Something from the past, something from the future…

Last weekend, me and some of my closest buds headed off to Singapore to experience the famous ‘Xmas in the Tropics’ at Orchard Road first hand. I must say it didn't disappoint, the throngs of people marvelled at the ‘all decked out‘ decorations, everyone going snappy happy.

 

With  all the merriment surrounding us, we inadvertently got into the festive spirit, donning our Santa hats, hehe…

 

Of course, what is a Singapore escapade without a bit of shopping (the word ‘bit’ here is an understatement, trust me, hehe)… And i have to say, me and my buddies really have an eclectic taste in brands, ranging from the sidewalk to the catwalk. I wouldn't rattle off everything that we bought, except of course for you-know-what brand. Hint hint.

But being Xmas eve, the Diesel stores at Forum (along with all other Club21 stores in the city) was closed by 6pm. All I managed to do is to have a sneak peek of what's inside, huhu… Oh well, like the saying goes: Good things come to those who wait. Little did i know then of what’s in store the following day.…

So on Xmas day at Vivo City, I was sad to discover that apparently the Diesel store is to close by February next year (sob sob). But as a last hurrah, they deciding to go out with a bang by having a fabulous clearance sale on past collections: a staggering 70% off for three items or more!

It is here that my friend Yusof bought is first DIESEL jeans. Congrats mate, welcome to the club!

 

He is now the proud owner of the made in Italy VIKER 008SI Stretch. Simple gorgeous! Here is a close up…

So later that day, we finally made our way back to Forum. My goal there was to nab a shirt and a T-shirt from the Rockin’ Dots aka the SS2010 preview collection.

While i got those, lo and behold, i found this little thing tucked amongst the new denim collection…

Its the KOOLTER 008ZQ

Gotta have a try…

 

Lookin’ good, hehe…

Now, before you guys go all ‘Oh no, there goes Dieselfreak… not another pair’, please bear in mind that i never owned a black pair of denim before. So this purchase is entirely justifiable! End.of.story (pause for dramatic effect).

Plus, who can resist this beauty…

 

So, while the jeans was not part of my initial plan. I am a happy camper nonetheless. Also, the purchase was made all the more sweeter with the exclusive premiums including the Rockin’ Dots rubber band, a pair of foldable speakers and a chance to win a whopping SGD1,000 worth of Diesel swag personally selected by Singapore indie band Electrico. Wish me luck, guys!

ps: Cant wait for my other friend to get herself a pair of Diesel jeans. Don't be shy Wawa, I know you want one,hehe…

Diesel Rocks Out This Christmas‏

Bunka! hands in on Only the Brave

Presenting the strikingly artful DIESEL Only the Brave “Limited Edition” designed by Bunka!

Released in October 2009, L’Oreal Fragrances has invited Bunka, the visionary French tattoo artist and graphic designer behind some of the most coveted designer toys developed by Artoyz, to transform the Diesel’s iconic fist shape bottle from a symbol of masculinity into a masterpiece.

The result is that the bottle, originally modelled on Diesel founder Renzo Rosso’s fist, is now emblazoned in a grafitti-inspired explosion of chaotic and vivid expressions of what it means to be brave, doused in vibrant pink, white yellow that borrows the twisted and graphic codes of the “toyz” universe.

 

ps: this makes the perfect pre-Xmas gift for myself.

Happy B’day Yusof!

The most I can do for my friend is simply to be his friend. I have no wealth to bestow on him. If he knows that I am happy in loving him, he will want no other reward. Is not friendship divine in this?"

-Henry David Thoreau-

Happy Bday Usop! May God bless you with health and fortune always.

Diesel corner at Harvey Nichols, Jakarta

When Harvey Nichols opened its first South East Asian store (and fifth outside the British Isles) in Jakarta in Autumn 2008, it caused quite a stir among the regions fashionista’s and shopaholics. Beating out rivalling cities like Singapore and KL (rumoured due to having the largest number of resident millionaires), it is a testament to the city’s rapid development and confidence in Indonesia’s economy.

Spread over 10,000 sqm and four floors at the Grand Indonesia Shopping Town development area, the store represents a diverse portfolio of exclusive brands in fashion, fragrance, beauty and home and includes Harvey Nichols' signature Foodmarket concept and fine dining restaurants.

During my recent holiday trip to Jakarta, visited this shopping heaven with the intention of checking it its exclusive range of Diesel Denim Gallery jeans. Imagine my sweet sweet surprise when I was greeted by this little sign and the stores entrance:

Yes folks, Diesel is now available in Indonesia! Apparently this collection distributed exclusively by Harvey Nichols themselves and is not under Club21 Pte Ltd as per Singapore and Thailand.

As you can see from the pics, the Diesel corner, located at the LG floor of Harvey Nichols (i.e. the menswear floor) houses a small selection from the FW09 collection. Nonetheless, the area is attractively and artfully furnished in the typical Diesel ‘elegance’ of fun and irony.

Prices are more expensive than in Thailand and Singapore, which is generally the case for all designer brands in Indonesia. But as a courtesy purchase, I bought this pure and very simple V-top, hehe…

And what about the Diesel Denim Gallery collection? it is still there…

Prices for these coveted jeans range around 5 ~ 6 million rupiah (or about US$ 600). While am sooo tempted to splurge on one, unfortunately none that are available comes in my size 28W. Oh well, there is always Xmas is Singapore to look forward too…

Trouble in paradise?

This is disturbing news indeed, Wilbert Das is pivotal in shaping DIESEL into what it is today. With his departure, Renzo has really big shoes to fill in terms of finding a new creative director. Also, CEO of the US Division, Steve Birkhold has jumped ship to Lacoste.

Hopefully with Sophia Kokosalaki in the mix designing for Diesel Black Gold ,as well as the vast pool of talent the ITS awards would smoothen the transition. And perhaps chart a bold new course for the company. Like the cliché: the only constant is change.

_______________________________________________________

Diesel out of fuel

Dueling execs end 20-yr. tie, imperiling jeans maker

By JAMES COVERT //  November 14, 2009 // www.nypost.com

Some big wheels are coming off at Diesel.

Wilbert Das, a soft-spoken Dutch designer who has been creative director at the Italian jeans maker since 1993, has left the company amid frustration with Diesel's high-profile, curly-haired founder Renzo Rosso, sources told The Post.

The beef: Rosso's taste for hogging the spotlight -- despite the fashion tycoon's carefully cultivated image as a laid-back champion of his employees and business partners.

"Wilbert is the most successful designer you never heard of," according to one source close to the company. "He's tired of doing all the work while Renzo takes all the credit."

Renzo Rosso's Diesel is running into trouble - the company's Creative Director Wilbert Das and US CEO Steve Birkhold are fed up and resigning.

Neither Das nor Rosso could be reached for comment yesterday. But the souring of their 20-year partnership has become increasingly public of late, sources said.

Indeed, as of yesterday a Wikipedia entry on Das said the designer "emphasizes always collaboration and teamwork." Meanwhile, it tags Rosso as "a figure known in the industry to be passionate about publicizing his own name."

The departure of Das, who in addition to designing the company's pricey jeans had long been a driving force behind its guerilla marketing and advertising strategies, threatens a crushing blow to Diesel.

To make matters worse, the CEO of the fashion house's US division, Steve Birkhold, has resigned to join a rival firm.

As first reported by The Post earlier this week, Birkhold, a VF Corp. veteran, was recently caught in a tiff with higher-ups in Italy over a deal he cut to distribute lower-priced jeans at Macy’s next spring.

Sources said some executives in Italy had been concerned that a move to Macy's might widen its distribution too far.

Reached by telephone yesterday, Birkhold downplayed the internal disagreements, saying that "everybody was on board" at Diesel before the Macy's deal went forward. The timing of Birkhold's departure and this week's story in The Post was "a total coincidence," he said.

Birkhold said he submitted his resignation five weeks ago to pursue "an amazing opportunity with a large company, a global lifestyle brand." He declined to name his new employer, saying the firm hadn't yet told its own employees. An announcement is planned Monday, a spokeswoman said.

Rosso's $2 billion fashion empire, which he has built in recent years by acquiring stakes in hot brands like Martin Margiela and Viktor & Rolf -- isn't necessarily crumbling. Still, the Diesel brand isn't the only part where natives are getting restless.

Dean and Dan Caten, the twin designers of the Dsquared fashion brand also owned by Rosso are "tired of seeing their designs being ripped off by Diesel," a source said. "You can see it happening, season in, season out."

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/diesel_out_of_fuel_LbE3qgHRwNmCfETkts1JxK#ixzz0XmulrnIF

Diesel Rockin’ Dots: SS10 Preview Collection

Always ahead of the curve, Diesel presented its SS2010 Preview collection at the official website: Diesel Rockin’ Dots. The capsule collection combines both classic items and archive pieces which have been updated with Diesel's bold signature: think micro-metal studding on T-shirts and hooded sweats, perforations on leather trousers,circular crocheted knitwear and jacket lapels and shirting laser-cut with the collection's signature studs, dots and perforations. 

The launch is tied with the premier of the music video from The Vanities, one of the many acts discovered by the Diesel's long time music talent support programme, Diesel:U:Music. Founded in 2001 as a yearly unsigned music talent awards, Diesel:U:Music has since evolved into an international market space for new music. The video will be the first in a series showcasing other new acts in the coming months

The Vanities, a 4 man band that grew up together in Liverpool, draw their music from spiritual blues and soul roots to revolutionary rock and roll all infected with a driving new wave disco sound and an intimidating wodge of real musicianship to pound out their own idiosyncratic sound. “The band is a perfect match to the rock spirit and attitude of the new SS2010 preview collection”, says Diesel.

And what better way to showcase the cool threads by having the band members themselves rockin’ the rockin’ dots in the video. Simply studalicious…me likey! Hopefully i can nab a few come Xmas time in Singapore, hehe.

Can one really have too many jeans?

Idle time is a dangerous thing. In my case, i like to browse my favourite shopping websites and so happens to stumble upon these two items. After clicking a few necessary buttons, filling out the credit card details and waiting just a few days later… what I see on the webpage is now lying on my bed. Ahh… the joys of online shopping.

 

The first one, the Jalta vest, is pretty straight-forward purchase: I have always wanted one and finally found a pair that i like. I can’t wait to rock this vest, perhaps at the Bank’s upcoming annual dinner to temper my rather ‘loud’ Diesel Black Gold shirt that i plan to wear, hehe.

The second item is the Reyhan 8YD jeans. What makes me sooo in love with this Italian beauty is the two tone corduroy waistband and the leather patch with brass logo plaque at the rear. Tres’ unique!

With this pair joining the ranks in my closet, it officially becomes my 14th Diesel jeans that i own. 14?!! Sometimes I ask myself, can one really have too many jeans?

Well, to be fair… all of my babies are different in terms of wash, fit and designs. And hey, some people are chronic bagaholics, so what's wrong with being a denimaholic, right? I am DIESELFREAK after all! hehe…

But really matching of outfits is made all that easier if you have that ‘perfect’ pair to complete the look. Case in point: If I'm going for that skinny look, ill don my Viker-Ad 88Z; or if I’m hitting the clubs and want to dress to impress, my Poiak 8SV would surely make a statement. If I'm feeling a bit retro, the legendary X-Rotuck 796 would fit perfectly. Or if I'm going back on the weekends to meet the parents, the go-to pair is always my very first Diesel jeans: Rivec 793.

But, perhaps 14 is a bit too much, especially after a dose of 'I Am Because We Are’. Maybe ill donate a few or at least hand them down to my brothers (keeping it in the family, hehe).

Then, at least I won’t feel half as guilty if I splurge on another pair in the near future..oops. Is there a denimaholics anonymous out there? I need to check in…

Fill ‘em socks…

With the year-end fast approaching, it has become a certainty that a whole slew of artistes will release new material or compilation albums in order to make it for the coveted Xmas sales season.

This year is no different. Here are some of my potential online purchases in the next few weeks. But the only socks to be filled here is mine (selfish tak?)

From Amazon UK:

• WILL YOUNG // The Hits [Deluxe Edition/+DVD]
• ROBYN // Robyn [Special Edition]
• JANET JACKSON // The Best

From HMV Japan:

• LADY GAGA // The Fame Monster [+2 Bonus Tracks]
• LEONA LEWIS // Echo [+DVD Limited First Edition]

Others:

• ALICIA KEYS // The Element of Freedom
• BEYONCE // I Am... Yours [CD+DVD]

Juara Lagu 24 Semifinals

As the year-end approaches, another batch of Malaysia’s best songs of the year compete for the coveted Juara Lagu award. What makes this year unique is that there are no more Pop/Rock, Ballad and Ethnic Creative categories. Instead, all eligible entries are pooled together, and based on popular voting, the best 30 will compete for 14 spots in the finals in January 2010. They are:

6 Nov
1. Mirage (Pesawat)
2. Kau Aku (Aizat)
3. Dia, Aku dan Kamu (Nadia & Red Peanut)
4. Oh Anok Anok (Reshmonu)
5. Tak Mungkin Kerna Sayang (Alyah)
6. Aku Scandal (Hujan)
7. Enjut (Noraniza Idris)
8. Gila (Mila)
9. Dan Sebenarnya (Yuna)
10. Raja Gelek (One Nation Emcees)
11. Bertamu Di Kalbu (Jaclyn Victor)

13 Nov
1. Aurora (Estranged)
2. Seadanya Aku (Nubhan)
3. Tahu Tak Tau Joget (Jinbara)
4. Ku Pinjam Satu Bintang (Alyah & Riz)
5. Fikirlah (Aizat)
6. Khatimah Cinta (6ixth Sense)
7. Bengang (Akim)
8. Aku Rindu Sayang Kamu (Black)
9. Pari-Pari Di Bawah Angin (Meet Uncle Hussain)
10. Benar-Benar (Adam)
11. Masih Jelas (Hafiz)

20 Nov
1. Situasi (Bunkface)
2. Rindu Terhenti (Tomok)
3. Patri (Jinbara)
4. Pakai Buang (Stacy)
5. Pergi (Aizat)
6. Ketika Ini (Estranged)
7. Bencinta (Faizal Tahir)
8. Cinta Adam & Hawa (Misha Omar)

 

It looks like reality artistes continue to dominate the nominations. Who am i rooting for? On a whim Ill go for Faizal Tahir, Aizat, Hafiz, Tomok and Yuna.

If you thought I would wait for you, you thought…

I could picture this ever so vividly:

Me putting on the final touches on my outfit while looking outside my apartment window, at the throngs of people slowly making their way into the stadium. Are we late? No, not when the venue is just a few minutes away from where you live. Perhaps a short detour to the merchandise booths, perhaps picking up the tour book, a T-shirt or some other nick-nacks.

The crowd is getting wild. Must be almost 8PM. Better find our seats. There, right in front: Arena A, row EE, seat 05. WOW! what a strategic view, so near to the stage. Even can catch a glimpse of the local celebrities. Definitely worth paying top dollar.

The crowd is getting restless. Sea of people chanting her name. Any time now…. Suddenly the lights fade. Screams! Palpitations! Excitement!

There… rising amidst the stage smoke, striking a very fierce pose, looking every bit the DIVA. She opens her mouth… “Are you ready Malaysia!”

 

Alas… all of this is not meant to be, for now at least. For whatever reasons the concert is postponed (not cancelled…couldnt stress that enough), I sincerely believe it wasn't her intention to disappoint her legion of Malaysian fans. I hope the replacement date will be announced soon, and not too far away. Like they always say, third times a charm.

So B, if you thought i would wait for you, you thought RIGHT! :)

15 days to FIERCENESS

Second time lucky, finally Malaysia can play host to Sasha Fierce aka Beyoncé Knowles as part of her I Am… World Tour. Sweet dreams indeed :). The multi platinum, multi Grammy female version of a hustla’ will perform at Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil (which is right in front of my house!) on Sunday 25th October.

Thanks to a good friend of mine, we managed to pay a pretty penny and secure some of the best seats available (Thanks Hazry)

I have been a fan since her DC days, and I must say she couldn't be here soon enough… In the meantime, here are some preview pics from her upcoming concert to whet your appetites.