Bosquejo Bazaar: Helmut Lang + Gianfranco Ferré + Cesare Paciotti

Don Protasio, a Filipino designer based in Cambodia, requested this pair of Helmut Langs from my last Bosquejo Bazaar post, but unfortunately, they were no longer there when I returned to the vintage store. I hope I can make it up to him with another pair from my most recent finds.

These next three pairs may not be in as good a condition as the Helmuts, but I think, exactly because they're this worn in, they're more fun to use casually.

These pointy Gianfranco Ferré (size 42 or 9) laceups, for example, are good with jeans — the more distressed, ripped, and worn in the better.

This next pair (size 44) is made from Italy, marked with the brand Varié. Though they can be just as good as denim, I imagine these shoes being more friendly with cords.

Now this, this pair by Cesare Paciotti (size 7), I really do not know how to explain. I found them in the sneakers rack. Who can blame the salesclerks?

The mix of the elements is so uncanny, I have to shake myself from staring so I can begin imagining how to wear them. They're obviously the most weathered among the three, so I think they should actually be used in the place of sneakers.

With khaki shorts on a sunny weekend!


If any of you readers from Manila are interested, just drop me a line via a comment or through email so I can get them for you. Don't let them slip out of your hands this time...

For adoption: Gray suede Opening Ceremony saddle shoes

This 43-sized pair of Opening Ceremony gray suede saddle shoes deserves a better home.

They have been used only once for a fashion shoot way back last year, and have languised in a box, choked by plastic, instead of enjoying walks on grass, wooden floors, and pavement.

An exemplary pair, they go very well with denim and chinos.

Divine to the touch.The color should be special for all lovers of gray.

Can you imagine spending lazy and casual days with them?

Here they are worn in the editorial I styled.


Printed polo shirt, Energie; gray Zakuro jeans with print and meshed fabric detail, Mizra; aqua colored cap with apache print, Diesel; maroon leather belt, McQ by Alexander McQueen; metal bead necklace, Leathers and Treasures; ethnic metal bracelet, Anthology; and 1960’s Polaroid land camera, from Swapmeet Shop. Shot at White Box gallery

So here is the story why I had to buy them in the first place, even if they weren't my size.

It was on my first (and until now, one and only) editorial, and I didn't know that the usual local practice was to place masking tape on the soles of the shoes to avoid damage. So I promptly did, right before the shoot began.

But when I got home and started to remove the tape, the mild varnish started to peel with it. I was horrified. In a state of shock, I just removed everything and hoped that the store wouldn't notice.

Of course, they did. I offered to bring the pair to the shoe repair shop, but even there, they didn't offer that kind of service. So I decided, recklessly, to take things into my own hands - with wood stain!

Hence the small smudge on the right shoe. I really didn't know what I was doing anymore. It was all hectic, desperate, and crazy.

To cut the long story short, I had to purchase the pair for around PhP8,000 (US$170).

I know it's all my fault, and all you shoe experts out there can just scold me, but I can't stand the sight of them neglected. They deserve to be used and enjoyed.

Here they are one last time. Anybody interested, just drop me a line.

Bosquejo bazaar: Thrifted shoes

Bally Alvaro, size 6 1/2, PhP960 ($20)

From my thrift shopping posts, friends and even complete strangers have contacted me about the specific providence of the pieces. They have even asked if it would be possible for me to search for certain items for them.

Just look at the designs on this pair of Bally brogues. Notice also the difference in textures. The sole doesn't even seem to have suffered much wear.

Blackstream, size 40, PhP480 ($10)

This has led to the idea of setting up an online bazaar, not limited to shoes or even to just thrifted items, but to all fashion-related pieces that receive this blogger's stamp of approval.

These are sumptuous slip-ons/driving shoes. Though the brand is unheard of, it comes from Italy, and it shows in the softness of the suede and in the craftsmanship. Perfect for weekends.

Timberland, size 9, PhP880 ($18)

Though initially I may only post photos of items without buying them - only doing so when a reader has contacted me and expressed interest - who knows, with enough support, I may begin to build an actual Bosquejo Bazaar inventory.

What attracted me to these boots are the design and the color (in ashy dark gray).

Helmut Lang, size 7 (though it looks bigger than 7), Php1,599 ($33.50)

I plan to set shoes beside vintage bags as the initial primary pieces. Then maybe I'll set into action my ideas on jewelry for men.

Though square-toed shoes have long been outdated. This Helmut Lang pair is only very slightly square, and is forgivable because of the design and the softness of the leather.

Patrick Cox, size 40, PhP1,200 ($25)

Of course, the logical thing to do after I decide to buy items for the Bazaar is to just have them auctioned off at eBay.

I honestly do not know what this Patrick Cox pair is made of. When I entered the store I instantly saw them because the hair on the leather was gleaming. They felt no different from pelt.

Molt's, size 38, Php480 ($10)

But I don't know. Something stops me from doing that: maybe the future image of my very own small cult shop/botique full of all sorts of items that have not only made my eyes gleam but have made me imagine people other than myself holding them dear.

Amazing leather detailing and buckles. And the color! How can one even begin.

Doc Martens, size 6, Php580 ($12)

This suede pair is all about the basics, and also about remembering your old DMs before the company entered into all those designer collaborations.

So for now let this, my very first retail venture, begin online and as an initial extension of my menswear blog. Until further developments...

Just adopted: Gray suede Opening Ceremony saddle shoes by The Dandy Project

Remember these Opening Ceremony saddle shoes? Well they've finally found a home.



Now they will no longer languish in my room dreaming of the places they would be going to.



Met up with Izzy of The Dandy Project yesterday to hand him the pair. Don't you think the derbies match his whistle and Casio watch well?



I've been following The Dandy Project for quite some time. Here are my favorites among his tailored projects. This first shirt is actually made from chiffon. Don't you just love the pattern?



This next one reminds me of kiwi fruit. I really should start visiting the local fabric store to begin my own creations.