Skirts you Sir

Men in skirts- really- Talk about reverse androgynous.

Skirts have become an emerging trend embraced by men, brave men might I add. Evident at London Fashion Week 2013, when JW. Anderson A/W collection, Not for girls certainly turned some heads. 

And of course there is Kanye West when he donned a Givenchy skirt on his Watch the Throne tour, sorry Kanye, we really believe that skirts on men will never be mainstream- phew!

I figure it’s Beau Brummell’s fault. Still. He was an iconic gentleman in Regency England in the 1770s who is widely credited with introducing the modern man’s suit-and-tie. (Kudos to JT new song) There’s even a statue of him on Jermyn Street in London.

A man in a skirt however , is a great PR stunt as you will get instant attention, for example David Beckham’s 1998  look-at-me strategy- spotted in a sarong. Although our overall feeling towards the man skirt, is still more negative than positive. No doubt this garment requires huge **** to pull off, as it is a deliberate provocation, which also explains why it’s seen on catwalks in men’s fashion shows. To conclude the skirt is more of a shock statement in modern masculinity than a real-life clothing option!
 

A night at the Oscars

February is most definitely the busiest month on the celebs calender. With the Grammy, Brits, and Baftas recently passed, last night herald the 85th Academy award winning Oscars, to which all the A listers were on top form!

There was a clear formula for the guys this year at the Oscars, as they were all (bar baby faced Eddie Redmayne and Channing Tatum) sporting some impressive facial fuzz. It's official... the beard is back. Bringing your mum as a date to the Oscars was almost as fashionable as having a beard, as showcased by Bradley Cooper and Chris Pine. Having a girlfriend as your personal stylish was also a hot look this year, check out Jennifer Aniston ensuring Justin's bow tie was on straight!

Overall all the men show off their impeccable sense of style! We loved the sharp black tuxes that were so common in Hollywood’s hunks, including Bradley Cooper and Channing Tatum. It’s a classic look that never disappoints. Daniel Day-Lewis,  has to be Monsieur Man best dressed winner- in a midnight blue tux, he proved that it's all in the detail , don’t you just love that pocket square, and black trimmed lapel?

Boys at the Brits!

Last night herald the 33rd edition of the infamous Brit Awards! Emil Sande was definitely the woman of the hour, but who in your eyes took home the best dressed male?

James Corden?

 Harry?

 Frank Ocean?

 JT?

 Louis Smith?

 Nick Grimshaw?

 

 Or was it Robbie?

PHERES GQ style shoot!

Last month, I assisted PHERES, on their on- location shoot in London, take a look at the fabulous images captured, guess it helped we used a lovely A&F model!

Look One- A great English heritage 3 piece suit, teamed with a divine creme cashmere coat- pure luxury! 

 

Look two- A checked blazer with tailored matching waistcoat, teamed with a quirky bow tie, which i love! Topped with a very extravagant pocket square, and gentlemen s umbrella- this is a great after dark city look!

 Look Three- Check out those elbow patches!

Look Four-A gorgeous weekend tweed look, with a hint of countryside romance- very GQ esk!

PHERES, Natalia, Matt, Brend Trend photography, Monsieur Man

All dressed up in Black and White

Last night herald the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards, held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. 
The A-listers were all dressed to the nines, although some outfits were interesting!

We liked Neyo's style last night, contemporary with a suave twist. Sporting his signature fedora, teamed with a silver blazer, and a great silky black animal print shirt. (not the biggest fan of the boots) 

The overall trend for the evening was most definitely black and white monochrome! 

JT, just took it to another level. I have the biggest Faux Pas with men in white socks, that reason alone has deemed him to the worst dressed list.

 

The power couple beside him, knew how to work monochrome to its best. Go B, and Jay!!

Happy Valentine's From Emma Willis

Men, I presume you have your romantic gifts at the ready, but there is still the question, of what you are going to wear this Valentine ’s Day.

Fear not, we have just the solution, well moreover Emma Willis on Jermyn Street has. A Quintessential Luxurious English shirt maker in the heart of Mayfair, opened it’s doors in 1999, providing men with exclusive Italian and Swiss Cotton silks and linens shirts, that adhere to traditional English shirt making techniques.

So this Valentines choose from her range of Swiss cotton shirts, the Valentines day favourite is £190 ice pink shirt available in slim or classic fit. 

To compliment this shirt perfectly opt for £1,500 9ct Gold acorn cufflinks handmade in London exclusively for Emma Willis. 

In the collection, Emma has also included £120 merino wool shooting socks, hand woven in a Victorian sock loom in their Gloucestershire workroom. Choose from either raspberry colour or harebell this valentines. 

If you are feeling especially triumphant why not try these luxurious ‘Love Heart’ Swiss cotton boxer shorts, for £50.

This exceptional valentines collection, makes for great outfit ideas for you men, and special gifts ideas for you ladies.

www.emmawillis.com

How To Style it: Scarves (For Neonpunch)

Kemi Olaofe tells us how to wear scarves.

 

The Overhand/Ascot Knot

Baby its cold outside! This is the perfect time to wear a scarf. Scarves do an excellent job of protecting a man’s neck, they keep you warm, and most importantly they look good!
Scarves can add a strong element of style, especially when they introduce colour to an otherwise plain outfit. It is a good rule of thumb to keep the rest of the outfit simple so it isn’t competing with the scarf for attention.
With so many styles of scarves out there how do you know which one to buy? Well Monsieur Man breaks it down for you:

 

Standard (left) and Pashimina scarves (right) to add to your wardrobe

Standard Scarves

Refer to most of the scarves that men typically use every day. They are made of wool, silk or cotton, rectangular in shape and generally 60 – 70 inches long and 15 – 25 inches wide. Like this standard two tone grey and black one from H&M.

Pashmina Scarves
Can also be called Pashiman shawls. Pashmina is a type of fine cashmere wool, usually found in Nepal, Pakistan or Northern India. Pashmina scarves are generally longer when compared to other types of scarves (usually about 80 inches). They are also soft and light weight in construction. Take this dark green Loro Piana cashmere scarf with fringing; it uses the softest Italian cashmere. Wear this deep green scarf with navy or brown hues for a sophisticated colour palette.

 

Chunky Winter Scarf (left) and  Snood (right) to save you from the cold

Chunky Winter Scarves
Chunky scarves come oversized and in thicker knits. They are often much longer and wider than your typical winter scarf. They can be wrapped multiple times around your neck and shoulders in order to create a real statement, and will quite obviously keep you very warm. Due to the knit, there is a lot of fabric choice, textures and construction techniques available. We love this understated classic design from Paul Smith, in a versatile navy blue and brown.

Snoods

A snood is a tube shaped scarf with no loose ends. There is no specific tie for snoods, all you have to do is wrap them around your neck. Visit Lovarzi, a UK leading scarf store. Order online to get yours delivered to HK.

 

Neatly tied Parisian (left) and Fake Knotted polkadot scarf (right)

Believe it or not there are 6 ways to tie a scarf:

1. The Drape, or The Simplest Way To Wear A Scarf
2. Overhand Knot (or Ascot)
3. The Fake Knot
4. The Once Round
5. The Twice Round
6. The “Parisian” or French or European Knot

Your scarf can be used reinforce the look you are going for (smarter knots for a more formal outfit and vice versa) or you could pick your favourite and make it a trademark of your personal style. It is this attention to detail that will help you very subtly stand out from the crowd.

Valentine

The dreaded day is round the corner….. (7days)

Now for women it’s not a dread, but for you guys, is it 1 rose, or 12, a ring or an expensive meal, or is it all four!?

Guess what, guys? It's not a dozen long-stemmed red roses and a pricey box of chocolates that women get all misty-eyed over when mid-February approaches, interesting research shows that most women would be far more impressed by a simpler, and often less-expensive gift, that touches her heart.

It really is the thought that counts, so Monsieur Man has come up with a few creative and modestly priced Valentine's ideas for you gift-challenged men:

• Who needs Shakespeare, say it in your own words, a heart felt poem always gets us weak at the knees!
  
  
• Get your apron on, a romantic home cooked meal, with champagne, shows a large amount of effort.
  
  
• Show her that you listen, a gift certificate to something she is passionate about will prove men really do listen to us ramble on.
  
  
• Go public, telling the world you love her, is heart touching, whether its over your local radio waves or, down the local pub in front of everyone, she wont forget that in a hurry. 
  
  
• My all time favourite, whisk her away for some quality time!

However, the best suggestion, I’ve received from the panel of guys I asked was to:

Set up a treasure trail for her to follow around your local area - each clue guiding her to the next one. There could be a small gift (as simple as a single chocolate or a small jokey thing that reminds her of something you have shared) at each clue location.
The final clue returns her to your place where you've cooked a knock-out meal with a nice bottle of wine.

Good Luck on Valentine’s day guys!

The Urban Beanie

My good friend Busola, has designed these great beanie's..... (Available to purchase for £5)

In the words of cream eggs...... How do you wear yours?

Beanies are cheap, easy personal style accessories. With so many different styles, the beanie is a great accessory that expresses an individual’s sense of style. So I thought why not style one in my own DIY way and all for a fiver. Here is how I did it:

Equipment:
* Image transfers – I used Phoenix’s T-Shirt Transfers Dark
* An Iron
* Scissors
* Greaseproof paper or Silicone paper
* And a hat

Grab and image and print it off on an INKJET printer. I ironed my beanie under the silicone paper first and gave it a stretch as well. Then take the backing off the transfer paper and place the image where you want it. Iron on under silicone or greaseproof paper on the highest setting of your iron for 30 seconds. I used silicone paper as it gives the image shinny finish while greaseproof paper gives it a matt finish. Leave it for a minute iron again under the paper, then viola!

This mini DIY-er takes less than 10 minutes to complete and you have your own style beanie to show off to the rest of the world. Enjoy- Written by Busola Afolabi

Styling of the Urban Beanie-