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.

The Top Men's Fall 2013 Must Have Trends

Jil Sander, Burberry Prorsum, Prada

Are Menswear Designers Competing Against Zara?

A Men's Turtleneck for Fall 2013 Trends| You Need it

More Fall 2013 Campaigns We're Talking About

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

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

Men's LFW Spring 2014 Schedule is Official. So, Will We Ever Get a Men's NYFW Schedule?

Pictured Left to Right: Burberry Prorsum F/W 2013, Rag & Bone F/W 2013, Alexander McQueen F/W 2013

London is getting ready to began its official 3 day fashion week dedicated purely to men's fashion. It's created quite a buzz for many in the fashion world. What's so important about this three day event though? Well, what's interesting is that London has become the third capital of the fashion world to announce a menswear fashion show full of only men's designers. We know Milan and Paris are not only a fashion capital known for its womenswear collections, but also for its prestigious menswear collections. London has begun to follow the lead of the other capitals. If you are familiar at all with London Fashion Week, you would know it is the capital of what I like to describe as "Innovative Beginners." Many of us forget to look at the creative designers that London has to offer, especially in men's fashion. I bet you are sure to find extraordinarily hidden boutiques that pride in the best sartorial craftsmanship. 

This is why several new and international designers have made sure to make the Men's LFW schedule much more interesting. Rag & Bone, who are actually an English brand, have moved their presentation from Milan to London for their next men's Spring 2014 collection. Burberry, who is one of the most internationally recognized English brands, have also decided to join the Spring 2014 Men's LFW calendar event. Even Dolce & Gabbana (Italian), who were asked a month ago if they were willing to join in this special event, were pleased to accept the invitation. They will have the honor of officially opening Men's Spring 2014 LFW with a presentation of their summer 2014 tailoring collection and store debut. Jimmy Choo, Paul Smith, Alexander McQueen, Tom Ford, and others have also joined the list.
Who knows, maybe London's three day menswear event may soon turn into an official fashion week separated into menswear and womenswear? For now, the schedule that was released looks quite interesting to begin with, but the other big question is this. If London, Milan, and Paris are going to offer both men's and women's shows, will New York become the next capital of the world to even all things out with only a menswear fashion week? 

There are menswear collections during NYFW, but it only interferes with what most of us are assigned to see - women's runway collections. They don't give much of an opportunity for new menswear designers to be looked at or others, because were too busy analyzing other clothes. That being said, maybe a NYFW menswear calendar should be taken into consideration. Make the event happen during the first week of June, and then let it lead to London? Yes, it may take time to make the calendar fair for everyone, but one thing for sure is that profits and new talents could become more recognizable.

Check out the official Men's London Fashion Week Schedule here, which will began June 16-18. Check back here soon for the coverage.

Alexander Wang's Cool Urban Shirts Collection

Alexander Wang can make any guy look Urban Cool. An exclusive collection for Mr. Porter only.

Raf Simons' Floral Prints are Masculine

Raf Simons' floral prints may take some time to incorporate into men's wardrobe.

What is wrong with a man wearing a floral print shirt? Only that he has the confidence enough to pull it off.  And that's what fashion has been all this time in menswear. This season, it was Mr. Simons turn to design a 13-piece capsule collection that will only be sold exclusively at online luxury men's retailer, Mr Porter. The collection consists of shirts, t-shirts, shorts, sweatshirts, high-top sneakers, and a bomber jacket, all of which are designed in vivid floral prints any men could actually wear. 

What I alway admire about Mr. Simons interpretation on menswear is that he always knows just how much to exceed and keep minimal. He seems to have a limit as to wear he'll cross the boundary, something that has gained him some more followers in men's fashion. Any type of feminine prints may be a subject of worry for other men, but Mr Porter knows exactly who they're selling too - the stylish and confident man who knows who he really is. As a customer, I particularly would be interested in purchasing a t-shirt or white button-down floral shirt to include into my special collection of designer pieces. One thing for sure is let the prints do most of the work and tone it down with neutral (black) shorts or trousers and cool shoes as Mr. Simons would have in mind - minimal. 

Yes, it may take time for most men to shift into this new type of era. Pink became a color most men got comfortable wearing over the years. But Raf Simons may become the greatest designer he is already, in giving men the confidence to pull of these floral print numbers. 

Gap Men's Colored Slim Khaki's Are Worth a Try

Spring is the time when you get to dress in more colorful outfits - not that you can't in the winter - but, more people are open to do this in the spring/summer time. Lately, I've been trying to search for a good pair of pants that won't break the bank. I was debating whether to purchase or not a pair of Gucci mustard colored pants, which retailed at $740. Not too expensive for a pair of pants, huh? I was just fascinated by the choice of colored trousers in Gucci's Spring 2013 menswear collection. The colors for me happen to be so vivid yet masculine.

I've owned a pair of men's Express chinos - various neutral colors - which I still happen to love for its slim fit and lengthening effect that I feel makes me look taller. The colors are fresh, and the pants are nice, but the Express man is more of a urban city guy who tends to keep his patterns and colors toned down. I wanted something more vivid. I am also a fan of H&M's pants, but I am the type of person who likes to experiment with different brands. I was seeking for something fresh in my closet.

I had been hearing great reviews by recent customers who had visited the Gap store at a near mall where I live. I decided to take a quick visit to the store and see what they had available. I was impressed by the various menswear colored pants (khakis) Gap had available in their store. I decided to try on a pair and was very amazed by how well they fit. The colors were the type of hues I was seeking forth in. Also, the fit felt slim-relaxed, which I refer to being comfortable, lengthening, fresh, and slim, not tight. I personally liked the pants, and I purchased it. 

I also went online to see if they had more colors available. And guess what? They happened to have a sort of similar pair of mustard khakis, but in canary yellow, as they named it. There are various colors of them available online. Immediately as I saw it, I came up with an outfit I could pair these pants with. What I love about Gap's pants is that you can go any way you want to - dress, casual, or semi-formal - for any necessary occasion. Put on a nice a blazer, jacket, or layering shirt, paired with any accessories, and your outfit is done and clean.

Gap mustard colored khakis // Levi's vest // Gucci horsebit white loafers // Luis Morais bracelet // Gucci sunglasses // Anderson's leather belt

In conclusion, I am not a regular Gap customer, but I also happen to like their assortment of shirts and polos, besides their khakis. I thought it was very casual and pleasing for the young and average male customer.  I might as well return soon to see what else I can get inspired by.

Are you a regular customer at Gap?

7 Style Guidelines To Look Your Best at Prom and More

April is a month where most high school girls are prepping up for their so desired prom event. Most of them are running around like psychos searching for the perfect dress to put them on the so recalled “Best Dress List.” 

For guys, it’s a whole different situation. Just as the perfect dress makes a girl sparkle, a well fitted suit gives authority to a man. It’s not about “Hey, I’ll just grab this suit and wear it to prom.” It may take time and some money to find that single suit that fits like a glove, but the time will be worth everything for your girl, because nothing says sexier than a man in a fitted suit. 

Money may be a main factor when purchasing a suit, but in actuality there are many retailers out there that offer great fits for a fraction of a high-end designer suit that will have you looking dapper no matter what occasion you’re in need of. I used to wonder what was it that made those male celebrity stars look so well put together. And it took some time, until I found the answer…..fit. As long as your suit is all fitted, you can make any suit no matter what brand, appear as if it were worth thousands of dollars.

Below are some guidelines I have made to help you look your best when prom arrives or any other event so to speak.

From left to right: ASOS skinny fit tuxedo suit jacket ($157.94) and pants ($66.50) //
TOPMAN slim fit suit jacket ($175) and trousers ($75) //
J.Crew's LudLow tuxedo jacket ($388) and tuxedo pants ($198)