FASHION

4 Ways to Make Your Style Work for Your Body

As a fashion and underwear model, I often get asked what diet and workout regimen I follow to maintain my body. But, let’s be real, not everyone needs to have a model’s body, and you certainly don’t have to have a body like Luke Guldan to rock an outfit.

So I wanted to discuss four ways that every guy can use style to bring out the best in his unique shape.

4. Play to your strengths.

If you want to use style to make your body look as good as possible, you first have to recognize that regardless of your body type or what future goals you have for it, there is something about your body right now that is beautiful. It’s up to you to decide what that “something” is, but it’s important that you do decide and then begin to think about how to work it.

For example, the slender form of thin men can create the illusion (or reality, if you’re tall) of elegant, long lines. Bring out that stylish sophistication with long, slender-cut clothing or pairings of short and long pieces (a short bomber jacket with skinny jeans, for example) to highlight those lines through contrast. Joseph Gordon-Levitt mastered this kind of elegance in his skinnier days (apparently he’s JACKED now).

Other ideas are thin ties, lengthy, low-hanging scarves or necklaces, especially if you’re tall, and shirts that open up your collarbone area and create a long line from the base of the neck to the chin, especially if you’re shorter.

The frames of heavier set men can create a sense of prominence and strength. Consider ways to make your style look decisive and formidable with solid blocks of strong (not necessarily loud) color, fearlessly bold stylistic choices, and larger accessories that match the power of your frame (e.g. watches with large faces and ties with thicker knots).

Bigger guys also look great in suspenders, as an alternative to belts. And don’t forget SHOES. A fly pair of shoes can add the perfect amount of polish and balance to any outfit. That goes for everyone actually.

3. Balance your visual proportions.

Careful use of style is a great way to enhance and balance the proportions of your body.

If you’re heavier set, think about wearing clothes that give more angular shape to the body and that are more fitted up top to accentuate your broad shoulders. Blazers are great in this department, as are cardigans, tapered vests, or well-fitted jackets. Also, try untucking collared shirts. A choice hat can help balance your silhouette by adding a bit more height to your look, particularly if you’re on the shorter side.

If you’re slim, wearing more layers can add some visual “weight” to your frame. Stay away from oversized accessories. Use your small waist to outline a V shape by wearing shirts that are well-fitted at the waist and that accentuate your broad shoulders (if you have them), or create the illusion with a wider neckline, cap sleeves, or a jacket or blazer, perhaps with very subtle shoulder padding.

2. Wear clothes that fit.

Know your correct size. Then wear it. A lot of people wear clothes that are way too big for them, often to hide weight or the lack thereof. However, this usually just makes things worse. An old acting teacher of mine once gave me this critique after an acting exercise: “You are the biggest, most noticeable person on the stage, and you are trying so hard to be the smallest, which makes you stick out like a sore thumb.” Focus on proudly highlighting your strengths, rather than hiding your (often imagined) weaknesses.

Still it might not be the best idea to wear clothes that hug every inch of your being. Take the time to find the cuts and the fabrics that are snug in the places you want to highlight and that loosen up or add shape elsewhere. Even if you’re showing off a muscular frame with a tighter shirt, make sure it’s not too short, or it will be distracting.

1. Carry yourself like you ARE somebody.

All of this said, there is absolutely no reason for everyone to strive to create the illusion of the conventionally accepted ideal male form. Nor is there anything wrong with subscribing to certain conventions. At the end of the day, what makes a strong and lasting impression in questions of aesthetics is a coherent concept and a confident commitment to it.

This is more important than anything else I’ve said.

I happen to prefer certain conventions in terms of the male form, but the streets of New York would be god-awful and unspeakably boring if everyone had the same taste as I. If we all recognized this, we’d stop judging each other and be less afraid to do whatever the hell we wanted, style-wise and otherwise.

Whether you take my advice or not, whether you’re in haute couture or sweats, whether you’re heavy set, slim, muscular, tall, short, or “average,” the way you carry what you wear (including your posture) and the way you feel about yourself when you wear it will ultimately determine the impression that you leave. I was lucky to have a mother who always told me to “Walk like you are somebody!” and it made all the difference. I love what Harvey Guillen has to say in his interview with Chubstr about his style as a big man. Nothing drags down a potentially amazing outfit faster than a person that’s insecure wearing it.

So decide what is beautiful to you, what is beautiful about you, or what you would like to make beautiful. Organize your style choices around it. Then commit to that shit, and wear it like you ARE somebody (because you are), no apologies.

Take a note from this guy (extra points if you know what he is referencing) because he actually WINS.

What are some of your tricks for playing up your beautiful bod?

Fashion Flash-Forward: The Future in Fashion

by Greg Serebuoh

I am admittedly a sci-fi nerd. The other day I was reading about jazz musician, performance artist, and Afrofuturist philosopher Sun Ra and his iconic work Space Is the Place.

It got me thinking about the fact that futurism has continued to find its way into fashion and aesthetic concepts, from Jean Paul Gaultier’s costume design for The Fifth Element to singer Janelle Monae’s Metropolis cycle.

Something about the distant future inspires us to imagine new possibilities and make bolder aesthetic choices. When I was researching for my performance piece about an extra-dimensional traveler, Arken: Searching for Wonder, I sought out images of futuristic fashion for inspiration. Here are a few images and designers that excite my mind.

This editorial from Numéro Homme called “Manhattan Psycho” effortlessly merges classic style with a sci-fi sensibility.

Coco and Breezy’s entire line of edgy accessories has futuristic overtones, but its “20/20” campaign is all about what accessorizing will mean in the future: “‘Planet C &&B’ is a world that consists only of fresh air and extreme sunlight where normal eyes cannot stand to view without being covered.”

Kay Kwok presented some out-of-this-world design concepts at his FW14 fashion week show in London. I don’t know if I’d wear this stuff on a regular trip to the grocery store, but I wouldn’t mind owning one of those visors, and I’m sure I’d cause a splash if I received dinner guests in that ET two-piece.

Lee Roach’s line has a much more subtle sci-fi flavor as he makes use of shiny materials and contemplates how our evolution will result in more streamlined fashion, by eliminating collars and lapels, for example.

Nasir Mazhar‘s FW14 collection updates men’s sportswear by exploring geometric shapes, distorted lines, quirky accessories, and shiny space suit sheen.

In the “Warriors” editorial, Holly Fox-Lee imagines how modern-day hip hop style might evolve, fusing it with an ancestral tribal aesthetic and taking it to extremes in terms of shape, scale, and materials.

This editorial called “The Visitors” in G7 magazine features my buddy Ulrico Eguizábal, who I met while I was modeling in Argentina. Not only does it use the concept of alien “visitors” to play with size and shape, but it also imagines a future style that challenges our current gender norms in fashion (thank goodness), using elements typically associated with femininity, like shoulder pads and long flowing fabrics, to highlight the male form in a fascinating new way.

Some of my favorite futuristic designs (and the ones I’d be most likely to wear in day-to-day life) come from Skingraft, which makes nuanced use of a lot of the earlier-mentioned elements, geometric shapes, extraterrestrial mystique, and interesting combinations of materials.

Finally, INAISCE is one of my personal favorite designers right now, in part because it incorporates futurism into its larger design concept to create clothing that is arresting, undeniably unique, and totally wearable. Not only do I absolutely love the campaign for Fall/Winter 2013, but I’m also ecstatic to see another tall African model, South Sudan native Ger Duany, take center stage with his beautiful, otherworldly features. Africans unite!

Winter Boots That Look And Feel Great

by Danielle Flocco

Croft and Barrow, Manhattan, Manhattan Digest — Croft and Barrow

Shoes that are snow appropriate and fashionable are nearly impossible to find. UGGs and similar boots can make an outfit much less stylish, and actual snow boots are a complete fashion disaster. Luckily, stores like Croft and Barrow have stylish boots that are perfect for winter.

My mother gave me the boots pictured above for Christmas and I haven’t taken them off since. I have tested them on the streets of New York City in all weather and I’d give them an A+. I’ve walked miles in rain, snow, and sludge and these boots have kept my feet dry and warm every time. Not even an ankle deep puddle got in my way. These boots have a foamy sole, so it’s like slipping your feet onto pillows every time you wear them. Also, you won’t get leg pains after walking a long distance in them.

The small heel is just enough to be feminine and makes walking feel even easier. And the buckles add a little flare to an otherwise simple boot. These boots are also excellent for any outfit- I’ve tried them with almost every combination. They are perfect for work or a night out, or really any occasion because of their amazing ability to be paired with anything.

So far, my favorite outfit to wear with my boots has been black leggings, a long black sweater, and turquoise boot socks that came just under my knee. This outfit was not only incredibly comfortable, but I was complemented all day on my pop of color with the socks.

Skinny jeans are another great item to pair the boots with. You can wear any top you want with jeans, and these boots will be sure to match. Any outfit you’d wear with UGGs or snow boots would be instantly more stylish with boots like these. Also, a nice sweater and matching leg warmers is very trendy for winter and perfect for these super cold days. Dresses and skirts look great with these boots, too. My preference is to add a pair of black tights, since it is winter, and sometimes leg warmers. However, a simple black knee high boot alone can make any outfit look very classy. One might consider these black boots the winter alternative to pumps.

There really aren’t many things I can personally rave about, but my Croft and Barrow boots are my true love this winter. Anyone who does a lot of walking in the winter definitely needs a pair of boots like these, and investing in a great pair is not a waste of time or money.

Model Alexey Kim on Making Style an Art Form

by Greg Serebuoh

As a creative artist, I am naturally drawn to other creative spirits that are unapologetically unique, nuanced in their choices, sophisticated, and undeniably fierce. Enter Kazakh model Alexey Kim. The day I met Alexey, he was wearing a slinky black tank top, a baseball cap tilted to the side, and acid washed jeans that were shredded and covered in silver spikes that I later found out he added himself. I knew immediately that we would get along famously and was surer still when I caught wind of his quirky sense of humor. Alexey not only has a truly artistic fashion sensibility but also the attitude and confidence to carry even his most avant-garde couture creations. Needless to say he’s given me some great tips on posing when I’m modeling for photo shoots and has become my fashion hero. Here’s a bit of our conversation about his career and his thoughts on fashion and style.

What excites you about fashion and style?

Personal style is what actually excites me the most. There is a certain art to putting together a great outfit. It is cool to see people getting clothes from here and there, from a luxury label and mixing it with a national retailer, to come up with their own unique way of making all the items work as a whole.

How did you get into modeling?

I was approached by a scout from Elite Models in Miami. I was sitting in Starbucks crying my ass off. I’m still thinking how awkward she must have felt when she approached me, looked into my mascara-smudged face, and asked, “Do you model?” Just kidding. I never wear mascara.

Name your three favorite new things in your wardrobe.

1. Dark purple bomber jacket from H&M. It’s short but warm, and the color is kick ass too.

2. These shiny pleather pants that I got. They are Alice & Olivia…ahem… for…men… Don’t judge! Men’s pants usually don’t fit me!

No judgment here.

I love seeing people’s reactions when I wear them, “Is that made from a garbage bag?” Haha awesome!

3. KTZ gloves. They have huge pop-out red hearts on them, are too big, and aren’t warm, but who cares? I just like them.

What designers are you really into this season?

I’m always into Balmain, Helmut Lang, and Phillip Lim. Balmain has the most impressive looking clothes while not being too over the top. Helmut Lang is luxury necessities. Clean lines, solid colors. Phillip Lim – I really like his use and combination of colors and his fabric choices.

I know that you also alter a lot of your own clothing. Where do you get your inspiration? Have you ever thought about being a designer?

Well I got my very first inspiration to alter something from…don’t you dare laugh at me…Britney. Remember at some point she was all about wearing low-rise jeans, like in that video for “I’m Not a Girl Not Yet a Woman”? You could almost see her babies come out. Well, I wanted low-rise jeans too. Do you think you could find those in Kazakhstan? No! Mom’s jeans all day every day for everyone! So I cut off the upper part of my jeans, took in the sides, and attached the loopholes lower. Now you could almost see my babies come out. I loved it. And yes, I think about designing every day.

You’re also a street style blogger. What new trends would you like to see in men’s fashion?

I would like to see more men wear slick tailored suits with nice ties and watches, a pocket-handkerchief too, perhaps. I also think long brim fedoras look sharp.

What advice do you have for guys that want to look stylish but aren’t as edgy or adventurous as you are with fashion? Where are some easy places for them to find good clothes?

Thing is, national retailers are doing the most right now. You can go to H&M and buy something from their Dark Purple Label. That’s a bit more expensive but also much more stylish and well made. Or Zara. You can come out looking like you just dropped money at an expensive department store. When I buy something I always think, “Can I wear this with most of the stuff that I already own?” It’s always best to recycle and mix an item with things that you already have.

What projects do you have going on now?

Right now I am starting my own digital design agency, and I also just had an important interview with a great fashion house. Fingers crossed.

Turtleneck Bras- Here To Keep Us Hot This Winter

by Danielle Flocco

The greatest fashion battle of winter is looking hot in the freezing cold. It definitely seems impossible to look great when we’re more worried about frostbite than what to wear. However, a bizarre, and questionable to some, new piece of lingerie has made its way onto the racks of True & Co. The turtleneck bra! [Read more…] about Turtleneck Bras- Here To Keep Us Hot This Winter

LAND SCAPE—LaChapelle’s Eye on Big Oil

by Austin Arrington

The Paul Kasmin Gallery on Tenth Ave. in Chelsea is now hosting LAND SCAPE, an exhibition of new photographs by David LaChapelle. The exhibition opened last Friday, and runs until March 1^st.

LAND SCAPE is comprised of two series: Refineries and Gas Stations, both of which serve as commentaries on the social and environmental consequences of a petroleum-fueled consumer society. The photos are taken from handcrafted scaled models of Big Oil’s industrial infrastructure—complete with cardboard, hair curlers, egg cartons, straws, pens, cans, and other bits of found and recycled materials. In viewing this architecture of junk the connection between peak oil, the continuous production of garbage, and humanity’s growing ecological footprint is exposed.

The Refineries series draws the viewer in with its captivating otherworldliness, while simultaneously evoking a feeling of disgust—most likely at the synthetic and destructive nature of consumerism. Take for example, the image of a blue energy drink guzzling out of a refinery into the water supply. The juxtaposition of industrial oil infrastructure with household objects makes it strikingly clear that the things we buy and consume are founded upon an unsustainable oil dependency.

A pen viewed in a LaChapelle photo is no longer an innocent writing device—it takes on a number of social, environmental, and ethical concerns. By seeing the pen as part of an oil refinery, we are drawn to consider the impact of our own consumerism. We must begin to ask ourselves, how did this object get before me? What materials went in to making it? How much greenhouse gases were emitted through its transportation? What are the ecological consequences of me buying pens in the future?

The Gas Station series was shot in the rainforest of Maui. The lighting in these photos is surreal and disturbing—drawing out tensions between the plant life and fueling stations. The organic material seems to be slowly overtaking the man-made structures, while at the same time representing the very source of our fuel addiction.

Before breaking out in the world of fine-art photography, LaChapelle cut his teeth as a commercial photographer. His first job as a photographer was at Interview magazine, at the request of Andy Warhol. He has shot for The New York Times Magazine, Rolling Stone, The Face, Vanity Fair, Vogue Italia, and Vogue Paris. In 1995 he shot the famous “kissing sailors” piece for Diesel, which was one of the first public advertisements depicting homosexual kissing. His earlier photos of celebrities and models (the kind with long legs, not the kind you build) have a glam “Barbie world” affect—a synthetic quality that also runs through his current work. LaChapelle seems to have even physically taken on the aesthetic of his photos…let’s just say that he looks way too young for 50.

The opening looked something like a hybrid between Zoolander and a Fellini film—a circus of rooms packed with attractive people hobnobbing, trying to get a shot with the artist, a few kooks dressed like Final Fantasy characters, representatives from the contemporary art intelligentsia stroking their chins, and a sprinkling of celebrity (such as transgender model Amanda Lenore).

Of course, most art openings have an element of superficiality—this scene is nothing new. LaChappele’s work is interesting in that it seems to embrace superficiality and artificiality (whether in the art world, the media, or in consumer trends) in order to turn these ideas around, and pose interesting questions about society and the world we live in.

LAND SCAPE is an exhibition that makes you think about things that are easy to sweep under the rug. It offers a hallucinatory glimpse at the consequences of our consumption and disregard for natural resources as a society, while offering stunning visual imagery and craftsmanship to wrap your head around.

Sample Sale This Weekend- TOME, Chadwick Bell, and Nomia

by Danielle Flocco

Sample sales are possibly the greatest sales there are in the city. Why? You can score designer pieces at a fraction of the price.

This Friday and Saturday you can check out TOME, Chadwick Bell, and Nomia women’s wear for up to 80% off their original retail prices, with items starting at just $50. Their most exciting advertised deals available at the sample sale are a beautiful silk Georgette cross back dress marked down to $395 from $875 and a heavy wool felt cape going for $595 as opposed to the original retail price of $1,475. If any of these great designers’ products has ever caught your eye, you won’t want to miss this opportunity.

If you’ve never gone to a sample sale before, there are a few things you need to know. They can definitely be overwhelming to the average shopper.

Here are some tips for shopping this weekend’s sale:

Do not expect every item to be 80% off. While most items will have a tremendous discount, there will still be a lot that are close to retail. The designers are typically trying to sell their excess inventory, and will not tag items at their lowest possible price. To know if you’re getting a true steal, check the tag. If the sample costs approximately 50% less than the original retail price, then you are getting a great deal. If not, well it’s definitely still a sale, just not at the most wallet friendly price.
Try to bargain for a better price by looking for possible defects or flaws that you can fix up easily. Check out the zipper, seams, buttons, and any decorative details to see if they’re loose or flimsy. Odds are they’ll take off a few more dollars if you’re willing to buy it despite a loose button. By looking over everything you can save yourself a lot of money by finding things it takes a dollar or two to fix at home.
Try on everything before you buy it. More often than not these items have been cut for a specific model’s body or for a certain style. Since you can’t return items purchased at a sample sale, make sure it fits you as perfectly as the person as it was made for. While alterations and other quick fixes can solve problems like sleeve or pant length, they can’t entirely change the item. Before buying also consider the costs of alterations. If you’re looking at $50 or so in alterations, make sure you’re getting a true deal on the sample item.
Go to the sale at the right time. At the beginning almost nothing will be sold for anything lower than it is tagged at. Shoppers will still be getting great deals, but they won’t be as big as the deals towards the end of the sale. If you wait until the last few hours of the last day, you can often get up to an additional 20% off your purchase. At this point, they see that what is still there may not sell if they don’t lower the price.

With those tips in mind, make your way over to the sale this Friday and Saturday.

The TOME, Chadwick Bell, and Nomia sample sale is taking place from 10 am to 7 pm at 150 West 25^th Street between 6^th and 7^th Avenues, Suite 502 in New York, NY.

Peplums Are Here To Stay In 2014

by Danielle Flocco

The peplum trend may have been at its peak last spring, but do not give up on it in 2014!

Very few clothing styles look great on every body type, but the peplum does. If you don’t have curves and want them, wearing a nice peplum dress or skirt will create the illusion that you have an hourglass figure. The short overskirt draws attention to the tinier waist area, and then puffs out to give your hips some shape. It also works for curvy bodies. Rather than creating an illusion, it accentuates your natural shape. Please, ladies, take advantage of this all around flattering trend.

The peplum is also just as versatile as it is flattering. These adorable dresses with the little overskirt come in a variety of lengths, materials, colors and patterns. While a solid colored, polyester dress is most common, there is a tremendous amount of options to fit your personal preference. They also give you the opportunity to go from office to outing with minimal fuss. Adding a simple blazer over the dress creates a polished, professional look that will catch everyone’s eye. But, remove the blazer and you have a wear-anywhere chic and vintage outfit on. It really can’t get any easier than that.

Most peplum dresses fall just above the knee, so your shoe choice has a great effect on your outfit. Go for your favorite pair of pumps or high-heeled sandals to lengthen your legs and add elegance to the dress. If you’re not comfortable in heels, throw on some flats! Your comfiest flats give the dress a more playful and casual appearance. Peplum dresses are one of the only dresses that can be fun and feminine regardless of shoe choice.

Finding room in your wardrobe for one of these dresses is also great for your wallet. Although they’re most commonly worn in the spring, they can be fall or winter ready with a pair of tights and a warm sweater. Wearable year-round and anywhere, you’ll be glad you have one.

Love peplums but not dresses? No problem. Designers have made a variety coats, shirts, skirts, and even pants with the little overskirt. Give it a shot and look your best this year.

Kim Kardashian’s Charitable Spirit To Be Applauded

by Blair Kaplan

Don’t get me wrong, I am not Kim Kardashian’s biggest fan. I don’t agree with her over the top affairs (72-day wedding anyone?), her multitude of daily wardrobe changes, or her obsession with all things vain. So I have to say I was most surprised when I found myself coming to her defense.

Let me be the first one to say that the amount of money that the Kardashian family makes per year is staggering to say the least. While many agree that the famous clan is famous for nothing, it cannot be denied that the Kardashian family members have successfully marketed themselves all the way to the bank. And while I will never begrudge anyone of their wealth (after all we live in a country that prides itself in the American dream), it is understandable that when another has such a large amount of money we expect them to be generous. But I found it hugely shameful that many jumped on Kim for an act of charity.

This past week Kardashian announced that she would auction off some of her designer wardrobe on eBay to benefit victims of Typhoon Haiyan, a storm, which devastated the Philippines.

On her website Kardashian explained her altruistic plan:

“Hi guys, this is a very special auction because a portion of the proceeds of my eBay auction are going to International Medical Corps., a nonprofit organization that provides critical health services on remote islands where families are struggling to access medical care and basic resources like food, clean drinking water and vital medications,” she wrote. “The proceeds will go directly to the communities they’re serving in the Philippines and will help typhoon survivors get access to medical care and ultimately save lives. My prayers and thoughts are with those affected by the typhoon.”

It would seem that because Kardashian was thinking of others aside from herself, we would all applaud such a positive action from such a seemingly materialistic person. However this proved not to be the case. The masses were quick to attack Kardashian for only donating 10% of the auction’s proceeds to charity, calling her vile, and mocking her for lacking generosity.

A rep for Kardashian found the backlash to be disappointing and expressed frustration that she had become an “easy target” for criticism. What many may not realize is that this act of charity is not a first for Kardashian. Inspired by her late father, Robert Kardashian, she has consistently given away 10% of proceeds from auctions she holds on eBay throughout the year. Although the proceeds of her auctions generally benefit her church, she decided to donate the money for this particular auction to a charity benefitting a current global disaster.

That’s why as far as I’m concerned we should be ashamed of ourselves. When did we begin to judge one another for giving in the first place? Sure Kardashian could afford to donate more from a financial prospective, but how many of us have sat silently while others, less fortunate than ourselves, could have used anything that we could have afforded to give? How many of us who continually point fingers and judge have kept that 10% for ourselves? Wake up guys! Sure wealth is relative, but generosity and a giving heart is not. You either give or you don’t. And Kim Kardashian has given when she had every opportunity (and every right as far as I’m concerned) not to. As long as we continue to judge or criticize another person for their kindness, we remain the problem.

During this holiday season (and always,) I urge each and every one of you to put your proverbial money where your mouth is. Rather than pass judgment on someone for giving, get off your asses and give of yourself. You don’t need millions, or even thousands; all you need is your time. Let’s spread positivity and encouragement towards one another; anything helps. As I said, I may not be her biggest fan, but I’ll be the first to applaud Kardashian’s recent actions, and I suggest you be the second.

Julianne Hough Dresses in Blackface for Halloween Party

by Blair Kaplan

Former Dancing with the Stars pro, Julianne Hough, might have made her first big misstep on Friday night. Hough, 25, arrived to a Halloween party in Beverly Hills, Ca. on October 25, dressed in blackface as the character, Crazy Eyes, (played by actress, Uzo Aduba,) on the Netflix drama, Orange is the New Black.

Hough’s costume, which channeled the fictional prison inmate, included an orange jumpsuit, her hair in the character’s signature knotted hairdo, and an I.D. card featuring the character’s name. She arrived with several girlfriends also dressed as the show’s other prison inmates.

Hough’s poor choice of costume has understandably offended many. Blackface, the donning of dark paint or makeup on one’s face, originated in the 19th century as part of the theater culture to portray a caricature of African American slaves and to perpetuate the idea of racial and social inferiority.

Maybe next Halloween someone can cast a spell on her poor taste?

Update:
Hough has issued an apology on Twitter for her actions. “I am a huge fan of the show Orange Is the New Black, actress Uzo Aduba, and the character she has created. It certainly was never my intention to be disrespectful or demeaning to anyone in any way. I realize my costume hurt and offended people and I truly apologize.”

FASHION

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