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I am digging this wonderful piece from Maison Margiela. The front bib looks classic and edgy at the same time, thanks to the laser-cut detailing of the fabric panels that give a 3D look that will surely stand out in a sea of white shirts.
This would be a forward piece to wear to a formal black tie event where you display subtly the hit of detail on this shirt. I am loving the fresh and modern vibe from this otherwise simple shirt. Dress this down or up; either way, this would make a stylish addition to any wardrobe.
Get this for US$625 at eLUXURY.
I am not a fan of loud, garish details neither do I fancy sequins, beads or anything shiny that just screams for attention. Yet, I am very drawn to this shirt by the designer of cool, Maison Martin Margiela.
The unique black, mirror tile embellishments stand out with just the right amount of attention grabbing detail. However, instead of rudely shocking the people around you with the bling, the mirror detail on the placket draws eyes to your shirt in a quieter fashion - like a good conversation starter.
The black cotton shirt makes for a easy ensemble; with jeans, tailored pants or as part of a suit. A sure fire way to stylize an outfit. This would be perfect for a night on the town or a house party or when you simply just want your shirt to do all the talking.
Get this for US$361.69 at Browns.
I wrote about this wonderful jacket last July, and even tried it on in the store a couple of times (they, sadly, didn't have my size left) and it looks like Mr Margiela decided to release it again in a fresher shade of grey (still loving grey!) and with slight improvements.
This light grey will look stunning with most solid colors and I am loving the new, improved banded collar that adds a dash of detail to this already cool jacket. The two slanted zip compartments with double zippers (another subtle detail worth loving) open to two slot pockets for easy access to your daily necessities.
The zip closure at each cuffs provides a rocker-chic vibe when left unzipped that will resonate and add an edge to whatever you're wearing. This classic piece doesn't come cheap but it will be a good, solid investment.
Get this for US$2475 at eLUXURY.
I've come to the conclusion that I need more tees; besides my regular American Apparel ones (which I love). Tees that are more dressed-up, unique and can hold their own in a social event or occasions one notch above casual.
This tee is calling out to me and I won't refuse. The stand-out factor is of course, the band of fabric that is connected to the patch pocket and runs through the back of the tee. It's not a in-your-face detail but a more layered and softer one and would, I can imagine, spark some curiosity.
There is also options in the way the band of fabric is slung - you can also have it wrap around the back for a relaxed hoop look. I appreicate the black option - I love black because I am a pretty clumsy person so with this, I don't have to think twice about food splatters or drink spills. The grey is stunning too and will provide an even greater contrast to the black band.
This is definitely going onto my Spring wishlist. Get the black version for US$245 at eLUXURY and the grey one at Aloha Rag.
There are certain things that look better beaten up and carried with a 'devil-may-care' attitude. Like Converse Chucks and combat boots for example. You can also add this wallet to the list.
I was thinking about wallet replacement and doing my usual round of work when I came across this. I am still very much into grey and this distressed leather (with deliberate dirt stains and smudge) piece gives off its very own cool, individualistic vibe. The zip coin compartment makes for handy access to your loose change or spare key.
What I like best is how compact it looks and the fact that you don't have to worry about dirtying this because that will only add to the charm of this wallet.
Get this for US$346.51 at Diabro.

I love stripes; on shirts, tees or sweaters. Especially when they are of the right color. This Margiela piece is just that.
The black and white stripes are on their own, simple, but the switch in the stripes on the back of the shirt provide an element of surprise. A good, sleek one.
This is growing on me the more I look at it. Wear it with pants or jeans; this will look great both ways.
Get this for US$495 at eLUXURY.

Classics like a crisp white shirt or a well-fitted blazer never go out of style and seasons after seasons, designers try to reinterpret and put fresh spins on these classics. Sometimes, they fail but other times, they succeed and make you want to take a closer look.
This short trench from Martin Margiela did just that for me. It stayed true to the classic shape and vibe while proudly displaying its modern tone. The shorter length would be perfect for those who want the look of a trench without the weight. This great coat gives a casual, chilled-out vibe when worn unbuttoned and would hit all the right notes on a cool, summer night. Simply button it up for a more dressed-up look when the mood/occasion hits and you're good to go.
The fabric gives off a subtle sheen while the ventilated back provides a useful outlet for freshness. I am digging the belted bands along the hem and cuffs - they add a dash of cool detail that won't go unnoticed.
This would be a fantastic addition to your 2009 wardrobe and it can be found at eLUXURY for US$1545.
I hate clutter and I dislike unnecessary things. Therefore, I take immense pleasure in throwing things out, setting aside individual piles (to donate and to throw) and clearing out space. That said, I still always find myself carrying lots of stuff everyday - from notes, to books, to products to shopping hauls.
A handsome messenger like this one is just what I need to get me through everyday. I am loving the deep brown shade of the calf leather - it would never go out of style and will look even better with age (when taken good care of).
This simple yet detailed filled bag will provide ample storage space to take you from work to the gym to after-meeting proposals. The flap closure with tab-snap fastening provides an easy way to reach your essentials while the outer pocket gives you the freedom to store bits and pieces of your daily life.
The carry handle and adjustable shoulder strap gives you the flexibility to hand carry (while allowing others to marvel at the subtle, cool dart stitching detail on the back) or sling. This is big enough for your laptop and would make a stylish accompaniment when you travel!
Get this wonderful piece for US$1347.37 at Diabro.

Unique pieces that will stand the test of time and still remain edgy are hard to come by. But this wallet from Maison Martin Margiela will do both. This post is for one of my oldest and closest pal, Bryan.
Bryan, I think this could be the wallet for you! Its got cool gold metal stud details that hold the two flaps together. It might take some time to get used to having snap open and close whenever you need to pay for something but I think the design would worth it.
With fine top-stitching and cracked leather, this would look better with age. And helping get a bang for your buck is what friends do for each other!
Get this for US$325 at eLUXURY.
A sharp, fitted, detail oriented jacket can easily jazz up a lazy Fall day ensemble. It'll take you through both dress down and up days seamlessly.
Look at how cool and beautiful this Margiela piece is. Its arched flap pockets provide a unique origami detail while maintaining its function (it is big and deep enough to store your daily essentials).
The button paneling on the back of a poorly constructed jacket would lead to puffiness and an unflattering bloated-ness. However, on this jacket, it only serves to increase the sleek aesthetic as do its side zip and buttoned cuffs.
You can wear this year after year and it will still look relevant and fresh and at the end of the day, don't we all want such mileage out of everything we own?
Get this for US$1018.37 at Diabro.
I have been on the look-out for stylish, functional, everyday belts to call mine for a while now but I haven't had much luck. Hence my comfortable refusal to budge out of my no-belt phase.
This belt from Martin Margiela might just have what it takes to get me out of my slump. I am digging the subtle 'M' detail on the belt front; it is quiet and understated; just what I need.
The rich cognac color will look smart with black pants/jeans while the sheepskin leather will age gracefully if taken care of. Ensuring years of use and compliments.
Get this for US$245 at Barney's.
This is just like something you would see out of a sci-fi movie or on Battlestar Galactica. I've only seen a couple of episodes but I think this would fit right into their whole wardrobe theme.
This is also, of course, classic Maison Margiela. He, of the black band around his models' eyes of past seasons. He took that concept and brought it to everyday life with this pair of bronze shades.
The thing is, I am on the fence on this one. On one hand, it's got the whole cool Fifth-Element factor and it is smartly constructed because there is a little nose nook that I couldn't see from the first picture but is visible in the second; so it is actually comfortable to wear for more than a few minutes. And you'll be sure to be the only one in the block or the whole neighborhood with shades like these.
On the other hand, I am not too thrilled with the dull bronze color - maybe it was a direct opposition to the whole sci-fi vibe? I think silver or black would be a better fit in terms of color but maybe this was Maison Margiela's whole point. To have something so obviously inspired by a certain theme but then not look like everything one would associate with that theme.
So if you ever feel like fast-forwarding a few light years, you can find this for US$545 at eLUXURY.
I am digging this silk twill narrow scarf from Maison Martin Margiela. As its name suggests, this is perfect for those nights on the town where you wine and dine in style. The silk fabric gives a luxurious sheen while being soft to the touch.
It wouldn't do much to keep you warm during those winter nights but the lightness of the fabric will allow you to layer it on and in turn provide an opportunity to play with color. This is also available in Purple. Get this for US$125 at Barney's.
Maison Martin Margiela is seriously giving me lustbumps. His Fall 08 collection is wearable, inspired, cool and modern. I cannot wait to go check out the whole collection in Paris.
For now, there is the world wide web. This useful pocket jacket will not only keep you warm and stylish, I am quite sure you can keep skip the day bag and live out of this jacket. With 4 generous sized pockets and two interior pockets (one with button-and-loop closure), you don't have to worry about losing your daily essentials. There is space for passports, wallets, hand cream, lip balm, maps, keys, coupons, condoms and oh, even lube! (As long as it's not Costco-sized, everything that I have mentioned will fit into this great jacket).
The thing I dig the most about this jacket is the adjustable waist belt which adds shape and contour that is usually not highlighted in men's fashion. You can also wear this without the belt for easier removal (if you're shopping or on your way to a tryst) but I would, personally, make sure that belt stays on everytime I wear this. The adjustable belt details is also present on the collar which only adds to the uniqueness that is often associated with Maison Martin's designs.
This 100% Polyurethane jacket is going for US$1395 at eLUXURY.
This rocking leather jacket from Martin Margiela is giving me lustbumps. They are like goosebumps but instead of being triggered during fear or cold, they get released when I see an item such as this. Lust and want combined into a potent emotional concoction. You heard it here first.
Coming back to this, I am digging the twin front zipped pockets on this jacket and the two zippers on the start and end of the individual zipper. They are still pockets so you get functionality as well as edge. The soft premium grey leather adds a sleek, devil-may-care debonair to the whole look. Mr Margiela has also thrown in 2 zippers at the cuff to complete the look. I can't wait to go try this on. Get this for US$1,903.85 at Diabro.
This skinny zigzag scarf from Maison Martin Margiela will add a dash of fun to your ensemble. Pair this with your favorite tee and go about your day. The zigzag pinstripes remind me of the comics I used to read where a fight scene was represented with a big POW! or BAM! in a big zigzag or lightening bolt. The black fringe at the end sums up the relaxed, playful vibe from this scarf. Get this for US$145 at eLUXURY.
These straight leg dress pants from Martin Margiela were made to fit like a glove; with their waist boning. Boning refers to a piece of material (flexible metal etc) inserted under the fabric to hold the clothing in place and to keep it from riding up. The complimentary V slit on the waist band adds a unique twist, along with its 3 pocket design. It's on sale at YOOX for US$190 in multiple sizes.

This pair looks like a hybrid between something you'll wear with a tux and something you'll wear with flair shorts. Thanks in part to its 0.5" heel. I especially like the contrasting leather overlay. It doesn't look very formal like its name suggests but it gets extra points for being versatile enough to be worn with shorts, jeans and pants. Now that's a bang for your buck! Get it at eLUXURY for US$745.