GIF-induced Menswear Overload!

Dries Van Noten Spring/Summer 2014

The "revolutionary" reblogging central called Tumblr has brought about the overuse of the GIF image file. More often than not, these image files causes headaches and maybe even the odd puke, and I'm sorry if this has caused you to do so. But, I confess, I can look at these repetitive and seizure-inducing Spring/Summer 2014 menswear GIFs with ease. I can't help but wonder that maybe this is how fashion shows may be viewed in the future, especially because of the rapidity of information flowing throughout the world and the constant demand for swiftness in the exchange of information. Warning: These images may cause a fashion overload!

Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2014

Jil Sander Spring/Summer 2014

Neil Barrett Spring/Summer 2014

Prada Spring/Summer 2014

All GIFs were designed by Paul Wagenblast

Images courtesy of Dazed and Confused

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The Art of Menswear

Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2014

Most of us prejudicially judge fashion as a form of art when in reality it is design - the combination of science, technology, skill, visual interpretation and business knowledge. The link between art and fashion is often blurred, especially when it comes to Haute Couture, but almost never with ready to wear. The dissection of this misbelief has been carried out with the artworks of Catherine Raben Davidsen.

Fendi Spring/Summer 2014

Jil Sander Spring/Summer 2014

Depending on the ethos and aesthetic of the collection and the designer, each artwork is a visual disintegration and reconfiguration of the pieces within the collection. The abstraction causes the models to become more of a surrealist figure in the artworks, whilst the clothing emerges as the centrepiece, as it should be. Catherine has successfully diversified the mundane fashion photograph into masterpieces that emphasise the amount of creativity that flows from the designer into their pieces, by adding elements to the photograph that embody the interpreted vision of the clothing and what they mean to the potential wearer.

Prada Spring/Summer 2014

Raf Simons Spring/Summer 2014

Yohji Yamamoto Spring/Summer 2014

Images courtesy of SHOWstudio

A Look Into Raf's Archive

Raf Simons Autumn/Winter 2005 Double-Breasted Coat 

Raf Simons Spring/Summer 2006 Perforated Hoodie

Raf Simons is a diamond in the rough, being trained in industrial design rather than fashion, but that had no impact on his rise to the top of the fashion world. Once being the Creative Director for the minimal queens label, Jil Sander, and now directing Christian Dior's Haute Couture and Ready to Wear, and of course his own label, his ability to warp the silhouette of both men and women is unsurpassed. A look into what he has designed in the past and its relevance today is fascinating - the skinny trouser, double breasted coat and androgynous pieces a prevalent trend amongst the fashion conscious today. His influence on fashion often goes unnoticed, but it is clear to see the trickling down of his panelled shirting, sports luxe pieces, and crisp leather sneakers throughout the crowds. His return to the luxury fashion retailer, LN-CC, is now being celebrated with an insight into the archives of his bewildering designs.

Raf Simons Autumn/Winter 2004 Short Sleeve Crew, Spring/Summer 2005 Raised Seam Pants

Raf Simons Spring/Summer 2002 High Collar Jacket, Autumn/Winter 2005 Relaxed Sweat Shorts

Raf Simons Spring/Summer 2003 Extended Hood

For the complete archival editorial, CLICK HERE

Images courtesy of Manuscript and LN-CC

A$AP ROCKY ROCKS IT FOR MR. PORTER

A$AP ROCKY wears Burberry Prorsum coat, Ann Demeulemeester t-shirt, Oliver Peoples sunglasses and Pierre Hardy sneakers

A$AP wears Matthew Miller sweatshirt, Valentino shirt, Givenchy shorts and Ann Demeulemeester boots

A$AP ROCKY wears Neil Barrett blazer, Valentino shirt and Bottega Veneta beanie

A$AP ROCKY wears APC bomber jacket, J.Crew cashmere beanie and Kolor sweatshirt

A$AP ROCKY wears Rick Owens coat

A$AP ROCKY wears Marc by Marc Jacobs jumper, Maison Martin Margiela cotton shirt and Illesteva sunglasses

Kanye West is fast becoming old news because the New God of Rap, A$AP ROCKY, has taken over. The mysterious rapper is the subject of high fashion online retailer, Mr. Porter, allowing A$AP to don his favourite labels, including Maison Martin Margiela, Ann Demeulemeester and Givenchy, which he, more often than not, makes allusions to in his music - note: "Fashion Killa". The man's controversial "Comme Des Fuckdown" beanies and shirts may have been a tease at Japanese high fashion label, Comme Des Garcons, but this proved more beneficial to his rise in the music and fashion industry than detrimental, and what a way to show his support for high quality fashion than an editorial catering to the tastes of the "high fashion hip hop" market.

Shop the looks on Mr. Porter HERE

Images courtesy of Oyster Magazine

Paris Men's Fashion Week, Day 1

Paris - the city of fashion. There is no better place to end the menswear weeks than in the one place where fashion is the pinnacle of life.The first day saw shows from Lucien Pellat Finet, Alibellus+, Julien David, Y Project, Carven, Walter Van Beirendonck, John Lawrence Sullivan, and Mugler.

My favourite shows/collections from the first day include Raf Simons, Valentino and Christian Lacroix.

Raf Simons Autumn/Winter 2013

Here it is, a preview of Raf Simons' anticipated first menswear collection for the season. After the success he has experienced as Creative Director for Jil Sander and now for the womenswear division at Dior, his influence has stretched once again to Adidas, who have collaborated with the designer or his Autumn/Winter 2013 collection, releasing less alienable, more wearable shoes. The collection is true Raf, simple, neat and clean designs with a hint of rebelliousness, and complements the aesthetics of his Spring/Summer 2013 collection.

View the collection HERE

Christian Lacroix Autumn/Winter 2013

The crisp cleanliness of Christian Lacroix's latest collection is undeniable. Timeless and well-fitted garments such as trousers, jeans and leather derby shoes go hand-in-hand with the slightly bold checked coats, printed sweaters and furry varsity jackets.

View the collection HERE

Valentino Autumn/Winter 2013

Valentino's ability to keep up with the times and maintain their illustrious name is admirable. The collection boasts their skill in fusing old and new for the future, with digital hound's tooth prints on coats, leather panels on classic tailored blazers and jackets, grid-like quilted jackets, leather blazers and varsity jackets and modernized tartan prints all go together, with each look finished with a pair of smart, yet edgy, studded leather brogues or boots. A collection for the classic yet modern gentleman by a timeless label.

View the collection HERE

Watch the fashion show HERE

All images courtesy of Fashionising

Milan Men's Fashion Week, Day 1

The best of Italian menswear will be set to impress with their Autumn/Winter 2013 collections in Milan Men's Fashion Week. Following London Collections: Men, trends throughout menswear will start to appear and of course consumer interest will start to rise, especially with live streaming of fashion shows.

The first day offered shows from Corneliani, Les Hommes, Antonio Marras, John Varvatos , Marni, Frankie Morello and Costume National. My favourite collections shown on the day include Burberry Prorsum, Jil Sander, Ermenegildo Zegna and Dolce & Gabbana. 

Burberry Prorsum Autumn/Winter 2013

A lovely invite from Burberry
Image courtesy of Burberry

Burberry started the show with a projection of the London cityscape

Christopher Bailey, Creative Director of Burberry

Christopher Bailey decided to tone it down for Autumn/Winter 2013, a welcome move away from his bright metallics in Spring/Summer 2013. The collection encompassed bold but beautiful leopard and tiger printed sunglasses and bags, military greens and lovely heart printed sweaters. The collection is an embodiment of London attitude and culture, and plays on both the masculine and feminine side of men.

View the full collection HERE

Watch the runway show HERE

Images courtesy of the Burberry LIVE stream

Jil Sander Autumn/Winter 2013

Since Jil Sander's return to her label, she has managed to meld the her own vision and that of Raf Simons, making the label stand out as a benchmark for the future of minimalist fashion. Sombre colour choice and the subtlety of the prints add a dynamic dimension to the garments, and thus creating a calm and collected collection perfect for the "Zen" man.

View the full collection HERE

Images courtesy of Fashionising

Ermenegildo Zegna Autumn/Winter 2013

The light reflecting off a golden runway lit up the room even before the show started, and of course, setting the mood for a truly innovative menswear collection. The structural masculinity of the garments goes hand in hand with the futuristic aesthetics of the reflective sunglasses, smooth leather jackets and gold collar links. Black and gold is always a sophisticated combination, and the team at Ermengildo Zegna have just expressed their interpretation of what the future of menswear entails through these colours.

View the full collection HERE

Watch the runway show HERE 

Images courtesy of the Ermenegildo Zegna LIVE stream

Dolce & Gabbana Autumn/Winter 2013

Flower clad invitations for the Autumn/Winter 2013 show
Image courtesy of Swide.com

By far one of the best fashion shows I have ever witnessed, Dolce & Gabbana paid homage to the label's heritage and Italian culture, emphasizing the strong Romantic and Catholic ideals of the nation. From the rose embedded chandeliers, classical music, the altar at the entrance of the runway to the garments themselves, this show/collection projected Italy's past and present onto the runway. Besides the immaculate tailoring, the stand out pieces were the floral and Biblical printed garments. Never have I seen such beautiful floristry on menswear, whether it be print or tapestry. The grandeur of the collection was emphasized by the combination of the floral blazers, long sleeves and coats and the bejeweled long sleeves with Biblical tapestry. The show ended with a cheerful ringing of Church bells, and thus setting the benchmark for other designers yet to show at Milan and Paris.

View the full collection HERE

Watch the runway show HERE

Images courtesy of the Dolce & Gabbana LIVE stream