Viktor & Rolf Couture Fall 2015

When designers Viktor & Rolf announced they were leaving the world  of ready-to-wear and move exclusively into haute couture, they were serious. And being the geniuses that they are, they presented a stunning and impressive collection, appropriately tilted "Wearable Art." For many years, I have said Viktor & Rolf are artists and this collection substantiated my claim. What began as a runway collection of elaborately draped and sculpted dresses, ended as gilded paintings on a gallery wall. This "performance" unfolded as the audience watched. Viktor & Rolf quickly removed the garment from the model, hinged the frames together and hung the artwork on a wall. Perfection. The last image shows the designers with their painted dresses on display.

fashionado

Michael Bastian Menswear Spring 2016 #NYFWM

Michael Bastian was inspired by the lifestyle and entitlement of Bel-Air and while I see some of the references in the collection, what is really calling my attention is the oh-so-dapper navy plaid double-breasted suit. And the super hip banana-leaf came pants. And Bastian's bold sense of styling. And let's not forget the cashmere cardigans. The best part is that you don't have to live in Bel-Air to look this damn good. Then again, I could embrace a lifestyle in Bel-Air...

fashionado

THEORY Menswear Spring 2016

Androgyny is the new black... and tan, navy and gray. Theory blew us away with their menswear collection for NYFWM. There's little to no middle ground for me in fashion. I'm either loud and colorful or embracing simplicity and sophistication. At the moment it's the latter. Theory presented a collection that is smart, classic and modern at the same time. Ben Stubbington, Theory's menswear designer, created clothing that people want to wear. Well-tailored, fitted. I'll take everything!

fashionado

Maison Margiela Fall 2015 Couture

It didn't take John Galliano long, but I think that's something Maison Margiela was hoping for when they made him creative director. His thought process is unique and complex. For Fall 2015 Couture, Galliano / Margiela played with contrasts. He makes us think about scale, proportion, beauty and masculinity... Look through the collection and you'll find that while most looks are not so appealing, you can't stop looking. The collection lures you in and seduces the mind. 

fashionado 

ASPIRE Eyewear - Trendsetting through #NYFWM & Beyond

The philosophy of aspiring to transcend is integrated by the label beyond its use of advanced technologies. The question Aspire Eyewear branding asks the eyeglass wearer is: “Who Do You Aspire To Be?” That message is carefully articulated in personality-driven product designed for both men and women. The brand referenced popular trends, classic motifs, and advanced architectural aesthetics to appeal to different personality types when designing its initial collection of 12 styles for men and women, as well as three sunglasses styles. Each of the 36 frames and 5 temple designs in the collection are detachable, giving the wearer the opportunity to further personalize their own eyewear.

I remember my first pair of glasses... or I should say, I've tried to forget! Of course, back then, eyewear wasn't cool or stylish as it is today. Fashion forward brands like Aspire have taken into heavy consideration that eyewear must serve form as well as function. Aspire's cutting edge style and design make them very desirable to trendsetting men and women.

“There is a lot of interest these days in wearable technology,” said Peter Friedfeld, Executive Vice President, ClearVision Optical. “But from a practical standpoint, the core issues related to eyewear for consumers remain design and wearability. Most people wear their glasses every day, all day. And the pair they choose to wear in many ways comes to define their personality. We felt that the average eyewear frame today was bulky and not up to the aesthetic and performance standards of other accessories that consumers use daily. We invested in developing the SDN-4 technology and advanced 3-D printing capabilities so that we could change that and bring a product to market that "aspires‟ to keep up with today's consumer. Aspire eyewear is truly wearable technology.”

So whether you're hop-trotting through New York Fashion Week or simply care to remain stylish daily, Aspire Eyewear is calling your name. Visit ClearVision Optical and view the entire Aspire Eyewear Collection.

fashionado

Public School Menswear Spring 2016 #NYFWM

Nick Wooster

My obsession with Public School continues through Spring 2016. These guys are just too damn cool... Their streetwise attitude and sartorial sensibility are a perfect match for the forward thinking man.

fashionado

The How-to on Short-Sleeved Shirts

Oliver Green

J. Crew

Arrow Clothing

Theory

Oliver Green

Mr Turk

Helmut Lang

Theory

Mr Turk

The Gap

Bonobos

Anyone who has experienced a Summer day in Atlanta could tell you that there are days that it would be best to just stay indoors due to the extreme humidity. Regardless to where you live, it is important to not allow the weather to damper your style or to cause you to care less about what you wear for the sake of keeping cool. For men, one of the ways to remain fashion-forward during the warmer seasons is to choose the right short-sleeved shirt to incorporate into their look.

Although I am not one who is opposed to wearing polo shirts or t-shirts, I would like to focus our attention particularly on the men’s short-sleeved button-up shirt. At one point, the short-sleeved button-up was one that a lot of men would rather avoid altogether; feeling as if it makes them look like a real geek or some typical IT worker.  Truth is, the short-sleeve button-up when worn right, can be the perfect complement to your summer ensemble. To accomplish this tastefully, the gentleman must understand the science behind the fit, patterns and colors and the versatility of these shirts.

THE FIT

Fit is everything! You want to make sure that the short-sleeved shirt is slim-fitting, but not too tight. When wearing a shirt that is too tight or too large, it tends to draw unwanted attention to problem areas and does not communicate well. The shirt should not feel as if it is at risk for popping a button if the wrong move is made. The collar should be able to button comfortably and sit closely on the neck without constriction. Typically, you should only be able to put two fingers in the collar to assure the appropriate size. Likewise, the sleeves should come mid-bicep and should not be so tight that they cut into the bicep nor billow on the arms.

PATTERNS AND COLORS

According to the style etiquette of patterns and colors, solids and stripes are generally more business wear patterns. When wearing a short-sleeved shirt, this option can provide the man with more style versatility and edge in the workplace. As for color, the idea is to treat more vibrant colors as an accessory rather than a primary that does not distract from the overall look. This of course, is subject to interpretation, but should always synchronize with the rest of the outfit. If you are unsure as to what color works best for you, it ‘s probably a good idea to ask a salesperson or someone more informed fashionably.

VERSATILITY

Short-sleeved button-up shirts can be worn either tucked in or left out depending on the look you’re aiming for. Typically, the tucked in look gives a more tailored appearance and works best with a tailored pair of slacks and formidable leather shoes. This can also be worn tucked into a pair of lightweight, cotton shorts. On the other-hand, the short-sleeved shirt can also be worn un-tucked along with a crisp pair of khaki or cotton shorts, rolled-up chinos or denim jeans and trainers.

By Men's Style Blogger & Contributor:

Brian A. Hampton / Dress Like a Gent @_dresslikeagent

fashionado