June 26, 2009
June 19, 2009
I've seen this question asked in a myriad of fashion interviews, but I've never really thought about it myself. Whose style do I try to emulate when I go shopping? I'd like to kid myself and say I have a totally individual style that no one has any influence on, but regretfully I don't.
I contemplated this question for a little while and I figured out which men I admire stylewise or as a person and who I aspire to look or be like. I wish I could smoothly say my father or grandfather gave me uplifting style advice that I'll take with me to the grave, but I didn't really know my grandfather and my Dad's not really interested in clothing.
So I guess I'll turn to the following celebrities:
He's got a very good sense of style, not only in casual apparel but just as good at formal events (i.e. Hollywood premieres). His wardrobe consists mostly of basic pieces (distressed jeans, sneakers, plaid shirt, aviators) but he knows very well what works for him, and never looks out of style.
Ed Westwick/Chuck Bass
Chuck Bass is the best-dressed young male character on TV right now, period.
His excentric style of preppy basics combined with cheeky sartorial risks add even more panache to an already extremely colourful character. There's a Chuck Bass in all of us, and I'm ever so eager to let him out.
Outside of Gossip Girl, Ed Westwick proves to be a very stylish man too.
Here he is together with my favourite designer, Christopher Bailey (Burberry).
A former number one on "GQ's List Of Best-Dressed Men In Britain", Daniel Craig is the epitome of English style: bespoke suits paired with a rougher edge. He's a gentleman with a kick and not afraid to get down and dirty in an extremely expensive outfit. The man plays James Bond, need I say more?
Man, if I had one wish, I'd want to be James Bond.
He's the harbinger of a new generation of rappers. With Kanye, it's not about huge diamond chains or grills and low-rise jeans. He has an impressive mind and style of his own, mixing urban with high fashion and creating a new kind of hiphop I truly enjoy listening too. He may have opinions and convictions I don't agree with, but at least he vocalises them wearing the slickest outfits. And don't tell me you didn't rush to find those Shuttershades he wore in his video for Harder Better Faster Stronger last year, because I know you did.
He's a trendsetter, that Mr. West.
Not only is he undisputably the world's best male tennisplayer ever, he is also the best-dressed one. I truly admire this man for his professionalism, poise and amazing drive. He's always pushing boundaries, and takes such good care of himself. He amazed the world with his all-white Wimbledon get-ups in 2008, and I can't wait to see what he's got in store for us next week.
If you haven't seen the cult TV-series Mad Men, you have not lived. Mad Men is a show with low ratings but raving reviews, set in the early 1960s. They drink, smoke and flirt at work, and do so in incredible style. My favourite character is that of Don Draper played by actor John Hamm. He's a good man, flawed but honest and wears the best suits. If you're a lover of all things retro, you must check out this show.
And last but not least, the late George Peppard. Known best for his role as Paul Varjak in Breakfast At Tiffany's, the most stylish film ever and not only because of Audrey Hepburn, or as Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith, of The A-Team. Obviously his clothes in Breakfast At Tiffany's are the most inspirational to me, and especially his skinny ties and snazzy suits. This film might be 48 years old, but the things he wears are not a day out of style.
June 16, 2009
What good is looking your best when your apartment walls crumble in the background?
What good is wearing Gucci shoes when your walking them about on a peeling linoleum floor?
You've probably caught my drift by now, so the point has become clear that a stylish interior is just as essential as a good wardrobe. There are more trends, styles and movements in interior design than I wish to know of, but it's crucial that you live in a place where you feel comfortable and at home. Some of you might fancy a crisp, clean and modern high-tech loft while others prefer a more lived-in, antique and vintage-styled brownstone. Whatever your preference may be, your living space should reflect who you are and should have a certain amount of class and good taste.
My favourite online source for interior inspiration is www.theselby.com, owned by Todd Selby who goes inside the world's most creative people's houses and photographs their interior decoration and special belongings.
Here are some pics of my favourite interiors, ranging from sterile chic to cluttered yet coherent.
House of Frédéric Beigbeder (Paris)
Dressing room of Nicolas Malleville (Mexico)
Living room of Julia Restoin Roitfeld (Manhattan, NY)
House of Lucy Chadwick and Duffy (London)
House of Stefano Tonchi (Manhattan, NY)
June 10, 2009
Let's start with:
My favourite 'trunk style' are regular board shorts, but the shorter variety can also be nice, when worn with some muscular legs. Leave the Speedos to Michael Phelps and the D&G models.
Vilebrequin is a brand mostly known for their crazy swimming trunks, with hamburgers,raspberries or psychedelic floral patterns on it. However, they have more demure models to offer too, like this pastel plaid specimen (200$).
Ralph Lauren and Ralph Lauren Rugby bring preppy to sea with a red and blue striped one (75$) and a stunning seersucker pair with little black skulls on it (59.5$).
If you like it a bit shorter and brighter how about this one by Diesel (€35)?
After a winter of long trousers, putting on your shorts for the first time is a wonderful feeling. These two shorts are highly beach-proof and offer your legs the exposure they deserve.
I like this Tommy Hilfiger pair (€100) in navy with little white lobsters on it and these cream-coloured chinos by DSquared²(177$) with amazing details such as a tiny Canadian flag on the front slash and navy stripes at the cuffed hems.
I'm pretty sure I don't have to warn anyone about the dangers of unprotected exposure to the sun, so I'll skip that part. Unless you're avid for melanoma I suggest you check out the Lancaster suncare line for men, with a cooling after-sun, an anti sunburn spray and gel.
Shiseido Men has something in store for those with a pasty complexion, a moisturizing self-tanner and a hydrating lotion to soothe your skin after a long day in the sun.
As I've discussed before, looking good is just as important as smelling good, so when you're about to hit la playa why not spray on a bit of Kenzo's new men's eau de toilette L'Eau Par Kenzo Indigo Pour Homme (quite a mouthful)? Inspired by "the seductive dance of color and scent as dusk sets on water", it's sure to be a hit with the ladies.
If the wind begins to pipe up or nightfall approaches you can stylishly cover up your torso with this zesty Ralph Lauren polo (68£). Keep it casual with this Acne navy tee(48£). When it gets even chillier this burgundy Abercrombie & Fitch hoodie (p.n.d.) comes in handy.
There's no getting away from it, cool sunglasses are absolutely imperative for a sunny day out. For a classy James Bond vibe opt for these black Persols (230$).
These blue and white checkered shades by Mosley Tribes (180$) are positively too cool for school, and a nice alternative for the ever-stylish Wayfarers.
The vintage feel continues with these Dior Homme tortoise shell sunglasses (€150).
Obviously you don't really need shoes to sit in the sand, but when you draw the shortest straw and have to go get another case of Corona's or some ice cream, these canvas sneakers will make the trip all the more pleasant.
Ralph Lauren brings us these grey ones (55$) and Paul Smith delivers a splash of colour, as usual, with these grey and Maya blue plimsolls (75£).
Now you still need a nice bag to put your MP3 player, portable speakers, lunch, camera, magazines, flip flops and other random stuff in. I selected this classic navy and white tote by Ralph Lauren (135$) with the large logo and the übercool Mister Marc tote by Marc by Marc Jacobs (p.n.d.).
And don't forget these indispensable accessories: this Marc by Marc Jacobs panama hat, made out of 100% paja toquilla, and cyan beach towel (p.n.d.).
And finally, maybe the most important essential of all: a good playlist.
These are some of the songs that I can't go without and give me that happy summer feeling.
- 'The general specific' by Band Of Horses
- 'My night with the prostitute from Marseilles' by Beirut
- 'Good girls go bad' by Cobra Starship ft. Leighton Meester
- 'I feel it all' by Feist
- 'Lucky' by Jason Mraz ft. Colbie Caillat
- 'Notion' and 'Manhattan' by Kings of Leon
- 'Eh Eh (Nothing else I can say)' by Lady GaGa
- 'My only offer' by Mates of State
- 'Electric Feel' and 'Kids' by MGMT
- 'Sleepyhead' by Passion Pit
- 'Penelope' by Pinback
- 'A-Punk', 'Walcott', 'Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa' and 'M79' by Vampire Weekend
I hope you enjoyed my Grand Summer Special and stay tuned, as there's much more where that came from!
(images: www.barneys.com, www.polo.com, www.rugby.com, www.diesel.com, www.tommyhilfiger.com, www.saksfifthavenue.com, www.lancaster-beauty.com, www.matchesfashion.com, www.diorhomme.com, www.shiseido.com, www.marcjacobs.com, www.abercrombie.com, www.nstperfume.com)