The two Olivers

Ollie Proudlock: Artist, designer and owner of some mean muscles (Erm, I bet you didn't expect the latter). You may or may not remember my trip to his Serge DeNimes pop-up store last December where I perused the rails of t-shirts and sweaters and posed awkwardly beside him. Well he's now teamed up with the luxury shoe company Oliver Sweeney for a mini selection of fetching chukka boots and high-tops that encapsulate Proudlock's style in a way that we can now all experience ourselves.  Although these are designed for men, the leopard print ones have kindly been made in women's sizes too, which is just as well because who doesn't want a pair of leopard print trainers?

Below I've put together his and her outfits showing how the Oliver Sweeney X Oliver Proudlock shoes could be worn with Serge DeNimes t-shirts and accessories (and slim fit jeans and a Miu Miu mini leather skirt)

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Kenzo aw13 mens

ATTENTION NIRVANA FANS: Yes, I am very aware that the lyrics are 'on a plain' but whilst writing this post I could not get the song out of my head and thought it only fitting to change the spelling for the purpose of it making sense.

Sat on a plane, far away from the liveliness of everyday life,

your destination calling, your previous abode waving goodbye

the sky is a sea of serenity,

the cumulus gatherings are cushions of hush

there's a sense of invincibility when distant from the ground,

 a sense of freedom when flying around.

Ever since Humberto Leon and Carol Lim replaced Kenzo Takada as creative directors, I have fallen more in love with the brand. Not that there wasn't anything wrong with the founder and fundamental force behind the clothes' identity but ever since the takeover there's been a surge of energy and fun creativeness that never fails to catch my eye.

For Fall they were inspired by endless trips on aeroplanes and staring out of windows at the continuous sights of blue and clouds. This comes across flawlessly in the prints covering jackets and the fluffy fabrics.
The collection continues with trademark Kenzo-style patterns found on the likes of trousers (paired with a toned down blazer for an effortlessly stylish look) and bold colours such as the shock of pink. And, of course, the occurrence of a tiger sweater.

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boys, girls and robots

Topman Design, Hackett London, Alexander McQueen, Christopher Raeburn, Hardy Amies, Christopher Raeburn, YMC, Vivienne Westwood, Shaun Samson, Jonathan Saunders, Jonathan Saunders, Jonathan Saunders, Katie Eary, Katie Eary, Christopher Kane

I feel like I'm a bit behind with all this blogging business. This week has been so stressful that, if I was to put it into ratio, the amount of things I have to do is the size of Canada and the time I have is the size of Iceland. Therefore, I thought I'd use this post as opportunity to share with you what I've been lusting over during the past five days.

The menswear fashion weeks kicked off in London and you can read about it here. I especially love the traditional aesthetics and elegant tailoring that formed the collections of Hackett London and Hardy Amies, Alexander McQueen's dark but alluring charm with a theme reminiscent of cathedrals and devils, and Christopher Raeburn's ability to transform Millet-style outerwear into something much more fashionably desirable. I am also deeply fond of Katie Eary's captivating vibrancy, mystical exuberance and underwater spectacle, Vivienne Westwood's exclamation of her concerns for global warming present within her collection, and Jonathan Saunders' successful attempt at combining the traditional and natural fabrics associated with outerwear in a way that produces a technical feel- the result was contemporary, fresh and extremely wearable.

While that all took place, Stella McCartney once again satisfied us with an assortment of clothing fit for any occasion. She is without doubt that one friend you can rely on at all times. Whether you're setting out for a hard day's work, walking through the city attracting street style photographers from afar, taking things easy and relaxed, or having a sophisticated night out and want to look genteel with added fun character, her pre-fall collection is there for you.

And there to fill me with desire? Marc Jacob's Mickey Mouse crop sweater is pretty neat, as are these two-tone oxfords from Brooklyn boutique, Bird! But, don't worry, for something that is definitely affordable, the Flash Trash Girl robot necklace (available here) is something I find both extremely cool and extremely cute. result!

I you have a good weekend!  

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plush velvet

alexander mcqueen fall 2012, louis vuitton pre-fall 2013, paul smith fall 2010, dolce and gabbana fall 2012, louis vuitton pre-fall 2013, burberry prorsum fall 2012

When I think of a velvet suit, I picture a dark-haired Italian walking through the streets of Milan,  Gucci sunglasses covering his brown eyes and a stubble finely groomed to perfection. He's wearing perfectly polished Giordano Dieci shoes and in one hand he nonchalantly holds the handles of his Louis Vuitton bag while the other gleams from the gold Rolex embracing his wrist. His scent is fresh and tempting and produces a trail of suave masculinity as he proceeds to his swanky in-city apartment that's illuminating with modern paintings and glass tables.

CUT! Bringing myself back to reality and there is no reason why a man like yourself can't own the velvet suit either. It's sensuous and  presentable and, as the Autumn Winter 2012 collections showed us, can also be worn with a grungy, bohemian twist. I am especially drawn to the velvet numbers in the Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2013 collection. Worn with printed shirts and scarves, and rounded off with charming broaches, it's a look that's formed to impress.

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Spring Summer menswear. Say hello to LF Markey

trousers: costume national; tops from top to bottom: bottega vaneta, dsquared2, versace; outfits from left to right: bottega vaneta, salvatore ferragamo, dries van noten; all three blazers: salvatore ferragamo; trousers and bag: costume national; shoes from left to right: dsquared2, emporio armani

New year, new beginnings, new resolutions. Whether the start of January sees you commencing the process of achieving your year's goals (and trying not to let the novelty wear off leaving your aims demolished) or you're just taking each day as it comes like it's nothing special, why not use this moment to open your wardrobe and take a detailed look at your clothes? One's choice of outfit can usually tell a lot about their personality. The more outlandish the clothing commonly means the more creative and extrovert the wearer is and a refined suit with polished, well-kept shoes tends to represent the sophistication of its owner. I know from experience that many males tend to shy away from wearing something too eye-catching in fear of attracting negative attention or exercising the connotations of being gay (although why should that be anything to be ashamed of?) but creating a bit of life to an outfit does not necessarily mean buying the most peculiar thing you can find or dressing beyond your comfort zone. It can merely mean adding a small unexpected splash of colour or an animated print. 

While many designers supplied us with a variety of bold designs for Spring Summer '13 (from Costume National's striped trousers and Salvatore Ferragamo's watercolour blazers to the more subtle yet effective leopard print shoes courtesy of Dsqaured2 and Emporio Armani), If there is one designer who has recently informed us on how character can be brought to an outfit in the most effortless of ways then it's Louise Markey,  founder and creative force behind the brand LF Markey. Australian born, she studied at London's Central Saint Martins graduating in 2008- the same year she made her catwalk debut, came runner-up at the Fashion Fringe Festival and launched her much-loved shirt line. Yes, shirts.  The friendly component to everybody's wardrobe. Work, night out, first date, funeral: there is undoubtedly a shirt for every occurrence and Markey's comfortable, minimalistic creations in bold colours and shapes means they are perfect for the occasion of more lively dressing.

Her Spring Summer 2013 collection, showcased at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia in Sydney as part of the New Generation crew, involves monochrome Aztec patterns and denim shirts covered nonchalantly in darkened polka dots- playful but by no means in-your-face. Given that there is a segment on her website's blog dedicated to 'the great shirt wearers of our time', it is no wonder she has the ability to produce versatile,  fun-looking garments and if this year you decide you are one of those who feels they should add character to their outfits then turning to LF Markey only seems natural.

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rocking in denim

Remember the days when Justin Hayward Young lived his life in this stripy shirt? Well that was so last year.  (Back in the days when he had lovely hair that suited him extremely well)

How cute and handsomely rock and roll did Freddie Cowan look in his cut off denim jacket playing with full passion at the Reading festival yesterday evening? The Vaccines have ditched their over-worn vintage shirts and brown suede jacket and have replaced them with what you can see above, which is now becoming Justin and Freddie's statement look. (and leads on nicely to my next point)

Ah, double denim. It's a topic which is widely debated and always has opinions divided. Below are various street style images of men sporting the look. For me, if the two shades are the same, I am not wholly attracted but what do you make of it?

I do not take credit for any of these pictures.

Inspiración

Whether it's clashing, whether it's vibrantly striped (and paired with lethal accessories), or whether it's bold, animated and Prada, these guys sure know how to rock the prints and enliven a lacklustre Saturday afternoon like the one I experienced today. (And street style photographers Tommy Ton and the Sartorialist sure know how to capture them well)

Burberry Prorsum SS13

Appetising, moreish, wrapped up ready to be enjoyed. Jackets shimmering delightfully in the light, unveiling a delectable assortment of Burberry sweetness you crave to get your hands on. What will be your preferred choice? Will it be the delicately patterned shirts? The suave tailored suits? The slick, futuristic bomber jackets made to perfection? Christopher Bailey knows how to produce a treat, leave people wanting more, satisfying taste buds and, thankfully, there is no exception for next year.

Valentino Spring 2013

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo piccioli have both expressed how they want to bring couture into menswear and this collection certainly has many classy elements to it. High-end sports luxe, shall I say (Sport luxe: a term used regularly this summer but, with the leathery jackets, the sophisticated striped trousers, and the rubber studded sneakers, it undoubtedly applies here)

London Collections: Men DAY THREE

The third and final day went along the lines of what's below.
(I am still not responsible for the photos, as much as I wish I was)

J. W. Anderson

There was a cutesy, feminine touch gently swirling around the ICA during J.W. Anderson's showing. There's soft colours of yellow, pink, blue, and lilac, teddy bear t-shirts,  and see-through tops and trousers with a floral-like appliqué. 

Margaret Howell

Margaret Howell has created a lightweight, easy-going assortment of shirts, sweaters and rolled-up trousers. 

Baartmans and Siegel

At Baartmans and Seigel, April (and May, June, July, August..) showers have been taken into consideration where the Liam G parka and slim, shiny anoraks are present. The colour pallet is very nonchalant- white and greys- and the complementing sunglasses only create more of a calm and collected persona. 

Richard Nicoll

Then at Richard Nicoll, looks were sporty but suave with tennis whites, casual suits partnered with converse-style trainers, and slick shorts

Omar Kashoura

Forget granny chic as it's all about granddad chic now. Or so it is throughout Omar Kashoura's latest offering with the presence of aran sweaters and grey, kept-to-tradition suits.

Meadham Kirchhoff

Which brand would be the one to sport the face masks on the third consecutive day of fashion shows? Of course, only Meadham Kirchhoff! As you are probably aware, Edward Meadham and Benjamin Kirchhoff like to make a statement with their clothes (especially in a bold and kooky manner) I am yet to be informed on what their concept is, but my initial thought was unemployment- the messy, sleepover setting with bored, sprawled about men in pyjamas and trainers, seemingly giving up on life. Unsurprisingly, there is no lack of colour as the punks with electrifying pink hair and dyed blue eyebrows have proven.

Pringle of Scotland

And light knitwear, such as Argyle and camouflage-style sweaters and slender cardigans, can be found at Pringle of Scotland. That and the radiant blue and pleasant tailoring which adds a bit more variety to what is Alistair Carr's final Pringle of Scotland menswear collection before he is replaced by an in-house design team.

London Collections: Men DAY TWO

A selection of what jour nombre deux of the London Collections had to offer.
(pictures, once again, from the official website)

Sibling

What is it with men hiding their faces? Today it was Sibling's turn, although there were humorous elements to it- such as the huge pom poms which gave more of an impression of a friendly monster than a down town looter. Gangsters are very much a theme of this collection, however, what with the gold, skull chain embroidery and baggy t-shirts.

MAN

MAN is the perfect way of showcasing rising talent and this year's three new stars are as follows:

Agi and Sam- Here there are woven suits in light floral designs, Japanese style prints over blues and oranges, and a bundle of 80's moustaches.

It is game on at Astrid Andersen with the large basketball vests over baggy shorts, the mesh fabrics, and the see-through tops with lime green appliqué showing off the well looked after bodies. 

And free and loose is how Shaun Samson roles. In his collection you can find finely knitted sweaters finished with an excess white and shorts that flow more like skirts (but, because in a robotic silver or accompanied by a cat with an ample amount of piercings, you know it's anything but girly) 

E Tautz

A burst of fuchsia commenced the show and this was followed by a surge of yellow and an explosion of turquoise. Combined with the smart black and navy tailored-wear, it creates a fresh and summery ambience.

Katie Eary

Katie Eary describes her designs as 'glamorous streetwear' and for her latest collection this is made apparent from the, at first glance, exuberant designs in opulent colours. Although, when looking more closely, you can see that the designs are made up of fish, their scales, and the ripples of a perfect ocean.

Christopher Shannon

To me, there seems to be a bird theme taking place for this spring, summer collection. Models walked down the runway in tinsel-like wigs (which could resemble a bird's nest) and the fringing continues, large and distinct, in huge gatherings. Detailing is left intentionally incomplete- like the rugged edges on denim shirts and the sections of coloured stripes- but this all contributes to the interesting, innovative look of the garments.

Mr Start

Quite simply formal wear for the young and trendy. There is nothing odd or old-fashioned about the tailored suits the collection mostly consists of and each one is stylish and appealing- perfect for those starting their first 'real' job in the city.

 RAKE

Tailored clothing has gone casual with Clive Darby's RAKE collection. Double breasted blazer jackets are paired with loose-fitted trousers and there is an all round holiday feel with the sandals, shorts, beaded chains, and jewellery.

James Long

And at James Long, because of the monochrome colours and electronic-style patterns, it is as though we have been transported into a sci-fi world, surrounded by all things technological, whilst mingling with secretive men who continuously seek to battle trouble. 

London Collections: Men DAY ONE

It's finally here! For the first time, menswear has hit the capital in the form of the London Collections (which was launched by Prince Charles the night before) and below is a selection from the premier day. All pictures are taken from the official website.

Hackett London

For Hackett, it is all about the prim and proper, the well-groomed and the reputable. Smart suits bedecked the runway in a 50's manner, as did paisley prints on trousers and scarves.

Topman Design

Fun and flamboyant seemed to be the underlining meaning at this sun-soaked show.  Graffiti-style prints were  scrawled over shirts, jackets and shorts and retro florals and effervescent colours were forever present. Are we still in England or are we chilling alongside Californian beaches? The latter half of the collection was filled with energising, sporty wear with slouchy, numbered t-shirts and mesh suits.

Joseph Abboud

A casually suave persona is created through Joseph Abboud's selection of jackets with shades, v-neck sweaters with crisp shorts, and- for those always occurring miserable days- glossy macs.  

Martine Rose

Intimating, unnerving and strikingly fearless, the men at Martine Rose swaggered down the catwalk with their customised veil masks hiding their true identities, whilst armed with t-shirts in their hands (the most fashionable protesters there are) The clothes contained plenty of denim and and there is a sturdy build to many of the items (most noticeably, a loud blue jacket and black jumper and shorts)

Oliver Spencer

Here you can see a combination of easily wearable, laid back outfits (such as jumpers and zipped jackets) and more sophisticated suits (these mostly worn by older gentleman)...

Lou Dalton

...Whereas Lou Dalton has kept it dapper and simplistic. Suit jackets contain dark blue panelling, shorts are tailored and fall just below the knee, and crisp whites and baby blues sit nicely alongside the refined black.

YMC

Sailor-inspired, seaside perfection is centre to YMC. For the show, jumpers were wrapped around the shoulders and stripes were present in casual blazer jackets and polo shirts. Short- sleeve floral shirts are included too as a more stylish, toned down version of the Hawaiian shirt- Because what's a trip to the seaside without a Hawaiian shirt?

Xander Zhou

And, from the view of Xander Zhou, next year's spring and summer is appealingly modern with pristine clothing, in a minimalistic colour pallet, structured to perfection. These include clean-cut jackets, glossy blacks, and strong, architectural stripes.