Friday, June 29, 2012

5 Wearable Trends from the Spring '13 Men's Shows

Yes trends like 'floral' and 'super-saturated colour' did surface in the men's shows in Milan and Paris, but let's get real for a second, how many men are going to wear them? So, I took it upon myself (Yes, I'm that important...not.) to pick out catwalk trends that a broad spectrum of men could put to practice and sport on sidewalks. They're not "Oh-So-Editorial!" and definitely not eyebrow raising but if done right they can look damn good. Read on to find out what you need to be wearing, come Spring!


Trend #1 THE BLUE SUIT

The blue suit has been a go-to for traditionalists since, well, the suit was invented but a little modification goes a long way in amping the 'cool' factor on this classic.

From L to R, Top to Bottom: 
Valentino, Bottega Veneta, Bottega Veneta, Prada,
Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Ermanno Scervino, Valentino,
Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, Jil Sander, Burberry Prorsum

From paler tone-on-tone outfits at Bottega Veneta to the darker ones at Vivienne Westwood and Jil Sander, blue suits dominated the runways. The slim double-breasted jacket is still chic and rightfully so! Throw on a pair of tan brogues to look sharp at a business meeting and if you're dressing for casual Friday try white canvas sneakers. Embrace the heat - skip the socks and if you're feeling particularly cheeky, skip the shirt!


Trend #2 KHAKI, KHAKI, KHAKI

You don't need to be leading a squadron or braving the savannah to be sporting Khaki in Spring, it makes for perfectly appropriate yet whimsical work wear. If you want to rough up your look, put on dark suede ankle chukka boots or heavy brogues and for an unconventional approach slip into a pair of jewel hued suede loafers, maybe Tod's?

From L to R, Top to Bottom: 
Balmain, Christian Lacroix, Ermanno Scervino,
Valentino, Balmain, Bottega Veneta


The key piece for the season is the Khaki suit, choose from Balmain's military jacket-crop cuffed pants  version or Bottega Veneta's earthy double-breasted number. For an evening out, a little sheen à-la-Valentino will ensure you turn heads. Pair Khaki pieces with neutrals but on a special occasion put on a pair of coloured pants, it is Spring after all!


Trend #3 ROOMY PANTS

After the barrage of second skin pants that we've seen in the past seasons, this season saw the advent of wider legs which, I'm sure, will come as a breath of fresh air. Up the comfort factor while keeping the style quotient high, what a sweet deal!

From L to R, Top to Bottom:
Jean Paul Gaultier, Marni, Giorgio Armani
Yohji Yamamoto, Etro, Etro

Everything from dhoti pants to baggy jumpsuits were shown but special mention must be given to Etro's flowy pajamas and kurta-blazer looks. The Jean Paul Gaultier jumpsuit is something Chuck Bass would rock although I'm not a fan of the Sikh-esque turbans (In bad taste, no?). And interestingly, the cropped, wide-leg pant at Marni could very well be menswear's answer to culottes.


Trend #4 NORTHBOUND HEMLINES

Cropped pants cropped up again on runways (Pardon the less than dazzling wordplay) as more designers show the cropped pant in a suit. While this may not cut it for most boardrooms, it makes for perfect evening wear. The ubiquity of short shorts sadly means more hours at the gym burning off that muffin you got with your coffee. But remember, anything shorter than boxers should be reserved for Italians. (They can pull off anything)

From L to R, Top to Bottom:
Dolce & Gabbana, Balmain
Ermenegildo Zegna, Ermanno Scervino

Dolce & Gabbana showed shorts in a myriad (I love using that word) of hues and patterns, some were wearable while others were abstract-printed, tiny and tight. Spend your weekends in ankle-baring trousers cut close to the leg like at Ermanno Scervino and Balmain.


Trend #5 PRINTS, PATTERNS & PACKAGING

Prints made a big impact this season and while florals did reign supreme, these patterns caught my eye. Graphic striped pants are an easier way to dip your toes in this trend and "print on print" is a great way to dive in headfirst!

From L to R, Top to Bottom:
Alexander McQueen, Marni, Jean Paul Gaultier
Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino, Moschino

Dolce & Gabbana showed fantastic patterned separates, great for resort wear while Marni's printed pieces, although far and few between, punctuated the collection perfectly. Of course, Moschino's tongue-in-chic faux detergent pack and beer can print drew attention, but fortunately it was all good attention; ideal for a fun night out, I'd say.

So there you have it folks: A summary of what trends to follow next Spring. Which is your favourite? What are you planning to spend your emergency savings on?

All pictures courtesy TheCut and Vogue UK.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Summer Lovin'

The heat's been getting everyone down these days and when there's heat, there's beach holidays, poolside sojourns and languid afternoons spent in cafes. One way to feel better in the heat is to turn heads while staying cool which is exactly what these three outfits will ensure you do. Seize the sun and snag someone svelte!


POOL PROOF!



COOLING OFF AT THE CAFE



BEACH BUMMING

Digging the looks?