Wednesday 16 January 2013

Prada Mens versus Paul Smith Mens A/W 13 Collection

Paul Smith A/W 13

Prada A/W 13

I know which outfit I would like to see my significant others wear, partner or sons....I like both collections, and there is no disputing that Paul Smith is a genius, but then so is Italian talent Miuccia Prada. For me her 'Macho Dandy' meets 'Teddy Boy' Menswear collection has the edge. There is a very clever mix of gender bias styling here - Us girls love wearing men's styled oversize jackets - Prada has taken soft fold feminine detailing here on the front of the shirt and made it work in reverse for the guys making it look very cool. There is nothing effeminate about this outfit - he looks all man!!! Old Etonian and all round acting talent Damian Lewis would look brilliant in this Prada look and carry it off effortlessly....

Take a look at both collections on Vogue.com and see what you think ?

Wednesday 9 January 2013

James Long London Fashion Week MEN A/W 2013 - a leader





Last night's James Long show demonstrated just why London is leading the rest of the world in menswear. Held at the London Collections: Men show space at the Old Sorting Office, the calm and casual pre-show atmosphere not only set the tone for the collection, but also meant the show actually started on time. The collection itself, watched by the likes of Henry Holland, was unmistakably Autumnal with shades of black, brown and slub yellow forming the core of the collection. Far from a predictable Autumn/Winter collection, inspiration was found in the form of John Waters and the characters from his films, as well as marquetry techniques. The unusual inspiration resulted in graphic patterns and innovative use of fabrics such as rubberised plaid and a specially woven chenille. 

Shape and silhouette played a key part in this collection and the ideas were executed beautifully and intelligently. The pieces not only work together, but individually hold their own, and will be easy to incorporate into existing wardrobes. There were a number of bomber jackets, a favourite was the quilted one that looked like a light leather jacket – a new twist on a wardrobe staple. The focus on easy-to-wear, smart/casual, pieces was encapsulated in the new trouser shape – tailored at the top with bagging at the bottom like a track pant. My stand out piece was the rubberised plaid mac; it’s a unique and distinctive piece will make the wearer stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons.

The AW 2013 collection also saw the launch of a new collaboration between James Long and Kurt Geiger. Three styles will be available, the Jimmy, John and Jack, and all are far cry from the stereotypical men’s shoe with fabrics such as flexible plastic and horse hair. Of the collaboration, James Long said “It was great to have the creative freedom and quality working with Kurt Geiger London. It has been a very organic collaboration and I am extremely pleased with the outcome. Having the shoes work with the collections really finishes the look.”

Copy and photos by Sophie Hollins Fashiontent's Girl about town

Monday 7 January 2013

A La Disposition Menswear Collection A/W 13 - style brilliance for the future,




My favorite piece from their Menswear collection is this fabulous jacket. Daring to be different this jacket is cool and has just the right twist of tailoring flair expected from 
A la Disposition....









A La Disposition - Think Rock band Muse playing a piece in an urban inner city Dr Who set in the year 2025!

If you want to see where Mens tailoring should be going for the future then look no further than A la Disposition. I really like this collection. Far from boring it pushes the boundaries, thinks outside the box in a commercial way. A perfect and classic muse for this great brand is the Doctor Who character played by Matt Smith who would become a dapper style icon dressed by A la Disposition.
Innovative tailoring is the name of the game for the talented Big Apple defectors husband and wife team called A la Disposition. I first became aware of this dynamic duo's talent last season at London Fashion Week for Womenswear where I was lucky enough to be invited to their presentation in the Royal Opera house.

Copy Schelay McCarter - pls credit