Business

Blazer: Madewell. Shirt: Haute Hippie. Coat: Zara. Shorts: Alice + Olivia. Shoes: Loeffler Randall. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Bow: AA. Jewelry: David Yurman, Michele, Pomellato, Jcrew, Gap, Lydell NYC, Max&Chloe.

Rain Delay

Jacket: Missoni. Dress worn as shirt: c/o La Dress. Shorts: c/o Buffalo. Shoes: Loeffler Randall. Purse: YSL. Scarf: H&M. Belt: Jcrew. Lips: YSL. Jewelry: David Yurman, Pomellato, Michele, Gap, BR, Lydell.

BACKSTAGE AT DSQUARED 2012

Dean and Dan don't just put on a fashion show, they put on something more spectacular than that. This year was no different as they released their Spring 2012 collection. Instead of one or maybe two different  styles they jumped from Italian chic to Glam Rock to Mykonos beach boy. All on a rotating stage to give you the full Dsquared experience. Obviously. Something tells me the bronzer on duty got a little brush-happy.

 While the other looks are great it was the Italian influence that I especially loved. This dreamy, colourful and most importantly wearable collection features a beautiful take on coloured bottoms, double breasted jackets and panama hats. A lot of the Milan/Paris collections will be fantastic displays of fashion but it's especially nice to see one that you can replicate yourself, even if you can't afford the real deal.

IMAGE SOURCES: DSQAURED/GQ.COM/DONALD-J.COM

INTERVIEW WITH RICK DAY

You have made quite a name for yourself shooting the masculine form. What do you think it is about your photographs that people love, besides the obvious?

Rick Day: I think that people like what I shoot mainly for the subject matter... I live in N.Y.C and am very lucky to have the opportunity to work with these amazing guys.  

How did you come to be a photographer?

Rick Day: I was at a bookstore and looked through a book by Bruce Weber,  I had never heard of him before and was just awestruck at his images,  I am still a huge fan of his.  After seeing his book I bought a camera and started shooting anyone that would get in front of my camera.

You have already shot two of our local boys that I’m aware of like Bryce Thompson (twice), any plans to shoot more? 

Rick Day: I love Bryce. He is not only great in front of the camera but he is to me the epitome of manliness.  And a great guy to boot.   I have shot many men from South Africa and look forward to shooting many more.  Hopefully one day I will actually shoot them in South Africa.

I have been told you are very good with your models, what do you think you do that makes them so comfortable?

Rick Day: A lot of joking and laughing.  I think that to make someone really comfortable you have to have a good sense of humor.  I always feel that the eyes and body language are really what makes a person look at ease.  And of course trust.

You don't just shoot half-naked men, in fact you have quite the portfolio, what other work do you do?

Rick Day: Thank you for actually bringing that up.  I have been shooting for 18 years... and although I love shooting half naked men I also shoot a lot of magazines, catalogues, teen magazines, singers and kids.

Your new book is coming out soon, what was the inspiration behind it?

Rick Day: The new book is actually a follow up to my first book "PLAYERS"  the new book is "PLAYERS TWO".  This series of book, to me, showcases men's athletic bodies in a very voyeuristic arena.  The men are strong and almost command that you take notice of them.

What's next for Rick Day?

Rick Day: I have been working on my next book "CASTINGS" as well as keeping myself always behind my camera shooting.  I am looking forward to growing as an artist and as a photographer.

Vacay

Dress: Zara. Sweater: Zara. Shoes: Michael Kors. Purse: DIY American Apparel. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Jewelry: David Yurman, Pomellato, BR, GAP, Jcrew, Lydell, Michele, Max&Chloe. Nails: OPI Havana Dream. Lips: YSL.

BURBERRY SUNGLASSES FROM SUNGLASS HUT

Finally got my hands on a pair of Burberry shades last month. All that was missing was the warm sunny weather in Cape Town but that is expected being Winter, and all. Of course this week we saw a day or two of sunshine so I took advantage.

Sunglass Hut are on sale now too so go take a look at their special offers so that when the sun does come out again you'll be prepared. Personally I'm off to Knysna for the weekend so I'll take these bad-boys with me.

Lights Out

Dress: c/o Alice Yim. Jacket: Club Monaco. Shoes: Givenchy. Purse: Chanel. Sunglasses: Chloe. Necklace: Kenneth Jay Lane Couture. Ring: Pomellato.

THIS WEEK ON GQ.CO.ZA: THE DENIM ON DENIM DEBATE

Double denim is not for everyone but lately I have been hearing a lot of talk about it. Some people are clueless about how to wear it and others refuse. So let's look at how pull this off without looking like a like a trendoid. Take a look here!

BACKSTAGE AT BURBERRY PRORSUM

Christopher Bailey has done it again. Another supurb collection unlike any of the other collections showing this season. Featuring the oversized work wear trench, cropped storm parkas, fantastic bead work and a variety of looks that have an African or schwe-schwe-like quality to it. Could those bags not be from Missibaba? Fantastic. There is so much that I want from this line, just perhaps not the shoes. Another design house with the African theme for a collection? Hmmm...

VINTAGE AD DAY: IT'S AMAZING HOW LITTLE IT TAKES TO CHANGE A MAN

Courtesy of Catherine Bowen DRESS SENSE

Palms

Dress: Emilio Pucci. Blazer: Diane Von Furstenberg. Trench: Gap. Shoes: Ash. Sunglasses: Icing. Coral Bracelet: c/o Tiffany Chou. Jewels: David Yurman, Pomellato, Gap, BR, Stella&Dot, Lydell, Max&Chloe. Nails: Milani Juicy Glo.

AMERICAN PSYCHO - A CLOSER LOOK AT THE FASHION AND DETAIL

Patrick Batement tried his best to carve the perfect life. He was, of course, internally corrupt but he hid it exceptionally well. In 'American Psycho', a movie adaptation of the wonderfully twisted novel of the same name (by Bret Easton Ellis) we follow Batemen as he struggles to balance his charade of a life and his night time killing addiction.

Certainly the movie is a much milder version of the novel but there is more to this movie than it's famous cast (Reese Witherspoon for instance). Set in the 80s, special attention was made to the detail shots. Including his gorgeous American Gardens builing apartment in New York which could quite easily belong to any well to do person today. 

The opening scene of American Psycho shows us Bateman's meticulous grooming procedure. He narrates a long list of products he uses and why. He is like a machine feeding the need for perfection. It is also jam packed with fantastic mens fashion. Bateman is a big fan of Valentino Couture, Ralph Lauren and Oliver People glasses. The whole cast is so beautifully put together and modern looking you would swear it was set in 2011 and not the end of the 80s. 

Patrick Bateman was self-assured, quite successful for his young age and very good looking but added to this he was a hugely arrogant and egotistical "yuppie" who couldn't treat a person with respect. Bateman was obsessed with fitting in as illustrated in the business card scene which drove him over the edge and resulted in murdering Paul Allen.

So yes, he's a murderer but the movie contains so many glorious tidbits it's not hard to understand how this became a cult classic. If you haven't seen it yet, get  on it. Christian Bale might be an horrible person in real life but you have to commend him on doing a good job playing one in this movie. 

"There is an idea of Patrick Bateman. Some kind of abstraction,but there is no real me. Only an entity-- something illusory. And though I can hide my cold gaze and you can shake my hand and feel my flesh gripping yours... and may be you can sense our life styles are probably comparable, I simply am not there."

Mellow Yellow

Top: RL. Jacket: Theory. Scarf: Jcrew. Skirt: c/o Ruche. Shoes: Rag & Bone. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Bag: Vintage LV. Hat: H&M. Jewelry: David Yurman, Pomellato, Jcrew, Gap, BR, c/oAccessorize. Lips: Make Up Forever Professionals. Nails: Milani Juicy Glo.

SOUTH AFRICAN MODEL DYLAN ARMSTRONG FOR VERSACE JUNE 2011

Trust our guy Stiaan Louw to tap into talent before it hits the big time. Local boy Dylan Armstrong is only 21 years old but he has already won over Donatella Versace and walked her latest menswear showing in Milan. The Pure Management model has only been modeling since January 2011! How is hat for incredible?

Just last year he went scouting for an agency on the recommendation of a few people and before long Pure Management called him back enthusiastically and polished him up. They must know what they're doing because he was booked exclusively for Versace for last nights show. That doesn't just happen for anyone.

Watch this space for more from Dylan!

This Side

Top: Robbi & Nikki. Vest: Old Navy. Shorts: c/o Style by Marina. Shoes: Ash. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Scarf: BR. Bag: c/o Foley + Corinna. Jewelry: David Yurman, Pomellato, Lydell, Michele, Jcrew, GAP, BR. Lips: NARS Shiap.

MUST SEE: BREAKDANCING KIDS FOR AMERICAN APPAREL

Tony Kelly has a new video project he's working on and this is one of them. Featuring two 8-year old breakdancing champions on an L.A rooftop. Clever, simple and pretty darn cool. Check it out.

BURBERRY PRORSUM SPRING SUMMER 2012 LIVE FEED FROM MILAN

Burberry Prorsum has selected Man of the Cloth to treat its dear readers to a live feed of their show on Saturday the 18th of June 2011... or tomorrow.  For those who are eager to buy from the Spring Summer '12 collection, outerwear will immediately be made available online! How cool is that? I was offered tickets to this show last week but it was just too short notice to arrange. Bleak but definitely next season though! Take a look below. The show starts 5pm Milan time!

BENCH

For their new campaign BENCH (who are also located at the V&A Waterfront) enlisted Sean de Sparengo of Coy to photograph a tattooed model attempting to take on a Lion, this was conceptualized by Anomoly of London. Good Fun. Their winter collection promises stylish takes on grandad-necks and some interesting new fastenings. 

The Big Blush

Top: Jcrew. Jacket: H&M. Sweater: Jcrew. Shorts: DIY Cut Offs. Shoes: Pour La Victoire. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Flower Pin: c/o Ban.Do. Jewelry: Gap, BR, David Yurman, Pomellato, AE, Lydell, c/o Accessorize.

VINTAGE AD DAY: AN EASY OUTFIT FOR AN ACTIVE MAN

Douglas Bull is an unsung hero... don't be caught without this beach set if you're an active man like him, doing stunts and being an all round stud.

THIS WEEK ON GQ.CO.ZA: THE SECRET OF TAILORING

The most important detail about a well dressed man is the fit of his clothing. While it is unlikely that you frequent Savile Row for bespoke tailoring, it must be known there is another way, a secret I can let you in on. Better yet it will cost you a lot less money and grief.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

HARRODS SUMMER SALE NOW ON

The following video introduces the harrods.com Summer Sale and features debonair television presenter George Lamb and stateside style commentator Louise Roe.

From Tuesday 14th June to Monday 27 June, harrods.com will be offering up to 60% off designer brands including Herve Leger, D&G, Nicole Farhi, Valentino, Preen, Paul & Joe, See By Chloe, Paul Smith and Ralph Lauren. If you’re looking for the perfect pair of jeans, check out sale styles from Current/Elliott, Levi’s, Citizens of Humanity and VB Jeans. Or pick up swimwear for your summer holiday from DVF and Missoni. Arm candy addicts should shop Marc Jacobs, See By Chloe, Lanvin and Vivienne Westwood (to name a few) for one-off prices on designer handbags. Shoe lovers will also enjoy our reductions on Marc by Marc Jacobs, Stuart Wietzman, Gina and Giuseppe Zanotti. The harrods.com sale also includes up to 60% off designer brands in Menswear, Childrenswear, Sport and Food & Wine.

neon/neutral

Dress: Zara. Wedges: Ash. Jacket: BR. Sunglasses: Icing (total steal). Neon Bracelet: c/o Lauren Elan. Jewelry: David Yurman, Pomellato, Stella&Dot, BR, Gap, Lydell, Jcrew. Lips: Nars Shiap.

THE BIER SERIES BY CAMERON FODEN

Cameron Foden and Brett Rubin have an on-going collaboration entitled 'The Bier Series'. The first in the series is entitled 'The Footpad and the Baldachan'. Shot in the Klein Karoo and modeled by 'Phil' and 'Dirk' this series gives us an indication of the new route that Foden has opted for in Antwerp where he is preparing for his Monsters of Empire showing for the next three days.

This darker image reminds me a bit of Adam Kimmel's collection campaign with the scary masks from last year. It's a little dark and disturbing but set in clear, open isolation which makes it interesting. What are your thoughts?

Full Sail

Top: RL. Jacket: DVF. Sweater: RL Collection. Skirt: Halston Heritage dress worn as skirt. Shoes: Michael Kors. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Jewelry: David Yumran, Pomellato, Michele, Lydell NYC, Max&Chloe, Gap, BR.