First look: H&M Autumn 2012 (Part One)

I think most of Kuala Lumpur citizen are well informed regarding the news of H&M's inaugural opening in Lot 10 this September, thanks to the vast online spread. And obviously I'm lagging behind the coverage of its Autumn Winter 2012, which is all about metallics/ maximalism for women and tailored goodness for the men. Nevertheless I'm feeling elated over the opportunity to visit their showroom recently, which certainly gave me the chance to closely inspect the merchandises in person, and in effect, delved in to the details of the tailoring quality and tactilely stimulated by the fabrics. And of course, I get to compare the prices internationally.

In view of the possible lengthy commentary and image-laden entry (quite a rare occasion at Dunia Fashyon these days), I think it will be wise if I divided this post into two halves - both menswear and womenswear respectively.

For this coming season menswear at H&M boasts immaculate 60’s-inspired slim tailoring with beautiful accents of autumnal colours. I am so delighted seeing rich hues like mustard, wine and bottle green being incorporated into the men's collection. If mixed together the right way anyone can look good dressing in the bleary autumn weather (*cough*, shopping mall, that is). Besides, the combination of sharp tailoring, vivid colours and a variety of fabrics can be such a winning formula for dressing up.

 

Apart from the key tailored items of the season there is also a more trend-oriented and 'experimental' division in the menswear collection. I saw a sweater and pants with smart usage of pleather panelling, a Marni-esque printed shirt, a Comme-inspired colour-blocked shirt, and, my favourite from this section: a Lurex jumper which reminds me so much of Prada a few seasons back.

On the other hand their casual line (named L.O.G.G, or Label of Graded Goods) perhaps suits a student in need of a sprucing up of his wardrobe better. The palette of this line is more subdued with checked patterns predominating in the shirt section, with occasional pop of colour in the cable knit sweater and chinos...

The accessory department is not spared either my friends. Besides footwear comprising of a mix of leather brogues, suede derby shoes in mustard/lime (my feet are begging to be in them!) and other classic shoes like the desert boots, there are leather gloves, coloured socks, bow ties, 60's glasses frames and braces. (But do take note that some of the footwear consist of pigskin lining. If you are like me, carefully inspect your shoes before purchasing lest you want to sell the unworn shoes half-priced) The value-for-money item? A skinny leather belt (not of swine in origin I assure you) at RM 59.90...

I suspect the clothes will be flying off the rails come September, given its interesting design and styling combined with comparatively lower prices than other high street giants. Personally speaking seeing an off-the-rack wool jacket priced at RM199.90 is not a daily phenomenon to me (this is AFTER comparing to Euro and USD pricing handily available in their catalogue). Generally I try not to compare but seeing how Topman and Zara have been marking steep price tags on their merchandise all this while, I think people will flock to H&M to look for an alternative... the quality of clothes of all three labels are not too far off between each other either, based on personal experience.

The pocket-friendly wool jacket. Priced at RM 199.90

I believe that Kuala Lumpur's urban dwellers have been longing to be good in dressing, but there has been a draught of well-designed AND affordable clothes in the city. Just look at the mushrooming of Uniqlo stores all over KL... five branches in the span of less than two years? That indicates that people are hungry for affordable quality clothing (well, for basics at least). H&M will potentially resolve this issue...

Weekend shopping: Amcorp Mall

Here I am again talking about random, fashion-unrelated topics that might bore some of you out there. I know that I'm supposed to be focusing on fashion/ fashyooon because that is what this blog primarily is all about. However at the of risk sounding like a definite lone man talking about inanimate objects other than things to wear, I cannot shed off the fact that there are other interesting materialistic world besides articles of clothing. And it comes in the form of flea markets!

On a more serious note, despite its central location I still find it quite a challenge to search for bazaars selling acceptably good secondhand items, trinkets and antiques in KL. All the good ones I'm thinking of are situated in Jonker Walk, but then again that is in Malacca. But thinking again there are a few places in KL where this kind of market actually flourishes and perhaps become like a diamond in the rough. I am pretty sure avid thrift shoppers would quickly agree where the place is (the entry title says it all...).

Lodged at the ground floor of Amcorp Mall, this niched out flea market attracts KL-ites every weekend with its array of wonderfully random and kitschy objects for sale. Personal items, memorabilia from all across the globe, collectors items like obscure vinyl records and not to forget fashion accessories mingle and present a mishmash of selections for potential buyers. Even if you are not interested in buying these random objects, just by looking at the antics of the people would be an equally enjoyable experience. I'd guarantee a smile on your faces by simply window shopping at this kind of premise - where else can you find a stall selling old musical items like a brass bugle, small organs and a gramophone sit next to one that offers stamps, old personal letters and used pottery?

Stripes and spots for the weekend

As the title suggests I have been wearing striped tees and spots quite often lately, evident in my previous outfit posts. Well, often is an understatement actually. More like on a daily basis. An abundance of Uniqlo stripes, that is. This time around I'm inclined to pair it with a loosely nautical-inspired hat from Uniqlo as well. I'm thinking whether I should post my looks at Uniqlooks because thus far the content of my wardrobe is gradually being replaced by more and more basics from the Japanese giant clothing label...

 

Uniqlo hat and top, Dockers pants, Miu Miu espadrilles, Ermenegildo Zegna reversible belt

Weekend mag: Hanger magazine SS12

It's been quite a while since I've posted something worthwhile, especially reading-wise. As you know I am not a person who reads magazines on a monthly basis, save for a few selected titles like Monocle and back issues of the wonderful British publications like 10 Magazine and Fantastic Man. It has been quite a struggle to search for quality local publications ever since.

But it seems that Malaysia has seen quite a few buds of talented fashion journalism and therefore, publication. Hanger magazine is one of the rare breeds that lights up the dull Malaysian fashion journalism scene.

I would say that the content veers more towards street fashion based on its first few editions. However its Spring Summer 12 issue seems to expand topic-wise and therefore covering different niches like emerging international designers (most of which are new to my knowledge, quite naturally), regional street fashion photography and a good set of editorials. There is also a sporadic spread of interviews which give a more in-depth behind-the-scene coverage on a new product or label...

 

Street fashion photography which transcends geographic and cultural boundaries...