WestEast: Luminous alloys

As an introduction to two colorful editorials from this spring's issue of Numéro Homme, here is an editorial from way back in 2003 from Hong Kong-based WestEast magazine, for which I have been a regular contributor.

Gold lama jacket, Robero Cavalli; mustard yellow trousers, Kenzo; luminous yellow sports jacket, Frankie Morello; mauve tank top, Louis Vuitton; gold leather belt, Dior Homme; white gold and diamond pendant, Cartier

From 'Luminous alloys', WestEast Magazine Spring 2003

I have mustard yellow jeans and have always found them challenging to wear, especially since the climate here doesn't allow the same layering as these outfits.

Orange t-shirt, Paul Smith; silver sleeveless puffer, Prada Sport; gold lame suit, Roberto Cavalli; orange jacket, Jil Sander; turquoise silk scarf, Kenzo; metallic striped scarf, Burberry; vintage orange glasses; Harvve Benard from a selection at Cutler and Gross

Six years after and bright colors - flourescents, neons, and hot tints - still find their way into collections and shoots, and are still put together with metallics. Let's see how I'll wear my yellow jeans this time around.

Electric blue silk suit (trousers worn underneath), Dior Homme; pink and black pin stripe trousers; Etro; baseball boots, Louis Vuitton; leather belt; Dior Homme; pink t-shirt, Paul Smith; vintage sunglasse from a selection at Cutler and Gross

Photography by Eric Maillet, Fashion Editor: Georgina Hodson

The man who fell to Earth

More than the color silver, surpisingly, what gives this editorial its extraterrestrial energy are the contact lenses, the fedora, and of course, the sunglasses.

Wool coat, Versace; cotton shirt and wool trousers, John Rocha; Louisiana wide-brimmed felt fedora hat, Lock & Co.; leather brogues, Hugo by Hugo Boss

'The man who fell to Earth', How to Spend It, December 2007

Fur hood waterproof parka, Armani Jeans; cashmere jacket and cashmere trousers, Louis Vuitton; flannel shirt, Kilgour; cotton polo neck, John Smedley

Zipped blouson poly jacket, Emporio Armani; woll trousers (part of a suit), Hèrmes; two-tone shirt, Canali; patterned silk tie, Hardy Aimes from Harvey Nichols and other stockists

Nylon jacket with zip detail, D&G; cotton shirt, Hèrmes; wool trousers and metal-framed aviator sunglasses, Fendi; silk tie, Paul Smith

Cotton and polyester raincoat, Raf Simons; cotton polo neck, John Smedley; metal sunglasses with gold-tinted lens, Calvin Klein eyewear

Photography by Lee Strickland, Styling by Nicki Black



These pieces - in gold, silver, and bronze - from Dolce and Gabbana's Fall 2007 collection take space travel more seriously.





But that didn't prevent the duo from presenting wearable items.





It must have been blinding in night clubs when these jackets invaded the scene.





But after two years, silver has already lost its popular sheen, and susbequently, so has gold.





These days, the metallic colors have been rubbed off, and only the volume of these clothes have much relevance.

This post is part of a set in reply to a query by Nihaal Faizal from India on the topic of his sketches and on science fiction

Three silver rings from Maison Martin Margiela

I know I've ranted before how things have deteriorated ever since Martin Margiela, designer and founder, left Maison Martin Margiela, the fashion house. But that doesn't mean that the very capable design team cannot produce top-of-the-line items, like these impeccable silver rings.

This first one is an aged silver signet that has an intentionally imperfect surface, as if it has been bumped and bruised by harder objects.




The slightly distended shape of the signet appeals to me since my fingers are narrow and my joints protrude in the same way.




It peaks out from its box like a pearl. In my opinion, it's not any less precious.




This second ring, chunky and with a smooth rectangular surface, comes in the conventional signet shape, makes the appeal of the set evident. I love the absence of stones or any decoration.




I imagine anyone wearing the rings to literally wield a potent flash of silver.




Without any light shining on it, I imagine this ring to be unnoticeable with a gray outfit. But once the wearer moves, the flat surface would flicker like a cat's eye.




This third ring, a darker version of the one above, reminds me of black mirrors.




A mystery, a secret band of membership.




One would imagine a secret button inside the ring that would slowly and effectively activate something dark and sinister.

Street fix: Silver fox, Narita, Tokyo

When I was about to board my plane from Narita back to Manila, I saw this gentleman waiting patiently in line. His cardigan looked like silver lamé, but I'm sure it was made of a hi-tech fabric. It had yellowish or gold rhinestones as appliqués in front! (Anybody recognize it?) His sneakers were two-toned: white and, you guessed it, silver.

Even if I'm a sucker for monochrome, at first sight, I was overwhelmed by his outfit, and wasn't sure if it bordered on bad terse. But upon closer inspection, I loved not just the predominance of the color, but also his mix of sheen and texture. Also, he was able to use all the neutral hues: black, white, gray, and beige in one smooth and thought-provoking ensemble.

When I finally took my seat, I wanted to give myself a kick for not being brave enough to approach him for a proper picture.