September – 2014 – Second Kulture

Outfit

Givenchy Star-Print Metal Collar Stay Shirt

19th September 2014

Givenchy lead the way with revolutionary shirt designs that pushes the boundaries of modern classic men’s shirt. Introduced just over a year ago in Givenchy Fall Winter 2014 menswear is the unique Givenchy Collar Stay Insert-Detail Cotton Shirt that features a pioneer reversed collar stay and an exposed detailed insert-tip that has never failed to draw admiration. Read Givenchy Pre-Spring 2014’s best Camouflage Stripe Star-Print Collar Stay Shirt.

It is no surprise that the French designer keeps getting it right with every new variant and each new facelift introduced for every season. The new moderately revised Givenchy Star-Print Metal Collar Stay Shirt from the Givenchy Pre-Fall 2014 Menswear collection offers a few varieties, and as usual there are both classic and seasonal designs to choose from.

As standard in each new variant comes with unique star-print metal collar stays – sometimes referred as collar bone, collar tabs, or collar stiffs/ stiffeners, are part of the prominent shirt accessory trademark. Givenchy innovated the conventional collar design by reversing the underside that has lead a range of design possibilities to play with, while retaining the traditional insert function to stabilize collar points.

In this season, I was privilege enough to have purchased two of the classic Givenchy Star-Print Metal Collar Stay Shirts available in primary white or black cotton poplin, followed by a seasonal Pre-Fall 2014 Givenchy Red-Metal Collar Stay Black & White Shirt that will be analysed in another post. The classic series characterize itself with its colourless silver metal collar stay that adds a nice touch with an off-white matte finish star and stripe print, The collar stays weights and feels well-made as part of the added jewelry feature. Furthermore, the collar stay insert pockets has a superior detailed texture which creates a subtle distinct contrast in comparison to the smooth cotton poplin.

Evidently with it’s exclusive collar feature and impeccable workmanship, there are however some downsides to it. The fabric integrated for the Givenchy Star-Print Metal Collar Stay Shirt is made from a new lightweight cotton poplin material, unlike the other Givenchy conventional shirts from the past seasons, such as its Givenchy Camouflage Stripe Star-Print Collar Stay Shirt sibling, the new lightweight cotton poplin is prone to wrinkles which makes it difficult to iron out even with when steam pressed, inadvertently leaving behind some unfortunate iron scorch marks.

It is difficult to avoid being notice when wearing the Givenchy Star-Print Metal Collar Stay Shirt, the reflective star-print metal collar stays illuminates reflective light that device an evocative notion at observers. Although practicability in maintenance might not come in ease, the Givenchy Star-Print Metal Collar Stay Shirt offers great value with a fine touch of distinction and would be an ideal solution for those who are looking to increase their Givenchy wardrobe staples.

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Size Guide

Balmain Fall Winter 2014 Biker Jeans and Trousers Size Guide

11th September 2014

The new Balmain denim biker jeans and trousers collection for Fall Winter 2014 menswear is growing bigger than ever and supremely diversified. So if you are seeking to expand your personal Balmain biker wardrobe collection without having to gamble with sizing assumption, this could be the wholly collection for you. Learn more about the Balmain Fall Winter 2014 Menswear collection.

In this season, creative director Olivier Rousteing explores Africa adventures of the past, establishing heavy inspiration across an array of signature denim biker jeans and trousers – both classic and seasonal. The latest Balmain Fall Winter 2014 collection is infuse with a distinctive military-safari flavour which translates continuous success of the perpetually stylish Balmain biker predecessor. Covet from the deepest roots of Balmain culture prevails the primary Balmain 18cm Military Camouflage Print Cotton Denim Biker Jeans, an extremely rare variant complete in time-honored desert camouflage while retaining the best essential of Decarnin-era classic biker features. Made in France, it is the must have masterpiece for any Balmaniac in this season.

Through creative ingenuity and innovative predictions has set imminent trends pioneered ahead of it’s time, new biker characteristics are introduced every season and in the latest offerings includes a totality makeover of the ever classic ribbed knee biker. Practicality with a killer punch describes the new Balmain 16.5cm Black Waxed Coated Cotton Cargo Biker Jeans that has ticked all the elements list boxes, this well-rounded bottoms includes standard features, such as the highly sought-after heavy waxed coated, Decarnin era classic ribbed knee, side cargos, and the front double-zippers which elevates this monster into a 11-pocket hybrid biker beast. If this does not draw your taste buds, there is the synonymous seasonal Balmain 16.5cm Black Waxed Ribbed Quilted-Panelled Cotton Denim Biker Jeans, a leading-edge ribbed panelling with quilted knee intervention, uni-band top zipper with pocket zip inserts detailing, finished in heavy waxed coating seems to have justified it as the ultimate one-of-a-kind biker for this season.

Progressively throughout Rousteing’s reign in Balmain has seen seasonal denim biker jeans regularly revolutionize into the classics collection. Favourable seasonal denim bikers such as the early Balmain 16.5cm Blue Dirty Worky Stretch Cotton Denim Biker Jeans (read more) and Balmain 16.5cm Black Washed Stretch Cotton Denim Biker Jeans, including the most recently introduced for Spring Summer 2014 – Balmain 16.5cm Blue Raw Indigo Stretch Cotton Denim Biker Jeans (read more), has been convey as classic timeless pieces due to popular demand throughout the seasons. The latest khaki colour code number ‘147’ for Fall Winter 2014 has been exclusively exercised over the entire biker range including this gorgeous Balmain 16.5cm Khaki Green Stretch Cotton Denim Biker Jeans, which is probably one of the best basic stretch bikers examples anyone can buy this season. It has a charming military colour that suits its sleek personality and will even awe veteran fanatics.

Surprisingly majority of the Balmain biker denim jeans and trousers are true to size this season, it is a delight to know that the designer has finally taken action to amend the sizes according to the true standard sizing specifications. Since the earlier movement to transfer manufacturing mens denim biker jeans from Italy to Japan has caused sizing errors that commonly fits two size larger than true to size.

*Measurement below are taken by hand and reflects the best measurement interpreted by concluding from various global retailers. These are not the official measurement provided by the designer ‘Balmain Paris’ themselves, therefore may result in slight inaccuracy.

*Prices includes DDP (delivery duty paid) shipped to United States, quoted in USD and varies among the rest of the world.

*Size will be updated according to stock arrival till the end of Fall Winter 2014.

BALMAIN 16.5CM KHAKI GREEN STRETCH COTTON BIKER JEANS
Farfetch $1,187 — BUY IT NOW
Luisa Via Roma $1,415 — BUY IT NOW
SSENSE $1,525 — BUY IT NOW

Product Code: W4H-T551-B658V-147
Colour: Khaki
Style: Ribbed Knee, Slight Washed Effect
Season: Balmain Fall Winter 2014 Mens
Collection: Seasonal
Size Guide: Fits true to size

Size 27 – Waist 37cm, Rise 24.5cm, Total Length 104cm, Thigh 24.5cm, Hem 15cm
Size 28 – Waist 38cm, Rise 24.5cm, Total Length 104cm, Thigh 24.5cm, Hem 15.5cm
Size 29 – Waist 40cm, Rise 25cm, Total Length 104.5cm, Thigh 25cm, Hem 15.5cm
Size 30 – Waist 41.5cm, Rise 25cm, Total Length 104.5cm, Thigh 25cm, Hem 15.5cm
Size 31 – Waist 43cm, Rise 25cm, Total Length 105cm, Thigh 26cm, Hem 16cm
Size 32 – Waist 44cm, Rise 25cm, Total Length 105.5cm, Thigh 26cm, Hem 16cm
Size 33 – Waist 45cm, Rise 25.5cm, Total Length 105.5cm, Thigh 26.5cm, Hem 16cm

Material: 98% cotton, 2% polyurethane
Design in France, Made in Japan

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Outfit

Giuseppe Zanotti Metal-Plated Black Leather High-Top Sneakers

8th September 2014

The Giuseppe Zanotti Metal-Plated High-Top Sneakers is undoubtedly the ultimate metal-plated high-top series of its kind and sports as the leading flagship sneaker in Giuseppe Zanotti Fall Winter 2013. Bold, beautiful and beguiling, it looks and feels like the product of an Italian designer company at the top of its game.

A year since the Giuseppe Zanotti Metal-Plated High-Top Sneakers was launched, it has made just as many waves as the profound classic double-bracelet series. The rigid silver-tonal metal bracelet house a fold-over velcro strap with signature-logo etched at the top vamp closure, but the real head turner feature here is the main gigantic one-piece constructed metal plaque which captures the power of luminosity, adding intrigue detailing more than the premium over contemporary double-bracelet editions.

Key specifications features a flat black leather exterior, tonal stitching, and rubber sole revolves the highest standard of luxurious materials epitomised from delicate textured finishes. The sleek hardware element accented the modernity sneaker through contrast refinement details, offering striking good looks and poise when you over step shoe game limits. “These are sneakers from the future,” said a friend who was captivated by the evocative silhouette and daylight eye-blinding mirror plates. Shop a range of diversified Giuseppe Zanotti Design men’s shoes available at multiple global boutiques in Farfetch.

But when you delve the extra large metal plaque that sit just right above the toes, it’s not such a great ideal as it first appear when footwear flexibility comes into play, as there is a bit far less practicality to go with. Other daily maintenance concerns includes the hardware rubbing into the upper vamp and cap-toe over a few wears which eventually eats into part of the delicate calf-skin finish. Nevertheless, this issue is a common Giuseppe Zanotti design imperfection that can be mitigated with a shoe polish.

I’ve always wanted the Giuseppe Zanotti Metal-Plated Black Leather High-Top Sneakers as it has been one of the most desirable and grandiose Giuseppe Zanotti high-top sneakers one can find in the marketplace. Many thanks to a devoted reader from Singapore who has convinced me to make the right decision and purchase this iconic statement piece that has delivered head-turning looks with real world usability. The best part is, they don’t make them anymore (at the moment) which encapsulates it’s rarity and questionable future residual value. Fetch the last few pairs fast! As the remaining sizes are only limited available at SSENSE for now, since the prosperous Italian designer is currently focusing on much more berserk experimental seasonal designs such as the 2014’s signature chain series, they even made a chain embellished edition which looks stunning in a spectrum of shades!

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Lookbook

Thom Browne Fall Winter 2014 Lookbook

6th September 2014

Menswear mastermind Thom Browne showcases his latest Fall Winter 2014 lookbook collection steady ahead of time since the early start of April 2014 on his Google Plus. Lately discovered by the press and overdue is a series of creative abstract style showcase from the forest glade inspired collection. Learn more about the Thom Browne Fall Winter 2014 menswear collection.

Tightly tailored in details and built from the fundamental basis of menswear, the oddity of its proportions reference into avant-garde solace. The trio hunting “sportsman” theme starts off with a distinctive quilted padded down jacket with anthers-adorn animal headgear that are a fashion formula curated taxidermy from inspirations drawn from the wild forest. Leaf motif patterned suits, duffle coats, cardigans and jackets in luxury cashmere are key collection pieces for the fall winter edition that resembles the premier fairytale setting. Followed by the a shadow stripe hound print received not only in casualwear sweatpants and sweatshirt, but also in the signature teddy varsity and wool blazer with unique contrast ribbed trimmed features.

Thom Browne’s clever use of seasonal fabrics reinvents classic business wear into a creative mixed variety approach swathed in shades of grey. Traditional winter patterns in prince of wales, houndstooth, herringbone and fraying tailored in monochromatic suiting manner, a velvet corduroy coat and signature pebble oxford footwear dressed in textured wool seeks amenity during the colder months. Experimental designs includes a two-tone contrast tweed raw edged series that desires a playful touch of austere mainstream legitimacy. The incoming collection is now ready available at various retail stores including this week’s latest Thom Browne arrivals in SSENSE and an array of retailers located at Farfetch. Direct buying links available and will be updated in this Fall Winter 2014 season accordingly.

THOM BROWNE FALL WINTER 2014 LOOKBOOK

THOM BROWNE RAYED HERRINGBONE SHETLAND WOOL COAT – $4,346
THOM BROWNE GREY HERRINGBONE FRAYED FUN-MIX BLAZER – $3,010
THOM BROWNE GREY HERRINGBONE FRAYED TWEED BLACKSTRAP TROUSERS – $2,030
THOM BROWNE BUTTON-DOWN COLLAR COTTON OXFORD SHIRT – $320
THOM BROWNE REINDEER HERRINGBONE CASHMERE TIE – $473