Men: Your Look Next Summer
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So the nights are drawing in, Jack Frost is nipping at your toes, and it's grey out there in the City. In the colourful world of fashion, however, the catwalks have been showcasing what's hot and what's not for Spring/Summer 09.
Despite summery silhouettes of shorts and sandals, relaxed lines and warm ice-cream infusions, the fashion season kicked off in New York with a disappointing fashion week of playing it safe, compromising creative flair for commercial security. The London shows, though visionary, were sadly, too few and far between, with Milan and Paris redeeming men's fashion through divine collections and much needed innovation.
To ensure you are up to date with the trends and know what to wear when the cockles are warmed and the sunshine comes back, here is the round up:
Men's Casual
I am pleased to report that men's casual is giving the average bloke a breather from the skinny schoolboy look by moving nicely on to unstructured lounge-wear. In Paris, Lanvin's slouchy-yet-sexy satin trousers with ruched-effect jacket looks were strengthened with Christopher Baileys Milan collection, aptly named 'crumpled classics'. Apparently it's all about the feel of the fabrics - sensual velvety knits, smooth silks and soft nylons. Sexy!
Shell Suits
Speaking of nylons, its official: shell-suits are back! Dunhill's designer of the year, Christopher Shannon, debuted his northern inspired collection with re-worked shell-suits in what he calls 'refined scallyism' - sure to put a nostalgic smile on the face of all scousers.
Preppy Chic
Preppy chic continues as a running theme from recent menswear collections with a cropped trouser and jacket look as seen on the Rag & Bone catwalk in NYC. Plenty of smart preppy black blazers and shirts, perfect for work and easily translatable to an after work date.
Retro Rock
Retro rock is also back. If it's your second time around with rock chic, dust off the leathers and old jeans, and go with William Rast style. Justin Timberlake's new label, designed for the 'ageless spirit', featured well-worn jeans, rolled up plaid shirts and leather jackets. This theme continued to Paris with Commes des Garcons and Givenchy's classic black trousers and bomber jacket looks. Sounds wearable till I tell you the bombers were glittering blue and fuchsia. If that's not daring enough, Dior took bling to the max with gold trousers and lustrous jewels.
Formal Wear
Continuing the comfy theme, formal wear is also slouchy but sophisticated with cotton suits by Bottega Vaneta and D&G. Even pleated trousers are making a comeback in Milan. Good old faithful Armani showed the most beautifully suited and booted collection with a palette of slates and steely blues. Immaculately presented, crisp shirts and sensible waistcoats are running through to spring, with the jumper under suit look also ongoing as demonstrated by Alessandro Dell Acqua in London.
Accessories
On the accessory front, hats are back with a vengeance. Fusions of trilby and classic panama hats took over the Lacoste catwalks in New York. We saw floppy hats by Louis Vuitton in Paris, and even a few floral floppies, which I reckon will go down like a lead balloon. Scarves featured strongly with cool light linens by Lacoste, and Etro's Indian inspired pashminas in Milan. On your feet, it's all about gladiator sandals according to Vivienne Westwood, with Louis Vuitton and Lanvin in Paris also paying homage to Russell Crowe. Geek-chic specs are still on trend as seen in D&G's catwalk, with Viktor & Rolf strengthening this playfully preppy look in Paris.
Colour
Colour-wise, the mood was summed up brilliantly by GQ who said spring colours are 'like tasting grapefruit after a week of pear'. Generally its nudes & muted tones, splattered with Cobalt blue and fuchsia. Pastels featured largely on the casual catwalk, with their soft & summery tones broken up by strong block colours in Raf Simon's collection. Monochromatic palettes were the order of the day for Kilgour with classic black popping up again and again.
To ensure you are up to date with the trends and know what to wear when the cockles are warmed and the sunshine comes back, here is the round up:
Men's Casual
I am pleased to report that men's casual is giving the average bloke a breather from the skinny schoolboy look by moving nicely on to unstructured lounge-wear. In Paris, Lanvin's slouchy-yet-sexy satin trousers with ruched-effect jacket looks were strengthened with Christopher Baileys Milan collection, aptly named 'crumpled classics'. Apparently it's all about the feel of the fabrics - sensual velvety knits, smooth silks and soft nylons. Sexy!
Shell Suits
Speaking of nylons, its official: shell-suits are back! Dunhill's designer of the year, Christopher Shannon, debuted his northern inspired collection with re-worked shell-suits in what he calls 'refined scallyism' - sure to put a nostalgic smile on the face of all scousers.
Preppy Chic
Preppy chic continues as a running theme from recent menswear collections with a cropped trouser and jacket look as seen on the Rag & Bone catwalk in NYC. Plenty of smart preppy black blazers and shirts, perfect for work and easily translatable to an after work date.
Retro Rock
Retro rock is also back. If it's your second time around with rock chic, dust off the leathers and old jeans, and go with William Rast style. Justin Timberlake's new label, designed for the 'ageless spirit', featured well-worn jeans, rolled up plaid shirts and leather jackets. This theme continued to Paris with Commes des Garcons and Givenchy's classic black trousers and bomber jacket looks. Sounds wearable till I tell you the bombers were glittering blue and fuchsia. If that's not daring enough, Dior took bling to the max with gold trousers and lustrous jewels.
Formal Wear
Continuing the comfy theme, formal wear is also slouchy but sophisticated with cotton suits by Bottega Vaneta and D&G. Even pleated trousers are making a comeback in Milan. Good old faithful Armani showed the most beautifully suited and booted collection with a palette of slates and steely blues. Immaculately presented, crisp shirts and sensible waistcoats are running through to spring, with the jumper under suit look also ongoing as demonstrated by Alessandro Dell Acqua in London.
Accessories
On the accessory front, hats are back with a vengeance. Fusions of trilby and classic panama hats took over the Lacoste catwalks in New York. We saw floppy hats by Louis Vuitton in Paris, and even a few floral floppies, which I reckon will go down like a lead balloon. Scarves featured strongly with cool light linens by Lacoste, and Etro's Indian inspired pashminas in Milan. On your feet, it's all about gladiator sandals according to Vivienne Westwood, with Louis Vuitton and Lanvin in Paris also paying homage to Russell Crowe. Geek-chic specs are still on trend as seen in D&G's catwalk, with Viktor & Rolf strengthening this playfully preppy look in Paris.
Colour
Colour-wise, the mood was summed up brilliantly by GQ who said spring colours are 'like tasting grapefruit after a week of pear'. Generally its nudes & muted tones, splattered with Cobalt blue and fuchsia. Pastels featured largely on the casual catwalk, with their soft & summery tones broken up by strong block colours in Raf Simon's collection. Monochromatic palettes were the order of the day for Kilgour with classic black popping up again and again.
Here Is The Writer : lisab1
Following an international modelling career, and after meeting some of the world's most successful men, Lisa Bathurst learnt the secrets to success. Understanding what differentiates the ordinary from the extraordinary, Lisa helps men create an image congruent with the lifestyle they strive for through her lifestyle consulting service, Urbanity. Lisa has lived in more than 10 countries, and is an expert at overcoming language, cultural and class differences, with an impressive ability to cope in varying social situations whilst always oozing and maintaining confidence and sophistication. Not only does she have extensive knowledge in the fashion industry, she also brings the added benefit of a network of experts, having worked with some of the worlds best stylists, hair and make up artists. Lisa studied Psychology and has undertaken various counselling courses, and brings a professionally empathetic approach to provide a supportive, understanding life coach role, putting to good use her specialist training.
