Blahnik Brogues

After a lengthy vacation from menswear-seven years to be exact-Manolo Blahnik has returned with a six-piece footwear collection for the boys. The collection packs quite the punch despite it's rather small scale, ranging from the pinnacle of excellence-red suede Oxford brogues to the somewhat questionable-leopard print sandals. Of course, then there's the bluest of blue..suede sandal/brogue hybrid shoe which I could hail as being oh so innovative but prefer to well..leave well enough alone.

The brogues as I've already made blatantly obvious are-for me-the high-point of the collection, bearing in mind I've only, yet, seen half of it. A yearning to combine them with some chequered pants has suddenly surfaced. But not and I stress this, not of the clown or chef variety. These require the most subtle of patterned pants to enhance the cheeky humour-a heady grey and black combo I reckon.

Braces come to mind too, although, perhaps that might be veering somewhat too far on the circus side of things, you decide...

Image from Vogue.co.uk

Movember!

As Style Salvage has just recently reported, November is the month of the moustache! I felt I too should dedicate a post to what is an undeniably good cause, Movember-a unique initiative established in 2003-aims to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer research while promoting bristles on men. A little late I hear you mutter but not for all, those talented facial-hair growers among us have precisely a day left to cultivate a tache!

More info here

Donate here

Image from Boudist.com

My Two Scents

I've been itching to do a fragrance post for a while but I've put it off due to my serious lack of experience regarding this particular topic. I'm permanently on a budget and it's not often I can justify the extravagance of bottle so I'm not exactly knowledgeable.

However, I do have in my possession two trusties that see me through the vast majority of the time...



Pi Fraiche by Givenchy

Basenotes says: 'Fresher' than original Pi, with top notes of tangerine and jasmine, middle notes of amber and base notes of benzoin and woody notes.

I say: Light and fruity but-surprisingly-should be used sparingly, the fun is quite spoiled once you've spritzed on so much you actually smell like a sugar-coated tangerine. Great for Summer, and a nifty bottle to boot.



Higher Energy by Dior

Dior Spokesperson says: 'more dynamic, electric and younger' than the original, Higher.

I say: Citrusy, musky and spicy all at once. This is decadent but not overly lavish, an evening scent through and through.

Images from Basenotes.net

Carola Euler and the subtle difference.

Apologies for the extended recess I've taken over the past week, studies are-as you all know-a time-consuming burden.

During the rather...frequent... studies breaks I've taken I gorged on these sublime shots of menswear newcomer Carola Euler's SS08 collection.





Euler just recently held a cocktail reception at the formidable b Store on London's Savile Row where she stated the she 'was inspired by the idea of what a 16-year-old boy would buy if he suddenly came into lots of money...that kind of naïve approach to luxury dressing.'

That 'naïve' attitude Euler was inspired by did in no way compromise the subtle splendour that emanates from each piece. A restricted -but not excessively so-palette, akin to Calvin Klein SS08, makes for a refreshing appeal. Metallics toned-down provide just enough edge and modernity. This Berliner is here for the long haul.

From Dean Mayo Davies at Hint Blog:

'German menswear talent Carola Euler understands this and went all conceptual to make an excitingly mundane point about überbranding, product extension and status symbols. With sexy, tongue-in-cheek images of her spring 2008 campaign filling the windows of London's B Store—itself on Savile Row, a street that finds its raison d'etre more and more marginalized, thanks to a hideous leisurewear behemoth where Jil Sander used to be—she held a cocktail reception to showcase her men's line, as well as beautifully barbed accessories and grooming products that don't actually exist but prove tidy objects with which to criticize notions of luxury. These include the Carolex watch, pristinely-packaged fragrances and skincare, cheeky socks, luggage and trickle-down cigarette lighters, which proved such a talking point they may actually become available to order. So, ironically, art and commerce may meet again.'

Images from Carola Euler.com

GQ Men of the Year

Bill Clinton, Daniel Craig and Kanye West have all been chosen to star on a GQ US cover of their own. The December 2007 issue is dedicated to who GQ has dubbed the Men of the Year.

Daniel Craig...again with the eyes. Do they look somewhat artificially striking to anyone else?

Kanye West...more a smug-shot than mug-shot.

I should probably just accept that conventional Men's lifestyle magazines aren't going to be improving-covers-wise-in the near future but I just had to make one last jab. At least all men were considerably deserving of the title...

Images from TFS

Business Class

I've just stumbled upon the Male Editorials thread over at TFS and I discovered this gem. To be utterly honest, it's plain difficult to find male-focused editorials that are up to the creative standard of womens'. Part of the reason, I presume, is the fact that there's less competition in the male magazine realm and a much lesser demand for stylistic innovation in the said area.

These are some shots from an editorial entitled, Business Class, photographed by Miles Aldridge(who's contributed to both Vogue Italia and Vogue Nippon on several occassions) and featured in L'Uomo Vogue.



The concept was what intrigued me at first. The interior of an airplane, is generally not considered particularly beautiful or visually appealing, it carries only negative connotations; jet-lag, insomnia, excruciatingly loud babies and uncomfortable seating. But Aldridge has flipped this widely held conception on its head. The models-seemingly-sleep soundly contorted amongst their treasured, 'business class', possessions.



What's really impressive though is the visual impact. The vibrant colouring made subtle by the dim-lighting, the textures of various paraphernalia lying about the set, such an understated richness. Somehow, I reckon a L'Uomo subscription is in order...



Images from Male Editorials & MH via TFS

Red By Wolves

Definitely one of the most intriguing and original label-names I've ever come across. Red by Wolves, is a London-based label that makes the most exquisite and sumptuous shoes that explore 'masculinity, androgyny' and numerous other themes, attitudes and styles. Each 'innovative, beautiful, dark, dramatic' pair is handmade in England.

Sox are not my sole(har har) penchant, I also have quite a significant fondness for shoes. Shoes of every style and colour imaginable. So, it was-to say the least-a rather terrific moment when I stumbled upon the Red by Wolves myspace with its beautiful pictures of even more beautiful shoes and of-the-moment soundtrack of Joy Division's She's Lost Control.



Images from Red By Wolves and RBW myspace.

ART BY

'ART BY is a collaboration between H&M and up-and-coming creative talents. This piece is part of a collection by Icelandic artists'.

Well, I think the caption(the text that also features on the shirt label) says it all, really. I was hunting through H&M for a wintry coat a few weeks ago and instead, this graphical piece caught my eye. As stated above it's from a collection designed by Icelandic artists, this particular tee is by Siggi Eggertsson. Google searches have not been helpful in producing any info regarding this H&M endeavour. Anyone have more details?

Here's a few more equally appealing pieces from the collection, modelled by a more mature and bearded
gent.

Images from Siggi Eggertsson.

Men's Vogue December 2007

Can anyone say... dull ?

Soxitis

This blog really seems to err on the confessional these days. Regardless, I really must have you know that I have the strangest, most absorbing obsession with socks. Yes, socks. Of course, it's not really socks in general that do it for me but a particular ilk, Topman socks.

Since I began frequenting my local Topman, oh maybe two years ago, I've developed this unusual obsession. Symptoms include salivating at the sight of stripy socks, launching into fits while gawking at some star-printed socks, reacting violently to those who try and purchase said socks when stock is dangerously limited...


Sometimes I won't leave without a pair...

Or three....

Note to Self: seek treatment.

Images from Topman

Unmentionable Horror Story!

Well..that's a tad contradictory considering I'm actually going to mention it, however, I digress!

This morning was one of the torturously, bitterly cold November variety. Rolled out of bed, clambered towards the underwear drawer and selected a pair of black trunks. Slipped one leg in and then the other(TMI? Just wait...) and immediately jolted with searing pain. I scanned my lower legs where I had suspected the pain had originated to find a half-dead, stubborn wasp/bee(honestly, was too bewildered to distinguish) planted on my right calf.

You might denounce this post as superfluous and well, rather bizarre, until, of course, you discover that the wasp was in fact hibernating in my pair of unmentionables!

*gasp*

Be warned!



Image from Nick Sagan Blogs

The Unmentionables...

Underwear. A rather rarely discussed topic among the straight males of this world. Some prefer a fitted pair of trunks in a classic black or white, others veer towards baggy boxers in a 'my-mother-bought-these' blue and red check, while some prefer 'bulge-enhancing' Y-fronts/briefs...if you'll excuse the vulgarity.

Most probably, you didn't expect a brief history of well...briefs, when you came here today alas, here goes.

It all started-as you might have known-with the loincloth, when man first felt modesty. Loincloths were usually manufactured in a linen or wool with those made of silk generally reserved for the utterly wealthy.



Eventually, as we grew ever more sophisticated, men turned towards the much more dynamic codpiece. This nifty thing enabled men to urinate without having to strip off their bottoms completely.



Soon, our undergarments evolved further and we began to don union suits, commonly referred to as long-johns. Some of these actually possessed a drop flap at the rear to render visits to the loo that little bit easier. Also around this time the first jockstrap was invented to aid cyclists on their journeys...



In the 30's briefs came on the scene...



As did boxers...



And finally in the 90s we got trunks...



And there you have it.

Images from Erbzine, Mans-Underwear, Macys, Spunkys, Wags

Wrap Up

I admit I am so very terribly late in choosing winter-wear essentials and Winter 07 is no exception seeing as we're approaching the halfway mark in November! Anywho, the garment I've been neglecting to purchase is of course the winter coat. Be it a lightweight trench with requisite epaulettes, a nifty mac in blackest of black or a weighty, woolly overcoat-coats satisfy both practical and sartorial needs.

Considering my present income I'd never dare contemplate buying designer as regards coats. It's just got to be high-street if I'm not to be forced to shack up on the streets at the mercy of icy winds and pelting rain. Presenting...

Topman 100% Cotton Cropped Red Trench




I wish I had a more sophisticated answer, alas, it's the boldness of the Venetian red that caught my attention here and of course, the wearing potential...straight-cut silver-sheen jeans and a pair of winklepickers(or even high-tops) with a basic white tee or tapered pants with some lavish cashmere from Uniqlo and some loafers.

___________________________________________________________________________

And...,well...one can always dream...



Tom Ford



Dolce & Gabbana



Michael Bastian



Costume National

Images from Men's Style and Topman.com

Male Muse - Calvin Klein

Über-influential designer, resourceful entrepreneur and all-round fashion icon. I couldn't possibly think of a more deserving candidate for this week's Male-Muse.

65-year old Klein, American pioneer(arguable...but I'm wholly convinced) of the clean-cut minimalist aesthetic and creator of the most ubiquitous briefs ever is beyond inspirational. A man who single-handedly constructed a stellar apparel and fragrance empire while designing clothing that was wearable, commercial but still true to its subtly avant-garde roots incorporating signature-to quote Klein himself-'modernity, purity, neutral shades...sex appeal and, most of all, minimalism'.

Calvin Klein menswear has always-for me-been at the fore with the likes of Jil Sander in constantly re-interpreting and re-inventing the pared-down and sleek look for guys. I just hope Zucchelli does as good a job in the future...

Image from Getty(as you might have guessed)

Looks

Just a few inspiring looks from the one-man-wonder that is The Sartorialist.



The sharp shorts and furry legs make for a truly masculine appearance. Plus that little Commes Des Garcons badge adds a certain playfulness and frivolity which provides a nice contrast.



The fellow on the left should pursue a modelling career post-post-haste if he has not already done so. Sumptuous, classic-black overcoats denote sartorial excellence.



Steeped in historical connotations this look is both nostalgic-the military jacket-and fresh-the slim jeans.



Again, another otherwise formal look is given a shot of mod with the tapered leg. The subtle quirk of the up-turned hem adds personality.



Pure character. This man dresses for himself.

Images from Sartorialist

Alexander McQueen and Puma

Although not an avid fan of sportswear label Puma, I've been persuaded to re-evaluate my stance due to Alexander McQueen's collaboration with the brand which resulted in one of the most outstanding lines of men's shoes I've seen in quite the while.

Luxe, smart and edgy, the shoes epitomise 'sleek' and possess a subtle essence of the brand's eponymous mascot-the puma itself. McQueen has outdone himself in creating a collection that truly represents the brand's dedication to quality and innovative design.

This coming together of two clothing giants wasn't a haphazard process either with the entire concept for the collection having been intricately developed. Just click 'Concept' on the site and you'll understand-it's almost like a little narrative to lure you in, which is-in a way-indicative of McQueen's own way.

Images from AlexanderMcQueen.Puma.com