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yes, that's 50% off everything - full price and those already discounted. and it includes the factory outlets too.
oy vei! | |
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Melbourne's third Louis Vuitton boutique opens today at Chadstone. it coincides with the opening of the mall's new luxury wing which includes Chanel, Miu Miu, Tiffany & Co., Burberry, Gucci and Prada. news reports say there was a throng of about 5000 people waiting outside before the mall opened at 9am. some were there since 5 am. it is mainly because of the $100 Chadstone shopping vouchers that were given away to the first 100 through the doors.
here's a video preview about this new extension:
Australia’s biggest shopping centre
i will be checking out out the new shop and its neighbours tomorrow. | |
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Hollywood's top power couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt has collaborated with British purveyors of fine jewellery and luxury goods Asprey with a collection called "The Protector", it includes a sterling silver spoon, eggcup and tooth box baby keepsakes, as well as gem encrusted bracelets, rings, cuff links and pendants for mum & dad: proceeds from the sale of each Protector piece will go to The Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, an organization which sends child victims of war, conflict and natural disasters to school.
here's a few more pics from the collection:according to an interview, the inspiration for this edgy but elegant snake-themed jewellery was from a ring Angelina Jolie received while pregnant with daughter Shiloh. she considered it an amulet or talisman that protected her then unborn child and herself.
im personally not too fond of snakes, but i quite like these. particularly the tooh box and the black diamond pendant.
available starting from this week at the main London store in Bond Street, and all their outposts in the USA, Switzerland, Japan and Dubai. images: Asprey | |
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here's a few tidbits i have gathered about the upcoming Louis Vuitton Men's Spring/Summer 2010 Collection.
the new face for the ad campaign is French-Canadian model Gabriel Aubry (a.k.a. Mr Halle Berry). here's a couple of shots of him from LV S/S 2010 runway presentation back in June: 
he was phtographed by Steven Meisel at the Spanish hot spot Ibiza. some say it almost could've been Jesus Luz if Madonna had her way. thankfully the luxury brand's big wigs weren't swayed.
Spring 2010 will be all about reintroducing their hugely successful Taïga leather collection. launched in 1993, Taïga was LV's first line of bags, luggage and accessories designed specifically for men. next year, we will see three new colours named after the biospheres surrounding the Arctic region:Polaire, as the name suggests would most likely be snow white:  Glacier i presume would be this colour:  and Boreal, named after the more densely forested southern portion of the Taiga, the coniferous northern region of the globe just below the Arctic. im a bit stumped with this one, but the closest hint of the actual colour i could come up with is a mottled pink granite. so it could possibly be a new lighter shade of their old acajou (burgundy) colour: 
but it could also be a new version of their original epicea (evergreen) colour:
 
then again, i could be completely way off the mark with this one.
now don't get too excited just yet guys. i haven't heard any confirmation as to which of the bags shown above will actually be produced. but i could easily presume that this tote will most likely make the shortlist: 
since this type of bag seems to be popular and they like sticking to what has worked already:  oh, and in case you're curious about this backpack:
it will be available on special order and it will set you back upwards of $20,000. which is ok by me since im not too crazy about it nor its Taiga version, which is relatively cheaper at around $3000+.
while Steven Meisel remains responsible for LV's glossy fashion adverts for now, and Annie Liebvotiz with their Core Values campaigns, they have enlisted the notoriously hip Frenchman André Saraiva to photograph a bunch of his equally cool friends for Louis Vuitton's sunglasses campaign wearing these:
 
 
shot on location at the Modernist architectural wonder, The Standard Hotel in New York City. i can't wait to see the results.
im all set for an exciting LV Spring 2010.
you can read my LV Mens S/S 2010 Runway review HEREimages: GQ.com, Louis Vuitton, Buckstyle. | |
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L'Excellence du Savoir-Faire: Louis Vuitton for The Red Cross Auction
on 17 November, top auction house Sotheby's in London will be offering 10 unique Louis Vuitton pieces crafted from their workshop at Asnieres to aid and honour the 150th anniversary of the Red Cross. the company has invited celebrated artists in the fields of photography, haute cuisine, conceptual art, music and fashion to conceive these special order items in collaboration with Patrick-Louis Vuitton.
from famed celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz, the Nomadic Photographer's Bag and Backpack in Monogram Macassar  Ferran Adrià, the renowned Catalan chef of the most famous restaurant in the world El Bulli, has designed a Damier Graphite Travel Case:
art world's current enfant terrible Damien Hirst, has designed this Medical Cabinet embellished with his signature skull motif:
Argentine musician, film composer and producer, Gustavo Santaolalla - who won Best Original Score Oscar in 2006 for Brokeback Mountain - has designed the Ronroco Instrument Case:
this wasn't his first collaboration with Louis Vuitton, he also composed the music for the "Where Will Life Take You?" video of their Journeys advertising campaign.
Louis Vuitton Creative Director Marc Jacobs has also chipped-in with "The Home Away from Home", a hard-sided traveling case for his beloved bull terriers Daisy and Alfred: 
Louis' own great grandson Patrick-Louis Vuitton, head of the Special Orders Division of the company has himself designed a crocodile covered case for watercolouring paraphernalia:
he also designed the Red Cross Kit emblazoned with the humanitarian organization's highly recognizable logo:  
and for those with not-so-deep pockets, people in the USA can also participate online:
for more information about the Sotheby's Red Cross & Louis Vuitton Auction click HERE.
give LoVe, give blood.
- Tags:annie leibovitz, damien hirst, ferran adrià, gustavo santaolalla, louis vuitton, lv, marc jacobs, patrick-louis vuitton, red cross, sotheby's, vuittonalia
- Mood:thoughtful
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i was browsing the new offerings at the Yves Saint Laurent website today and this tote instantly caught my eye:
i assume this is part of their men's Cruise 2010 collection. i've yet to find out the official name for it, the website only describes it as "tote in multicolor printed nylon". perhaps to most, this bag is a bit on the whacky side, but im really loving the look of it. it seems like a very functional summer tote perfect for beachside outings or downtown excursions. the combination of chocolate brown, beige and a dash of sky blue just gives it extra punch. but its that flash of the stylized leopard pattern - which strongly reminds me of LV's very popular Spouse Leopard print - that makes a potentially nondescript nylon bag that needed verve. i would like to find out what those handles on the side do. surely they're not just some random design frivolity. it looks to me like the bag converts onto a slightly different configuration depending on which handles are used.
very interesting in an ugly/beautiful sort of way and i like it!
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| now in its fifth year running, the Gucci Campaign to Benefit UNICEF has commissioned artist, photographer, author, film maker and illustrator Michael Roberts to create a follow-up to his hugely successful Snowman in Paradise children's book. the result is Snowman in Africa:    starting from 16 November up to 31 December 2009, Snowman in Africa will be sold exclusively at all Gucci boutiques worldwide and on Gucci.com with 100% of the book's sales going to UNICEF.
Gucci's Creative Director Frida Giannini has also designed a line of bags and small accessories as part of their 2009 Holiday Collection in which 25% of the sale of each item will also go to UNICEF's “Schools for Africa” fund. it includes a couple of their medium Gucci Joy boston bags screen printed with Michael Robert's signature illustrations:  sadly, initial reactions from when images of these bags first made their rounds in the blogosphere a couple of months ago weren't too positive. i think some missed the whole picture when they saw these bags out of context. oh well...
i personally think their child-like spirit is whimsical and cheerful. mirth is a good thing. i particularly like the one with the elephants printed on white GG Plus coated canvas. it looks exotic and somewhat festive at the same time.
there will also be a matching wrist clutch and round coin purse:
and the now requisite key ring / bag charms: in the spirit of the holidays, try not to take everything too seriously. have a little fun. and support a good cause while you're at it.
=)
for more information visit the Gucci website.
i have previously posted about Mr Robert's work featuring Louis Vuitton for Vanity Fair here: ilLVstrated 2 | |
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...but it wouldn't hurt to check this out: 
with the maximum temperature hitting the mid 30s here in Melbourne these past few days, looking at pics of very stylish men, women and children all snugly dressed just gets me even more hot and bothered.
oh how i miss the cooler months.
for more info & inspiration, visit Burberry's Art Of The Trench website. | |
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|  Dutch design maestro Marcel Wanders has just imparted his signature whimsical-but-functional aesthetic for Target's Holiday Collection 2009 with a range of tableware and home decor:      
i really like the porcelain vases and bowls and the matching flatware. we have Target stores here in Australia, but they're only similar to the US Target by name and branding. special collections and collaborations do not cross over the pond. so sadly we miss out again.
but anyway... i know its still November, but it wouldn't hurt to start cultivating some Christmassy spirit:
read more about Marcel Wanders' collaboration for Target HERE
you can also shop (US only afaik) his collection HERE. | |
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in dreams these beauties shall remain:
i was admiring the tasseled and fringed brogue on the left last weekend at Harrolds; the first ever Australian stockist of Tom Ford Menswear (yes, it took that long to reach our shores). even though the SA urged me to try them on i just couldn't. priced at a little over AU$6000 - well, that's what i recall as i nearly passed out when i flipped the shoe over and saw the sticker, i was too scared to crease it and be obliged to purchase. ~GULP~
here's a couple of looks that made it to the very well-edited selection on offer:
  yes, the shoes are still much more expensive than that grey tartan wool-cashmere suit.
the only thing i could possibly afford are the silk foulards:
image: Colette
*le sigh*
if i were a rich man.... i'd be decked out in Tom Ford.
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| Paul Smith has some of the nicest ones currently on offer:     
iWant them all!
but particularly the rust suede dip dyed and washed Cutter brogues on the bottom right.
mmmmm... | |
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to celebrate the opening of the Louis Vuitton outpost in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, they have commissioned Abdesslam Oulahbib to create an entirely original musical masterpiece inspired by the distinctive traditional Mongolian throat singing. the piece is entitled "Resonance" and here's a snippet:
for more information and to listen to the full 30 minute interactive video visit: Louis Vuitton | |
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|  for the past few weeks i've been having a little Ralph Lauren frenzy for our southern spring/summer season and here's what i've accumulated so far:
im particularly excited about this black rugby jersey with metallic crest:
this wide saddle leather belt with chunky buckle since its also my star sign
and these chinos embroidered with pheasants that i absolutely adore:
but especially for this pair of purple suede moccasins which i've been wanting for quite some time:
im very pleased. i love Ralph Lauren! | |
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| this is not exactly an endorsement, but merely an observation. current convention doesn't really view a string of pearls as terribly masculine, but it seems like there's a trend of (mostly hetero) menfolk proudly wearing one around their necks.
there's Moooi design company's eccentric founder Marcel Wanders:
Armand Hadida, proprietor of avant-garde Parisian boutiqe L'Eclaireur:
and Paris-based, Italian fashion designer Giambattista Valli: Getty/Jemal Countess
i've even found one on Flickr: image from erdalitobrave souls. especially since there's a particularly sexual connotation of wearing/giving "pearl necklaces" i'd rather not expound on.
personally, a full-on strand isn't for me. but i must admit, i do own ONE piece of pearl jewellery i've been happily wearing for years. its a rather large South Sea Pearl on a black rubber and silver bracelet: designed by legendary Olympian Ian Thorpe for the Australian pearl company Autore back in 2002:   being the only true gem made by a living organism, pearls have this certain mystique - a calming lustre glowing from within - in stark contrast to the firey scintillation of crystallized minerals.
now that jewellery is once again fair game for both sexes, who else is man enough to wear a full set? | |
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"When Your attention is on a piece of clothing
it should offer you an experience.
When You experience other things,
your clothes should not be in Your thoughts.
We dress the urban confident man in subtle cuts
balancing the familiar with the astounding." -
i received an email today containing a capsule collection of men's basics from an up and coming Danish brand called Frost Birgens. they describe their aesthetic as "a mix of styles from the past and present in an informal but playful way."
key words from the accompanying blurb are: practical, functional, relaxed, subtle and exciting.
'tis indeed. it oozes wardrobe longevity - the kind one can see one's self wearing year after year. im liking every single piece of their rather concise A/W 2009 offering.
particularly: Palle pant DKK1000 (app.AU$217) Charles knit DKK1500 (app.AU$320) Jeppen knit DKK1300 (app.AU$280) Anger pant DKK900 (app.AU$195)
not bad eh? actually, i think its very promising. keep up the good work guys! i'd love to see your label here in Melbourne soon.
Mange tak!
discover for yourself at Frost Birgens | |
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Gucci has just uploaded photos of their Cruise 2010 Collection online and i zeroed in on these large GG nylon beach totes:
  
mainly because it was pretty cheap, but also being light weight, fuss-free and folds into the smaller pouch, its a great overnight bag or an extra bag to bring while traveling, doing some serious shopping.
then again there's also this smaller version from Spring 2009 which i've been eyeing for a while now:
with handles long enough to carry on the shoulder and ample space to carry my daily necessities, im leaning back towards these. although the teddy bear zip pouch is an adorable addition, i'll probably just leave it at home.
hmmm.... so, which one will you go for?
images: Gucci | |
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| two of my all-time favourite film makers have adapted to film two immensely popular and critically acclaimed classic children's books:
Wes Anderson with "Fantastic Mr. Fox"
"Dig the life fantastic!"
based on the book by Roald Dahl first published in 1970. it is made using stop-motion animation and features the voices of George Clooney as Mr. Fox, Meryl Streep as Mrs. Fox, and Bill Murray as Badger.
Australian Theatrical Release: 7 Jan 2010.
Spike Jonze for "Where the Wild Things Are"
"Max has an older sister who is outgrowing him, and a divorced mother who is too busy to spend time with him. Max’s frustrations cause him to remove himself further and further from reality, until, eventually, he steps into the woods of the Wild Things and becomes their king."
it is based on the 1963 book by Maurice Sendak and created in cooperation with Jim Henson's Creature Shop (The Muppets, Sesame Street) who provided the animatronic suits of the Wild Things.
Australian Theatrical Release: 10 Dec 2009
i can't wait!
related entries: wild at heart, the Duck's must-see movie of 2007, variations on a theme 1 | |
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cult Swedish fashion house and creative collective, ACNE (Ambition to Create Novel Expressions) will soon be opening their second shop in Australia here in Melbourne. following the success of their Sydney outpost which just opened last May, this will only be their third studio outside Europe. 
they will set up shop within Melbourne's GPO, a stately building right at the heart of the city's CBD. originally the General Post Office of the State of Victoria, it has been restored and recommissioned as an upmarket retail centre in 2005: Acne, known for their "restrained, minimal pieces with an androgynous bent"..."that together form the coolest wardrobe, but is ultimately wearable" will definitely make more fans here in Melbourne.    
a brand like Acne firmly establishing themselves in Australia would surely goad others to finally set up shop here as well. hopefully. it is scheduled to open in November, much to the delight and excitement of the city's hipster fashionistas.
for now, best to start a shopping list by checking out their online shop. hmmm.... i wonder if they'll be offering their Lanvin ♥ Acne collaboration collection too. related post: a shod of colour | |
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here's my entry pass to the opening of DFO South Wharf
they're having a launch party and preview shopping night tonight from 5:30 to 9pm with discounts up to 70% off. it will then be open to the public tomorrow, 15 Oct. promos mention that DFO South Wharf would house a host of international brands and pretty much all the major Australian labels under one big roof situated along the Yarra river right in the city. i heard Emporio Armani will be opening its first factory outlet here. sounds good enough to cross the river for. besides, its just a 10 minute walk from home and i get a free pass. so what's there to lose right?
this should be good.
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"Burial" - Miike Snow
"Horchata" - Vampire Weekend
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"Nightlite" - Bonobo feat. Bajka
"You Light Me Up" - Radio Spectacular!!!
"Serio" - Lost Valentinos
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well the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2010 show closed Paris fashion week with mixed reactions ...as usual. over sized ombré canvas/denim rucksacks in pastels, loads of tassels, spiral telephone cords, foxtails... they were quite overwhelming to take all in. but im sure when these hit the shelves next year, many people would be converted ....as usual.
the one thing that stood out to me are these drawstring GLAD® lookalike bags done in what appears to be patent leather:   Marc Jacobs is at it again - reinterpreting once mundane objects into high luxe versions. and im liking it enough to cross the line for. yes, i think would want one for myself.
it reminds me of the Street Shopper, those woven laundry/market bags in leather he did for Spring 2007:
you can view the entire show HERE. but you must have a Facebook account, but who doesn't?
images: style.com, karenkooper, harper's bazaar | |
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as reported back in August, the Italian luxury brand will be opening 'Icon-temporary' flash sneaker stores starting this month offering customers 18 exclusive and limited edition sneaker models plus one designed by wunderkind DJ/producer/fashion plate Mark Ronson:
more photos of Mark Ronson's collaborative effort with Gucci's Creative Director Frida Giannini have just been released:
   
so far, the only style im liking is the pink/green boat shoe hybrid at the top. but particularly in this blue/yellow variant:
nice, but im not obsessed ...yet.
the first Icon-temporary shop opens in New York, on October 23 for two weeks only. it will then relocate to Miami in December before it crosses over to Europe and then finally to Asia.
source & images: Gucci, Selectism.related post: Mark Ronson for Gucci
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deluxeduck's journal
