Thursday 20 November 2014

The Cologne Diaries - JUST GOLD for Him (Just Cavalli) Review

13 November 2014

Got this in about two weeks ago when it just came out but hello exam period... until now. Just Cavalli's JUST GOLD for Him is a stronger, more sensual scent than JUST for Him. It's a much more mature and sophisticated scent that's not too musky even for summer. According to the designer himself, "Excess is my success," and what better way to highlight this than to have Cavalli's faithful python motif dipped in luxurious gold.


This long-lasting fragrance is much more bold and masculine than JUST for Him and very welcoming because of this. It is a great strong spicy scent and I love the leather base note. It goes extremely well with the ristretto coffee in the mid.

Saturday 8 November 2014

NYFW | Trends and Highlights - SS15 Menswear Review (Ovadia & Sons, Billy Reid, Perry Ellis, Carlos Campos, Robert Geller and Bespoken)

New York Fashion Week is home to extremely interesting labels from named designers.These collections are some of my favourites every season because NYFW always pushes out very wearable and marketable pieces, especially for Summer. Love the strong focus of cleaner lines and staple colours this season and the catwalk looks are often sidewalk ready. SS15 menswear is definitely no different.


In this post: Ovadia & Sons, Billy Reid, Perry Ellis, Carlos Campos, Robert Geller and Bespoken.

Monday 3 November 2014

MFW | Trends and Highlights (Part 2) - SS15 Menswear Review (Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Neil Barrett, Emporio Armani, Bottega Veneta and Versace)

Continuing with Milan Fashion Week, this is the second post of some of the best shows for Spring/Summer 2015.


In this post: Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Neil Barrett, Emporio Armani, Bottega Veneta and Versace.
In Part 1: Calvin Klein Collection, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Fendi, Prada and DSquared2.

Monday 6 October 2014

#MyCosmoStyle | 48 Hours of Vegas

I've wanted to do this post for a few months now (before I flew off earlier this year) and never got around to it. But what perfect timing now, because I can do it as a part of the Las Vegas style challenge hosted by The Cosmopolitan at Vegas.com. Super-modern and luxe, the resort looks great and so should you. I've got nine pieces here for the day and nine pieces for the night as my take on fashion during travels, and at Vegas.


Classic styles are always on point. When going away, it's important to pack timeless pieces so that you're always stylish day to night, day after day.

"Travelling is the only thing you spend money on that makes you richer," - is one of the best things I've ever heard. I want to travel much more and spend my youth on gaining something worthwhile for the rest of my life. See the world, see what the terms 'style' and 'fashion' mean in Tokyo, Paris, Milan, New York and of course, Las Vegas.

When I went for a short getaway earlier this year to Melbourne, and China and Hong Kong, I noticed that I
would pack light, pack classic pieces and pack my favourite pieces. For Las Vegas, as it's such a fast-paced city, I'd opt for timeless pieces and stylish items that match my personality.

Tuesday 30 September 2014

MFW | Trends and Highlights (Part 1) - SS15 Menswear Review (Calvin Klein Collection, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Fendi, Prada and DSquared2)

Finally the beginning of the mid semester break. Then again, I've got a few assignments coming up again, and I will start that, but first...


Let's start this. Always excited for Milan Fashion Week because they always release some of the most coveted pieces of a season. Super-super influential international designers flock to Milano, revealing the most marketable and stylish fashion. For Menswear SS15, MFW showcased so much variety from so many different designers. There was clearly a lot of customisation and personality in the garments.

In this post: Calvin Klein Collection, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Fendi, Prada and DSquared2.
In Part 2: Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Neil Barrett, Emporio Armani, Bottega Veneta and Versace.

Friday 26 September 2014

PFW | Trends and Highlights (Part 2) - SS15 Menswear Review (Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Lanvin, Valentino and Saint Laurent)

Been so lazy and procrastinating on everything these days, including the blog. Started to play my 3DS a lot lately, somehow got back into Pokemon after months of inactivity and watching SMC too. Now, as a final moment for procrastination of my assignment due on Monday, here is Part 2 of Paris Fashion Week Menswear SS15. Then I promise I will continue on with my assignment. Sigh, court process, why must you be so tormenting?


In this post: Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Lanvin, Valentino and Saint Laurent.
In Part 1: Dior Homme, Carven, Hermes, Kenzo, Raf Simons and Dries Van Noten.

Wednesday 27 August 2014

PFW | Trends and Highlights (Part 1) - SS15 Menswear Review (Dior Homme, Carven, Hermes, Kenzo, Raf Simons and Dries Van Noten)


We come to the most famous of all Fashion Weeks. Paris Fashion Week is the home of the most creative and sometimes lucrative of all - with a special Haute Couture season. For Spring/Summer 2015 in menswear however, the best shows this time around incorporated the minimalist Parisian. This season's trendiest pieces were all extremely toned down with light but strong emphasis on everyday sophistication. The classic prints and pieces reflect the wardrobe staples of the stylish man.

In this post: Dior Homme, Carven, Hermes, Kenzo, Raf Simons and Dries Van Noten.
In Part 2: Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Lanvin, Valentino and Saint Laurent.

Wednesday 20 August 2014

LCM | Trends and Highlights - SS15 Menswear Review (Burberry Prorsum, Jonathan Saunders, DKNY, Christopher Kane, Hackett, Moschino and Tiger of Sweden)


Starting with London, the Mens Collection of Spring Summer 2015 paved way for an electric and powerful burst of colour. Summer is a great time for out of the box innovation because styles can be a little more daring, colourful and fresh. Great shows from Burberry Prorsum, Jonathan Saunders, DKNY, Christopher Kane, Hackett, Moschino and Tiger of Sweden showed that this season's trendiest pieces are of denim, bright colours (yellow) and sneakers.

Monday 18 August 2014

The SS15 Season in Menswear

Enough of being lazy - been back from Hong Kong, Beijing and Shenzhen for so long now. Uni has started and everything is busy again but that's exactly when I somehow have time to blog (via procrastination) - as always, the new semester is more demanding than the last, or so it seems. Anyone else hate grad applications? They take years and they're just so daunting to even think about. It's also really cold and rainy these days, thought I'd put that in there because it really is. It's annoying when you have to adjust what you want to wear according to the weather. Everyday should be runway room temperature haha.

Birthday was last week and it's such a good reason for force people (especially those who are working full time) to come out and see you - yay. Wait that sounded bad, but it really isn't. I do enjoy the company of friends much more than the computer/ iPad where my readings and assignments and I rendezvous (I recall a special week where the reading for the one class was 2 articles and the whole of Das Kapital).


Check them out:


Anyway, had a look at some of the SS 2015 stuff and they're good - as always because it's SS. SS is the season for fresh and inspiring casual looks - also with the continuing trend of luxe sneakers, designers are able to up the game of a casual look. Surprising to see some labels showcase at different venues than they previously did like Moschino and DKNY at London. And now I will leave you with this collage. Enjoy. *smoke bomb*

Menswear SS15


Thursday 19 June 2014

MFW | Secretly Sexy - Gucci Menswear FW14 Photos and Review

It's not common to see Gucci's collections to act so understatedly. The modest approach to sexy is welcoming for Gucci to change up what was revolutionary and bold.. back in the 90s. With softer tones and cuttings, Giannini shows off some intricacies of menswear design in the fall 2014 collection at Milan Fashion Week. The colour palette of less vibrant pastel colours suit the fall winter season well.


With cleaner silhouettes and Anglomanian coats, the collection strengthens the trends at Milan. The most outstanding feature may be those oversized buttons.

MFW | Light Flight - Les Hommes Menswear FW14 Photos and Review

The elegance and a touch of avant-garde in menswear is on trend at Milan Fashion Week. The Belgian powerhouse creatives at the Les Hommes' FW14 collection looked at matching up the sleek and timeless black with soft patterns and contrasting textures. The delicate effect of crane prints and the use of silk is powerfully vulnerable. Oversized items and contrasting textures also work well in a look that is still quite modest.


The large scarves around the shoulder is quite a feminine addition to the looks, yet the sophistication and structure in the rest of the outfit is quite masculine. Bomber jackets and sweaters boast confidence contrasted with vulnerability. The subtleties in this collection highlight the runway looks and it is the discrete and classy additions which make the show.

Wednesday 18 June 2014

MFW | Winter's Dose of Luxe - Fendi Menswear FW14 Photos and Review

'Luxurious' is understating the Fendi collection. Fur and leather backed by timeless Anglomanian designs swept the fall 2014 collections at Milan Fashion Week. The styling in the runway show was amazing. Speckled knits and voluminous materials in the jackets created perfect winter looks. The play of layering could not have been more stylish - there is just the right amount of piling on in the runway looks which transforms readily to everyday fashion.


The beauty for Fendi is also in its accessories. Fresh, bold, yet classic duffle bags and powerfully luxe sneakers are the best ways to break into luxurious mens fashion. I love the speckled grey on black the most.

MFW | Worldwide World-Class Menswear - Ermenegildo Zegna Menswear FW14 Photos and Review

The quilted trend continues in FW14 in Milan Fashion Week and it's so strong in winter because the padding is both utilitarian and stylish. Quilted jackets look great because it is such an on-trend style that it adds instant flavour to any look. Super thick knitwear in generous cuts and winter style bombers which copycat suit jackets brought an exciting new element to the show. The masters of fine tailoring taking up new fashion directions to appeal to more casual but still sophisticated clients.


Staple wardrobe colours of black, navy and tan are perfect for winter along with wide lapel jackets which still keep the season fresh. The runway shows off a lot of utilitarian styles with the padded jackets and thick materials that can easily be incorporated to an existing look.

Thursday 12 June 2014

MFW | The Colours of Autumn - Prada Menswear FW14 Photos and Review

For Prada's Menswear FW14 at Milan Fashion Week, the details were in the scarves and collars. The solid colours and the way of the scarves is a reminder of the 70s. I feel that much of seventies fashion and culture is dominated by American appeal - these sharp collars, wide lapels and round lapels work excellently with Prada's colours. They've been doing solid colours for a while now and it didn't slow down this season.


Bask in a collection of beautifully vibrant colours and energy. While Prada pushed for bralettes in the ladies collection for SS14, the introduction of the strapped vests for men is a parallel concept. Prada wants to have an IT item each season to keep you guessing - although the wearability and appeal of the scarves alongside the way that they were styled in the runway looks might just be that IT item instead. Lately you don't know what to expect from Prada, well except nice bags and dress shoes season after season.

Tuesday 10 June 2014

MFW | Rodeo Luxe - Versace Menswear FW14 Photos and Review

The idea of cowboys seem to always re-appear in fashion because of a timeless material - leather. This FW14 season at Milan Fashion Week, Versace's take on cowboys and the wild-west is much more boastful and luxe. The dangerous attitude and powerful appeal of high fashion through cycle helmets and leather suggests modern cowboys upgraded on their trusty motorcycles.


While the most talked about pieces were of course the unexpected chaparreras, the theming cannot be any truer to this powerhouse label boasting confidence and sexy. The runway looks also incorporated the (often lamented) turtle neck amazingly. And of course, luxurious detailing with black and gold is always the strongest for this house. Chunky accessories, embellishments and sewn on details were on the mind of the Sheriff of Milano City Fashion, Donatella Versace.

Saturday 7 June 2014

MFW | Detention in Fashion - DSquared FW14 Photos and Review

I love the efforts put into DSquared looks and garments every season because each piece is so distinct yet holds together well as a show. I love the ladies DSquared shows too. In menswear I go for their accessories and shoes which are much easier in making the transition between runway to your local street because everything is quite loud. Yet at the same time, the power, confidence and over the top-ness is what I adore from DSquare collections. The theatrical show of FW14, Milan Fashion Week - prison cells and mental asylums is a daring take on fashion.


DSquared is all about sex appeal in all their shows. And the sexiest thing to sell is confidence and glamourous clothes. I feel that DSquared is really focused on gender roles too - the menswear has extremely masculine pieces whereas the ladies are all about North American (the continent) luxe.

Wednesday 28 May 2014

MFW | True Obsession - Calvin Klein Collection FW14 Photos and Review

Let's kick off Milan Fashion Week with a bit of Calvin Klein coolness, or rather, warmness for their Autumn Fall Winter 2014 collection. The show emphasised looks which were super utilitarian without sacrificing any points on style. Huge jackets and pullovers in earthy tones stamped across with bold logos were the highlights. But note, logos with a twist, as it's not a plain stamp of CK or Calvin Klein but of their coveted fragrances.
My favourite is the dark olive oversized Obsession sweatshirt and maybe the stylist was a little obsessed with layering - jackets over jackets over sweatshirts over shirts!


The runway looks began with wide pants and then switched over to more tailored fittings. Overall, all the garments were very masculine with strong lines and the oversize motif. The warm and fuzzy textures at play were very modest in bringing over the (much needed) utilitarian aspects of fashion. I don't know, maybe it was the cross-promotion that got me going. Don't be fooled by the 'dull' tones of the looks - these neutral colours can readily be added to anyone's wardrobe.

Friday 23 May 2014

my must haves 2014

Once again, kicking off the post with "I haven't blogged in a while" but you know the age old excuse of uni and work - actually I can't really blame work I haven't been doing much of that. I've been buying a few things and rewarding myself for nothing (I guess if I was in charge of the economy I'd cause some pretty bad inflation). Nonetheless I think I can get back into routine very soon since exams are quickly approaching, less than 2-3 weeks away and I'll be done in 32 days.

Karl Lagerfeld / Marc by Marc Jacobs / Dior Homme / Acne Studios
Costume National / Saint Laurent Paris

The not-so-nice-to-me month of May passed so quickly actually. It was mainly just contemplating to begin my assignment due next Friday - I have yet to start because towards the end of a semester I just get so burnt out. I think it's time for window retail therapy and really make a list of stuff I want to achieve in buying, seeing as I have ticked off most of the stuff from last year. I do feel that shopping is empowering and can provide satisfaction. Also, this is probably the only age I'll be able to splurge (living at home, no mortgages and other debts) until later in life.

I do think that from frequent shopping, I have realised the downfalls of fast fashion. I don't always feel comfortable wearing fast fashion because the quality of the clothes does make a difference. I used to think the opposite, wearing it just for the style and the quality can suck it and get in the trash in a year. But buying quality items that will last a long time really does pay off. I find that I always return to 'slow fashion' than my fast fashion buys. Oh except for jeans, I wear black jeans 363/365 days a year.

I think a lot of bloggers talk about the items which they like or whatever but wouldn't actually buy so it does seem a little superficial. So I am doing the world good in setting myself goals. Ha! That's my justification anyway. Hmmm.. Maybe there will be good sales on because of EOFYS. Yes please. I'll feel so proud of myself when I get all these things - but looking at the balance of my savings right now, they will have to wait. I'll try not to break the bank again because I did recently, with a purchase from Saint Laurent but my idea about money is that well, you can always make more. I know, it's so bad.

Karl Lagerfeld 7 Watch


Watch Pick: Karl Lagerfeld 7


I've been eyeing this watch ever since it came out in 2013. But it's more expensive than any other of my existing watches and I can't bring myself to buy it yet. Also because I haven't really seen anything else too outstanding this year to my liking. It should go on sale soon. right? Haha time to bargain hunt. So freakin cool because the prismy triangle theme is so futurist and luxe which I adore. AND - it's black so it can basically be an everyday watch. Oh but there's a leather strap one which I rather not get.





Marc by Marc Jacobs Big N' Boss Leather Duffle Bag

Bag Pick: Marc by Marc Jacobs Big N' Boss Leather Duffle

So I did mention in this post that this was one of the most interesting mens duffles of NYFW SS14. And my eye is on it. I'm actually very proud of getting the Saint Laurent 24 Classic Black Leather Duffle this year and I told myself and my friends that I wouldn't really look at anything else for a while because that one should last me a long time but this MMJ bag has been in the back of my mind for a while and plus, it's nowhere near the price of the SLP. The main things are the great colour combination and size.




Shoes Pick: Saint Laurent Paris Black Leather Sneakers / Acne Adrian Black Sneakers

Saint Laurent Paris Classic Black Leather Sneakers / Acne Studios Adrian Sneakers in Black Leather
Now I kind of regret the words I used because everything else seems to sound nice except this (perhaps 'Pick of Shoes' no). I think sneakers are so cool and casual that they fit my daily style the best. I don't agree that menswear should always be that GQ-esque look (you know, all dressed up, in a suit and all) to be 'mens fashion'. I think a cool and collected everyday style is very important too. Sneakers really reflect the luxe and energetic nature of a guy's personality. When I was younger I would only wear high tops but in the past few years that has slowly changed when I realised that high tops really cut off the length of your legs (I had no low tops and now about half my shoes are low tops). I was tossing up between those colourful trainers from Raf Simons x Adidas or these Black Sneakers from Saint Laurent/ Acne Adrian Black Sneakers. Well of course the Acne ones are cheaper but the only thing I don't love is that they are patent leather - too much shine for everyday. These shoes are also very versatile and can go easily with almost any outfit. Leather is so important though, so that they become timeless additions to my wardrobe.



Dior Homme Blacktie 177S in Blue Acetate
Sunglasses Pick: Dior Homme Blacktie 177S in Blue Acetate

Which two things do I buy the most? Sunglasses and watches, well maybe I buy shoes more these days (I'm pretty sure in 2014 alone I got roughly 8 pairs of shoes already). I just don't like constantly buying new t-shirts and shirts. Anyway I have yet to get something from KRISVANASSCHE because I think he is so talented and I love seeing his designs for Dior Homme. I did mention in this post that I was infatuated with these shades BUT - I can't find them anywhere in Australia, nor have I seen them online form the site I'm usually on because Dior has such a limited and exclusive stock lists. Time to check out the Dior concept store but to go in means I will have to buy something right? Haha. I'll go for these sunglasses or something KVA has done in collaboration with Linda Farrow because the quality of those sunglasses are through the roof - and they're always luxe and smart. I'm not kidding. And I don't really like sunglasses with a bar because they make me look like I've got a monobrow :D



Costume National Cyber Garden EDT for Men
Fragrance Pick: Costume National Cyber Garden

Haven't actually looked at much because I have basically all the ones I want - my favourites this year are probably Bottega Veneta Pour Homme, Calvin Klein Red and Davidoff The Game Intense. Check out my Cologne Diaries. But in the beginning of the year when I visited Melbourne, I came across the new one from Costume National. Although the store keeper offered his sole bottle (which was the tester before the stock came in) at a reduced price, I thought I would be better off getting a completely new one. He didn't like this one as much as their first fragrance but I think this one is more fresh and summery. Which is great because who knows how long it will take for me to find this (it might be summer by then) as I haven't seen it in major department stores in Australia just yet.

Most of these things are accessories or what I think are secondary garments/ whatever lol, because I already have nice t-shirts, shirts and jackets I bought throughout the year. Oh god, my favourite and most useful ones to date are from Raf Simons and ASUZA - good jackets are good investments.

Sunday 11 May 2014

PFW | Clean Fall - Bill Tornade FW14 Review

A show of lean and clean silhouette as a timeless basis for Bill Tornade, the AW14 collection at Paris Fashion Week was one of the most appealing and bankable runways. The suit was the definite focus at the show but not without playful additions of colour-block sweaters, sneakers, and brushes of leather as a modern update. The collection showed off so many wearable looks and pieces which can add to anyone's wardrobe.


This collection is for the man who is casual and cool, yet dressy and smart. Almost everything hugs the body quite well for a clean-cut and fresh look.

Friday 9 May 2014

PFW | The Best of Avant-Garde - Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, Thom Browne Menswear FW14 Review

Avant-garde shows are so good for people who love window shopping and seeing all the things you wouldn't really wear. No really I love watching the menswear shows at Paris FOR avant-garde. It's really interesting to see what's going on and because they're often so iconic and instantly recognisable, they can mark times in fashion and it's quite fun to talk about them. In experimentation, there's such a fine line between new, refreshing, quirky, special, and being too conceptual and poorly received. In any event, the more experimental styles are best in Paris, home of fashion and haute couture. These shows are often very theatrical and special in its themes and so they're really really enjoyable.


The best avant-garde AW14 collections at Paris Fashion Week were from Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto and Thom Browne.

Wednesday 7 May 2014

PFW | Print Me! - Lanvin Menswear FW14 Review

Mystery can be the best asset to a man. With a modest and toned down notion of style, silhouettes and shadow prints in Lanvin's AW14 collection at Paris Fashion Week introduced some of the most covetable pieces in prints.


There were jackets of almost every shape and fit - the panels of leather and fur were the most interesting. Collared shirts, tips and the innovative Lanvin accessories spelled out their theme in the collection: individualism.

Tuesday 6 May 2014

PFW | Re-Creation - Valentino Menswear FW14 Review

Valentino is one of my favourite labels for its luxe and elegance. From their sunglasses to their bags, I always find that their accessories are so interesting.  In the AW14 menswear collection at Paris Fashion Week, Valentino centred creativity on remaking traditional and well known pieces. Most of the pieces are quite modest with a somewhat relaxed fitting. The coats are very couture with blocks and prints but still very wearable. The collection played with a safer palette in a man's wardrobe with navy, tan, brown and black.


Thursday 24 April 2014

The Cologne Diaries - Davidoff The Game Intense Review

29 March 2014

Winner Takes All. Get Intense.

Extending and building on the foundations of its predecessor, The Game Intense rubs off with a more distinctive touch of luxe and game. For lovers of GQ style, this one is a definite hit. Coty Prestige, with the release of The Game Intense builds on an echo of the classic styles and feel of Davidoff to bring men a longer lasting and sophisticated scent for evening wear.


The fragrance has a medium sillage which is great because it is quite intense and strong. It's something more understated than the overreaching 1 Million by Paco Robanne.

Tuesday 22 April 2014

MBFWA14 | Weekend Edition Wrap-Up (Sunday 5pm Show)

Why did I disappear for two weeks? Well the first week I was swamped with 3 assessments (on top of that, April means that it was time for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia 2014) and then I got a week of break I decided to take a sabbatical. Dramatic. I know. Anyway I was super excited for this (of course I was, it was a peep-hole to Australia's fashion industry). But because I knew I was going to be so busy during this week, I decided to give this year a pass.

Then on Sunday morning I got a text and was invited to the Weekend Edition Shows. I was really grateful for my friends who could join me on a whim AND I feel in love with the Weekend Edition. You gotta love the location as well. Carriageworks just gets better and better - with a huge area to play with, beautiful stalls of Maybelline New York (giving away their latest lipstick), Swarovski (photobooth to be abused) and Mercedes-Benz went all out to give attendees the best fashion treatment in the country. And yeah, we could relax at the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge too :D


The beautiful thing about the Weekend Edition is that it is the composite show of the best garments from the most influential designers of the week like Alex Perry and Alice McCall. Although the show does lack some wholesomeness than watching individual shows (with the set and everything), it was still such a heavy and perfect binge of fashion. Other favourites include Cameo and Jayson Brunsdon.

The Weekend Edition showcased Phoenix Keating, MacGraw, Leroy Nguyen, Hayley Saesser, DUVENAGE, ZHIVAGO, We Are Handsome, Talulah, Emma Mulholland, Desert Designs, SUBOO, Alice McCall, Gail Sorronda, Cameo, Michael Lo Sordo, by johnny, Bec and Bridge, Aje, Serpent and the Swan, IXIAH, Ae'lkemi, Betty Tran, Aurelio Costarella, Jayson Brunsdon, Alex Perry, Carla Zampatti, Bianca Spender, Haryono Setiadi, Ginger and Smart, Dion Lee, Romance Was Born and Ellery. Check out more photos at the event after the jump.

Friday 4 April 2014

PFW | Printclashes and Matches - Dior Homme FW14 Review

The label's big gun in menswear, Mr Kris Van Assche did stronger for this collection than his own, preserving the elegant and high-end tailoring of what we've come to expect of Dior Homme while bringing in a punch of youthful and playful energy. The AW14 collection at Paris Fashion Week displayed effortless and beautiful tailoring along with iconic prints of florals, scribbles and spots. Although the basic colour scheme is the 'can't go wrong' colour for a man's wardrobe, the navy suit will never look the same again.


Looking at the shots, its hard to miss the transitions from traditional and formal tailoring to more casual and street oriented styles.

Thursday 3 April 2014

PFW | Speed It Up - John Galliano Menswear FW14 Review

John Galliano, the label now headed by Bill Gaytten delivered exciting and new menswear at Paris Fashion Week 2014. The AW14 collection showcased one of my favourite pieces in the entire week, the navy diamond print blazer. Most top-heavy looks were very enjoyable. It was interesting to see cycle tights on the runway but I'm not really sure about on the streets.


Colour blocking was a strong theme fitting in nicely with the 'active' and speedy motif with those cycle pants. The navy diamond blazer was so good with a white shirt for a classic, modest but modern look - even though it wouldn't really be John Galliano without some bold and over the top elements.

Tuesday 1 April 2014

PFW | Point Wild West - 3.1 Phillip Lim Menswear FW14 Review

The West has been reinvented by the East. 3.1 Phillip Lim's ready-to-wear mens AW14 collection at Paris Fashion Week drew on themes of the wild west. This along with effortless street style luxe, the label's true excellence is at ready-to-wear and is still one of the strongest this season.


The label's cowboys sport some modern oversized pieces with a generous sprinkle of prints and patterns. Denim, leather and knits are key in the collection, creating volume and contrast.

Saturday 22 March 2014

The Cologne Diaries - Bottega Veneta Pour Homme Review

19 March 2014

One of the most exciting higher end fragrances for guys, BV (with exclusive availability at David Jones) is a great scent as a gift. Although some reviews out there say that it is overstated, I disagree and I like it much more than some other 'higher end' alternatives. It's more of a day/morning fragrance in winter (a little musky).


As the first fragrance for men, Bottega Veneta looked towards creating a sensual, raw and sophisticated scent with COTY Prestige. The top note is the most refreshing, with pine and juniper, but I do think that it is an 'acquired taste' in that it would grow on you much more the more you use it. The cologne is a little adventurous like you're in the woods or mountain climbing. The longevity of the scent is hampered by the dormant spicy mid note.

The base note of leather is of course such a key piece for the brand. The leathery note was one of the best among many fragrances in this game.

I loved the marketing for this and the 'specialness' of 'your bottle' because there's a decorative piece of leather on the neck of the bottle. Naturally, every piece of leather has its own distinct patterns and creases - so to use this as a tool is quite ingenious.


Friday 21 March 2014

PFW | The Parisian Air - agnès b. Menswear FW14 Review

Dramatic and theatrical, the AW14 collection from agnès b. at Paris Fashion Week showcased the eternal quirkiness of Parisian style. Black and white and berets as recurring motifs, complemented with splashes of colour here and there - the label did an excellent job with prints too. There was so much diversity in the garments (wide pants, skinny ones, large coats, small jackets) and it was great to see so many pairs of shoes. Even though some pieces were really bold, the looks were mainly quite timid and gentle - I guess it's agnès b.'s style of importing elements of womenswear into mens.


Although the make-up was initially too distracting, the show's adventure between dressy and casual styles created a really satisfying mix.

Wednesday 19 March 2014

PFW | Fashion of Proportions - Cerruti Menswear FW14 Review

With heritage in luxury designs and accessories, Cerruti's ready-to-wear menswear at Paris Fashion Week for the AW14 season drew inspiration from muted dark hues. The show's highlight was in the creative approach to proportions in a look. Long and draped-over coats paired with cropped pants transformed the ideas of Spring into Autumn. I really enjoyed the drop crotch pants together with a fitted jumper - the contrast in the look is so understatedly cool. Sophistication in the collection lies in the prints and cutting. Timeless big checks and houndstooth in a classy brown blanketed the models on the runway.


Layering was definitely an important theme in the show. The play with proportions and lengths continue - some of the jackets over long coats were interesting but impractical and somewhat nonsensical.

Monday 17 March 2014

PFW | Leather and Luxe - Hermès Menswear FW14 Review

I don't always find Hermès particularly interesting - more so in their shoes and accessories - but the approach to all things luxe and contemporary in the AW14 collection at Paris Fashion Week was so undoubtedly strong. Understated and modest, the label created these pieces with luxurious materials - as you'd expect no less.


The runway showcased very sellable and safe pieces (as they're classic styles), as well as the creative use of materials. It's beautiful when menswear is so modest and effortless - it's really a way of sophistication transcending the garments.

Friday 14 March 2014

PFW | 5 Trends at Paris Fashion Week Mens - Wrap up for Menswear FW14


Arguably the biggest menswear event of every season, Paris Fashion Week Autumn Winter 2014 welcomes a few quite utilitarian trends. The best thing about PFW really is in menswear, namely in avant-garde menswear. Daring labels like Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto from the East come to showcase their most interesting ideas. Moreover, the surreal Thom Browne show was really a stand out.


Looking more to prêt-à-porter, many classic labels like Hermes and Cerruti pushed out strong and timeless pieces. And for more contemporary style, the best came from agnes b., 3.1 Phillip Lim and John Galliano. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed the collections from Dior Homme, Valentino, Lanvin and Bill Tornade. View the pictures of Paris Fashion Week Menswear here.

Check out the highlights  after the jump.

Monday 10 March 2014

LCM | Wardrobe Chameleon - Oliver Spencer FW14 Review

Last one... so sorry (to myself) that this almost spanned over two months. Everything got a bit hectic and I was too distracted to come back and didn't want to commit. Anyway the great thing about Oliver Spencer's designs is his approach to tailoring which is inherently British but his pieces have influences from America and the East. Another great aspect about this show and fashion shows in general is the persistence and mentality that the show must go on. Although there was misadventure with a burst pipe, the show returned to showcase some of the best match ups this AW14 season at the London Collections: Men.


So very into the quilted jacket and floral bomber.

Thursday 6 March 2014

LCM | Fade into Fashion - Lou Dalton FW14 Review

A stand out in the London Collections Men for AW14 was definitely Lou Dalton's ensemble. The show showed the versatility of different materials with injections of modern elements. The creativity and clashes of ideals in the collection between farm life and contemporary style was surprisingly wearable. Lou Dalton's pieces worked with faded colours, heavy duty corduroy, sophisticated suedes and luxurious cashmere.


Friday 14 February 2014

LCM | THE Silk Scarves - Burberry Prorsum FW14 Review

Such strong and unstructured looks from Burberry Prorsum is so perfect for LCM AW14. Autumn is the time when trees shed and it seems that the runway is doing the same while remaining warm. Oversized and unstructured pieces draped over and under create such an interesting look. The models were like flags for Burberry Prorsum. Victory of menswear at the London Collections: Men.


Tuesday 11 February 2014

Bailey Nelson Eyewear - The Freshest Frames and Boutiques

Over the break I got to know a bit about Bailey Nelson Eyewear from one of their founding fathers Scott. The label offers really cool and trendy frames and sunglasses for a great price. I think I'm pretty much in love with many local businesses in Sydney just because they have so much flavour and inspiration in what they do. Bailey Nelson offers eyewear at good prices and some of the frames and styles are comparable to designer glasses like Wayne Cooper.



The most interesting thing about the sunglasses is the idea of 'cutting the crap' to offer customers with good prices and stylish designs. I rather have a few pairs of different styles and colours rather than having one that I have to wear (end up always picking something black) for a long time. Also I find the store concepts really cool. Each boutique has a different make and decor so it is actually quite fun to have a look at all their different stores. My favourite is probably the one at Westfield CBD. Hmm, or maybe their first one in Paddington on William St. Actually I can't decide because they're all so different and cool in their own way. Looking at specs is a whole new experience.




Each pair starts from $95 and all their sunglasses are all polarised. I learnt something that day: if you place two sunglasses lenses behind each other and turn 90-degrees, and they turn opaque then they're polarised. Actually I noticed the same when I turned my phone sideways. Oh yeah, each pair comes with a 'Certificate of Awesomeness'.

Bailey Nelson