Run, Fall, Raf Simons

Green, dark blue and wine. Just the perfect hues for the autumn. In this video Raf Simons presents their AW2012-2013 offerings in a beautiful presentation - superimposed images of model Yannick Abrath swathed in a woolly coat, fluffy beanies and warm-looking knitwear. Maybe I should consider migrating to a four-seasoned continent, preferably Central Europe. So I can wear all the deeply rich collection (after tailoring them to my size, of course...)

Photography: Pierre Debusschere

Styling: Marieke Van Dongen

Model: Yannick Abrath

image credit: nowfashion.com

H&M Autumn 2012 (Part Two)

While I'm still salivating over the tailored goodness that is the Autumn 2012 H&M menswear from my previous post,  the womenswear department fares a good job as well; this time around the concept is all about maximalism / metallics combo.

The feminine side of me got a little bit too excited seeing all the rhinestones-laden harness top, skirt and sweater. This is all skilled work with painstaking effort, at an affordable high-street price.

Apart from that there's this digital print floral sweater that just begs to be worn, which screams a milder version of Mary Katrantzou; and the metallic part comes in the form of this lame skirt reminding me of Anna Dello Russo, I think, because of all the ostentatious (in a beautiful way of course) loud prints + metallics that she dons which makes her so strikingly unique...

First look: H&M Autumn 2012 (Part One)

I think most of Kuala Lumpur citizen are well informed regarding the news of H&M's inaugural opening in Lot 10 this September, thanks to the vast online spread. And obviously I'm lagging behind the coverage of its Autumn Winter 2012, which is all about metallics/ maximalism for women and tailored goodness for the men. Nevertheless I'm feeling elated over the opportunity to visit their showroom recently, which certainly gave me the chance to closely inspect the merchandises in person, and in effect, delved in to the details of the tailoring quality and tactilely stimulated by the fabrics. And of course, I get to compare the prices internationally.

In view of the possible lengthy commentary and image-laden entry (quite a rare occasion at Dunia Fashyon these days), I think it will be wise if I divided this post into two halves - both menswear and womenswear respectively.

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

 

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...

All layered up

The layering madnesszzz is perpetuated as being at a higher point gives me bone-tingling chills that needs to be whole-heartedly combated. This time around, I wore the once-forgotten cardigan with ombré/degradé effect from New Yorker. Strolling around a beautiful pot plant nursery in this cardigan almost gave me a camouflage feel because of the rather bright colors, loosely resembling a morning glory...

And of course this time around I managed to dig out the jeans of my yester years - the only Levi's that I have, purchased in 2003 as a self-gift for commencing the first year as a student in Russia. Sentimental notions aside I like the jeans very much because of the baggy-cut denim (this is prior to my skinny jeans obsession), and I cannot stress much on how comfortable walking in them is. Also, the back pocket print effect at the sides of the front pockets is simply quite unique and I haven't seen such technique done in any other jeans, I believe.

 

A bloom on a knit

I joined a family trip to Cameron Highlands recently (yes, don't laugh at these two facts that a) I still join family trips, with extended members all included and b) it was a Cameron Highlands of all places).

Maybe most of you will shudder and object at the notion that CH is still worth a visit, but, if you could travel pass the tourist magnet Brinchang town, the Cameron Highlands Resort awaits you with its stunning and well preserved architecture complete with high French doors and Tudor-styled cottages. It is simply a quietly elegant place to spend the weekend, plus, the balconies face a spread of green carpet of golf course just opposite of the building.

Being on a higher altitude meant cooler morning climate, that was a signal of opportunity for layering or wearing sweaters. And of course I chose to wear this sweater from H&M to help me guard myself against the relatively chilly weather.

We took the opportunity to roam the area which is beautifully lined with exotic flora, one of which aptly matches the digital print on my sweater.

Looking out for Stephan Schneider

I must say that it was really exhausting to work more than 12 hours daily for the past one week, just because I'm new at this Surgical posting. However that should not deter me from continuing to blog. Talking about work aside, I'm sure that people across the globe is getting ready for the looming Autumn season, and perhaps some are already concocting ideas of layering for their wardrobe. That is making me green with envy!

This season could not be any better without Stephan Schneider's Fall 2010 collection titled  "Furever". The German born designer graduated from Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp in 1994. The designer uses its own production facilities in Belgian factories, where he spends half of his time designing fabrics and invest with the finest finishing ."When your textile is strong, you don't have to invent trousers with three legs", he says.

 

For me his latest collection boasts a heavy mix of layering but interestingly seamless color coding that European designers are very well known of. Muted color tones predominate - a well-known fact for fall/winter color scheme usage. I also appreciate the subtle Jedi-like qualities in the silhouette and details such as the hooded jacket and wrap collars. Sporstwear influence is also prevalent in the  collection, evident by the rib-cuffed pants and elastic waists.

 I might be annoyingly jealous with citizen of four-season countries for the endless opportunities of layering the clothing but ogling at collection somehow comforts me a little bit, just a bit!

images via thefashionisto.com

the naughtical J.W Anderson

I might be stoned for wasting your time with some stale SS09 news, but after a random blog hopping my attention caught on this British menswear designer, J.W Anderson  with his  SS09 Collection that particularly attracts my attention. It's a rather biased statement I'm afraid because I love everything nautical (even though there's a slightest hint of it). Jonathan William Anderson debuted his collection in 2007 right after graduating from London College of Fashion, at which point he already established his label.

Anyway dear readers, just ignore my substandard commentary and feast your eyes on his collection.

 There's a recurrent theme of bandage-esque socks on this collection. I wonder if it's just for the runway or more importantly are they on sale as well. Either way it ignites the DIY switch in me- I could borrow/ steal rolls of crepe bandage lying around the hospital and dye them with Dylon black!

Rolled cuffs , a tiny neckerchief paired with billowy pants - just my fantasy ideal of what I'd wear if I was onboard some fancy cruiser.

The shirt-dress looks fine, but it's an obvious reminiscent of the ubiquitous past season (or still lingering like a pest) trend seen on ladies on the streets of Stockholm..

Swimsuits with a cardigan? Spot on!

And the rest of what looks like nautically inspired (with the intriguing mythical / religious connotations evident on the accessories)

The lion + chain mail + ethnic print on the prints makes me knees weak (not in a meniscal tear/ osteoarthritic way, though)

There's a lot more to talk about with his rather successful previous collections, especially his seemingly dark and twisted Russian Tsardom/ Rasputin-inspired collection and his upcoming SS 2010 preview (okay I'm not very eloquent in terms of giving adjectives, as you already know my vocabulary revolves around the words 'cool' or 'nice' or 'great' )....please please I don't want you to aim your M-16 at me lest I comment on this..

Oh, and btw, have a Merry Xmas everyone! HOHOHO...

Same setting, different time

As Russia, or to be more accurate Volgograd is not predominantly inhabited by the Muslims, the place of worship i.e mosque is scarce (one vast region with approximately 2 mosques only). Fridays are the quintessential day for worshipers to flock the Linkoranskaya Mosque where local Muslims, immigrants and international students alike congregate for the weekly khutbah and Friday prayers.

During this time, on the way home I always take some opportunity to capture the neighborhood around the mosque area. You may say this is how a typical Russian rural looks like, with cute brick/wooden domiks (literally small houses) dotting the area.

I wonder who's being carried away to the hospital...

A quiet ally

The pics here show two same areas with two different atmosphere - one with the snow still heavy (slosh alert!) on the ground and another when the latter melts and reveals quite decent pavements. Oh yes, not to mention I took the chance of the brightly-lit alley for some outfit posts for the blog. Even my prehistoric Sony Cybershot worked exceptionally well under the bright sunshine!

Scarf: Hanif's present from Egypt (merci beaucoup mon chou!), Mexx faux suede cardigan, Margiela mohair? tee, H&M marble-y effect jean, thrifted boots, Stella McCartney for Adidas bag. H&M specs

Photog: malchic

The whimsical trend: GIVENCHY SS 09 Leggings

The Givenchy SS09 shorts-and-leggings combo is highly talked about in the blogosphere, evident from the following findings:

1) Sam Sparro of the 21st Century Life song fame rocked this look very early on So You Think You Can Dance Australia
2) This guy on Jak and Jil (love the hi top combo!)
3) Latest issue of VMAN

The real deal from Givenchy...







































































Well well, this immediately calls for a DIY project! All I needed was a pair of leggings/ tights. Okay I have to admit that I totally found out that leggings end above the ankles, and tights, on the other hand cover the feet completely. I mistakenly bought tights, as a result they had to be snipped above the ankles so they can be pulled up to the knees.

After a mere minute of cutting... voila, here's my own little attempt on the look. I combined different dark shades and textures to give the outfit some essence. However it occurs to me that some improvement, at least stylistically can be done here. Maybe the boots and upside down cardigan can be replaced with some other unexpected items. Poor styling aside, I was excited to experiment this look, even just for blogging sake only!

Taxi cardigan, Bershka sequined vest, Cheap Monday sleeveless top, American Athletics chinos shorts, thrifted boots, snipped black tights

If you ask me whether this is the trend that I'm clinging on to this season, I'm afraid nay is the answer, because....

I don't have the balls to wear tights/leggings on the street, especially in RUSSIA in broad daylight, unless it's a small get-together with close friends like I did in this pic. Bwahaha!