While the boys look sharp as ever in Burberry's new F/W ad campaign, how could you not be entirely entranced by the radiant Emma Watson? Shot by Mario Testino, she of buttoned up, tweeny Harry Potter fame now looks chic, and, yes, mature. At the tender age of 19, Miss Watson is a chicly potent antidote to the sloppy, extended teenagehood splashed across television.
We here at StyleList take fashion seriously. That doesn't necessarily mean fashion is a serious matter, though. Whilst critics and editors alike eschewed Milan and Paris' men's fashion weeks as dull and safe, the lads over at Best Week Ever have put together a compilation of fashion's most outlandish, awful and downright embarrassing moments from Fall/Winter '09.
This list could be described as many things, but boring is not one of them. Call us pessimists, but as much as we love (worship, even!) John Galliano, we have a feeling his goat-inspired satyr look or his stockings and garter belt for men may have some trouble finding it's way from the runway to the streets. Classic Burberry trenches these are not. How weird to think that Marc Jacobs' skirt obsession is hardly the most eyebrow-raising eccentricity amidst fashion's recession-fueled hysteria.
As if Thom Browne's (pictured) fashion shows weren't weird enough, this just in from WWD: "For his show at Pitti Uomo in Florence, men’s designer Thom Browne
conceived a tightly synchronized and hyper-condensed day in the life of
an office drone, circa 1955. Forty models, moving in unison, typed at
identical desks, ate identical lunches, and…wait for it…wore the exact
same outfit. Forty of them." [WWD]
Dolce & Gabbana have more than just a fashion show planned for men's week in Milan. A lucky few will also be personally invited to watch David Beckham play for AC Milan (where he's doing a brief stint during the U.S. off season) in a private Box with not only Stefano and Domenico, but Victoria Beckham herself. [WWD] In other D&G news, expect more controversy from their next round of ads. They will reportedly feature men on their knees praying, which the designers know will cause a ruckus, but they insist it actually promotes a return to values. Here's what we value: men with no shirts. So I think we'll be OK. [Fashionista]
Valentino is in the muck again. He and business partner Giancarlo Giammetti are being fined $39 million for tax evasion. [WWD]
Church's is expanding into lifestyle accessories. The traditional British footwear company (owned by Prada) unveiled silk ties, cashmere scarves, blankets, small leather goods and an umbrella at Pitt Uomo. [WWD]
Smell This: Burberry's new unisex fragrance, The Beat, which is targeted at the label's new younger demographic. [Fashionisto]
Who doesn't love a good mix? Kris Van Assche apparently does. Rumor has it he's commissioned former Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren to create a special mix for the Dior Homme men's fashion show. [WWD]
Twilight hottie Robert Pattison used to be a model -- then he got too manly. He says he booked jobs when he looked more feminine because androgyny was in, and thenhe "became too much of a guy," and he never got any more jobs. Clearly it worked out in the long run. [Daily Express] We've always wanted to see Karl Lagerfeld naked. OK -- not really. But Henry Holland has created sketches of the famed designer along with a few other notables (Agyness, Galliano, Donatella) that are appearing on t-shirts in London. [Grazia] NY Times style section round-up: Eric Wilson notes how while the economy is in the red, everyone else is in black; Some Manhattanite men try shaving with a straight razor and quickly regret it; and we all may be poor, but you won't see retail discounts like this for a long, long time. APC and Nike are working on a capsule collection. The line will features canvas sneakers with a red, white or blue swoosh and will reference the Nike All Court models from the seventies. [British Vogue] Burberry's spring ad campaign shows off a green thumb. It features male model Richard Wyndham, actor Alex Pettyfer, and musicians George Craig and Sam Beeton. [WWD] New Yorkers, get ready for the Holiday Soho Stroll. Starting tonight at 6 p.m., more than 70 designers and stores including Bloomingdales, Theory and M Missoni stay open late (11 p.m.) and offer deep discounts to raise money and awareness for New York City's homeless. Visit http://ace4homeless.org to get your $20 attendance bracelet or call 212-274-0550 for more information. Click here to see a list of participants and their offerings.
The other day on Popnography they were obsessing about Daniel Craig's perfect package in his perfect khakis in the new James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace, and, while yeah, we dig that, we're even more obsessed with Bond's style. So how do you get it without spending your rent check on a Tom Ford tux (he designed all the suits in the movie, after all)? We're here to help:
First up, those khakis. Khakis are at once one of the most ubiquitous garments in the men's fashion spectrum and also one of the most difficult to pull off perfectly. Pleats or no pleats? Cuff or no cuff? Fitted or relaxed? So many times a pair of khaki pants can be the right size in one area, but too big in another -- i.e. they'll sit fine on the waist but be too saggy in the crotch or seat of the pant. Because they have become synonymous with classic American style, they have fallen victim to classic American obesity, meaning they are cut fuller for larger guys. And while that works for the big guys, others of us tend to suffer.
So, the rules -- as far as the Stylelist is concerned -- for khakis. The most classic and fashionable khakis have a medium wash, a plain front, and straight or tapered, uncuffed legs. But, gays know rules are for breaking, so if you are going to add some cowbell to your khakis, do it in moderation. So cuffs or pleats, but not both. Get it? Michael Bastian is making khakis of all cuts and colors, so look to his lines and the Uniqlo's and Zara's knock-offs to get the look. For that low-rise, high crotched Daniel Craig look, any of the more high-end European labels -- Burberry makes a nice pair -- are your go to bottoms.
Now, some guys just don't do the form fitting pant, and we get that. If that's the case, Save makes a great pair of relaxed, casual khakis that still have a slimmer shape to them to keep you from looking inappropriately frumpy. They'll work with a sweater and a blazer, or just a tee shirt on the weekends, and because you can wear them from season to season, the $100 price tag is totally worth it.
Now, we love his khakis, but Bond is best known for, what else, his tuxedos. Keep up with Stylelist for the rest of the week for more tips on how to get Bond style without having to break any necks or blackmail terrorists.
Out's September fashion story "The Migrants," shot by Walter Chin, features some of fall's hottest runway looks and was shot on location at an upstate New York farm. We asked Out's editorial and fashion assistant, Brent Coover, to instruct us on the fine art of adding a few key pieces to your wardrobe -- without looking like a country bumpkin.
All Photos by Walter Chin
Dolce & Gabbana's equestrian inspired runway show featured tailored pants and luxe riding boots paired with chunky scarves and sweaters. The result encompasses masculine ease but isn't sloppy. Grab those loose knit pieces that look handmade, but not homely.
The problem with shearling is that it is so sexy. Who doesn't fantasize about a lumberjack or a farmhand? But on common boys or city folk, it can easily seem silly and like you're trying too hard. This Marc Jacobs jacket (above left) with shearling collar and lining, however, has a modern and fresh cut and color.
Playing with proportions is definitely something to take note of, though it may not be for everyone. Alexander McQueen's shawl collar cardigan (above right) is a prime example -- it would look great with suiting pieces or just a great pair of worn-in jeans.
Let's be honest, no one actually looks this good chopping up trees. Then again, no one wears head-to-toe Gucci while gathering firewood. But look at that beautiful leather jacket with fur collar! Definitely a must-have item.
Plaid, whether tartan or bold, woven cotton or knit wool, is a necessary purchase if you don't already own. It was around last year and by the looks of this Yohji Yamamoto jacket (above left), it really isn't going anywhere.
An entire pony hair trench, like this Burberry (above right), is a tough one albeit beautiful. It's a nice variation from the usual textures. Try a pony hair belt or pony loafers.
The great thing about these brown D&G leather cargo pants is that they have that worn-in look and yet the cut is entirely new. Check out the elastic finish at the hem. We've been seeing this on all kinds of trousers, including knit pants in cashmere, wool, and cotton, which was an overwhelming trend.
The lesson to be learned from this Calvin Klein look: feel free to mix textures, fabrics, and colors, especially when dressing in less than common materials like suede.
Is Coach planning to purchase iconic British fashion brand Burberry? Wall Street is aflutter with speculation. [Bloomberg]
Take a peek inside Prada HQ. They even have a gigantic slide by German artist Carsten Höller in the courtyard Local lore says that Miuccia Prada herself likes to slide down the installation when inspiration strikes. How can you not love her? [FT]
The face of Burberry and model of the moment Agyness Deyn is trying her hand at being a rock star. She lent her vocal stylings to a track by Five O'Clock Heroes. The model/rockstar crossovers haven't gone well in years past and lucky for us, NY Mag has a roundup of model singers past. [The Cut]
Lanvin's Alber Elbaz is designing a line of jeans for Acne. But don't expect them to be in Acne's usual price range—they will sell at the same price points as Lanvin's ready to wear items. I hope they make some jeans for guys this time! [FWD]
What would you wear if you were a superhero? Don't wear royal blue if you're blonde, says Michael Kors. [NYDN]
Is Nina Garcia in talks with Harpers Bazaar? She was spotted leaving the Hearst building yesterday and the rumors are flying like Naomi Campbell's cell phone. [FWD]
Burberry unleashes a behind- the-scenes video from their Spring ad campaign. Lots of hopping around, models behaving silly, a hefty dose of punk rock and some bits of super-skinny man flesh--just a bit. [Fashionista]
Victorinox Swiss Army names Pierre-Henri Mattout creative director of both mens and womens collections. That means he's like the General of Swiss Army. It's unclear if he should be addressed as "Sir." [DNR]
Potentially creepy-looking founder of hipster-haven clothier American Apparel Dov Charney (see photo) began his sexual harassment trial today. Yes, the same American Apparel with the softcore porn ad campaigns that make you feel a little funny inside. [NY Post]
Stefano Pilati will stay at Yves Saint Laurent for a few more years after signing his life away to the Gucci Group in a multi-year contract. Do you think they made him sign the contract in blood? [Fashion Week Daily]
Tom Ford throws down the gauntlet in the London Vs. Paris fashion debate. "In terms of French culture, if you think about what the French are
producing in terms of fashion or architects or painters or musicians,
they are quite far behind what the British are producing," he told the Independent. "When you think of Paris you think of Karl Lagerfeld who is not French. And you think of Marc Jacobs who's not French and Stefano Pilati who's Italian." He's got a point. Maybe we'll see a war of the fashion houses! Burberry vs. Dior in a well-dressed smackdown. [Jezebel]
Dior names a new president. Like you knew the name of the previous president. [Fashion Week Daily]
Oscar de la Hoya admits to knowing the woman who is selling the "fake" drag photos to the tabloid media and aims to put the legal hurt on her. But the plot thickens. Radar dresses up as Nancy Drew and investigates! [Radar]
David Beckham is designing the stage costumes for the Spice Girls Reunion Tour? Say it ain't so! Who comes up with this crap? I guess the guy needs something to do since he was can't play with any balls except his own for the rest of the soccer season. [Vogue UK]
Gay men love fashion, and fashion loves gay men. Is it something in our jeans? Celebrating this long tradition, Stylelist exists to offer advice, tips, and the occasional catty observation on celebrity style coups and faux pas.
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