MENS FASHION: FLIP FLOPS AND SANDALS - A MUST-HAVE FOR MALE TREND SETTERS
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With the sun shining upon us so splendidly and still promising to shine upon us over the next couple of weeks, we say get the shorts and vests out in preparation for a perfect tan (taking precautions of course). But the shorts and vests are incomplete without the perfect footwear and this where our Black and Tan Leather Sandals come in handy. Only at £14.99, these sandals come with black leather cross over straps and textured rubber style sole for extra grip. Obviously leather means durability, class and quality. Slip these on when coming back from the office or when just lounging with your friends for relaxed comfort. Sandals are also popular amongst male celebrities such as Pdiddy, David Beckham and Zac Efron who combine style with comfort. Perhaps inspiration came from Bottega Veneta’s 2010 spring collection which featured styled suits teamed with sandals. Be on trend whilst giving your toes a breather, from our range of men’s sandals available on our cyber shelves whilst stock still last. By Samantha Chidenga - Product Features Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
MENS FASHION: WELCOME TO THE CLUB, MR. PORTER
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The love of high end designer t is good news for all of you online shoppers and high-end fashion bargain obsessed. Net-A-Porter is set to launch its menswear ‘brother’ site, called Mr. Porter in January 2011. Expect to see the likes of Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent, Balmain and John Lobb, among others. This news comes just as Net-A-Porter celebrates its 10 year birthday. Online retail shopping is the perfect option for those of you that dread the crowds, the pushy salespeople and the unflattering lighting of the fitting rooms. Feel free to shy away from traditional marathon shopping trips. Instead, you can scroll and click your way toward your new wardrobe. Sure, you may be concerned about the fit of certain items. Sending stuff back in the post is a mission, but it often beats a grueling all-day trip to the high street. Plus, you can test drive your new duds and find matching items that you already own. Mr. Porter couldn’t have come at a better time in fashion and online media. With sites like ours, that carries great styles, plus expert advice and a rundown of current trends, online shopping has turned into something more like an entire fashion experience. You can purchase your favourites from afar, learn about up-and-coming designers, read what other shoppers are buying and peruse the web for new inspirations and your next fashion fixation. So, welcome to our club Mr. Porter. As your comrade and fellow menswear aficionado, I wish you the very best. By Jamie Bona - Men’s Style Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
MENS FASHION: HE WEARS SHORT SHORTS
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Men, it’s time to be brave, be bold, and show some leg. Farmer tans and ghost white thighs be aware: swim trunks are thrown aside this season for James Bond-esque swim shorts. When I say short, I mean short. Beaten-up Abercrombie&Fitch plaid-printed, knee-grazing, boxy trunks are so passé. Rising hemlines have been seen in collections from Prada to Marc Jacobs. Though not as showy as their tighty-whity Speedo counterparts, these modernised swim shorts are much slimmer than past looks. This new look is not so surprising, given that skinny jeans and slim-cut trousers have been commonplace in men’s wardrobes for ages now. In fact, this “new” look isn’t even new. It’s more of a revitalisation of a past look seen in the 1960s and even the 1980s once again. So just as women’s hemlines become dramatically elongated and oversized, men’s get the axe. At least when it comes to beachwear, fellas, feel free to put it all out there. By Jamie Bona - Men’s Style Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
MENS FASHION: LIBERTYS DENIM ROOM
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Finding the perfect pair of jeans is a daunting task. In a time when you can choose between vintage washes, slim cuts, stretchy fabrics and an array of lengths, it’s no wonder we all stress when faced with this mission. It’s lucky for you men that reside in the London area, because Liberty has taken most of the agony out of the process for you. Opening on 1st August of this year in its lower ground floor of the Menswear division, a denim room will be devoted to eight major jeans brands. The best of denim is represented in the denim bar, from Acne, Nudie Jeans and RRL, to Edwin, Natural Selection, Prps and Studio D’Artisan. Levi Vintage will be highlighted with its own hanging collection in the space, offering customers an array of vintage denims and chinos. The benefit of having eight denim brands in one space is twofold. First, it showcases which brands are considered to be the best - of quality and style - for those that may not be so fashion savvy. It’s a jeans-shopper’s dream to be able to view the trendiest styles and selections all in one location. Second, it makes it possible for customers to taste-test denims that they may have not considered in the past as well. Let’s face it, many men are lazy shoppers. By gathering all of the denim greats into one room, you are practically fighting half the battle for them. Well done, Liberty, for your jeans genius is sure to be applauded by those that dread the hell that can come from hunting for that perfect pair of denim trousers. By Jamie Bona - Men’s Style Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
MENS FASHION: GATSBY FASHION INSPIRATION
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Bookworms unite, because fashion inspiration comes from the pages of an American classic. Not only is F. Scott Fitzgerald’s ‘The Great Gatsby’ a fantastical tale of privileged Long Islanders during the 1920s, but it is also a beautifully described narrative of the decadent fashions of post-WWI America. Reading about the lavish Saturday night Gatsby parties allows your imagination to intricately design the flapper dresses and elegant suits worn by each of the fabulous guests. Then in the 1974 film version, the hugely talented Theoni V. Aldredge won an Oscar for Best Costume Design and our imaginations were put to rest. Along with Aldredge, Ralph Lauren contributed as designer for the men’s fashion in the film. With a related line sold at Bloomingdale’s during the time the film was released, Gatsby fashion had made an impression on everyone from fans of the novel, to moviegoers, and of course to the fashion industry. Fans were able to consume some of Aldredge’s and Lauren’s best designs; everything from extravagant feather headpieces for women to the iconic and impeccably perfected three-piece suits for men. When many people look back to the styles of the 1920s, the image of a cropped-haired, beaded dress-wearing flapper girl comes to mind. This, of course, is quite right. But in my opinion the Robert Redford-esque Jay Gatsby-type of suited fellow is what stands out to me. In the world of Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan, a man was not a gentleman unless he was prepped out in a finely tailored suit. So fashion lovers, it’s time to buddy up to the bookworms and the film geeks. Art imitates life, and fashion often follows. Revel in the decadence and prosperity of 1920s Americana. Because when you mix scotch with jazz and a great suit, you have yourself a winner. In this case, it is iconic fashion that remains inspiring today. By Jamie Bona - Men’s Style Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
MENS FASHION: SAIL AWAY WITH THESE NAUTICAL INSPIRED SHOES
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The deck shoe is where it is at. More casual than a loafer they channel a relaxed vibe and seamlessly blend into a spring wardrobe. Normally they are leather with plain laces and a sole that is soft to avoid marking of a boat deck. Check out our men’s Navy and White Leather Laced Deck Shoes for a reasonable £29.99 that features a rubber sole for extra stability. As we know, when summer approaches, nautical is a colossal trend, so get on board. These shoes seem to be inspired by influential and revolutionary boat shoe brand Sperry Topsider which was founded by Paul Sperry in 1935. Sperry has recently collaborated with New York label Band of Outsiders for Spring/Summer 2010 to produce a range of shoes, which include chukka boots, penny loafers, and of course the iconic deck shoe. The collection adds a vibrant twist to a classic brand and rejuvenates shoes with flashes of bold colour and distinctive fabrics. If you are a Sperry Topsider fan then you will also want to check out the deck shoe in navy and brown, as well as our Brown Leather Slip on Deck Shoe for the same affordable price of £29.99. By Amy Shiels - Product Feature Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
MENS FASHION: SUMMERTIME SHADES
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So what if the weather is a bit temperamental over the spring season, and it’s often unknown whether you will need an umbrella to battle the downpour or a fedora to shade your eyes. If you are anything like me, you don’t have the patience to wait for consistent fair weather to bring out your sweet summertime goods. I am aching to sport my sunny day staples of shrunken tees and gladiator sandals! Even more, I cannot wait until sunglasses are my number one fashion accessory. This means, my friends, that we cannot waste any time searching for the finest of the season. In honour of the sunny weather I hope to have for many months to come, here are my picks for best sunglasses for men. We shall begin with a classic, the Ray Ban Aviators. For an inspiring and fresh take on the standard, you can also try the Wings or the Cockpit. They are slightly different from the former, but give off the sexy pilot vibe just as well. Suitable for any face shape and fit for any occasion, these shades are devastatingly handsome. They look perfect with a weekend tee or your workday duds. Feel free to pair with some stubbly facial hair for that extra schlumpy-sexy touch! The next pair is for all of you daredevils out there. Though they are not suited for every occasion and even for most personalities, I adore these orange, chrome-effect Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2010 sunglasses. They will flatter most face shapes and they would be a fun accent to add to an otherwise bland ensemble. Or if you prefer something trendier, I say wear them with your brights and colour-clash your wardrobe. For something a tad more unusual and of-the-moment, try Karen Walker’s Helter Skelter shades. The lenses are more curvaceous than classic or sporty options. They fall just short of being circular, and remind me of a modern throwback to 1950s glamour men. With their retro-made- über-chic design and white bridge in the middle, these sunglasses are ideal for all of my fashion-loving comrades out there. Though they would work with just about anything, I would try channeling 1950s Cuba and wear them with a smart jacket and tan-coloured relaxed trousers. Rain and clouds or sun and shine, I will be donning my best summer-wear by the month’s end, mark my words. I suggest you either join me in my quest to meditate nice weather into the forecast by acting as if it’s already here, or at the least plan what you will be wearing when my prayers are answered. If The Secret has taught me anything, it’s that belief generates success. So go get your shades on! By Jamie Bona - Men’s Style Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
MENS FASHION: THE ART OF WAR
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Get out your chinos and fatigues, boys, because military-inspired looks reign this spring. From smart shirts to chunky boots, the colours, textures and accents are all about the armed forces. Do you want to follow the trend, but hate to lose your brights to the greens and mutes made popular from this look? Why not try accessorising instead? I’ve dug out a few of my favourite man-cessories to get you in full swing without having to commit to a full season in the military. First, let’s talk tactics. Proper prior planning prevents p*ss poor performance. Fashion is a battlefield, so it’s important to remember this. What man-cessories are vital to surviving the spring in style? I’ve determined that the most essential are: A.) cap or hat; B.) watch; C.) necklace or pendant; and D.) man-bag. Stick to the basics, do not waver in your tactics and you will be sure to successfully complete your mission. Phase one: Find a suitable and stylish military-inspired hat or cap. After surveying the high street and online shops for the best bargains and the chicest looks, I came across a gem at the Vans online store. The Bittersweet Stripe Military Hat is a grey, understated little number. It’s short and rounded bill will shade your eyes from those sunny days you spend on the front lines, all the while keeping you on trend. Phase two: Obtain a watch that has durability, style and manliness in one big package. It always goes back to the Timex. The Timex Oversize Camper is my pick for look and price. It’s got an army green canvas strap and a large stainless steel face. It’s stocky, but not too hefty. It is the perfect companion for all-day hikes and strategy-building sessions in the woodlands. Or, if you are more of a city slicker that just wants to play military dress-up, it will go flawlessly with your new Ben Sherman cargo trousers. Phase three: Locate necklace or pendant that can be used multi-purposely. Military leaders were clever enough to devise a necklace that was not only stylish but useful as well. Dog-tags are critical for identification purposes, but are also now considered quite fashionable. You may wish to go to your local jeweller and create your own with unique inscriptions or designs. Or, you can always find something a bit more low key. Guess makes a variety of dog-tag shaped men’s pendants that aren’t blatantly military garb. They are a good alternative for those that prefer to keep their military associations limited. Phase four: Unearth a man-bag that will hold your entire workday arsenal. For this phase, I looked in my own backyard. We carry an array of hands and shoulder-free man-bags that will hold anything a military man may need. Our Jeep Black Canvas Multi-Compartment Pouch with Phone Holder, at only £7.99, covers two trends at once. Waist-bags are big this season as well as military-inspired looks. Sun Tzu’s ‘The Art of War’ teaches us that “If you know both yourself and your enemy, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss”. I know, it’s kind of heavy for a mission on fashion. But taking the first part into account is relevant to finding the clothes and man-cessories suited for you as an individual. Know what you feel comfortable wearing and how far you wish to dive into trends. Then, my military men, you will have succeeded in the battle without losing yourself. By Jamie Bona - Men’s Style Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
CELEBRITY SPOTLIGHT ON STYLE: GERARD BUTLER
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He's a ladies’ man and he's a man's man. Scruffy, rough and ridiculously handsome Gerard Butler has my vote for one of the best dressed male celebrities these days. Of course, his style is more of a non-style style. Instead of opting for the latest trends and grooming himself to the nines like many male celebs, he dons a beard and accentuates his hard-as-a-rock abs with fitted tees and leather jackets. He never seems like he's trying too hard and he always looks comfortable and confident in his own skin. He playfully joked to InStyle.com that, “It’s amazing how much time and effort it takes for me to look rumpled.” When it's time to play dress up he does not fail to make an impression. I call his suit wearing skills "Channeling the Man Suit". Though his choices are modern and cut slim, they manage to send an old Hollywood vibe that reminds me of the extraordinarily debonair Carey Grant. Some may argue this has more to do with the man in the suit, and less to do with the suit itself. I have to say, though, the fit of a suit is probably most important of all. As large as his build is, he always manages to remain perfectly tailored, whether he’s wearing a finely cut suit to a movie premiere or a tuxedo to an awards ceremony. Adorable, charmingly unkempt and gloriously masculine, Mr. Butler proves great style can come from staying true to who you are. Though there are great trends the come and go each season, he resists the temptation to mimic looks straight from the runway. He loves his T-shirts and he loves his jeans, and my goodness does he wear them well. By Jamie Bona - Men’s Style Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
NOTHING BUT YOUR CALVINS ON
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Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few weeks, you’ve no doubt caught a glimpse of the new, provocative and edgy Calvin Klein X Underwear advertisements. The ads are in both print and online, and star a shirtless and six-packed Kellan Lutz, among other shirtless fellows. Known just as much for their provoking advertisements featuring scantily-clad models as they are for their minimalist-chic urban wear, Calvin Klein has mastered the art of fashion publicity. This new ad campaign has already gained much attention, whether it is solely for Lutz’s carved abs and devilish grin and less for the underwear itself. Looking at this ad reminds me of a time long, long ago. Well, to the 1990s at least. Marky Mark (now know to us as Mark Wahlberg) was once the hunk that sparked so much attention for wearing his Calvin Klein underwear and nothing else. Before Marky Mark donned his Calvin Klein underwear, and before most of our times, there was another ad campaign that caused even more controversy. Instead of underwear it was blue jeans. The image was of skin-tight blue jeans on a pre-teen Brooke Shields. She declared, “Nothing comes between me and my Calvins”, with her hushed and sexy voice. For 1980, this was pushing the envelope, even for the fashion industry’s standards. Then there was Kate Moss and her Obsession perfume ads. We all remember those androgynous and sexually evocative ads featuring a seemingly shirtless and very young-looking Moss in the 1990s. There seems to be a theme for the Calvin Klein house. Whether you deem their publicity methods easy and obvious by eliciting the sex card, or whether you find them clever and innovative for delivering what we all want to see, there is no question they garner attention. Taking minimalist-chic to its greatest extreme with nearly naked models, Calvin Klein captures the awareness of their lovers and their haters. As it’s believed by many in the fashion world, any attention is good attention. All of their ads thus far have been controversial. They have been hot. And they sure have been memorable. So I guess they worked. By Jamie Bona - Men’s Style Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
MENS FASHION: HIGHLIGHTS OF LONDON FASHION WEEK A/W 2010
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London Fashion Week’s MAN day, may have been the pinpoint of variety in fashion out of the entire week. Gimp masks, military, and dinosaur inspired clothes could all be seen walking down the runways. Carolyn Massey is becoming one of my favourite designers and her military inspired AW10 collection with her statement use of excellent tailoring did not disappoint. The use of nude colours and pinks, is a testament to Massey’s talent as I am not normally a fan of light colours and much prefer stronger, bolder colours. Layers were fastened with brooches, recalling medals and badges designed by Hannah Martin, whilst the large fishnet socks worn under slim cropped trousers were a personal highlight. Komakino over in the Vauxhall Fashion Scout venue may have been my favourite show from the MAN day. The beautifully cut jackets, use of black and white, oversized rings, military inspired fashion to the customised Dr Marten boots, were all items I could easily picture in my own wardrobe. The press release read, “a lot of people say Komakino isn’t anything new, that a lot of designers work with leather and black with a militant attitude”, its refreshing to see a label so aware of how they are perceived yet so certain of their vision. It is no surprise to see such large amounts of black in an AW10 collection and the nods to nineties grunge with large black knits were much welcomed. Tim Soar’s collection screamed wealth and allowed me to see why Selfridges buy Tim Soar. Intelligent, thoughtful, clothes with great detailing and a definite classic British feeling, more so than many of the other designers which captured London vibes. One show I did not manage to go see from the MAN show which supports up and coming designers was Jaiden rVa James. The duo managed to catch my attention back when I first saw their designs worn by Lady Gaga and fashion blogger Pelayo Diaz, and their show had a fiercely kinky, S&M vibe. Male models appeared in increasingly sinister gimp masks teamed with leather trousers, chaps, dresses, skirts and platform thigh boots. Not sure if as wearable as Massey and Komakino’s designs but i’m always eager to see what they are going to do next. By Russell Arkinstall - Men’s Style Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
STAPLE FASHION ITEMS FOR MEN
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Women know the nitty gritty of the very basics that are necessary to achieve great style. Items such as a white smart shirt, black stilettos that ooze sex appeal and a classic trench jacket are all the backbone of any serious fashionista’s wardrobe. As is often the case when it comes to fashion advice, men have been overlooked in this arena. Here, men, are few of the staples each and every one of you should be investing in this season: 1: Classic, chic and worn with almost anything smart white collared shirt: 2: White, black or grey tee: 3: Straight-leg jeans, dark wash: I hope you’ve taken notes. Though there are many more items considered the basics of menswear, these three are necessary for anyone that cares anything about looking good. The key is to invest in classics and basics and it will take you much further than spending all of your money on a trend that will die next season. Besides, a man wearing a nice pair of jeans with a v-neck tee and white smart shirt unbuttoned over the top is probably the easiest, yet sexiest, outfit I can think of. By Jamie Bona - Men’s Style Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
MENS FASHION: ALEXANDER MCQUEEN MENSWEAR TRIBUTE
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Most people have already paid their respects and paid homage to the unique talent of Alexander McQueen: the visionary. Still I wanted to take the chance to look back at his amazing contribution to men’s fashion. Much of the coverage so far has focused on McQueen’s womens wear partly because it got him noticed and is what he designed when he launched his own collection. However McQueen was also a fine designer of menswear. His Kate Moss hologram in 2006 will go down as one of my favourite McQueen moments but what devastates me the most about Lee’s sudden suicide is that his most recent collections were some of my overall favourites. This just goes to show the great talent which McQueen still had to give to the fashion world. The main pieces of the Spring/Summer 2010 Collection were not only the structural and graphic abstract printed dresses, there were of course ‘those shoes’ the ones that made us appreciate Alexander McQueen even more whether they would be worn by someone or not. Of course I am talking about the ‘Armadillo’ shoes. Lee staged what would be his final men’s collection in Milan in January during the Italian men’s season. Inspired by rocker Sting, the collection featured a whaling captain, and many Celtic origin references of which McQueen was so proud. “I wanted to show that, because my customers are complete men, not a stereotype of a fashion victim. Sting’s my ideal man, cause he’s a real man”, McQueen said at a dinner last month in Milan. Lee was acknowledged as a masterful tailor and any man who has worn an Alexander McQueen suit, coat or jacket, I’m positive will testify to this. Once labeled “the hooligan of English fashion” for his controversial approach, McQueen actually started his fashion career on the decidedly masculine Savile Row, serving an apprenticeship with the tailors Anderson & Sheppard, before moving to Gieves & Hawkes. Lee McQueen was the real deal, not some name on a label pumped up by a marketing strategy, which is why I am unsure whether the Alexander McQueen line should continue. He was a genuine talent. By Russell Arkinstall - Men’s Style Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
FELLAS, GET YOUR SHOE ON
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What usually costs more than any other piece of your wardrobe, can make or break your outfit and is most often the one item men get wrong? Footwear. I know what many of you are thinking, “Who’s really going to take the time to notice what shoes I have on?” Though there are some men who obsess over their trainers and boots, there are a vast majority who don’t bother at all. Let me tell you, we notice. Men, women, fashion lovers and even fashion strugglers all take that extra glance down at your feet to ensure proper harmony between your footwear and your ensemble. Think of it as that special little cherry on top of that delectable hot fudge sundae you put together. Without it, your treat just wouldn’t be as sweetly satisfying. So now that we’ve determined that footwear should be high priority for men, let’s talk about how to stay on trend. Though classics always rein, footwear gives you a chance to show off your fashion-forward swagger. Be bold and take chances. A statement shoe or boot can often give you that extra needed style boost. Instead of playing matchy-matchy, try a brilliant colour that offsets the tones of your outfit. Or, look to the experts of the fashion world and follow runway trends. A big trend for Autumn 2010 is the rugged boot. Tall, lace-up and chunky boots were all over the Milan runways. Military inspired, these boots are best worn with trouser legs tucked in. If that’s too daring for you some of you, they will look just as sharp peeking out from under your trousers. We’ve got a variety of men’s footwear options to keep you on this boot trend. Our Wrangler Black Leather Laced Boots, at only £49.99, are a perfect choice. Or if you want something a bit more refined, try our Ikon Black Leather Laced Ankle Boot, also for only £49.99. Both are chic, stylish and would suit any and all of the upcoming season’s trends. So the next time someone stares down at your feet, you’ll be proud of what you’ve got to show off. By Jamie Bona - Men’s Style Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
MENS FASHION: DISTRESSED IS HOW TO DRESS?
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Dolce and Gabbana’s Fall 2010 collection should be a god send for those looking for inspiration on how to look good without wanting to buy new clothes. Creased tops, ripped jeans, dusty vintage worn looking boots and faded belts. These were just a few of the attractions from the show, which caught my eye. The paint flecked jeans and worn boots were two of my favourites, which is surprising even to myself as I have often previously preferred to look more trim rather than tattered, though thanks to Dolce and Gabbana I am warming up to the idea. Despite what Dolce and Gabbana were showing on their catwalk, one thing I am still not sold on is distressed jeans. I have always been unsure about whether it would project the right look to other people. I think if you are going to embrace the trend its probably best to stick to a pair which are not revealing any skin. Overall I think one thing to take away from this trend is: fake vintage is bad. We already know fake vintage tees and jumpers should not be seen hanging in any mens wardrobe and should be left firmly hanging up in the high-street shops, so perhaps that is also where ready-made distressed clothes should remain. By Russell Arkinstall - Men’s Style Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
MEN, ITS TIME TO LET YOUR TRUE COLOURS SHINE THROUGH
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All I see is grey these days. Light grey in the Winter sky, dark grey on the dingy, snowy streets and an array of medium greys in the outerwear of commuters passing by. Winter depression sinking in, I have taken to daydreaming about the upcoming Spring colour palette in order ease my desperation. Oh how I adore the pinks and blues and yellows coming my way this Spring! Womenswear will be full of vibrant and energetic tones and highlights to brighten your spirit. I mean, if 90’s-inspired neons don’t pump you up, I don’t know what will! Then I considered what was to come of the men this spring. Candy-coloured clothing has always been acceptable for women to wear, but not so much for the men. We all know that real men wear pink, but what about the fantastic purples and bright blues? With the fashion rulebook now deemed dated and haphazardly thrown by the wayside, I believe that men’s fashion has come to adopt the palette of the season without hesitation. Men can wear colour too. If there’s anyone to motivate your colour senses, it’s Paul Smith. The Autumn 2010 show in Paris last week exemplified why and how colour works. Bold blues, purples and oranges were mingled with everyday workwear for a stimulating combination. Not only were great colours utilised, but patterns and prints were also thrown in to create the perfectly disheveled, yet smart looks. My absolute favourite: a peacock-blue suit paired with cranberry-coloured tie and matching pocket square. Ah, sweet divinity at its best. By Jamie Bona - Men’s Style Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
MENS FASHION: FASHION IS ART - LITERALLY
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I find I am constantly on the search for the perfect man bag. And I may have finally found it… Last year an editorial in Another Man showcased looks accompanied by oil paintings by a young German artist, Christian Schoeler. Schoeler’s paintings complimented the Alister Mackie styled shoot perfectly. Fashion is often called art and its not unheard of for them to be appearing in the same sentence and Schoeler and Mackie have captured this perfectly. I was certainly happy to see Schoeler has teamed up with Paul Helbers at Louis Vuitton once again for AW10. After creating suits for the previous season, the pair have now moved onto bags, which came in various forms. Two large weekender style bags and one square rucksack. The hand painted bags amongst Louis Vuitton’s military inspired collection add a touch of softness to the collection and the square cut nature of the bags makes it feel even more like an actual painting you are carrying. The square leather is a new type of canvas for the German artist but he has truly succeeded in blurring the boundaries between fashion and art after being a fan of 19th century paintings and letting it transfer into fashion. “These are good for traveling, they remind me of the nomadic life artists often lead. It’s not really about the bag, but about mobile life” said Schoeler about the collaboration. “All artists’ clothes are covered in stains, like an accidental customization”, he continued, “My life is about creativity and that applies to art, but also to fashion.” By Russell Arkinstall - Men’s Style Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
MENS FASHION: ONE TO WATCH - RAD HOURANI
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Rad Hourani has proved to the critics and to me, that after only five collections, he really is the next big thing in fashion. For those who are constantly searching for original garments, then look no further than Hourani who started creating unisex straight-lined clothes, different from all the other trends in fashion. Hourani said himself, “People are ready for my work and for a new kind of unisex fashion. My designs are genderless, which is really not a mainstream concept.” The latest IT boys are certainly miles ahead in pushing the fashion boundaries and feminizing their ensembles, pushing the girls to the side. Internationally famed fashion bloggers such as Bryan Boy and Jean-Paul Paula have received adoration for their adornment of mixing womens accessories and the odd womenswear pieces with mens items. They are not creating the next level in cross dressing but instead dressing like men (kinda) with the odd womens garments thrown in for good effect. Marc Jacobs had Cole Mohr model the dresses for the Marc by Marc Jacobs fall ‘08 women’s campaign and Marc himself has taken on a man skirt and leggings as his daily uniform. It would not be unwise to assume the reason some men tend to buy items that are originally made for women is because they can’t find them made for men. A Chanel jacket, for example; it’s only since men started buying them that they are being made especially for men. And since we started using makeup, why not have a good bag, too? Tote bags are passé and accepted, it seems it’s all about the man clutch now. While designers and fashionistas alike may be criticized for just trying to find new ways to shock us, it seems the lines between mens and womens fashion are well and truly blurred and I cannot wait to be even more surprised with the coming new seasons. By Russell Arkinstall - Men’s Style Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
MENS FASHION: JW ANDERSON DEFINES ANDROGYNY IN FASHION
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If there is anything this year has proved, it is that 2009 was a hotbed for emerging London menswear talent. Designers such as Carolyn Massey, Katie Eary and James Long have all caught my eye but none more than JW Anderson. JW Anderson first came onto my radar when I spotted his use of feathers and acorns in headdresses he had designed for his S/S 09 collection, which soon saw me experimenting with headdresses of my own, though minus the acorns but not minus the feathers, a fashion favourite of mine. With every season I find myself falling more and more in love with JW Anderson. With the skirts and longer lengths of his S/S10 show, JW Anderson managed to capture some great looks without falling into placing men in drag. He may not be the first to tackle the taboo of men in skirts but he is certainly one on the list of many designers who are now adding men in skirts to their collections. JW Anderson is a sort of Trojan horse in fashion, pushing the boundaries of men’s fashion and that is the main reason why I am so in love with his collections. JW Anderson’s S/S 10 show also saw his models displaying many bangles adorning their arms, not a typical male accessory, but one I am going to be rushing out to find. Sure I may end up scouring girls shops or the womens section of vintage jewellery but im sure I can find something which can pass for a masculine piece. Another reason for my fascination with JW Anderson is his tangles with jewellery, as I am slowly becoming jewellery obsessed, his eye-popping accessories in his latest collection, included a heavily studded belt that went round the waist of a gold-buttoned trench coat and the various other accessories only added more to his beautifully tempered collection. JW Anderson once described the sort of man who wears his clothes as, “A chameleon, a researcher and open to change. He’s kind of a loner. But overall he is obsessed with taste”. JW Anderson has certainly effected my taste and left me with some inspiration… particularly the ‘crazy’ idea of skirts and bangles to try out in the New Year. By Russell Arkinstall - Men’s Style Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
MENS FASHION: DEAR SANTA, THE MEN ON MY LIST ARE IMPOSSIBLE!
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Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, you know the holidays are the time to indulge and inspire your fashion-loving little heads full of the season’s best. My wish list has now been filled to a full page of delectable suedes, leathers and chunky knits. I’ve even added some sparkle and bling to the mix with the jewellery and accessories I’ve decided will warm my spirit as the cold weather wears on. Of course, I know what I want to make my holiday a bit jollier. But one problem still remains: what to get the men in my life to make them as happy as I will feel when I open my new over-the-knee suede boots on Christmas morning? This is a daunting task that I have unfortunately put off until a week before the big day. Ugh. Where to begin and what to buy? I have an array of wonderful men in my life, but when I consider what to buy them I feel a rush of panic at the thought of getting it just right. My dad is a simple man with specific tastes of golf and wine. Fashion is not in his vocabulary, let alone something he’d want for Christmas. My brother likes to look good, but he wavers on what he wears as he (and I quote) “doesn’t want to look like he tried too hard”. My best friend is the most difficult, as he is virtually clueless when in comes to styling himself. Bless him, he’s gorgeous but he just doesn’t get it. So with the pressure on, I found myself looking to others for inspiration and guidance. After much research and chats with other women experiencing shopping anxiety, I have found a few things that are sure to please the pickiest and most particular among the brilliant men in our lives. Thanks to my mum’s cleverness, I found the perfect gift for my golf-obsessed dad. Combining his love for the sport and my love for bringing great fashion to those that need it, I’ve come across loads of golf attire that will have him looking sharp on the course. My favourite is the track jacket inspired golf coat. Next, was my fashion weary big brother. Instead of shocking his system with the new looks of the season, I thought it would be best to start small. He has his favourite brands and fail-safe stores he frequents, so I ventured there to begin my task. I pushed his fashion limits just slightly, all the while maintaining his comfort level with a familiar brand. A baby step toward fashion fulfillment is key with this type of man. Then there was my inexperienced bestie, my blank canvas for fashion’s top finds. Though I was tempted to gift him my preferred men’s garb, I opted to bring his personality and fashion together in a beautiful harmony instead. It would have been unfair if I outfitted him to look like the Russell Brands of the world, as I would have fancied. He is not the rockstar chic, eyeliner-wearing rebel. He is a football-loving guy that would prefer a pint to a whiskey sour any day. So the gift for him is timeless and conservative. It is stylish without being overly trendy. It is a crisp white smart shirt, cut slim to keep it modern, and it will look fantastic on him. He can wear it as he wishes without the risk of causing a fashion blunder. Holiday shopping woes put behind me, I am free once again to drool over my wish list in the hopes that Santa has noticed my nice and looked past my naughty this year. Maybe getting the gifts for my fellas just perfect will score me some much-needed nice points. By Jamie Bona - Men’s Style Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
MENS FASHION: VINTAGE INSPIRED WINTER WEAR
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Fashion shows are normally the time when the designers showcase their new collections but this Autumn/Winter a large part of the collections we have seen have taken great steps out of the vintage cupboard. So it is no surprise that velvet, a firm vintage fashion favourite, is making its way back into Winters hottest trends. Velvet when worn right, perfectly fits the definition of class and sophistication. I personally think velvet blazers capture this smart casual look the best and look great when worn day or night. Another great thing about the velvet trend is that it is easy to look like your wearing something expensive when wearing velvet and as its so easy to come across vintage velvet blazers, you can save your pennies without looking cheap. Shades of emerald, ruby and sapphire work best with velvet, so don’t feel afraid to try some of the bolder shades and when wearing velvet I think the stronger the colour often the better you look. The Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci catwalk’s this season saw a lot of velvet smoking jackets and I know I have mentioned Ed Westwick’s razor sharp style and his ‘Gossip Girl’ alterego Chuck Bass who certainly looked as good as those on the runways. Chuck can be seen capturing the look perfectly with a simple ruby velvet blazer but keeps the look from not looking camp by wearing it just with a simple shirt and dark denim jeans. Velvet slipper style shoes may not be a new thing, especially since they became so popular with Henry Holland, but now these can seen from John Lobb, Church’s and Topman, so there is no excuse for being behind on the trend when it comes to your velvet footwear. Velvet slippers look great when worn sockless with light coloured trousers but as it’s the Winter you may want to find some socks to match. Whatever you decide, make sure you never wear your velvet shoes with a velvet jacket. When it comes to velvet less is definitely more in terms of how much you wear of it. By Russell Arkinstall - Men’s Style Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
MENS FASHION: CANT BEAT BLACK
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I am a firm believer in believing that just because it is Winter, it does not mean you have to conform to wearing dark drab colours and its okay to wear bold bright colours. However I’m going to have to keep telling myself that as I can’t seem to help but be drawn back to the dark side. Siki Im, who previously has done designs for Karl Lagerfield and Helmut Lang made his spring 2010 debut titled ‘Black Beat White Wonder’ presented at New York Fashion Week, inspired by William Golding’s ‘The Lord of the Flies’; a book I love as much as his collection. His collection mostly composed of all black, gave a nod to minimalism with sharp tailored lines which mirrored Carolyn Massey’s current collection with its excellent tailoring. The different skirts all in multiple lengths and sportswear inspired body bondage are some of the most interesting pieces in Im’s collection. Im has said one of the points behind his collection was to “introduce a new silhouette for menswear” which it certainly does and its hard not to appreciate Im’s minimalism in his designs. The necklaces made from telephone cables provide a nice more grunge inspired contrast to the sharp tailoring of the rest of the collection. So I’m going to go against what I may have said in the past and I wouldn’t worry about making a statement this Winter in bright bold colours, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of black. It is Winter after all. By Russell Arkinstall - Men’s Style Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
MENS FASHION: ITS IN THE BAG
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In the hopes of easing angst and calming nerves prior to the holiday season madness about to approach us all, I thought it would be nice to dish out a little fashion advice. This one’s for the boys. Holiday parties, first dates, interviews and other blackberry-scheduled events are most likely cramming your calendars these days. With social anxieties and financial woes already eating away at you, the stress of finding the appropriate ensemble is probably not something you can mentally handle. Fear not, for I have done the dirty work for you and put together five fail-safe looks to get you through this and come out looking cool, calm and dapper as ever. Look #1: Work Duds: Sure, you go to work everyday (aside from the occasional post-3am-night-out ‘sick day’) and have been dressing yourself just fine. But I think I can speak for everyone who has to stare at the hundreds of boring and bland suits on a daily basis when I say, mix it up already! To begin the massive renovation of your work wear, get a new man bag. Sporty backpacks and ugly shoulder bags you’ve been using for the past five years just don’t cut it. Try a sleek and sophisticated leather computer or messenger bag instead. Get it in a delicious dark brown. It’s classy and will go with just about anything. Or if you’re more of a casual sort of fella, a sporty bag is a great option. Just make sure it’s clean and modern. Our Gola Black Leather Effect Slim Design Shoulder Bag, at only £15.00, will give you that effortlessly informal, yet utterly chic vibe. Look #2: First Date First-Impression Garb: So you finally mustered up the courage to ask out the fitter-than-fit aerobics instructor with the supermodel legs you’ve been ogling at the gym over the past six months. Don’t blow it. Dress like the Casanova you know you are. Every man looks good in a crisp white smart shirt. It is sexy, clean and polished. Choose one from whichever designer you favour. This is a reliable look that can be dressed up or down, depending on where your date may take you for the night. You may even like to add a cheeky tie to the mix if you need to smarten it up a bit. Or if you prefer to keep it casual, loosen the cuffs and push up the sleeves. It’s a simple adjustment that is oh-so-sexy. Look #3: Meet the Parents without Meeting Your Doom Wear: Your fitter-than-fit aerobics instructor first date has now turned into your lovely and sweet girlfriend that wants to introduce you to her parents. Eek! Between man-to-man chats with the dad and trying to reassure the mom her half-cooked Sheppard’s pie is absolutely delectable, you’ve got no room to fret about your outfit. Keep it cool, keep it conservative. Now is not the time to sport that vintage Kiss t-shirt with the pit stains and collar holes. Remember that you need to show the Future Mrs. how much you care by making a good impression on her folks. Take that extra step by asking about her parents. Are they super conservative or religious? Or do they appreciate a little quirkiness and individuality? Once you know a bit more about them, you can dress accordingly. If packing light and for an endless possibility of events, keep it to your ‘safe shirt’. By this, I mean that shirt you go to without thought; the shirt that you wear more than any of the others; the shirt that you feel your best in. For some, this is probably just a t-shirt. For others, it’s maybe a smart shirt and jeans combination. Whatever it is, stick to it. If you are comfortable wearing this outfit in your home turf, you will also be when you are away. Look #5: The I-got-the-job-as-soon-as-they-saw-my-stylish-look Interview Outfit: Though it obviously depends on what type of job you are interviewing for, there is one rule to remember. It is better to be overdressed than it is to be underdressed. Don’t take this too far and wear a tuxedo to the office or anything, but use it relative to the job you are seeking. If you are confused about whether you should go the extra mile and don a tie, I say go for it. That shows you are A) Professional, B) Attempting to make a good impression and C) Stylish and on trend. Our range of ties are perfect for nailing an interview, as they are moderately bold and smart. For only £6.99, they are the perfect finish to your polished look. By Jamie Bona - Men’s Style Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
IS IT A SCARF? IS IT A HOOD? NO, ITS A SNOOD
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The snood. Nobody seems quite sure what it is. Yet everyone seems to want one. The snood is basically a scarf but circular and therefore does not need wrapping around your neck, which avoids annoying things, such as in Winter when the wind blows a scarf off your neck. This year the men and womens fashion world’s are going crazy for it. I personally love the way a scarf can drape off of you depending on the shape but you have to admire the snood for its practicality. Plus the distinctive feature of the snood is its ability to wear it as a hood. Some snoods are made to be made this way regardless but other types of snood out there you can just pull up the excess material over the back of your head. The increase in knitwear around this season is certainly a welcome sign. The increase in scarves, snoods, gloves and arm warmers has seen a decrease in more traditional ways of keeping warm such as hooded tops. I love scarves and practically dramatic big statement scarves and the snood is another perfect way to stand out from the crowd and an excellent example of how one accessory can change an entire outfit. However hooded tops have not been completely forgotten this Autumn/Winter. Some snoods can been seen attached to tops with various funnel necks. I am not as fond of this design as I think layering your own way and in your style is the only way to go. Burberry’s Winter collection seems to have done the snood trend the best. The ones seen on the Burberry Prorsum catwalk shows featured a nostalgic look at Burberry heritage and I personally cannot wait to get my hands on the traditional Burberry check design in snood form. Snoods have been seen on the catwalks for ages so I’m glad to see that snoods will finally be making there way to the high street. By Russell Arkinstall - Men’s Style Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
MENS FASHION: THE STYLE OF MAN
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Who’s your style icon? Some of you may be a throwback to the gentleman, the modern Carey Grant. Others may emulate a more streetwear-wise hip-hop mogul, in the likes of P. Diddy or Russell Simmons. Then there are those that identify with the bad boy or the outsider rebel, made famous by James Dean or more recently Twilight’s Robert Pattinson. Inspiration can stem from various places, and using celebrities as a resource is completely fine. Most celebrities have a stylist to dictate what they wear and how they wear it anyway. Because of this, looking to celebrities is in a way looking to the experts themselves. So bring on the copycats and the mimics. You must remember, though, to make sure the YOU is not lost in your attempts to imitate your style icon. To do this, you should always incorporate your own unique spin into the mix. Whether it’s a piece of statement jewellery that never leaves your body or a favourite scarf, it’s important to bring in something that is individual to your personality. That, my friends, is true style. By Jamie Bona - Men’s Style Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
