoscopic counterparts...

For those looking for a bigger space to carry their belongings fret not, 'cause these embossed leather totes are ready to be someone's arm candy ( I know I'm starting to sound like somebody from PurseBlog or something)....

The saying 'save the best for last' cannot be more apt if we're talking about Christopher Kane, the uprising British designer who dazes fashion editors with his out-of-this-world prints and vibrant hues. For this season neon lace infused with oriental-inspired prints like dragons, tigers and exotic flora are chosen and finely placed on jersey t-shirts and dresses creating a breathtakingly beautiful collection. But I'm discreetly wishing if they can re-stock the wildly popular cosmic prints from his resort collection... because that's what I truly need!

                                    

                               

Christopher Kane and Comme Des Garcons leather accessories are exclusively available at Musa, No 34, Jalan Telawi 5, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.