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Spring/Summer 2014: Fashion Week Faves in Men’s Shorts

by Greg Serebuoh

dsquared2 campaign

dsquared2-spring-summer-2014-campaign-marlon-teixeira

It’s officially spring, and though the weather on the east coast isn’t quite reflecting that, I figure I might as well give Mother Nature a gentle nudge in the right direction with some wishful thinking. In preparation for the inevitable coming of warm weather, I wanted to take a look at shorts in this year’s Spring collections. I’ve pulled together a list of some of the designers that caught my eye.

Nautica

I’m starting with Nautica for those of you who are looking for something stylish but not too crazy (because if you’ve read any of my past articles, you know I love a little crazy). Its nautical aesthetic is totally compatible with Spring/Summer fashion and makes for some great shorts.

nautica ss 14 1nautica ss 14 9nautica ss 14 2

The Spring collection has a classic, relaxed feel but still manages to add a bit of edge with longer capri-style pants, colorful prints, and some subtle touches, like asymmetrical lines and pockets.

nautica ss 14 10nautica ss 14 6nautica ss 14 3

Nicholas K

I really enjoyed Nicholas K’s Spring collection. It has the sort of otherworldliness that I love, as I mentioned in my Future Fashion article, and the shorts feature a long, slender cut, unconventional lines, and a muted color palette.

Nicholas K SS14 3Nicholas K SS14 1Nicholas K SS14 2

Versace

Versace’s Spring collection brings sophistication, elegance, and flair to its shorts with bright hues and fine fabrics. I’ve also been noticing a tendency towards shorts well above the knee this season, which I’m liking.

versace ss14 1versace ss14 1versace ss14 3

Kenzo

I’m not 100% sure that I would personally wear the shorts from Kenzo’s Spring collection, but I like what they are doing visually, and I sure would love to see someone else rock these in a creative way. This season’s shorts capture the eye with lively prints and flowing fabrics.

kenzo ss14 1kenzo ss14 4kenzo ss14 2

Dolce & Gabbana

I am loving Dolce & Gabbana’s collection this season, particularly in the shorts department. Maybe it’s their Sicilian mythology theme (I am a huge mythology nerd), or perhaps it’s the fact that the collection makes me think of flashy, European beach style of the 1970s (one of my favorite decades in music and style).

dolce ss14 18dolce ss14 17dolce ss14 15

I’m also really loving the prevalence of warm hues and the sheen in the fabrics, which have me feeling like it’s already summer.

dolce ss14 9dolce ss14 11dolce ss14 1

And if you have the balls (literally and figuratively) to wear these “zungas,” as we’d call them in Argentina, I fully encourage it.

dolce ss14 4dolce ss14 5dolce ss14 2

 Sibling

Ok, now most of Sibling’s line is a little wilder than what I’d normally wear, but I love the playfulness and the energy of their work: exaggerated proportions, distorted lines, intricate knits, and pastel colors. At the end of the day, I appreciate an interesting aesthetic concept, even if I wouldn’t necessarily wear it, and I often find inspiration in work like this. I’d also live to model some of this stuff.

Sibling SS 14 7Sibling SS 14 9Sibling SS 14 4

I was (pleasantly) surprised to find what appear to be “sweater shorts,” which are probably completely impractical but also kind of amazing, in their Fall/Winter collection. It all seems very fun and free.

Sibling FW 14 1Sibling FW 14 4Sibling FW 14 2

I also think it’s great that they obviously encourage their models to smile. I’ve been asked to smile on the runway before, and it ain’t always easy, but it’s definitely a welcome departure from the usual pomp. In any case, the spring collection has a few pairs of shorts that I’d actually consider wearing myself.

Sibling SS 14 6Sibling SS 14 3Sibling SS 14 5

Phillipp Plein

Phillipp Plein’s Spring collection has some of my favorite shorts this season. The collection draws its inspiration from the casino world.

phillipp plein ss14 8phillipp plein ss14 3phillipp plein ss14 9

The German designer’s line merges elegant high fashion, sexy urban swag, and a fun, sporty functionality.

phillipp plein ss14 1phillipp plein ss14 7phillipp plein ss14 2

Viktor & Rolf

The Spring Lookbook for Viktor & Rolf got my attention because the collection and the model are giving me Sexy-Harry-Potter-Hogwarts-Upscale-Prep-School Realness in the best possible way. The shorts are cut longer and are designed like dress slacks with fine fabrics.

ViktorRolf SS14 3ViktorRolf SS14 2ViktorRolf SS14

Dsquared2

Dsquared2 is probably my favorite collection this season in terms of shorts. Their aesthetic always feels very New York chic to me, and nothing gets me hot like New York chic!

dsquared2 ss14 2dsquared2 ss14 5dsquared2 ss14 7

This season’s theme was “Island Paradise,” but the collection still manages to feel very urban upscale. It also features several well-fitted, high-cut shorts, which I have been fancying lately.

dsquared2 ss14dsquared2 ss14 3dsquared2 ss14 8

So think warm thoughts, make a spring wardrobe shopping list, and imagine yourself lounging on some warm beach in a pair of sexy shorts. Soon enough the seasons will actually change, and your bare legs will once again see the light of day!

Filed Under: FASHION, LIFESTYLE, STYLE Tagged With: Argentina, art, Beach, beachwear, capris, creative, Dolce & Gabbana, Dsquared2, fashion, Germany, island, Italy, Kenzo, model, mythology, Nautica, NEW YORK, Nicholas K, paradise, Phillipp Plein, season, shorts, Sibling, spring, ss14, style, summer, swimsuit, swimwear, Urban, Versace, Viktor & Rolf

Jake’s Hot in the Fashion District

by Danielle Flocco

Breaking into the fashion industry is no easy task, but Jake Labarbera makes it seem effortless.

This newly 21 year old is a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, studying merchandising and jewelry design. He has an interest in photography, and most of all sharing his style with everyone. Jake blogs his personal style, showing the world how to make an outfit ‘pop’ in this competitive world of fashion.

Recently on his blog, www.jakeshotonfashion.com, silver was featured as the up and coming color to incorporate into an outfit. Tested by Jake himself in the fashion district of Manhattan, silver is definitely the way to go. Silver is subtle yet shiny, so your outfit stands out without being overwhelmed by it. This is perfect for those hesitant to go ahead with neon pieces. The easiest way to try silver for an everyday outfit is in jewelry, shoes, or belts- all of which can be found for low prices.

 Here is a leather and silver bullet styled bracelet that Jake featured. This piece can be matched with any outfit, and can give theperfect New York rocker tone to an otherwise bland outfit. Again, not an overwhelming piece, but just enough to add the same sparkle as an average bracelet- just with a heck of a lot more attitude.

His other favorite pop of silver is his pair of silver high top sneakers. He blogged this statement about these gleaming kicks: “I’m obsessed with my silver hightop sneakers. And I would totally wear them everyday if I could.” And Jake’s recommendation to everyone is to “pull out your old pieces, dust them off, and put them to good use.” This applies to anything- silver or not- because hey, you never know what will be the next big hit in fashion.

Jake is not only a blogging trendsetter, but he is currently an intern for couture designer, Ralph Rucci, as well as a model. He has been involved in modeling for a few years now, and has quite an array of experience. A few years back Jake modeled for prints for a small boutique in Rhinebeck. Then, he bust onto the Runway in 2013 New York Fashion Week for designer Marlin George. And for 2014, Seduka by Joe Dahan will be featuring Jake in a lookbook and their soon to launch blog.

Young, handsome, and determined, Jake is set to succeed in everything he does. He is still a fresh face in modeling, but a great reputation is certainly building. And let’s not forget he’s a student of jewelry design- we must keep our eyes out for his collections!

 

Filed Under: BREAKING NEWS, FASHION, LIFESTYLE, NEW YORK, STYLE, U.S., uncategorized Tagged With: blogger, fashion, Jake Labarbera, lifestyle, Manhattan, manhattan digest, MD Fashion, men's fashion, Metro, model, NEW YORK, NYC, People, style

4 Ways to Make Your Style Work for Your Body

by Greg Serebuoh

Luke Guldan_Sexy Ropa Interior

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.

600full-luke-guldan     Luke Guldan shirtless

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.

James Corden GQ Cover     Slim Build Guy

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).

Joseph Gordon Levitt - Glamour     Joseph Gordon-Levitt 1

Joseph Gordon-Levitt 2     Joseph Gordon-Levitt 3

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.

 Open button down shirt     Long knit scarf

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).

Blue Blazer     Messenger Bag

Corbin's style

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.

Leaping Big Man In Suit     Purple Shoes

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.

big guy vest     tumblr_my3uuiEj2g1skauswo1_1280

tumblr_mrw11fNkHO1qbs8teo1_1280     Autumn Ensemble

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.

img-4489-400x295     Deep Neck and Long Necklace

26423a567c5b11e2aae322000a1f9858_7     Slim Outfit Layers

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.

Skinny Suit     f989fa9ac279d5a9c315aaf30c10785b

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.

Happy Suit     Santiago Artemis

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.

S4

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.

Grace Jones Doppleganger

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

Filed Under: FASHION, LIFESTYLE, STYLE Tagged With: accessories, big and tall, blazers, body, chubstr, Don John, fashion, fit, fitness, GQ, Harvey Guillen, hat, heavy, James Corden, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Luke Guldan, Manhattan, model, NEW YORK, Photography, Santiago Artemis, scarf, shoes, skinny, slim, style, suits, tailored, tall, thin, watch

Model Alexey Kim on Making Style an Art Form

by Greg Serebuoh

Alexey Kim Editorial

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.

Alexey Street Style 10     Alexey Street Style 9

 

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.

Alexey Street Style 8     Alexey Kim Street Style 7

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.

Alexey Street Style 6     Alexey Street Style 5

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.

Alexey Street Style 4     Alexey Street Style 3

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.

Alexey Street Style 2     Alexey Street Style 1

 

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.

Alexey Kim Editorial 2

Filed Under: FASHION, LIFESTYLE, STYLE Tagged With: Alexey Kim, artist, Balmain, creative, designer, Elite Models, fashion, Fashion Week, H&M, Helmut Lang, male fashion, Manhattan, manhattan digest, menswear, model, NEW YORK, New York Fashion Week, Phillip Lim, style, Urban, Zara

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