DSQUARED2 F/W 2012: Class in Session

Class is in session and the subject is 'Cool Style'. The reality is that no matter what the story line, DSquared2 always marry cool and sexy effortlessly, and its F/W 2012 menswear collection is no exception.

Slim fitted sihouettes define what DSquared2 is about, and eye catching trims are the proverbial icing on the cake for each piece that Dean and Dan Caten create. My personal favorites in this collection are the metal and jewel studded jackets. The heavier fur lined and fur hooded jacket is a definite fashion must have, unlike other overly decorated jackets this one does actually does its purpose of keeping one warm, but still keeps an edge with its eye catching sleeves.

Another personal favorite is the green mohair sweater, its simple but has the feel of luxury. Many would feel they have to stay away from this kind of texture fearing it might be uncomfortable or bothersome, but from personal experience it's not as difficult to wear or take care of as many people claim.

All I can say is that if all schools specifically where I went is this fashionable, stylish, and well put together, I may have never left! When class is in session and DSquared2 is teaching, all fashionistas and lovers of style need to pay attention.

Trussardi Menswear F/W 2012 : the 70's Live On!!

Trussardi continues to draw inspiration on retro styles for its menswear F/W 2012 collection. The flambouyance of the 70's era with Trussardi's refined impeccable aesthetic becomes a marriage of fashion perfection.
From oversized lapels, trench leather coats, checkered suits, and overall a suave sense of style, these are all characteristics that make the 70's such a great fashion era for men's style. A sleek turtle neck paired under an amazingly tailored double breasted jacket brings back the days when men actually took the time and cared about their style and appearance.
Fur collar trench coats and heavy velvet blazers keeps that edgy cool and effortless style. Although I am a little bit unsure about the revival of the 70's signature 'bell-bottom' I am surely a huge fan of the jackets and tops reminiscent of the era.
Trussardi is definitely pioneering the resurgence of vintage style, and I for one am loving all the fashion that comes from it; I love the idea of turning a 3 piece suit into a casual everyday ensemble by simply using fun vibrant textiles and modernizing it with today's silhouette.

Louis Vuitton menswear F/W 2012: Bold Prints on Classic Pieces

Louis Vuitton is synonymous to LUXURY, particulary in hand bags and leather goods. For several seasons the House's ready-to-wear line has slowy but surely come up to the same standards as its accessory counterpart.

For Louis Vuitton's menswear F/W 2012 classic pieces are punched with bold patterns and colors, as well as exotic animal imprints like crocodile- as seen on one of the jackets. Rich wool fabrics are incorporated well into some uber conservative 3 piece pinstripe suits, and with a twist on the arms using a crocodile skin imprint. Although a few of the pieces are monotone and tone on tone, Im still drawn in just because it is so well crafted and the detail is impeccable.

Without a doubt the chunky oversized zig zag print scarves are the star of the show, from burgundy to navy to gray and camel it is the right statement piece to pair up with a conservative wool jacket to give it a an eye catching accessory. I have to mention that YES! I do want one of each color, it is one of those must have item that any fashion enthusiast needs to add to his ensemble.

Indi Jeans Contest via UFCG PR..

INDi FACEBOOK VALENTINE’S DAY SWEEPSTAKES STARTS TODAY
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WHEN: Starts: Jan 24, 2012 1 PM EST and Ends: Feb 14, 2012 1 PM EST
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Etro Menswear F/W 2012-2013: Fringe, Feathers, and Fur

Fringe, Feathers, and Fur were skillfully incorporated into Etro's signature paisley prints and retro-avant-garde designs. Etro's menswear F/W 2012-13 collection was a mix of western/native designs married into Etro's romantic designs and slim silhouettes. Keeping in trend with the revival of ponchos, capes, and trench coats in heavy velvets, fur lined jackets, and impeccable tailoring, Etro stands out from the crowd by keeping true to its signature paisley prints by making it bolder as a true statement piece.

My favorite ensemble of the collection (pictured above) is the paisely infused trench jacket with the matching shirt, and pinstripe gray trousers. Although attention grabbing because of the boldness of the prints, it still maintains a refined quality because of the tailoring of the jacket.
Other note worthy pieces are the brocade jacket, the fringe detail scarves, the wool ponchos, bold color velvet tops and pants, the feather detailed jackets on the backside, the head pieces, and definitely the shoes.
What attracts me to Etro is that each season and collection after collection the design stays true to its original prints, but somehow still brings innovation and a fresh take on a classic piece. Etro is defined by the quality of its tailoring and the boldness of its prints, and there is no need to ever stray from such a perfected formula.

My Style Icon: Nickelson 'Nick' Wooster (Neiman Marcus Group)

On many occasions during New York Fashion Week S/S 2012, I ran across and shared a space with this guy not realizing who he is or who he works for, only that he stood out to me as a 'fashion bad-ass'. Although in a suit and tie, Nick always had a statement piece that made him stand out from the fashion crowd, and that's what makes one a fashion icon in my book. Style is something effortless and subtle, but undeniably noticable.

In January 2010 Nick Wooster was appointed as the Men's Fashion Director for Neiman Marcus Group which includes Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, and with an impressive resume to back him. John Bartlett, Ralph Lauren, Barneys, Calvin Klein, and Bergdorfs are all included in his work.

I'm not above admitting that I do aspire to get on Nick Wooster's level. Iconic by definition because even in such a corporate position where stuffy suits and ties rule the day, Nick Wooster manages to be a 'fashion bad-ass'.

Give Me Givenchy: S/S 2012 Menswear/ Women's RTW

I definitely find it intriguing that for S/S 2012 both menswear and women's RTW (ready-to-wear) share a subtle juxtaposition of exhibiting a characteristic from one another. If one compares each collection to the other you can clearly see that the majority of the womenswear is highly menswear inspired. From tuxedo blazers and trousers to masculine structured jackets, several pieces from the S/S 2012 RTW collection have an air of masculinity but still very much defined by a sexy silhouette. Another great example to my point is the accessories worn by the women. The silver oversized shark tooth necklace is a strong statement piece, but skillfully difused by setting it on a pastel colored back drop.

To argue the same point for the menswear, one could say that the skirts, with the amazing back pleating alludes to the idea it could be womenswear inspired. The softer slimmer sihouette for the trousers and jackets in the men's collection also supports my observation, but by pairing it with a complementing t-shirt, and using strong bold colors it still maintains a strong masculine feel.

Overall, this is just my over analytical observation for both collections, and it would never take away from the fact that the House of Givenchy is one of the greatest design houses today, timeless and with Riccardo Tisci at its helm sexy, edgy, and innovative.

It's Dolce and Gabbana Bitch! Men's F/W 2012

One of my favorite designer, Dolce and Gabbana, references early 20th century and the Victorian Era fashion with a modern twist of sexy and luxury for its F/W 2012 menswear show. Fur lined trench coats, chunky knit wool suits, and gilded brocade ensembles with complementing footwear came down the runway in one of the best conceptualized fashion story. The tailoring was impeccable and the detail on each piece gave each one a vintage feel, yet so luxuriously modern. From the capes, to jackets, and unbelivable velvet pieces- the collections screams of opulence.
My favorite was the finale look: a gray velvet jacket with intricate brocade detailing and fringe accents on the upper arms. Another ensemble I find so luxurious but easily wearable from the runway to the streets is the gray chunky knit suit with the belted jacket. If I could I would certainly take home every piece of the collection, and can't wait for the day when I can personally sit in the show during Men's Fashion Week in Milan, but for now the dream certainly continues...