Frank's 21 Favourite Albums from the 21st Century

Earlier this week I made a two-day stop in my hometown between the end of my holidays in Portugal and my return to London. One late night, drinking beer in the 33-degree heat with some of my oldest friends, we started talking music and how hard it was to find albums you enjoyed from beginning to end. We each threw some names around – some which we agreed on and some the rest had never heard of. And that was that. When I got back to London, I stumbled across this article from American GQ listing their 21 essential albums from the 21st century. I sent the link around to my friends and it seemed only natural to challenge each other to put together our own lists of favourites, which we did on Facebook. I then thought it would be a good idea to share them here with the hope that some of you will also share some of your favourites that I might have missed or to simply rejoice in our matches.
I was able to find most of them on iTunes apart from Zazie's 'Rodéo Tour', which you can listen to here, and Tom Odell's original EP, which isn't available anywhere anymore, so I shared his full album.

Neil Barrett's New Shop-in-Shop at Harvey Nichols

I couldn't believe when I started preparing this post that I hadn't really posted about Neil Barrett before. Over the last few seasons, the designer has developed such a distinct contemporary aesthetic that masterly plays with geometry, lines and block colours. With this in mind, it should't come as a surprise that Barrett chose to work with none other than queen of modern architecture Zaha Hadid to create his new retail spaces. His latest outpost by Hadid is the recently launched shop-in-shop at London's Harvey Nichols. Situated on the ground floor of the Knightsbridge building, the space reflects Hadid's architecture-meets-sculpture aesthetic, which ties in with the fluid lines of Neil Barrett's SS14 collection.
If all of the above wasn't compelling enough to get you to check out Barrett's latest collection at his stunning new space, just take a look at the below. Always ahead of the curve, Justin Timberlake chose Neil Barrett as his go-to brand during last summer's leg of his tour showing how to allow the brand's pieces bring an edge to your classic every-day looks.

Shop Neil Barrett SS14 here.

Courtesy of Harvey Nichols

Justin Timberlake at the iTunes Festival 2013

Despite being a very musical person (though I can't sing at all) I have never been a keen concert-goer. I need to really love an artist and their music and I must know the lyrics to all their songs before I even think of buying a ticket. That's probably why I hadn't been to a concert for a while until last month when I attended the Justin Timberlake gig during the iTunes Festival.
I was thrilled to have managed to get tickets to see who I think is the most well-rounded artist out there at the moment. And the experience couldn't have been better – maybe just if he had played a longer set. The vocals were right on the money and the dancing was, well, something only JT can manage. I danced and sang my ass off and managed to document the experience on quite a few videos, some (most) of which you can see below after the jump, click on read more.

Justin looked great in a dark slim suit, which he wore with a printed shirt, a trilby hat
and his now signature Louboutins.
Get the look: Jil Sander navy slim-fit suit, Sandro two-tone shirt, Paul Smith wool-felt trilby hat,
Christian Louboutin Gareth shoes.

Frank's Weekend Picks

All Saints Cargo Biker Leather Jacket: With this mild October weather we're having in the UK a leather jacket is a man's best friend. It's a great addition to any look, especially if you need a bit of an edge for a preppy outfit.

British GQ, November 2013: The latest issue of the magazine is the best companion for a weekend coffee. Also essential to get cracking with all your purchases for the FW13 season.

The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling: I usually read a lot over the summer but I haven't had the time to do so this year so I am catching up now. To start, J.K. Rowling's light but brilliantly written latest novel. Don't let the roars of the name put you off.

The 20/20 Experience Part 2/2: It only came out last Monday but I have probably listened to it a hundred times. It's got some brilliant upbeat tunes perfect for the weekend or to start the week in high spirits.

Paris vs. New York by Vahram Muratyan: Always a favourite of mine. I love flicking through it to enjoy the witty illustrations and the excellent art direction.

Balenciaga Overnight Bag: Still my favourite bag since I bought it two years ago. It goes with me to work, on my weekend trips and holidays and, well, just about anywhere else.

Most Stylish of the Week: Bromance in Cannes

This year's Cannes Film Festival is the gift that keeps on giving. I feel like it gets longer every year but if that means we get to enjoy menswear moments like these they can make it a month long, as far as I'm concerned.
Exactly a week ago Garrett Hedlund and Justin Timberlake hit the red carpet for the 'Inside Llewyn Davis' premiere. The pair seemed to be enjoying each others company. Or perhaps they were just laughing at the rest of us because we'll never be able to look that good... Garrett wore a beautiful combination of midnight blue and black (by Prada?), which I will never tire of saying is the most elegant eveningwear recipe. Timberlake looked his usual sharp self in a classic black suit and skinny bow tie, which he topped off with my favourite Lanvin flower pin. Earlier that day Justin posed at the arrivals photocall in a chic double-chested knit blazer worn with a gingham shirt and beige chinos.
Zachary Quinto made the most perfect choice when he went for his head-to-toe Alexander McQueen look this week. He wore a beautiful satin jacquard rever double breasted tuxedo accessorised with a skull-patterned silk bow tie and black leather monk strap shoes.
Grooming mistake aside, Bradley Cooper's orange suit moment was up there with the sartorial epic-ness of Ryan Gosling or Robert Pattinson. The custom-made suit signed by Gucci – who else? – looked stunning paired with a pale blue shirt and tan leather Oxford shoes. If only you had done your hair, Bradley...



Funnily enough, Bill Skarsgård just happened to make an appearance at Cannes the week I started watching 'Hemlock Grove'. The actor looked incredibly cool first in a dark evening outfit that fit him like a glove and later in a more casual take wearing the same blazer over layered t-shirts channeling a bit of Roman Godfrey.
James Franco can get away with things us mortals wouldn't dare of trying – namely these mirrored gangsta shades and the just-out-of-bed hairstyle. The actor looked super cool pairing these with a blue Gucci look perfect for spring. I really wish he would undo that second button on his blazer, though...
After realising that perhaps just being George Clooney wasn't enough to look stylish all the time the actor has been making some really great choices as of late. His usual perfect-fitting grey suit look becomes iconic here with his grey moustache and 60's tortoiseshell sunglasses.

JustJared, Getty

Most Stylish of the Week: Hit after Hit!

What an amazing week! Thanks to the Cannes Film Festival and The CW Upfront we have seen some of the best fashion moments of the month.
Chris Pine, who has no need of either event, looked his usual awesome self in a Ralph Lauren Purple Label navy double breasted suit, which he very aptly accessorised with a patterned pocket square and tie. The latter's peach hue tied the outfit together paired up with the tan leather shoes.
My current style crush Austin Butler blew everyone's socks off (his own included) at the CW Upfront event. He wore a cropped pair of flecked trousers with a skinny-lapelled tux blazer over a casual henley and battered brown leather shoes. He topped it off with a pair of brilliant round specs and his usual god-like hair.
I didn't expect Justin Timberlake to make an appearance at Cannes but was happy to see him rocking a super chic ensemble in a khaki and beige colour palette. The key item was his great Belstaff oversixed cropped trench coat and his new Michael Pitt-inspired haircut.
Jamie Redknapp looked as if he had been born in his Thom Sweeney tuxedo. The ex-footballer showed everyone all the good things a bespoke suit can do for a man.
Another sportsman, Thom Evans, attended this week's Gatsby screening in London in a very dapper ensemble. His Bespoke HQ Prince of Wales double-chested suit was excellently accessorised with a stripped bow tie and blue suede slippers also by Bespoke HQ.

Wilson Bethel's olive green Gant Rugger suit was a breath of fresh air on the CW Upfront red carpet. I do admire a guy who understands the power of colour when it comes to tailoring. His tie was a bit too skinny for my taste but the tan leather belt and shoes were bang-on.
Always a rockstar dresser, Justin Theroux looked exceptional this week in a pair of skinny biker denim (by Bailmain?), which he wisely paired with a simple white tee, his signature black boots and a killer khaki varsity jacket.
Joel Edgerton debuts on the MSOTW with a double hit. The actor first landed in Cannes looking suave in an off-white Salvatore Ferragamo suit with peak lapels – degradé Way Farers and printed pocket square right on the note – and proceeded to look just as great the same evening in a 3-piece tux with velvet details also by Ferragamo.

JustJared, Getty, Courtesy of Salvatore Ferragamo

Most Stylish of the Week: All about Ermenegildo Zegna

After last week's strict editing, I decided to indulge myself for today's post and only cut down the list of most stylish guys down to nine.
It was definitely a week monopolised by the great style of Ermenegildo Zegna. Daniel Henney, Chris Hemsworth and Tyler Atkins were in Sidney for Ermenegildo Zegna's Wool Trophey, which culminated in a big fashion show. All three guys trusted the Italian house to dress them in their finest fashion, which resulted in three superb fashion moments, all in their own particular style. My favourite, I must admit, was Aitken's clay number. The loose fit, printed shirt and brown accessories matched his tan and wavy blond hair perfectly – never lose the surfer dude in you, even in a suit.
Somewhere else in the world, Chris Pine also chose Ermenegildo Zegna to look classic and sharp during his press tour. This time the grey number with a slight pinstripe was paired with a classic white shirts, a subtly trendy striped tie and tan leather shoes, which I always love with a grey suit.

I tend to have a slightly odd reaction to Tom Hiddleston's looks. I think he is one of the most effortlessly elegant actors around and he always looks spotless but I often hope for something new. This week he gave us exactly that in this checked wool silk blend suit by Giorgio Armani. He paired it with a tie in the same colour palette and a white shirt. I personally love the details of the jacket – split lapel, one button.
Johannes Huebl doesn't only go out with one of the most attractive and stylish women in fashion but he also looks right on the money all the time. This week he was in Germany celebrating the opening of the latest Louis Vuitton store. The model wore a black double-chested number from the French house, which he perfectly accessorised with some blue and lilac notes on his tie and pocket square and a pair of super cool suede brown boots.
I'm happy to finally have Darren Criss on this post because his character in Glee is one of the most stylish guys on TV but his personal style tends to be a bit overdone. This week he looked great in a pair of chinos worn with a white shirt. I love the light safari jacket to go with it, which gives it a sportswear touch in contrast with the more sophisticated leather belt and penny loafers.
Sebastian Stan probably didn't care about what he was wearing, which is why he looked so cool. Few guys could pull off a sheer jersey top, which here looks great with the relaxed silhouette of the jacket. It would have been just perfect had the jeans been taken up a few inches on the bottom.
Even though this tuxedo look is getting a bit old by now Justin Timberlake in Tom Ford continues to be a great equation. I love the dotted pattern of the jacket and the more relaxed hair. And this might just be me, but a bowtie can be slouchy.

JustJared, Getty

Most Stylish of the Week: Justin Timberlake's street style hit & Nicholas Hoult's Power Suits on GQ

It could've been a quiet boring post-Oscar laziness week if it hadn't been for Timberlake and Hoult. After the Oscar attendees dazzled on the red carpet a week ago some of the younger celebrities still managed to get some attention at the award's after-parties. Such is the case of Jacob Artist, who attended the Elton John party. The dapper Glee actor worn his head-to-toe Armani black tie look like a pro – you don't need a king-size bowtie to make a statement. Taylor Lautner suited up in a stunning blue Paul Smith number, which looked very modern thanks to the slim fit and the killer toe-cap blue shoes. Justin Timberlake rocked our socks later in the week with his casual outfit. The protagonist was his knit and suede blue bomber jacket, the über-stylish silk necktie, perfect hair and Tom Ford shades.
Nicholas Hoult graced the inside pages of the latest issue of American GQ in a 'Power Suit' editorial as enviously-chic, manly and cool as Joseph Gordon-Levitt's. In the story the actor rocks some seriously tailored looks by DKNY, Tom Ford, Gucci (below, right), Giorgio Armani (below, left), Calvin Klein Collection and Dolce & Gabbana.

JustJared

Most Stylish of the Week: JT and 1D do the Brits, Tinie wears Burberry

Most of this week's style hits come straight from the 'streets' of London. Burberry Prorsum wowed everyone once again with their amazing FW13 womenswear show and amongst the stylish celebrities to sit on their front row Tinie Tempah was the coolest of all. He wore one of my favourite coats from the FW13 menswear collection with a printed shirt from the SS13 line, grey jeans and pristine white sneakers.
Justin Timberlake was also in town this week to attend the Brits. I was hoping he would make an appearance at Burberry but alas... He did attend the Tom Ford show looking super chic in a plaid dark grey suit worn with a micro gingham shirt and Ford's signature black knit tie. Later in the week Justin walked the red carpet at the Brits in a stunning grey number also from Tom Ford with a more classic combination of white shirt and the same black knit tie. My favourite part of this look are the cuffed trousers and the sleek black boots, which I would often choose over lace-ups.
The reason why Eddie Redmayne is on this week's post is because even though his outfit isn't mind-blowing he still managed to look way more elegant than any other guy who made an effort. That's it.

Once again, I was quite impressed with the overall styling of One Direction, who also attended the Brits this week. The highlight of the group, for a change, was Liam Payne, who rocked the Alexander McQueen dragonfly embroidered cardigan I love. Louis Tomlinson wore a shawl collar McQueen tuxedo and, once again, proved he's got the best hair in the band. Zayn Malik wore a velvet TopMan tux, which he wore with a neck bow very much à la Brandon Flowers. Niall Horan went for an ASOS black suit with a mandarin collar shirt and silver Vans. And Harry Styles rocked some slim Burberry tailoring a a Burberry micro print shirt accessorised with a lapel flower pin.

Courtesy of Burberry, JustJared, Getty

Most Stylish of the Week: Derek Blasberg, Louis Tomlinson & JT

In the midst of award season we have finally had a great week of casual style thanks to London Fashion Week. Derek Blasberg, the most sartorially savvy editor, wore a deep red suit with a printed shirt and white shoes. A perfect example of traditional-meets-modern. Louis Tomlinson attended the TopShop Unique show in a TopMan fleck blazer, which seemed out of a page of Harry Styles' style book. His hair, as usual, was looking mighty fine.
David Beckham took his boys out for a (posh) Indian meal earlier this week in yet another of his now signature flat caps and proving that velvet doesn't have to be all that formal but is always chic. Justin Timberlake look his usual dapper self at LAX catching a flight to London for the Brits. This time, however, he wasn't wearing Tom Ford.
Jude Law walked the Berlin Film Festival red carpet in a velvet Prada tuxedo that fit like a glove. If only he could stick to this style instead of succumbing to his infamous v-neck t-shirts... And Chris Pine wore an über-classic black and cut-to-perfection and white suit combo by Ermenegildo Zegna, which he kept interesting with his rectangular specs, giving the look a nice touch of geek chic.

JustJared, Getty

Best Dressed at the BAFTAs & Grammys 2013

The great Hardy Amies said: "A man should look as if he has bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care and then forgotten all about them". In other words, make sure you're comfortable in what you wear, don't ever try to hard or let your clothes wear you. And this goes double for evening wear. Last night we saw plenty of good examples of this on the BAFTAs and the Grammys red carpets.
No one wears a suit like a Brit – unless you're Ryan Gosling or Samuel L. Jackson. Even guys like Dave Berry and Alex Zane, who tried a little too hard, manage to look seemingly good at the BAFTAs. Nicholas Hoult, one of my favourite dudes at the moment because he is so relaxed and natural about everything. The same goes for Eddie (Fly) Redmayne who rocked a skinny Burberry tux last night before spending the awards ceremony throwing his guts out backstage. Samuel L. Jackson participated in one of the biggest trends of the night: velvet. He went for a classic 3-piece look of exquisite proportions.
Damien Lewis and Luke Evans also went for velvet but they were a little more daring. Damien in a full teal green number by Burberry – my favourite velvet look of the night – and Luke in a burgundy blazer with split satin lapels worn with black suit trousers.

Over in LA Americans were walking their finest attire down the Grammy's red carpet at the Staples Centre. Guys in the music industry are known for their pomp, which usually results in whacky outfits no one understands. A lot of them go to the other extreme going so simple or casual there is little to comment. Luckily, Justin Timberlake is back in business so we know we're going to keep getting incredible Tom Ford moments like this one last night. It was a kind of old school look not many people could pull off but one which looked cool and current on JT – and even more so in action. Also last night I found out about country up-and-comer Hunter Hayes, who is a sort of make Taylor Swift. He's 21 and just under 1.70m and I always root for short stylish guys. Even though I don't approve of his converse choice last night I thought his monochrome number was fit to perfection and I can appreciate a guy who knows how to wear a tie clip. It looks like John Mayer has decided to dazzle us with his sartorial choices while he lets his voice rest after surgery. The signer went for a lilac-y blue velvet blazer, which he paired with a blue silk bowtie. It could have been a little clown-ish but he's John Mayer, he can do as he pleases.

Getty

Most Stylish of the Week: A Tom Ford kind of week

It seems like all the stylish guys of the world – or the famous ones anyway – were saving themselves for this week. Between the SAG Awards and the numerous other film-related events I was spoiled for choice.
Tom Ford was the lucky designer to dress all the most stylish guys this week. Eddie Redmayne's blue number paired with the gingham shirt is one of the most interesting and chic looks I have seen on anyone for quite some time. He is definitely the best dressed guy at the moment. Justin Timberlake, who is finally pleasing us with his comeback, rocked a micro plaid wool suit and knit tie at the SAG awards. I wish more guys dared a little more with colours and patterns on the red carpet. Jude Law went for a more sober look but the grey, black and white combination and the sharp cut make it special. Bradley Cooper looked awesome in a midnight blue tux with a black shawl collar, simply perfect.
David Beckham was looking fly and keeping warm in London this week in a cool Moncler two-layer combo. I need to get myself a down jacket blazer. Nicholas Hoult continues his list of fashion hits with this timeless but modern Balenciaga grey suit. It would have looked even better with a green touch somewhere.
It wouldn't be a good week in style without a double Eddie Redmayne hit. He attended the SAG Awards in a risky brown velvet suit by BOSS Black. It's pretty impressive how well he pulled it off thanks to his lean figure, his freckled skin and slightly ginger brown hair. The guy knows what he's doing. Kevin McHale also took a risk at the SAG Awards with an all-black look and a bottle green satin blazer. I think it was a great choice but I don't quite get why he walked the red carpet with the jacket over his shoulders...

JustJared, Getty

Most Stylish of the Week: Robert Rabensteiner rocks the velvet slipper

Hard as I try, it's nearly impossible to get any fresh faces to the Most Stylish of the Week post! I guess it makes sense, he who is stylish is always well dressed. Nonetheless, I am happy to finally include Robert Rabensteiner in a post. He is, in my opinion, one of the most stylish men in the planet and also one of the most original and fashion-forward but always masculine and never over-the-top. This week he was in Paris with the rest of the fashion pack where he wore straight-cut jeans with a casual blue shirt, a dark pin stripe blazer and black velvet slippers. This is so on-trend but so classic and so individual at the same time, it just blows my mind. And, mind you, not anyone can pull off a pair of women's sunglasses.
Over at LAX airport Andrew Garfield got off a plane looking this cool in a perfect combination of colours. The key to a casual and relaxed look is the fit of everything you wear and Garfield's got that down too. And, well, being tall is always a plus.
Logan Lerman had his first late night talk show experience this week with Jimmy Fallon. I was a big fan of the kid even before watching his brilliant performance on 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' and I'm glad he's also doing well in the wardrobe department. He wore a very classic combo of grey suit, white shirt and black tie and shoes but I liked the 'relaxed' vibe introduced by the loose tie knot and the laceless brogues some celebrities have been getting a kick off lately.
Even though I would never in my life wear an outfit such as this I thought that Justin Timberlake looked terribly cool in his golf outfit. His nylon (?) J Lindeberg trousers and shoes are too wide but very much what he normally wears and I still smile every time I see the printed polo shirt buttoned up and worn with that hat.
You already saw Rob Pryor earlier this week on Burberry's campaign for 'The Britain'. He was at the brands Regent Store theme park flagship superstore earlier this week celebrating the launch of the collection. He was joined by Roo Panes, who stars in the Burberry Prorsum FW12 campaign. They both looked very stylish in their put together/scruffy looks. I am still in love with Roo's houndstooth blazer, which we saw him wear already at the London Collections: Men closing party.

Style.com, JustJared, Courtesy of Burberry

Most Stylish of the Weekend: Aaron Paul wears Prada to the Emmys

I did not stay up to watch the Grammys last Sunday but I probably should have. When I did watch them the night after I realised how excited I actually get about television awards. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that approximately 40% of my week is spent watching American TV shows.
The best (style) surprise of the night was how dapper Jimmy Fallon looked in his tux. I haven't been able to ID the designer yet – it's a lot harder than with a dress, as you might imagine – but it was perfectly tailored for him, that was evident. I might spend some time and words trying to explain everything this tuxedo did for Jimmy and how this is proof that tailoring is a man's best friend but GQ did it first and much better so just read their's here.
Aaron Paul was one of the big winners of the night. He was one of the few gents at the event who actually stood out. His brown kid mohair shawl collar tuxedo, white smoking popeline shirt, beige bowtie with a matching pocket square and brown spazzolato oxfords were so refreshing against everyone's traditional tuxes. And who was it by? Prada, of course.
Probably feeling a little envy after seeing these two guys, Justin Timberlake wore a double-chested tuxedo later this week. It's true that it's not hard for him to look good in pretty much anything but I like the tieless element of the look and the sartorial if somewhat flamenco choice of the polka dot pocket square.

This week's Best Grooming goes to Leonardo DiCaprio, or rather to Jordan Belfort, the character he plays in Martin Scorsese's latest film 'The Wolf of Wall Street'. Leo has been spotted looking mighty fine in a darker and slicker hairdo than we're used to from him. Hopefully this is just the beginning of another brilliantly styled movie following in the footsteps of Bud Fox.

Getty, JustJared

He's Fly: Justin Timberlake rocks khaki trousers

JustJared

I have been a massive fan of Justin Timberlake ever since he left N'Sync and got rid of his curls. And then 'Future Sex / Love Sounds' came out and I also became a fan of his music. His venture into fashion with his brand William Rast wasn't too much of my taste but I appreciate a guy who cares about his style.
His personal style, though, is a lot better than what you'd expect looking at his brand. He's one of the very few people who can get away with the old low-jeans-and-tucked-in-shirt-look. He has also been making a lot of right choices over the last few years.

One of his last looks that I loved was this one above. I find it so hard to find the right pair of khaki trousers. If they're not high-waisted, which I can't wear, they're just cargo pants or they're slim with cargo pockets. I am also very particular about the shade of green. Justin's are a perfect fit –straight and tapered.
he paired them up with a plaid blue shirt –another spot-on choice for me. Navy and khaki together is one of my favourite colour combinations. You can just trow pieces like Justin's on and look effortlessly cool. I would have only changed Timberlake's leather boots with a nice pair of black suede high-tops like the Jimmy Choo ones below.

Get the JT look: khaki trousers by B Store, plaid blue shirt by J. Crew, suede high-top sneakers by Jimmy Choo. All from Mr Porter.