ONESIXTYNOTEPAD: PRADA

Showing posts with label PRADA. Show all posts

PRADA’S FIRST SHOW IN BEIJING, CHINA.

Prada seems to always have its fingers on the pulse of the next ‘big’ thing. It is casting no doubts on China’s imminent cultural influence it seems, by choosing to show for the first time outside of Italy. A-list Chinese celebrities – the likes of Gong Li, Maggie Cheung, Cecilia Cheung and Oscar-winning director, Tim Yip – were all decked head to toe in the latest threads from the house.

Prada presented its Spring/Summer 2011 collection for both its men’s and women’s line which was staged at the Central Academy of Fine Arts Museum, Beijing. The show comprised 50 looks in total, 23 of which are new and exclusive to the collection. (View new designs from the collection here) These never-before-shown looks are only made available in the China and Hong Kong stores in the day following the event. It is evident that this was not merely a restaging of the show in Milan but an earnest gesture to leave an impression in China.

The venerable Italian Fashion house has always proven to be two steps ahead of everyone else so it comes as no surprise that the label has already established itself as the preferred luxury brand for consumers in what is becoming the world’s largest market for luxury goods.

We are deeply honored to be the first to break this Prada exclusive to our local readers.

Nabil.

MILAN MENS F/W 11.12 HIGHLIGHTS.

When ‘evaluating’ show highlights, I’ll pick the overall best from each city. The looks need not be jaw-dropping but show quality and staging of the show is crucial. A noteworthy show will sell even more than those of great designs—ask the local brand-whore, they should know. (Brand-whore: someone who ‘buy brands’ under the belief that it brings prestige to their otherwise lack of taste, regardless of quality or value. Thank you, urban dictionary.)

First up; Burberry Prorsum by Chief Creative Officer, Christopher Bailey. Upon seeing the new Burberry collection, I would like to think that Bailey was thinking of me when editing the looks. It is everything that I would wear; oversized sculptural outerwear, bonded wool and slim leg trousers— what more can I ask for?

True, some pieces were tacky and looked like the interior of a Texas trucker’s truck but I’m not complaining. I have to say, if not for the teal, tangerine and the rain at the end, the show might just be boring. When you mix model and wet, it is always a good thing.

Muiccia build a two-storied ‘house’ for guest at the fall-winter show with flooring coated with a prep of linseed oil and powdered cork. It should be an amazing experience if you’re at the show but for us who have to rely on the Internet, it’s a little underwhelming.

Following last season’s wonderful compilation, no wonder most of us were disappointed. I see Prada as the tastemakers for the lesser-known brands and as the ‘dictator’ of next season’s trends. Glitter tops are no longer groundbreaking in the menswear scene but the play of proportion is current. Sad to say, the current menswear collection fell short. And it looks like the women’s collection is forecast to be as dull as dishwater.

Lastly, Monclear Gamme Bleu (still have no idea what that means) by Thom Browne. Every season is like a guessing game—what will Thom Browne do next? The latest show doesn’t sit well with me. I like how it was presented but poor beagles was suffering and models were pissed. It really doesn’t matter how the clothes were because no one was looking at it anyways. There are better ways to stage a spectacular show; to me five horses and 20 beagles is not one of them.

Dinie.

FIRST LOOK, PRADA PARAGON RE-OPENS.

Prada has recently announced the re-opening of its much-awaited Paragon store after a 2-months absence along Orchard Road. Guess who got the first peek of the new store space and a step into the exclusive VIP room? We did! It is the first store in South East Asia equipped with a dedicated VIP room and services for Prada’s top customers (I envisioned the song ‘Big Spender’ tuning in the background, don’t ask why.) who prefers to shop in private, complete with a personal shopper! Let me tell you, there are things in there that you’re not able to see on the sales floor hence, that is what I call luxury!

The interior designs of Roberto Baciocchi promises a more spacious and exclusive shopping experience; covering 638 square-meters of Paragon’s mall space, a relatively bigger space as compared to the previous 460 square-meters. The new store offers prêt-à-porter, bags, accessories and footwear collections for both U’omo and Donna.

Privileged for the Prada Paragon store, a collection of 20 vintage dresses from the past revered season were specially flown in and made available. 12 different designs will be on sale with one very special dress, also from the archive, that was adorned by Nicole Kidman for the premiere of her movie. Frets not boys, made-to-measure shirts using fabric from the archive are also available in assorted signature prints.

Prada Paragon officially opens its newly renovated boutique to the masses on 17 December 2010. Head down to experience the latest holiday collection (price starts from SGD800 for a brocade skirt) and get a piece of Mama Muccia’s vintage pieces which is only obtainable for a short period of time. And while you’re at it, get me the foldable travel-friendly vela nylon jacket, will you?

Dinie.

MILAN MENS S/S 2011 HIGHLIGHTS.

There aren’t any shows that I dislike. Surprisingly, even Westwood was likable. Milan was magical as compared to the previous season. As for Jil Sander, it deserves a post of it's own.

Gianfranco Ferre tops my list for Milan this season. At Ferre, it’s like a re-cap of fashion’s best collection from past season. Despite looking like Burberry Prorsum’s Spring 2009 and Dries Van Noten’s two seasons back, the collection was made for my liking. References to Raf Simons and Calvin Klein’s past collection were also evident.

As always, Prada never disappoints. Not necessarily something I would wear but I appreciate its innovative approach to designs. Many critics commented that it was a poor execution of Comme Des Garcons Circa 1994. I say it’s a great collection nonetheless. (I browsed archives and I have to agree, it’s very derivative of Comme Des garcons; the shoes especially.)

Coming in third is Calin klein. I really love the suits, the fabrics as well were interesting and colour choices were brilliant. I have to say, I am all for innovation but the bare mid-drift is not appropriate (unless worn with something under). They could sell them to Erin Wasson or her boo but I really hate it to see on any men.

Really, I do not find anything interesting about this collection other than the footwear. Burberry is a brand that I simply love to love. There’s no avoiding falling in love with any of their collection. The clothes, the cuts and silhouette may look the same but it’s their attention to detail that makes it special. One thing that should have not is there was the studded leather jacket. It’s a little too late for that and I think it was a desperate attempt to be edgy and ‘young’.

Images Via Sonny Photos.

Dinie.

MILAN'S MEN-ABOUT-TOWN.

With the end of Milan, comes a set of amazing pictures by Tommy Ton Of Jak And Jil.

Amazing men with unique individuality kicks off the key trend of street style fashion in Milan—layering, play of proportions on sleeves, man bags and impeccable sartorial fashion with a twist. Not forgetting the slack-casual ‘after-show’ male model looks.

No sign of favorite Francesco Cominelli but, Raf Simon coat for the win!

Dinie.