Coach Men's Boutique KLCC

I was not able to attend the new opening of the first mens-only Coach store in KL, but luckily Filzah and Fahad managed to come as reps. I just passed by the store (post launch) few weeks ago - it is a miniature corner (700sq feet) compared to the roomier womens counterparts, but am pretty sure the space will be extended come Stuart Vevers' debut collection for fall next year. Good to know that KLCC mens’ store is a design concept developed by Vevers in partnership with creative firm studio Sofield.

Monkeying around: Kipling Fall Winter 2013

Kipling is a bag brand that is synonymous with practicality and casualness in its design. Although primarily a woman's brand I did have my personal experience with Kipling bags - The Peter Pilotto collaboration piece that I have rings as a testament of its utilitarian prowess: I used the strapped pouch to travel and it was very handy indeed - it can fit a wallet, boarding pass, passport and some cash in its compartments; its heavy-duty nylon is a relief for a person like me who needs easiness and reassurance whilst travelling. Plus the attractive diamond print did not hurt the eyes either. Therefore from my observations it's safe to say that utilitarian and casual design is embedded in the brand's DNA. Recently my sister (who represented Dunia Fashyon as I could not make it) took the opportunity to attend the press preview of Kipling's fall/winter 2013 offerings...

Sometime by Asian designers

My mission attending last November's Urbanscapes was to finally feel what it was like to be a festival-goer, and of course it was not supposed to involve shopping at all. But it was hard to be firm on my principles if there's something wonderful enticing me, especially when it comes in the form of good-looking and affordable bags. I stumbled upon Sometime booth right in the middle of the field, quite separated from all the music action that was going on.

The luxury of Tod's

To be honest I am not an avid follower of all things stereotypically categorised as 'luxury brands', especially the ones that are lagging in the directional front and revolve around preaching their so-called rich history, heritage and craftsmanship. But there's no denying of Tod's commercial role in today's luxury market: successfully selling expensive driving shoes, propelling this footwear style into popularity among young men (and women) resulting in the infiltration of cheaper high-street versions into the market. But of course no other brands (except Car shoes, maybe) can instill people's trust in these kinds of shoes like Tod's does. How do they do that?

Bottega Veneta menswear AW13 review

The Bottega Veneta show was scheduled at 9.30am on a Sunday morning, located inside the brand headquarters in the industrial part of Milan. We managed to arrive very early albeit the freezing and drizzly winter weather. Ashley Thng, the brand PR from Singapore greeted and brought us around the complex. Model-looking ushers approached and held a large black umbrella for us as we made our way into the building - an experience which felt very much like a Downton Abbey moment to us. Once inside, we headed to the cafeteria in the showroom-turned-lounge space for a quick cup of freshly brewed Italian espresso.

Thirtyfour Bespoke

Thirtyfour is an emerging Malaysian leather ware label which I came across last year. For those who are not familiar,  the brand is already making its way to catering a niche of higher-end bags and jewelry designed and crafted in Malaysia. Beginning their steps with female-oriented designs this brand has evolved and expanded into men's section as well. I could still remember the creations that caught my eye when I paid a visit to their first outlet in Bangsar Village II last two seasons (there was a small, simple document holder in snakeskin imprints that was so smart-looking even for a man).

The opening of Thirtyfour Bespoke in Publika (yes, I only managed to check them out recently despite raving commentaries in the blogosphere) has opened a new door for me to seek for affordable made-to-measure leather items in Kuala Lumpur. To be exact, this branch takes orders for pre-designed bags and clutches (now including small leather goods and sandals as well) to their expanding inventory. The lowdown on the 'bespoke' part is you can't really opt for designing a bag from scratch - instead, you can choose a selection of materials and colors which suit your taste and further incorporate them into Thirtyfour's template designs. 

Louis Vuitton and Daniel Luren collaboration

I am not ashamed to admit that before I was exposed to the vast universe of fashion, my style obsession was narrowed only to ‘everything-Louis Vuitton’. Years away from that phase now I still have fond interest & enthusiasm on this brand and avidly follow Marc Jacobs striking career at this glorified luxury French label.

Marc Jacobs modelling the 2009 version of the Stephen Sprouse's collaboration
Image source: Highsnobiety.com

Marc Jacobs’ passion in art has immersed seamlessly into the collection he has created for the house. It all started back in 2001 when the collaborated works with Stephen Sprouse was introduced (those hot-ticket Graffiti-laden bags were later reintroduced in 2009, this time in neon options). Then there were Richard Prince (whose The Nurse Series of paintings were then translated onto the runway and his signature art technique applied onto the bag craftsmanship) and recently a collaboration with Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama who single-handedly make polka dots relevant in the fashion world all over again.

The Sandwich Bag: WANT or SHAN'T?

It was love at first sight. 

Since being introduced on the runway last January I can’t stop thinking about the clutch. My ‘accountant–self' has been battling hard with my ‘fashion-slave' other half as I'm trying to justify the rationale behind acquiring what could be the “most expensive paper bag in the world” (The  Telegraph/ British Vogue).

Jil Sander Fall Winter 2012 fashion show.
image source: nowfashion.com

MMM Bag!

The title would falsely read as Hanson's MMMbop! (What ever happened to the boys? I remember the lead singer with that vaguely husky voice of his).

But really, the leather bag is another haul from, yes, I'm going to drag you to the dreadful phrase: MUSA sales. The shoulder bag bag first caught my eyes during my visit to Maison Martin Margiela showroom in Paris last year - an experience so good, it basically proves clothes look so much better in person. Screw internet fashion bloggers like me who steal other reputable fashion insiders' images and comment as if I was the one who dissected every fashion piece in-person. Magazine editors, stylists, buyers - you guys know I'm so green with jealousy right now...

I hope I'm not exaggerating when I say this bag is a design genius - say goodbye to misplaced clutches and coin wallets. Everything's attached to the main body, and they will become detachable as you wish.

Wearing MM6 Maison Martin Margiela x Opening Ceremony bag, Uniqlo cardigan, Christopher Kane t-shirt, et vous pleated trousers, Sanders shoes

written by Hafidzudin
twitter: @naboonies

OROTON AUTUMN WINTER 2012 PRESS PREVIEW

The Australian fashion scene has once been said is about one to two years behind the European market in its trend. This may be due to various factors; including when Paris is welcoming chinchilla jackets on the runway Melbourne and Sydney is lathering tanning lotion and rocking out in flip-flops. But that is not the case with Oroton Autumn Winter 2012 Ready-To-Wear collection. Presented on the runway during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Sydney last May, Creative Director Ana Maria Escobar belted out a fresh and fun collection in the form of retro-inspired ‘Rope’ prints, disco-ready sequined shifts and the bold presence of glo-mesh (Oroton’s signature) in many of the looks (my favourite: meshed collar of a pale white silk shirt) and of course, the lust-worthy accessories collection.

We attended a press review of their Autumn Winter 2012 collection held for Malaysian medias in Kuala Lumpur last week. It was hosted in one of the suite at the top floor of Westin Hotel.



The Anouk clutches in tantalising colours from hot fuchsia to tortoiseshell decorated the living area. At one corner, a selection of Archive mini bags were arranged elegantly on a worktop. The LCD TV was playing their latest RTW show complete with behind-the-scenes footages and front-row interviews while the guests enjoyed light breakfast buffet with freshly-brewed cup of coffee.

We were then escorted into the bedroom of the suite where the ready-to-wear collection was presented complete with models as mannequins to model the samples they had. Costume jewelries were placed in the side drawers to complement the RTW line. Small selection of men’s leather goods were laid elegantly on a day bed ranges from iPad cases, wallets, portfolios and briefcases.

What I find intriguing about Oroton leather goods range is the fact that only oil vegetable leather is used in the production of each pieces. Some of the textures are too supple and soft we’ve mistaken it for a nappa leather only to be corrected by the store manager that it was actually made of CALF!

At first sight, below bags might look as if they’re made of python, right? Boy, I was wrong. No exotics were used in their leather goods production. What you see is actually calf leather that has been re-grained to look like a python (with almost python-like texture too!)

Exciting news for local fashionista as Oroton is opening their fourth store in Kuala Lumpur by early next month. The new flagship will be in Pavilion and will house complete collection of the leather good accessories alongside the costume jewelry and the above ready-to-wear line.

CORRECTUM: Original post was mistakenly titled 'OROTON SPRING SUMMER 2012 PRESS REVIEW'. Apologies!

Batik-ed

I have been slightly crazy over prints (this is not a new occurrence at Dunia Fashyon - I just dabbled in paisley prints recently), and, following my subsequent jaunt to the Jonker's Walk, I have acquired this batik print backpack from a store called Next KK.

It has never crossed my mind that this seemingly souvenir-laden shop which aims at the flocks of tourists offers something that I myself would really buy... the memories of backpacking days in the Europe crept in: I had history of falling into such tourist traps where buying overpriced Hard Rock Cafe t-shirts, town-specific fridge magnets, key chains and postcards was the objective proof that you have been in, say, Paris or Berlin.

 

Seeing stripes: Breton stripe tops

For the time being my style fixation is veering towards Breton tops, especially the ones with classic navy blue lines. There's something so indescribably simple yet streamlined with this kind of style - perhaps a living proof of how the French dominate the world with all things chic and timeless. You might yawn at my sentiment but that's how my brain works - seasons after seasons of exposure as a trend and it finally dawns on me that Breton stripes are best teamed with bold colours, such as the dark red denim and yellow boat shoes I wear below. So, go sailor!

 

Undercover Uniqlo by Jun Takahashi striped top, Guess jeans, eBay belt. Lacoste shoes

 

Uniqlo striped tops, Cheap Monday pants from MUSA, Zara blazer, eBay belt, Pro-Keds boat shoes from Buntil Bundle, Topman messenger bag 

The Way I Pack - Mr Porter

I have been travelling less and less nowadays, and it seems that the only route I'm going ever so frequently is Melaka - Kuala Lumpur. But that does not deter me from learning more about the art of packing. Mr Porter has done a terrific job in portraying how three very different men (stylistically, in this sense) who share something in common - they have acquired distinguishable packing skills as a consequence of their numerous travels.

My favorite gentleman's packing preferences is of Mr Duncan Ellis, who is an artist manager. I can somehow connect to his practical sides of packing - rolling instead of folding, anticipating what the weather will be like and last but not least, he sometimes has the tendency to overpack, which I shamefully share in common as well.

Apart from the useful insider tips Mr Porter also treats us with a visual feast of beautiful luggage, clothes and shoes, all from their stocks. I have to say that the black business luggage and the tan holdall from Mulberry is very very enticing...

Marni for H&M launch!

 

Aren't you excited to hear that Marni, the pattern-frenzy and color-blocking label from Italy will be launching their collaboration with Swedish fashion giant H&M this eighth of March? Naturally for those whose appetite for artsy designer labels can never be whetted (that screams me!), this is the perfect chance to grab a similarly-looking runway collection at a fraction of the price.

Undoubtedly this is a bargain hunter's wet dream - for the guys the slightly odd patterned shirts (but artfully beautiful, of course) start from 34.99 GBP, and  outerwear like the strategically color-blocked jacket range around 100GBP. And of course in addition there are also accessories ranging from bags, sandals an silk scarves that are well-designed and perfectly understated. Will be surrendering my credit card in exchange of the colorblocked shirt, the drawstring bag thingy and the sandals...

 

And the select separates that have my eyes ogling just a bit more...

 

Clockwise from top: mishmash print, Lanvin-esque doodle t-shirt, cashmere jumper and cotton Bermuda pants

 

Clockwise from top: the beautiful night blue coat with contrasting sleeves, slightly kooky polka-dot print on the shirt and silk shorts, silk scarf 

 

The man bags are quite interesting - I'm drawn towards the drawstring detail on the right one. Would inspect the accessories in person to judge the quality and construction, of course. 

 

And a solo image of the sandals, just for your eyes only. Fully leather???

Many of you will say that high/low collabs are massively produced and hence there will be a significant reduction in cost and subsequently in the quality as well. But to me purchasing the 'real deal' from the mainline runway pieces is still far away from my financial grip, so I think this collection will suffice for the time being. Never mind the possible synthetic fabric attack that will dominate the pieces...