Black Friday

I love doing cliché sometimes. If some Mondays I tend to wear blue shirts to play along with the 'Monday Blues' mood, yesterday I do it again when Black Friday returned into another round in the calender. I know that I'm not celebrating Thanksgiving due to religious matter, but going all-black H2T on the Black Friday seem to be fun nonetheless. It's not a new thing that I wear black on Fridays, coz it's the best day of the week to wear a color that doesn't being classified as 'real color' in the printing industry. And oh, I hope you know what is Black Friday means. If not, there's always Google.... ngggg!

So, I decided to go black all-around. From the shirt and trousers, the accessories, underwear and outerwear.... they're all black. For the accessories, it's all about 'reuse' what I have in my wardrobe again - my zipper boots by Jimmy Choo, the iPad case by YSL and the tote bag by SEED. The best thing, they're all in luscious, oh-so-intoxicating-smell leathers! What more could I ask for?

For the ensemble, other than my slimfit blazer from Asos - the rest is all Uniqlo. My +J wool slimfit trousers, the studded-cuff slimfit shirt and the crochet knitted tie with some V-dotted element. All highstreet at it's best. And of course, paired with the Lanvin tiebar, which is apparently not black. Errkkss... (you can see the close-up of the tie here). (You can't see my innerwear btw, just so to let you know. But I'm wearing my black Calvins, if you still wondering.Ahaks!)

I think I do made the fashion statement, huh? Somehow it made me think I look like a cool, dark, evil warlock! And nope, I'm not supporting the NZ's All Black either, who won the recent World Rugby, if you're asking...

Even my coffee is black!

Black and Slim

When I open my wardrobe I just realised that I don't have a proper black suit. Am I kidding myself? No, I'm not. I do have a lot of grey suits... name it: light grey, steel grey, urban grey, dark grey, linen, wool, wool-mix - they're all there on the hangers. Black? No. Well, okay, probably graphite color but that's more to softer black than a proper jet black. And the other black that I have - my cropped with white hem from Sub - that's not a suit, that's just a jacket! So, yes... there you go. I Don't really have a proper black suit to say the least.

I went for a quest to find one, but not in store coz all that I saw here in Malaysia are all having the same cut, the same fabric, the same design, and the one that I hate - the same two-buttons. I try to shun anything two-buttons coz I hate it when one element in the clothing is not being used. What's the point of having another button if I never utilized it, right? So, online it is of course.

Thankfully I found one at Asos. (you know Asos has been my only go-to shopping site nowadays!). But I am torn on which one should I picked as there are two different slim suits. But having my prying eyes wide open and really 'scrutinizing' the suits carefully I finally selected one which I think hit the right notes.

Apart from the one-button, slim silhouette that the suit is offering, other features tick the boxes for me. Slim lapels? Check (coz sometimes, though the suit is categorized under 'slim' the lapel might be quite broad!). Hugging waist? Check (if it is slim but not really cekak the waist, what's the point?). Another check? The extra point I gave to the diagonal or slanting pocket coz this is one element on how any great suit jacket should be. It's more Italian and more edgy, as what most famous fashion houses did. 

And the price of course. Though it's cheap (with another 20% discount), the quality is good coz knowing Asos all these years I'm always satisfy with any of my purchase. I think they really emulate what they preach though: ASOS - As Seen On Screen. What you see designer do, they can do the same but with fractions of the cost! Brilliant.

Suit by Asos. Shirt by +J Uniqlo. 

Vest by H&M. Bag by Burberry. Cuff by Burton.

Bow tie by Kitschen

Versace x H&M Opens Tomorrow

I'm supposed to be boarding my flight today to Singapore, but at last minute I decided not to. Actually, it's not really a last minute decision as I made it quite long time ago, even prior my birthday weekend in fact. I have a second thought about going to the Lion City; to line up queueing together with the manic fellow shoppers at the H&M store in Orchard Road. I know I'll be missing the chance of a lifetime coz tomorrow the Versace for H&M collection is gonna make its debut worldwide. There would be a massive snake-like queue along the road, as what the other H&M-designer collaboration normally is seen. 

But, yeah... I decided not to join the 'bandwagon'. After weighing all pro and cons, and having a retrospect on my previous H&M-designer collabo projects that I've been to, one question come to my mind: how frequent do I really wear the pieces that I bought during that event? Except for the Jimmy Choo collection which mainly the accessories like the leather shoes and bags, the other...meh.. I'm still finding the 'good' time to really wear them. 

Commes de Garçons x H&M: I bought the shirts in black and white, yet I'm still finding it very hard to fulfill my 'slim' or 'skinny' ensemble in the current situation. The other one that I bought - the wool cardigan - that's super awesome, had to be given to my niece instead coz it accidentally went into 'honey, I shrunk the clothes' moment as I put it into the high-temperature dryer while doing my laundry back in Stamford Hill - it turned to shrink a third of the size! [click]

Matthew Williamson x H&M - I bought the white shirts with MW's signature manic print. Yet, I think it's not too appropriate to wear it to the office due to its psychedelic hem. The other stripes linen-mix jumper that looks like it's from Paul Smith - that has become quite oversized and I hate it now. The only thing i bought in the collection which I wear quite frequently (apparently) are the speedos, which I don't wanna discuss when I do wore them anyway! (ahaks!) [click]

Sonia Rykiel x H&M - I bought them but I gave it to my sis since the collection is all about the womenswear. [click]

Roberto Cavalli x H&M - I can't afford it that time though I'm dying to get the mid-calves boots. Victor & Rolf's collection? I'm a season late as I arrives in London just after its debut. Lanvin? Thank God I don't coz I hate every menswear pieces in the collection. So, in the end the one that I use on daily basis is really my Jimmy Choo - which I think is the best so far! [click]

So, to answer the question: am I going to queue in front of H&M for the Versace collection in Singapore? Nope. Not only because I can't see the frequent use of the pieces on a daily basis nor it's longevity in my wardrobe, but there would probably be thousands of people vying to get in into that ONE H&M store. Imagine people in Singapore + Malaysia + Brunei + Indonesia + Philippines - all might be swarming in into THAT one store. It's gonna be manic. Unlike in London or Japan, at least there're plenty of H&Ms across the city! :) 

Yet, there are two pieces in it that I think might be worth having your hands on i.e. the tux blazer and the leather asymmetric biker jacket, which I think are quite seasonless. Other than that...maybe nah!

And that's why I cancelled the hotel in Singapore... and choose Hotel Maya instead. much worth it! Anyway, for those who's gonna be there... enjoy! (please get me those jackets in size 38!!)

[pix from various sources]

Breton Stripes

A definite must-have in any men's wardrobe if you wanna claim yourself to the frontline of fashion and trend. It's Breton stripes - the horizontal, sailor-like stripes which is so synonymous with the nautical theme. Though Breton is normally seen in tremendous amount during Spring/Summer season, yet some cheeky stores out there even offer the stripes in Fall/Winter as well to give a hint of fun to the gloomy weather. Just like what Reiss used to do a couple of years back for their cardigans spotting the Breton stripes. Or even Jean Paul Gaultier, by whom Breton itself is like his second name already as most of what he's wearing is sailor-like tops.

What I love about Breton stripes is the widening effect to the torso, great for those slim guys like me who's quite unfortunate that we look too praying mantis or cekeding sometimes, which is not that pretty. By wearing horizontals - especially the typical Breton with its stripes gather more to the center of the body and leaving empty portion at the top side - at least we can play the optical illusion to the viewing eyes. A couple of percent widening effect is good enough as it creates a silhouette of curviness to the slim body.

Word of caution, those with a big belly avoid wearing Breton stripes coz the effect of expanding your love handles could be multiplied. And for those who're in plus-size region, it is recommended to avoid Breton stripes too coz it'll blew up your look even worse. Better if you wear vertical stripes instead coz it'll direct the eyes north-to-south, instead of more to 'equatorial line'!

One great example of Breton wearing is by Armie Hammer, featured in the previous Spring 2011 issue of GQ.

Armie Hammer in GQ Spring 2011 Issue, wearing the Breton sweater by H&M

My choice of Breton stripe tops is Asos. Cheap and they kill it so well...!

Versace for H&M Menswear: The Complete List

Alas, the (almost) complete look by the next H&M-designer collaboration of the year - the Versace for H&M collection - has finally being unveiled. Modeled by the model-du-jour, River Viiperi wearing most of the pieces, the collection is a reminiscence of some iconic look seen on the catwalk by the Italian edgy fashion powerhouse dated from the heydays up to the recent Spring/Summer 2011. The signature Versace Greek geometric designs dominated the prints and embellishments, while the pumped up color like pink and bright blue, together with a hint of animal prints and floral motifs are also synonymous to what Donatella and Gianni Versace's midas touches are famous for.

What is my verdict after skimming through the pixs? A mixed bag. For those out there who'd like to own a piece of Versace yet are not brave enough to be wild and crazy, the black collection such as the tux blazer and the skinny flat-front trousers are the safe bet. Or perhaps, the one with golden studded items can also be considered safe compared to the rest.

But for those who're absolute Versace craze, own them all! This is the one and only chance you can have them, coz you'll never gonna get any Versace at highstreet prices... ever!! Drop by at H&M stores worldwide from Nov 19 to snatch 'em while you can... (or issit Nov 17? Hmmm...) 

[pix via fy]

Wordless Wednesday : It's All About Me!

Zamri, 2011 : T-shirt - SEED, Jeans and fingerless glove - H&M, basketball - Spalding

Auburn, 2010 - All About Him

River Viiperi for Versace x H&M

Versace for H&M collection gonna hit the store across the globe on the November 19th (mark your calendar, it's Saturday!). From the sneak peek by Donatella herself who wore the dress during the Versace show in Milan a couple of months back, to the editorials in Vogue Russia and some other websites - there seem to be a buildup of images coming right before our eyes. What's my verdict? Nothing much to say, other than it's very typical Versace. From the motifs of Greek geometric designs, to the eponymous golden Versace floral and animal prints, you can actually predict it is somehow what the Italian fashion powerhouse is really famous for.

As for the menswear, though the first array of images show a black tux worn by the male model during its initial promo looks quite acceptably cool and understated, it seems that the next few images which came across the press has been a bit... underwhelming. Seriously, a pink suit from top to toe? Just tell me how many blokes really dare to turn into a human version of Pink Panther? Or the bomber jacket with mixed Versace prints that looks quite tacky and distracting to the eyes - I dunno who on earth would want to buy such a look? That two images so far is quite worrying to me, afraid that it won't be a sell out just like Matthew Williamson's collection a couple of years ago.

The only ensemble which I think is okay to look at, without piercing my eyes too severely, is this one worn by River Viiperi in the latest promo shot. The leather jacket with padded sleeves and studded lapels bearing the Versace Greek geometric motifs , which I think could be a massive 'I WANT THOSE!!' during its debut next month. I can just feel how buttery soft the material is. Not to mention its symmetrical design and how edgy it looks. Paired with the multi-strap buttery soft leather hi-top sneakers - could this be a winner? (not sure about the bling bling socks, though.... but the belt is drool-worthy!)

[pix from designscene.net]

Back to Black Jeans

One thing that everyone agrees is that, when it comes to autumn the mood is set to be dark. Gloom and sombre, which seems to be very synonymous with the season. Though on the Fall/Winter 2011 catwalk there appear to be many injection of colors by some designers - one thing that many will not forget is the color black. And as edgy as other colors could be, black remain steadfast in the trend book of most people, since it's the easiest to be paired with anything.

In the previous issue of Shortlist mag, black has returned to be vying the attention in its editorial spread. From highstreet labels to the high-end brands, there's an array of black denims for you to choose. The fit? The fav of this season is the skinny or slimfit as usual. It's very mod, always edgy and not to mention... very Hedi Slimane circa Dior Homme in yesteryears which has now becoming a huge cult through generations.

From left: Slim fit '511' by Levi's, Superslim 'Defend' by G Star Raw; Black denim 'Thenaz' by Diesel

From left: Black denim 'Jones' with waist adjuster by Acne; Black straight leg by Uniqlo; Black 'Arbass' by Replay

[pix from shortlist]

To me, when one talks about black jeans; how black is the black coz there're plenty of the hues out there! It can be Selvedge black in its raw denim texture. It can be soft black, or washed black with the 'whiskering' features. Or it can be graphite and also 'true' black, which can be a bit formal than its previous siblings.

And wrecking open my wardrobe, I found a couple of black jeans that have been in there for quite some times from various highstreet brands. Since my hitherto is all about slim - the fit is either skinny or slim-fit which is always figure skimming. What I love about black jeans is that, not only the color also helps to streamline the body figure (or in other word, slim you down!), black is always look chic no matter what, especially when throwing out a simple white tee with it. And another important thing though, there's always that technique to make my look appear interesting: never pair any faded top if I wear a faded jeans. And if I wear an aged trousers (with the whiskering and stuff), the top has to be kept clean and simple so that the overall ensemble doesn't look too busy.

That's the art of wearing clothes, which I think Kenneth Cole also agree with me!

Black skinny Selvedge denim - Uniqlo : Cropped, contrast-hem blazer - Sub Zero

White tank top - H&M : Black chrono watch - The Fullblooded Skull by Swatch.

Black slimfit washed denim - Uniqlo : Neo leather symmetric biker jacket - Uniqlo 

Black slimfit, waxed, raw denim - Uniqlo : Waistcoat - Cos

Black 'Sliq' ultraslim denim - H&M: Drummer boy military jacket - River Island

And mentioning autumn, the one thing I love is to wear a simple tee and the black jeans, with the wool overcoat fastened with a belt, and finish off by tucking the jeans inside the hi-top lace-up boots. Simplicity at its best. And I have no idea, why by wearing this I became one of the case study at London College of Fashion... Fashion people are pretty weird, huh?

 

Black 'Sliq' ultraslim denim - H&M:  Wool overcoat - Burton

White tank top - H&M : Studded fingerless glove and hi-top lace-up boots - Zara.