denier & manera

the prada magic is back

2011-04-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

47 covers, 47!

I wasn't too in love with this collection back in September when it debuted on the runway. But after seeing the collection in person, touching the fabric and actually absorbing the details and all the carefully planned seams, this collection suddenly became genius, just like all other Prada collections. This is far from being Miuccia's best collection, nor is it the worst, but there is a certain charm in there that previous collections did not have. The awkward, almost ridiculous monkey and banana prints, or the strange color combinations that seem to work so well on the Jil Sander runway, but not so well when on Prada, all seem to fall in place after a while. This is the kind of collection that takes a while to sink into your heart and slowly eat it away. The clothes look amazing in print and in person. And only Prada could make a fur stole an it-item for spring/summer. Picked up a fantasy lookbook at the Prada on Rodeo Drive. Loved the images and the juxtaposition of the collection.

Now, looking back at the complete runway show, it seemed more perfect than ever, from the models' make up, to the accesories, to the location, and the clothes. Everything seem to just be perfectly where they're supposed to be, with nothing out of place. Prada made awkward and peculiar cool again.

light sources

2011-01-30T15:26:00.000-08:00

sketching away in my own little world

miss laine

2011-01-26T15:50:00.000-08:00

Super amazing fashion illustrations by Finnish fashion illustrator Laura Laine. This editorial was done for MUSE. What a creative way to incorporate illustration into fashion product shoots that are boring most of the time. Love the super delicate and feminine drawings.

paul smith fw11

2011-01-23T19:33:00.000-08:00

Paul Smith's collection was sort of disappointing. I expected more. I only liked the first five looks or so, which are the ones posted above with the random khaki/tan pieces thrown in. The rest of the collection was very generic and kind of streetwear. It seemed like stuffs you could get at Zara/H&M right now, and just re-styled. But I do LOVE the first blue chambray unfinished shirt in the first look.

moschino fw2011

2011-01-17T21:50:00.000-08:00

This was a very all-over-the-place collection. While there were some obviously nice pieces that would be great additions to anyone's wardrobe, I thought the collection as a whole was rather strange. The inspiration was incorporated really nicely into some looks, taken WAY too literally in some looks to the point that the models were simply like soccer players, and some looks did not even tie in with the collection like that last look that I posted, which, ironically, was my favorite look of the entire collection. I loved the layerings though, and the footprint suit was a clever idea, but other than that, this collection was quite mediocore. I really didn't get the point of having the models holding footballs while walking down the runway, like why?

d&g fw2011

2011-01-17T21:37:00.000-08:00

Loved this collection. So right for the client. So young, so full of energy, so colorful. I love how they incoporated Mickey Mouse (again!) and Coca Cola. It's indeed very refreshing from all the tailored, more "serious" collections from Milan. This collection is perfect for the younger market. And I do agree that none of these clothes are any special, and nothing is really original or new, and most of these looks are just amazing simply because of styling, and one could probably get something very similar at any fast fashion retailers, but nonetheless, it is still a brilliant collection. And seeing how they styled these looks, it makes me want to dress like this immediately, it's like the "cool kids."

And once again, I NEED those dropped crotch trousers. And the entire look 3 please.

gucci fw2011

2011-01-17T21:28:00.000-08:00

This Gucci mens' collection is again, utmost luxury with the abundance of fur and exquisite tailoring. Love the purple/brown color block angora?mohair? sweater in look 1. Stronly disliked the flared velvet trousers, so not appealing. The overall color palette is gorgeous though. I love the pale pink with grey look, very vintagey and chic.

costume national fw2011

2011-01-16T20:04:00.000-08:00

A very urban streetwear collection. I love the layerings and the attention to the details. The contrast leather sleeves on the jackets are exquisite. I also love the use of sheer wool in winter, not a very practical choice, but offers men more option. Just thought the cut of the trousers were not very flattering, they make these stick thin models look heavy on the thighs, imagine what it could to normal folks.

prada fw2011

2011-01-16T20:00:00.000-08:00

A very naive collection, not in a literal way, but in a very intellectually naive way. The whole image and atmosphere, I feel, is giving off an extreme naive vibe, down right from the hair of the models' hairs to the excessive use of the inset V's and the 70's matte color palette mixed in with some tacky sequins that are somehow cool when done by Prada. I love the colors and the shape and the obvious grandfather's closet inspiration. Makes me want to just go to Value Village and pick out some grandpa outfits, sew some sequins on, and voila. The sequin polos are the highlight of the show, so amazing.

missoni fw2011

2011-01-16T19:54:00.000-08:00

Very Missoni indeed. The knitwears are impeccable as always. I didn't particularly like the styling, it's a bit too hobo'ish. But the overall bohemian ulitarian feel is really refreshing from all the shows I've seen so far from Milan. Love the first look in this post, the shirt and jacket made of the same fabric, layered with a vest in between. Tres chic.

dolce & gabbana fw2011

2011-01-16T19:49:00.000-08:00

A very typical Dolce & Gabbana show, 85 looks was insane, but most of the looks were pretty repetitive. They stayed true to their Italian roots. I NEED those slightly dropped crotch trousers, like immediately.

mulberry

2011-01-05T23:38:00.000-08:00

the mulberry ss2011 ad campaign is the cutest thing ever!

caught between two years

2011-01-02T00:27:00.000-08:00

hello 2011! // fort langley, like a painting // first photo of 2011 at 0:00 // sparkler fun // our version of comfort food // woke up to a bed of snow // new asos necklaces // sunlight // keep'on walking // dusk of the first day of 2011 // first outfit look of 2011

urban outfitters cowichan motif down vest // club monaco jc penney sweater cardigan and sweater // gap 1969 denim // o'hanlon mills socks and shoes // h&m fingerless gloves // gucci weekender // asos necklaces

and the year has come to an end

2010-12-30T22:53:00.000-08:00

high tea with j.choi at adonia tea house // i love three-tiered English afternoon tea // RISD tee from j.choi // a walk to yaletown after 12 hours of studying for textiles final exam// i like my wall clean and bare// all you can eat sashimi

december thus far

2010-12-12T22:06:00.000-08:00

swamped with school projects & tests and work lately, no time to do anything fashion related other than occasional blog browsing and sewing // just another day's lunch during school, katsu curry from ebi-ten // rain & lights on the drive home // leisure tea // sweet revenge // tea at sweet revenge // dry and over sweetened cake at sweet revenge

i need a vacation to a beach, now

plasticsmile

2010-11-29T22:52:00.000-08:00

snow days are magical // hot bowl of noodle from deer garden // dark winter afternoon // duffle coat // one giant cloud // mills socks and boat shoes

lanvin x h&m - the fight

2010-11-20T22:10:00.000-08:00

The collection that was highly hyped and anticipated. I just had to take part, I went at 4:30am and there were already around 100 people in front of me, but Vancouver had its first snowstorm last night. Seriously, those people were insane. It was still snowing very heavily when I got in line, armed with a hand knitted sweater, a raglan sweater, shirt, t-shirt, uniqlo heat-tech tank and leggings under my jeans and three layers of socks.

I just felt so lucky to be a guy because all the guys who were shopping purely mens' collection will be able to wait inside the mall, while the women who were waiting to buy the womens' collection had to wait out in the snow. I was thinking of getting a few of the womens' t-shirts but gave up because I'd be in the 5th/6th group according to the bracelet color, and I'd have to wait until 10am while I could be done and gone by 8:15am if I just shopped mens'. Staffs served Starbucks coffee and pastries at 7am, which was pretty surprising, because none of this happened with previous collaborations.

What I got after like 5 minutes in the store. Literally. There was no time to decide whether you want this or that, no time to think, basically, I just grabbed what I saw. I got 4/5 of my most wanted items which is pretty awesome. All the men's stuffs were in one tiny section on the second floor. But this year, the quantity of each item is signifiicantly lower than before (Comme des Garcons / Matthew Williamson / Jimmy Choo) There were only about 15 of each colors of bowties / ties. 2-3 of each sizes of shirts and probably 5 of each size for t-shirts. Shoes were scattered all over the place, some in boxes, some not, which made it very hard for people to find sizes. And I didn't see the purple and blue shoes, either the first 20 people that were in front of me bought them all or there weren't any at Vancouver. The suits and blazers were gone before I could even see them. The only regret was the sunglasses, I heard from the staffs that there were only about 15 sunglasses, which I think is very stupid. Still pissed off about not being able to get the sunglasses.

But here's what I did get,

This was the gift from H&M. A tote bag with a flower brooch and a navy blue wool scarf inside, pretty awesome I'd say, considering it was hard to even get an extra paper bag at the CdG collaboration.

Tuxedo shirt. I just grabbed this one with my left hand while my right hand was grabbing the bowties, I just kind of "visualized" where my size would be and got the right size, luckily.

Drawstring wool trousers in navy blue - I wasn't planning to get these, but I saw them on the rack, the last pair, and it's my size, so I just grabbed it anyways, but I am now really glad I grabbed it because it's my favorite piece of garment that I got today.

Tiger face tee - a no-brainer. I was planning to get both t-shirts but didn't see the leopard one by the time I was there (they put the two t-shirts in two different sections) I got the tiger first and by the time I was at the leopard section, there was only XS left.

The main reason why I was even there - the bowties. They are so adorable. I got the three that I wanted - the leopard one, the red one and the purple one. Made with 100% silk, they're so luxurious and soft and gorgeous. I love how the red and purple ones are so oversized, so Alber Elbaz.

I was planning to get two pairs of shoes - the brown one and the blue or purple one, but I only saw the brown one. I got the biggest size available - 11.5. I am a size 13 normally, but I just wanted to try my luck and surprisingly, it fitted.

The cutest shopping bag ever.

Staying up all night and lining up at 4:30am was totally worth it.

my first orange box

2010-10-27T00:10:00.000-07:00

Bought myself the first orange box, well, two to be exact. It was a magical moment. The smell of the leather, the feel of the unfinished leather, and the weight of the paper, the service and the feeling. It was just amazing. This was definitely my first orange box, but I am sure it will not be my last.

the aftershock - comme des garcons spring/summer 2011

2010-10-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

It's been more than a while that the fashion week has ended. I hold a strong respect for all those bloggers out there who can seem to review every single show on time. It's amazing. I hardly have time just to look at each show everyday, let alone process it or even blog about it. But I managed to watch/look at pictures of most of the shows once they were available. As usual, there were numerous amazing ones, some moderate ones and few shows that just makes you wonder how the hell did those dresses make their way onto the runway. But the show that took the longest for me to actually wrap my mind around was Comme des Garcons. Most of the other shows were pretty straight forward seeing that minimalism is totally back right now. 90% of the shows were straightforward clothes, with a bit of details and designs and style lines differences here and there, but in the big picture, the designs and the clothes were very simple and in a way, naive. The other show that took me a while to understand was Maison Martin Margiela, but even with his show, it was pretty straightforward, flat clothes made to fit the human body, yet appearing flat.

But this Comme des Garcons reached a new level of brain-circling. My brain was in circles after looking at this show and the detailed pictures. Some people will just say this is an ugly collection. Sure, it is not aesthetically "beautiful" by the means of the literal meaning of the world's perception of "beautiful" clothes. It's a very confusing and complicated collection. If you just catch a glimpse of this collection, it is, well, very Comme des Garcons in its spirit and style, but there is this air of freshness in the clothes. I love how Kawakubo san can always bring something new to the table that will make people like me sit in front of the computer and just stare at her clothes for a good long five minutes and wonder in my head, "How did she come up with that?"

Some might perceive it as that this collection was just a bunch of random items of garments thrown and sewn together randomly. But to me, it seems like each seam, each pleat and each drape was carefully calculated over and over until the perfect state is reached. Simply, this collection was mind-blowing in a literal way. I actually felt dizzy after I look at this collection. It changes the silhouette, shape and look of what is expected of "clothes" in a subtle way that is almost un-noticable unless you stare closely and actually think about it. It is not one of those "in-your-face" weird collection. It is very subtlely playing with your mind.

This collection leaves me wanting so much more. This collection makes me want to hold the clothes up close, and examine them and look at how they're made. Because it's like a mystery!

This collection is a collection that subtely plays with the conceptual and perception of porportion and the purpose that clothes are "supposed" to serve, yet giving off a strong odor of mystery and darkness and humor.

yoshiki

2010-10-04T21:22:00.000-07:00

GOD.

jil sander

2010-09-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

It's been a hectic week, my first week back to full time school, while working two jobs and juggling homework and social outings in between. I barely have time to look at the shows, most of them were viewed from my iphone on the skytrain. This year's Milan's shows were a pleasant surprise like usual, makes me ecstastic for Paris. My top three from Milan were Jil Sander, D&G, and Prada. Jil Sander and Prada are pretty much a given, but D&G, I'd never in a million years thought I'd put it on my top three list, it just was never really my thing, but this collection was genuinely gorgeous, wearable, covetable and amazing.

Jil Sander

Pretty much my favorite show from Milan nearly every season. I love the use of color in this collection, so fresh yet so original of Jil Sander standard. I never really associate Jil Sander with colors, let alone bright floral prints. I love the volumes and shapes of the garments and of course the minimalism which the brand is so well known for. Stripes were all over the place, as well as floral prints and colors, colors, colors. Jil Sander is obviously trying to go a bit younger. Whilist the collection on a whole was amazing, there were some pieces that weren't so amazing, especially the first few looks with the oversized trousers with overturned peplum at the waistline, so not flattering. And I absolutely love how the models are styled carrying two hand bags, so chic!

oh, proenza schouler

2010-09-16T21:39:00.000-07:00

One of my favorites from New York FW, this collection was very complete and creative and not typical "boring" and "bland" as we would expect from a lot of designers showing at NYFW (~~Marchesa~~, etc) I love the new silhouette in this collection, the dropped waist is a refreshing change. I love the fabric use and the unusual egg-shaped silhouettes on the last dresses. The jewelries are super fun too. I think "relaxed" and "easy" is really coming back into fashion. Most of the skirts lengths are quite moderate, there is nothing that is extremely body-con, and heels were not as crazy and high. Could this be the new trend for the next couple of years after the disastrous humongous popularity of the bandage dresses from the last couple seasons. Totally cannot wait for Paris/Milan to start!

in the details, may i look through a microscope

2010-09-15T23:09:00.000-07:00

Adored these embossed leather looks at Rodarte ss2011. Truly amazing, i love the textures of all these leather panels, so gorgeous. The whole show was so polished and tailored, so different to what I was accustomed to being a "Rodarte" show. To me, Rodarte was all about incoporating the most random materials and somehow put the pieces together randomly to make a dress. But this collection was really sleek, and not so Rodarte. I guess this is the new direction that the sisters are going for and I think it's really good. I love the shapes of some of the dresses, they are almost paper-like. The models' make up and hair were amazing. I love how alienesque all the models looked. There was only one dress that made me shiver of terror, kind of horrible in terms of proportion and color, so scary.

The gorgeous fabric look so tacky when put together like this. And the whole porportion of this look is just so off and awkward.

the same dress, different angle, different feel

2010-09-13T23:08:00.000-07:00

It is amazing how the same dress can look so distinctively different from two different angles and photographers. The top is from Scott Schuman and the bottom one is from vogue.it

The dress looks so beautiful, exquisite and almost angelic in the top image but kind of plain in the second image. Amazing how photography can do to a dress. But still, this is my favorite look from Preen SS2011, which is, by the way, one of my favorites so far. I love the color palette and the cuts and silhouette.

denier & manera spring/summer 2011 - the lambent entranda

2010-09-13T00:46:00.000-07:00

It's been a few weeks after the show and I finally have the time to sit down and actually look back at the entire experience closely. Thanks to all the photographers (those that I know and those that I do not know) that posted on their blogs or facebook. I've right clicked on a lot of the images, and if you happen to see this and not want me to use your images, let me know and I'll take them down. Overall, I was quite proud with myself considering this was my first fashion show. I would've wanted to spend a lot more time on actually making the clothes rather than just sitting there in front of my sewing machine just day-dreaming about the future and whatsoever.

I was inspired by the architectures of Ando Tadao, the lines and shapes of his architectures are a big part of the fundamental elements for this collection. I always knew that I wanted to design clothes that are visually interesting and have an air of avant garde but still wearable and easily incoporated into people's already-existing closet. So this is my first ever collection of 14 looks. All items of clothing are made by me. All accesories and shoes (some were models' own) were purchased in Value Village.

Look 1 - Charlotte

beige assymetrical cut-out silk top with black binding // oak harem pants with suede back pockets

Look 2 - Diana

black silk blend tank with beige/creme binding // creme multi layered silk chiffon gathered skirt

Look 3 - Amrita

creme assymetrical loose-fitting silk blend jacket with black binding // olive green tank with suede pocket // brown gathered boy-cut culottes with uneven suede back pockets

Look 4 - Mihola

black crumpled polyester off-shoulder top // grey silk blend gathered skirt // grey silk wrap

Look 5 - Dakota

creme wool triangle hooded vest jacket // navy fitted drop-crotched trousers

Look 6 - Jade

brown slip-on silk circle jacket with exposed zipper // black silk pleated tee // pistacho fitted linen shorts with gathered waist details

Look 7 - Sascha

creme tropical wool vest // creme silk chiffon & silk multi layered tank // black dropped crotch trousers with side suede pockets

Look 8 - Amy

grey suede vest with peach silk chiffon back // creme & olive panelled tank // multi-colored multi layered pleated skirt

Look 9 - Natalie

peach knitted-back linen and grey suede cropped tee // creme tropical wool short-shorts

Look 10 - Susan

creme knitted oversized vest // creme polka dotted deep-u silk vest // creme & taro pleated cropped top // creme beige multi layered gathered skirt

Look 11 - Emily

blue-creme ombre draped vest // peach knit-back linen tank with suede pocket // multi-layered silk gathered skirt

Look 12 - Stephanie

peach-creme ombre crushed chiffon oversized tee-jacket // creme silk tank with suede pocket // fitted olive cuffed shorts

Look 13 - Taryn

light pink silk long vest // multi-layered mint-creme-beige assymetrical gathered tube dress

Look 14 - Sofia

criss-cross mummy dress (bodie - olive linen / skirt - multi-layered peach silk chiffon)

And now, I'm just letting myself to get inspired by things around me and sketching. The second collection is well under way. Can't wait till the next show, I could do this forever.

new york fashion week - day 1

2010-09-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

Christian Siriano is still doing what he does best - red carpet dresses and overly tuned crazy-in-your-face dramatic gowns with endless ruffles. In a way, it just seems veery Dior to me, it's almost as if he took a whole bunch of Dior's designs, changed it up a bit and altered a bit here and there and voila - a new collection. It seems like he's lacking slightly in the pov department. I do, however, love the suit dress in the bottom picture. The assymetrical shoulder treatment is amazing.

Richard Chai is better at menswear. Hands down. This collection is really relaxed. To me, it seems like a cloudy chilly summer day with a tiny brisk of sun. Yes, that's it. I do love the play with proportion, but it's not exactly original. This collection has Alexander Wang written all over it. I don't quite understand that sheer pants, but I do think they look pretty amazing layered under a heavier short, only if the legs were slimmer. They look like PJs when they're that loose.

club monaco ss2011

2010-09-05T00:34:00.000-07:00

Club Monaco Spring/Summer 2011 lookbook is out already. Seriously, I love the styling in these two looks. I wanna be wearing these right now! But I am not a fan of the model. Weird choice, so not typical Club Monaco-type polished guy.

the beginning of a new month

2010-09-01T23:54:00.000-07:00

The Business of Fashion / Searching for Style event at OPUS in Yaletown.

Definitely my favorite place in town. This place is better than Holt Renfrew!

Partners in crime! I was clearly over-dressed today, I thought it was going to be cold so I whipped on a shirt and a knitted cricket vest, I was sweating MAD.

Find of the day - FENDI bomber jacket with tacky/flashy lining. It was only $10, so it was a steal. And it looks brand new too, it's in pristine condition. It's discreet and flashy at the same time. I believe it is reversible too. Perfect jacket for fall, I'd wear it with straight leg denim and a white t-shirt?

So there it is, I am now a proud owner of something Balenciaga. This polo is amazing. I love the colors, and it's in my size!

The final find of the day, a Versace Jean Couture polo in black. I love the zipper treatment instead of the traditional button fly front.

stills

2010-08-29T00:41:00.000-07:00

denier & manera spring.summer 2011 - the lambent entranda

My first collection, still, till today, it feels like its merely a dream. I had dreamed of this moment for the longest possible time. Still, that moment when each model put on the outfit, I felt the adrenaline gaining momentum in my body, until I was just holding onto myself to stay put. Then the music pumped out and each models stomp out, and then came the finale walk, and then the applause, it all felt so magical, so unrealistic, so amazing. This show just made me believe that my decision was the right one.

DENIER & MANERA SS11 @ TASS FASHION SHOW

2010-08-24T01:36:00.000-07:00

One of the most amazing moments in my life. This is my first ever fashion show and I am so glad it all came together so successfully. Thanks to all my models (Charlotte, Diana, Amrita, Mihola, Dakota, Jade, Sascha, Amy, Natalie, Susan, Emily, Stephanie, Taryn, Sofia), Benny Lam and Misha Sung for Make up and Hair, and Frederick Fung for organizing this show.

fisherman's wharf

2010-08-18T23:14:00.000-07:00

Love fisherman's wharf, and I love that there's one in every major port cities.

Saw a pair of abandoned shoes on a bench.

Sailboats and ships and boats are so gorgeously amazing, makes me want to go on a sea adventure.

Brick building were all over the place.

Mixed berries frozen yogurt with fresh made waffle cones that was still hot when you eat it. OMG!

Outfit of the day: Hare Black Vest // Undercover "purple' tee // JNBY black shorts // Old old Chuck Taylors // Hare black leather slouchy tote // Jimmy Choo by H&M leather bracelet // Undercover gold pins // Marc by Marc Jacob Skull Necklace

n9

2010-08-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

Water and Oil by Steven Meisel. This is seriously one of the most thought-provoking photoshoots I've seen in a while. I love how Vogue Itatlia has the guts to put this on their magazine and believe that their readers would appreciate this amazinginly beautiful yet haunting photoshoot. Just imagine US Vogue doing it, the mass media would go insane and there would be countless "personalities" sharing their views on this issue. Loosen up! It's fashion, it's art, it's just a simple state of mind sharing a point of view. Anyways, back to the shoot itself. I believe this was shot in a harbour near NYC, and I have to say, the location is spot on. The model casting is amazing, and the wardrobe, well, the wardrobe is not really that clearly visible or identifiable compared to editorials like the ones in US Vogue where a model just jumps in front of a white/creme backdrop in this shoot. Some might say it loses the point of an editorial because the point of an editorial is merely to "sell" clothes, but this is what keeps the creative juice of all that are involved in the industry running. I find myself just sitting here in front of my macbook just staring at these images and I just become speechless, it's like, seriously mesmerizing. I really should head out and buy a copy right away. This is the kind of editorials that would make people want to buy the magazine, this is the kind of editorial that would stop people in their path and make them think. This is the perfect definition of how fashion is not just about glamor and pretty clothes and fabulous jewelry. This is the reality.

no nights and days

2010-08-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

My first ever fashion show is breathing down my neck. It's only five days away and yet it still feels so unreal. Lately, life's been endless of no nights and days. Working two jobs and trying to complete a collection and stuffing outings to enjoy the summer like the good old days had utterly left me in a state of mental tiredness.

tod's et paul smith

2010-07-25T00:41:00.000-07:00

Holt Renfrew's Pride Sale = extra 20% off lowest ticketed price. I had to run out and grab a couple pair of shoes. Was thinking of getting the Tod's mocassins, but saw this pair of mocassino country club instead. It's limited edition and the brown calf leather is aged so beautiful and waxed with red leather binding. Regular price was 519 and I snatched it up at 239 + 20% off, such a steal. The other pair is a Paul Smith sneaker that has canvas/suede panels. Perfect alternative for days that I don't want to wear my Converse chuck taylors.

the lambent entranda

2010-07-20T23:42:00.000-07:00

the lambent entranda

denier & manera spring/summer 2011

models - janice c. & karina s.

photographer/designer - xionasy

island

2010-07-19T00:10:00.000-07:00

Took a weekend trip to Victoria, a beautiful island two hours away from Vancouver. Love the sea breeze in my face, love the sunlight on my face, love the smell of the sea and the sound of the waves.

Visited a lighthouse and jumped up and down when I got closer and closer and was absolutely fascinated by the lighthouse and everything inside it.

Wandered around in a castle-like hotel while travellers were spending their cash on useless souveniers..

Waited at the loveliest Fisherman's Wharf looking at countless adorable little houses while waiting fourty minutes for some good ol' fish'n'chips.

Peeped through little houses on the streets where they had peepholes and one house was called the "toad hall," how cute!

Visited the BC Royal Museum which was full of woo's and aah's and was completely mesmerized by the early 1900's displays of British Columbia even though I've been to this museum before, I found that I appreciated it a lot more this time around. Especially loved "Dominion Drapers."

Saw a seal by the dock, which was one of the most amazing moments in the entire trip.

ebay online shop

2010-07-11T23:22:00.000-07:00

Want to create an ebay shop by the name of the green moustache chap.

i5

2010-07-08T23:54:00.000-07:00

Korean Chirashi from Sehmi.

Kitstilano Lemonade from the New Bohemian.

In love with chinos with the hems rolled up not two, not four, but three times.

Chicken Alfredo pizza at the New Bohemian.

Spanish Banks.

Feeling the sea water in bare feet on a thirty-five degree day is amazing.

Outfit for work at CM featuring woman's pants.

a phase

2010-07-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

Everyone's pocket is everyone else's pockets. We thrive on each other; yet, many fail to realize that.

So tightly knitted, yet so loosely distant; the industry.

i4

2010-07-04T00:09:00.000-07:00

Club Monaco wall full of gorgeous portraits.

Two Burberrys of London plaid shirts.

My bathroom, second favorite place on earth.

Tuna toro donburi at Gyo-o.

i3

2010-07-01T23:22:00.000-07:00

Receive my Leica d-lux 4. Yes, a bit late on the bandwagon, but it's here!

Image is totally irrelevant to title. I lost the USB cord to my old camera, the Sony Alpha 1, so I couldn't upload any pictures that I took during the model casting for 2 weeks. It was horrible. But I found a memory card reader at home that could finally read my compact flash card. The pictures turned out better than I had originally thought, and the clothes look amazing on the models. Another casting call in a week, and I will be taking those pictures from my leica then.

Yohji Yamamoto Spring/Summer 2011 Men

2010-06-30T01:03:00.000-07:00

Yohji Yamamoto is a genius, there's no doubt about that. But this collection has moved me and inspired me deeply. Despite the fact that his company is doing so badly that even his New York store is closing down, he stayed true to himself and designed against the trends and the flows of the rest of the fashion industry. I always remember that one quote from his interview with The Times in 2005, "I am a lazy person, all I want to do is to stay home and sew everyday." This collection not only showcases who Yamamoto is as a designer, but reinforces his place in the industry. I would say, he is guarding his ground firmly with a flair of naivety and innocence. It's as if he is in his own little world, dreaming, sketching and making this collection that is so hauntingly beautiful. His collection is the cross breed of true avant garde and wearability. His reference and inspiration is obvious yet subtle, and the level of attention to details is impeccable. I found myself downloading the HQ images and staring at each look for at least a good five minutes. The styling is spot on, especially that Mozart-esque hair and the gorgeously groomed perfect moustache. This is by far the best collection in my opinion from the Spring Summer 2011 Men's shows.

The show started with loud patterns and whole looks of the same pattern that is very seventies. He plays with porportions and lengths. I love the cravats and breeches. It is so early American settlement-esque. The riding coats are also extremely gorgeous. The color-blocking cardigan in the bottom right image shows how Yamamoto can also design pieces that will do well commercially.

The show then moves into a more innocent stage. The full color looks are so fresh and so unexpected of Yamamoto. And surprisingly, they actually look amazing. Normally, I would assume that wearing only one color, especially orange, would make one look like a class A douchebag. The next few looks were very boyish, with extremely well made riding trousers. I love the variations in the trousers from the tiniest details.

The next section of the show evolved into the 'typical' Yamamoto styled looks. Cropped loose pants, black and white textures, and strange porportions are his trademarks. It is brilliant how he can incoporate his trademark styles into this already strongly themed and styled collection without feeling a bit of inconstitency.

The final section of the show introduces a 'new' look for men. The lengthy polo embarked with what I would assume is Yamamoto's newly derived logo is worn as a dress-ish style. I personally want one of those oversized slim polos.

What an amazing collection. While all other big commercially-thriving-well companies are sending ridiculous looks such as bellybutton bearing crop tops down the runway, Mr. Yamamoto is writing a fantasy story with his vision, clothes and soul.

o5

2010-06-23T23:16:00.000-07:00

Marni's Spring/Summer 2011 Men's was the epitone of excellent-ness + organsmic-ness + wonderfulness. It was magic. Every outfit is what I want to wear right now. I love the subtle details, use of color blocking and playing with porportion. I love the mid-driff cut off shirts, but instead of just showing the ~~abs~~ beer gut, it is covered by layering, or a color blocking technique. Love how the trousers are cut, just right above the ankle, and not like me, having to roll up all the hems of my trousers every morning like a d-bag. So I guess oversized, over-length shirts are in now, I have a whole bunch of those from Value Ville, and was planning to alter them myself when I have time, now I guess I don't have to, just need to find a way to layer them.

Loved this collection, no wonder I named my puppy Marni.

n8

2010-06-22T00:18:00.000-07:00

from left: Emanuel Ungaro // Balenciaga // Hugo Boss

from left: Valentino // Hugo Boss // Christian Dior // Versace // Christian Dior

Found a selection of ties when I went out thrifting over the last weekend. It's usually hard to find nice ties here as most ties that end up in thrift shops are wide ties, and they're not my style at all. I like narrow ties that are easily tied into a half windsor. I especially love the Balenciaga one, it is adorable and the color is amazing. The Christian Dior one in the center of the seond picture has a monogrammed logo at the tip of the tie, I saw a similar one at Holt Renfrew in blue that retailed for $250. I got mine for $4.99. The Versace one is brand new with the tags and package still intact, I was thinking of selling it but I know I'd regret it somewhere along the path.

o4

2010-06-20T01:15:00.000-07:00

It's the SS season again, time flies. And this season, Jil Sander was one of the first ones I've seen (others are Dolce & Gabbana - still boring clothes at obnoxious prices a.k.a expensive A&F, Missoni - loved it, but couldn't find any clearer pictures and the venue seemed really amateur and Versace - DIZZY FEST, so I'll focus on it later)

Anyways, Jil Sander caught my attention this time. The whole candy color thing on simple silhouette is not a new concept, but it's done in an extremely chic manner here. I especially love the series of three white shirts with the printed flowers, so delicate and springy. The venue is still somewhat confusing though, garden in the middle of the night? I don't really see any connection with the clothes itself. Also loved the striped series though they remind me a bit of Missoni meets Paul Smith. The last look I posted is one of my favorite. Just when people thought wearing leggings as pants are disgusting, Jil Sander is putting a man with no pants onto the runway with only an oversized blazer. I would totally try this look if I had legs like that. But I bet people in Vancouver would think I've just escaped from the psych ward from the local hospital. I will however, recreate look #1. Totally looking forward to all the other mens' shows, especially Issey Miyake and Comme des Garcons.

n7

2010-06-11T01:15:00.000-07:00

Christian Dior Creme & White Gingham Shirt

Christian Dior Paris Collection Off-White with Black Stripes Shirt

Christian Dior Chemise Black & White Checkered Shirt

Christian Dior Mustard Yellow Shirt

Christian Dior Army Green Shirt

Christian Dior Dark Powder Blue Shirt

Christian Dior Monsieur Light Sky Blue Four Pockets with Pleated Panels Shirt

Christian Dior Monsieur Red & Navy Striped Shirt

These are my Christian Dior thrifted shirts. I love the fit of Dior shirts, they are usually taken in a bit at the waist, however, the back hems are usually really long, and they look horrible when not tucked. So these shirts are mainly used as my layering pieces now. The cotton are so soft, almost like a cashmere blend. I especially love the light sky blue shirt with the four pockets, very unconventional, yet so elegant. But somehow, I just don't have the chance to wear that one yet. I also love the "dior" monogram on the left chest pocket. The solid color ones are perfect for layering.

And the most exciting thing is that I got each of these shirts for under $10.

Life is amazing.

n6

2010-06-07T00:25:00.000-07:00

Burberry Trench Coat in beige and in pristine condition. I was flipping through the coat section, there were the usual London Fog, Avant Garde, Tip Top and Croydons, and just before I was about to leave, I saw this in the XL section. I picked it up, and it was marked size 40!! My size, which by the way, is supposed to be large, not x-large, but this is Value Village, these people don't know their stuffs, which results in my getting this gorgeous trench coat in pristine condition for a mere $50, which by the way, is the highest price I've ever paid for anything at Value Village. But it's worth it, considereing this trench coat retails for $1500.

Burberry Golf Jacket in mustard-ish green in my size. I love that embroidered crest on the left chest. It looks so amazing. Found this a while back in the Value Village close to my house. It didn't have a tag, so I took it to the counter to ask for the price, and the lady just glanced at it and said, "$7.99?" It made my week.

Burberry Trench coat in Navy Blue. This one was found on the Value Village on Hasting Street.

n5

2010-05-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

Donna Karan silk shirt in beige, I think I got this for like $5. It is in brand new condition, just that it was covered in wrinkles when I got it, but sent it to the dry cleaner, and now it looks good as new. It's perfect for layering in the summer.

Super rare Gianfranco Ferre blue and grey striped shirt. This was priced at $3. I bet the pricing people at Value Village had no idea who Gianfranco Ferre is. I think this is from the 70s or 80s' runways. This shirt is not those typical liscensed tailored shirt. It has an exquisite pocket detail, as in the second picture. And what I love most about this shirt is the back side pleats, but I cannot get them to come off nicely on photograph. But the details in real life is so amazing.

Burberry London light blue front panel pleated shirt. This shirt is one of my most amazing finds (I seem to say that for everything, but it's true!) I love the exquisite pleated panels down the front. I love pleats of any kind, that is. It had a bit of stain when I bought it, but I took about 90% of it off, and now only a tiny bit still remain visible, but at $6, it was like whatever.

I am not even 1/10 through all the shirts that I got from the haul, and I already want to go thrifting again.

n4

2010-05-23T17:33:00.000-07:00

So I splurged on this Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami Blossom Printed Bandanna last night. It was literally minutes before Holt Renfrew was closing that I stormed in and asked for this bandanna and bought it on the spot. I didn't really think about the purchase. Impulse, anyone? But this print just makes me so happy and cheerful. It is the cutest thing ever. I plan to wear it cowboy scarf style or as a pocket square. It's perfect for the summer. It feels so good, to spoil yourself every once in a little while, even if it's something so little.

o3

2010-05-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

Now that Cycle 14 is officially over, these were my favorite ten photos of the entire competition. This cycle was moderate. Not very good, but not bad either. My favorite cycles to date are still 6 and 10. There were some bad photoshoots this cycle, and a lot of bad shots especially from Brenda, Anslee and Alexandra, but luckily we have Alasia, Krista, Raina and Angelea, who delivered amazing shots, and in my opinion, this should've been the top 4.

But I just read something on the net and it said that ~~crappy sh*t~~ SEVENTEEN will be replaced by ITALIAN VOGUE in cycle 15. Like SERIOUSLY? Are you kidding me? This would be like the best prize ever. They better find an extremely modelesque girl who is skinny, young, ferocious and gorgeous.

Read the article here.

But it just makes me wonder, why not American Vogue, since this show is called America's next top model, isn't it?

n3

2010-05-19T23:27:00.000-07:00

These are two shirts that were part of the haul from two days ago. I'm seriously still recovering mentally from hitting the jackpot. These two candied colored striped Nina Ricci shirts are kind of sheer, which makes them perfect for the summer that is slowly approaching. They are perfect for layering. I could wear a simple t-shirt from Banana Republic or Club Monaco, a pair of shorts, and throw these over them, roll the sleeves, and I'm good to go. I am thrilled by these two because the colors are so cute and candy-like. And the fabric, the fabric is super light and super smooth. It is 100% brushed pima cotton. And I got these at $8.99 and 50% off, so that's pretty much only $4.50 each, which is insane, since one cannot even buy a juice from Jugo Juice with a mere $4.50. And yet, I bought two almost brand new Nina Ricci shirts for the $9. They are in excellent pristine condition. I swear they are new and never worn, the only difference between these and a brand new one is the hanging tag, and the price; that's it.

Love the colors of these shirts, and the little NR initial adds a luxurious touch and satisfies the ~~brand whore~~ in me.

o2

2010-05-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

n2

2010-05-17T23:34:00.000-07:00

These pile of clothes make me glee. Burberry, Issey Miyake, Issac Mizrahi, Thierry Mugler, Nina Ricci, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta, Lanvin, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Missoni, Tommy Hilfiger, Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Versace, Vree & Dreeland, Balmain, Balenciaga, Givenchy, Polo Ralph Lauren, and some other ones that I forgot are in these piles.

Hand washed, machine washed and home dry cleaned most of these, will take some more to the dry cleaner tomorrow. I vow to not shop for the next two months. I haven't gone thrifting for the last two weeks, well I have, and I spotted some stuffs that I wanted, but I didn't buy it, I waited until today. And thanks god I did, I hit THE JACKPOT. I was smiling all day. It is still beyond me how people just decide to take all these awesome designer clothes out of their closet and donate them to Value Village, like why? But whatever, people donating designer stuffs is good for me.

And the fact that all these clothes cost less than ANY SINGLE ONE of the shirts in the pile bought new at Holt Renfrew or Leowe or wherever else makes me ecstatic.

Will start posting individual images of my new babies once they've been freshened up.

x2

2010-05-16T20:25:00.000-07:00

Hare Oversized Black Vest // H&M BlackBook FaceLift Grey Tshirt // Uni Qlo Military Green Cargo Shorts // Mercibeaucoup, Silver Sequin Star Pin // Hare Metal Ball Necklace // Marc Jacobs Skull Necklace // Urban Outfitters Creme Boatshoes

Went out today to a nearby town, bought some organic fruits and yogurt. My current obsession is plain yogurt + jam + frosty flake + banana + oatmeal cereal + almond, seriously it's the best thing ever. I eat it every morning now.

Also bought this pair of Polo Ralph Lauren slip ons at Winners for only $34, speaking of a good deal! And it's super hard to find nice shoes in my size, so I was rather delighted. Can't wait for tomorrow, I will bring home the biggest haul ever, I hope.

n1

2010-05-16T02:07:00.000-07:00

Went to the Vancouver Flea Market for the first time today, and I lived in Vancouver for the past ten years. But honestly, it was extremely disappointing. Maybe I should've went when there is an "antique show," because all I saw today were FAKE Gucci/Coach/Chanel/LV/YouGetTheFlow, Crappily Made Ed Hardy and True Religions that were tacky to the max that made me roll my eyes till I strained a few eye muscles, just CRAP, CRAP, CRAP, there was even a stand that sold just screws, like, who would need to go to a flea market to purchase some rusty screws. I did, however, stumbled across one cool stand that sold vintage photographs, postcards, and other paper products. However, did not have enough time to look around because the stand owner did not seem like he wanted to do business, so I just picked up these two mesmerizing vintage photographs for $1.

It really makes me wonder what they were thinking while having their pictures taken, would they have thought that their photograph would end up in a flea market, and now on my shelf?

Went to Stepho's for dinner, the wait was again horrible, we waited 60 minutes for a table. But again, it's Stepho's, cheap and delicious, so it was worth the wait. I can't help but notice how ugly their tablecloth is.

Also stopped at H&M to pick up a blackbook project t-shirt, there were a couple that I liked, but I rarely wear t-shirts, so I spent around 30 minutes picking out the one that I really really liked. This Face Lift T-shirt is so witty. Love it.

i2

2010-05-14T22:50:00.000-07:00

Seafood Chicken Stew with an abundance of carrots Nippon style, ate in the grass staring at the endless blue sky, there was only one cloud today, where has all of Mr.Cloud's buddy gone? Did they go play a game of tag and left him alone in the sky? Or was he simply just not a fast runner?

I want to get the Taro Gomi coloring books, they're so fun and remind me of the good old days.

I like to sit and stare at the sky and let my mind do the rest of the work.

o1

2010-05-13T21:47:00.000-07:00

i1

2010-05-13T15:37:00.000-07:00

The best time in Vancouver is a day like this, warm, a bit cloudy, and a bit sunny, with a bit of wind. There's a bit of everything, but it is utterly perfect.

x1

2010-05-13T00:46:00.000-07:00

Yves Saint Laurent Navy Two Buttons Blazer // Gap 1969 Distressed Denims // Club Monaco White Oxford Shirt // Club Monaco Black&Red Bowtie // Louis Vuitton Beaubourg Tote in Damier Canvas // Rockport Red Leather Boatshoes

This new layout is so much more simple and clean. Time for a fresh state of mind, once again.

Emily Carr Grad Show

2010-05-11T12:44:00.000-07:00

Went to the Emily Carr graduation show a couple days ago, I have to say, I was quite surprised by the grad works. A lot of pieces were extremely inspiring and mesmerizing. My absolute favorite one was the series of 12 photographs of people submerged in consumer food products such as Kraft Dinner. It was so powerful and the message was intimate and appropriate. There were a lot of pieces and installations that were very nicely executed and stylish and original. There were, however, pieces that I felt were kind of dull and unoriginal, especially the various "new forms" of facebook. We do not need any more facebook/twitter/myspace to confuse everyone, and quite frankly, I don't think the general public will get accustomed to a "new facebook," it's pretty much impossible to surpass facebook in terms of the number of users.

After the show followed a quick stroll on the island, it is still so beautiful, even though it was pouring rain.

FW10 Campaign - Givenchy

2010-05-10T22:40:00.000-07:00

Everyone is literally on the edge of their seats waiting for the FW campaigns to surface. Givenchy's the first one, I have to say, it is an intelligent move on their marketing team's behalf. No other major luxury brands have leaked out any images, or even confirmed casting lists of their casting campaigns, and here we have Givenchy's. It certainly has created a generous amount of hype, but this ad campaign is to die for. The casting is amazing and diverse, Mariaclara and Malgosia killed this campaign. Though the layout and positioning of the models is sort of similar to SS10, but this one is executed so much better, with an air of androgynous and mystery among it. This is so amazing, and it's got my hopes up for the rest of the ad campaings that should start surfacing any time soon.

work that

2010-04-26T00:17:00.000-07:00

Work that! Strutted down the aisle of Hastings Value Village yesterday with Douglas. It was my first time checking out the store, and I was just casually looking because after my YSL/ERMENEGILDOZEGNA/MISSONI haul a few weeks back at the Burnaby Value Village, I thought I would never have that luck to hit the jackpot again. But boy was I wrong, I spotted this Burberry trench coat in navy hanging among the usual London Fogs/Aquascutum/NONAMEbrands. I was like ZOMG LOOK WHAT I JUST FOUND. And I immediately picked it up and examined the label. Made in England. Check. Authentic Material/Wash Tag. Check. Serial Number. Check. Nicely tailored lining and self. Check. Its AUTHENTIC. Then along with the Nina Ricci black shirt and the Christian Dior Scarlette/Black shirt I found, I took these items to the counter with a huge ass smile showcasing my new braces ala BERRY SUAREZ (speaking of which, totally misses the bitches Amanda et Marc) The trench coat I found happened to not have a tag on there, which is really common in the store. So I asked the clerk how much it was, she picked up the phone and asked the manager to do a price check. The manager came and took a look at this soon-to-be-my-baby and said "BURRR- BERRY? That sounds pretty nice, how about $12.99?"

Seriously. God bless fashionably uneducated naive managers at Value Village. You just made my year!

mood

2010-04-23T22:32:00.000-07:00

It seems like everyone is so focused and so on their track doing what they're doing. Just a feeling of nostalgia is always lingering on the mind. Like Pandora's box unlocked or something, just a feeling of uneasiness about. Just nothing seems right, everything seems kind of there but not really there. Head is at a constant trimpy mode. One day the sun is shining and twenty four hours later it's pouring like there's no tomorrow. I guess it's time to take out my umbrella, but by the time I actually locate my umbrella, it stops raining. And I happily prance out and find that it will be pouring on my head just a mere few hours later. They say life is full of surprises. Jigsaw puzzles in my head all day long. Basics in my heads all day long, I want to buy an old note pad to jot these ideas down and pretend that I am one of those important people that actually matters. Even if its not true, I can still act the part, right? Like the kind of people that orders a venti americano at starbucks with no sugar, and always get a window seat, with their blackberry sitting on the table, vibrating every now and then to demonstrate just how important they are. Oh, and the huge ass shades that's on the table, and a old note pad, where they jot down whatever that matters to them on a pile of alternative fashion magazines. Vogue is too bland for them. And their vintage bag is lounging like its the next cool thing in town.

M I C HAA

2010-04-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

Coco is like the best model ever to strut on this globe. Both outside and inside. She is the supermodel of this era, too bad we don't have those "supermodels" anymore. Oh, I hope so much that Coco would model for my future campaign like a million years later.

after the game

2010-04-14T23:29:00.000-07:00

after the game, came a flock of blue birds

riding on the white horse towards the grey horizon

as if a glimpse of sunlight can be caught in a net made of straw

so bright and so pure

the off-white so beautiful in my memory

the sound of an old wretch playing the tattered violin

and the onlooking giraffe sipping espresso

lust has been unbuttoned,

after the game

-xion, april fourteenth, twenty-ten

the bleu ciel

2010-04-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

The Blue Ciel, a draped chiffon summer dress in light blue with white polka dots, first look for denier & manera Pre-Spring 2011. Basically just draped this dress on a dress form, created the "loops" on both shoulders while exaggerating the left shoulder. Right half of dress drapes in a caul form on true bias while the left half of the dress consists of pleats and drapes straight down. The hem is assymetrical. Low back opening easy to get in and out, as the material is rather sheer, it is meant to be worn with a slip dress underneath if worn as a day-dress, and bikini underneath if worn as a summer beach dress.

Yves Saint Laurent

2010-04-12T01:14:00.000-07:00

Found this vintage YSL blazer at Value Village on Saturday. This was the ultimate jackpot of the year so far. I am so afriad that my luck in thrifting will be gone after these finds. I also found a YSL trench in military green, two Paul Smith striped shirts, a Givenchy shirt, and a Ermenegildo Zegna shirt, also some Dior ties. Like, this was the ultimate jackpot. The Jackpot of the jackpots. I walked out of the store paying $75 for the above, like seriously? I saw a trench at gap for $79.50. Money well spent. Dry cleaned everything today and I could not contain the smile on my face.

fuel

2010-04-11T02:08:00.000-07:00

fuel is motivation.

motivation is fuel.

motivation is staying up all night.

staying up all night is motivation.

staying up all night is coffee.

coffee is staying up all night.

coffee is constant thinking.

constant thinking is design.

design is me.

waste

2010-04-04T23:45:00.000-07:00

Feels so helpless, how time is slowly leaking away. What am I doing, exactly?

whisper in the water

2010-03-29T22:42:00.000-07:00

"There wont be an answer, let it be." This is my vision these days without glasses or contacts. I see the world blurry. It is strange, but so mesmerizing at the same time. It just gives me these whole new persepectives to everything. Its kind of like, I am constantly behind this dirty window. I even stabbed myself with my sewing needle today, it hurted like a bitch.

true

2010-03-28T23:28:00.000-07:00

Look - Thrifted Holt Renfrew Creme Linen Shirt Jacket // Thrifted Balmain Creme Shirt // Thrifted DKNY Snowflake Silk Scarf // Banana Republic Navy&Rock Striped Tee // Gap 1969 Washed Jeans // Rockport Red Boat Shoes // Thrifted Caramel Leather Briefcase

The weather was once again peculiar today. Spent half my day looking at style.com at the Men's runway stuffs. It feels weird to look at these again, after a few months, I really felt different about each collection now, and am more inspired than ever. I guess at that time, I was too caught up in the whole "Hey! A new collection is out, I should look at all the looks and quickly whip up a review so I can be one of the cool style people" phase. Today, with tea, Joanna Wang and the sound of rain, I actually looked at each look slowly, and got to appreciate them a lot more. Just thought of a little project for myself that I want to do. Just need the ambition.

I really want a hair cut. It is so strange, no matter how I cut my hair in the first place, it will always grow back to the exact same shape within a month or two, hence the hair in the image. It is so annoying. I want the euro, laid back chic hair.

So much was missing

2010-03-26T22:35:00.000-07:00

Look - H&M Blue/White Gingham Shirt // H&M Grey Organic Cotton Cardigan // Gap 1969 Washed Jeans // Urban Outfitters Creme Boat Shoes // Thrifted Caramel Briefcase

That thrifted caramel briefcase is one of my most amazing finds ever.

It is the perfect used leather briefcase that everyone needs. Perfect stains, perfect whitened parts, perfect scratches. I loved it the second I saw it.

Smile like a child

2010-03-24T23:44:00.000-07:00

Look - 2% Grey Hoodie with Yellow Stars // Stage Patrick Tee // BBC Spaceman Jeans // Pink Backpack from Taiwan // Timberland Boots // Cheshire Cat Pin

Dinner full of laughter tonight with Ariel and Sarah at the House of Wings. The burger was amazing! But it makes me feel so fat after and so full too!

Made a quick stop at Value Village to "check it out," kind of like a doctor doing rounds. I found this amazing vintage briefcase/bag thing. It is the perfect "used" condition, with a few scratches here and there, and the best thing is that the lining is PLAID!

I nearly screamed when I saw it. I am afraid that I might be using up all my luck with thrifting... I hope not!!

DIY Day

2010-03-24T00:03:00.000-07:00

Look - DIY thrifted Rodarte-inspired sweater // DIY studded-collar Zara shirt // DIY Kazumi Bleached Jeans // Adidas Green Sneakers // Gap Socks // White-rimmed glasses from Nightmarket in Taipei

Progressive day. I finished the Velvet Room design contest things, got it all "done up" in a portfolio. Going to hand it in on Friday. DIY'ed a lot of stuffs today. Ripped up this sweater that I found at Value Village. I was inspired by Rodarte, and I clearly cannot afford the Rodarte for men collection with Opening Ceremony, so I might as well just make some myself. Fake, but whatever! It's authentic denier & manera! Also studded the collars of my white Zara shirt. Simple, took me 15 minutes. Also cut off a pair of Kazumi jeans that I no longer wear. I might've made it too short, and it is too cold in Vancouver to wear that. I wore it today, and I was shivering. Shivering!

The original state of the sweater before I did anything to it.

Vogue China April 2010

2010-03-23T19:34:00.000-07:00

Vogue China is getting better and better in terms of editorials. I love the fact that they use a lot of Asian models, unlike Vogue Nippon, which rarely uses any Asian models (with the exception of Tao Okamoto being used like, once). There are two editorials in this issue of Vogue China that was amazingly beautiful. One features Tao wearing this bleached wig, I don't like the hair, but this bleached, artificially colored hair is everywhere recently, from the runways of Yohji Yamamoto to Tavi. I love the dresses being used in here and the slight fantasy feel to all these images. I'll let the images do the talking here.

The next set is Du Juan in a beauty editorial. I always think that Du Juan is the most famous Chinese model internationally, but lately, Liu Wen is bigger and more popular, especially with the runways. But this beauty editorial featuring Du Juan was simply genius. It is simple, and to the point.

I love her facial expressions. Seriously, this girl should score a beauty campaign. Probably Shiseido or something along that line. She would rock it.

(all images from vogue.cn)

I’ve come too far to forget

2010-03-22T20:28:00.000-07:00

Look - Alexander Wang Oversized Knitted Sweater // H&M Grey Cardigan with Zigzag detailings // BDG black deep-v tshirt // Moschino LOVE black skinny jeans // Worn in Black Boots from Urban Outfitters // Gold Diamond Trump Card Necklace // Versace Glasses

I went thrifting today. Found some bad-ass stuffs. As usual, I just quickly schemed through the guys' suits and shirts section but did not really find anything interesting. Then I moved on to the outerwear section, and there it was, a Christian Dior Summer Overcoat. I died. It was amazing, beige, under $30, looks brand new, and CHRISTIAN DIOR! I've found my Spring coat! Also bought two other cardis, one is deep beige with leather trims and the other is a double-breasted inspired cardigan with a black/white folk-ish print. Also picked up this awesome belt.

The Christian Dior Spring Overcoat. It is 100% cotton and the lining is this gorgeous plaid in 100% cotton as well. Its a size 40, which fits me perfectly. My heart literally stopped when I found this among the usual London Fogs and crappy thrifty clothes. Gem in the stone, anyone?

The greyish-black cardigan with a folklore-ish pattern on the lapel. I love the double breasted details. This was $5 CDN, couldn't pass on it!

The other cardigan that I got today. I love the treatment of the trims playing with a striped effect. I also love the suede front panels. This was $6.49 CDN.

The belt that I got today. At first, I thought it was just a really worn old belt, so I just kind of looked at it. I picked it up and saw the brand, Claudio Orcani, I had no clue who this was, but I quickly google the name on my iPhone and discovered that this was actually a luxury brand from Italy. Like wow, then I looked at the belt again, and it was done like that deliberately, and it was hand-made in Italy, and it was my size! The belt was $5.99 CDN.

let's start from here

2010-03-21T23:23:00.000-07:00

Look - Thrifted Plaid Wool Blazer from Salvation Army // Tommy Hilfiger White Knitted Sweater // Club Monaco Green & White Gingham Shirt // Club Monaco Yellow Tailored Shorts // Urban Outfitters Creme Boat Shoes // Louis Vuitton Beaubourg in Damier Canvas

I had a very satisfying weekend. With two birthdays, one on Friday and one on Saturday, I was out both nights to celebrate with my friends. Pretty much went through half of Vancouver. Ate, laughed, and smiled, I really enjoyed the company. There's just so much to do, and I just feel slightly overwhelmed. But there's not really much that I can do except to keep on doing what I am doing. Below are pictures from the BBQ party at Kim Ga Nae, a Korean all you can eat BBQ restaurant near Aberdeen Centre in Richmond. I personally don't recommend it because I am not a big fan of meat lately. Eating too much meat makes me feel like I want to puke. But anywho, we had a lot of fun eating and laughing.

belated birthday gifts

2010-03-19T23:51:00.000-07:00

My birthday was more than two months ago, so this belated birthday present was kind of unexpected. Totally comical and childish, I love these tees! The left one is a mocking image of Patrick from Spongebob, which is one of my favorite characters; it's from STAGE, one of the hippest brands in Taiwan. The one on the left is a Mickey Mouse parody from Thailand.

Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

2010-03-18T23:26:00.000-07:00

Look - Thrifted Turqoise Arnold Palmer Cardigan // Thrifted Yves Saint Laurent Mustard Yellow Shirt // No Brand Multi-Color Polka Dotted Scarf bought in Tokyo // Grey and White Striped Shorts from Uni Qlo // Creme Boatshoes from Urban Outfitters // Louis Vuitton Damier Canvas Beaubourg

Today, I bought two striped Tees from Banana Republic. They're like the softest things ever. Also went to check out the infamous Salvation Army in North Vancouver in which one of my friend's friend's friend's aunt found a Hermes Birkin bag. I just kept thinking, what if a Birkin was waiting there for me. It's harder than winning the lottery. Also bought some birthday presents for long time friends today. Going to start sketching for the Velvet Room Canadian Design Contest.

red & pink

2010-03-18T02:30:00.000-07:00

Look - Thrifted Red Gabicci Cashmere Cardigan // Club Monaco Pink and White Floral Shirt // Thrifted DKNY Snowflakes Silk Scarf // Club Monaco Black and White Gingham Shorts // Marc by Marc Jacobs Oversized Tote // Aldo Boatshoes

and the story begins

2010-03-16T22:00:00.000-07:00

Thrifting was never anything I was accustomed to, nor was it anything anyone in my family was accustomed to. Growing up in a conservative Asian family, using other people's used and old stuffs was generally not tolerated. So I've grew up splurging my allowance and paycheque (when I started working in ninth grade) on overly priced clothes and other stuffs. I still do now, I admit, but only for the items that are actually worth it, such as an everlasting designer sweater that will never go out of style.

I don't really remember how it happened, but one day, I just decided to take my first step into a Salvation Army. I have to admit, when I was younger (and more naive) I thought that thrifting was only for the people that were struggling economically, and I also thought that only junks, like really crappy stuffs are available in thrift stores. And boy, I was wrong. On my first trip into the Salvation Army, I found a United Colors of Benetton plaid blazer for only $7. I was overwhelmed. Before this, all my blazers costed at least $70 and they went up to $200. So naturally, I did not own a lot of blazers. From that point on, I popped into the thrift stores occassionally hoping to score up some designer items. And on another trip to the Salvation Army again, I found a Oscar de la Renta tie and a Yves Saint Laurent tie, they were both like new, and look a million times better than the ones I see at Holt Renfrew for $125 each. I got those two for $6 altogether. Like seriously, the only difference is that there is no tag on the ones I bought, but so what? I cut it off before I wear them anyways.

So over the past 3 months, I've been hitting up local thrift stores, more specifically Salvation Army and Value Village. There are not a lot of independently owned thrift stores in Vancouver. I also went to a couple antique barns but found that their prices are usually really high. It is really strange. I have this "price limit" for items in thrift stores. Under $15 for a blazer, unless it is really nice, under $10 for a shirt, under $5 for small accesories, and under $5 for other knick-knacks. That's pretty much what I buy at thrift stores. Clothes, accesories, some prints and pictures, occasional vintage suitcase and dining wares. And over all these times, I have broadened my closet a lot, I mean, a lot.

I've bought Givenchy, Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Geoffrey Beene, Emanuel Ungaro, and Balmain shirts for under $10 each. Normally, these would cost over $100 at least when they are brand new, and even if I had the money, I can't buy them in Vancouver, because there are no places that sell these brands here in Vancouver, it is pathetic. I've bought blazers and jackets from Oscar de la Renta, Valentino, United Colors of Benetton, Emporio Armani, and other brands for under $15 each. My best finds are definitely the ties, I've got YSL, Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Balmain, and Nina Ricci for all under $5 each. I also found a whole bunch of sweaters and cardigans of all sorts of colors and some of them are even pure cashmere, and none of them were over the price of $10. Also found some brooches and pins that are totally unique and make a bold statement for $5 each. It is really amazing how I can get these designer items that are pretty much brand new after a round of dry-cleaning for the price of probably not even ONE brand-new designer shirt which is usually around $400-$600.

However, there are some exceptions as to what I get at the thrift stores, I will never get personal products at thrift stores. Underwears and pajamas are off limits to me. Also, I am kind of afraid to purchase pants/trousers/shorts at thrift stores because I don't know if they are dirty and I can't just dry-clean them and forget that someone might've peed in it.

Recently, I bought a few pieces of framed artworks and prints from Value Village that I completely adore. I cleared one wall in my tiny room and filled that wall with frames. I am loving it so far, I found a framed artwork of sailor's knots, some shells and The Beatle's album art print. There was also this vintage black and white photograph print that I found today. I adore the "c'est la vie" in the print. I bought frames for some of my favorite Takashi Murakami prints that I've bought in Japan.

The framed sailor's knots art piece - $4.99

Framed The Beatles "Let it Be...Naked. Fly on the Wall" print - $1.99

Black and White Photography Print - $1.99

Framed artwork of shells and a poem - $1.99

A vintage plate with a gorgeous fashionable lady ala 1920s - $8.00

These are the "decor" items that I've bought lately, and I am planning to purchase more. I will also take pictures of all the garments and accesories that I've purchased all along eventually, when I stop procastinating. I am proud to say that thrifting is my new hobby. It is retail therapy, and I will not be spending too much money, therefore, I can save money, instead of splurging all my money on consumer goods like before. Also, I am helping the community and the environment, now that's like two new reasons to go shopping again.

I am sure this had been said a million times, but honestly, "A man's junk is another man's treasure." And although I am relatively new and a noob to thrifting, but I am loving it. It's totally the new cool thing to do, and I love when people shoot me stares of envy when they find out that I got my DKNY scarf for $1.99.

Like seriously?

Rain, rain, go away!

2010-03-16T17:57:00.000-07:00

Rain.

Shine.

Clear.

Shower.

Shine.

Pouring.

Cloudy.

Clear.

Seriously. What is wrong with the weather?

Look - Thrifted black/white/grey graphic sweater // Fitted Khaki Trousers from Fred // H&M polka dotted socks that look like CDG // Creme boatshoes from Urban Outfitters // Black/white Coach umbrella // Thrifted Polo Ralph Lauren tube bag

paint your palette black and grey

2010-03-15T23:06:00.000-07:00

Today was the kind of day that you just feel lazy, but everything seemed to run smoothly. Went to my go to Value Village and found some awesome frames and a Christian Dior shirt and a MadHatter-ish tie for a total of $19ish. That is cheaper than my dinner.

Anyway, still in love with my self-made drop crotch trousers.

Look - denier & manera ternion scarf (black silk/grey linen/creme flax) // alexander wang two toned grey sweater // denier & manera deep navy drop-crotch pants // Adidas green sneakers with white soles // Marc by Marc Jacobs oversized tote

drop the crotch

2010-03-15T01:15:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to make myself some dropped-crotch trousers for the longest time possible, but procstination got in the way. I love dropped crotch trousers, they are so CDG and YY, which are two of my favorite brands. However, I cannot afford these brands, and furthermore, even if I could, I cannot find any in Vancouver. I only own a pair of dropped crotch trousers, and they're from the women's line at H&M, but they fit terribly, and it is impossible to walk in them, but I love them nonetheless.

My Comme des Garcons look, with the aforementioned H&M womens' trousers.

So tonight, I decided to make some dropped crotch trousers myself. I measured myself, drafted a pattern, cut out a muslin, made some changes, and whipped up this pair of dropped crotched trousers with three pleating details on each side of the front panel with a 9" zipper opening. It has a boxy feel from waist to knee, and below knee is like a skinny jeans. I love how it turned out, it has instantly became my new favorite. It feels so strange to be able to create what you want to wear with your own hands. I've decided to make these in all possibe colors and fabrics! I will become the dropped crotch trousers guy!

H&M Black Cardigan buttoned incorrectly deliberately // H&M blue blocked shirt // denier & manera polka dotted chiffon scarf tied the Mad Hatter way // denier & manera deep navy dropped-crotch trousers

motivation

2010-03-14T03:12:00.000-07:00

I miss the time when I had the motivation to do this. I documented what I wore every single day. Tonight, while listening to Joanna Wong and drinking some tea, I suddenly went through this album on my macbook that was named "365," which housed over three months of outfits from January to March 2009, I was going to do it for the entire year, but somehow, I just lost the motivation and thrive to do it after awhile. But now looking back, I actually thought about picking this up again, it is really a good source of documentation.

looks that made my heart stop

2010-03-13T02:16:00.000-08:00

Lanvin // Yves Saint Laurent // Marni // Dries Van Noten // Prada // Jason Wu // Louis Vuitton // Celine

all images from style.com

The Ominous Vagabond

2010-03-11T23:36:00.000-08:00

Finally, shot the fall winter mini collection that I've been making for the past two months. I can't really say it is a collection as I didn't really plan anything, as in, I didn't draw any sketches. I had a rough idea in my head of what I was going to make, and I just kind of made some here and there in the past two months. With my birthday celebration and the hectic Olympic Winter Games here in my hometown, I managed to whip up seven looks. So we did a photoshoot in New Westminster, which, to my surprise, really reminded me of modern Europe, with all the architectures and fountains and stairs. This led me to realize the beauty of Vancouver to an even higher degree. So I shot the images, Janice was the model, and Ashely's friend Krista did the make up. I'd say it was pretty nicely done given the short notice that we had. I did not really prepare for this until the last night, but the outcome was pretty nice and I am obsessed with this one image. It is now my iPhone wallpaper.

THE OMINOUS VAGABOND

photographer/designer/stylist - Alex S Yu

make up artist - Krista Olson

stylist/creative director - Ashley Smith

model - Janice Chang

Look I - denier & manera dark pine green chiffon ruffled assymetrical dress

Look II - denier & manera cut out tank / denier & manera pinched draped mustard skirt / denier & manera zebra print shawl

Look III - denier & manera red shorts / denier & manera pouf scarf

Look IV - denier & manera blue-grey plaid tailored blazer / denier & manera cut out tank / denier & manera pinched draped navy tailored skirt

Look V - denier & manera monotone polka dotted chiffon dress

Look VI - denier & manera pinched draped navy skirt

Look VII - denier & manera voluminous white rose skirt

Now I am just sourcing up inspiration for my Spring Summer 2011 collection....

Hey! You got chalk dust on your sweater!

2010-03-04T21:23:00.000-08:00

A.F. Vandevorst

Finally! A collection that makes my heart beats twice as fast as it should. This is what fashion is supposed to be doing to everyone's heart! I love the uniform reference, I love the armor reference. I LOVE the chalk dust effect. It makes me want to go buy a pack of chalk (Do they even sell chalk anymore??) and throw them all over my black boots and black sweaters. This whole collection was very put together, sophisticated, yet full of details that are merely there, but when you squint your eyes and look very closely, they're there. The belts are also to die for. The whole collection was amazing, with the exception of this look. This color is awful. I don't get why people make clothes in this color.

I want to touch every piece of this collection and sink myself in this sea of awesomeness.

(all image from style.com)

LOVE #3

2010-02-27T15:50:00.000-08:00

Left me speechless.

direction

2010-02-25T22:09:00.000-08:00

Lately I have a lot of alone time, because I will not be going back to school until September and my work schedule is very loose. So I have been doing a lot of thinking, a lot. Thinking as to what directions I want to take in life. I have been inspired by numerous things this few months, noticably vintage clothes, vintage items and the whole art of thrifting, which is good for the environment and the wallet, it is satisfying my shopping needs while not having to spend a fortune. I have been looking up thrifting blogs and vintage blogs, and I found that most people are selling vintage items and handmade items on etsy. It just makes me feel like I want to be a part of that. But I lack in experience. How am I supposed to know whether or not someone will want an item or whether or not an item is really worth something or if it is simply just a piece of junk like 98% of things in the Salvation Army or Value Village. Lately, I thrifted a lot, but mostly are clothes and accesories for myself. I probably spent around $300.00 Cdn on 10 jackets, 15+ shirts, 5 cardigans, 5 ties and a few miscellaneous items. But the way I bought these things are based on brands. Yes, I only bought vintage luxury brand items. It is so surprising how Vancouver has such a sufficient amount of luxury brands in their thrift stores in counter to the minmal amount of luxury brands readily available in retail stores, there is perhaps only two places that sell luxury brand clothings in Vancouver. (Holt Renfrew & Sinclair Center) A Givenchy shirt for $5.99, all I had to do was to dry clean it, and press it nicely, and it looks good as new. Unbelievable, now my wardrobe is half full with designer luxury items, with only a couple that I bought in retail (my Alexander Wang sweater that costed a fortune was the ONLY luxury garment item I have ever bought in retail) Speaking of luxury, I do not count Tommy Hilfiger or RW&CO or Banana Republic as luxury brands. Luxury brands are in the realms of Burberry, Givenchy, Balmain, and Christian Dior, and these four brands happen to be the most common brands I see in thrift stores around Vancouver. Probably every time I go thrifting, I would see one of these brands. I always have the urge to buy every single one of these luxury items I see, but I only need so much clothes. So I was thinking, maybe I should just start a mini business like this, thrift as a hobby, and re-sell them online to people who do not have access to luxurious vintage items. Today, I made a trip, once again, to the Value Village that is 10 minutes drive away from my house. I found three bowls that have the looks of the 60s Art, they are yellow, orange and black, totally gorgeous. I also found a pure virigin wool deep purple jacket that fits me like a glove. A thing that I noticed with my local thrift stores is that they have a sufficient amount of vintage books, all at very low price, so I picked up a few today, and am thinking of what to do with them. Should I use them for decor, or should I really start my own mini-business?

vivid loneliness

2010-02-22T14:08:00.000-08:00

media : oil on canvas

by 王攀元

FW10 - Isabel Mastache

2010-02-21T21:53:00.000-08:00

I am all for creativity, avant garde and surrealism. I've been overwhelmed by shows these days, with the New York Fashion Week just over, now at London, there are not many shows that left an impression. Like, overall, the shows were good, some even great, but for the most part, they are very safe. I guess it's because we are not yet at Milan et Paris, where the biggest ones are showing. So Madrid Fashion Week is also on simultaneously, and I stumbled across Isabel Mastache. Boy, it left an impression. Not a good one. This is the perfect example of poor editing. I think it is extremely important to edit when designing, when you put everything you know/want on the table, a disaster will happen, it is almost guaranteed. Anyways, the Isable Mastache collection was a failed attempt of humorous fashion. It ended up being tacky and low in taste. Though some of the pieces are very creative, it was a total disaster, especially that penis pants, who in the world will wear that? Well, maybe we will see Lady Gaga wearing that in her music video but that's pretty much it. Time for the pictures.

This is the hideous penis pants, with the belly button showing. What is going on? It is so horrible, I don't even know what to say, but I do, however, like that jacket had the red ball image is not present on the left chest.

This looks like a shellfish. That's the best thing I can say about this look.

This was actually my favorite look, it is very interesting. But the hat is kind of too much, had the hat not be there, it would be a really awesome look.

Cruella gone bad! This just reminds me of Cruella from 101 Dalmations. Horrible! Where is the cigarette and the crazy wig and bright red lipstick?

The Mad Hatter from Mexico.

The embryo-carrying father. Look at the embilical cord dangling from the blob to the shirt. This is just so...... I need a drink.

Rabbit with Tumors.

Sailor who wants to be a ballerina.

This was a enjoyable creation. I love some of the creativity in this collection, but it's gone way too far, to a point where it is hideous.

**all images from www.neomoda.com**

FW10 - Alexander Wang / Jason Wu / Peter Som / Ohne Titel

2010-02-13T17:52:00.000-08:00

Today, most of the new Asian designers showed, and I was anticipating Jason Wu and Alexander Wang immensely. And they did not disappoint. However, I wasn't really anticipate that much of Peter Som, but to my surprise, his collection was my favorite of the day. It just feels so weird to be sitting in front of my MacBook looking at all these pictures when everyone else around me is glued to the TV watching the Winter Olympics!

ALEXANDER WANG

I absolutely love those assymetrically slashed draped dresses. They are so chic and beautiful. The cut out top/dress was stunning too, but isn't this Fall/Winter? That oversized jacket is amazing, it seems as if oversized jacket is the next trend now. I am kind of iffy about this trend. It will look amazing, if the right coat is worn on the right person, if something goes wrong, it will just look like a teenage girl desperately trying to grow up wearing her mom's braod shoulder jacket from the 80s. It is obvious that Wang took a new direction in his designs, it seems as if he has matured. The lines are cleaner, and the silhouettes are more defined and there are a lot more varieties and shapes. Koodos for this, I however, do not like the hair. I hate hair that seem oily, so I guess it is just me. But overall, a fabulous show! Hope there is some asexual pieces that they make in Large or X-Large, and then maybe I can expand my A. Wang collection!

JASON WU

Wu maintained his aesthetics with girly girl pieces that are adorable and gorgeous, though a few dresses have missed the marks. There are some amazing ones shown above. I love the splattered paints print, it is absolutely amazing. That full circle dress in the last image is so cute! And the neckline is very interesting and unique as well. Again, there are more oversized jackets that look in porportion and amazing on the models. That grey jacket is so die for, if they made one for mens, I would be the first in line to get one, but it seems like it is DIY-able (future project ideas??) I have to say, the set is amazing. That long pink runway looks gorgeous and amazing and so luxurious!

PETER SOM

This collection is so rich in color and texture, which I absolutely love and adore. I love the color story of this collection, it is so vintagey fairytale ish. That shade of blue, with that brownish orange, and those prints, they are so amazing. This collection was a surprise! I absolutely love the pouffy one shouldered furry piece on several of the looks, so adorable! The oversized jackets are ONCE AGAIN seen on this runway, but Som did a feathered version of these jackets, which adds a hint of feminity to them, again, stunning. This collection is amazing! Also, the dark lips are sexy and plays a contrast to the slightly girly/childish color story of this collection. I would, however, remove those tights and tie the hair up into super tight/tall ponytails!

OHNE TITEL

Ohne Titel, the duo designers behind this brand never disappoints. They have this Nicholas Ghesquire for Balenciaga's aesthetics, but toss a bit of Lanvin, sprinkle a bit of Rodarte, and top with a bit of Marni, then you will have Ohne Titel. Those leggings are the highlight of this collection. They are so amazing, I could totally see H&M and TOPSHOP knocking off some of these leggings in lots of different colors! Once again, oversized jackets are seen on this runway as well! I however, absolutely love the draped/layered white shirt dress with white leggins look. That is my favorite look of this collection. Still, I feel that make up should've been a bit more dramatic, these models look like they just got up from bed with a bad hangover.

Totally looking forward to the shows tomorrow! All of my favorite shows have yet to come!

**all images from style.com**

p. dot draped dress

2010-02-12T00:28:00.000-08:00

Polka dotted dress for my fw2010 collection. I just combined/draped a whole bunch of different sized and colored polka dotted chiffon, now I just have to somehow, sew it together and fit it on a girl and we're good to go! I love this stage, where I am pretty much just having fun with the fabric, I don't even have a sketch yet.

Front, once again, assymetrical with a raglan sleeve that is just kind of "attached" to the bodice. Whereas the back kind of all just goes towards a single point like a vanishing point. I added that white polka dots chiffon for some pop of color. Anyway, back to sewing! Hooray for handsewing!

FW10 - Ports 1960 / BCBG

2010-02-11T21:17:00.000-08:00

FW2010/2011 has begun. When Pre-Fall was literally just a few days ago, seriously, this is so exciting! Though the big shows have yet to show, there were some interesting shows on today.

Ports 1960

Overall, a very safe collection. Safe as in, people will buy these clothes, the clothes are pretty, the model casting is interesting, while there are some interesting pieces here and there. But no big surprise in our faces. But it's Ports 1960, so this is expected. However, I do have something to say about those fishnet tights. They are so 00's, we are in the 10's now! No more fish net tights, they just bring down a look, make it hookerish. That's horrible! However, I do LOVE the neckpieces in this collection. They are absolutely amazing! I feel Ports is trying to go for a ~~cheaper~~ more accesible Lanvin feel.

Once again, those neckpieces are breathtaking!!!

BCBG Max Azria

I never thought of BCBG as something that's high fashion, because we see them in malls. If you see a store in a mall, it is no longer exclusive ala high fashion ala fierce. Same goes for Coach. Well, Coach never was high fashion but that's another story. Anyway! This collection was actually, to my surprise, quite liked by me. I always thought of BCBG as a house that makes super tight and super embellished tacky clubbing clothes that are too expensive. But I guess either I was wrong/prejudiced or they've changed. Anyway, I quite like some of the pieces in this collection. I certainly wasn't expecting this level of chic from this collection, and I was blown away! However, I still have doubts about the tights and the shoes, a little too Alice in Wonderland for me. But, I would love love love to see some locals go to the malls and buy up some of these pieces, they're awesome!

I just love layering and assymetry. Together, they make me smile like a fat boy with a giant chocolate cake. Seriously.

**all images from style.com**

mcqueen

2010-02-11T15:42:00.000-08:00

Tragedy.

Nostalgic.

Lost.

Grey.

Sorrow.

Sympathy.

Pessismistic.

Alienesque.

Memories.

Alexander McQueen was the first major designer that I paid attention to, back in the days, in 2004/2005, when I was still in secondary school, he was the name other than Yves Saint Lauren, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Dior that I knew. Naive as I was, I did not know any of the designers that I now adore and worship, such as Kawakubo, Yamamoto, Hackermann, Demeulemeester or Margiela. Anyways, he always stood out in my mind because of his name, "ALEXANDER MCQUEEN," it is such a beautiful name, it just sounds so elegant yet powerful, like a lion. His shows were always the ones I would check out, study every piece, every look, and have them memorized.

This look right there, was the look that got me hooked to his designs. Simple, elegant, timeless, yet with an edge. In this FW06 collection, the headpieces were so vintagey, and mesmerizing. From that moment on, Alexander McQueen always stood out. This past fashion week, SS10, he wowed the world with the armadillo heels and the alienesque make up and clothes that immediately grabbed me onboard as I have a super soft spot for aliens in my heart. I was in awe, in utter surprise at what he sent down the runway. It is one of those shows that people would remember after 50 years, like the legendary Valentino show that had Linda, Naomi, Christy and Cindy walking down togeher.

This morning, I woke up to this tragic news. I would just like to remember the fabulous designer in this kind of way. In a way, he was the designer who got me extremely interested in fashion design in the first place. I will forever treasure my pair of McQueen jeans.

Rest in peace.

cheekbones

2010-02-11T02:09:00.001-08:00

Oh Cheekbones, how I love thee.