"Where Real Style Goes"

Paris, Moscow, New York, Tokyo and London - fashion capitals known for their pristine, prim and proper fashionistas and 'nistos. No doubt, if you decided to walk down London's Sloane Street, or Paris' Champs Elysees (not to mention anywhere in the other fashion capitals listed) you would be wowed by the beautiful understated luxury of rich fabrics, luscious furs and of course, drawn to the beautiful red soles of our high-power fashionistas.

That's all well and good but in all honesty, it does get rather boring. You find that more and more you can predict how people will be dressed because fashion is global and fashion capital have an image to uphold. Sadly, this image is slowly becoming the same image - no variation whatsoever. As a stylist, I seek the oddities in fashion and look to highlight their beauty and individual nature. Granted, beauty is subjective and so something I appreciate, you may think is garbage - I nevertheless aim to find the most fabulously outlandish styles and bring them to the fore!

For every prince, there is a pauper (or ten) and so for every Louboutin-donning fashionista, there is a Saucony-wearing, Skateboard-riding style icon! Want to know where to find them?

Unlike Tokyo, Paris, Moscow and New York, you needn't go to one specific area of London to find these people. All you need to do is walk. I found myself stopping constantly as I walked the streets of Ladbroke Grove because someone's sneakers caught my eye. In Brixton, I couldn't help but ask people where they got their studded jackets and their creepers because they were so cool! I can't say I've felt underdressed in my life but I most definitely felt un-stylish next to this lot! My eyes were opened to a new movement. They say the Devil makes work for idle hands but here the results were solely heavenly! Upon asking about the jackets, I was told "I was bored and decided to stud my jacket. Got the studs off e-bay..." Clearly, I'd interrupted the flow of this young man's day but I felt it was well worth it!

Too often we are obsessed with brands and how much something costs. I found, looking at the style around me, that a lot of it was homemade! That wasn't all, though. Looking at the way skaters, "indie" kids and "hipsters" dressed, I realised, though little effort may have gone into it, the results were similar to those of editorials for VIBE magazine featuring Run DMC and the styling of characters like the Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Jazzy Jeff! Surely they couldn't know about all this? The styling, the brands, the painstaking effort to create a look that would sit well on the cover of a magazine and yet remain accessible to the masses? I thought they didn't but they did!

The fact is, we don't need to be in the most expensive neighbourhoods or be in the most expensive clothes to be stylish. It's not what you wear but how you wear it. So if you're looking for real style - look to Brixton Market, Ladbroke Grove and its surrounding skateparks, Brick Lane and the night scene of Soho!

That's where real fashion goes!

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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"You needn't be unstylish when looking for comfort!" - Mr. Darkwah

If you remember, a while ago I wrote about taking a day off to see the sites and relax - break the monotony of a the London rat race. I've been having a lot of those days recently and with the Easter break and bank holiday, I may as well have been going backwards!

J. Shoes was one of the brands featured in the accompanying shoot for their unrivalled comfort and beauty. I've just received some information on their new A/W collection and feel I must share it! The shoes and the shoot are everything you want from your shoes. You needn't be unstylish when looking for comfort and you needn't be impractical or completely avant-garde when looking for style!

Here's a little behind the scenes footage from J. Shoes! Enjoy!

I hope you all had a great Easter!

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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"Take a Gentleman's Day Off" - Mr. Darkwah

Photos by Tameka Alexandra Photography

We are coming up to the end of November and I'm sure you're just as tired as I am of having to get up and go to work. Why can't Christmas be sooner? So close and yet so very far. It feels that more and more, life has become intertwined with the buzz or, as cynics like to call it, the neurosis of the city. I think we all need a break. Let's take a gentleman's day off - in style.

The first thing you must take into account is your comfort. You don't want to be walking around and feeling as though you were on your way to the office or to a board meeting do you? It's all about putting your mind, body and soul at ease. J Shoes, in my opinion provide the perfect footwear for comfort and style combined! I can tell you that walking around in J Shoes is a similar feeling to walking around in your most comfortable padded socks. There is very little rubbing and they allow for maximum ease of movement. Style and comfort, unfortunately, don't often mix but in these shoes they do!

I find it rather odd that a day off for some consists of walking around in tracks all day and eating food we know should never touch the lips of a man who lives "Vogue". For Les Hommes de La Clique, our days off are not lazy and so-casual-it-hurts. We are sophisticated and aim to look suave whilst feeling comfortable. A tie never goes amiss on a casual day but it's all about the type. Now I promised that when I started writing, I wouldn't bore you with the "science of fashion" cuts and shapes and materials and so on but let me educate you in this area. You might just love me for it. The broader ties with a pointed tip, I find to be rather formal - very formal in fact. You then get the narrow ties, skinny ties and then sports ties. Sports ties are less formal as they are often woven and have a flat end - no tip, it's completely flat. I've found one tie that I'm in love with at the moment (I know this sounds odd to you but when you're as immersed in fashion as I am, a single item can become a season's obsession)! Gentlemen, I present to you my casual tie of the moment by Brian Clarke.

Now I am fully aware that not everyone will change their glasses according to their outfit but these glasses are worth altering an outfit for! My obsession with accessories has gone full circle and returned to glasses. There have been too many occasions in which I've seen a well-dressed man - casual or formal - and hated what he's accessorised with. Glasses are worse still. We men don't seem to understand the rules that work for women and spectacles apply to us also! I know you don't want to have to overanalyse all of these things so I've found a brand that tells you about the faces their items suit, Kirk Originals! (You can't say I'm not good to you with all this research I'm doing). With bold colours, flattering frames and the power to turn a bland outfit into a vibrant and chic get-up, there's no way you can leave these out of your wardrobe - regardless of whether you need glasses or not!

Just a few notes for your next Gentleman's Day Off...

Ciao Belissimi!

Mr. Darkwah

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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.