Louboutin you Stud, you!

It's all over the fashion world right now. Studs. And I don't mean of the model variety. Women's bags, belts and heels swiftly made it's way onto the interest of menswear too. First we spotted the Rollerball Loafer (although this website sells a ladies version?) and then Givenchy showed us a Greek Gladiator styled version.

What I've noticed in print media and the blogosphere is the new presence of the stud on virtually anything imaginable. I'm not surprised either, and wouldn't be if I started seeing young fashion students sticking them on their gear. I know I would.



Carlos of My fabulous Bag has not only the above photographed shoe but the Python skin we mentioned before. And my friend over at 00o00 Blog often shows sneakers produced by shoe giant Christian Louboutin. So then the question is where is it available? When stars like Mika and Pharell Williams (the white studded high-tops) are wearing them out and about it's only a matter of time until it's available to the rest of us.

Dsquared Uomo SS2010 Preview

Here is but a preview of what's to come in the SS10 range from Dean and Dan. I've always been a fan of their denim. How they get it to look the way it does I don't know-- and how one affords to buy a few pairs, well... who cares. They're distressed in the right place and all the bits and bobs are just enough! I wish Diesel would start making the ice wash as shown above. I've been quite bored with their denim-designs of late.

Don't forget to swing by the Dsqaured Online Store for some shopping. If you're like South Africa who don't have a Dsquared store at your disposal, then this store is perfect for you.

The wide-leg Returns

It had to happen some time. We all thought it was the coolest thing to happen to fashion since Madonna’s cone-bra but what goes up must come down, and alas the skinny jean look is now officially done.

But worry not dear Fashionisto’s-- it doesn’t mean you can’t wear them anymore, it’s just not the it-fit of the last few years. I guess it couldn’t last forever cough *adam lambert* cough.

I personally can’t stand to have the sprayed on look anymore, I guess it’s just not worth the discomfort. And seeing every other kid trying to pull it off and failing dismally- Blue skinny jean boy with Afghan scarf I’m talking to you!-- makes me want to toss the look altogether.

Diesel hinted at it, Dsquared and D&G played with it and Gaultier walked his models up and down the runway showing us that we haven’t forgotten about the wide-leg fit of the ninetees. It’s just not worn with tie-dye and moppy wet hair- so don’t get too excited.





Brad from Streetpeeper shows us one option- I like his Bottega Venetta pants but perhaps a harder denim would be better? Come 2010 you'll see this everywhere! Just wait...

Louis Vuitton Journey Awards

"A journey is experience. It is where the character is shaped. The journey is life itself" This coming from the press release of the Louis Vuitton Journey Awards where film students the world over were encouraged to submit a film.

This film will serve as an inspiration board for students of the most prestigious international film schools to portray their own version of a story. What I've always known is that our kids are very talented here in South Africa. We were just short-changed when it came to the delivery because we didn't have the know-how or the resources.

But let me just congratulate our young film-makers because of the 15 movies in the final selection 4 South African films have been chosen to compete.

The official Jury will notify the winners this month! They will then attend a special screening and celebration of their winning entries in January of 2010.

Christmas Gift Ideas for men: The Book!

They call them the Dandies of Congo. A group of men so colourful and beautifully put together one would never imagine they were a part of a torn country amidst a war and abject poverty. But these Sapeurs are more than fodder for the Sartorialist. They are active pacifists who will not lie down and conform - despite the heated conditions and a Dollar a day lifestyles. No, they have risen up to the occasion- and clearly the dress code is Smart-Formal!

Silk ties, walking sticks, braces and pipes are all but accessories to these men who really do show us how it's done. The preface was written by none other than Sir Paul Smith who in my mind is a perfect fit. It's almost as if he designed and styled them himself.

This is the perfect gift for your man this Christmas. If he isn't already a little fashion-aware then this book should clearly tell him he ought to be!









AVAILABLE HERE NOW!
Images Courtesy of PaulSmith.co.uk and jezebel.com

Robert Pattinson in Burberry

RPattz as he's more affectionately known these days is all over the place promoting what little part he has in New Moon. Photographed above at the David Letterman show wearing Burberry. Which is a popular brand for the cast because almost all of them have been spotted wearing Burberry in the last two weeks. Good idea if you ask me!

What's interesting with old Robert is his style. He's a big deal but he doesn't go around looking like a big deal. The suits are great, I'm just not sure about the creased, somewhat dirty looking T-shirt/suit combo below... The portrait tee would have been a better choice!

Raf Simons Spring 2010 Fittings

Below is a video of Raf Simons Spring 2010 collection fitting using shadows and young male models to show off his new duds. Enjoy.

Must see: Fireflies in the Garden

Last night I went to watch a Fantastic Gem of a movie! Starring Ryan Reynolds as Michael in Fireflies in the Garden. I didn't know what kind of movie it would end up being but with a cast like this one is rarely disappointed. Julia Roberts and oddly enough Heroes star Hayden Panettiere deliver beautiful performances in this haunting tale of a family in ruins.



Ryan Reynolds, who could honestly make a Bin bag look good surely enjoys his signature style at Premieres. A safe look of white shirt, skinny tie. In fact he seems to use the same ties at every premiere only switching suits from YSL to Tom Ford or Gucci. Oh, to be a celebrity...



Youtube didn't seem to have a good enough quality video of the preview but there are tons out there if you would like to watch it. Just ignore all the Dutch Subtitles.

Wishlist

Marc Jacobs Biker Jacket. Fantastic leather quality and zippage! So although I would very much love to own this beauty I don't think it's even available anymore. Nieman Marcus are sold out. And let's be real, it probably costs $3000 or more!

Much ado about Efron!

The world puts a lot of emphasis on the importance of good hair. Or hair at all. It's no wonder that men the world over become frantic at the thinning sides of their scalp or the sudden strokes of silver that start popping up to remind us of our impending mortality.



So when child actors like Zac Efron get praise for great hair and a fantastic physique one can only feel two things, incredible jealousy or the desire to impliment his regime on your own quaff.

This website even went as far as to give you styling, colouring and cutting tips to get his look. But Efron went on to tell TIME how he does it. Perhaps Robert Pattinson (who leads in the best-hair race) should take a note or two on washing his hair every once in a while. It's just a thought.

When asked what he does to maintain such great hair, Efron answered, "I've never told anyone this before. This is a hair scoop. Shower before you go to bed, then sleep on your wet hair. Towel-dry it. In the morning, it's all messed up naturally. If you have that messed-up thing going when you wake up, it's more willing to stay that way. That's Zac's hair tip."

Wishlist - Check!

It was only a few months ago but these simple Boat shoes from D&G still make my heart flutter. So you can imagine my surprise when I walked into ZOOM of all places and saw three different boat shoe styles that I loved. Carbon Copies no doubt but like I care?

These were almost identical but you can see their similarities a mile away. The going price? R499-- about a 10th of the D&G price. Uhm... Yes please!

Work it out - Vman Magazine #16

The fantastic Terry Richardson shot another shoot for Vman and here are the completely non-sexually suggestive images which have the similar theme that Dsquared are famous for. Just as well since Dsqaured items are featured on the shoot too.

The spread entitled “WORK IT OUT!” - Get pumped for spring – Cable Curls, Shoulder Shrugs, Kettle Weight Squats, Dumbbell Curls, Traps Stretches, Shoulder Presses, Glute Stretches, Pull-ups was styled by Mel Ottenberg and the muscled models include Garrett Neff, Tanner Tillung, Nate Gill, Corey Bond and Grayson Gettys.







Click here for more images.

H&M Spring 2010 Menswear

Why we don't have an H&M in Cape Town is BEYOND me. But alas Capetownians are world travelers so I expect you are getting your fair share of international shopping. We already know that big wig designers are making their mark on affordable fashion for a limited time. H&M surely struck gold with this- Jimmy Choo, Matthew Williamson, Stella McCartney to name just a few... The former which is in stores now!

You can actually catch all the images here at HypeBeast. There are so many great looks. Key pieces mixed in with more classic numbers that will obviously appeal to the mass markets and Box-livers. Although I'm all for the Kilt being a look- this SKILT look just isn't for me. We need to devise a plan to get them here though! Enjoy the pics!

Wishlist- Check!

Those Paul Smith Desert Boots I wanted and mentioned HERE are finally residing beside my Paul Smith Brogues and Boots at home! They are the perfect accessory in all their tan goodness! Worn here with a white shirt, rolled up jeans and folded up sleeves.

Exclusive Sneak-Peek at Stiaan Louw for Astore!

Exclusive pictures from the new Stiaan Louw for Astore campaign arrived for me today. Check out the outcome of the shoot I went to last Saturday. It's clear that Stiaan has a certain style and this deconstruction of his basics shows that even a pair of scissors can't detract from the coolness that is Stiaans designs.

Photographed by Brett Rubin, styled by Nicole Van Heerden and modelled by LeRiche of Shine.

STIAAN LOUW MENSWEAR ASTORE COLLECTION CAMPAIGN

Stiaan Louw shot the campaign for his new Astore venture this Saturday in Woodstock and I was there to give a little backstage view of what went on.

Shot by the very talented Brett Rubin, the campaign sees model LeRiche in deconstructed Stiaan Louw basics. A Fitting concept as the set of the campaign was more intimate and natural than any lavish shoot would produce. And it's certainly worked for Stiaan in his prior campaigns.



Stiaan Louw menswear introduces a collection of stripped down basics for Cape Town based Astore. The line, that was produced while bearing the Astore client in mind, aims to introduce them the fit and subtle detailing synonymous with the 'Stiaan Louw menswear' collection.

This collaborative effort sees the first of many such projects for the brand while expanding his existing market.







STIAAN LOUW MENSWEAR ASTORE COLLECTION CAMPAIGN
PHOTOGRAPHER BRETT RUBIN
STYLIST NICOLE VAN HEERDEN
MODEL LERICHE FROM SHINE.

IN STORE NOW WWW.ASTOREISGOOD.COM
STIAANLOUW@YAHOO.COM

Burberry launch - Art of the trench

The ever busy Christopher Bailey and Burberry have launched a new website dedicated to their famous trench, and this time it also includes you! The photo's were also shot by famous blogger Scott Schuman!

Click here to see what I'm talking about!