Recently in Gucci Category

I believe to a large extent that life is about as complicated as you make it to be. So I always scratch my head and wonder why designers always choose to complicate their designs. The economy is complicated, daily life can wear you down so why further complicate your footwear?

I had to laugh when I saw the multi-colored strip on this pair of patent moccasin. I don't think it adds variety or detail - all it adds is silliness and opens the door for peripheral chuckles from random strangers. It's not like I don't get multi-colored stripes - I like Paul Smith's and the occasional Gucci red and green one. This will look more presentable if they had stuck to the regular red and green strip instead of this random colored mess.

And the little crest and stars studs - these are cute details but they are so small and insignificant that they just end of looking silly. They look like more of an after thought than a seamless part of the design.

This is one design I won't be jumping on board for. Find this for US$495 at Saks Fifth Avenue.   

I don't understand why sometimes designers feel the need to complicate things. I think in general, life is as complicated as you want it to be. That same theory applies to shoes too.

This otherwise decent patent loafer is tarnished by a hideous Gucci iron-on shield. Not only does it look tacky, it cheapens the overall look of this pair. Imagine if you wore this with a pair of tuxedo pants, it won't matter how good or how expensive the rest of your outfit looks, all eyes will be on your 3rd grade-craft project looking shoes.

The only reason I can think of why this embroidery is even on this pair of shoes is so that Gucci can get away with adding $200 more to the pricetag of this otherwise simple pair. That is never cool in our books.

Find this for US$640 at Neiman Marcus.      

Here at Style Flavors, we have not been very kind to Gucci - what with their logos, cheap embroidery and tacky fixtures. However, this is one redeeming shoe and we like what we see.

The black calf leather lace-up goes perfectly with the patent trim; like coffee and milk or condoms and lubricant. With just the right proportions and at the right positions, the patent leather trim adds a hit of understated detail. 

This versatile pair will look equally look with dark jeans or tailored pants. I am also enjoying the visible curves on this pair of handsome lace-ups - and that is an added bonus!

Get this for US$610 at Neiman Marcus.   

When I think of bomber jackets, I associate them with coolness, attitude, sleekness and fitted chic. This mess of a bomber jacket, however, does not bring to mind such positive descriptions.

I am hating the lousy camel and beige color combination. You can't tell it's a 100% leather because it looks cheap, old and gives me the impression that it smells musky too.

What is up with the raglan sleeves? For a bomber jacket that costs this much, there should have been leather sleeves with studded buckles. Not elastic sleeves similar to those jackets found in the bargain bin of your local thrift store.

I wouldn't even wear this if you gave it to me for free but I guess the optimistic people at Gucci have faith in their fans and expect them to fork out US$2850 for this ugly excuse of a bomber.

It is on sale at Bluefly.com for US$2051.99 (so I guess that's a sliver lining?).  

I have always wanted to go check out summer music festivals like Fuji Rock, Bonnaroo and Glastonbury. I am a huge fan of alternative and rock music and 3 full days of alcohol, musicians and groupies in the summer heat equates to much debauchery and fun! I never got to the chance to check them out; at least not yet. There is always somewhere else I need to be or something I need to do.

These rubber boots from Gucci will look right at home at Glastonbury. With rain and mud and all round wet weather, rain boots (or as the English call them, Wellingtons) are the staple footwear at the annual event.

I haven't had much love for Gucci recently but these black, sleek rubber boots will keep your feet dry and would fit right in when you're chilling at the VIP lounge. I am liking the simple design of the iconic green/red Gucci stripe and the interlocking G on the back of the boots.

A side zip ensures an easy slip on and off so you can your fun with your favorite rockstar without hassling much with your muddy boots. Rubber soles ensure you don't slip and fall in the wrong laps.

When all is done, just rinse off and dry and then countdown to next year!

Get this for US$245 at Bergdorf Goodman.     

I think like a lot of medication, the Gucci signature logo is best in small doses. This pair of sneakers is a great example of how too much of something can lead to disastrous outcomes. The beige signature fabric is separated from a fugly cocoa calf trim by the iconic green/red/green web.

 I don't get the calf trim or the stitching that runs across it neither do I get the need for so much of the Gucci logo. I guess some people need confirmation by means of wearing their labels on their ankles; literally. I have no idea why Gucci keeps churning footwear like this, season after season.

It's like being on this pendulum where I swing back and forth between thinking Gucci has finally something drool-worthy that I would spend hard-earned money on and thinking it is still in the gutter when I see cringe-worthy shoes such as these.

If you live and die Gucci and want to show the world so, this can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue for US$410.  

Designers get inspired by other designers all the time; one the left is Gucci's new Buckle Boots for Fall and one the right is Pierre Hardy's leather buckle boots. I tried the Pierre Hardy pair (the black version) at the Club 21 store on Friday and the first thing that hit me was how much trouble it took to unbuckle the buckles, loosen the laces and slip your feet in. If it weren't for my great SA, I would have taken even longer to put them on. As much as I like the look, I would have to say that I wouldn't wear these to a house party that required me to take off my shoes, neither will I wear this out shoe shopping because it just takes a bunch of energy taking this off and putting this back on.

That being said, I still think these boots rock, although I am not too keen on how similar they look but a cool, rocking design is a cool, rocking design. The Gucci pair has a higher shaft and a calf leather sheen that the Pierre Hardy pair lacks, the Pierre Hardy pair has the muteness and feel of a sneaker-cum-boot. Both pairs will look amazing with jeans and a formal shirt.

Get the Gucci Buckle Boots for US$990 at Neiman Marcus or call Club 21 at +6567321848 and look for Ryan (tell him Ian sent you) if you want to secure the Pierre Hardy pair in Singapore (they are currently on sale at 30% off!) 

This is a good example of luxury brands trying to get away with sewing the brand name on, adding a few studs and calling it a piece of designer work. Sure this was conceptualized by a designer but this in no way justifies the original price tag of US$585. It looks like one of those do-it-yourself projects where you pay $10.99 to create your own necklace or your own picture frame except this time the word Gucci is embroidered. You'll be better off getting a handful of Chucks with the money. Also available in silver. This is on sale at Bergdorf Goodman for US$439.

This dress shirt from Gucci is sharp and its lightweight cotton material is woven with contrasting color piping. This is provide a sleek alternative to the regular plain black dress shirt. Wear this with jeans for a night on the town or tailored pants for more formal events. Either way, you'll be looking sleek in this slim fitting shirt. Get this for US$324 at Bluefly.