August 9th, 2010

Maison Martin Margiela Mirror Wallet

by Nicolas

You know the saying – ‘Always look your best, you never know who you might meet..’ (or at least something along that line)? It’s pretty true. You just never know in life. Just like how you never know when you would be in a place without a bathroom where you can go freshen up. Shit happens. You need some place quiet with lighting and a mirror and all you get is 5 mins before your next presentation.

So a pocket mirror is always handy. I don’t mean those fluffy, cute kind or the make-up compact powder kind but something discreet and low-key.

You won’t get those qualities with this mirror piece by Martin Margiela. With its leather flap/trim, this one stands out. And I believe it’s supposed to? I’m on the fence on this one – on one hand, if the trim is taken off, this would be a great tool to throw in your bag for whenever. But with the trim, you can forget about being discreet. It also makes it cumbersome to slip into your pants’ pocket since it will stick out or create a weird shape when you sit.

But it isn’t ugly. It doesn’t look bad. The trim just looks very unnecessary and I really don’t know why it’s there in the first place. What is the point?

Find this Maison Martin Margiela Mirror Wallet for US$225.49 at Oki-Ni.

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August 8th, 2010

Would You? : Alexander McQueen Underwear

by Nicolas

Alexander McQueen Underwear Skull Boxers – US$75.16


Alexander McQueen Skull Briefs – US$60.13


Alexander McQueen Underwear Stripe Boxer – US$82.68

When news of Alexander McQueen’s expansion into intimate wear first hit, I was intrigued. But that intrigue turned to disappointment after I saw these on Oki-Ni. I guess I was expecting something cool – after all, McQueen’s skulls are indeed kick-ass and cool.

But the above underwear pieces left me cold. The skulls don’t look half as appealing as they normally do. Instead, there is this trite banality that is associated with your usual kids underwear with cartoon characters. Nothing special at all. And they don’t even look cool. Not at all.

The only piece that I would wear if I ever have to (which is probably never) is the stripe boxer pair. It’s the only decent looking piece. They don’t come cheap as well – they are well over US$60 for 1 piece. I’ll pass.

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July 31st, 2010

Would You? : Rick Owens Platform Wedge Boots

by Nicolas

I very much dig Rick Owen’s leather jackets. They are everything leather jackets should be – tough, sleek and ultimately cool. During my next round of leather jacket buying season, I will buy one or two from him. When I think of Rick Owens, I also think of the dramatic factor and he is known to turn the dial up on that front quite a bit. A great example is/are these pair of platform wedge boots.

Available in two version – a snakeskin one and a waxed suede version. You can’t help but ask for attention in both pairs with the snakeskin pair demanding more looks. I am on the fence on this one – I am all for gender blending and androgyny but I can’t help but think this is a tad too much.

It takes a whole load of attitude and character to properly carry this off. I don’t think I can and I know it’s just not my style. But these will definitely start conversations so either go all out or not at all…

Get the Rick Owens Snakeskin Platform Wedge Boots for US$2999.04 and the Rick Owens Suede Platform Wedge Boots  for US$1653.60 at Oki-Ni.

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June 15th, 2010

Gucci Retro Leather Trainers

by Nicolas

Yellow’s never been a color I can safely pull off. But I am pretty amused by this pair. It’s a striking pair, that is given. This contains all the details you want from a designer pair of sneakers.

The bright yellow is a loud pop – certainly looks like a pot of paint exploded stylishly on your feet. Sunshine on your feet maybe? I don’t know a lot of people who can pull this off but I know more than a few would want to try. So bright yellow sneakers – would you?

Get this Gucci Retro Leather Trainers for US$365.36 at Matches.

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January 28th, 2010

Alexander McQueen Patchwork Skull Top

by Nicolas

Alexander McQueen Patchwork Skull Top

Alexander McQueen Patchwork Skull Top details
I can go on and on about my love for Alexander McQueen’s skulls. I have a thing for skulls and I especially like it when they are incorporated in my clothing. So season after season, the trademark of Mr McQueen is spun into varying versions. 
I paused when I saw this interpretation. The skull motif is obvious and bold which is how it should be. But I don’t feel anything for the patchwork detail. On closer inspection, the patchwork is varied and interesting. However, it has the ability to easily overwhelm. 
You would need to be able to carry loud prints off and make them look cool. Any lesser and well, this tee would look like it’s wearing you. Which is never good. So I am on the fence on this one – yay for the patchwork intricacy and boldness but nay for the fact that lesser beings, like myself, can’t pull this off. 

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October 21st, 2009

Rick Owens Drkshdw Black Aircut Zip Denim

by Nicolas

Rick Owens Drkshdw Black Aircut Zip Denim

Rick Owens Drkshdw Black Aircut Zip Denim detail
Rick Owens Drkshdw Black Aircut Zip Denim back pockets
Rick Owens, makes dark beautiful clothes that have details that really draw you in. His dark, Gothic aesthetic is lean, mysterious and strong although I don’t know if the prices of his pieces go with the anti-establishment sentiment of said goth movement. But nevertheless, there are always individuals like the AFI guys (one of my fav bands) who can certainly afford his pieces. 
I digress. I saw this pair of jeans and I was inexplicably drawn to the zipper detail. It instantly gives an edge and an elevation of toughness that goes perfectly with this pair of jeans. The flap on the front pocket provides another sliver of detail that I really dig. 
But then I look at the back and I am greeted with two jumbo pockets that honestly just spoil it for me. Their sheer size take away the sleekness of this piece and really just look unnecessary. Plus, they would look too overwhelming if you are shorter than 5′10. Which is a shame because aside from the pockets, this is a kick-ass pair of jeans. Shame.

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September 30th, 2009

Alexander McQueen Butcher's Apron

by Nicolas

Alexander McQueen Butcher's Apron

Alexander McQueen Butcher's Apron detail
It is not a secret that not every piece that is shown on the runways make it to the stores. Some add to the collective vision of the runway show without being actual pieces that non-models can actually (or want to) carry off. There is also the factor of cost – most consumers would very much prefer mileage out of their ready-to-wear pieces; the more the better. 
Which is why I am surprised that this apron got made. I understand the Alexander McQueen envelope-pushing vision – from human skulls on t-shirts to lampshades at hats. But an apron? Seriously? Well, I guess it is seriously after since it is sold at Barneys at a whopping US$2335. 
The price tag is one issue but more importantly, where would one wear an apron? If you wear this to run errands, people might just mistake you for the person working behind the meat counter. And just what are you supposed to wear it with? The mannequin at Barneys is wearing a work shirt and grey pants – even for a creative environment, this is very much pushing it. 
The worst thing is – it doesn’t even look chic or stylish. It might look edgy to some but it’s more scary than edgy but there are far cheaper ways to scare the people you and make a statement. Way cheaper. 
Find this Alexander McQueen Butcher’s Apron for US$2335 at >Barneys.

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