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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Bring Back London!

Fashion houses like Burberry and Ted Baker make me proud to be a Londoner with their steadfast image and effortless chic. Their take on menswear gives a true sense of London's edge and eternal youth. I can't help but feel that the fashion industry has been dominated by too many cities around the world for too long. We've seen everything from New York Grunge to California Cool right the way to Harajuku trends from Tokyo and as fantastic and fabulous as these may have been, London's time on the map has not been significant enough.

"New York Grunge"

"California Cool"

"Harajuku"

There have been many beautiful decades in fashion in our city from the bourgeois chic of the 1920's to the Mods & Rockers scene of the 60's into the 70's, London has produced top trends, top designers and high-grade fashion! The beauty does not lie in the trends alone but in the execution of them - the immaculate tailoring and clean lines created by British fashion houses remain unrivalled and therefore should be showcased by all people - not just the six-figure-salary cats. Gentlemen (because that's what we are, not boys) it's time to throw out the polo shirts and oversized sweaters. New Balance sneakers belong in the gym or out on runs through Hyde Park, not everyday wear. Let's bring back that London look - the business look.

Clean lines, sleek tailoring and splashes of colour characterise Burberry's London look

There is nothing worse than feeling under-dressed, however it seems we men have lapsed into thinking that being grossly so for an event is better than turning up well-dressed. Note I wrote well-dressed and not over-dressed. There is no such thing as being over-dressed so long as you are confident enough to pull it off. This year, let's snap out of that bad habit and make more of an effort! There is an abundance of suits out there and more so, a million different sources of inspiration for mens outfits. Look to brands like Hackett, Paul Smith, Burberry and Ted Baker for the true gentleman's apparel and dont be afraid to be daring! The beauty of the look of the Londoner is the ease with which the look is pulled off but also the added edge in colour and accessories. Let's not follow any longer! After all, we do live in a fashion capital!

Live Beautiful, Stay Vogue

Ciao Belissimi!
Mr. Darkwah
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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.