guy’s stuff

after sending out birthday invitations i’ve been asked all too many times what i want for my birthday.

truth is i’m very grateful to have who i have around for my birthday this year, as i was very prepared to have a non-celebration.

turning 20 is a scary thing. it’s the start of a new decade and a departure from youth. i have officially one month left of true teenhood.

i guess that’s why  i’ve had this strange obsession with youth and childhood lately. of being truly young.

a kidult.

The Phantom Tollbooth and Mathilda

these two books were my favourite books growing up. strangely, i’ve lost my copies of both these books. which might be a good thing because they were pretty weathered. i’ve gone through a bit of a book-rut recently, and have resorted to re-reading my harrypotters. so a return to my childhood would be much welcomed.

Dee & Ricky Lego Accessories
from USD$70
www.deeandricky.com

(heart brooch and bowtie clip from dee&ricky)

how much did we love lego as kids? seriously. this feature might be a little belated but i’ve had a deep appreciation for these much-hyped pieces for a long long while. from the heart brooch to the bowtie clip to the marcjacobs belts. too cool, too cute.

Black Tees
www.luisaviaroma.com

(black graphic tees by dior homme and kris van assche, left to right, from lusiaviaroma)

when i was a teenager, i was kinda fat. lol. it’s not something i’m ashamed of, rather it’s still part of who i am. which is why for much of my teenage years i wore nothing but black. to this day, i would say 50% of my wardrobe is still black. i love a good well-fitted black tee with a simple but sexy print. featured are 2 shirts from Dior Homme and Kris Van Assche (which technically are both by the same guy), but there are a million different tees which are equally cool. Passarella, House of Holland, Insight… just some of the more appreciative brands out there. i think they just have to be special. black tees can be forgettable, and it’s important that they not be.

Gucci Shirt
SGD $495

(zipper graphic shirt from gucci)

then the kidult was born. the printed shirts from Gucci’s most recent cruise line are pretty cool. this one features a zipper pattern which i think is just amazing. it comes in a darker colourway which is equally cool but very different. the new signature Tattoo print by Gucci which is incorporated in another shirt as well as a very cool windbreaker are also very fun additions to a wardrobe.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Piped Shorts
SGD $250

(marc jacobs resort 09 lookbook, featuring blue and brown shorts, left to right)

taken from marc’s marc by marc resort line, these lightweight twill shorts come in an array of colours. i die for the khaki brown and the blue (featured above). the piping on the side is a subtly interesting detail whilst the strange material (which must be some nylon cotton hybrid) is comfortable and very sexy. i’ve refrained from buying this shorts for a while only because i have too many, but i think the brown pair would make a great addition as a fun basic piece.

Lanvin Toe-Cap Sneaker
USD$630

(metal cap tennis sneaker from lanvin)

haha. okay. so i’ve been a bit of a lanvin lover lately. it’s late rebirth has been nothing short of spectacular and these shoes are so fucking sexy. the beige/gold colourway is super chic and the metal toe cap is super cool. it’s a grownup sneaker for the fashion forward. i’ve tried Pierre Hardy and i have a pair and i have to say they’re REALLY uncomfortable. i’ve done about 10min in the lanvin and they seem so much better. so. haha. the suede/metallic contrast is super cool.

 

so obviously a wishlist is just a wishlist. there are million things i’ve wanted over the course of my life, some of them are still listed in the archives of this blog (raf simons x eastpak denim bag/ paulsmith toothbrush/ hermes planner… lol). but they’re all just wishes. along with return tickets to newyork, more leave at work, a pack of american spirits (i miss those so bad).

i’m perfectly happy with the gifts i get every year. gifts which mean something and say something about our friendships and relationships. the shirts, the dvds, the cards.

cards are the best. a nice heartfelt message from the people you care for.

and with that i end this premature coming of age entry. i cannot wait for march to be over.

apologies for the lack of updates, it’s been a crazy time here at home so i’ve just really been caught up in the holidays (chinese new year on this island city) and totally neglecting both my professional life and this blog. haha.

a  grandiose entry soon on some pretty damn nice stuff.

but first.

one of my favourite shop interiors belongs to the ever chic Marni.

designed by UK-based design company Sybarite, every Marni store in the world follows a certain theme but still has an individual aesthetic to it.

the stores are all furnished with the signature metal work which i just die for. the metal frames are so sculptural and fluid it’s almost like having an art piece in the store itself.

the metalwork ties in cohesively with the organic feel of the Marni design aesthetic as well, evoking a sense of clean excitement.

that’s not to say that colour doesn’t play into the boutique design as well. sure, a lot of the Marni stores are mostly white with bright lights and metal; but some if not most play with colour as well to supplement the fun that goes into designing such a wonderful boutique.

(all images by Sybarite, featuring the Sydney and London boutique)