Object of Lust: Denim Totes

Apart from perforated, canvas and being normally associated with snakeskin, Spring/Summer trend is also the time when denim takes its reign when it comes to accessories department. In many seasons now, designers has produces such great arrays of denim bags - for instancce, the Mulberry Piccadilly in luscious indigo denim last SS08, as well as Dolce & Gabbana 'Western' look washed denim tote and messenger bags in previous SS10. On the highstreet is not too bad either as He by Mango also did their versions in two consecutive summers - the denim-like tote in SS09 as well as the backpack last year. So, in short - denim is an object to lust when Spring/Summer came to mind.

Continuing the tradition, this summer also sees quite a number of denim bags in the high-end market. Like Louis Vuitton who sent off their models last SS11 catwalk show in Paris carrying those gorgeous, vintage looking cabas and weekender bag. In a glance I thought it was just a washed canvas, but upon checking in their official website it's actually denim material. Selvage denim, perhaps coz they look quite raw. Very simple, no-fuss design with army green leather handles to comple the chic look. The other one is actually what I like, i.e. the weekender bag in monogram 'LV' denim with diagonal leather handles. I dunno whether it echoes any Oriental influence, but nonetheless this holdall is fantastic. The only thing about these LV bags... expect the price to shoot above £1000!

Louis Vuitton denim cabas in Argile - £1900

Size (LxHxD): 20.8" x 17.7" x 9.8"

Louis Vuitton denim cabas in Kaki - £1900

Size (LxHxD): 20.8" x 17.7" x 9.8"

 

Louis Vuitton denim weekend bag - £1720

Size (LxHxD): 25.2" x 16.5" x 10.2"

On the other side of designe labels is Prada with their rendition of washed denim just like previous D&G. I actually love the combination of blue and brown - an awesome pair coz they look very symbiotic together. It's amazing that Prada offers new material this time since for seasons now it's only about leather and technofabric (well, at least that's what I saw at Bond Street or at Harrods anyway). Some features about this tote include the adjustable double handles as well as the detachable shoulder strap to give variety in carrying the tote. This bag looks very tempting indeed...

Prada denim tote - £680

[pix from louis vuitton and prada]

Paris Fashion Week FW11: White Damier to Die for @ Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton usually went for a simple silhouette when it comes to Fall/Winter clothing, with simplicity chic look that mostly revolves around greys, black and chocolate browns. For Fall/Winter 2011 it is a non-exception, apart from the presence of vermillion that adds some spice to the otherwise too sombre collection. Though the as a whole the pieces looks understated, you've gotta actually feel the texture of the fabric to further appreciate the luxe factor to the clothes.   

Since I'm not too into LV's clothes, their bags are something that I always look for. What's on offer for the incoming season? Not so much compared to previous SS11 show. Nevertheless, the one that I have my eyes on is the Damier laptop sleeve in white, seen carried by Simon Nessman. Dunno what should they call it then, Damier Blanc instead of Damier Graphite? Hope so... or Polaire as in the previous Taiga wallets. It is to die for to the max. Very simple, very chic, very understated but... very luxe Louis Vuitton.

Other bags like these portfolios and clutches are not too bad either. To me it looks like the 'hardware' has been pumped up its volume for some reason if you compare to the typical one that LV had in their store. Still, I love these new Minuto coz the texture of the leather looks amazing esp the choc brown. Or the neo Belaia in red which looks seductively delicious. I think when you carry those in a white snowy background in Paris (or London, or wherever it's snowing), chances that people will spot that from afar is very high possibility indeed. 

What about other bags in FW11 show? I'm not that too stoked about. For Louis Vuitton F/W collection, still I think the FW2009 is the best so far. So many variety to choose from; Escapade, Revelation, Hexagone... and one of the best collection: Macassar.

Louis Vuitton Oriental-inspired Scarf

Designers from the late Yes Saint Laurent to John Galliano and Jean-Paul Gaultier have long turned their fascination for the East into inspiring creations while China-only designs for Chanel, Prada and Salvatore Ferragamo underscore the Mainland's growing commercial leverage in the luxury market.

Spring/Summer 2011 sees Louis Vuitton's Marc Jacobs and Paul Helbers reigniting the trend for all things oriental and we're suprised how harmoniously well the motifs of elegent dancing dragons and intricate Chinese zodiac prints (reworked by New York's A-list tattoo artist Scott Campbell) blend with the brand's trademark monogram symbols, inspired in turn by graphic Japanese quatrefoils and flower symbols during the late Victorian era, without looking tacky at all.

[pix and words from men's folio jan/feb 2011 issue]

Louis Vuitton Damier Carbone Keepall Holdall

High performance and high fashion meet in this ultra-lightweight bag.

Louis Vuitton is a name synonymous with luxury travel and since the brand was founded in 1854 it has been at the forefront of innovation when it comes to stylish globe-trotting accessories.

This month, the prestigious French label transforms the world of transit again with the launch of the Damier Carbone Keepall. This updated version of its iconic holdall is in a canvas made from a carbon fibre that is lighter, more flexible, more resistant, durable and recyclable than the original signature bag. The holdall cuts no corners on detail, with its black micro-fibre lining, metal fittings with a palladium finish and dyed black VVN handles.

Available in cabin size (45 x 27 x 20cm), the bag’s discreet Damier logo is engraved by laser without releasing any solvent into the air in the process, so you can justify the steep price tag without worrying about the environment.

Damier Graphite Carbone Keepall holdall £1,240 by LOUIS VUITTON; louisvuitton.com

[words and pix from shortlist]

The Guardian's Autumn/Winter 2010/11 Key Trends

Ty Ogunkoya models some key trends for autumn/winter 2010/11 for The Guardian UK.

• Military:
  Christopher Bailey never fails to come up trumps. For the A/W menswear collection, beautifully tailored military coats were set against sheepskin-lined trenches, all referencing the Burberry archive and the original first world war garbardine Burberry coats worn by British soliders. Follow his lead and add a military-inspired piece to your wardrobe.

Burberry

• Men's shirts:
  Dries Van Noten does things to clothes that we can only dream about. For A/W10 he seemingly took the scissors to the menswear collection and pieced it back together in the wrong order. Happily the 'wrong' order was, of course, very much right. Follow his lead and make sure your shirt is anything but plain this season.

Dries Van Noten

• Camel:
  Unless you have been living in a cave you will know that camel is THE colour for A/W. That goes for you chaps too,take your lead from the Gucci collection.Here's how to wear it.

Gucci

• Db suits:
  Double-breasted suits have a timeless elegance - it's something about the way they make you hold yourself. Do yourself a favour and invest in one this season. In our humble opinion, this one from Louis Vuitton is the best money can buy.

Louis Vuitton

• Luscious coats:
  It's that time of year again. Time to invest in your winter coat. The catwalk championed several styles, military, duffle, outdoorsy and of course classically tailored, like this Prada one.

Prada

• Grey:
  So much chicer for men than black. There was plenty of it around for winter on the catwalk. The standout collection was Pringle of Scotland's rich textures, layered up in a symphony of grey. Take a look in your wardrobe - chances are you already have plenty of pieces laying dormant just waiting to be worn together. Take inspiration from these suggestions and start building your grey look today.

Pringle of Scotland

[pix and words by the guardian uk]

The Luggage Issue

The luggage to choose from in the previous issue of Shortlist. If only I had a massive bank balance, I would definitely choose the Hermes Kelly 'Relax' in the house signature tangerine color. Yeah, the one that I saw at the Hermes store in Rue Boissy d'Anglas during my Paris trip last year. Looks so tempting... and by which I think inspired Hackett to copy the bag with their own version of City Luxe holdalls in cream (but I think the design is a bit off, yikes! Just lose the zip on the front, you smartypants!).

Anyway, my second fav which is the true classic and the ultimate travel companion is Louis Vuitton monogram Keepall. In choc brown and dark choc leather trims... what more luscious can you get?!

I snap this pix while ogling at Hermes Paris in Rue Boissy d'Anglas.
[read here for my previous encounter]

[pix from shortlist and asos]

Louis On The Street

Why there aren't many men carrying Louis Vuitton on the streets of London as many as the women did? Especially the LV monogram that is the true signature of the fashion maison. If you stroll around Knightbridge, Regent Street or even Oxford Street, chances that you gonna stumbled upon ladies carrying either LV Speedy or Neverfull are very high. There're loads of them. But men? Maybe because we're not as much conspicuous as the ladies who need their style to be validated by the onlookers. Instead we are much more discreet - the luxury that we carry doesn't have to show too obviously. But does it?

When a bloke are caught carrying a Louis, to me it shows the symbolisation of high taste. A high status. And even stamped to their forehead they really have appreciable amount of disposable funds in their account. Why, coz LV bags are not cheap. They're the ultimate luxury items that anyone could ever wanted. Could ever dream of. Could ever have. Own it - then words can't describe how it made you feel good inside. As if you've accomplished something big, like buying a car or so (since some of them can even make a car deposit btw!). While at the same time you feel the high risk and the need to protect them like no other. Just like my LV Damier Graphite Tadao. I don't think I'm gonna flag it around coz chances someone gonna nick it is too damn high! At least not in the Tube, no. Erkkss...

Whatever it is, it's great to see some risk-taker guys carry their Louis Vuitton. Monogram, Macassar, Ebene... Keepall, portfolio, messenger or even totes; they all look fantastic!

[pix from gq style]