UNIQLO and Lemaire SS16

It's been a while since I got excited about a designer's collaboration with a high street retailer. It looks like only UNIQLO refined the recipe for success after their hit-after-hit run with Jil Sander, which explains the instant success of the collaboration launched with Lemaire for the FW15 season.
The Japanese retail giant announced that the partnership will continue for the forthcoming SS16 season with the new UNIQLO and Lemaire collection launching exclusively online on March 4th and worldwide in stores on March 18th.

The new collection brings together two of my favourite style influences – the 60's and sportswear. The French brand continues to combine their clean and streamlined silhouettes with sportswear detailing by playing with buttons, pockets and volume. The colour palette – faded ginger, mahogany, and the brand's signature optic white, navy and khaki – touches on the preppy side of the 60's and sits so well with the clean lines of the tailored pieces.

You can check out a preview of the collection online here.

Get the Saint Laurent Floral Shirt Look for Less at Uniqlo

After years of just being something that your middle-aged uncle from Miami would wear short-sleeve floral-printed shirts became a big thing last summer. I posted some of my favourite styles about a year ago on the blog prompted by the success of the ubiquitous Saint Laurent floral shirt. I found myself quite into the idea of including it in my wardrobe but at over £500 a pop it didn't seem like the wisest choice.
Despite it being quite a trendy piece that you might get tired of quickly it can easily become that summer staple piece you throw on with a pair of jeans and a cool pair of sneakers to really stand out. Luckily, the way fashion works means such super trendy pieces will inevitably trickle down to high street shops for us mortals to have a chance at trying them out. And that's exactly what has happened. Uniqlo recently launched a mini collection of floral shirts so evidently inspired by Saint Laurent's styles that you might just think you're wearing the real deal – and it will only set you back £19.90 so you can have more than one style to vary.

You can shop the red style here and the black version here.

Look of the Day: LCM Spring/Summer 2015 Day 3

Let's not talk about my weird face and move on, shall we?
Today saw the wrap of the latest edition of London Collections: Men. Keeping the best for last, Burberry always puts on a fantastic show, which today was also blessed with rare but glorious sunshine.
I couldn't help but going for a comfortable look on this warm day with my breton-striped Uniqlo jumper worn under a black knit blazer, also from Uniqlo. I paired them with my new Indigo & Maine Denim blue jeans and, of course, my Clarks desert boots – this time in green suede with a fun yellow sole. My favourite new Bailey Nelson sunglasses completed the look.
And now it's on to Milan and Paris!

Look of the Day: LCM Spring/Summer 2015 Day 2

Today I mixed a bit of work with a bit of menswear collections, which was a good way to start a Monday. The British weather wasn't quite on our side today either, a bit of chilly wind and grey skies made me go for some more layering.
With a white Uniqlo Oxford shirt and black Acne jeans as a base, I added a bit of colour with my L'Estrange Liberty Black Paisley hoodie and my U Adolfo Dominguez parka. Topping it off, of course, were my powder blue desert boots by Clarks (perfect also for walking around a lot) and my starred Gant socks.
Stay tuned for the last of my London looks and a recap of my favourite shows!

Fashion, Frankly

Look of the Day: LCM Spring/Summer 2015 Day 1

The latest edition of the London Collections: Men kicked off in London today. I had to cut my day a little shorter than expected but still managed to catch most of my favourite shows of the day – Hardy Amies and Agi & Sam were two of my personal highlights.
It was a grey and slightly chilly day in London so I went for a bit of layering with my look of the day. I paired my brand new Clarks suede shoes with casual Levi's jeans. I kept everything a bit monochromatic with a grey loopback jumper from Uniqlo, a blue striped shirt from Ralph Lauren and added some contrast with a lightweight navy seersucker blazer from Uniqlo and my super chic new Bailey Nelson sunglasses.
It was the perfect start to the new season. Follow me on Instagram from more daily updates straight from LCM!

Fashion, Frankly

Just in: Michael Bastian x Uniqlo

As part of my mission to get my wardrobe ready for the new season – thanks London for being so miserable and extending my deadline – I visited my favourite high street store, Uniqlo, to check out their SS14 offerings.
Even considering their t-shirt collaboration with Pharrell, the most exciting part of the collection is the polo shirt line they have created with Michael Bastian. As you might expect from anything the king of preppy is involved with, every single piece is beautifully simple and includes amazing details such as embroidered golf balls and bears, plaid and pinstripe patterns and 60's-inspired prints.
My first choice so far is the style below. A navy button-down polo shirt featuring green and red micro-paisleys. You can shop the whole collection here.

How to do Casual Chic, by Dominic Cooper

As of late I've realised how much less time I spend thinking about what I wear, probably because I haven't had any time for it. In any case, this is quite a departure from what I used to be. Working in fashion can sometimes make you feel like you need to try hard to make it so that other people notice your style.
For the last 3 or 4 years since I started working I have been getting further and further from this idea, seeing how the way you feel in your clothes and how you wear them makes up at least 75% of your look. The other 25%, and also important, is buying good quality, classic pieces. And it is this perfect balance that we see in the picture above – Dominic Cooper wearing a subtle everyday look, which is actually really stylish and crazy cool.
If you think this style has nothing to do with you simply don't try it – and maybe find another blog because mine will be ultra boring for you – but if, like me, you'd be happy to make this your day-to-evening work uniform here is a simple recipe to replicate it yourself. Jimmy Choo's are not essential, but a bit of croc never hurt anyone.

Uniqlo wool blended slim fit blazer, Levi's 511 slim fit jeans, J.Crew slim fit t-shirt,

Uniqlo cashmere crew neck jumper, Jimmy Choo Belgravia croc-embossed sneakers.

How to Wear a Camo Blazer, by Eric Daman

Clockwise from top left: Minimum Camo Blazer @ ASOS, UNIQLO Slim Fit Chinos,

Vito Camo Blazer @ ASOS, UNIQLO Oxford Slim Fit Shirt.

This past weekend Eric Daman appeared as a guest judge on the latest episode of Project Runway. If his name doesn't ring any bells, his work will. Daman is the talented stylist and costume designer behind Gossip Girl – the genius behind Chuck Bass' wardrobe.
He is known for his eccentric style - particularly the Jack Sparrow-esque accessorising. But if you look past the extravagance, you will find really on-point looks like the one he wore on the TV show. This is possibly the best way to wear a camouflage blazer. Paired with a classic blue oxford shirt you add a preppy classic touch, which translates the camo print from street-wear territory to tailoring refinement. Worn with a pair of also muted navy chinos and perhaps a pair of beige suede brogues it becomes the perfect look for a cool night out if what you're looking for is to make a statement without being loud.

I'm not Frank: What I Wore at the London Collections Men SS14

During the last London Collections: Men I ran into photographer superstar Jonathan Daniel Pryce outside the Hentschman presentation in Covent Garden. I was lucky enough to get photographed by him in my outfit of the day, which has recently been published on the Duchamp blog.

I'm wearing: U Adolfo Domínguez parka, +J beige blazer, Uniqlo shirt, ASOS anchor belt, Acne jeans, Tod's No_Code shoes, J. Crew iPhone case and Baume & Mercier watch.

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.

I'm not Frank: What I Wore in Milan, Day 1

Fashion, Frankly

I really tried to make an effort to try and get pictures of what I was wearing during the days that I recently spent in Milan. However, I didn't make it past the first day.
On Saturday, to kick things off, I wore my Gant Rugger tweed blazer, Nudie Jeans, Uniqlo shirt, Grenson shoes, Jil Sander tie and Urban Outfitters scarf. It was freezing in Milan and I wasn't wearing a coat but the combination of tweed, scarf and tough shoes didn't make me miss it.

Just in: Gingham & breton stripes

Fashion, Frankly

I took these pictures during the weekend while I was getting dressed. I always try to figure out which of my clothes go with the new wardrobe additions so that I am ready in advance. I bought the breton-striped jumper from Uniqlo a couple of weeks ago. I bought the same one with the colours inverted. It's lighter than a jumper but thicker than a t-shirt, which makes it perfect with or without anything underneath. I combined it with my also new blue gingham shirt by Polo Ralph Lauren (Kids) – from Bicester Village – and my vintage Levi's denim jacket. I also loved the combination of the shirt and my fluo Acne jumper worn with the same denim jacket. Lots of options for the summer already – at least while the weather remains like this.

Nowhere without my blazer

Sarah Joynt

Don't you just love it when you buy that one piece every so often and you wondered how you could ever have lived without it? That's what happened to me with the Gant Rugger suit I bought a few weeks ago. I have only worn the blazer so far but it's already proved to be the piece for this winter. You can easily do without a coat and it makes any outfit look ace.
This is how I recently wore it to work. I am wearing: Gant Rugger herringbone tweed blazer from Mr Porter, vintage denim shirt, Uniqlo burgundy v-neck jumper, Acne jeans, Alexander McQueen scarf and Balenciaga bag from Mr Porter.

Pink chinos and espadrilles for Milano

As much as I wanted to wear some well thought-out looks during my weekend in Milan I had to sort of improvise once I got there due to the heat. Yes, I knew that it wouldn't be as miserable as in London but you'll agree with me in that packing for hot weather is not as efficient when you're not feeling the temperatures in situ.
So on Saturday for the Burberry show I wore my favourite +J beige blazer because it's very light and a good fit, together with my Uniqlo white Oxford shirt. I paired them with a pair of pale pink Acne chinos I've had for a while and my brand new brick red Zara lace-up espadrilles. I accessorised with my favourite leopard YSL belt and a navy polka dot green pocket square from a shop in Madrid.

[Iñaki C.]

Channeling some Jil Sander

Not so long ago I posted about the Jil Sander spring11 pieces I really needed to have. The flower t-shirt was number one on my list of things to buy until I payed a visit to Uniqlo last week and came across this one below. The prints are both photographs from Noboru Morikawa and their style and feel reminded me a lot of the original one I wanted.
I had to 'create' the images you see below because I couldn't find the t-shirt online. The actual one is pretty close to what I've managed to make. I just left out one detail. Underneath the picture on the back it reads 'flower' in a big font. I'm not too keen on this but I will try to ignore it, as it is on the back.

Fashion, Frankly at LFW

We have to still have to wait for the last day of LFW to deliver its men's gems on Wednesday. I will be reporting from Top Man, CSM x Bally, Cassette Playa, Christopher Shannon and Hardy Amies. So follow me on twitter from twitpics on-the-go. In the meantime, rejoice with me as I was featured on today's LFWDaily paper. I am probably more excited than I should be but I don't care. I am enjoying my 0.2 minutes of fame. The snap is from Friday, when I was wearing my beige Uniqlo trousers, aubergine Massimo Dutti desert boots, H&M grey blazer and lilac gingham shirt, Uniqlo knitted tie, vintage tie clip, Massimo Dutti paisley scarf, YSL leopard belt, All Saints leather jacket and Louis Vuitton folder.

[Pictures: LFWdaily.com]

Corduroy lover

I remember, as a kid, I used to wear lots of corduroy in the shape of trousers, jackets and coats. I don't know why but I went off it for a while and it was only last winter that we reconciled. That's when I bought this pair of April 77 burgundy corduroy trousers. I love the thick type that some designer like Ralph Lauren use but it feels old to me, so I always go for the tiniest one I can find. I am also very keen on this fabric because it slightly changes the shade of the colour depending on the light, so it's a great way to play with texture. I wore the trousers with my suede COS desert boots, my Uniqlo nude jumper, a tan leather vintage belt and a grey jacket (not pictured). What do you think of corduroy?

[Pictures: Iñaki C.]

Formal is the new casual

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of sharing a great lunch and an even better chat with Giulia and her mum. Of course it was a casual rendez-vous and all but when one knows that the women sitting across the table look extremely chic in pretty much anything one has to make an effort to look presentable. And so I went for the famous casual chic, which for me is some sort of middle ground between a classic smart combo and its opposite. I paired up a tiny blue and black gingham shirt (H&M) with a bottle green crew neck jumper (Uniqlo) and my favourite double-chested navy blazer from Zara. The casual touch was introduced by the blazer's jersey, my classic-coloured Cheap Monday jeans and my indigo blue lace up Vans. Thoughts?

PS. Apologies for the bad quality of the picture. I took it with my blackberry and I had to alter the brightness so you could kind of see the jumper was actually green.

+J fw10

Like every season, Jil Sander's collaboration with Uniqlo is hitting the stores and stirring the web with his innovative designs. +J takes on sportswear from a classic tailoring perspective. We'll see the classic flannel blazers and coats and white shirts the designer is known for but also more contemporary pieces like the reversible black and blue nylon jacket (my favourite) or the quilted blazer. The prices, as usual, range between the £120 and the £150, which is baffling but great. I have been buying +J pieces for seasons and I have to say the cashmere jumper from last winter and the crisp blazer from last season look and feel as good as new. It's too bad the line is launching in the middle of the month when I'm not swimming in money, but I will definitely own the nylon jacket this season!

[Pictures: GQ-magazine.co.uk, uniqlo.com/plusJ]

Too casual

Last week Giulia and I attended a GQ event at H&M's flagship store on Regent Street where they were giving attendees a preview of their FW10 menswear assortment. There was an incredible amount of heavy knit cardigans that looked amazing but fitted me badly due to my dwarf-y size. They were giving a handy 25% off everything, which made my frustration bigger. I did find a perfect camel coat but they didn't have my size. So I eventually settled for a paisley pocket square.
As G and I walked around with our ginger whiskey cocktails in hand we ran into an old friend we met during our first year at LCF. Kieron looked very dapper, as usual, in an outfit which, to me, kind of brought together east-coast preppy and the cool sportswear of the Brooklyn. Keep an eye on Code-Vision, his blog. I, on the other hand, was slightly underdressed for the occasion but didn't care too much as I felt quite comfortable. (And, yes, I know. My eyes look almost closed in the picture...)

Kieron is wearing: Uniqlo Oxford shirt, Raf Simons gilet, Top Man carrot chinos, vintage loafers. I am wearing: vintage Levi's denim jacket, vintage neckerchief, Uniqlo jersey jumper, Acne jeans, Lanvin sneakers, Oliver Peoples specs.

[Picture: Code-Vision]