Milan Men's Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2014

Dolce & Gabbana's Kings of Fashion

Milan has not brought the flurry of changes to menswear as anticipated almost every year, with most designers managing to keep their signature aesthetic but struggling to progress. Maybe the toll of 2013's undoubtably spectacular collections has come down on the designers, and they have nothing to prove except the quality of their garments rather than displaying the flashiness that can be achieved in men's fashion design, who knows. But of course, a few have emerged as victorious in pushing their label forward whilst sticking to their famed focus on quality, ethos and aesthetic.

Calvin Klein is now on board for the logo-mania trend

Predictably, most of the trends shown during London Collections: Men have flowed right into the collections of Italian designers, including a heavy accentuation on scarves, the re-emergence of plaid - likely to be a bouncing off of the gingham trend within womenswear thanks to Céline, beatnik turtlenecks and statement sweaters, particularly Calvin Klein, all featuring names of popular perfumery within their brand.

Salvatore Ferragamo finale

The colour selections of various Italian designers seemed mundanely uniform, all splashing shades of blue, woody browns and shocking reds throughout their collections, with Salvatore Ferragamo and Gucci achieving this without desperation to bring attention to their collection, unlike a few designers. Black is obviously an essential within the Winter wardrobe, and hints of gold, both shiny and matte, were seen in MSGM and Vivienne Westwood, and more so in the garments of the Kings of Style of Milan; Dolce & Gabbana.

Backstage at the Gucci show

Themes amongst the collections are a given, and for this season the most prominent was old country western and royalty. The wild, wild west was apparent in the collections of Versace - baring more than the eye could handle, Missoni, Philipp Plein and subtly throughout John Varvatos's clothing. But even despite this, no clear relevance can be disseminated - is it just spectacle for the sake of spectacle? Or is this theme simply an honour to the recent Chanel Métiers d'Art show? I hardly think crotchless leather chaps will make a comeback. Maybe Missoni's ponchos will emerge as the only trend to be taken on from this theme, as fashion consumers focus on wearability and lifetime nowadays. Besides, cowboys were outshone by the Norman Kings of Italy, who made a seemingly resurrected appearance in Dolce & Gabbana's collection, and was no doubt the show and collection that emerged as the best during the week.

Missoni's ponchos presented during the finale

To view all the looks from the fashion shows, head to www.style.com

Images courtesy of This Hearts On Fire, Senatus and Fashionising

The New Gucci Bamboo

Too many people overvalue the convenience of cheap, fast fashion nowadays over the long-lasting legacy of iconic and inimitable high fashion. Gucci's famous Bamboo Bag has proven to stand the test of time, knocking back the try-hard imitations by the houses handcrafted bamboo handle. News has arrived that a leather alternative of the handle is now being manufactured, forcing many fashion conscious people to question what this means for the brand and its iconic model - will this mean that an authentic Gucci Bamboo Bag be harder to detect? If this is the case, appreciating the long process to which the bag is made is the only way to have a grasp of what may eventually cease to be...

Images courtesy of Gucci

Gucci Artisan Vol. 2

Last year, Gucci opened up The Artisan Corner in 3 stores in Australia, giving the opportunity for customers to see the skill and craftsmanship that goes into the creation of one of the label's famed handbags - The Bamboo Bag. This year, in celebration of 60th Anniversary of the label's Horsebit loafers, the Italian artisans return straight from Florence to show you the technicalities behind these men's footwear essentials. 

The artisans will be at Gucci stores in Sydney and Melbourne from the 21st - 30th of May. For more details on which stores and times the craftspeople will be showcasing their skill, CLICK HERE. Photographs of the craftsmen and loafers will be up next week, stay tuned!

Images courtesy of Gucci

Harper's Bazaar Australia: 15 designers, 15 covers, 15 years to celebrate!

Giorgio Armani

Louis Vuitton by Marc Jacobs

Harper's Bazaar Australia turns 15 this year, and in celebration of their anniversary, 15 powerhouse designers of the fashion world have conjured up limited edition covers for fashion fans around the world to collect. In addition to those pictured, high profile names such as Frida Giannini from Gucci, Alber Elbaz from Lanvin, Christian Louboutin, Hermés, Karl Lagerfeld from Chanel and Diane Von Furstenberg have lent their creative minds manifest into a series of custom designed fashion sketches and editorials. Personally, I have the Carine Roitfeld cover in my sights, and with Mother's Day in our midst, why not grab one for your mother for a truly fashionable gift! Happy Birthday Harper's Bazaar Australia, may the publication continue to bring fashion inspiration to all of us!

 

Victoria Beckham

Carine Roitfeld, featuring Prada Spring/Summer 2013 dress

To view the complete series of covers, head to www.bazaarcoverstory.com.au

 Images courtesy of Harper's Bazaar Australia

Gucci x James Franco for "The Director"

James Franco and Frida Giannini in Harper's Bazaar, photo by Douglas Friedman

The official trailer and poster for the fashion documentary focused on the illustrious label, Gucci, named "The Director" has been released. The film is produced by Hollywood heartthrob actor-director James Franco, who recently interviewed the Creative Director of Gucci, Frida Giannini for Harper's Bazaar. 

The poster for "The Director", the upcoming film focused on the world renowned fashion label, Gucci

Much like Valentino: The Last Emperor and Karl Lagerfeld: Confidential, the film is centralised on the Head Designer and Creative Director of the label and how their vision has manifested for the benefit and progression of the brand, the evolution of its design aesthetic and how those around them have supported whilst on their climb to the top. The much anticipated film debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival, and will be in cinemas soon, but for the meantime, you can watch the trailer below:

Images courtesy of Harper's Bazaar and HollywoodReporter

Video courtesy of the JoBlo Movie Network

Read the James Franco interview of Frida Giannini, HERE

Aussie Aussie Aussie! Boys Boys Boys!

Mr. Anton Monsted, Music Producer for Moulin Rouge!, Australia and the upcoming fashion film The Great Gatsby. Anton wears a Dolce & Gabbana suit and shirt by James Perse

 The world's leading online luxury menswear retailer, Mr. Porter, has recently unveiled their favourite Aussie boys, and men, whose style defines who they are and their mark on Australian culture today. Australian men are embracing their inner fashionisto more so than ever, but the unattainable attire seen on international men's fashion icons are simply not appealing to Australian men. Mr. Porter has come to the rescue with their latest issue of The Journal, giving local and needy stylish gentlemen a few blokes to aspire to, not only in style but in their strong mindedness and assurance of themselves, thus also giving Aussie men a boost in their self confidence and inspirational thinking. My favourites from the lucky few men selected for the editorial include Mr. Anton Monsted, Mr. Dane Lovett, Mr. Joseph Allen Shea, Mr. Jamie Valmorbida and Mr. Michael O'Keefe, all pictured below. To view the full editorial, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Dane Lovett, an Artist from Melbourne, wearing J.Crew sweater, Burberry Prorsum jeans and Cutler and Gross sunglasses

Mr. Joseph Allen Shea, a Sydney Curator and Publisher, wearing a blindingly red Paul Smith suit, t-shirt by Jean.Machine and Gucci shoes

Mr. Jamie Valmorbida, Sales Director of Valcorp, wearing a blazer by Ann Demeulemeester, Michael Bastian shirt, J Brand jeans, Lanvin sneakers and Ray-Ban sunglasses 

Mr. Michael O'Keefe, CEO of Aesop skincare, wearing a Boglioli blazer, J.Crew shirt and Paul Smith belt

ALL FASHION AVAILABLE ON MR. PORTER

Photography by Derek Henderson

Styling by Dan May, Style Director of Mr. Porter

To view the editorial shoot, CLICK HERE

Images courtesy of Mr. Porter, The Journal

Gucci feels it's Chime for Change

Chime for Change advocates - Frida Giannini - Creative Director of Gucci, Beyonce Knowles-Carter - Singer/Songwriter and Salma Hayek Pinault - Actress

The beautiful Creative Director of Gucci, Frida Giannini, has stood up and taken action against the objectification and abuse that many women around the world still face today, with the start of a charity foundation named "Chime for Change". It's ridiculous that women are still treated as the lesser gender in a time when progressive thinking, acceptance of difference and future ideals are favoured over the dying mindsets of racism, sexism, homophobia and ageism. Frida's aim is to give an opportunity for girls and women everywhere to look up to not only women, but men, who are standing up for their rights, no matter what ethnicity, sexuality or age. 

The Chime for Change motto and promise to women everywhere

Please watch the campaign video below to see the many historical moments and figures that have contributed to women's rights and how Chime for Change is bringing those ideals into the present and future. Stand up for your aunty, daughter, mother, grandmother and whoever you know is affected by sexist discrimination and join the movement today! 

Images courtesy of Ministry of Fashion, Ryot and The Fashion Telegraph

Video courtesy of Chime for Change

Gucci's Turning Japanese

Gucci has channeled their inner Japanese Manga artist to bring their 2013 Cruise Collection to the market in loony toony fashion. Well, they called on Hirohiko Araki to conjure a special comic strip to highlight the story of the clothes in a way that captures the attention of both fashion and animation enthusiasts, and what a wonderful job he has done. These high fashion pieces are ever more desirable when it is drawn, most likely resembling the original sketch designs by Frida Giannini, Creative Director and Designer for Gucci. Make sure to visit the Gucci Manga Style page to have a look at the campaign, and with Manga, remember to always read right to left!

The campaign can be viewed HERE

Images courtesy of Gucci

Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013 - Highlights Part 1

Fashion Month is coming to a close with Fashion Weeks in the two fashion capitals of the world - Milan and Paris. The first stop is Milan, with the first half of the week featuring shows from John Richmond, Ermanno Scervino, Roccobarocco, Ports 1961, Moschino, Just Cavalli, Iceberg and Versace.

My favourite collections from the first half of the week include:

Gucci Spring/Summer 2013

Frida Giannini for Gucci has presented a collection that may rival the overshadowing trend of oriental prints and Japanese garment construction, with exotic monochromatic Mediterranean dresses in a block of eye-blinding colours. To complete the collection, Frida has also designed a series of highly embellished jewellery, based on the intricacy of Mediterranean jewellery design, and thus fighting the current trend of delicate Japanese garments with full force.

Alberta Ferretti Spring/Summer 2013

Alberta Ferretti's dresses are ethereal in look and delicate in nature, the calming colour palette adding to the angelic qualities of the collection

Emporio Armani Spring/Summer 2013

Emporio Armani brings dynamic cuts, displaced colour blocks and geometric prints into their latest collection

Prada Spring/Summer 2013

Miuccia Prada's latest collection channels traditional Japanese fashion design and approaches it with the contemporary market in mind. The collection is abundant in minimal floral motifs, architectural silhouettes and the quirky addition of Ninja-style shoes and Geisha platforms.... which is an acquired taste. On a sidenote, this collection is one that rivals Proenza Schouler's AW12 collection, with both collections encompassing oriental prints and Japanese garment construction. In comparison, Proenza Schouler's garments were maximalist whilst Prada's are minimal. I'm keen to see how Prada's collection will fare against Proenza Schouler's when it hits the market!

Etro Spring/Summer 2013

Etro's latest collection is a combination of both the Japanese and Mediterranean inspired garments which are currently on trend. Kimono shirts are juxtaposed against Mediterranean tunics, vivid colours are splashed onto dresses inspired by traditional Spanish dancers, and Japanese robes are given a Mediterranean element with off the shoulder cuts. Overall, this collection celebrates the fusion of different styles of fashion design which flows throughout most, if not all, fashion designers' collections nowadays.

Sportmax Spring/Summer 2013

Sportmax's collection is a harmonic representation of how a subtle colour palette  complements heavy and stiff garments, lessening its weight on the viewer and the wearer

Gabriele Colangelo Spring/Summer 2013

Gabriele has chosen the popular colour palette of orange, blue and white and has applied it to his minimalist designs, inspired by Japanese silhouettes, offering a unique option for women for Spring/Summer

All images courtesy of Fashionising

All runway shows can be viewed on FashionTV and FataleFashionII 's Youtube Channels