Spot On: Colour

For summer, colour is in big time. The flashier, the better. The world is already a depressing place, so let's liven it up with a healthy splash of kaleidoscopic hues. If you're like me, the notion of donning technicolour outfits can make me cringe a little. But considering how flattering the following pictures are, I'm ready to champion the look.

If you're just starting to embrace the hues, start slow by wearing one item of a striking colour at a time along with your daily outfits. And if you've got the bravado to take it up a notch, then layer it up and consider everything from complimentary colours to striking contrasts. The key is to throw it all together and make it seem not too calculated. Then add a healthy dose of confidence and walk out that door.

*images of Cam Gigandet from GQ.com

Spot On: Dries Van Noten Spring|Summer 2011

The spring/summer collection of Dries van Noten sees a careful play of haphazard Rorschach-test-inspired ink blotches on pristine white shirts which rendered unique pieces, each different from the other. And on top of that, a parade of acid washed denim jackets and jeans and working class garb which hung very nicely on skinheads, harking images of an English punk rock era. This would definitely be a fun DIY project.

Inspiration | Sheer at Mugler

More images from Mugler Fall/Winter 2011 with draped sheer fabrics over the models creating amorphous shapes as they walked down the runway.

Images from Jak & Jil

Watch This

Mugler
Fall/Winter 2011
Paris Fashion Week

The monochromatic representation of Thierry Mugler's new collection for Fall/Winter 2011 renders clothing merely as a second skin; clearly seen through the play of sheer fabrics on models with disturbingly beautiful tatoos. That and the use of what looks like plastic, neoprene and latex which exuded textural but spine-chilling qualities that created a snug silhouette which contrasted with the voluminous billowy bits. I'm obsessing a little over sheer fabrics as of late. The careful thought of layering translucent items that give a hint of what's underneath, creating a visual depth to an otherwise mundane ensemble. And the music playing in the video? A remix of an upcoming Lady Gaga single from her new album.

Inspiration | Bottega Veneta Fall/Winter 2011

Now, this is how layering should be done. Impeccable complimentary monochrome hues with the occasional punch of a singular colour in some of the looks. And although monochromatic outfits tend to border on being boring, the added textural qualities through prints and material give it that much depth to the look. So, go on, layer it up!

Spot On: Tote Bags

Why guys should also carry bags. Tote bags. Nice tote bags. I would say appropriately sized, streamlined, minimally decorated ones. Because sometimes stuffing too many things into your pockets just makes things bulge in the most unflattering way.

The build of the bag is pretty much up to your preference and styling. Leather, canvas, waxed-canvas, felt, brown, navy, black, grey, etc. etc. There are so many choices out there. And not all are that pricey.

*photos from various sources

Lanvin X H&M

Holy-mother-of-all-that-is-good-and-pure-beat-me-over-the-head-with-a-garlic-breadstick-and-stab-me-with-a-fork-in-the-back-OMFG-WTF-rolling-on-the-floor-foaming-at-the-mouth. IS THIS FOR REAL? FO' REAL, FO' REAL?

Can somebody help me locate my jaw? It just dropped onto the floor.

Inspiration | Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2011

One of my favourite collections for Spring/Summer 2011, Bottega Veneta sends out non-fussy clothes that transition from formal into everyday wear and nothing too fashion-y. The clothes seem to fit the body with an athletic sense, giving an ease of movement and not too restrictive. And the colours? Sapphire blues, carnelian reds, camp green through beiges, whites and blacks with subtle tonal differences. For me, this is fantastic menswear.

Stay tuned for more.

Inspiration | Patrick Ervell Spring|Summer 2010

For Spring|Summer 2010, Patrick Ervell's experimentation with fabric treatment left me stunned. When I took my first look at the photo above, I loved the outfit. The neutrality and simplicity in the clothes were to my liking and I thought it was perfectly accented by that blazer which I assumed was some kind of orange-y floral print.

Or so I thought. If there's anything I've learnt in the past is that I should NEVER assume.

The 'floral print' which was used in several pieces in the collection was actually rust stains. Take a closer look:

Patrick Ervell gave a different spin on patina to clothes. He carefully used iron and copper oxide shavings and spread them over the garment which is then soaked in saline for a week, causing it to rust and stain the material. By doing so, he managed to create this ingenious print-like pattern and "a kind of decay as a central motif for the collection"

ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!
I feel the need to do a diy project.


Stay tuned for more.