Military Styled Coats

Outerwear is highly important when the winter season rolls around. Everyone loves a great looking winter coat, and for men the military styled coat is stylish but still masculine. These coats lie a bit beyond the waist and have a lot of design details that give it more of an edge than your average pea coat. Buying in a darker color, such as a deep navy or charcoal, is a sure way to complement any outfit this winter season.

Preppy is Still In

Preppy winter clothing has yet to go out of style, and is a great way to add color to your winter wardrobe. Preppy styles for men are comfortable, casual styled clothing that come in a wide variety of styles and bright colors. Brands to try: Tommy Hilfiger, D&G

Say Yes to Exotic Fabrics

Velvet is still in this season as far as fabrics are concerned. Men don’t need to stick to boring cottons or wools to have their winter wardrobe fit in. Cashmere, leather, and even fur is in this season for men. Brands to try: Versace, Etro

Heavy Knit Sweaters

Sweaters with a chunky knit in bright colors are definitely a wardrobe must have for any man along with Nordic sweaters. These sweaters will not only keep you incredibly warm during the colder months, but will also keep your wardrobe interesting and from running on the bland side. Brands to try: Versace, Hermes, John Varvatos

Go Gray Not Black

While black is classic and sleek, let’s not forget about the stylish neutral gray.  Gray suits and overcoats pair nicely with the bright garments that are in this winter, and complete an outfit without having to be so traditional.

Just because winter is upon us doesn’t mean that men can get sloppy. Keep yourself looking good by remembering a few of your favorite winter trends.

Photos via: The Fashionisto

These shoes are definitely for the guys with the guts to stand out. Not to mention soar to new heights. (Literally and figuratively.) We can’t wait to shop the whole collection, but to whet your appetite a few styles are available on Solestruck now. Check out some our our faves from the lookbook below and make sure you check them out at thedamnedshoes.com.

According to the company there are only  5 watches produced annually and on commission they can make up to 3 special pieces per year. (Talk about exclusivity!) Check out the awesome function below:

November is a serious month: life gets colder, fall turns to winter, and yet the holidays, family and friends warm us up. Here are our top 10 November men’s essentials, all currently available for purchase, so you can get out and about through the holidays and look damn good along the way.

1. Barbour Dockman Cable Sweater There’s a reason dock workers used to live in sweaters like this one that has stood the test of time: they’re rugged, handsome and hold up against rain, wind and sleet. 100% lambswool.

2. Moore & Giles Weekend Duffel, $735. Packing smartly begins with you’re your choice of bag. This version from Moore & Giles is the ideal size, sling it over your shoulder and make your last minute escape. Available in black or brown leather.

3. J.Press Wool Knit Hat, $48. All American style, bold, graphic and colorful. Let your accessories bring your look together during the winter.

4. Gant Toggle Jacket, $698. City prep, sharp and functional. Worn by the boys in Dead Poets Society – the rebellious ones who escape and smoke out in the old cave at night.

5. Fingerless Gloves from Urban Outfitters, $12. Inexpensive but loaded with style. Red is the accent color of the season. Bring your otherwise subtle and dark look to life.

6. Urbanears Plattan Headphones, $60.00. A pair of headphones are mandatory for long trips. You can pick from over a dozen colors, but nothing beats black. Swedish style, booming sound.

7. Yuketen Dress Hunt Boots. Made in America by designer Yuki Matsuda. Inspired by the great outdoors, yet refined and modern in black leather. The 5” height will keep your feet warm well into the New Year. Made by hand – for the field or street.

8. Tom Ford 5718 Eyeglasses. Channel you inner movie start with these beautiful thick frame glasses from Tom Ford, the same style worn by Colin Firth in “A Single Man.” Thick glasses add angles and help define your face – always useful after eating and drinking your way through the holidays.

9. Dark Denim 7 For All Mankind, $189 Dark denim works on any occasion. This version is the right cut: slim straight, “Standard” – Tailored Denim denotes the wash in this case. Trust me, you’ll love these jeans. You can buy them online with confidence.

10. Breuninger Leather Travel Backgammon. £185 Chill by the fire and entertain family and friends with an old school favorite. Also makes a great gift. Leather roll up case with brown and beige wood chips.

For any questions on the items above, or for advice on men’s style, tweet them @Brett Fahlgren 

Color Palette: Black, royal blue, white and gray

Mood: Alexander Wang meets menswear

Statement Piece: No piece in particular stood out more than the rest, but the cuts and accents, especially the zippers, added bold detail to each of the designs

Front Row Name Drops: No famous faces graced the front row

Gossip: Person behind me in reference to a long-haired model, “Look, it’s Jesus.”

Runway Music: New Age Instrumental

Color Palette: From lead gray up through checked  heathers and worked nudes, down to to morning and evening rose.

Mood: A paratrooper has adventured to the edge, and in the end, it’s all coming up roses.

Statement Pieces: Windbreaking suits. Rose prints.

Front Row Name Drops: Steven Kolb, President of the CFDA.

Gossip: In a terribly sad turn of events, the Duckie designer Steven Cox’s mother just passed away this past week. It made for quite the emotional backstage well wishes.

Runway Music: “Work It” as written by Missy Elliot, and performed by some guy.

The escalation of Duckie Brown:

Started here:

Progressed here:

Ended here:

And it felt like this WWII paratrooper started here:

Went here:

And ended up living in a place like this, knowing the fruits of beautiful adventure come not without thorns.

The collection in its entirety was absolutely stunning. This collection was based on English artist, David Hockney‘s paintings of 1960′s Los Angeles. Both are clean, bright, and chic.

The color palette is simple which allows the garments to stand out for themselves.  Italian linens, soft calf leathers, patchwork detailing, cotton piping and graphic stripes all add a level of sophistication to the pieces.

The stand out piece for me definitely had to be the leather shorts. They are very reminiscent of Philip Lim’s  Spring 2010 collection which is saying a lot.

I can see this collection in many men’s closets. It is super wearable while maintaining a high fashion identity.

Keep reading for more looks more the Elie Tahari Men’s Spring 2012 collection

]]> http://fashionindie.com/elie-tahari-mens-spring-2012-brings-refined-luxury/feed/ 1 http://fashionindie.com/duckie-brown-has-guts-and-now-a-film-to-prove-it/ http://fashionindie.com/duckie-brown-has-guts-and-now-a-film-to-prove-it/#comments Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:17:55 +0000 McArthur Joseph http://fashionindie.com/?p=201208 Last week Editor In Chief, Samantha Lim, and I got to not only view the new Duckie Brown documentary The Guts of Duckie Brown, but we also had a chance to have a Q & A with the design duo.

The movie in brief happens over the course of six months while Lina Plioplyte (Director) follows Steven Cox and Daniel Silver as they create their Fall 2011 collection. The footage documents the creative and business processes – from sketch to runway. The film not only chronicles achievement, but shows collaboration and cooperation sustained through understanding, creativity, humor, and love.

This movie, unlike other designer docs, is quite comical and shows the real struggles that designers face when it comes to running their labels.

The two are very candid about their views, especially Daniel. One of our favorite points of conversation happened when homophobia in the fashion industry was brought up. They discussed the problems they face with their collection being “too gay” and that they basically have to create two collections: one for the runway and the other to sell. They went on to explain that many high end designers do this market to people’s idea of “real men” which in reality are “reel men.”

They also discussed that they are open to launching an underwear and fragrance line but only with the right people. They maintain integrity because they admit they “don’t want to work with assholes.” Good news for you ladies because they  announced that they are planning a womenswear line with the same aesthetic as the original Duckie Brown label.

We highly recommend if you have a chance to view this movie then do. In only 15 minutes it grabs you and makes you feel so much closer to Daniel, Steven, and their process.

If you want to know more about the film then check out their Facebook Page or ask me a question on twitter- @mcarthurjoseph.

Click through for more videos

“What better way to celebrate America’s Birthday than by giving Americans the opportunity to support Made in the USA products,” says company founder Bron Heussenstamm, a grandson of two Pearl Harbor survivors with two cousins currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Passionate about reversing the outsourcing of American jobs, Alex Maine stands up for our economy by bringing textile jobs back to the United States, producing 100 percent of its product on U.S. soil.

See how easy it is to support American designers without leaving the comfort of your apartment? For more information and to shop Alex Maine’s new e-commerce website, visit alexmaine.us.

James of What Is James Wearing.

1. Adjust the Fabric. Stop wearing heavy wool, tweeds and somber winter colors and switch to lightweight wools and paler colors. Opt for silk tweeds, cottons and start introducing spring colors (pastels, brights, etc). I like to wear lightweight suede and leather jackets this time of year; also cashmere and cotton sweaters in fresh spring shades keep you warm without looking too wintry.

2. Accessories, Colors & Patterns. If you’re going to accessorize your look with a scarf or tie, you might also want to lighten the palette and fabrics on these as well. Hold off on whites, linens and other obviously summer-like colors, patterns and fabrics until end of May or when temperatures finally get into the 80s.

3. Footwear Fiats. Footwear should also become a little lighter in feeling. I retire the aubergine suede boots, for example, this time of year. I tend to ditch the socks as well for a more carefree look, indicative of the spring/summer season.

Sachin of Sachin Bhola.

1. Choose Color Over Black. There’s a reason black outsells all other colors in retail: we all wear it. In fact, some of us only wear it (and that includes industry folk). Black, in a way, is a mindless choice because it doesn’t require any effort to pull off – there’s little room for mistake. To transform your look for the warmer days ahead, introduce color into your wardrobe: a pair of tangerine-colored socks paired with a tailored navy suit is both office appropriate and subtle, while a modern batik shirt worn with red cotton shorts will please the Pantone proud.

2. Embrace Patterns. There’s nothing better than leaving the city for an exotic destination in the summer, but for those of us who can’t we can at least fake it with the use of worldly-inspired patterns. Stripes of all proportions and colors are a trend that should be on your radar for S/S ’11; I prefer the kind that are reminiscent of the French. For example, a black-and-white striped long-sleeve tee worn with black suspenders is a fun, fresh look. Other prints, such as paisley or batik, can be incorporated into accessories like pocket squares or scarves.

3. Find A Signature Piece. Unlike women who seem to have an unlimited amount of clothing options in the warmer months, men are restricted to pants or shorts (maybe that’s a good thing). But that doesn’t mean men have to sacrifice their style. My suggestion is to find something that is unique and becomes your signature for the months to follow. For example, sporting a vintage pocket watch, an ethnic-print scarf or only wearing colored socks are ways to transform your look into something more consistent and individual.

Chase of The Sweet and Tender Hooligan.

1. Just breathe. All I’ve been thinking about lately is clothes that breathe. So, this spring/summer scratch the idea of perfectly tailored trousers and skinny jeans for pants and shorts that have some movement. Warmer months are times of parks, bikes, beaches, music festivals and rooftop soirees, so loosen up your britches and find pants/shorts that match the spirit of summer. Look for lightweight cottons and linens that move with the warm weather breeze, but be careful to still find something that tapers a bit towards the bottom so as to keep some shape. I’m currently loving my new summer-pants from Endovanera and Uniforms for the Dedicated, both found at Assembly New York.

2. Roll it up and wrap it around. You’re winter wardrobe is full of long-sleeves and pant legs, so utilize what you can by simply rolling up the ends. Guys, take your pant legs a few rolls up and show some ankle! I’ve also been wearing a lot of simple, earthy-colored crew neck t-shirts, but then I’ll take my fav fall/winter button-ups and wrap them around my waist, 90′s style. This adds some color, but also comes in handy as it cools off in the evening.

3. Brighten up. Somehow it’s easy to find yourself wearing a lot of whites, blues and khaki-esque colors during spring/summer. A good way to add some colors to your warm-weather wardrobe is to pick up some brightly-colored brogues. Oranges, lively tans and milky chocolates are all good options.

Izzy of The Dandy Project.

1. Wear more white. White is a bright, breathable neutral that you can wear in the form of a linen jacket, jeans, cutoff shorts or even leather goods.  And don’t worry about your whites getting soiled; I think grime adds character.

2. Find the perfect tank top. Tank tops have gone beyond strictly undergarment territory to being generally accepted out in public.  I like to wear mine under jackets, and I like them loose and low.

Mac of Daily Mister.

1. Go for DIY. Take one of your fall/winter pieces and alter it so it can fit the season. Last year I tore off the sleeves of a flannel shirt and turned it into a vest. This year I’m working on a super secret studding project (maybe not so secret now). It’s all about changing what you already own.

2. Update your bag/briefcase. If you carry one, then it is seen with you in a variety of outfits so change is key. I try to rotate mine about every 3 months or so.

3. Mix & Match. Blend your warm weather and your cold weather pieces. I personally like to wear my thick sweaters with a pair of shirts or go for a v-neck, super light jacket and wool pants. It helps with the transition process and adds versatility to your look.

Jace of Grungy Gentleman.

1. Toss out the socks. I always ditch my socks when the weather breaks in April.

2. Long sleeves + shorts. I am a huge fan of pairing long sleeves with shorts. A solid oxford or long sleeve tee and shorts never hurt anybody.

What do you think of the video?

LINK LOVE: StyleList

Song for the Mute | Milieu, Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection from Song for the Mute on Vimeo.

That stunning model (not an aussie) is Pawel Bednareck and the song (not by a mute) is by Bricks of Berlin.

Richard Pier Petit calls this editorial “Clowning By Numbers” and shows this quite literally in the photos. Stylist Eugene Ong totally en captures the old school clown look mixed with current menswear trends.

Sometimes the new type of accessorie is a part of and very familiar garment. These new typed neck scarfs by Collar, Stand + Tie are a quite genious neckwear design that can be styled and worn in multible ways. I´d DIY the piece from an old mens shirt (or two neckties or bowties).

Photographs by Sabine Mirlesse. Via Dirty Flaws.

LINK LOVE:Collar, Stand + Tie

Even I have been found guilty of being stuck in a style box.  I used to have a signature look that consisted of fitted crewneck t-shirts in solid colors from Target.  I wore them with jeans, skirts, or black pants (capri’s, gaucho’s, palazzo pants…whatever was in style at the time).  Until one day I looked in my closet and thought to myself “this is not the closet of a girl with a distinct sense of style”.

I decided it was time to incorporate more prints and dresses into my wardrobe…and I haven’t looked back since.  From my vintage dashiki to my embroidered floral JWLA dress, I not only stepped out of my style box, there is no longer a box in sight!

I brought about this change through my approach to shopping.  When I enter a store now I ask myself the following questions when I gravitate toward a piece of apparel or an accessory:

• Do have something like this already?
• Would this piece stand out or blend into my closet?
• Is this a color or print that I already have plenty of in my closet?

That last question is actually one that I reference often.  I own so much black, white, and gray that I literally slap myself on the wrist when I try to grab something in one of those colors.  I now skim across racks and if there is a particular block of pieces in a color or style (ahem…empire dresses) that I don’t need, I just move on.  There’s a reason why I don’t even step into a White House, Black Market…I’m not buyin’ what they’re sellin’!

Guys, the same goes for you.  Are you stuck in a polo and jeans/shorts look?  Maybe consider trying a cool screen-printed tee or some bermuda/board shorts.  I have several girlfriends that complain that their husbands are in a style rut.  This is a fact.  Consider changing up your look and I bet the lady in your life will notice…

So go ahead.  Take the plunge into a whole new world by breaking out of your style box.  Whether it’s going from solids to prints (or vice versa) or from a hipster to a preppy style (Kristine…holla!), try something new.  Maybe you’ll end up like me…without a box!

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LINK LOVE:Before The Show | Paris

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LINK LOVE:Sean O'Pry for ZARA FW2010.11

Rumours were rife a while back regarding David Beckham’s would-be dip into menswear design, but now that Victoria Beckham has successfully launched her re-branded denim line under the VB label, it would seem she’s finally brought her husband on board.
According to the weekend’s papers here in the UK, Victoria has persuaded David to design a …

LINK LOVE:David Beckham to design menswear

LINK LOVE:Damir Doma | MNS S/S 2011 Finale | Paris

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LINK LOVE:Moschino Spring Summer 2011 Menswear Look Book.

LINK LOVE:Mihara Yasuhiro Spring Summer 2011 Menswear Full Show 1.

LINK LOVE:Vivienne Westwood Spring Summer 2011 Menswear Full Show 2.

LINK LOVE:Vivienne Westwood Spring Summer 2011 Menswear Full Show 1.

LINK LOVE:Romain Kremer | Menswear S/S 2011 | Paris

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LINK LOVE:Thomas Crisp | Ravensbourne College of Design

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Three Over One SS11

Heavily inspired by the photography of Irvin Penn, particularly his 1951 series “Small Trades”, where he photographed a wide range of people in a stark studio environment wearing their everyday working attire, Australia’s Three Over One spring/summer 2011 collection continues with designer Jim Thompson celebration of the working man in a range of rugged yet elegant menswear.

The collection consists of unstructured tailoring with cropped fitted jackets and pleated relaxed fitting pants. Denim jeans are in the best Japanese Selvedge qualities with authentic fits and styling. Shirts are in soft washed linens and cottons and knits are influenced by vintage under garments and early athletic wear.

www.threeoverone.com

More images after the jump

Heavily inspired by the photography of Irvin Penn, particularly his 1951 series “Small Trades”, where he photographed a wide range of people in a stark studio environment wearing their everyday working attire, Australia’s Three Over One spring/summer 2011 collection continues with designer Jim Thompson celebration of the working man in a range of rugged yet elegant menswear.

The collection consists of unstructured tailoring with cropped fitted jackets and pleated relaxed fitting pants. Denim jeans are in the best Japanese Selvedge qualities with authentic fits and styling. Shirts are in soft washed linens and cottons and knits are influenced by vintage under garments and early athletic wear.

www.threeoverone.com

More images after the jump

LINK LOVE:Three Over One S/S 2011 Lookbook

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LINK LOVE:Gucci – Spring Summer 2011 RTW Menswear Video

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LINK LOVE:In The Crowd | Henrik Vibskov S/S 2011 | Paris

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Rick Owens Spring/Summer 2011 Menswear collection. Catch full show after the jump

images via GQ.com

+ buy Rick Owens (currently on sale) at Oki-ni & Luisaviaroma

+ check out all our SS11 coverage

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LINK LOVE:Rick Owens Spring/Summer 2011 Menswear

The Dolce & Gabbana Menswear Fall/Winter 2010/2011 ad campaign by Steven Klein, featuring models Noah Mills, Adam Senn, Evandro Soldati, Arthur Kulkov and Sam Webb.

+ more D&G | Steven Klein | Noah | Adam | Evandro | Arthur | Sam | Underwear

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LINK LOVE:Dolce & Gabbana Man F/W 2010-11 Campaign | Steven Klein

LINK: Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair Winter 2010 Collection

Add Your Own Stories on ENVY The Fashion Network

Halston is relaunching menswear with 2 lines, a luxury and heritage line. These lines will be managed by Neema Clothing and designed by Studio Mauro Ravizza Kreiger in Italy, unlike the label’s womenswear, which is made in-house and is currently ‘created’ by Sarah Jessica Parker.

LINK LOVE: WWD

Another very military inspired collection by Stefano Pilati for YSL.

LINK LOVE: Coute Que Coute

Photos from the new Ruffian capsule collection for Macy’s have hit the web. It went something like this; striped polo, plaid shirt, striped shirt, basic jeans. Kind of like what you’d find at The Gap on any given Sunday. We’re not impressed.

I’ve been a pretty big fan of Ruffian’s womens collection for sometime, which is why I was ecstatic when I heard designers, Brian Wolk and Claude Morais were working on a low cost Mens capsule collection for Macy’s. Of course the excitement is now just bitter disappointment as I scan photos of a mess of basics I haven’t been interested in since high school.

Hopefully there will be some high points to this collection added before it hits the selling floor, but if not, I think we’ve just been bamboozled into paying attention to line that really doesn’t offer anything fresh in the menswear category.

Le sigh, Ruffian boys, le sigh.

LINKLOVE: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/nymag/fashion/~3/rQ4T7y4eUpE/ruffians_brian_wolk_williamsbu.html

The latest Trendspark is straight from the runways of Rick Owens, Julius-Garden, Boris Bidjan Saberi and other  avant-garde mens designers.

The look is basically the equivalent of walking out of your house with a blanket on. It will totally make you look like a Dementor ready to plauge the world of Hogwarts. Why anyone one would want to look like one of the Taliban’s bitches is beyond me, but I wouldn’t be surprised if someone attempted this come September fashion week. Watch for it, this Trendspark is closer than you think. 

Reply in the comments if you would try this look or submit pictures of you rocking the drapes via Twitter, @fashionindie

GALLERY: Men In Drapes

SOURCE: I like boys in draped outfits