You're gonna let me pick out my own clothes?

I now understand why everybody keeps going on about Django Unchained, this 2012 American epic western film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, stars Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, and Samuel L. Jackson, and it is truly epic! Even rotten tomatoes gave it an 8/10 and they are tough critics to please!

Being an image consultant, the part of the film that stood out to me had to be the scene in which Django (Jamie Fox), soon after being freed by the incredibly likable, and funny dentist turned bounty hunter, Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz), shops for new clothes to wear.

Now Schultz tells Django to pick out whatever he likes. Django looks at the smiling Schultz in disbelief, and say’s “You're gonna let me pick out my own clothes”? The following shot delivered, has to be one of the biggest laughs from the audience.

Django rides in on his horse, and is now wearing his very own outlandish cowboy outfit, a bright cobalt blue ensemble with a white ruffle shirt- classic!  This is a great scene as it now confirms that this man of colour is now free to make his own decisions. The choice he made in regards to his extravagantly loud outfit acts as a warning to those that plan to stand in his way, watch out, here comes, D.J.A.N.G.O!

Going green

We don’t mean this in an organic or eco way, although eco- fashion is huge. We literally mean going green this season- from bright lemony-limes, to forest hues, green is a colour trend alert for menswear, as well as jewels and interiors this shade will be dominant everywhere! Green is such a fresh and spring-like shade, and a pop looks great against a neutral outfit. Seasonal colours can be tricky, do you really want to change your entire wardrobe to stay en vogue? Instead we suggest to invest in add on items such as accessories, accessorises and accessorises.

1.      Try these bold Falke socks, great flash of colour when you sit down. 

 

2. Love this Comme Des Garcons ipad case great upbeat addition to a creative meeting or a client lunch.

3. Rock this gorgeous hue of green in this Charvet tie, to elevate your office and off-duty tailoring.

4. Make a statement in this great contrasting paisley-patterned silk pocket square from Turnbull & Asser.

5. For a funky green addition inject this Casio G-Shock metallic watch. 

Stylish snaps in the snow

All wrapped up...

Great chunky knit scarf!

 Amazing collar detail!

Great hat to protect your head!

My favorite man shawl!

Turtleneck! ... loving the layers! 

Paris Fashion Week 2013

Paris was second on the list to unveil its finest men' autumn/winter 2013-14 collections.

Luxury cashmere label Lucien Pellat-Finet was first on the schedule, followed by Japan-based designer Julien David - who is best known for his contemporary casualwear. Carven's latest showcase took place in the afternoon, which will offering  a few delectable preppy pieces which you can incorporate into your own wardrobes.

 The second day Valentino  showcased menswear for the first time in Paris,  rather than in Florence during Pitti Uomo. The move reflects the brand's renewed focus on the category and will be followed by its first dedicated men's store in the near future.

Mugler and Christain Lacroix Homme were next up, before Raf Simons rounded up the day this. Spotted- Kanye at front row of Givenchy!

Loved Mugler out of space look:

And Maison Martin Margiela red on burgundy look:

Milan Fashion Week 2013

The Italian Stallions are out.....

Day one: Kicking off the proceedings was Jil Sander, who delivered more of her minimal clean lines. Dolce & Gabbana were next on the agenda, a label that always brings Sicilian summer spirit to every collection. Burberry followed in the afternoon, and Italian heavyweight Versace closed the schedule that evening.

Jil Sander:

 

 Dolce & Gabbana: 

Day two: Bottega Veneta showcased bright and early on Sunday morning, with Trussardi, Iceberg and Salvatore Ferragamo following suit. We glanced at Calvin Klein's elegant simplicity in the afternoon deconstructed tailoring from Vivienne Westwood and trends that the menswear world will religiously adhere to from the ever-influential Prada. Missoni had the late afternoon slot as planned.

Iceberg:

 Vivienne Westwood:

Day three: On Monday, Emporio Armani  took centre stage first, as Gucci prepares to unveil its latest offering that afternoon. A trio of Italian greats poised to show next, namely Etro, Fendi and Moschino.
The four-day-long event ended yesterday with DSquared2, followed by , Diesel Black Gold and the Italian Fashion Kings in my eyes closed the show…Giorgio Armani. (below)

CEO of Me Inc: Staranise

It’s a new year, it’s a new start, but is it a new you?

If you haven’t already, 2013 is the time to push your brand visibility, and by that we mean, start becoming the CEO of You Inc.

Companies across the globe understand the importance of brands, and in today’s society in the age of the individual, you have to be your own brand. Why? Because people buy people, not companies products or services. Therefore it is essential you look inviting, so that consumers can buy into the brand of YOU!

For example: That briefcase you’re carrying, one look at the distinctive logo on the side tells everyone who's got you branded. That phone you're using, ah, you're an i phone guy! The watch on your wrist with the hey-this-certifies-I-made-it icon on the face….all leads to you being branded! 

 

This just emphasises the power of brands, so men I hope that this has got you thinking…..so starting right now, you're not an "employee" of KPMG you're not a "staffer" at KFC, you're not a "worker" at Hong Kong Electric, you have to remember that you are not defined by your job title and you are not confined by your job description. You are a brand.

So with this in mind, here a few Monsieur Man tips to help you identify your brand:

•   Start by evaluating the qualities or characteristics that make you distinctive from your competitors.  Write your own mission statement, to guide you as CEO of Me Inc, and then review that mission statement every three months to make sure you still believe what you wrote.

•   Hone in on your marketing materials, produce tangible business cards, which compliment and are consistent with your brand style
  
• Develop an online presence (if you haven’t done so already) LinkedIn, blogs, Twitter and other social media sites to support your unique brand.

•  Network, this is a great way to reach a large target market, just be sure that your brand is memorable. You know what it’s like, you come back after an event go through all the business cards you collected and you can’t remember who is who. To make sure you are never that forgotten brand, be the one with the eye catching yet appropriate outfit or who gave a great elevator speech.

Make 2013 all about the brand called: YOU! Good Luck

 For regular lifestyle news and tips follow Monsieur Man’s fashion and style blog on http://monsieurman.blogspot.hk/ and on Twitter @Monsieur_Man

London Collection Men Jan'13

Monday 7th January to  Wednesday 9th January 2013, herald the infamous menswear London collection. 

London Collections: Men emphasises both the creative and commercial importance of Britain’s brands and emerging talent. The London Collections: Men, showcased the bespoke tailors of Savile Row, along with London's best shirt makers, shoemakers and hatters. As they presented the modern face of British elegance to an international audience made up of buyers and journalists. London Collections: Men is the capital's biannual showcase of British menswear brands and designers. 

Just to name a few here are Monsieur Man highlights of this year’s event:

Day one: Has to be Craig Green, AW13 collection for the sheer fact it is simply outrageous. Having completed both his BA and MA at Central Saint Martins, masculinity, is something he strongly believes in. He loves D.I.Y;  using structure, finishing and materials in new ways. I think this is evident in his collection this year. 

Day two: Richard James, AW13 patchwork blazer was amazing, and totally wearable.Monsieur Man loves Richard James due to their contemporary Savile Row tailoring and modern menswear twist. They produce classic clothing of unsurpassable quality and push the boundaries through design, colour and cut.

Day three: Hardy Amies, AW13 collection stole my eye on this day. Loved this whole outfit, especially the aviator style jacket and burgundy boots. Known for their relaxed elegance, debonair spirit and wit are at the heart of their brand. Hardy Amies encompasses the spectrum of English restraint and contemporary edge and provides a definitive contemporary wardrobe. One of our all time favourite quotes also comes from Hardy Amies: “A man should look as if he had bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care and then forgotten all about them.” 

In general over the past few days Monsieur Man's award for the best:

Tailoring goes to, Richard James.

For shirts, it just has to be Emma Willis.

And for shoe, the quirky designer is reason enough- Mr Hare.

New year, New you…new wardrobe!

Gentlemen, I would like to wish you a very happy, healthy, and stylish 2013!

Like many, if you are sick of setting yourself unrealistic New Year resolutions, that you know you will break by the end of the January, this coming new year be kind to yourself and your conscience, and make a resolution you can commit to. 

If elevating your image is one of your 2013 resolutions, (because remember when it comes to fashion each New Year brings a plethora of new styles and trends) what better way to achieve success than with Monsieur Man.?  For the month of January we will be offering a 25% discount on all services booked by the 31^st.

However, should you have other goals this year such as aiming to lose weight, quit smoking, get that job you've longed for, or achieve that work-life balance, here are a few pointers to begin rebuilding and rebranding yourself today...

1.  Start with a brainstorm, and note down as many goals as pop into your head.  Physically write them down as this shows a commitment. 

2.  Mark them 1-10, 10 being the most important, and choose one '10' to start working on.

3.  Write down your goal in the present tense with timeframes, stages and rewards for yourself, for when you achieve it. 

4.  Be realistic and be honest; anticipate any problems before hand, making a note of ways to overcome them.

5. Review and re- evaluate constantly. Achieving goals is a journey and an evolving one at that.

Good luck, and I hope you all have a happy 2013!