How to Handle 'Matchy Matchy', by Tinie Tempah

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Even though it's pretty much the end of the summer, there is still a bit of fun left to be had. If you are one of the lucky ones who is yet to head to the beach I recommend you take a page out of Tinie Tempah's style book – you will look dead cool and it will save you a lot of time.
The English rapper has been doing the festival rounds this summer repeatedly wearing printed tops and bottoms in matching prints and textures. On paper, the idea doesn't seem too appealing but after seeing it on Tempah you will, at least, be tempted to try it out.

Some of the pieces worn by Tinie, like the Jonathan Saunders combo (top left) or the AMI one (bottom right) are not available but you can still get your hands on his two Farah printed looks: Reeth Short Sleeve Print Shirt, Hobart Aztec Print Shorts, Askrigg Short Sleeve Print Shirt, and Hobart Leaf Print Shorts.

Only for the Daring: How to Wear Printed Trousers

Tops, left to right: J.Crew Navy Pocket T-Shirt, Rag & Bone Slim Blazer,

J.Crew Chambray Shirt, NN.07 Loopback Sweatshirt. All at Mr Porter.

Trousers, left to right: Levi's Camo-Print Trousers at SSENSE, Rake Checked trousers at MatchesFashion.com,

AMI Striped Trousers at Mr Porter, Valentino Printed Trousers at SSENSE.

Prints are everywhere this season. From shirts to backpacks, hats, blazers and even suits it's pretty much impossible to escape them. I, for one, am a bit fan of prints in general, though I will admit I rarely dare to wear them. It took me a while to wrap my head around camo so once I did I felt like the edgiest person ever. This season I'm considering the printed trouser, which is perhaps the one that requires the most guts. Whereas it's a bold colour accompanying a classic print or an out-there print in a classic colour, you need to make sure you wear them the right way. By pairing printed trousers with classic cuts in subtle colours you allow the print to stand out while toning it down – bringing an  outlandish element into your comfort zone.
I have chosen some of my favourite printed trousers this season and some of the classic pieces they should be worn with to follow Daniel Radcliffe's perfect example of how prints should be worn.

An Exclusive Preview of the A. Sauvage SS14 Collection

It is so nice when designers decide to release their collections after the fashion week madness as it gives us the time to have a better look and really process what we see. Such is the case of A. Sauvage and his SS14 collection.
A few months back, I had the chance to meet Adrien Sauvage himself at his studio downstairs from his Maddox Street Store. Having been a fan of his line for a while, I was interested what he would be like in the flesh. As you might expect from his clothes, he is a down-to-earth guy, very cool, very relaxed. He's not one of those designers who can go on for hours telling you bs about his collection. Everything he told me about the choice of fabrics, colours or the cuts was said in a matter-of-fact kind of way.

For his SS14 collection, Sauvage continues to explore his personal heritage, which brings together his family's Nigerian roots but also their British upbringing during the 50's and 60's. It was in the early 50's that his father travelled from Nigeria to Scotland, where he was raised and took his studies in law.
This 'meeting of cultures' appears in the shape of British heritage cloths worn with sportswear-inspired jersey tops printed with scenes from the African Savannah.

These prints are one of the highlights of the collection. They are the work of German artist Nelson Crespo, who in his 'Eden' series manipulates different images to create surreal cut-and-paste imagery.
In contrast, Sauvage has developed his first tartan pattern, designed in-house. It brings together his signature 'Kente' print and his personal connection with Scotland.

SS14 is also the season when A. Sauvage is fully getting into the accessories arena with a full range of leather pieces from rucksacks (printed with Crespo's work), tote bags and card holders. But also with the debut of their first eyewear collection inspired in styles from the 50's.

If, like me, you're a fan you would also like to know that signature pieces such as Sauvage's biker and bomber jackets are still a part of the new collection in shades of the Scottish landscape-inspired colour palette applied on suede.

Courtesy of A. Sauvage, NelsonCrespo.com

Introducing Burtonwode: Boxershorts for the Discerning Character

I always think I am immune to new underwear campaigns and products because, quite frankly, I firmly believe that real men don't buy neon pants made of ill-fitting non-breathable fabrics. Even though I always defend comfort over style I admit that when it comes to certain garments, I can be persuaded to choose style first sometimes. But not with underwear – it has to fit like a glove and it can only be made of one material: cotton.
This is where Burtonwode comes in. Looking at their look book I was really amazed by their range of styles all of which are based on a single classic boxershort design. And, of course, they are made of 100% cotton, which they treat in two different ways to achieve what they call "peach handle", that makes every piece nice and soft.

David Huglin founded Burtonwode with the intention of tackling the lack of choice us men have in the underwear department. He took a timeless shape and, inspired by a sketch of some pyjamas, created 4 base prints custom printed in a 19th century Carlisle mill. The shorts are then cut, assembled and stitched in Canning Town. Burtonwide underwear is also 100% Made in England.
The packaging is just as sartorial – each print has its own box design. Don't expect chiseled 6 foot models with perfect six-packs. Instead, enjoy the fruit drawings, which are so nice you will probably end up having them on display in your room.

Because not every man is looking for the same when it comes to his underwear style Burtonwode has created 4 different models for every print. A full print one, a plain-colour one based on the print's palette, one with a printed waistband and plain leg, and a printed leg with a plain waistband. So whether you're more or less bold there is a style for you.
You can see all their styles and models on their website – click here – and even buy them online. They all retail at a very respectable £26. You are not only buying quality and unique style but also a piece that your girlfriend would love to lounge in.

All images courtesy of Burtonwode

A closer look at Burberry Prorsum SS13

While I was in Milan for the SS13 menswear shows the Burberry team were kind enough to have me over at their showroom to take a closer look at the collection I had seen on the runway the day before – see the full post here.

I was so happy to see my favourite pieces up close. The khaki and lilac satin jacket looked even more spectacular in the showroom. This is key item number 1 on my wishlist for SS13.
I was glad to find extra pieces such as scarves, swimsuits and ties featuring all the brilliantly cool prints shown on the catwalk. The shorts below and the full collection of ties are definitely a must-have! I must say that even though I have never been a big fan of colourful frames on sunglasses these Burberry metallic shades look great on. They are super light and slick – I have my eyes on the green ones!
As usual, the tailoring looked impeccable. My personal favourite was a subtle seersucker suit, which is perfect for the summer because it adds texture but it's super light and fresh.

You can watch the whole Burberry Prorsum SS13 show here.

All images Fashion, Frankly

Burberry Prorsum SS13: 'Come rain or come shine'

Courtesy of Burberry

I generally don't like it when designers give their collections a name. But if there was ever someone to make an exception for, that's Christopher Bailey. He presented his latest menswear collection for Burberry Prorsum last Saturday in sizzling hot Milan. Just as the show was about to begin the ceiling of the venue was uncovered to reveal the Milanese sun shinning through onto the runway.
Bailey entitled his SS13 collection 'Come rain or come shine', which is so very apt for a brand whose heritage comes from the UK. Instead of going colour-crazy, Bailey mixed together slim-cut suits in the most beautiful textures that he mixed with foil-like metallic shirts in lilacs, oranges, blues and yellows layer under military-inspired jackets, a signature at Burberry.
The über-popular ikat prints from SS12, which many editors were sporting in Milan, better move over for the new season's. This time they were more geometric and colourful, more toned down than the metallic pieces but just as striking. They almost seemed like Férnand Léger's impressionistic take on a traditional indian printed silk. And along the way Bailey managed to make this summer's pyjama trend appealing to men by using these prints on chic shirt and shorts looks.
Instead of beige and neutral trench coats Burberry proposed bright outerwear – metallic leather varsity jackets, khaki and lilac metallic silk bombers, and shiny blue and printed mackintoshes. Whether it rains or not in London, the Burberry man will provide his own sunshine. And that's where the sunglasses come into the picture. Burberry suggests you also inject your shades with some metallic brightness. I, for one, can't wait to get the green ones!

Courtesy of Burberry

You can see the full Burberry Prorsum SS13 show here.
Stay tuned for a post of my favourite details from the collection. In the meantime take a look below at my video of the finale.

The SS12 Build-Up: Prada Prints

Spring is barely even getting closer and all I can think about is what I am going to be wearing in a few weeks. I have this love/hate relationships with the warmer seasons because I never know what to wear and I'm always sweaty an uncomfortable. It's even more difficult being a man because there is only so much you can work with (shorts + t-shirts/polo shirts) and London has a tendency of changing season a few times a day.
So this year I have decided I must make myself buy some statement tops and bottoms to be worn with other more basic tops or bottoms. Basically, I don't want to look like I am wearing the same clothes for the next 3 or 4 months.
Adding to my collection of checked shorts I would like to welcome Prada's printed polo shirts into my wardrobe. So much attention has been given to their 50's printed shirts but people seem to be overlooking my favourite pieces. The blazers and suits, quite in line with some of the Miu Miu prints we have seen for the womenswear FW12 line, were also perfect for me.

Even though they are not quite my cup of tea I must say I couldn't stop looking at the SS12 Prada shoes. I loved how Miuccia managed to keep her momentum from last season going with a brogue take on the classic golf shoes. If I weren't such a classic when it comes to shoes I would wear this pair above in a heartbeat.
I would have to be a lot braver to pull off the pair below with the metallic studs and crystals. But, again, I would gladly be seen walking around carrying the Prada gold bags. Or does someone carry them for you? I would know if I had ever played golf... In any case, they're incredibly cool.

I was also very impressed with the t-shirts. Big designers tend to either overdo tees or just stamp their name or logo on them, which I hate. Prada, on the other hand, went for funky young prints like the florals below. I am not much of a florals fan but if I I'd definitely wear the blue, black and yellow one below. Same for the slightly cropped jackets. Simply perfect!

All pictures Fashion, Frankly

Just in: Our Legacy for Mr Porter pocket square

MrPorter, Fashion, Frankly

Yesterday I received my latest Mr Porter purchase – a cotton Our Legacy pocket square exclusively created for the e-tailer to celebrate their 1st year anniversary.
If you look at the remaining selection online you'll realise it wasn't easy to choose – my final runner-ups were the Band of Outsiders one and the YMC one but I eventually went for this one because it felt really summery and perfect to wear with a jersey double-chested blazer and navy shorts on a spring day. I can't wait to wear it, it's the perfect item to wear to the new menswear fashion week starting in London in June!

Milan Fashion Week: Burberry Prorsum SS12

The Burberry collections are mostly every time at the top of my list of fashion week highlights. This time even more so as Giulia and I attended our first Burberry show in Milan, which was the main reason why my trip to the city actually took place. And what a collection we saw!
Christopher Bailey got a little whimsical for SS12 with a lot of colours, prints, appliques although, in fact, I would say that the play on materials and textures made the collection. The were, of course, the expected trench coats and macs but they came out in jacquard and suede and finished with wooden beads on the collars. I loved this combination of Burberry's heritage with the innovation in materials and the almost ethnic graphics.

Courtesy of Burberry, Fashion, Frankly

If I had to choose the peaks of the show I would have to mention the raffia and leather shoes (I want!), the geometric-appliqued jumpers and t-shirts and the exquisitely chic prints on shirts and trousers (which will be in my wardrobe as soon as the collection is out).

I also paid a lot of attention to the knits and trousers as they're always two of my favourite items from burberry collections. Bailey has kept the lines of trousers slim and the hemlines almost unnoticeably cropped —so that they're fresh in the summer but still smart— and has made of knitwear more of statement. I remember especially well a blazer-shaped cardigan that would be so handy for chilly summer parties by the sea.

It was, in my opinion, one of the best collections for men Bailey has delivered in seasons and I can't possibly tell you how happy I was to have seen it with my own eyes.

A big thank you to the Burberry team!