ASIA STREET STYLE

More of FU Style Blogger Kim Philley

2012-02-05T19:45:00.000-08:00

I couldn't get enough of styling and shooting Kim. Here we are again out in my old Bangkok neighbourhood near midnight and my rented balcony.

Latest Fashion Feature for HerWorld Magazine Vietnam

2012-02-04T21:31:00.000-08:00

Another fun fashion feature shot for HerWorld Magazine February Chinese New Year issue. It was great as always to work with the talented team comprised of Victor Liccioni & Hoang Anh for styling and concept; Ha Anh Vu, model; Cu Tie, for hair & make-up.

Kim Philley in Bangkok

2012-01-29T18:03:00.001-08:00

My friend and I had the fortune of getting lost in a freight lift last weekend in Bangkok with an elegant woman in a beautiful dress. I couldn't keep my eyes off the pattern of blush and taupe ferns. As we were all going to the same photo exhibition, I later introduced myself properly. It turned out, we had a lot in common, one of which is an obsession with style and fashion. Kim is the Bangkok-based fashion blogger for FU: "It's not an insult, it's a fashion blog". Here she is, the top styled by me from the streets of Bangkok.

Other Life as Lifestyle TV Presenter on Travel Channel with Andrew Zimmern

2012-01-18T20:51:00.000-08:00

Just found this on Youtube! Eating with Andrew Zimmern is always great fun even though at times it's like jumping off a cliff. He is so enthusiastic, knowledgeable and adventurous about food it's contagious!

Here we are eating together for the third time in Bangkok, starting 10:00 into the video here and finishes in Chinatown at this link. Bon Appetit!

Some clips from the video

Not sure if I liked what I was chewing

Full Chinese banquet at 8am

"Spit it out!" He'd just bitten off half of a vegetarian shrimp from a market stall. I flicked the other half off his hand.

My First Fashion Feature Shot for HerWorld Magazine

2012-01-12T06:05:00.003-08:00

This was shot last summer in Saigon. I had the privilege of working with Victor Liccioni and Hoang Anh who styled the shoot.

MK Design London

2011-11-17T06:36:00.000-08:00

I had the chance to visit the Cornwall Design Fair 2011 held last summer. While going through the two tents I kept on seeing this elegant woman walking quickly back and forth like she knew exactly where she was going. As it turned out, Hyekyoung was one of the featured designers from London, selling handprinted scarves. The way her scarf floated and waved in the air as she walked was so mesmorising I followed her to her booth.

What inspired you to create MK Design?

My inspiration is drawn from a wealth of sources including nature, travelling and art galleries. Nature and its colours give me huge inspirations. When I find a scenery that I like, my brain and my heart suddenly stop working as I get very touched. Travelling has given me diverse colours and thoughts. Travelling in India, for example, gave me a different way of thinking and different view of looking at some objects. Regarding galleries, my favorite artists are Monet and Gustav Klimt. The combination of colours of their work and the patterns of Klimt's work are absolutely gorgeous.

What do you design mostly?

I specialise in textile print design. I have developed and transformed my skills by using traditional, contemporary and digital printing techniques combining with art talents and passion for textiles into fashion and interior products. Every piece in my collection is absolutely unique and individually crafted in limited numbers appealing to a contemporary market. Recently, I designed handmade silk scarves using marbling and hand painting techniques (pictured above).

What's the concept of your design?

I aim to create prints with an interest in the relationship between drawing, surface pattern and colours, I create abstract patterns that retain an element of the hand-drawn image. Integrating the traditional and the contemporary in a way of approaching and transforming my skills, I play with two opposite directions together to create my own personal expression that is unique and sophisticated.

What do you like to wear?

I like simple, unique and feminine style. I try to wear diverse brands together rather than being picky about designer brands. If some items make me look nice and match well, then they are just mine. So I like clothes from Topshop to Alexander McQueen. I especially enjoy wearing jeans brands: 7 jeans, DKNY,Diesel and Hudson all with T-shirts.

Where can I buy your garments and scarves?

Please enjoy surfing at www.mkchomk.com. Coming soon.

New Posts Coming Soon

2011-09-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

Hi, I've recently been concentrating on commercial shoots with work posted on the other blog Nana Chen Photography so that you know I've not forgotten about this blog! I will be posting more stylish people as soon as I can from Vietnam, France, Hong Kong, they've all got style and Asia in common.

KIU--new French label

2011-06-28T02:51:00.000-07:00

Kiu is a brand I first noticed while on a magazine shoot at Saigon's Vietnamese-Dutch restaurant Flow. The duo: Julie Dao Duy and Camille Chatelier were there to organise a fashion show at the then new venue. A year later, their creations are now on the racks at the Villa Anupa on the other side of town. I had to learn more.

What do you usually wear?

I usually wear the clothes we design, mixed with other clothes from other designer friends or brands. I like to have one basic piece and one designer piece.

Define your style
I would say I like casual and comfortable clothes. I started wearing heels not long ago so I am adapting my wardrobe right now :). But the general idea is to find clothes that you can wear without anything else. No need for accessories. Pair of Jean and a nice top is my favourite outfit.

How does your work influence your style and vice versa?
I always loved that 'ethnic chic' style you can find in magazines. But it's risky. It is often 'too much'. KIU is a nice compromise. That's why I like to wear our own collection.

-How did Kiu get its start?
KIU started as a crazy idea we both had ( None of us studied design). We were too shy and not confident enough to start a business alone. Starting KIU together has been a great adventure.

What's the concept?
The concept is simple. We want to mix traditional Vietnamese fabrics from the north with a young and casual design. There is only a small ethnic 'touch' on our clothes. It is not obvious, more subtle.

Who wears Kiu?
KIU is for women who want to wear comfortable clothes with style. Our fabrics are perfect for Vietnam and for Spring- Summer in Europe.

Where/Who do you look to for inspiration?
Inspiration comes form fashion magazines of course, designers' websites, but most of the time, it comes from the streets and people we meet.

Where do you shop for yourself?
I don't really shop in Vietnam. I just came back from Hong Kong, the best place for shopping!

Nomad Clothing Bangkok shoot

2011-04-19T19:51:00.000-07:00

I got to do a quick half-day shoot while in Bangkok early this month. What fun! It was for Nomad a small boutique selling bohemian style clothing at Amarin Plaza in Bangkok. You can find their page on Facebook by searching Nomad Clothing Bangkok.

Special thanks goes to documentary photographer Patrick Brown for providing the location.

Jennifer Gampell

2011-03-31T22:24:00.000-07:00

I came across Jennifer Gampell's name four years ago while searching for tips on living as a freelancer. I loved her piece on how she came to be a writer. Many months later I saw her on the cover of a Bangkok magazine with that terrific smile and funky clothes and jewellery.

I wrote to her complimenting her style. We finally met at a pool party one winter in Bangkok, which means swimming weather. While all of us had our swimsuits on, Jennifer wore a black dress and a pair of black high Camper boots. A friendship developed and we finally got to do a quick photo session last week. Here's her Q&A:

What are you wearing?

-2nd-hand Lee rider jean jacket from the Sanpakoi market in Chiang Mai, Thailand
-2nd-hand fuzzy black scarf from one of the many charity shops on Putney High Street, London
-2nd-hand sleeveless black top from a one-time Sunday street market in a Belgian village
-2nd-hand tiger print skirt cum top from a store that sells ridiculously cheap used American clothes at one of the MRT underground shops at Chatuchak Market, Bangkok
-2nd-hand black Canada North boots from Chatuchak Market, Bangkok
-2nd-hand 90s plastic earrings from an MRT underground shop at Chatuchak
-1st-hand black churidars from a western-style department store Mumbai, India
-1st-hand glasses from a shop near Gare Montparnasse, Paris, France

Define your style.
An idiosyncratic and eye-catching mix of other people's castoffs.

How does your work influence your style?
I've been self-employed for 21 years so thankfully I can wear what I choose.

Where/Who do you look for (to for) inspiration?
I ignore trends and really can't describe the gut feeling that leads me to wear what I do on any given day. I love the intuitive "aha" moment when I know intuitively a certain combination works. My only constraint is lack of space. Every new purchase means I need to get rid of something already hanging in my closet. Again, intuition tells me which item to keep for 15 years and which to pass on to friends after two weeks!

Where do you shop?
For the past 40 years I've trolled for second-hand clothes all over the world: at garage sales and thrift stores in the San Francisco bay area, charity shops in the U.K. and markets anywhere I encounter them. Zeroing in on even one interesting item amidst so many piles or racks of assorted clothes and accessories produces an addictive high that beats any drug or drink I ever imbibed in my wild and crazy youth.

Saigon Stylista Couple

2011-02-23T05:40:00.000-08:00

Bien Nguyen and Elizabeth Fisher run the uber-trendy Xu Restaurant Lounge in Saigon. The two are also one of the most stylish couples I've encountered anywhere. I caught up with them last month for a quick click on the street & a Q&A on their personal style and what makes them head-turners.

Bien's Q&A
Shoes: Ted Baker
Jeans: Nudie - Thigh Long John [Favorite brand of jeans]
Under T-shirt: Marshall artist [friends label taking the world by storm]
Sweater: D&G
Jacket: Tailored by Cao Minh HCMC

My style concept is usually balancing casual or street with a touch of formal chic. I need to look the perceived presentable but cool and maybe a bit of edge. So I think that comes through on most days. I'm not sure who inspires my style but I like to wear at least one item that is unique to the commercial.

I usually shop outside of Vietnam in smaller edgy boutiques with up-and-coming designers. In Singapore, Haji Lane has a few small cool boutiques, New York's Soho and Outer Soho area, too. In Vietnam, Mai Lam--one-offs for her son of course, and L'usine.

Elizabeth's Q&A
Top: Edun
Jeans: J Brand
Shoes: Aldo
Necklace: Marc Jacobs
Bracelets: Hermes
Bangles: a gift

My style is casual classic with a bit of glamour and edge. I like to keep my look simple but always add a touch of funk or glamour. With work I can pretty much wear whatever I feel comfortable in that has style. If I have meetings that day, I dress in more business style. If I have an event that evening, then my work outfit will be party fun.

I get inspired by everything from my friends, to magazines, to my fake shopping carts I create online. I love to pretend to shop online; like at shopbop.com or net-a-porter.com, and see what they are trending.

Shopping in Vietnam is very difficult, especially for my body size and in particular my sized 40 feet. I can't go very local because nothing fits properly, but I will hit up places like Mango or M)phosis for basics and then go to L'Usine or Mai Lam for more unique pieces.

My favorite place to shop is in the US though. Everything just fits, especially for shoes where they carry every style in my size. But I do agree with Bien: for Asia, I love to hit up the boutique-y areas like Haji in Singapore or Soho in Hong Kong.

Co-Hosting Premeire Episode of Greatest Trips In The World:Taiwan

2011-01-20T10:28:00.000-08:00

I co-hosted a Taiwan Tourism film alongside American TV host JD Roberto last November. The premiere episode of KTLA's Best Vacations in the World will be screened on 20 February at the Dining Terrace of the Westfield Mall Century City in Los Angeles. For most of you, like myself, we can view it on KTLA's website.

Picture taken of the film crew by our brilliant director and editor Darryl Kinson.

My wardrobe was partially supplied by SONG Paris

Yu Yanase: Up and Coming Young Japanese Designer

2010-11-13T06:39:00.000-08:00

I've had the pleasure of working with Yu for nearly two years. Here are a pair of trousers he designed for himself.

Massimo Ferrari Bespoke

2010-07-07T05:50:00.000-07:00

Three men on separate occasions with widely varying backgrounds and styles told me about Massimo Ferrari in the span of two days. All three men spoke at length for several minutes until they realised I had not a stitch to benefit from entering the new man's boutique, however exquisite.

But their nearly crazed excitement made me curious about "shoes that look and feel like art," "craftsmanship that you can so rarely find," "amazing finish". One would have thought they were describing a Stradivarius violin had they not mentioned Gucci, Tom Ford and Armani. OK. Enough! I set out with my friend R to have a look last weekend, his second trip.

That was last week. I am still as excited. No. There's still nothing in the shop for me. I am simply touched by how much passion designer Luis Antonio Torres III has for his art of creating beautiful clothing and accessories for men and quickly scheduled to shoot him in his own clothes.

Q&A

What is your personal style?

My personal style varies on my mood, the season and where I’m at in my life. Overall, I’m passionate about Milanese and Neapolitan trends as a starting point. I love mixing colours and wearing accessories in different colours that one may not expect to be worn together but yet somehow looks really chic.

I tend to mix my taste between Italian Style and Japanese style setups. For example, I find myself reinventing new ideas on how to make a great basic blazer always stand out from the rest. Whether I choose to add the pocket square for a bit of pop, or go totally sartorial with the hand stitching everywhere, or just go totally crazy an add a hood to my blazer for the rain season in Asia.

Personally I also love the shorter jackets not only because I’m short, but it also tells a story about my trousers, which are more often than not skin tight or really tapered as all my clients point out and comment on. I love fitted jackets and shirts, as the slim fit always shows off the beauty of the cuts and the clothing.

Another element to my personal style of dress is that I’m always found sockless. I wear almost all my shoes without socks as its so elegant when a man crosses his legs wearing a suit and you can see a little bit of skin on the leg. Just adds more personal style and flair than wearing hosiery on the foot.

What are you wearing?

In the photo, I’m wearing a 100% waterproof silk taffeta fabric from Mectex, Italy, which I cut into my Saigon Rain Blazer (pictured) with a detachable hood. The jacket is navy blue and has a lovely subtle shine because of the silk yarns woven into the fabrics. It’s 100% deconstructed so it fits just like a shirt.

The scarf is made from a vintage silk fabric that I picked up in New York and has navy blue, burgundy, and white geometric details. The scarf is 100% handmade and features hand-rolled edges. The trousers are a personal favourite and are a really fun summer tartan check in red, white and blue cotton.

The trousers are my novelty trim fit, 100% handmade, and are just a must-have for summer. The shirt is a classic white Oxford shirt with long point collar. Another basic must-have for any man’s wardrobe and of course the Red Suede Driving Loafers. And of course, all items are 100% made by Massimo Ferrari Bespoke.

Who is the Massimo Ferrari man?

The Massimo Ferrari man is a guy who sees himself as an evolving individual, most likely a CEO, international executive, jetsetter, or even a colleague in the fashion business. Our guys for the most part have got taste intuitively and are seeking new eccentric styles that cannot be found any place else in Saigon.

To our men, quality is the most important element along with the cut and fit. This allows our men to feel comfortable with our products and not have to feel worried about longevity of the products, brand or customer service. The Massimo Ferrari man comes to us for our expertise and service and therefore has a long-lasting relationship with us, returning season after season.

Where do you see Saigon's fashion now?

Personally, I think the fashion in Saigon right now is on a positive upward evolution. The brand wars of the great fashion houses still remain strong and will continue to be strong. However, the meaning and essence behind the brand, quality and direction has still not been interpreted correctly to the local consumers.

I find more often than not people love buying things here because of a name, rather than buying something that identifies with their own individual style or taste. I have seen numerous cases where a man’s style or woman's style for that matter resembling nothing of the clothing or accessory they just bought et al their personalities and styles clash. Hence, the brands win again with being a name.

We’re setting out to deliver and educate our clients about brand and style however well-versed they may be in fashion. It’s always refreshing to share new tips, and help refine our clients’ personal taste and style. And trust me, I always learn something new every day. If I had to put my finger on it, I would say the biggest drawback about Saigon's fashion is the lack of individual style we see.

There’s very little self-expression and subtle flamboyancy that is so needed in order for the fashion culture to evolve here. However, having said this, that just makes it all the more interesting and timely for what our group is gearing up to do in the next year.

Where would you like to see the label go?

For now Massimo Ferrari is developing rather quickly in the local market and we have big hopes for expanding the brand label throughout Asia. We are planning on opening our Massimo Ferrari Bespoke Lounge that will only cater to our clients seeking bespoke clothing in a private setting of a lounge.

The Bespoke Lounge will feature plush leather sofas, plush leather lounge chairs, great music, dim lighting, a small cocktail service bar, courtesy private phone lines, a shoe shine service, valet, free wifi, meeting centre, and all the elements of the bespoke suits, shoes, accessories and bags Massimo Ferrari is known for. All private. We are still debating over the cigar bar, but for now it’s just on the wish list.

Taipei's Shaka Whiskey Bar Staff

2010-06-08T22:54:00.001-07:00

Take a look at her super light cropped motorcycle jacket. Love the three-quarter sleeves.

This is Robert who's got what I call the 'modern monk' style.

Owen John Shots

2010-04-27T08:12:00.000-07:00

My friend Owen John needed some pictures for a portfolio while we were in Bangkok. Here are some of my favourites.

SONG Paris Ad Campaign

2010-04-25T06:41:00.000-07:00

A few pictures to share with you from the SONG Paris ad campaign.

Fab Bangkok

2010-04-23T04:44:00.001-07:00

I took these as part of my magazine assignment on Bangkok's hip Siam Square.