For many men, the issue of swimwear only really crops up during the summer months. This season, there are some great pieces out there ,which incorporate many of the current trends without compromising on design.
The nautical look tends to be big most summers and this one is no exception. This summer, designers are showcasing swimming shorts, which are heavily influenced by this trend, with red, whites, blues and faded compass prints making a huge impression on the catwalk.
Once again, bold colours are the highlight of this season’s men’s swimwear and contrasting colours are big news. Geometric shapes and contrasting shades are making an appearance on board shorts, designs which suit most men.
Perry Ellis’ collection is focusing more on pastel hues, with pieces that are just above the knee, a length which is more fashion conscious than others and certainly more flattering for most men. Pastel colours are excellent for those with olive or darker skin tones and the collection also features some darker colours for lighter skin shades. The most important feature of Ellis’ collection is the length of the shorts, which is appearing in more and more high street shops this season.
Combat shorts are also becoming big news, in men’s swimwear this season. This is one look, which can transcend easily from the beach to the café or bar and only needs a few carefully chosen accessories to do this. Short military style boots or gladiator sandals work best with this look and are one of the most popular this season.
The latest autumn/ winter collections have been showcased and there are some hot new trends set to hit the high street this autumn. For the fashion conscious man, a sneak preview of some of the upcoming trends is an excellent way to help you decide what you want to buy, so that key pieces can transcend the seasons easily.
Military wear looks set to be one of the hottest new trends in menswear this autumn and many of the biggest designers such as Paul Smith and Chanel have invested heavily into this look. The collections are featuring earthy tones like grey, khaki and forest greens and there is plenty of knitwear and leather making an appearance too.
Military boots will be the footwear of choice for this look, with hard-wearing leather designs in black or brown being your best bet for a pair that will work well with many different garments. Mid-length or ankle boots have already hit the shops and work well with this season’s tailored shorts.
Some shops are already stocking a few items, which fit the upcoming trend, with khaki camouflage jackets and earthy tone chinos already making a huge impact. The military look works well with layering, so it is worth investing in the striped t-shirts and earthy toned knitwear now, to keep ahead of the game. With many shops already selling coloured chinos, now is the perfect time to stock up, in anticipation of next season’s military trend.
Fur is another material that is perfect for the winter time. The material is fashionable and keeps us toasty during the winter season it would be the perfect material if there wasn’t so much controversy and debate about whether we should be allowed to make clothing from it.
Because the material causes such controversy, there is more pressure on designers to create faux fur designer clothes which look real and to create real fur that look fake. Recently, there have also been some other enquiries which have found the faux fur to be extremely harmful to the environment.
Despite the discussions and debate, true fashionistas are still buying the furs and they are continuing to increase with popularity. Furs are brilliant for warmth as well as looking good and can be worn with literally anything.
If you are looking to just incorporate a little bit of fur into your outfit then avoid the bulky fur coats and stick to fur accessories! There is something for everyone whether you want to make a bold statement, or just fit in with the trends. Fur based clothing is definitely something to keep an eye on!
Men’s fashion has seen the likes of Roberto Cavalli, Burberry Prorsum and Costume National showcase a wealth of innovative, fresh designs. As we welcome the spring/summer season we see more oversized man bags, bold and bright colours and geometric shapes dominate the catwalks.
The street ready styling of Frankie Morrello’s collection may appeal to the urban gent about town with the introduction of different fabrics and textures and rucksacks, while Ermenegildo Zenga made use of khakis and suedes in muted colours such as brown, sand, beige and pale greens. The twins of Dsquared2 were playful with their colour choices, however, mis-matching suits with contrasting and bright colours.
Looking towards the 2011 autumn/winter collection, we can see the trend change. Designers’ offerings include darker, earthier tones, firmer materials, biker jackets, bleached jeans and a touch of bohemianism with the use of skinny scarves.
How does this all translate into men’s fashion today? Designers are showing the world of fashion that men can be colourful and playful yet masculine. It is all in the tailoring.
Men seeking to revamp their wardrobes should focus on lightweight, easy to wear fabrics, geometric prints, airy pullovers and bold colours. Chinos are also a staple part of any on trend wardrobe and will be a big part of fashion in 2011. Chinos are easily styled with slim fit shirts and t-shirts, espadrilles, deck shoes and skinny ties or scarves. Chinos will also carry urban gents from summer through to autumn comfortably. As the weather gets cooler, simply layer clothing.
Chilled-out, cool and relaxed are the three looks to go for, as far as fashionable gents are concerned this year This should come as a great relief for those men, who are getting fed up with the pretentious and power-brokering look that has held sway on and off since the early 1980s.
Designers are becoming obviously more conducive to experimentation, in a way that was unheard of in anything outside of women’s fashion until quite recently. Indeed, many of the elements common to women’s design have successfully transferred across to men.
Laced (literally) with Pirates of the Caribbean’s Johnny Depp style, the new ‘metrosexual’ look is iconoclastic. It smashes those perceived male stereotypes and introduces something almost reminiscent of the ‘New Romantics’ movement of several decades ago.
Not all of the designs are literally wearable for everyday use of course but these collections are setting the extreme boundaries of the general trends in this direction.
London, Paris and Milan have come up with some truly eclectic collections that are characterised by such accoutrements as leggings, chains, lace, bracelets, loose fitting jackets and chopped T-shirts. What is more, the models look as if they are actually enjoying themselves for a change and it is little wonder, with so much fun and high fashion in evidence.
Look out for the likes of blazers and jackets this summer with skinny ties, glittering cufflinks and a vast array of chains in all shapes and sizes. Linen is the material of choice, with fashion and sense coinciding perfectly for a change.
Gianfranco Ferré originally trained as an architect before transforming himself into an Italian designer of women’s clothing, fragrances, and couture. Despite the addition of high fashion to his line in 1986, Ferré remains influenced by an aesthetic that focuses on casual garments that are constructed with great attention and care to small details such as cuffs, ruffles, and collars. His signature style includes lines that are crisp and clean, a result of exact cutting techniques and careful finishing.
Yet Ferré’s styles are unique in that many of them feature visible seams. Ferré admits that he has been heavily influenced by Asian trends such as the rich colours and luxurious fabrics that characterise much of fashion in China and Japan. His FERRÉ Milano line, launched in the 1990s, features ready-to-wear pieces as well as high-end accessories and furs.
Fashion insiders feared that Ferré’s death in 2007 might mark an end to the line’s influence in the world of fashion, but the appointment of Lars Nilsson as creative director helped the brand transition to a future without him. By 2009, Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi, who replaced Nilsson at the helm, had triumphed with a spring collection that modernized Ferré’s style while keeping his signature elements. One feature of the updated look was dresses made in geometric forms that made the most of a woman’s natural curves.
Celebrity clients of the Ferré line include a wide range of famous women from Oprah Winfrey to Julia Roberts and Sharon Stone.
Gucci, sometimes known as the House of Gucci, is a famous fashion brand from Italy that is also well known for its leather goods. The company was set up in 1921 and provides a range of products, from clothing and shoes to watches and jewellery. Gucci is actually the top-selling Italian brand for fashion and runs 278 individual shops across the world. With many other high street stores and departmental outlets stocking their clothing, Gucci products are easily accessible to everyone.
The brand is popular amongst many fashion-loving men who enjoy wearing luxury clothing. It displays the elements of strength, style and independence throughout all its menswear ranges. Most of its winter collections are in black, grey or brown shades to provide a simple and autumnal feel to match with various outfits.
Music celebrity Sean Paul is a big fan of Gucci eyewear. Other accessories include wallets, belts and bags, of which many are made from leather. As previously stated, Gucci is a very well known and prestigious brand, popular amongst men who are able to afford the luxurious clothing of this famous company.
The footwear collection at Gucci is particularly popular nowadays, all the more so as the company is a top manufacturer of leather goods. Gucci offers its clientele a multitude of footwear from which to choose, made from all manner of different materials and textures.
As you may have noticed the summer sales have already started which is great as you can get some great bargains for the remainder of summer, well as long as we have some good weather! With the sales starting earlier and earlier each year you get to make the most of your bargains as well as stock up on essentials for next year.
For example I’ve had my eye on some designer clothes for summer that at original price I could not justify buying, however a lot of brands have put key fashion pieces into their sale, so it’s worth checking out, especially if you really want something special.
It’s not just statement fashion pieces in the sales, wardrobe essentials such as t-shirts, vest tops, trousers, designer jeans and designer dresses have been discounted by many stores so it’s a great way to stock up your wardrobe for next summer, saving not only money but time too!
You can also get some great deals on shoes, accessories and jewellery too, keeping an eye out when your favourite designer stores have their sales means you can get in before their shelves have been ransacked, normally using the internet can be quicker, but social media has taken over with tips on when their sales are starting so you can get to the stores quickly.
Burberry is a luxury British fashion brand, with an iconic tartan pattern seen across many of its designs. The trench coat in particular was one of their most well-known pieces and became a huge hit. There are five main sub brands, which are: Burberry London, Burberry Brit, Thomas Burberry, Burberry Sport and Burberry Prorsum. Burberry London is the main sector, but each one offers something different. They have hundreds of independent stores all around the world, as well as making their products available for consumers to purchase online.
The British menswear range includes polo shirts, coats, jackets and lots more. All of Burberry’s designs are thought of as luxurious and stylish, and so have appeared in many fashion shoots and on many catwalks in the UK. They cater for both formal wear and more informal occasions, so you should be able to find something for any event. One of the main aims of the designers is to make the items as flexible as possible, so that they last a long time and can be adapted for many different purposes.
The top news at the moment with regards to the Burberry Prorsum collection for spring and summer 2012 is that designer Christopher Bailey is suggesting it should all slow down. He wants to place craftsmanship at the heart of the collection, using techniques unusual to menswear such as crochet and embroidery. It is the quality of design and manufacture that make a designer fashion brand worth its price tag and reputation, so it is important to stick to this idea.
A Study in Contradictions for Fall 2011
Catwalks are known for outrageousness, high fashion, and the unexpected. Runways mean many different things to many people. One thing that is rarely ever associated with runway fashion is practicality. This fall, anyone from fashion moguls to busy moms on the go will be able to take designs straight from the runways to the street.
Two of the most practical of the high fashion designers have long been the usual suspects when it comes to wearable fashion. Calvin Klein has always been a brand that is synonymous with simplicity. Their Fall 2011 line falls right in line with that sentiment. Black, gray, camel, and light brown make up the line’s subdued colour palette and the use of texture in lieu of print makes this line one of the season’s most wearable. While the line’s palette may be somewhat dull compared to the polka dots and goldenrod hues of other designers, Calvin Klein makes a statement with perfect swing dresses. Flattering lines make even the simplest piece stunning.
Another winner in the wearable yet fashionable category is no surprise either. Ralph Lauren features dramatic gowns in leather, velvet, and satin with a heavy emphasis on 1920s glamour and Asian inspiration. Like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren utilizes classic silhouettes and simplicity to make a statement while designing clothes that will not distract from a woman’s natural beauty.