Highlights of Men's New York Spring 2014 Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week may be one of the most stressful and crowded weeks for everyone. Not because of the 300 or more shows that are presented in one week, but because men’s and women’s collections interact between each other in that same week. Especially when your goal is to talk about them both. It’s really not a cheerful journey, but either way I managed to summarize together some of the menswear spring 2014 shows presented at New York that are worth a look for next season.

Paris Men's Fashion Week 2014: Saint Laurent, Lanvin, and More

Day 5 of 5 Paris Men's Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week 2014: Dior, Hermes, Kenzo, and More

Day 4 of 5 Paris Men's Fashion Week

Paris Mens Fashion Week 2014: Givenchy, Kris Van Assche, and Berluti

Day 3 of 5 Paris Men's Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week 2014: Louis Vuitton, Balmain, and More

Day 2 of 5 Paris Men's Fashion Week

Paris Men's Fashion Week: Valentino, Raf Simons, and More

Day 1 of 5 Paris Men's Fashion Week

Final Day of Milan Men's Spring 2014 Shows

Day 4 of 4 Milan Men's Fashion Week: Sporty Cool

Milan: Gucci Men's Spring 2014, Roberto Cavalli, and More

Day 3 of 4 Milan Men's Fashion Week: Texture Techniques.

Milan Menswear Spring 2014: Calvin Klein, Prada, and More

Day 2 of 4 Milan Fashion Week: Innovative Designs

Versace Men's Spring 2014 Athletic Movement

Dolce and Gabbana Men's Spring 2014 Greece Influence

Milan Menswear Spring 2014: Jil Sander, Ermenegildo Zegna, and More

Day 1 of 4 Milan Fashion Week: Relaxed Silhouettes

London Collection: Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer 2014 Relaxed Colors

Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer 2014 Menswear Coats and sweaters

Men's London Spring/Summer 2014| Rag & Bone Men's Clean Cuts

Day 2 of London Collection: Men's Best Spring/Summer 2014

Men's London Spring/Summer 2014 | Topman Does Floral Prints

Day 1 of London Collection: Men

A Religious Fashion Devotion at Dolce & Gabbana's Fall 2013 Presentation

Stefano Gabbana (left) and Domenico Dolce (right) at their Fall 2013 Menswear presentation.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s theme for its new fall/winter 2013 menswear collection was “devotion,” a word that couldn’t be any perfect to describe the craftsmanship these two men dedicate hours into, designing a collection that always leaves me eager for next season to arrive. Their Sicilian inspirations were no longer available here (not that I wasn't fond of), but perhaps they felt it was time to take a slightly different route; religion became the new trend setter and our new devotion. The setting – mounted with crystal chandeliers and decoration of flowers – marked a new purified atmosphere.

Professional models were left out of this runway, and replaced once again by average men of different heights and shapes that made tailoring be much more appreciated. Dolce & Gabbana knew perfectly well how to attract the non-model guys who seek to feel confident and trendy; not everyone is tall and slim. They provided several options that molded the realistic man we’d find out in the streets somewhere. I felt more connected towards this presentations than from the other shows. It was nice to see how I probably could rock an outfit very well even if I'm not as tall and lean as a model.

Shirts, crisp white with delicate embroideries, reminded me of Sunday morning church attires I would be willing to assist each week if given. Other tops printed in religion icons, to a yellow number embroidered luxuriously in gems, added a new statement to the well endorsed Dolce tee. Pants were tapered and felt comfortable enough to wear; not too tight, not too slouchy. Overcoats were kept classical and modern (mostly black), to their standards.

The real magic was captured with one of the most beautifully made floral print suits of the season. Flowers could be a topic of major concern for men, but the designers managed to pull off a well convincing, breathtaking artwork. Suits made out of handmade needlepoint floral designs added the perfect masculine and alluring touch. Other suits, such as a white laced piece, had enough to shut the envious guys who know they’d secretly want one. And their velvet lined shoes were definitely a plus. 

The final rain of models walking down the catwalk, wore Domenico’s and Stefano’s love to their catholic roots. The end deserved a well respected applause that commended us to pray for these talented designers to keep doing what they’re best at……..designing for the modern gentleman.

The Urban Gentleman at Bottega Veneta Fall 2013

Tomas Maier is a man of few words who doesn’t need much to say when designing for Bottega Veneta. The clothes spoke for themselves at the runway. What designer wouldn’t appreciate not having to give overly details of their collection for the press to comprehend? Just as we’ve seen over the past few days, designers (an adequate amount) have chosen to keep things classic and subtle for fall/winter 2013 collections. At Bottega Veneta, there were no exceptions.

The looks were sleek and conservative, appropriate for a weekend daywear at the office. Suits were tailored and effortless compared to last seasons refined patch worked designs. The tactical colors – blacks, grays, and navys, emphasized the clean details that needed to be caught. There was enough to pick around from single or double breasted suits, to three piece ensembles that came with narrow or wider lapels. 

Pants, slimmer in construction, had a perfect length that added masculinity to the overall look. Coats, such as a peacoat shown at Veneta, came in a luxurious version - slim and fitted - compared to the average boxy version I've seen before. And mustard overcoat numbers were some to have been deceived by; buttons were layered underneath.

Leather needed to be a must coming from Maier. Polished leather pants, jackets, and shirts, added that touch of urbanism Maier is best at performing, keeping that dark consistency men would seek to add to their next fall/winter wardrobe collection. I am not of fan of leather pants, but here Mr. Maier drove me crazy for one. The consistency of the shine control and thickness is a very risky thought for most men, but here everything was perfectly controlled. Even the leather suits were a must have, and probably ones to watch next season during fashion week among the dapper guys in the streets. 

 Knits aided in maintaining a youthful tone done luxuriously well. Accessories were another hit as well. Bags made out of exotic skins, sent a message that men should be opting for now. Wing tip lace ups finished marking Maier’s triumph.

If any, I am curious to see how long this sophisticated collection will last on the shelves of several retail stores and select boutiques when it comes out. Nicely done Mr. Maier.

Luxury Fit for The Million Dollar Gentleman

Beautiful detail of Ermenegildo Zegna's Fall/Winter 2013 suit

Ermenegildo Zegna presented one of the most luxurious collections a man could own in his wardrobe. This collection marked the roots of the brand, which molded the million dollar gentleman we all strive towards. No outfits were made of plain cotton fabrics. Rich fabrics, such as silk, alpaca, and velvet were used to set life to the collection.  Tailoring was as sharp as it could be. Pants, higher in waist, were matched with cummerbunds that interpreted class. A lighter gray coat from the first look kept that long and lean feel most men would appreciate. Suits paired with knitted sweaters instead of vests gave that young maturity level of a true gentleman. Jackets were longer than average (done with laser-treated mink inside), which reminded us of who this was meant for. 

Although this presentation seemed to be mostly about the rich wealthy man, evening wear offered a slightly different twist than what we expected. The velvet numbers were more youthful and fresh than what we had experienced before. Overall, there were a variety of quality materials to choose from, but price may be something else to think about. You must agree this collection was pure luxury at its finest.

Ermenegildo Zegna Fall/Winter 2013 Men's Collection

Peter Pan and Jil Sander Uniting at Fall 2013 Collection

Closer detail of Jil Sander's Fall 2013 Menswear collection

Nautica Men's Fall 2013 Collection: The Reinvented Parkas

Nautica celebrated its 30^th year anniversary returning to the runway with one of its strongest collection ever. Creative director, Chris Cox had a huge card under his sleeves that was taken out at the right moment. The brand could have been described as old and worn out for many, but this was not the case. The looks presented Friday afternoon were ones we could shockingly describe it as a seasonal collection. Even though colors were general, details were the main protagonist.

 I am usually not a big fan of fur, but I have to say those fur parkas gave the masculinity men are seeking for; no femininity, pure male structure. The overall parkas had a sleek silhouette that felt comfortable for anyone to wear; not too tight, not too loose. What appeared to be leggings were not actually the ones it would come to your mind. They were meant to be worn by the adventurous men who journeys around with style, constructed in patchwork designs for an ultra masculine touch. Sweatpants were not your average ones, as they appeared like pants. It may have been the suits that added this magic illusion. Fisherman sweaters………..were simply sexy. Thanks to Cox, I’ll now view these sweaters in a whole different manner. Accessories, such as hiking boots and beanies portrayed the confident attitude.

To summarize (briefly), the entire collection was adequate for any generation of men. If you ever are one of those guys who is laid-back, but wants to feel confident with style, Nautica has you covered. I, as a client, will be waiting for next’s fall to arrive.

Editor's Note: Notice how I posted two collages of the collection. That's how much I'm deeply in love with the entire looks. Outerwear look refined here. What do you think?