Ermenegildo Zegna @ SS2013 Presentation

A yearning for Couture pervades the SS2013 Ermenegildo Zegna collection. The rigor of the Italian sartorial tradition opens up to sophisticated possibilities that blur the line between eclecticism and eccentricity, expressed through a gamut of new fabrics. The atelier’s mirror is once again an essential counterpart with which to install an ongoing dialogue, one made of exigent looks where control and aesthetic reassurance alternate with one another.

A well-defined silhouette underscored by jackets with sober saddle shoulders, a higher waistline and wide lapels that favor a lean figure complemented by high-waist slim trousers with stitched pleats. A confident yet comfortable construction, one that gives every man the power to exude an elegant allure, buoyed by an ample selection of fabrics that spotlights the summer offering of the Zegna Silk project.

A closet that mirrors a grown up and self-confident man who is familiar with the value of an impeccably tailored suit but who wants to indulge with gentle whiffs of eccentricity, like the all- over tropical-inspired prints that beckon from the details of shirts, linings and accessories. The color wheel spans from classic ivory and blue to cloud gray, as well as shades of tobacco, teal and red.

Beefy fabrics make the difference in the formal and cocktail attire, with suits and overcoats in silk taffeta, laser perforated double silks and shimmering shantung. A luxurious alternative is the solid Irish linen. An overall rendition of the classics that draws liberally from women’s weaves and textures, reinterpreted with Zegna’s relentless knack to experiment that is extended as far as the shirt, amongst the most seductive ever in soft printed silk with a vintage feel, and to silk moulinè or twisted knitwear.

Summer, with its laid back pace, never sheds its elegant aura even with the sportier garments that draw from the couture tradition to become blousons, cabans and sport jackets made with nappa plongè, double layer cottons and high performing silks. The accessories are the turning point of this flawless look. There’s no going wrong with the tasseled loafers Heritage and the flexible unlined “mocassini” in butter soft calfskin or – even more sensational – in silk, enriched with a motif of tiny banana tree leaves. Bags reconquer their aplomb, geometric and inspired by erstwhile luggage in the handles, corners and trimmings. Silk twill and knitted ties and printed scarves that evoke cache-cols add the final touch.

MCM @ SS2013 Armour Collection

 MCM SS2013 Armour Collection inspired by the time-honoured accoutrements of knights who protected European royal nobility during the Middle Ages, the unique design of the ARMOUR Collection’s is derived from their traditional ornately scaled plate armours. Customarily designed based scales, MCM’s creative reinterpretation furthers the notion of guardianship from the unvarnished to the conceptual. Today’s contemporary interpretation finds similarities in snakes scales, symbolising the steadfast evolution of rarity and nobility. Featuring on-trend genuine exotic leathers, the Armour Collection continues its age old tale into the 21st century.

MCM’s timeless Visetos material is merged with a unique python pattern, embellished with a rainfall of studs on its shingly surface. Conjoined with the python-embossed surface, the studs serve both protective and decorative purposes garnering a rare design exuding a bold, exotic-chic façade. The symbolic collection is bestowed with an unusual and generous landscape of mini & cone-shaped studs, boasting a maximalist, tough-lux aesthetic.

The ARMOUR Collection conceives new frontiers of expression, boldness, and individuality, articulated through darkly romantic styles and a self-assured passion for distinction. Utilising audaciously exotic materials, valiant hardware and brave patterns, the daringly sophisticated collection upgrades urban-style fashion to a rock-chic aesthetics. 

The ARMOUR collection presents a variety of accessories such as pouches of varied styles, an interchangeable drawstring-shopper, purses, bracelets, and belts expressing a passion for opulence, embracing undertones of grandeur with confidence.

AIGNER @ 2013 Eyewear Collection

 AIGNER 2013 Eyewear Collection is a fusion of prestigious tradition, refined craftsmanship and finest materials, elaborating the irresistible Munich feeling. Officially founded by Etienne Aigner in Munich 48 years ago, AIGNER today offers comfortable frame styles for looks of classic and cool chic, with all frames shaped to fit Asian contours and delicately embellished with AIGNER’s signature horseshoe logo. The Gold Edition is globally limited to only 200 pairs worldwide, only with refined craftsmanship can gold be turned into such smooth lines and shapes, and this incredible gold edition eyewear is entirely handcrafted in Japan. The men models are exquisitely made of 18K yellow gold and 14K white gold and topped off with embossed vinyl of AIGNER’s horseshoe logo, perfect for those who opt for uniqueness. The ladies models are made of 18K pink gold and specially embellished with certified Class S 1 diamonds from South Africa, as well as carving of the signature horseshoe pattern of AIGNER on the arms, anchoring a vision of elegant beauty and luxury in the here and now. The finest materials, refined craftsmanship and innovative design of AIGNER have, for him and her, created eyewear that is excellent in terms of appearance, durability and comfort.

The use of a real carbon fiber is a trendy material for men’s luxury accessories inspired by Automotive and Aerospace technology, has made these exquisitely designed and crafted frames AIGNER’s a pleasure for him. High stiffness, high tensile strength, low weight, high chemical resistance, high temperature tolerance and low thermal expansion make carbon fiber a popular material for car and aeronautic components. A spring hinge is also added to ensure comfort for Asian contours. Besides, aviator sunglasses ornamented with classic AIGNER monogram pattern make a chic look for driving and outdoors activities. While titanium frame promises incredible lightness, durability and compatibility with the human body, the UVA 400 and polarized lens, ergonomically designed, strive to provide enhanced protection.

For the women's collection, the shaped frames with the signature pattern of AIGNER’s horseshoe logo delicately carved are perfect for her Asian contours, as well as her classic and elegant look.  Delicately embellished with world-renowned Swarovski crystal from Austria, they create a savoirvivre and sheer style for modern ladies. 

KENZO Classic Fragrance @ FLOWERBYKENZO New Campaign

 Flowerbykenzo flower bottles tell the improbable and salutary story of a militant flower that blossoms in the city. The poppy soars up, unfolds and remains suspended, as if hovering in its glass tower. Touched by its grace, the tower inclines slightly. Serge Mansau infuses this ethereal bouquet with a bold simplicity. The sparkling Floral accord Bulgarian rose, violet and hawthorn, the powdery accord vanilla, White Musk and the vibrant accord Mandarin marks the classic Kenzo Flowerbykenzo fragrance.

iBLUES @ SS2013 Fashion Show

iBLUES held an SS2013 fashion show recently casting a look at Pop Art, the 1950s and the graphic prints of the Memphis movement. Strong chromatic elements, like periwinkle and leather-tones are the sophisticated key colors to match or mix with Japanese floral prints, or on the striped bon ton suit. Micro and macro geometric patterns and color blocks enhance the femininity, from techno-couture dresses, both structured and stretch, to silk blouses and flowing viscous shorts.

Sparkling, girlish ideas are also at play, with polka dot tulle T-shirts and cotton lace in unusual shades: cherry for the boxy jacket or the tube dress, buttercup for the trench, lime and natural tones for tops and light knitwear. The summer colours also get fruity, with solid mango, green and pink on asymmetric dresses, or are mixed in the foulard print for an ultra feminine style.

Lightness is the key knitwear, with the use of fresh yarns such as linen that are glossy as silk, and suitable for wearing from morning to night. In the evening: New Déco for the city, with a mix of gold, black and fringes, or with maxi length for the weekend: the multicolor skirt, the jungle dress or a plunging neckline overall.

The season must-have is the dress with two very amusing prints: the beagles and butterflies on crêpe and vintage-inspired fabrics. The rétro looking flared dress are cut above the knee, in pleated solid color georgette, draped satin and washed silk maxi ruffles.

The focus for iBLUES Club is functionality. Padded jackets are transformed into ultra lightweight for spring's chilly temperatures; jackets have a fantasy look, and parkas are techno-chic. Referring to the world of sports and surfing, practical yet glamorous, the colors and shapes carry an urban twist. Blue, green and lime are used on dresses and blouses in washed silk, the polo dress or college jacket, while natural colors like beige and saffron are highlighted with splashes of colors, like the parka with orange detailing.