Star Anise- A/W 2012 trends

Monsieur Man in collaboration with, Star Anise Legal a boutique legal recruitment firm dedicated to serving professionals in one of Asia's leading financial markets.

We are delighted to introduce to you Kemi Olaofe, chief stylist at menswear stylists Monsieur Man! In this edition, Kemi introduces to you her unique and boundless energy to discuss the fashion trends for men this Fall and Winter in Hong Kong.

Remember, your clothes convey your personal brand. As lawyers or professionals, it is essential that your style makes the right impact in the vibrant international city of Hong Kong.

Hello guys, this is my first article for Star Anise, I look forward to doing many more!  This article illustrates the new up and coming trends for this Autumn/Winter.

Blockbuster coats, power shapes, knitwear, animal prints and lots of leather, these Autumn/Winter menswear trends are big on masculinity. The main look on the fashion agenda is the coat, the Blockbuster coat, to be exact. Now, most of you men should have a great trench, pea or over coat in your wardrobe already, but its time to revamp your coat selection with this season latest must have.

The definition of "blockbuster" is:

"something that is forcefully or overwhelmingly impressive, effective or influential’ or ‘something that has or is expected to have wide popular appeal.’ The ‘blockbuster’ in this context refers to a statement and eye catching coat."

The ‘blockbuster’ in this context refers to a statement and eye catching coat. Of course, blockbuster coats come in all styles and shapes, and you don’t have to purchase one that is as theatrical as those seen on the runway. Below shows how accessible and wearable a piece of statement outerwear is to the everyday male.

The next look is leather, now the leather forecast was everywhere for A/W 2012. These include full-on leather three-piece suits to floor length leather coats to the more subtle and discrete leather detailing. Now, with a climate such as Hong Kong's leather might be your worst nightmare, so wait until December/ January to showcase this trend. The key to pulling the leather look off successfully is to avoid the dramatic catwalk head-to-toe leather styling, a la Keanu Reeves in Matrix, and to opt for a more subtle feel. I am sure most readers already own a leather jacket, so A/W’12 will offer an excellent opportunity to bring out something from your existing wardrobe that consistently remains on trend.

The final trend I would like to talk about is animal fun! The A/W’12 menswear collection featured a plethora of prints and patterns with one of the biggest influences being animal motifs. On the high street, several brands are introducing an animalistic feel to their collections. The animal motif trend seems to be best applied to tees, knitwear and accessories, so go wild this season, and get in touch with you inner animal to show that you are on top trend!

 What do you guys think of the current trends? Will you be going out to buy a blockbuster coat, leather piece or animal motif tee? If so here are some of the stores you can buy them from-

• Blockbuster coats available at Pull & Bear and D’URBAN
• Leatherwear available at Calvin Klein and Massimo Dutti
• Animal motifs available at Forever 21 and Pull & Bear

Happy shopping, should you need help in finding the trends, and styles that suit your personality and shape, contact Monsieur Man for a style and shop consultation at monsieurman@live.co.uk