Lanvin SS2011 Campaign

I'm absolutely in love with these latest visuals from Lanvin for their SS2011 collection. They're so vibrant and dynamic but at the same time luxurious - a perfect fit with the dazzling NYC backdrop.  

See the rest of the campaign after the jump!

Gossip Guys: The Kids Are Not All Right

Gossip Girl is hands-down one of my all time favorite shows. With the exception of Season 3, I pretty much enjoyed every single episode of the series. Of course, sometimes the story's whacky and the characters make really dumb life choices (Hello, Serena?), but I've never been let down by Eric Daman, wardrobe director of the show, when it comes to what everybody's favorite Upper East Siders are wearing.

Most of the spotlight shines on the Gossip Girls but what about the guys? From Chuck Bass's over-the-top formal wear to Dan Humphrey's Brooklyn hippiness, I can see lots of thoughts being put into what the guys are wearing on the show. So why not turn to them for some inspirations?

Let's take a look at what they're wearing in the latest episode:

Photo credit: The CW

Oh, Chuck Bass. Always looking so dapper and sophisticated. Even though his character never went to college (or barely made it to any class in high school), what he's wearing would give him all the street cred that's needed to be a successful businessman in New York.

Caramel pea coats have been ubiquitous over FW2010 - Zara had one really similar earlier but they're all sold out now. I was hesitant in getting it because, again, of my Asian skin tone complex - which pretty much precludes anything and everything caramel, camel or remotely brownish (with the exception of leather). But now that Chuck Bass is wearing one I'm beating myself over it. Ugh.

Photo credit: The CW

Dan Humphrey has come a long way! He's usually seen in t-shirts or plaid shirts but in this episode he had an interview to go to and I'm loving this number he's sporting: very sharp and business-appropriate. The pattern on the shirt is demure but still gives the otherwise boring suit-and-tie look the extra spice that I love. The camel leather messenger bag is also very collegiate - which is totally on trend now.

Wait, where's Nate Archibald? Find out what Nate was wearing after the jump!

FW2011 Collections: A Summary

Instead of making a separate post for each and every collection, I've pool together all my favorite looks in the slideshow on your left - switch on "caption" to see which designer each look belongs to.

Don't fret if you want to reminisce or look for inspirations for Spring / Summer, the SS2011 slideshow can be found here!

And my favorite FW2011 collection is...

Despite the Zara-esque lookbook vibe, I find Balmain's FW2011 collection the best overall. From the earth tone palette to the the finer details, it's all quite refreshing and different from the edgy styles that we've come to expect of the brand. I'm loving the "bohemian nomads" energy with the different layers of mixed plaids. Especially digging every single one of the pea coats featured! And oh, do I even have to mention the signature skinny jeans?

Photo credit: Balmain via ModeMan

Burberry Prorsum Menswear FW2011 Show

Paul Smith SS2011 Campaign

There's always a certain honest, confident quality in everything Paul Smith that kept me a loyal fan all these years. Here we have the brand's SS2011 campaign which is nothing short of the very same iconic quality shot by none other than Sir Paul Smith himself.

'I wanted to keep the shoot simple, positive and to the point.' - Paul Smith

These images are quite a statement considering they're pretty different from everything else we see out there. I especially like how the models (or rather, normal folks, since some of them aren't professional models) are styled in a "real, no-nonsense" way. Let's be honest, who's gonna look like THIS every day?

Wonder what Paul Smith Jeans's SS2011 campaign ad looks like? Find out after the jump!

Opening Ceremony SS2011 Lookbook

Speak of the devil. I was just wandering around Harvey Nichols today (which is, by the way, having their further reductions right now) and was looking at what FW2010 leftover stuff they had on the Opening Ceremony rack. Then when I got home and logged onto my computer - voila! - their new SS2011 lookbook is available online!

It's quite obvious that this was shot by one of my favorite photographers, Terry Richardson. I'm instantly obsessed with the green shorts matched with the green shoes in the first look. That is what I would totally wear - vibrant, fun, and exciting, but at the same time, stylish and not too outlandish. Is that a SS2011 trend? Matching pattern for shorts and shoes? Regardless, j'adore.

Also loving the palette, seems like orange and purple will be the colors to go for next season.

More looks over at Por Homme!

Photo credit: Opening Ceremony via Por Homme

Sign up: Mr. Porter Founding Member

After months of anticipation, the menswear counterpart of Net-a-porter.com is finally here!
Sign up to become a founding member of Mr. Porter!

Tom Ford SS2011 Lookbook

Miranda Priestly from the movie, The Devil Wears Prada, once said (in a sarcastic way), "Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking."

That's what came to mind when I first saw Tom Ford's SS2011 collection. But in a good way. 

I must say floral patterns on formal wear is quite a breath of fresh air. I had hesitations at first because I was reminded of another movie quote, this time from Legally Blonde's Elle Woods, who's sure that "nobody looks good in paisley." But then on a second look, they do look quite interesting and fitting for Spring without overshadowing the classic Tom Ford chic and dandyness with all the busy prints. Having that said, I probably won't have the guts to wear them in public, especially in Hong Kong, where people already stare at you when you wear sunglasses. On a sunny day.

So I guess they'll just all go into my pretty-to-look-at-but-won't-ever-buy-or-wear" file. On that note, the visually stimulating tux seen in the last set has already been featured in the sizzling hot campaign for Tom Ford Eyewear SS2011.

If you're like Jane Bingum / Deb Dopkins from Drop Dead Diva, who thinks "florals make me dizzy", there are some pattern-free looks after the jump!

Marc by Marc Jacobs SS2011 Campaign

Photo credit: Marc by Marc Jacobs