Tuesday 29 December 2009

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.

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

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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.…

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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!

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

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

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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.

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

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Its the KOOLTER 008ZQ

Gotta have a try…

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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…

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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!

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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…

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Saturday 12 December 2009

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.

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

Monday 7 December 2009

Happy B’day Yusof!

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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.

Sunday 6 December 2009

Diesel corner at Harvey Nichols, Jakarta

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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:

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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.

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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.

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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…

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

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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…