The Dutchess' shoes & The Heiress' s hobby.

It seems that more and more celebrities are turning into designers and it also seems that the Dutchess a.k.a Fergie and the Heiress a.k.a Paris Hilton are joining this flock. Yup! Who will have the better designed shoes? I am thinking Fergie. Her shoe line will only be out coming Spring but sneak peeks are already on the way. Apparently, she already launched the line for viewing and viewing I did. Judging from the shoes in the picture, I think her shoes will do quite well. And, as for Ms Hilton, Paris Hilton, her shoe line has already been launched in Las Vegas. Perhaps more gold pumps or pretty in pink sky high stilletoes? We'll see. Oh, her dress is gorgeous though.
So, who do you think will be a better shoe designer? Will the Dutchess rule the runway or will the Heiress expand her empire?

Vanity is good or is it?

So, what is your take on vanity? is it good or is it bad? Well, that was discussed or rather debated in this year's Bridging Minds. First of all, I must say that the concept is definitely very creative and makes debates a more approachable thing. This year, the debate has been turned into an infotainment programme almost into a musical with one of the speakers from the preposition team bursting out into a song. I wonder what next year's topic gonna be. And if you must know, the opposition team won the debate as well as the best performer award. I guess the preposition is right after all - bad news do sell! Nonetheless, I think that the proposition lost cause they put themselves in a pretty tight situation with their definition. They seem to be talking about the same thing. However, style wise, the proposition definitely wins hands down! I mean, the opposition should be jailed for commiting such despicable crimes of fashion! I have got no idea what they were wearing. Having said that though, the so called "stylist's" choice of outfit is definitely way off. The colors do not match, the shirt is too shiny and a lil bit too clingy to his body, which does not do him justice and that hair! goodness! the hair! The "singer" too should just pull back on the accesories, she almost made herself look like a christmas tree.

Well, anyway, I did a little researching myself. I found out that vanity actually means - "In conventional parlance, vanity is the excessive belief in one's own abilities or attractiveness to others. In many religions vanity is considered a form of self-idolatry, in which one rejects God for the sake of one's own image, and thereby becomes divorced from the graces of God. The stories of Lucifer and Narcissus (who gave us the term narcissism), and others, attend to a pernicious aspect of vanity." "Philosophically-speaking, vanity may refer to a broader sense of egoism and pride. Friedrich Nietzsche wrote that "vanity is the fear of appearing original: it is thus a lack of pride, but not necessarily a lack of originality." One of Mason Cooley's aphorisms is "Vanity well fed is benevolent. Vanity hungry is spiteful."
In early Christian teachings vanity is considered an example of pride, one of the seven deadly sins." Of course, that was extracted from Wikipedia.com

Hmm, from the definition itself, vanity seems like a bad thing. As such, it is no wonder the oppostion won, huh? If that is the case, then i guess, the motion itself is rather biased. Most definitions of vanity refer to the excessiveness of taking pride in one's self. However so the definition may be, I believe that vanity, like everything else in life, has its own goods and bads. I would vote slightly more for the good side, though. After all, I am working in an industry where vanity reigns supreme. Vanity brings me food like it does with everybody else due to the multiplier effect. I have no qualms about that. I mean I make big bucks from it, as mentioned by the proposition team. From my perspective, believing excessively in one's abilities and attractiveness equates to self confidence. And what better way to increase productivity than self confidence. With that "I-can-do-it" attitude, I am sure employers are really happy about that.

Also, are we all not vain, in one way or another. Even the government and schools that we are brought up in are vain. Think of it, they do believe in the pride of the organisation. Just take a look at some of their uniforms, they insist that the students wear them. Isn't that a sign of vanity? But isn't it good? I mean, we are look smart, look presentable, maybe not so fashionable and trendy but it still beats having kids mismatching their outfits or wearing their shirts and tailored pants with running shoes! Running shoes? My goodness, don't get me started on that.

Alright, alright. I know I might bore you guys a lil bit with the whole motion. To keep it short, I dont think vanity is good. It is essential and not just for appearance wise but for self confidence, self pride, health and economic growth. It has become second nature to us.

But, what do you think? What is your take on it?

See through you.

The weather has been really hot this summer and for our case, its hot through out. As such, what better way to see us through this summer by wearing see-through. Yup, this season art and function walk hand in hand especially in the area of textiles. The summer breeze brought along fabrics so fine, delicate and light that they seem to be made of air. Just take a look at all the translucent organza nylon used in Jil Sander's collection and the super luxurious and super fine cashmere seen in Hermes. But guys, do take note, avoid wearing it alone if you ain't got a killer bod to show off or you'll look like ah bengs from the 80's. And sheer seduction doesnt come in the form of those net-like tank tops that you see the old uncle wearing. That is totally wrong. That is nowhere near sheer seduction. If you dont quite have that killer bod to show off but still slender enough to pull this off, try layering as seen in Jil Sander. Now, let's take a look at some of these sensual pieces.

First up, Jil Sander. Look at how it is all being layered. Watch and learn, guys.


Next up, Pringle of Scotland. I know its not so popular here in Singapore. I bet most of you have yet to even hear of it.

Allesandro Dell'Acqua. Now that is what I meant by a killer body.

This is by D&G. Not my favourite especially when the model looks like he has a belly. Un-cool!

This shirt I like. This is by Dries Van Noten. They have a long sleeve version which is white on the sleeves and pink in the middle.

Gucci Gucci Gucci. Its not only sheer, it shines.

Ahh, luxurios as ever. This top by Hermes is kinda ethnic and yet tuxedo-like too. Reminds me of my Zara top which I bought in two colors!

Venezuela rises while USA falls.

This year's Miss Universe pageant didnt look bright for our asian contestants with only Ms Thailand winning Best National Costume and none of our asian counterparts clinching a place in the top ten! But I thought that Ms Singapore could have been able to win something - probably in the Worst National Costume. I mean take it look at this, a Merlion? I mean, the merlion is very unique in Singapore but definitely not a fashion icon and thus, should never be used as an inspiration for a costume! Future Ms Singapore Universe dress designers take note! I wonder if they held a secondary school competition to design the national costume. Hmm.. I wonder.

Let's put that aside and hold and behold Ms USA falls AGAIN and yes AGAIN in the evening gown segment. I think they really did want it to happen. I mean, if you can't win the title, might as well just fall down and be remembered! Let's take a look!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z_AOjEMZzQ&feature=related

Anyway, congratulations to this year's Ms Universe winner, Ms Venezuela, Dayana Mendoza. I guess they are claiming back their title!

Richard Chai - Boy Wonder

I was just checking out Richard Chai's Spring/Summer 09 Men's collection in Paris. Seems like this boy wonder still sticks to his minimalist approach on design. Now, for those of you who don't really know much about Richard Chai, I won't blame you cause he can't be found in Singapore. (OR at least as far as I know.) But you might have seen him in People's magazine as he was one of 2004's sexiest people alive.

Richard Chai and his models for his latest men's collection. Yup, still sexy!

He used to design for Marc Jacobs and TRE til he showcased his label, bearing his name, at 04's New York Fashion Week. It might seem as if Chai's men's collection for SS09 does not deviate much from his first collection which was minimalistic but if you look closely, there are subtle changes especially in terms of the intricacy in detailings. But at times, I feel as if he is a Japanese designer with all the cropped pants or English especially with all the pleats and that Euro street look. But nonetheless, I do like some of his works. So here, have a look at some that i singled out. Do you think I can wear this to the gym and run back to the office?

I do love this rock inspired jacket although I would cut down on the studs a lil bit.

I do not usually like 3-buttoned jackets but this one, oh yeah, this one is different. Love the cut, details and colour.

As much as I love the two toned shirt worn underneath, I have to put away the shorts. It looks like my boxers I wear to sleep. (Note, guys with short torso, avoid that shirt or you will really look like you have a non existing torso. )

This is definitely not my favourite. I love the pants if it ain't cropped. The whole outfit, on the other hand, looks dated to me. What do you think?

My friends who know me for wuite some time now will understand why I single out this outfit. Yup, its the cardigan. I am a big fan of cardigans or sweaters as you may call it especially those that looks kinda preppy with a touch of edginess. I love this grey long cardigan! I simply love it! This is my favourite piece of his newest collection.