Platforms: How High Can You Go?

February 5, 2010

Recenty I have been spending my days devouring fashion blogs, forums and online fashion news continuously, stopping only for the occasional meals or bathroom breaks. I have never delved so much into fashion journalism until this moment, and it has been very insightful to look into the debatable and argumentative side of fashion from other people’s point of view, rather than to just browse through online stores looking for the next bauble to drool on (or as my dad puts it, to waste money on), and afterwards presenting my finds to you. Suzy Menkes mentioned in one of her interviews that fashion conversations have ceased to be a one-way journey. People express their opinions on articles they feel strongly about, or thrusts their preferences on certain fashion trends/articles in forums and blogs, often to the point of showing off their wares (even when noone really wants to see another twenty stacks of their Louboutin shoe boxes), much like what I’m doing on this very blog.

In the subjective world of fashion, trends invite lovers and haters of equal numbers. This Wall Street Journal article listed a journalist’s opinions on the best and worst fashion trends of 2009. While I beg to differ on a number of fashion fads listed under the ‘worst’ list (tights with shorts, 80s getup, killer ankle boots with short skirts) , I would like to zoom in on a particular number: the platform boots.

Top, clockwise direction: Jeffrey Campbell, Finsk, Acne, Balenciaga, Ashish for Topshop, BCBG

Comments on the article concurred with the journalist’s less-than-favourable view on platform boots, with some hoping that these monstrocities would be condemned to the eternal fire of hell, never to see the light of the day again (I jest, but you get what I mean). One can only conclude that the readers of WSJ would loathe scrolling through Lookbook or Chictopia, if they haven’t done so, seeing how every other girl would either own or lust after any of the shoes above, yours truly included.

I can see why some people would hate them (something tells me they come from the Louboutin camp). These boots are chunky and clumsy, with platforms that rises steadily over the years, so much so that they have been called hooves and Frankenstein shoes. Noone would associate them with elegance or glamour. On the contrary, they are adventurous footwear that the younger market is much more willing to embrace. I would disagree to any opinions that deem these people as fashion victims, so long as they are able to work these fads to their greatest advantage. Unfortunately many are jumping on the bandwagon as soon as they see these boots worn by influential bloggers. Am I a fashion victim myself for sporting one of those babies? Perhaps, but I am not afraid to admit that I am a girl in my youthful prime who isn’t afraid of the weird and wonderful, in fact I love avant-garde experiments. I will not trade my Opening Ceremonies for Valentinos and Roger Viviers, yet (but would gladly do it for any of Nicholas Kirkwood’s collaborations with Rodarte). With that in mind I shall present to you Acne’s pre-fall 2010 shoes.

caroline.feber.se

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Dear Rodarte boots, I hope I get to see you soon in person

This is how you wear Rodarte’s thigh high boots

jakandjill.com

caroline.feber.se

And this is how you destroy Rodarte’s boots

Good Lord I couldn’t breathe the first time I laid my eyes on her thighs. I knew there was something familiar about the boots. It was like seeing a long-lost friend whose face was fried in an acid attack. And the next second, ‘Oh…. I see what you did there, Sun Ho.‘

First of all if you cannot afford Rodarte’s ten grand dresses then please pick something that balances the boots’ edgy, gothic undertones, instead of picking out some random netted thing that remotely resembles Rodarte’s handmade beauties. And what’s up with the fishnets? Dress not oozing enough hooker appeal? This is the Grammys for goodness’s sake, not a Cosplay convention.

Secondly, and most importantly, who in their right mind DIYs THE BOOTS of all boots?! It’s like studding Chanel’s 2.55 yourself. They are meant to be fashion-forward, not a fashion faux pas. Those horrible, unnecessary ornaments cheapen the boots tremendously, and I wouldn’t blame anyone out of the fashion circle for having the impression that Sun Ho bought them from a stripper shop in Las Vegas. I think it’s time for her to sack the stylist behind these monstrocities.

Excuse me while I weep for this sorry sight. The only solace I could get out of this is the fact that I can finally get hold of the unadulterated version soon.

FYI, for all my non-Singaporean readers, Sun Ho is a singer/songwriter hailing from Singapore. She’s the wife of a pastor from the biggest church here (NOoooooo…… relly?), and her biggest hit is probably that blasphemous song China Wine.
EDIT: It seems like the dress was specially made for her by the Mulleavy sisters themselves. That goes to show that money still can’t buy taste.

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Alexander Mcqueen Spring Summer 2010 Shoes

February 1, 2010

(click to enlarge)

Taken from Alexander Mcqueen’s lookbook, I’m guessing these are the footwear he might just create for us common folks. I daren’t hope for all the different colourways to be released, but the midnight blue boots and the scaly green pumps on the third row sure got me foaming.

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Too many shoes, too little cash

Rick Owens Wedge Boots with Asymmetrical Flap

VS

Jil Sander Beak Toe d’Orsay

I’m facing a dilemma which I’m sure many people are familiar with: which shoes do I buy? I’m torn between the avant-garde Rick Owens and the classy Jil Sander.

Price (shipping included, less VAT)
Rick Owens: £386.70
Jil Sander: US$315

Aesthetics
Rick Owens never offers anything that is ordinary, and the same goes for these boots. His designs transcends all trends and fads so no worries about the boots going out of fashion. I am loving the pebble-grained leather and especially the asymmetrical flap.

Jil Sander’s d’orsay is a minimalist piece of art. Unfortunately when worn most of the curves can only be seen from the back (but what an amazing view it is!). They also expose much of the wearer’s feet, something which I’m still not quite used to. I quite prefer the sides of my pumps to be visible from the front.

Mileage
Comfort-wise, Rick Owens boots would win hands down, so I know I would wear them to school (or elsewhere) very often, plus they would keep me warm during winter.

The Jil Sander d’orsay, however, is a pair of classic black pumps which is almost a must for every female, and I have never been able to find a pair that does not look like every other pair of black pumps (especially the ones that imitate Louboutins). So I was thinking that if I get this pair I would keep them pretty in my closet, only to take them out for occasions that call for some serious power-dressing such as job interviews or business presentations, or whenever I feel like I could last a day walking in five-inch heels.

You see, I would get them both one at a time, but unfortunately they are both on sale and running out fast.

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Awesome (and awful) bags of Spring/Summer 2010

January 27, 2010

This post is so long overdue that everyone would have seen the bags at least ten times by now, but I’m going to publish it anyway so I can keep track of which bags to purchase if I happen to win the lottery.

Alexander Mcqueen

Knowing Mcqueen (that man, bless his soul, should be knighted by now!), this bag might not even be reproduced for the mass. But if he decides to be kind to us common folks I do wish the bag would be made of digitally printed leather.

Anna Sui

I’m sitting on the fence with this one. I love the distressed look which goes well with the vintage shape but what is with the extra panels?

Celine

You know a brand is going to win the It bags of the season award when everyone googles for it non stop. Judging from the number of people visiting my Celine ‘Luggage’ page (which is the name of the bag on the left), I say Phoebe Philo has certainly revived this brand. I’m lusting after the Luggage myself, and if I have the heart to fork out US$2,500 on a bag then it’ll be the Luggage.

Chanel

This bag needs no introduction. With all due respect, I don’t have much love for the 2.55, so a straw version isn’t going to impress me. Quoting the words of Trent Reznor, I do not want this.

Christian Dior

There were several versions of these briefcases made in different exotic skins. As much as I love structured bags (and briefcases), I feel that this one might be too ostentatious, plus it wouldn’t be a hit among the feminine ladies.

Christian Louboutin

I was quite excited when I received the weekly newsletter from net-a-porter telling me that they’ve stocked up on this clutch. When I clicked on it I couldn’t believe my eyes. They were sold out despite the hefty price tag of more than a grand. You’d think the recession, or the slow recovery of it, would make women think twice about spending a ridiculous amount for a tiny clutch. But I digress. Personally it’s a very interesting bag, very art-deco inspired which I favour. I can see much work is required in its production, what with the leather pleats and such. With that said I’d rather spend my money elsewhere on something beautiful AND practical.

Derek Lam

Mr Lam is going places with his accessories line, just like his counterpart Alexander Wang (times like this I’m so proud to be Asian), although my preference would be the former. His bags are very well-thought, and the colours he picked are so amazingly delicious, yet out of the norm.

Dolce & Gabbana

While these bags do not really appeal to me, I must say I like how the chains and the lace go together. The colour scheme is excellent too.

Giambatista Valli

It’s like a pretty painting that you can carry around, no?

Givenchy

While I’m not too fond of the shape of the bag, I’m amazed by the subtle detailings that makes them look so futuristic.

Gucci

Uhhh.. If Predator has a wife she’d look great with this bag.

Louis Vuitton

Noone would look good with this one though. I doubt even Rihanna could rescue it. Big ew from me.

Nina Ricci

Just like the shoes, this season Nina Ricci has offered very girly, feminine designs that princesses from Disney would wear. The chosen lilac is very lovely, and when coupled with the bow I can see Snow White trotting through the forest with this tote.

Roberto Cavalli

To me Roberto Cavalli is synonymous with loud Italian glamour, so I would never expect an underestated, simple design coming from him. That said I think he’s done a commendable job with this tote.

VBH

I’m loving the shade of purple and the shape. However the croc skin may be a little too smooth and even for my liking, making it look a tad too matronly. I’d have liked it better if it was made in caiman crocodile which will give it a more well-defined texture.

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I don’t have a title for this but it’s a post about nice bags

January 20, 2010

Apologies for the prolonged absence. This time I’m back with more delish stuff to share. First up on the list is an emerging trend in bags.

Mulberry Alexa Satchel, from Luisa via Roma

Marc by Marc Jacobs Leola Hobo, from Neiman Marcus

Laura B, from Antonioli

Lancel Flirt Tote, from Luisa via Roma

De Couture slingbag, from Luisa via Roma

Judging from the bags that are available from these two stores, it seems that the trend is geared towards hip, young females who strive for that model off-duty look, thus the unstructured soft satchels and totes. A year or so ago that look was made popular by Alexander Wang, to the point where his Coco duffels were sold out during his trunk shows, but now other brands have followed suit and I say they are doing a better job at it.

My personal favourite would be Mulberry’s Alexa since the oversized version would be perfect for school. What got me drooling was the delicious purple leather, needless to say the leather looks so buttery soft. If it wasn’t for the price tag I’d have pre-ordered it.

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