Mandarin Gallery Blog

A popular ad jingle sings ‘the men don’t get it’. The fact is, this gender stereotype can go both ways. Sometimes, it is the women who don’t get it and this is especially true when it comes to boys’ toys, the mythical objects that men are obsessively passionate about. From cult plastic figurines to the perfect pair of running shoes, here are just some of the things that will make the average guy on the street hot under the collar. There is no need for you to understand the mysterious attractive forces at work here – just buy them for him!

Original Fake X Kaws Companion Bearbrick
There is always a little boy in all grown men, which explains their enduring love for toys. First launched as part of Original Fake’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection, the morbidly comical Dissected Companion Bearbrick remains very much coveted among toy figurines collectors the world over. Available in varying sizes (i.e. 100%, 200%, 400% and 1000%), it is modelled after the infamous character by artist Kaws and features exposed innards and muscular tissues. All that two-dimensional blood and gore – no wonder the boys are stirred into such a frenzy.

The Kaws Companion Bearbrick retails from SGD50 to SGD300 at Ambush, #03-14, Mandarin Gallery

Bose SoundDock II
For a music junkie, there are few things as sacred as a good sound system. With the digitalisation of music, this translates to an iPod compatible dock and Bose’s SoundDock II is arguable one of the best machines on the market. With the same award-winning performance of the original SoundDock, this improved version boasts enhanced and additional features. For instance, you can now navigate your playlists with the remote control.

The Bose SoundDock II (SGD599 to SGD749) can be found at Green Light, #03-15, Mandarin Gallery

Rolex Deepsea
Men usually accessorise sparingly and often a good watch is all he needs. Designed for extreme underwater exploration, the Rolex Deepsea is made for the professional diver and those who like to push boundaries. A strikingly handsome timepiece, it is equipped with a unique chain bracelet, a bezel inlaid with virtually scratch-resistant black Cerachrom disc and a titanium caseback. Whether he is a diver or not, this will definitely win his heart.

The Rolex Deepsea is available at E’COLLEZIONE for SGD29,800

Terra Plana Evo Running Shoes
If he is addicted to the runner’s high, a good pair of running shoes is absolutely necessary to keep him injury-free. The Evo has an ultra-thin, puncture resistant sole that is ideal for urban environments. It is also lightweight and very breathable, making the running experience a stress-free one. Stripped of any frills, it simply allows your feet to move the way they are supposed to move.

The Evo retails for SGD229 at Terra Plana, #02-04, Mandarin Gallery

There is something undeniably ‘spring’ about bright, cheerful colours. As we say goodbye to 2010 and usher in a spanking new 2011, it seems particularly apt to deck ourselves out in the happiness-inducing shades of the rainbow. Coincidentally, the fashion world has been endorsing strong primary colours and bold pop hues for a while now, so you will have little trouble finding them at the stores. To get you started, here are our top picks for injecting a little (or a lot of) colour into your life. Have fun!

Ras Shoes
Soft, pretty ice-cream shades are a more understated way of getting colourful. Not as intimating as jewel tones or as loud as neon, pastels are great for those who do not want to go over-the-top with this trend. Spanish shoemaker, Ras, makes shoes for the young, urban and cosmopolitan woman. The principles of good design and quality are at the heart of the label and the objective is to produce attractive, durable footwear. These comfortable, embellished ballet flats (SGD199) are available in a trio of sweet tones – picking just one will be the most difficult part.

You will find Ras shoes at Scarlet & Ebony (#02-23, Mandarin Gallery)

Eley Kishimoto Cardigans
Over the years, fashion label Eley Kishimoto has established itself as a forerunner in the niche fashion genre of quirky chic. As a master of visually arresting print and graphic design, bright colours are a key element of the brand’s identity. Knitwear is another of its strengths. These cute cardigans are the result of artfully combining superior print design with quality knitwear. Other than keeping you warm on a cool day, they are also fabulous for making a colourful fashion statement.

Eley Kishimoto’s Fall/Winter 2010 collection is now on sale at Ambush (#03-14, Mandarin Gallery). The above cardigans are retailing at SGD322 (was SGD460)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Jumble Logo Neoprene Laptop Sleeve
Marc Jacobs has a knack for launching things that everyone wants immediately.  As part of his new Tech Collection for his Marc by Marc Jacobs line, he introduced these blindingly bright laptop sleeves, which are embossed with a playful jumble logo print. Coming in five colours (e.g. yellow, turquoise, pink, purple and black), they are available in 15”. At only SGD90, they are an absolute steal.

Check out the rest of the Tech Collection at the Marc by Marc Jacobs store (#01-11/#01-12, Mandarin Gallery)

This Christmas, treat yourself or a loved one to a dazzling dose of gorgeous gold with these street chic accessories that will add that extra edge to your festive outfit. From cleverly made jewellery and playful, chunky watches to stylish over-sized sunglasses, pick your choice of poison – and have lots of fun with it!

Yuki Mitsuyasu
Mid-range quality jewellery is such a rarity that Yuki Mitsuyasu’s surprisingly affordable and stunning creations seem almost too good to be true. Mitsuyasu’s jewellery takes on sculptural shapes and features clean, modernist lines and geometric shapes. Her dedication to visual aesthetics gave birth to cleverly designed trinkets that are not only decorative but interactive as well. With unique clasp systems, these pieces also embody the best of creative functionality. The romantic Shine Collection is characterised by two hearts that come together to complete the clasp and form a brilliant star.

Yuki Mitsuyasu Jewellery retails at Inhabit (#02-16, Mandarin Gallery) from SGD140 to SGD400

Triwa
The colourful Triwa watches are a sight for sore eyes. Designed to be playful and unpretentious, these watches are meant to be an extension of your lifestyle attitude to time. Lightweight in form but heavy on fashion, there is a startlingly wide range of shades and models to choose from. With straps of leather, plastic or acetate, Triwa’s large watch faces are attention grabbing, in a fabulous way. The brand’s latest addition to its expansive collection is the Brasco (in either Nude or Turtle); every piece is cut and polished by hand to ensure a smooth and shiny finish that is reminiscent of tortoiseshell and ivory.

Grab your Triwa Watches at Inhabit (#02-16, Mandarin Gallery) from SGD235 to SGD285

Dita
The undeniable vintage charms of the Dita Sun collection will be sure to steal the heart of any eyewear aficionado. Inspired by eyewear designs from the ‘50s through to the ‘80s, the pieces are made with modern materials and technology, thus resulting in a quality look and fit. The subtle brand logo creates a sense of understated anonymity, which is a refreshing change from heavily labelled designer eyewear. Letting their frames do the talking instead, Dita’s designs are meant to complement the wearer’s features and contribute to their overall style. The attractively over-sized Sunbeam (SGD690) boasts a titanium frame in white gold and seductively warm brown lens.

Dita Eyewear is available at Ambush (#03-14, Mandarin Gallery) from SGD590

In an era of fast fashion, it is ironic that there is a growing appreciation of traditional craftsmanship and classic styles. In menswear, there is a revival of dandy-ism and men are reverting to the elegant, impeccable dress codes of earlier decades. Fashion-forward males are once again reaching for the dress shirts, blazers, bow ties and leather shoes.

However, in contrast with their predecessors, the dandies of today are mixing these gentleman pieces with the street wear (e.g. t-shirt, jeans, sneakers) of our era – the result is an eclectic style that is completely now. If you are an aspiring modern dandy, check out these charming shoes from Henrik Vibskov and Repetto, which blend vintage designs with a contemporary twist!

Henrik Vibskov Suede Lace-Ups
Known for his extravagant, loud prints, Henrik Vibskov has toned down his signature excesses in these pair of handsome suede lace-ups while still retaining the iconic youthful playfulness of the brand. Using a subtle but interesting paneling technique, these shoes stay grounded with a tasteful beige trim and refreshing white sole. Timeless neutrals like black and grey are paired with a dusty blue or rich maroon for a flattering contrast. Made of 100% lambskin, they promise blissful comfort.

Repetto Homme
With its name almost synonymous with the feminine ballet flats, few people are aware that this Parisian shoe brand is also very adept at making men’s shoes. The Repetto Homme collection features clean, simple designs with a graceful construction that reminds one of lithe dance movements. It is a highly focused range with only four classic looks: the Jazz shoe, the loafer, the ankle boot and an updated model that laces up at the side. Looking equally good in polished patent or soft calf leather, these shoes, that are made to last, uses a special ‘stitched backed’ technique unique to Repetto.

The Henrik Vibskov lace-ups retail from SGD430 to SGD480 while Repetto Homme is priced from SGD294 to SGD396. Both ranges can be found at Ambush (#03-14, Mandarin Gallery)