Chanel has jumped on the sneaker wagon and came up with these creations for their Spring Summer 2011 collection.

This year, Belgian menswear designer Raf Simons celebrates his 15th fabulous years in the fashion trade.

Still relevant and cutting-edge without tiring or slowing down, the contemporary, innovative and respected maverick is without a doubt one of the foremost names in fashion today, and is still expected of many great things to come from his creative mind.

Here are 15 quick facts you should acquaint yourself with The Great Raf:

1. Born in January 12, 1968.

2. Raf is a Capricorn.

3. His musical inspirations, while growing up, were Joy Division, Kraftwerk and David Bowie, but the first LP he bought was by Bob Marley.

4. The first break came when Raf interned with Walter Van Beirendonck (of WALT - Wild & Lethal Trash).

5. Raf has also worked in fragrance, merchandising design, photography, lecturing and is a keen art collector.

6. Raf's father worked in the army and his mother was a cleaner - these influenced and shaped his focus on uniforms.

7. As a self-professed futurist, Raf describes the future as the "most romantic thing in the world".

8. On his MySpace page, Raf proudly play host to 3,855 friends, including Sonic Youth, i-D and Ladytron.

9. Sneaker enthusiast Kanye West has been spotted wearing Raf Simons on several occasions, most recently in Raf's AW 2010 red & navy navy high tops.

10. Usher and the Jonas Brothers are his other fans, regularly toting up in his designs.

11. Raf is known for his awesome and conceptual catwalk shows. For example, he sent models down to the catwalk from a massive escalator in his spring summer 2005 Paris showing "History Of My World".

12. Pierre Debusschere's film "Lost In Time" features Raf's spring summer 2010 collection.

13. Raf's show "Woe Onto Those Who Spit On The Fear Generation... The Wind Will Blow It Back" created a lot of talk and attention with its theme on terrorism, months before 9/11.

14. Raf is known to shirk the pretensions and frivolities of the fashion trade. In 2005, at a New York Times interview, he served his reporter guests Doritos and Coke from a convenience store plastic bag.

15. Raf is an advent champion of individuality.

Info source: i-D

We like this handsome two-tone canvas shopper for men that blends military chic with everyday pragmatism. Sturdy  and spacious, it's the perfect go-everywhere carry-all for all your stuffs.

Best thing (or worst depending how you see it), this is not available in the shops. You have to get this through the magazine.

You might have caught the TV advertisement for Gucci Guilty, the brand's latest fragrance for ladies. In the MTV-like clip, the heroine zips through a futuristic city to the soundtrack of 80s classic hit Strangelove.

Here are some fast facts on the production you might find interesting:

1. Gucci's Creative Director Frida Giannini roped in Sin City's Frank Miller to direct the short film, which explains the overall graphic novel and film noir effect we experience in the ad.

2. The soundtrack, originally a huge hit for Depeche Mode, is performed by Friendly Fire in the ad.

3. The ad stars Evan Rachel Wood and Chris Evans and was filmed in Rome's Cinecitta Studios.

4. The shoot took 4 days to complete.

5. The concept continues the portrayal of the Gucci woman as someone independent, and almost defiant. 

6. There is also a male version starring Chris, showing him riding round on a motorbike. Evan drives around in a car in the Guilty ad. By the way, the car is a classic Jaguar.

7. The cityscape was created by the same team of designers behind The Spirit.

This viral video created by uber-luxe label Hermes proves that it doesn't hurt to have a little street credibility in this day and age. Will we see the new generation toting Birkins and Kellys on the street soon? Who knows.

Watch the YouTube video here while we ponder...

With the wet season coming, you'd be wise to invest in a good pair of brolly.

The stylish team at London Undercover let's you stay dry and look good with their offering of wet weather accessories, designed by some of the biggest names in fashion. The Bamdazzle series feature a collaboration with ultra-hip Maharishi, where print patterns are inspired by the Navy fleet of World War 1.

Also check out the Manolo Blahnik's design which is available from the London Undercover and Liberty websites.

The December rain cometh, but we are covered; don't leave them in the cabs though. 

There is also a Selfridges exclusive model which you can indulge in for yourself as a Christmas treat.

You can also shop for maps, scarves and bowler hats from the website. Rain, rain, come round again soon. It'll be fun.

Nike has teamed up with Fragment Design's Hiroshi Fujiwara (hailed as the Godfather of Harajuku movement, and a highly regarded street fashion designer). The results are nothing less than remarkable!

Grab your pair for Christmas when it hit our shores, if it hits our shores.

www.fragment.jp

Vivienne Westwood is the latest creative brain to lend her creative sparks to the Chivas Regal milieu, following the last design by the late Alexander McQueen. The new edition retails at 200 Euros.

Featured on the 18 year old scotch is a textured 3D design bearing the signature of the British designing icon. We like!

Cool props for your pad. UK brand Very Good & Proper is now available in Singapore at Strangelets (87 Amoy Street). 

VG&P website.

Check out some of the cool finds you may want to fork out for...

French fashion house Louis Vuitton lets us save the $100 levy fee, and bring the IR home with us. With this limited edition Casino Trunk, you can bring the integrated resort experience into your home and spend a night in with friends.

Produced in 2009 to celebrate the LV flagship store in Macau, LV Maison Macau, at One Central.

The swanky Maison Macau is LV's 7th Maison-concept store in the world. Take a virtual tour of the store with us here.

LV fans can rejoice further with the release of a coffee table book, Louis Vuitton Art, Fashion and Architecture, showcasing the brand's many collaborations over the years with some of the world's most celebrated artists like Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince.

Conceptualised and produced by Swedish designers, Humans Since 1982, this lounger is named "Celebrating The Cross 1". Looks like a very uncomfortable house seat. Heavens forbid that there will be a version 2, or more.

Would you buy this for your new designer pad? You decide...

Here are more uneasy designs to make you ponder...

"Noose" Light by Ana-Maria Pasescu Stewart

"Lunar Rock" Edition of Mailer's Moonfire by Marc Newson

"Grenouille" Table by Hella Jongerius

Heading to Shanghai and wonder where you can stay? We recommend you check out the new and hip Waterhouse at South Bund.  

The Waterhouse at South Bund (www.waterhouseshanghai.com), is an intimate boutique hotel utterly original in design, located at Shanghai's historic Shiliupu dockyard district. Sitting on the banks of the Huangpu River and in the vicinity of the 2010 World Expo (Puxi) site, The Waterhouse at South Bund will raise the boutique hotel stakes in Shanghai with its cutting-edge design and one-of-a-kind experience.

The hotel's design philosophy is based on a blurring or an inversion of internal & external spaces, creating a disorienting yet refreshing spatial experience for guests in search of something out of the ordinary. The public places allow glimpses into private rooms while the private spaces invite guests to peek into public areas. The result is a stay that both defines and distinguishes the visitor experience.

UK designer Gareth Pugh opens his first standalone store in Hong Kong (10 Ice House Street), with decor typical of the designer's lavish stylings in the avant-garde, gothic and edgy leanings. The shop uses daunting stark contrasts of black and white, shiny and matte, hard and soft and lots of textural variances.

The 658 sq.ft store has floorings swathed in imported black rubber paint and a white light ceiling. The changing rooms feature leather padded walls adding to the drama. And in place of the usual window display is a giant video screen showing off Gareth's latest creations on the runway.

The store opening puts to rest rumours that Gareth is heading over to Thierry Mugler.

Side-lines - Le Book London 2010 has commissioned Gareth Pugh to dress the latest edition with his artistry and touches. The edition was created in collaboration with creative director Daren Ellis and filmmaker Ruth Hogben.

To explore a retrospective of truly great avant-garde Japanese fashion, we suggest you head on to London's Barbican Art Gallery.

Future Beauty features stunning exhibits of Japanese designers from past and present over 30 years, including the designs of Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons, Kenzo Takada, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, Junya Watanabe, and the newer generation of designers like Jun Takahashi, Tao Kurihara, Fumito Ganryu, Akira Naka and Mintdesigns.

Curated by Japanese fashion historian Akiko Furai, Director of Kyoto Costume Institute, the exhibition runs from 15 October 2010 to 6 February 2011. More details here...

No more digging the ground...

What a cool concept - a straddling bus system that is not only green (powered by solar energy and comes with massive fuel savings), it will be space-saving (it replaces 40 traditional buses), and relatively fast (40km/h on a fixed route) when it is finished.

Developed by Huashi Future Parking Equipment, the train/bus hybrid is 4.5m high, 6m wide and can carry 1,200 passengers in compartments spanning 2 driving lanes. A pilot is already underway in Beijing with more Chinese cities expressing interest.

Shot in Shanghai by French photographer, Alain Delorme in 2009 & 2010, these ingenious compositions titled Totems 图腾 show us that to reach new heights, all we need is to be well-centred, have a good sense of balance and be ready with lots of tapes and harnesses.

More of Alain's works at www.alaindelorme.com

Aesop is an Australian skincare specialist that conceptualises and produces exceptional products for the hair, face, body and well-being. www.aesop.net.au

Aesop at Millenia Walk, Singapore

Aesop in London

Aesop in Melbourne

 

Aesop in Zurich, Switzerland

The cutting-edge brand was established in 1987 and has since found its way into Australia, New Zealand, Europe (France, Switzerland, UK, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, Kazakhstan, Poland, Russia, Spain, The Netherlands), Asia (Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Korea) and the USA.

The brand philosophy focuses on plant-based products with a fragrance hook, paying particular attention to antioxidants. The formulas are packaged in paint tubes and apothecary-like bottles. And their outlets are uber-cool with eye-popping designs. But what we like most about the brand - the products just work, work, work!

Here are some of Aesop's products that we at Yellobus have personally tried, tested and loved!

Amazing Face Cleanser

With Mandarin Rind, Ylang Ylang and Lavender Stem. Best for oily and open-pored skins in our humid conditions. Use with cold water. This low-foaming cleanser smells great and balances out the skin after a week of use.

 Oil Free Facial Hydrating Serum

With Aloe Vera, Ylang Ylang and D-Panthenol. An interesting alternative to regular moisturisers. An anti-oxidant daily moisturiser serum for oily and combination skins as well as sensitive skins. Boosted with vitamins B & C.

Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Treatment

With Parsley seed, Blackcurrent Seed and Blue Chamomile. This potent anti-oxidant treatment protects, hydrates and revives all skin types. We find using 2-3 drops once weekly is sufficient for optimal results. Can be used alone, or layered with the Oil Free Facial Hydrating Serum, mixed and applied.

 Bitter Orange Astringent Toner

With Bitter Orange, Witch Hazel and Rosemary Leaf. Use daily mornings and evenings, 3 drops of this refreshing toner cleanses, tones and mattifies skin. Especially good for people with oilier skins. Boosted with Green Tea for added anti-oxidant treatment.

Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque

With Rose Geranium, Primrose Seed and Sage Leaf. A deep-cleansing anti-oxidant clay masque that smells great and works even better. Good for clarifying treatments suited to combination and oily skins. Also for sensitive and congested skins.

B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel

With D-Panthenol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Sodium Lactate. Boosted with vitamins B & C, the refreshing skin gel is the perfect anti-oxidant complement to the daily moisturising routine for post-cleansing hydration.

Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste

With Fine Quartz, Rosemary Leaf and Lactic Acid. Mild exfoliant paste effectively removes impurities and refreshes normal to combination skins. Use twice weekly or more often for superior cleansing.

Moroccan Neroli Shaving Serum

With Sandalwood, Neroli Blossom and Patchouli. This low-foaming gel has extremely high slip. The refreshing scent wakes your senses while you shave, and the formula gently calms and lubricates. Boosted with skin softening Aloe Vera.

 

Body Cleansing Slab

With Ylang Ylang, Tahitian Lime and Bergamot Rind. This hard-milled cleansing bar is vegetable-based and cleanses the body with a luxurious creamy feel without drying the skin.

Ginger Flight Therapy

With Ginger Root, Lavender and Geranium. This roll-on makes a great uplifting botanical pulse point therapy for in-flight or office use. Doubles as a pleasant fragrance oil too.

Coriander Seed Body Cleanser

With Coriander Seed, Black Pepper and Patchouli. The sharp scent helps with a much-needed pick-me-up while it cleanses without stripping moisture. Contains essential oils of Coriander Seed and Black Peppercorns to warm and invigorate.

(Warning - this blog entry is a long one. Source - Wallpaper & Veuve Clicquot)

Exciting things are always happening all round the globe in the world of art, design and luxurious living. Here is a list of a calendar update on what's on and what's hot. If only we can all be globetrotters...

You would be forgiven if you think this is some fashion ad campaign at first glance.

Look again.

This is the print ad campaign by international home products maker IKEA, featuring a minimalist feel shot against a studio backdrop, and the model wearing outfits craftily and ingeniously sewn from IKEA's bed linens and pillow cases.

Advertising Agency - DDB Oslo, Norway * Art Director - Morten Foss * Photographer - Massimo Leardini

Not Crystal Bowersox!

With the vote count in, it's official that this year's American Idol is Lee DeWyze!

For those who are fortunate to have caught this morning's live telecast, what a show it was, right?

Janet came and Janet sang (live??????, hmm... we wonder)...

...a new single (Nothing), and a classic (Nasty).

She showed off her new shorter-than-short hairdo, slicked back to much dramatic effect...

...in a long dress that showed off her curves aplenty, and belying all of her 44 years.

But we really should be talking about the two main stars of the show - Crystal Bowersox & Lee DeWyze.

* * * * *

Newly crowned American Idol Lee lived up to his underdog title and went on to emerge grand winner in the latest 9th season of the American singing contest. 

From the start of the competition, predictions were rife that Crystal was the clear forerunner amongst her peers, and based on her weekly performances and the judges' positive raves, she will win the contest, giving us a female Idol after Kris Allen (2009) and David Cook (2008).

Ah well... what do you know. Nothing in life can be sure. Even the dark horse may just outrun the competition and touch the finish line first. So word of advise to our dearest SpideRider top 5 - things are never over, until they are really over. Fight on, even if it's the last few moments. 

So, it's bye bye to Crystal for now (we should be seeing more of her very soon), and bye bye dear Simon Cowell. We'll see you soon too in whatever you have up your tight tee-shirt sleeves.

Singapore Idol, anyone?

Raise your voice & put your best foot(look) forward!

First off, our hearty congratulations to the SpideRider contestants who made it through to the next round. Jonaliang, Rajesh, Arif, Kristine, Mardiah & Bigfatgal all sang their hearts out for the live audience at Orchard Central at The Gr8 Showdown.

Prior to this live performance, the 6 talents were sent to the good people at Hark Music for a preparation workshop. During the 3 hour workshop, the contestants were put through the grind with important tips and advise from the school to make their individual performance shine.

Besides picking up useful pointers to hone their voices, the contestants were also told to bring their performance outfits, and were given advice on how to prep up their appearances. Point in case - when you sound good, you should look just as good too.

Guys and gals, the next time you are at ION Orchard, do check out the new Car Shoe outlet where they stock comfortable Italian footwear for the trend-conscious. 

Especially worth mention is the brand's latest customisable range named Monogram 1.0. This limited editions allow you to customise the look you like by attaching your initials to the sides. Available for both ladies and men, these sharp-looking sneakers look set to be hits. Go check them out.

 !!! :)

Sometimes, when the creative juice is over-flowing, and one body is just not large enough to contain it all, you'll need to bring in an associate, a partner-in-crime, a co-conspirator or what-have-you to help you express it.

IMHO, here are some of the best collaborations in the last 6 months (and one that will be staged in the next 6), in no particular ranking order:

1) MSTRKRFT meets John Legend

"Heartbreaker" is part new wave, part electro, part house, and all hit. It's aural nirvana for jaded ears.

2) Eastpak meets Rick Owens

Totally drool-inducing! One can never have too many bags (or too much talent).

3) Boss meets Earth

Buy a fragrance and get a tree planted. Choose either Hugo Man or Hugo Element. The code on the packaging let's you track down on Google Maps where your "adopted" tree will be planted.

4) Chan meets Chan

To celebrate local theatre group Toy Factory's 20th Anniversary, a chinese musical "December Rain" (雨季) will bring together Kit and George Chan, two of the best voices in the industry.

And finally... 

5) Sunblock meets anti-blemish balm meets whitening cream meets anti-aging serum meets moisturiser meets foundation...

Introduced by the Koreans in 2008, the mighty all-in-one BB (Blemish Balm) Cream has dispensed with the need for multiple products in your daily skincare regime. If you're not already a convert, get on board the BB wagon, and start looking fabulous (in one easy step)!

!!! : )

I'm adding a bit more to the point I made earlier - regarding people having no talent but still wanting to make a mark in the industry.

I'm going to use fashion to further illustrate my point.

Have you heard of Isabel Mastache? 

No? Neither have I until recently. I betcha, after reading this, you will have no problem remembering her name.

At the recent Madrid Fashion Week in her Fall/Winter 2010/2011 show, this particular "creation" of hers caused quite a stir in the industry... have a look.

This "penis pants" will likely not sell a single unit in the sane world. But that controversial design has certainly made people sit up and notice her and her designs.

Isabel Mastache - now don't you forget that name too.

Perhaps Lady Gaga will want to wear one of these zany designs for her next album outing. 

So people, if you have no discernible talent, you can still get people to notice you. Just develop a unique style that is so crazy and out of this world that people will sure to know your name. 

So go on now - put on your loony cap and get demented!

Picture Source: The Hindu, 15 December 2009, beta.thehindu.com/.../ article65475.ece

!!! : )

I know I shouldn't be adding to the "furour" of the ongoing Jack Neo saga. Just like Tiger Woods, the bets are that many more "victims" will be coming forward to decry the shamed director. And surely, many more columns would be devoted to "analysing" and "solving" the problem that is Jack Neo. Cultural Medallion winner or otherwise.

Well, just indulge me for just this one post. I'm not really blogging about Jack after all. 

In today's ST, Mitsubishi deftly announced their severance with Mr Neo for the air-con ad campaigns. Deja vu, right? When news about Tiger Woods' infidelity broke, many of his sponsors dumped him like a hot piece of shit.

BUT, but, but...

The situation is kinda interesting and different in China. Read on.

While Tag Heuer worldwide distanced themselves from the fallen star, the Tag team in China increased their marketing and advertising effort on their Tiger Woods campaign. The sales for the Link Series boomed and performed well beyond expectations.

How did this happen?

This is because, to the Chinese, especially the male demographics, Tiger is revered and seen as a stud. Having multiple flings outside matrimony is more the norm than exception. To be able to keep a harem of female companions, and to keep getting new conquests, is deemed to be a sign of virility and power on the part of the "real" man. And since Tiger "Stud" Woods wears a Tag Heuer, all men who aspire to be just like the modern-day Don Juan should rightly own and wear one too. And wear it proudly on their sleeves.

And this is how the zero became a hero. 

!!! : )

Just get with the right connections, and you will be all set for the bright lights, big city!

Take a certain Janet "Miss Jackson if you're nasty" Jackson.

After two albums (1982's Janet Jackson & 1984's Dream Street) of less than illustrious sales, Papa Jackson was eager to push daughter Janet into the same big league as Michael and her brothers. LA was obviously not working for young Janet, music-wise. So she was sent packing, and off she went to Minneapolis to find new grounds.

Cue to 1986 when Control was released. Everything exploded when Janet proudly declared her independence on the opening track. "It's all about control, and I've got lots of it!" All who heard her war cry sat up and paid attention.

Single after mega-single (What Have You Done For Me Lately, Nasty, Control, When I Think Of You, Let's Wait Awhile & Pleasure Principle), there was no denying the Janet phenomenon is unstoppable. Give her a beat, indeed! Control went on to receive 12 American Music Awards nominations (a record that has yet to be broken) and went on to make 4 wins.

Janet's follow-up effort Rhythm Nation 1814 became an even bigger success, scoring 7 top five singles from the same album, a first in the history of the Hot 100 charts. When she moved from A&M and inked her contract with Virgin in 1996, 10 years after the release of Control, it was to the cool tune of US$80 million, even more than Madonna and her brother Michael (his contract was at US$60 million), making her the highest-paid artist in contemporary music then.

Before I get carried away with singing her praises, my point for this blog is to say this: Janet certainly didn't get to where she did with sheer talent. It's common knowledge that she was often criticised for her wispy and limited vocal range. She has co-written some tunes and can play the keyboards well enough, but placed next to her siblings, Janet's talents paled in comparison.

So what made Janet the mega star that she is?

Connections! Knowing the connections and getting them to work for her. That's how she became Janet Big-Time Jackson.

At the start, Janet worked with some of the biggest talents in their own rights. Her perfect dance moves were choreographed by American Idol judge Paula Abdul and appealed massively to the MTV audience. Her tight beat-driven sound was cleverly conceptualised and engineered by the dynamic funk duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, who in my opinion could do no wrong. Even the album cover for Control was not overlooked; it was created by Tony Viramontes, who has done print campaigns for Versace, Valentino and Claude Montana.

As her name got shinier, Janet eventually went on to work with other big names like Heavy D, Herb Ritts, René Elizondo, Luther Vandross, Patrick Demarchelier & even brother Michael. I am sure if you are a big fan of Janet like I am, you will be able to name a lot more names she has collaborated with.

So you see, to become a star, you'd probably need to know the right contacts, and eventually getting them to work the right magic for your career. Just as all these people did for Janet Jackson in 1986. Get the point?

[Warning - content is extremely dry, dusty and old-school.]

Gong Xi Fa Cai everyone. I hope the new year has brought everyone lots of joy and wealth so far.

As an avid music collector, I have amassed thousands of vinyl records over the last few decades. I still remember vividly that euphoric feeling of owning my very first Twelve Inch record. I was in school uniform, it was the afternoon, and I was in Valentine's at Far East Plaza, clutching the proverbial and time-honoured Blue Monday by New Order. And this was how my love affair with the vinyl started...

Forward to present time - one month ago. As my family started doing spring cleaning for the approaching Lunar New Year, we realised the thousands of vinyl sitting dusty in the store room are taking up precious space that can be used for other knick-knacks. In other words, my old junk had to make way for other family junks.

Not wanting to lose all the precious memories, I had to find a quick and painless way of digitising the music and transferring them onto a portable format.

First, I got a iPod Classic 160GB. After some research and advise from friends, I invested in a USB turntable made by Stanton. Next, I installed Final Vinyl (freeware) on my MacBook. And I was all set for the move...

Forward to even more present time.

I am glad to say, after 2 intensive weeks of painstakingly transferring the tracks (in real time no less), I have achieved about 10% of my goal and have now about 300+ mixes happily playing for me on my bus rides. Joy as I get to rediscover lost and obscure gems by Gardening By Moonlight, Cactus Rain, Mainframe and the likes.

I am aiming for the project to complete in another two months time. I will then hold a listening party to celebrate the achievement. Everyone's invited!