Eye Candy: Ali Hammoud Mr International 2012

He is the current reigning champ of Mr International 2012, a pageant that was held in Bangkok, Thailand on 24 November 2012.  He hails from Lebanon.  His name is Ali Hammoud.

It is insane how stunning this guy is.  It is more insane that no amount of independent checks can unearth any details about him.  No stats, agency representation, or background.

Which would make it hard for any client to contact him directly for projects, unless they go through the organizers of the pageant.  Then again, since no one knows his stats, it is hard to figure out if he is of the expected standard size range for the industry.

What is known is that he is actually third runner up in the Mister Lebanon pageant.  And the win in Bangkok is the second international coup for the country.

Regardless, agencies really need to expand their net in search of new faces.

More on Ali Hammoud: Models Redefined 

Eye Candy: Redefined Male Ideals

I do not intend to turn this blog into a meat diary.  But I do want to make a point.  Beauty is everywhere.  And if we subscribe to a type, we'd lose out a lot.

Case in point -

Mister International 2012 from Lebanon: Ali Hammoud.

And how about the first Filipino winner of Manhunt International 2012, June Macasaet.

The age of the skinny boy models is over.  And seeing that these men won over their Western counterparts, it is a healthy sign that beauty is constantly being redefined.

Fashion always strikes a balance between what is representative and what is aspirational.  Maybe it's time to go back to looking at role models in the fashion industry.  Role models that are at least closer to Asian ideals when it comes to beauty.

Stuff Envy: Alexander Wang Wedges

Can you LOVE a pair of shoes?

Yes.

Alexander Wang's Snake-effect leather wedges are divine!  They expertly balances luxe with a modern, futuristic edge that will still be compatible with a lot that you already have in your wardrobe.

Where to buy

Sale!: Coach Shoes up to 50% off Online and In Stores

OK shoe lovers.

Coach is now on sale online with free shipping over USD150 in the US.  For Singapore customers, you can always sign on to the SingPost service and have your purchases shipped to you that way.

Is it worth it?  Check out these samples:

franca sneaker, was USD118, sale USD79

blanche heel, was USD198, sale USD99

haircalf pump, was USD239, sale USD119

brenda rainboot, was USD249, sale USD129

www.coach.com

Beauty: Tom Ford Beauty Comes to Asia

Tom Ford, the uber designer with the permanent five o'clock shadow, has finally launched his much awaited beauty and fragrance line in Asia, starting with Hong Kong.  Singapore will be next and Tokyo will get theirs in Spring 2013.

The designs of the merchandize were handled by Ford himself.  And as expected, it oozes luxury and opulence.  Design wise, one may have seen similar lines from Thai beauty brands in Bangkok but these certainly take it up a notch.

Sale!: Club 21 End of Season Sale SIngapore

You know what this means.  Up to 30% off.  All Club 21 Brands.  Fly Fashion Angels!

Opinion: IWC Ad Sexist or Targeted Advertising?

If the fashion industry appears inclined towards women, this may be the anti-thesis to that notion.  Luxury watch makers IWC's tagline is 'Engineered for Men'.  Perhaps there is a difference in the way men and women wear watches, or the type of features each gender likes in his / her timepiece.

Is this a case of smart and focused advertising, or just sexism in a world where that type of culture is increasingly, well, unfashionable?

Discuss.