"Thank you Kirk Originals!" - Mr. Darkwah

"I got them!" 

Isaac StJames, myself and Charles Ampadu in our Kirk Originals lenses!

As I'm sure you've noticed, that with the lack of posts to do with them, I have been out of the events circuit for a while but let me assure you, I'm back and loving it! Last Thursday saw me making my return to being (somewhat) a social butterfly at Kirk Originals' Award Win Party at their Conduit Street store. The event saw singer, Sophie Hiller perform a few of her own singles and covers of popular hits both past and present.

Simple and yet so stylish!

Kirk Originals never fails when it comes to style!

Songstress Sophie Hiller in action

Typical of an event overseen by TASK PR, I felt completely at home and enjoyed myself thoroughly! I even had my first cider (being known as a man who drinks only water or vodka)! The atmosphere was homely and light - the best type to welcome me back from my 'reclusive' nature of last season. I loved it!

The whole place was buzzing with bloggers, stylists and all-round fashionistas!

Looking at the style of Kirk Originals' new range, I realised why they are so loved amongst all age-groups. The brand, despite being around for 20 years still manages to produce innovative, exciting and yet wearable designs that suit all kinds of people! Upon walking into the store, I set my sights on one pair of glasses - the white Chip glasses from the kinetics range. This may sound like Dutch to you but I've been obsessed with those glasses since the "Gentleman's Day Off" post in which they were featured!

Hats off to Kirk Originals for winning Fashion Frame Practice of The Year and hats off to Task PR for another well-put-together event! I hope to attend many more!

Live Beautiful, Stay Vogue!
Ciao Bellissimi!
Mr. Darkwah
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What Are You Carrying?

In Shakespeare's "Advice to the young" it was said "The apparel oft maketh the man" and this is true - each of us dresses to portray an image and even if we don't mean to, we know that being the guy in the straight-cut jeans (a waist size too big), printed t-shirt, striped hoodie, New Balance sneakers and mismatched satchel means we're the new guy in town or more commonly (in American TV stereotype, that is) the nerd. 

What Shakespeare did not say, possibly because they weren't a part of the 'standard' outfit was that "The accessories too, speak of oneself". Yes, guys and dolls, we have all looked after our outfits - being careful not to team palazzo pants with oversized and baggy shirts as they would completely hide a figure but what we have neglected (for too long in my opinion) is our accessories. A simple all-black ensemble can be brought to life with the right purse/man-bag. 

After benig stopped by a few fashion students for the sheepskin and mink man-purses (yes they do exist) that I had been holding, I quickly realised that in a city where fashion is at the fore and (unfortunately) people's styles begin to look very similar, people turn to the smaller details in the outfit for fashion joy. So now, I pose the question to you. "What are YOU carrying?"

The most interesting 'carriables' I've seen recently are a product of Fashion Student turned Uber-Designer Kzeniya Oudenot. Graduating Central St Martin's, Kzeniya worked in events and designed costumes and sets. Working for Alexander McQueen, Royal Opera House and Scottish Ballet to name a few, Kzeniya soon found that her love was in creating leather accessories and so started on creating her statement leather pieces.

Upon seeing her work, I found myself wanting one for myself! (She only does womens' pieces so that's saying something!) It was no surprise I found myself feeling this way as once her complete work was viewed, it was seen in the hands of Jennifer Lopez, Fergie and featured in many-a-fashion Bible (Elle, Vogue, Cosmopolitan and then some!) I don't think there's anything more chic and edgy than this right now in purses! It's exciting and so fashion-forward - I simply love it! (A word to the designer, please make men's accessories!)

If you're looking to carry one of Kzeniya's pieces, look no further than Selfridges (and look nowhere else) - they bought her whole first collection!

Ciao Bellissimi!

Mr. Darkwah

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Like Candy!

There is always the worry that going to an established designer that your accessories will cost you an arm and a leg. It's said that beauty is pain but I like to think that's only the case in your first pair of Louboutins. You needn't break the bank to look good and besides, this Spring/Summer is all about bringing about that youthful London edge. Colours are in all areas of the spectrum - from understated pastels right the way through to neon brights!

Thomas Sabo has recently released Candy Collectables, a line built to keep you looking chic without the heart-stopping price tag! I can already hear people mumbling to themselves "There's got to be a catch" and "It's probably some mass-produced item that bears no sense of personality". Shame on you if you thought that! This range is tailored to YOU!

Step 1:

Choose Your Colour

With a range of colours that take you from flirtatious baby pink right the way through to bold and beautiful purple, you can be sure that your bracelet reflects you!

Step 2:

Choose Your Charm

You have the widest range to choose from when it comes to picking your charms as Thomas Sabo offers charms that reflect every mood, character and fashion preference! Don't go for one! Aim to have them all! Collect your charms and mix and match them as and when you please. There is nothing beter than being in control and having fun and Candy Collectables gives you both!

 

Get collecting! 

I know I've started!

Ciao Bellissimi!

Mr. Darkwah

"Clean, Edgy and Chic - it's MATH!" - Mr. Darkwah

So there was only one show I really and truly loved this season - MATH Collective showcased beautiful British materials and an understanding of the modern woman to look good but effortlessly.

"Thanks dude! I really wanted it to just be simple and something that any woman could wear!" says designer Shahzad Mohayudin as I congratulate him on a beautiful collection. It was so very refreshing speaking to someone who I could tell was completely in love with what they did and aimed to keep learning and improving as they went on in their work. 

Looking at the collection, I could see all different types of woman in the garments. From the high-power Pigalle-wearing business woman to the teacher donning her sneakers in the peak time rush to get to school and change into something more fitting. It was a breath of fresh air to have seen a collection that embraced every type of woman in both the look of the clothing but also the styling. (I didn't mention sneakers for kicks - some models were actually in sneakers!) That too spoke to me. A designer who is willing to put his or her works which are beautiful and have clearly had a lot of work go into them with a pair of sneakers is not on an ego trip at all - they just want to get the work out there and get a response. 

Shaz - as he is known more commonly - made me feel as though I had known him for years and had it not been for the fact that there was a crowd of people waiting to congratulate him on his work, I can assure you, I would have stayed and spoken to him for much longer!

There have been too many seasons of try-hard extravagance, over-the-top 'innovation' and desperate attention-seeking styling so a show this pristine and clothes this beautiful were a welcome breath of fresh air, I just wish that they had been shown in London Fashion Week's runway space. It needed that clinical feel and Freemason's hall, as beautiful a venue as it was, could not do any justice to this collection - yes, that's how strongly I feel about MATH Collective's' show!

Once more, congratulations Shaz! I look forward to seeing more of your beautiful creations!


Live Beautiful, Stay Vogue!


Ciao Bellissimi!


Mr. Darkwah
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Louboutins, Gucci, Vogue! The race to London Fashion Week is on!

With  London Fashion Week hot on our heels, it is only right that we acknowledge and focus on the trend-setters in Young British Mens Fashion. This blog post shall herald a fashion designer, praise a model who epitomises the designer's message, and exalt the best-dressed youthful icon of our time. Are you ready for the Gospel according to Jay?

The designers are clearly the risk-takers and pioneers in this love triangle. They deliver to the consumers what is en-vogue, taking into account the needs of customers whilst adding edge and vibrance to every item of clothing.It's a hard life being a designer - having to give the critics something to talk about whilst remaining accessible enough for the masses and chic enough for the fashionistas. Fashion Week is the ultimate test of s designer's ability to adapt and evolve beyond their last collection and call it schaden freude, but I love watching them work!

William Richard Green, one of four designers with work being showcased at 'Selfridges' Bright Young Things, is definitely making a name for himself. With the use of his Saville Row expertise, he has a line that can be labelled as masculine, playful and daring -  everything a mans style should be! He is credited for his high-end casual menswear and his beautiful amalgam of different out-of-fashion factors that influenced his range. He stated his inspirations for 2012 were 'millwall football hooligans and British military apparel' showing a mixture of power, fun and youth. Mr Green will be one of the many designers participating in the Fashion East Installations on Wednesday 22nd February 2012. Be sure to check his work out!

Having modelled clothing for William Richard Green, Fred Perry and Ozwald Boateng, it is clear Dudley O'Shaugnessy is what the designers want. His defined cheekbones, part-time boxer physique and signature smouldering look embody the empowered, confident and nonchalant young man that we all see in fashion today. He is the man that can try new things, balance large amounts of work, and not crumble under pressure or in the spotlight as we see from his acting stints to his boxing practice. Mr O'Shaugnessy was also featured in Rihanna's dark and lusty video for her record 'We Found Love' in Autumn 2011, and is someone whose pout we will almost certainly be seeing a lot more of!

Not only has he been named GQ's best dressed Man in the UK, he has won many awards and created hits in music by use of his sheer passion and drive. It goes without saying, Tinie Tempah is able to balance individual style and still channel the image the designers and stylists who work with him want to portray. He is someone who is diverse in the music game , and is able to use his choice of attire as a canvas to express this. Bravo Tinie Tempah!

Stay Stylish Always, 

Jay

Casual Days

I assure you there will be days when you will have to take time off work or school , for personal reasons or just to give yourself a well deserved break. And it is not convenient if your wardrobe is simply filled with formal suits for the office, so here is a guide to help select your causal ensembles.

First , we must acknowledge the things we want to achieve with the look and the things that are just unacceptable:

Where are we going with this?

Ultimately, when picking attire we must consider where we are going. Style is all about dressing with the destination or occasion in mind and being unique whilst doing so. If you are on a break, but still likely to attend a few meetings now and then, it would be smart to go easy on how laid-back you aim to look. This may mean giving up on your colourful and extravagant t-shirts and hoodies for the time-being. We do not want to look like couch potatoes. Not even on our worst days. And another thing, weekends are no excuse to give up on style! Look good - always.

'Whatever the weather' is a misleading statement:

London weather may be unpredictable but this doesn't justify hiding under hideous layers of fleece and baggy sweaters. You're travelling around London - NOT going to the Arctic. There are ways tolook good and still be protected from the cold. There are however, a few items that you should have let go of a while ago. Some things just should not be worn in this day and age and there are many things that just are not appropriate for the current weather.

Your outfit must reflect you. A giraffe wouldn't be caught dead in zebra print, so remember to wear the items that work with who you are and are geared towards who you want to be.

What to wear, what to wear , what to wear:

There is no need to over-do it during the weekend, so opt for pastelles, khakis and earthy tones. These colours are ideal in adding warmth to your look. Consider some slim fit trousers in these colours , to sharpen the weekend look. These suede khaki nike blazers in particular , are great for the season ahead!

Blue Is You:

The 'no jeans ban' has now been lifted! However, just because you can wear jeans doesn't mean you can wear ANY pair! Make sure you find jeans that suit your shape. Ugly patches and rips aren't wanted - who wants to look like a homeless person?  Invest in a pair of classic Levi's. With them, you can never go wrong!

Yes , fisherman windbreakers and jackets are still en-vogue as they add a sense of British heritage to your casual look.

Double breasted jackets are not only for business environments. Team them with a button-down collar shirt and coloured sweater to ease the sharpness of this usually formal garment. 

Finally, I believe that as young men, we must come to terms with choosing lavish luggage. We cannot continue to ignore the fact we require a stylish home for our ipads , laptops , BlackBerries and iPhones. Say bye-bye to the days of scruffy company-provided laptop bags, and welcome a new era of bags to add to a flawless look. It is 2012, man-bags are not taboo - they are a must-do!

Look to totes for the ultimate luggage as they can contain everything and still maintain your chic!

Live Beautiful, Stay Vogue!

Jayson Kay

Grow Up!

So its 2012 , a new year. Prepare to leave your mark. You've been waiting a while to breakthrough, to make an impact with the creative project you've spent hours on during the weekends. Well dream no further. Its time to put pen to paper , avoid worries and doubts and get to it. The truth is, time is of the essence, and days will continue to pass by , whether you choose to use them productively or not.

You are maturing and your clothing must reflect this. Your ensembles must now show growth. This new year demands the work-oriented young man! The man who does not despise trying new things in order to reach new heights. Dressing the part is the best place to start!

Now, the items that have caught the attention of the experts front row at the catwalks, are those which epitomize luxury and empowerment. Sharp and smart garments that also cater for winter weather. Think new age Saville row. Tailored fit jackets are to become essentials in your wardrobe this season with personal twists such as eccentric pocket squares, and geometric print cashmere sweaters.

Sophistication is everything nowadays , so consider knee length double breasted pea coats , and belted cardigans

You may want to act a little "boujis"by donning herringbone pattern or fur collared outerwear

There are a selection of bags you could use to seal the deal. Whether it be a doctors bag , messenger bag or a tote bag, these all help complete the look

Suede Moccasins will take you from the drawing board to the board room , and they are available in vibrant or simple nude tones , depending on how you are feeling

Crisps whites do go a long way so snoop around for oxford shirts and slim fit jeans

Adorn your neck with the finest skinny ties and bow ties. Enrich yourself this season , feel comfortable dressing up !

P.S. put Smart glasses and leather gloves onto your shopping list.

Stay Stylish, 

Jay

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The Biker Boys Club

Jackets have the ability to make or break an outfit. They can either add to or even perfect the clean dare-devil look. That's why, right now, I'm in love with leather jackets! What usually comes to mind when you think of biker jackets? James Dean, Chachi from Happy Days, John Travolta (in his 'Grease' days of course)? I assure you Affordable biker jackets can now be found with more fitted, contemporary cuts in order to meet the needs of todays ostentatious bad boy. We must not turn our cheeks to the past trends as what was en vogue when our Mums and Dads were young, once again, becomes en vogue now. Fashion, my friends, is cyclical. The ability to re-invent past trends is what strengthens any young mans style.

Not only do I love the edge and attitude it brings , but also I enjoy seeing people adding their personal twist to a classic item. Whatever your preferences are you've got to add the conspicuous swagger. Whether it be wearing the biker jacket with a plain white tee paired up with distressed jeans and nike airforces , or adding the jacket to a indie-rock ensemble. The possibilities are endless! Invest in a quality leather biker jacket for a long-lasting staple item.
This look is not for the faint-hearted. Its for the night riders who are youthful at heart and ready to take a challenge and own a new trend.

Now all you need to do is cop yourself a sweet bike to top it off!


High End Biker Jackets……….

Gucci Quilted Leather Biker Jacket 

£2,910

Bottega Venetta Leather Biker Jacket 

£3,240

VS. High Street Biker Jackets

Black Leather Asymmetric Cut Jacket (shearling detailing)

Topman

£160

Dark Brown Leather Jacket With Fleece Collar

£70

The Choice is Yours ,
Jay.

Tribal Chic

A refreshing motif on the catwalks of the last few years, the Tribal trend has done nothing but gain momentum this upcoming season. The trend survives on print – it’s the alchemy, and this year it is more animated and eclectic than ever.

The trend weaved itself into many collections, such as Michael Kors, Sass & Bide, Donna Karan and Thakoon. Missoni’s Ready-to-Wear Collection 2012 is laidback, taking a more sensual approach on the trend by blending a contrast of bold and soft shades of cocoa, yellows, corals and greens with the freeness of fringing and ruffles, paired with gypsy jewels. For the braver hearts, breathe Hawaiian air with Suno Resort 2012, where flamboyant jungle motives were juxtaposed against more versatile dresses with ethnic details. Donna Karan’s feminity was not lost through the tribal motifs of her Spring Collection inspired by her travels of Haiti. Combining brash whites and warm pops of colour with a spectrum of blacks, browns and stone, her collection is fierce yet sophisticated.  Subtle tribal vibes were present at Sass & Bide, where bead encrusted tank tops and chic shorts stood out, and at Duro Olowu (a favourite of Mrs. Obama) through his use of mixed prints.

From left: Missoni, Suno, Donna Karan, Sass & Bide and Duro Olowu

The traditional vibrant graphic prints, fusion of warm hues and textural features has transformed; the greatest change this season being the presence of Ankara (wax prints from West Africa.) Christopher Bailey’s Burberry Prorsum Collection features a range of outerwear, dresses and skirts in a kaleidoscope of colour, some of which has already been sported by the likes of Anna Wintour, Kate Bosworth and Solange Knowles. I love the meticulous attention to detail – even the shoes are entwined with Ankara and beads.  Simonetta Ravizza gave the trend a 60’s edge for her Ready-to-Wear 2012 Collection: Ankara wedges, mini dresses, skirts, trousers and harem pants were all styled with flirty tousled hair. Nevertheless, we shouldn’t forget African designers such as Asibelua and Jewel by Lisa, where graphic Ankara was given a saturated look.

For those looking to style their little girls, ‘Native Belle Boutique’, a fusion childrenswear line is gorgeous for  all those ‘mini-me’s. All of the items are handmade in ethical, breathable fabrics such as linens, cottons and organdy’s. The Aurora Collection blends the Ankara subtly with the colour palette of this upcoming season – oranges, fuchsias, yellows, blues, rich reds and pastille hues.  They even have cute patchwork Ankara Teddy Bears, sure to be a Christmas favourite. www.nativebelleboutique.com

There it is, fashionistas! The tribal trend in all its glory. Be sure to look out for it in stores, on runways and in magazines - you saw it here first (and no doubt, will be seeing more of it)!

Remain en-vogue, 

Miss Croxford

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King of Cool

Essay deadlines, endless lectures, yes, indeed, they're back! We may dread these, but GUYS this should not bring us down. As much as we enjoyed dressing up during summer with our chino shorts, polos and TOM's espadrilles or white Converses, its time to put that period behind us and move on. Especially as the days are shorter and the nights are now longer. Its time to embrace the weekends and make sure we look great - as if we'd settle for anything less. Let's enjoy the crisp breeze and feeling of invincibility that comes with owning the streets, like young heirs to a throne. This season is all about having fun and not coursework. School can wait! This Is The Life Of A Young Socialite. Be a Bad-Boy, be rebellious and bite back at the harsh weather. Many guys only dress for comfort , which is a BIG no no!  Despite that, we must now accept the fact we should also be considering getting some warmth when picking out an outfit. It goes without saying we MUST still add our individual style to the attire we choose to wear. Bear in mind, though, we don't want to be looking like George Clooney, prim and extremely dapper just yet, we are still young! This article is to help you with the transition into winter looks, without losing your swagger altogether. Here Goes…..

Its Maritime

This Autumn/Winter is all about being unpredictable in terms of clothing. This can be associated with the sea, and everything marine. Fishermen are in control of big ships, and are fearless when it comes to facing storms and freezing conditions. In order for us to incorporate this fearless image in our style, we have to ignore the sceptics and nay-sayers and get down to business. We have to think creatively by teaming up clothes that would not necessarily be considered to make a bold statement. Look out for loose fits on slim fits, go wild! If we keep this in mind we can attain that rough, oversized and edgy look, without losing all our debonair. The colours black and navy are in, along with heavy knitted sweaters, worn with fitted bottoms…goes very well together! Here goes, get them clean cut skinny fit jeans paired with heavy jumpers and clean cardigans! Its time to bring out the festive cashmere jumpers we got from our grandparents for Christmas and put it to good use. Items we wear now must also be useful or to be frank there just is no point of wearing them. If the jumper doesn't keep you warm, whats its use?

Get The Look: You’re capable of walking on water once you team a navy parka jacket with a sailor striped granddad top , simple chinos and a chunky ribbed scarf. Finish the look off with a canvas double buckled satchel.

Stay Grounded

Cherish our heritage…we are going back to tradition for inspiration. Fall in love with the basics. Create the country look, using quilted and plaid clothing. This creates a sense of freedom and shows we are in tune with mother earth and nature! Layers and patterns must clash to enhance the rebellious look!

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1. Red Cable Knit Sweater

2. Dark Tan Corduroy Quilted Jacket

3. Navy Blue Gilet

4. Suede Boat Chukka Boots

5. Contrast Crew-Neck Sweater

6. Grey Skinny Fit Jeans

7. Check Slim Fit Blazer

8. Cable Knit Turn-Up Beanie

9. White Cable Knit Sweater

10. Fairisle Crew-Neck Sweater

Remember, knowledge is knowing what’s in fashion; wisdom is being able to apply it to your own personal style. 



Stay Stylish Always,

Jay.