PAUL'S POODLE

By now, you would have realised I'm a huge fan of Paul Smith. But I'm not Paul's Poodle (the cute mixed breed above is). Having met the designer, Sir Paul Smith himself last year (the thought of taking a photo of him staring straight at me still gives me goosebumps!), shared with you about his work and even the non-fashion related store décor (I want every single one of them), I can officially declare that I've almost traveled a full fashion circle. Your truly is still saving up (more like contemplating a new plan) to own one of Paul Smith's designs and possibly go on a lunch date with him.

No, I'm not sucking up to international brands just because I was invited to view the collection whatsoever. The truth is, I love the world Paul Smith has created. Living in his world is luxurious yet fun and witty with a touch of fantasy.

So there I was, back in Paul Smith's fantasy land, a.k.a. the flagship store at Mandarin Gallery, in search of my favourites from his Spring/Summer 2013 collection. Of course, I've gotten the prices for you, just so you can shop away and complete the Paul Smith's fashion circle pour moi.



1.Long Sleeve Shirt with Red Floral Prints (S$540) - For those who can't get enough of white shirts (me), here's one with a peekaboo floral print to amp up your OL image.



2. Mixed Lace Top (S$1940) - This ain't just a showcase of cut-and-paste. I love the interesting textures created with a variety of lace and how weather appropriate it is.



3. Long Sleeve Cotton Shirt in Polka Dots with Rose Hem (S$410) - You've got the peekaboo white shirt for the ladies, here's a peekaboo one for the gents. I know this is menswear but I'm gonna wear it anyway. 



4. Seagal Perforated Lace Up Shoe in Buffalo Leather (S$650) - How awesome is this pair of oxfords? The punched out polka dots are both cool and practical.



5. Dressed Skull Key Ring (S$210) - Skulls aren't just dead. Sometimes, they head out to the beach and have loads of fun!



6. Assorted Handkerchiefs (from S$70) - I have a thing for guys who have a handkerchief in their shirt pocket and I love photography, so these are just brilliant. 



7. Assorted Mens Leather Belts (from S$180) - I know, I know they are for men but who cares, really?



8. Assorted Mens Silk Ties (from S$170) - My Dad has a specific taste for ties. He only wears those with geometric patterns that are made of basic shapes, covering the background of the tie. Can you spot them?



Till next time, Paul Smith!

OLD & NEW

Guys, it's not all about side shaved hair these days. Long, waxy hair is da shit! And with that ol' school beret and even ol' school glasses, I'm in love with Ahmad's style.

I was at Paul Smith's Spring/Summer 2013 shop launch last week where I met Ahmed who works as the flagship store's sales assistant. I know it's expected that his clothes are all sponsored from hat to toe (except for his accessories), and looking so awesomely preppy and cool is part of his job (he has two looks a year and gets to keep all of them!), I would very much consider a career change.



So you are entitled to Paul Smith's goodies but how do you stand out from your counterparts? Or so, turning the brand's signature into something of your own? Ahmad's hair, glasses and wrist accessories make all the difference. Berets have such a long history (worn since the Bronze Age) and Ahmad pairs the traditional headwear with his modern clothing so well, it looks relevant even today.

Style Tip: For a casual yet preppy look, wear the unexpected beret and never forget your ol' school glasses.

I am very intrigued by his skull bracelet. Ahmad managed to score a deal (at a very very VERY affordable price) at eBay! Never have I thought that eBay would be a fashion haven but better late then never right?



Here's the roundup: Beret, shirt, pants and shoes are all from Paul Smith, glasses from Haji Lane, skull bracelet from eBay and Balenciaga leather bracelet.

Off to eBay!

A Touch of Quirk.

Walking into a Paul Smith store is just like walking into to a treasure trove full of surprises. There are more than just his amazing clothes, shoes and accessories but one-of-a-kind collectibles which I myself, would love to bring home. Wooden shoe molds with silver wings, or skating wheels and super old school toys are some of the tiny twists and turns, bringing you back to the likes of 'The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus'. 

Just a little background about Sir Paul Smith (yes, he was knighted for his success in the fashion industry. That's how great he is!), he has been designing since 1976 and that's, wait for it, 36 friggin' years! That's older than I am!

Sir Paul Smith certainly knows how to brighten our lives up with his extremely smart and witty ways to play with prints. Sweet floral ones on a fitting blazer, awesome detailing on the inside of a men's jacket (subtle but fun, only when removed. The Paul Smith guy sure knows when it's playtime) and soft polka dots solely on the collar of a clean white shirt. Not too much that overkill, and not too subtle that nobody finds it - his prints are all in the right places. 

So you've seen what I love about Sir Paul Smith and his work. Believe it or not, I'm finally going to meet him in person this Tuesday! It's the opening of his fourth and flagship store in Singapore at Mandarin Gallery. If you are already a fan of Paul Smith or have just become one after reading this, don't forget to follow me on Twitter, @Viona_Wang for live updates!