YStyle Picks

Deconstructing Balenciaga

MANILA, Philippines - As the fashion world waited to see what Alexander Wang’s follow-up would be to Balenciaga’s best-selling Motorcycle bag, CR Fashion Book went ahead and deconstructed the designer’s first handbag offering as the brand’s new creative director. The result? A firm departure from the tough, rock ’n‘ roll style of Nicholas Ghesquière and a venture into more lady-like territory with a stiff, top-handle design from Le Dix, Balenciaga’s new handbag collection. “Le Dix refers to the original address where Balenciaga was founded,” Wang told CR Fashion Book. “It was also the name of the brand’s first fragrance. It was only natural that this heritage also be translated into a bag for this first collection.”

Comic timing

No one brings together fashion and literature quite like London-based fashion designer Charlotte Olympia. For her upcoming collection, Olympia has annouced that she has another collaboration lined up that will get even the geekiest of girls excited. This November, Olympia is set to launch a line of shoes and purses featuring vintage Archie comics and characters. “When I was 10 years old, my best friend used to go to America every holiday and bring Archie comics back with her,” she told WWD. “I still read them today. I especially love Betty and Veronica, they have that retro pin-up look that I adore.” Prices range from $1,095 for platform wedges printed with vintage Archie pages to $1,295 for clutches embroidered with classic Archie covers.

Flat heaven

New York flats brand LeBunny Bleu has opened up shop in Manila with two branches that opened last week in Shangri-la Plaza Mall and Glorietta. The brand channels retro influences and offers a wide variety of flat shoes ranging from oxfords, slip-ons, loafers and ballet flats to espadrilles, sandals and sneakers. Interestingly, the brand’s popularity took off in Korea, where it’s been spotted on the feet of K-Pop girl groups, like Girls Generation, After School and 4minute.