An Unfashionable Life

They say you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. I think it's especially true for Dame Vivienne Westwood. And MuseMono. She has so often been misinterpreted and ridiculed. I was drawn to her after reading an online article about her living in a council flat right up till 2000 despite her worldwide recognition as Britain's infamous fashion designer. Just imagine that, Darrlingg!!

I learnt about this book sometime ago at the Thai Design Centre. I had only a few hours to skim through the book but I knew I just had to read it. It turned out the book is out of print (and even Amazon.com doesn't deliver to Malaysia). Luckily I found a second hand book on eBay.

A parcel has arrived!

  I think that red plastic head-gear is fierce!

I'm not gonna lecture you guys on what's wrong or what's not. That, plus I'm gonna spare you the raunchy details of the cut-throat fashion industry. Sensational! Read it for yourself, will ya (no, I'm not lending my book to you - it's too precious, thankyouverymuch). Anyway, I extracted some interesting quotes from the book.

My favourite part from the book quoted from Jeff Banks: "It is a lesson in life that anyone, from any walk of life, in any sphere, can take. That despite class, club, the right financial connections, if you have the commitment and desire to succeed, you can. That is Vivienne's story. In the face of monumental adversity, she sat down at the machine and sewed a shirt. That's a fairy tale."
MuseMono says it's Flash Flash! Now, what do you think, Darrlingg?

Yves Saint Laurent Tote Bag

Introducing my first black bag ever. The Yves Saint Laurent (Don't you just love saying that?) black tote bag. Made of waterproof canvas with leather trimming. Mostly I would prefer a zippered bag, but after having this, I've learned to appreciate the functionality of an open tote. But it does have a button in the middle.The bag was bought at YSL Pavilion KL for RM2500 (with 10% discount voucher). I saw similar bag (grey version) at Club 21 Bangkok retailing for RM2900, while YSL eshop (US) sells the bag for RM2150, thank you.

 Bag the black bag.

Have you tried googling "Yves Saint Laurent quotes?". Well I tell ya, there aren't that many. I tried Stefano Pilati (of YSL) but for now Carrie Bradshaw will speak (randomly). Thankyouverymuch.

MuseMono says it's Flash Flash! Now, what do you think, Darrlingg?

Alexander McQueen Fall 2010

If money isn't an issue, I would be wearing any of these clothes. I wonder what it feels to wear them? Unique and powerful, even feared? A mind of its own? I remember once Alexander McQueen said that he wanted women who wear his clothes to be feared. I get the same "vibe" when I look at these. Fierce, Darrlingg!

Photo: Style.com
MuseMono says it's Flash Flash! Now, what do you think, Darrlingg?

An old shirt from Mumbai.

I was scanning some old photographs in an attempt to save them from fade, fade, fading away when I happened on these old pics of me and my crew mate in Mumbai. That was 2004, the first and the last time I was there. I remember going crazy grabbing RM9 hand-made shirts from the roadside peddlars. Although worn beyond their intended life-span I am still so in love with these simple and comfortable clothing and that is why I intend to get more on my upcoming trip to New Delhi in February next year. Excited, Darrlingg!!!

Ignore the outfit, thank you (seriously!) Spot the gate of India, Darrlingg...

 One of my few remaining shirts (sob, sob)

 I have never worn any of my Harem pants with this type of shirt, so I thought I'd give it a try. Another Harem is now finally ready.

Shirt from Mumbai, tailored Harem pants, McQ canvas tote, Tod's loafers.

MuseMono says it's Flash Flash! Now, what do you think, Darrlingg?

Just Cavalli Fall Winter 10/11 catalog

Somehow I can really relate myself  to Just Cavalli. Even when it's fall/winter and the models are mostly in monochromatic clothing, Just Cavalli still put them in  warm, complex, deep boudoir red decor to enhance the collection rather than going minimalist or  'emo'. Now that, I like.

Voilà a selection of scanned pages from the catalog.

MuseMono says it's Flash Flash! Now, what do you think, Darrlingg?

Comme des Garçons PLAY Tee: Green hearts

There's something about Comme des Garçons PLAY tee that exudes happiness to me.Maybe that's why it's called PLAY. The iconic heart-shape cuties in bright colors really inspire me. The fabric is quick thick, but breathable enough to suit our hot and humid KL weather, and very comfortable. I really appreciate the cutting, that is the length is not too long, but the 'body' is slim fitting. Not that I'm so slim anyway but whatever. So I went back to M Men at The Gardens to pick up another tee. I wanted a black one, but only white versions were available. I didn't mind anyway .The tee was retailed at RM425 but I received 10% discount voucher.

Meet the green cuties, Darrlingg.

I was so happy with the tee I decided to go playful with colors (or go crazy, some would say).I wish I were by the beach, but for now I have to make do with the staircases. But then the building guard came and shoo'd me away.

PLAY tee, Gucci shades, Etro belt and bag, Topman shorts, Tod's sneakers.

 Then I went to check out Melium Outlet for bargains.

 So that's all for now. Haha OK fine, I did try some clothes and shoes...and yes, I bought one Just Cavalli tee and a pair of Tod's loafers (no, not the pink ones), but you'll only get to see them in coming posts, alrity? Now what do you think of this:

“If I do something I think is new, it will be misunderstood, but if people like it, I will be disappointed because I haven’t pushed them enough. The more people hate it, maybe the newer it is. Because the fundamental human problem is that people are afraid of change. The place I am always looking for—because in order to keep the business I need to make a little compromise between my values and customers’ values—is the place where I make something that could almost—but not quite—be understood by everyone.” Rei Kawakubo

MuseMono says it's Flash Flash! Now, what do you think, Darrlingg?

Tod's Loafers in Pink

Whoever has pink shoes? Well I do. But it's not like it's hot pink or anything, it's rather 'muted' pink, I'd say. I was browsing through Melium outlet shelves one lucky weekend and found this pair sitting there waiting for me. It had the lowest price tag (for Tod's loafers) I have ever encountered, heavily discounted to RM625. That must have been good luck (or good karma?) because it was the only one available in that color, and it's in my size. So of course I took it as a sign to max my magic card.

Melium outlet.Shop till you drop.

 Say shoes, Carrie Bradshaw.

MuseMono says it's Flash Flash! Now, what do you think, Darrlingg?