Clothes I Want to Wear: Carven SS13 – Now on Sale at MatchesFashion.com

It seems crazy when you think that Guillaume Henri only took over Carven three years. In this time – only two years for the menswear range – the designer has managed to relaunch the the French maison previously known for Haute Couture as an icon of contemporary fashion.
The excitement that anticipated his menswear debut has been followed by consecutive successful collections which have gained him a cult following within the industry. His latest offering for SS13 was presented at Pitti, where Henri had been asked to take the guest spot. The collection, described as 'Paris meets Firenze', proposed immaculate, tailored and easy to wear classics with the sartorial flavour of Italy – bold patterns, bright-coloured tailoring. It mixed the casual with the formal: sportswear (short) shorts worn with loafers and smart shirts, checked suits layered under a leather jacket. And it is exactly these juxtapositions that define my personal philosophy to get dressed, making this Carven collection my perfect 24/7 summer wardrobe. A selection of this SS13 collection are currently on sale at MatchesFashion.com. Below are my favourites.

Left to right and top to bottom: Red Seersucker single-breasted jacket, Dual weave sweater, Slim cotton trousers, Tech Bomber jacket, Contrast under-the-collar jacket, Feather Embroidered Shorts, Contrast sleeve shirt,

Porter collaboration bag.

HypeBeast.com

Introducing Public School NYC, this Year's CFDA Swarovski Award Winners

It totally took me by surprise when I woke up this morning to the whole CFDA Awards aftermath. I also couldn't believe I hadn't heard of Public School NYC before! The NYC-based brand received last night the Swarovski Award for emerging menswear talent. And very rightfully so!
Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne, the designers behind the brand, had previously worked at P. Diddy's fashion line 'Sean John' before launching their own in 2011 and first showing their FW13 collection in New York last February.
The designers are part of the CFDA's Incubator Program, which help them set up the domestic production that helps define their brand. With factories in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan it's no wonder that New York City is their main source of inspiration.
Unlike a lot of contemporary menswear brands, Public School NYC has a very down to earth point of view, which chimes with the direction menswear is currently going (and it's absolutely up my street). The style it's edgy and the silhouettes modern but never loud. It's got an understated attitude with a polished streetwear influence. Chow and Osborne tried to get away from luxury fashion because "when you say luxury, there’s a bit of fantasy in it, and there’s no fantasy in what we do", they say. And this really reflects on the prices. Despite being manufactured in NYC and using excellent materials such as Japanese and Italian denim, the brand has really competitive price tags starting at around $150 and only reaching the $1/2K mark for the (stunning) leather outerwear pieces and the tailoring.

Make sure you visit their website for a look at their FW13 collection. You can also check their list of stockists, which for the moment are all in the US, but a few of their pieces are available to buy online and are delivered internationally. I personally recommend their denim pieces.

Getty, HypeBeast

Urban Espadrilles

Last week I ran into a friend and fashion expert at a fashion event where we somehow started discussing espadrilles and how apt or not they are for the city. Growing up in Spain, espadrilles have always been a normal part of my summer wardrobe. At some point I might have had up to 12 different colours, which I matched with my t-shirt and wore with ripped jeans – something I will unfortunately never forget... When I was older I decided that canvas wasn't good enough anymore and that I needed more sophisticated options. That's when I bought my first pair of croc slip-ons and suede lace-ups. They weren't just super cool but the soles were properly constructed for walking in the city.
This week I was so happy to find these two models from Salvatore Ferragamo (which happen to be on sale!).  I wasn't lucky enough to wear Ferragamo ones when I was younger but these models reminded me so much of my own. I see the classic croc espadrillesas more of a chic casual choice worn with navy shorts and a white shirt. They are also great with blue jeans, especially if you've got a tan! The Oxford espadrillesare a brilliant choice for a smart but summery vibe on any look you would finish off with desert boots or leather sneakers any other time of the year.

Three Zara Shoes you Need in your Wardrobe this Summer

Despite the non-existant signs of Spring I am in full SS13 mood already planning my season's essentials and key pieces and I have even begun to put together (in my mind) a few looks for the upcoming London Collections: Men, Pitti Uomo and Milan Fashion Week.
Even though I am usually not too keen on buying shoes on the high street I must admit that Zara, for one, has put some really interesting options out there this season. Now, granted they won't be shoes you will have forever but at these prices you really get value for your money at the very least.
I have been meaning to buy a pair of monk straps for a while but I'm always afraid to spend a bit of money on them and never wear them. Which is why these Zara option seems like a great way to try out the shape before investing on a durable pair.
Loafers are always a Spring/Summer essential but if you are a bit bored of the classic suede driving shoe this (faux) croc version is both interesting and manly and it will inject a needed dose of texture and colour into your summer looks.
No Summer wardrobe of mine is ever complete without sneakers. I love this suede option from Zara because they have the sporty yet old-school design of a low-top but the brogue detailing and colour clocking in a sandy palette gives is a chic city vibe.

Farah Vintage launches their SS13 Collection at House of Fraser

I already raved a bit about Farah Vintage after my last visit to the Surgery PR showroom, where I got to preview their amazing FW13 collection. While we (anxiously) wait for it to hit stores in a few months we can keep out Farah thirst at Bay with their SS13. The Spring/Summer collection is launching at selected UK stores and to celebrate this, House of Fraser Oxford Street in London is offering an exclusive goodie bag to the first 20 customers who make a purchase over £50 – so you'll get your Farah fix and then some.
Visit the Farah website, take a closer look at the SS13 collection and head fast to London's House of Fraser to be one of the lucky 20 guys to get one of the goodie bags!

In addition, we can all visit Farah Vintage's Facebook page for a chance to win a full summer wardrobe worth £500.

Courtesy of Farah Vintage

Presenting Burberry Spark

Christopher Bailey's passion for British music is no secret. Singers and band members have often graced the Burberry advertising campaigns and the show's front rows. Their music accompanies the latest collections down the runway and, lately, live performances take place at the brand's beautiful retail spaces – i.e. last week's Kaiser Chiefs gig – and even take the shape of surprise micro-concerts during the catwalk presentations.
This season the Chief Creative Officer has found inspiration in British music for Burberry's latest eyewear collection – a stunning bright and colourful line of sunglasses and opticals in bi-colour combinations in-trend with this season's offerings but always with a modernity and timelessness only Burberry can achieve.
The new campaign features three bands Burberry is introducing this season: Coastal Cities, The Night VI and Broken Hands. A track from each band along with super cool videos recorded on set in London serve as the campaign, which also features beautiful editorial shots from members of all three bands.
Keen an eye out for the super cool new shades and remember to have a listen at the bands' singles (click on their names above), they're the ones to watch!

Courtesy of Burberry

SS13 Trends to Try Out: The Cuban Shirt

Clockwise from top left: Sandro floral shirt, Acne Oahu striped shirt, Dolce & Gabbana jacquard-woven shirt,
Dolce & Gabbana striped shirt, Lanvin panelled shirt, Dolce & Gabbana micro-dot shirt, Reiss pique shirt.

Until Dolce & Gabbana and a few other designers like Acne and Lanvin decided to include 'Cuban shirts' in their SS13 collections they were a marginalised garment we knew of thanks to Tony Montana in 'Scarface', McDunnough in 'Raising Arizona' and Raoul Duke in 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas'. I guess none of us ever saw themselves wearing one because of the awfully loud and often tacky prints. But you can always trust a fashion designer to take something before undesirable and turn it into a season hit.
I have been eyeing a few of the pieces available online, amongst which I favour the quiet pique take of Reiss and the micro print silk option by Dolce & Gabbana the most. After Dave Franco's editorial debut, I was thrilled to see Zac Efron sport another of the Dolce & Gabbana pieces. He wore it to the MTV Movie Awards and paired them with a slim pair of washed dark jeans and lace-ups.

JustJared

The Shades to Own this Season

I would have never thought I would write about Oakley sunglasses on the blog. I must admit to wearing a pair a long long time ago but they have never quite been my cup of tea.
Thanks to, or because of some fashion editors I have changed my mind. Everyone from the sartorially traditional Italians at Pitti to the über-trendy fashion directors of the womenswear glossies have been spotted wearing Oakley's Frogskin sunglasses.
While it's true that they're quintessentially a seasonal trend we will most likely laugh at in not so long I can't help but want a pair for the SS13 season. Whether you go for the more subtle (?) matte frames with blue mirrored lenses or for the bolder models they are a great way of adding a dash of colour to an outfit. I especially like them worn with a more formal look, for a nice sportswear contrast – if there was ever a season to experiment with this other trend, this is it. And, if you know where to look, you can get them for under £90, which is not a bad deal for a new pair of sunglasses (they will always be perfect for a ski trip).

Three Timeless Uniqlo pieces I Want in my Wardrobe this Spring

Ever since I first discovered it some 6 or 7 years ago Uniqlo has been my favourite high street brand. It is my go-to shop for basics and classics from simple white t-shirts to button-down shirts and blazers.
My seasonal visit to stock up on some timeless pieces is now due and these are my three absolute must-haves:
1. Shawl collar Cardigan: I live in these! There is nothing easier to wear and to complement a t-shirt or casual shirt. I own a navy one with brown elbow patches that I throw on anytime and which always receives compliments. It's now time to add another classic colour to my wardrobe.
2. Cotton Linen Blouson: My poor old U by Adolfo Dominguez parka has been with me for years but it's time to get a new khaki jacket. I love the slightly safari shape of this model, which will look great with washed blue jeans worn over the shawl collar cardigan or any of my favourite sweatshirts.
3. Dry Easy Jacket: If it didn't go against etiquette I would probably wear jersey and pique blazers as part of suits all the time. I love how they look smart and modern but they feel soft and comfortable. I need a dark one that I can wear to work or out for dinner and I am particularly keen on this speckled dark grey number.

(Porno) Camouflage for the Summer

Courtesy of Jimmy Choo

Almost a year ago I expressed my surprise at the longevity of the camouflage trend and at the unique and modern way in which Jimmy Choo had reinterpreted for SS12 with their 'Porno Camo' print. Two seasons later, camo seems to be here to stay and not just that, but to be a key print for SS13. And so Jimmy Choo is introducing the 'Percy' lace-up espadrille as a relaxed option to last summer's collection. They also introduce the 'Porno Camo' print in a new colour palette of beige, mustard, brown and black, which I find to be terribly chic.
Both models are already available online at JimmyChoo.com – Get the Percy in green here and in beige here.

Kenzo x Vans Spring/Summer 2013

Earlier this week Kenzo launched their 4th sneaker in collaboration with Vans for Spring/Summer 2013. You know I have been a great fan since their first ever collection almost a year ago. My SS12 Kenzo x Vans proved to be amazing quality and an injection of fun to any outfit. After making a mistake in size with my desired FW12 pair and missing out on the whole line I feel like I should treat myself to one of the new models.
The new collection – Tiger Fever – is all about slightly abstract 'cloudy' leopard print. And for the first time the collaboration offers not only the Vans Authentic but the classic slip-on model too. I'm more of a lace-up fan myself and, after much consideration, I will be going for the orange and green model – my two favourite colours. Keep an eye out, the SS13 collection will be dropping any moment on Kenzo.com!

Frank Loves: Dries Van Noten S/S13

If I could only choose a Spring/Summer 2013 collection to wear for the next three months I would doubtless choose Dries Van Noten's. The Belgian designer has been my number one ever since I discovered it many years ago when I was still learning about fashion. Every season he manages to create desirable timeless clothing yet full of a contemporary almost trendy feel.
The SS13 line's unlikely focus point was camouflage, one of the trends we have been seeing the most of during the past three seasons and one that doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon. I'm quite happy about this because, even though I don't intend to overdose on camo I can appreciate how it adds something interesting to an outfit – proof here.
In this post I've put together some of the highlights of the runway show together with some of my favourite items that made it from the catwalk and some of the commercial pieces.

Above: 'Blade' Camouflage printed cotton-twill jacket.

Above: 'Radcliff' reversible camouflage jacket, 'Hailstone' quilted knitted sweatpants (here in brown).

Above: 'Pendell' camouflage denim jeans.

Above: Textured cotton suit.

Style.com

Dave Franco wears a SS13 Must: The Dolce & Gabbana SS13 Shirt

Dave Franco covers the new issue of Wonderland – out tomorrow – as part of his promo tour for the film 'Warm Bodies'. The actor looks super fly wearing some of the new SS13 trends. My favourite is his shot in one of my favourite striped shirts from the Dolce & Gabbana SS13 collection.
Some of the new shirt models are already available online in preparation for the spring. My favourite so far are the burgundy number with the spotty micro print and the silk model with the geometric print. Such a cool way to keep your outfits interesting and staying fresh!

JustJared, Why-YouMad.com

A closer look at Valentino SS13

I've been raving about the Valentino SS13 collection for months now. I first fell in love with the genius game of khakis and raw denims back in the summer when the brand presented their line during Pitti Uomo. And a few weeks ago style icon Simone Marchetti proved that a total Valentino look is the way to go next season. He also reaffirmed my conviction to buy a pair of the amazing camouflage sneakers, which will drop in shops this December – perfect Christmas gift, hello?
This week I had the chance to have a look at the collection first hand at the Karla Otto press day in London. I was amazed by the exquisite finish of the sophisticated and modern collection, talk about luxury sportswear... As well as the sneakers, which are surprisingly light, I fell in love with the rest of the camouflage accessories. Especially the lace-up shoes and the luggage. I also loved the high tech varsity jackets. I would happily exchange a vital organ for any of these.

Fashion, Frankly

A closer look at Tod's SS13

Last week I stopped by the Tod's SS13 Press Day at their New Bond Street boutique, which is one of my favourites not only because I love (!) the brand but because they have the nicest people.
It was nice to have my memory refreshed after seeing the collection back in June during Milan Fashion Week. The colourful suede brogues are still one of my highlights from the collection, I'm especially keen on the orange number. In fact, I am quite feeling orange for next season. I love how it works so well with earthy tones and adds a pop of colour. So I obviously fell in love with the classic 'gomini' in the same hue as well as the folders and iPad cases that make up the super chic luggage collection.
My other two big highlights were the super modern but timeless take on the Oxford shoe (perfect with jeans or a suit) and the new line of Tod's bags. The green is simply perfect for travelling or going to work.

Click on read more at the end of the post to see more images after the jump.

All images Fashion, Frankly

A closer look at Giorgio and Emporio Armani SS13

Since I hardly ever get to do re-sees of my favourite menswear shows I always look forward to 'Press Day season' because I love having the chance to have a closer look at all the collections. One of the first ones was Armani this week.
I recently posted about the Emporio Armani SS13 collection, which I really enjoyed. I loved getting a feel of the amazing textiles the ultra light blazers were made of. The flecked one above was one of my favourite pieces. As were the olive green leather biker jacket and the tortoiseshell accessories, especially the monk strap shoes.
The Giorgio Armani line was even more exquisite. There is a real sense of modernity and expected uses and combinations of materials but the cuts are classically Armani. I could have easily taken the whole collection of blazers home with me. They have the most beautiful prints and textures you could wish for summer. Some of my other highlights were the leather lined double-chested trench coat, the croc lace-up shoes and the incredible travel bags and carry-ons.

Fashion, Frankly

Emporio Armani SS13: Trends with personality

Courtesy of Armani

Very few menswear designers are able to marry sportswear and tailoring as well as Giorgio Armani. That's probably the reason why he was trusted with the task of dressing the Italian Olympic team this summer. What could give more pleasure than saying "I'm wearing Armani" when you're decked down in activewear? Exactly.
I personally loved how this influence was introduced in the SS13 Emporio Armani collection because it was subtle and elegantly done. The eclectic textiles used in the collection not only helped the symbiosis of the sporty and the smart but added value to all the looks because of the play of textures they created. I especially loved the outerwear and how it was styled with comfy shorts and shoes as smart as they were tough.
But perhaps what I appreciated the most about the show was the fact that we even saw some seasonal trends, which is something rare at Armani because the designer marches to the beat of his own drum. I loved seeing parkas, quite a bit of khaki and even a dash of leopard reinvented by Mr Armani as a sort of enamel monk shoe.
This was one of the best EA shows of the last few seasons and a personal favourite. You can watch the video of the runway show below.

Daks SS13: A Modern Gentleman

If I am quite honest, which is kind of the premise of this blog, I wasn't very aware of Daks' menswear line until I attended the SS13 last June in Milan. I really like what the brand does for women and their London shows are a welcome shower of simplicity.
The collection brought together traditional tailoring – the double-chested suit, the tuxedo – with a fun contemporary twist. Pops of orange and colourful Prince of Wales checks appeared on the lining of coats, the back pleats of jackets, waist bands and back collars. To me, the most interesting thing was how the line mixed smart elements like the smoking jacket, the bowtie or the cummerbund with English sportswear pieces – bomber jackets, rain coats, shorts.
The colour palette of earthy tones, bright orange and sartorial checks tied together all the pieces, all of which were so beautifully finished with slim fits and cuffed trousers. It was definitely a collection after my own heart that I would wear in a heartbeat.

Sheermag.com, Fashion, Frankly