Stylish Diva Studio

If you are wondering who is KaiKai KiKi and Mr. DOB, I bet most of you know them, or at least have seen them before.  You don’t necessarily know their names, but you’ll remember these characters took their stage at the Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami collection.  The smiley faces, the big watery eyes, and and the colourful flower petals.  I’d say that was one of the most collectible Louis Vuitton series.  You may or may not love these little guys on the bag, but you’ll definitely love them as who they are, when you are not on the bags.  Trust me, you’ll still love them even if you are in a cranky mood.

The most famous Japanese brand A Bathing Ape (Bape) has launched its latest Bapex Clear Collection.  Bapex is not new, it was known to be Rolex inspired, and it’s actually not the first time that Bape has the Bapex Clear collection either.  This Toy Watch inspired Bapex has another collection in Spring 09 that looked more conservative, this new collection has more colours.

Bape x G-Shock

Japanese brands always have projects collaborating with other brands.  We’ve had in the past, Head Porter x Beams, Comme des Garçons x Converse, Mastermind Japan x Vsivim, and so on, they’ve all been extremely successful.  The main reasons are; they are all limited edition, so it made them more precious.  Second, you paid a price and you are wearing 2 brands, pieces that contains 2 different design elements, which usually created new dynamics to both brands.  And of course, it could be once in a life time for the collaboration.  It is possible that they’ll gather again, but who knows when. It could be years later when you might not even fit into the targeted age group anymore, keep in mind that your taste might change over time.

There is no doubt that Marc Jacobs is one of the most talented designer, I loved the crazy ideas that he brought to Louis Vuitton, even though sometimes I may not necessarily agreed with his design for the brand, I should say the handbags in particular.  Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely loved his design for the Louis clothing, he definitely created trends for every season.  I am not going to concentrate on his premium lines today, not Louis, not his own Marc Jacobs line, nor Marc by Marc Jacobs, but his Jacobs by Marc Jacobs line.  I’m not sure if you are familiar with the Jacobs line here in North America, I never really see it available, at least not in Canada, but it’s actually very popular in Japan.  If you ask me what’s in this line, to be honest, not much, it’s all about the totes, and may be a few wallets.

Undercover Eyescream T-shirt, exclusive to ZOZOTOWN

I was going through my e-mails today and received an e-newsletter from ZOZOTOWN, I found this very interesting T-shirt from the Japanese brand UNDERCOVER.  As you may know already I’m addicted to unique designed tees, so I really want to show this.

Another great collaboration, COMME des GARCONS famous PLAY heart shape on your favorite pair of basic Converse, how brilliant is that! After a successful launch in Japan early 2009, they’ll be coming to each of their flag ship stores in different cities like New York, London, Paris, Hong Kong and Seoul. Meanwhile China and North America will get their share in October this year.

Available in black and white, high and lo tops, retail for $100 USD.

Kiss Me Heavy Rotation Pencil Liner

2 days ago, I walked by a local store called Smart Maple, (this is so Canadian ^o^!!) a store that sells cheesy Japanese Sanrio stuff like Hello Kitty.  I’m not a fan because I passed that stage long ago, but something just caught my eyes and I couldn’t help but to walked over and check out the new station with all the Japanese cosmetic products.  I mean the real local Japanese brands, stuff that are all written in Japanese, don’t even have English on it.  I picked up this eyeliner “Heavy Rotation – Smooth Line” from a brand called Kiss Me for $15.99 CDN, tried to read the Kenji with all the knowledge that I have in Chinese, hopefully I could find something about whether if it’s waterproof, but nothing…as expected. (cuz I can’t read Japanese)  I don’t think the girls there read it either, so I didn’t bother to ask.  I thought, it doesn’t hurt to try because I think the Japanese are smart enough to figure out that we need waterproof.

I’m sure you all know how popular are “patterns” these days, we have fashion and accessories featuring the Animal Prints, Python, Poka Dots, Monogram, etc.  Now, just before these prints were back on track in the fashion industry here in North America and Europe, the Japanese already have them featuring at all time.  One brand in particular, has all these designs and they have kept going strong in Asia, that is Head Porter from Japan.

Pump Highlighter Pens, £0.90

While waiting for the Muji-like Margaret Howell Fall/Winter 2009 collection, let’s take a look at the Muji lifestyle.  I’m not sure if a lot of people know about Muji in North America, but it really is a big impact in Asia when they first launched the store in Japan in 1980.  Soon after Muji launched their first store in Hong Kong in the 90’s (I was still at school), I started seeing my classmates using Muji highlighters and they had becoming extremely popular amongst  the students, and this is where I began to use  Muji products.

Margaret Howell

ZOZOTOWN in Japan has been doing very well in their distribution network, they’ve always offer good stuff from the international designers other than just the local Japanese designers.  I always keep my eye on the ZOZOTOWN website for these updated trends and new brands that are entering the company.  British designer Margaret Howell will launch her line at ZOZOTOWN on Monday, 22nd June.