This collection has been such a strong and seminal one, that I feel that any man . . . → Read more]]> It’s been months since this collection was first uncovered, but I still haven’t got it off my mind. Ricardo Tisci’s latest take on the modern man’s approach to clothing has left a lasting impact on me.

This collection has been such a strong and seminal one, that I feel that any man stumped on fashion ideas could just look to this collection for inspiration. I for one, am taking a leaf from the Givenchy house’s book this year, and I am not waiting until the fall/winter months to do so.

Boyish, playful, charming. Crew neck sweaters and baseball jackets over pleated shorts and worn with boots, either knee high or hightops with tights. As tangential as some elements may be (sheer tights or the rottweiler prints), Ricardo Tisci blends them together in a way that not only works but lends the wearer an unspoken cool.

photo credits/full collection: gq.com

I am in love with his version of Feist’s ‘Limit to your love‘. I love Feist for all she does, but for these few weeks at least, James Blake’s version takes the trophy. It’s not that it trumps Feist’s original version, but James brings a much darker and solitary interpretation by deconstructing the song while keeping . . . → Read more]]>

I am in love with his version of Feist’s ‘Limit to your love‘. I love Feist for all she does, but for these few weeks at least, James Blake’s version takes the trophy. It’s not that it trumps Feist’s original version, but James brings a much darker and solitary interpretation by deconstructing the song while keeping its meaning intact. It’s akin to dubstep produced for the listening pleasure of the lone occupant in a post modern castle. [link]

He also did an equally haunting version of Joni Mitchell’s ‘A case of you‘ live on BBC Radio 1 several months ago. [link]

I have a confession to make. All I knew about Gruff Rhys before the gig was that he was the frontman of Super Furry Animals, a band whom I also knew of only by name save for a few songs here and there. However that night’s concert has converted me into a believer of his music. . . . → Read more]]>

I have a confession to make. All I knew about Gruff Rhys before the gig was that he was the frontman of Super Furry Animals, a band whom I also knew of only by name save for a few songs here and there. However that night’s concert has converted me into a believer of his music. Performing as a one man show, he had a literal smorgasbord of little gadgets and technological wizardry in front of him as his musical backup. Above all the ooh’s and ahh’s watching him toy over his metronome (Trevor?), retro keyboards etcetera, it really was a pleasure just to hear him sing and perform. With his down to earth stage presence, he engaged with the audience not just with his jokes but also his voice and his upside down guitar.

Please forgive me for taking photos from a similar vantage point- it was a sit-down concert.

May 33rpm and the nice people at bfm bring more quality live acts to KL. Amen.

click below for more pics.

incomplete and inaccurate setlist in no particular order

If we were words, we would rhyme

Conversation conservation

Cycle of violence

Candylion

Gyrru gyrru gyrru

Sophie softly

Sensations in the dark

The court of king arthur

Vitamin K

Gwn mi wn

Lonsome words

In A House With No Mirrors (You’ll Never Get Old)

The Terror Of Cosmic Loneliness

But being 21st century global citizens armed with cheap airfares, this means that traveling to temperate countries are never completely ruled out. In the same . . . → Read more]]> I do realise that I live in a tropical country, what with the current heatwave to remind me that we are practically smack in the middle of equator.

But being 21st century global citizens armed with cheap airfares, this means that traveling to temperate countries are never completely ruled out. In the same vein so does the need for a jacket to travel along with. As plans are underway for me to be traveling somewhere this autumn, I thought it would be apt for me to get a jacket. But choosing a suitable design is of the essence, as such travels are few and far between. And so it seemed wiser to get a jacket that was less ‘of the moment’ and more of a timeless design to prolong its wearability. Something I can imagine myself wearing 10 years from today yet not look outdated.

Woolrich Woolen Mills Spring 2011 (credit: GQ)

Few things options came up when I was thinking of potential looks that would remain timeless and trendless. One of them was Woolrich Woolen Mills Spring 2011’s compact yet solid collection of vintage outdoor wear (see full collection here). The other was Junya Watanabe Man’s utilitarian work jackets and parka’s (see here). Finally it was a very current nautical/washed out British coastal look (reference here)

Below are the jackets that struck a chord with me in terms of design and price.

Junya Watanabe Man x Le Laboureur Wax Jacket

Possibly the most affordable jacket with Junya’s design footprints on it. Apparently the medium and large sizes were sold out from GoodHood on the same day of release. (photo credit & link)

Commes des Garcons Shirt Jersey Duffel Coat

I was extremely attracted to this coat ( I have a thing for hoodies) when I saw the excellent fit on the model on TresBienShop’s site. Price was still within my means, and jersey material made it a suitable candidate for my choice of long lasting good quality timeless jacket.

(photo from Coggles via Selectism)

Bumped into this online shop while I was on the lookout for a lightweight jacket that I could use for my overseas trip some time later in the year. They have a good selection of stuff – deceptively simple yet well-constructed premium menswear, and more importantly they ship worldwide and provide 20% VAT deduction . . . → Read more]]>

Bumped into this online shop while I was on the lookout for a lightweight jacket that I could use for my overseas trip some time later in the year. They have a good selection of stuff – deceptively simple yet well-constructed premium menswear, and more importantly they ship worldwide and provide 20% VAT deduction for non EU shoppers. Above are the ‘table top’ items which I feel encapsulates what will be worn by the discerning guys as the warmer months arrive in the northern hemisphere. While I would by every item on that table top if I could (except the polka dot jeans – I am too old for that) my favourites are the Junya Watanabe MAN gingham anorak and the Quoddy chukka boots which look buttery soft and deliciously comfy.

[more info on each item at their website here]

While browsing I also came across this PAM shirt which seems simple in design, yet I still love the slightly ‘choirboy’ effect it lends to the wearer.

Or have I been watching Kate and William’s wedding ceremony re-runs one too many times?

[link]

I have been eye-ing these ones for quite some time already. The frame design has a vintage feel to it as evidence of this eyewear . . . → Read more]]> If I needed a pair of prescription glasses anytime soon, these two would be already on the top of my list. Now which one shall I choose? Hypothetically?

Moscot’s The Lemtosh

I have been eye-ing these ones for quite some time already. The frame design has a vintage feel to it as evidence of this eyewear maker’s 90-odd years history. What takes the cake, though, is the two-toned colour scheme of this particular pair. I’d figure the emphasis on the upper part of the frame would be good to balance out my bottom-heavy face shape. I was hoping to try these on when I was down in Singapore last month. Sadly, the ones stocked in KIN on Haji Lane looked so small that forcing them into my ‘caucasian sized’ face would risk me paying for broken goods.

Good thing about Moscot’s frames are that they can be fitted as either eyeglasses or sunglasses. In my personal opinion though, the impact of this frame was somewhat dampened by tinted lenses. But that’s just what I think.

Oliver People’s Gregory Peck

These vintage looking acetate frames are inspired by Gregory Peck’s role as Atticus Finch in the movie ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. It also commemorates the 50th anniversary of Harper Lee’s literature classic from which the movie was adapted. Looks beautifully made, but slightly more expensive than the Moscots ($315 according to these people here) .

(via GQ Eye)

The intended title for this post was pedal porn, but the word pedal sounded too close to pedo.

Found out about Bertelli, first name Francesco, a guy based in NY who assembles these beautifully minimal and yet classic bicycles as a hobby. Yes, you read that right. These highly desirable masterpieces on two . . . → Read more]]>

The intended title for this post was pedal porn, but the word pedal sounded too close to pedo.

Found out about Bertelli, first name Francesco, a guy based in NY who assembles these beautifully minimal and yet classic bicycles as a hobby. Yes, you read that right. These highly desirable masterpieces on two wheels are assembled using “brand new parts with “new old stock” and vintage parts found at flea markets, old bikeshops, collectors and from my (his) trustworthy suppliers“.

Don’t get me wrong, I do know that I live in a city whose roads are unfriendly to anything without an engine, and whose weather patterns alternate only between scorching hot and torrential rain. The idea of taking bicycling beyond recreational use, just as what is being done in European and Australian cities , remains one that is hard to adopt.

But still, it doesn’t hurt to dream, does it?

Those living in places where cycling is a viable option, you should really check out more beauties at his website.

(via The Rogue)

More drool-worthy bike porn  below:

credits after the jump.

Credits to the developer, Andre Michelle [blog][link]

(via . . . → Read more]]>
like for real y’all

Have hours of endless fun playing pretending that you’re the next Little Boots or Hot Chip or LCD Soundsystem.
Just randomly click on any of the grey squares and the selected squares will light up in loops and make you the greatest producer on earth!

credits after the jump.

Credits to the developer, Andre Michelle [blog][link]

(via have.love.will.travel’s tumblr) (embedding via sembeo.com)

Kick Ass. As un-fashion as that may sound. This season and every season that preceded it. I just love his collections, but I don’t know why.

Could it be that the eastern touch that he brings to menswear is so authentic and brings into context the real Eastern man, and not one of mere tokenism or exoticism?

Could . . . → Read more]]>

Kick Ass. As un-fashion as that may sound. This season and every season that preceded it. I just love his collections, but I don’t know why.

Could it be that the eastern touch that he brings to menswear is so authentic and brings into context the real Eastern man, and not one of mere tokenism or exoticism?

Could it be that his designs offer high wearability to the everyday stylish man, and that in itself already helps define a good designer?

How deceivingly common menswear have become desired pieces thanks to updated tailoring and perfect choices of fabrics?

Is it his slightly twisted but highly inspired yet modern takes of the different categories of men he considers as an embodiment of style? Or simply put, how he makes you want to be a an Cuban this season, an investment banker the next, a retired rocker in another?

Words can only do so much. His designs will do the talking. For a full view of his work, his eponymous website contains sufficient photos for you to fall in love with his designs. The ones you see are my favourites from his latest collection that goes by the theme, ‘Investment Bankers’. (photo credit: style.com)