• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Manhattan Digest

All you need to know about Manhattan culture and so much more...

  • LIFESTYLE
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • LGBT
  • OPINION
  • TECHNOLOGY

tom ford

Stripped Fashion: 5 Ways to KISS

by Greg Serebuoh

David Gandy Crop

David Gandy 1

It’s probably clear by now that I have a special place in my artist heart for fashion that is edgy, quirky, avant-garde, or unconventional. Still, if there is one thing I value more than innovation, it’s versatility, and though I love to see crazy geometric shapes or odd combinations of materials in fashion, I’m also a sucker for an outfit that dazzles with its simplicity or its flawless execution of a classic aesthetic. Plus, with the coming of warm weather, being able to strip down with style is a huge asset. So I want to take a moment to talk about 5 ways to KISS – Keep It Simple and Stylish.

1. Seek Out Quality Materials

Whether you’re wearing jeans and a t-shirt or a tailored suit, high quality fabrics and materials can make the most straightforward outfit look like a million bucks. Saint Laurent exemplifies the power of premium threads and classic style.

Yves Saint Laurent SS13 1Yves Saint Laurent SS13 2Yves Saint Laurent SS13 3

Quality fabrics not only look better to the eye but they also tend to last much longer and rest on the body in a more flattering way. Bottega Veneta’s Spring/Summer 2014 campaign prominently features this magic combination of quality and simplicity.

Bottega Veneta SS14Bottega Veneta  SS14 2

Bottega Veneta SS14 3

Of course, higher quality usually means higher prices. Still, an investment in a few top quality pieces may be worth your while, particularly if they have the next key trait.

2. Value Versatility

Sleek, basic wardrobe often works with any number of looks and can be dressed up or down. Lanvin’s Pre-Fall Lookbook makes this explicit as it brings formal and casual sensibilities together.

Lanvin Pre-Fall 2013 LookbookLanvin Pre-Fall 2013 Lookbook 3

Lanvin Pre-Fall 2013 Lookbook 5

Look for the pieces that will look good with anything.

3. Focus on Line and Shape

Simplicity in line and shape can also make a classic look captivating. I am loving Tom Ford’s Fall/Winter 2014 line, which is both elegant and sexy because of its classic lines and timeless style.

Tom Ford FW13 1Tom Ford FW13 2Tom Ford FW13 3

Tom Ford FW13 4Tom Ford FW13 5Tom Ford FW13 6

Classic pieces can complement the body without a lot of ostentation, emphasizing the fundamental beauty of the male form.

4. Exude Ease and Comfort

Simple style that seems (and hopefully is) really comfortable, creates a relaxed and effortless air that is also incredibly sexy. To be fair, this is not wholly dependent on the outfit itself. It has a lot to do with how it is carried as well. David Gandy is a master of simple and sexy.

David Gandy 1David Gandy 2David Gandy 3

David Gandy 4David Gandy 5David Gandy 6

Anyone else wondering what he’s carrying around in all dem bags?

Also, whoever styles Mr. Gandy is well aware of the fact that henley shirts look hot on just about anyone.

5. Give it Edge 

Sometimes what really makes a simple outfit rock is one minor twist. Valentino’s last few campaigns take basic concepts and give them a bit of edge with thoughtful details.

Valentino SS14 2Valentino SS14 3

Valentino SS14 5Valentino SS14 6

Jeans and a tee with one eccentric accessory. A sleek suit with a pair of fly sneaks. A plain top with a quirky bottom. Or striking colors paired with classic cuts, as in Tom Ford’s Spring/Summer 2014 line.

Tom Ford SS14 2Tom Ford SS14

Tom Ford SS14 3

 

A word on Tom Ford. It’s no coincidence that he has come up twice. It was actually my recollection of the gorgeous style of his film A Single Man that inspired this article. I was as blown away by the aesthetic of the film as I was by its story.

     A Single Man 1A Single Man 2

a single man 2A Single Man 3

Ford’s brilliant film is a testament to the fact that simple, classic style when thoughtfully executed can make a huge impression.

Filed Under: FASHION, LIFESTYLE, STYLE Tagged With: A Single Man, art, Bottega Veneta, Christopher Isherwood, classic, Colin Firth, David Gandy, dolce and gabbana, fashion, Film, Jon Kortajarena, julianne moore, Lanvin, Matthew Goode, Nicholas Hoult, Paris, premium, quality, Saint Laurent, simple, spring, style, suit, summer, tom ford, Valentino, Versace

All that Glitters is gold, navy, floral : Fashion at the 2013 SAG Awards

by Ryan Shea

Naomi Watts in a stunning Marchesa gown at the 2013 Sag awards.

The SAG awards brought out some of the best actors in television and movies. And despite the gloomy weather, the fashion was glamorous. I noticed a few trends on the red carpet at the SAG awards this year.

Bridal wear was all over the red carpet. Stars like Kerry Washington, donning a Rodarte gown, and Sophia Vergara, in Donna Karan, looked chic in white. As did Naomi Watts in a stunning Marchesa beaded gown. Naomi Watts was one of the best dressed on the red carpet, in my opinion. Her gown was elegant and fit like a glove, the intricate beading was stunning, and her hair and make up were flawless.

Naomi Watts in a stunning Marchesa gown at the 2013 Sag awards.

Another look that flooded the red carpet last night was navy gowns. Les Mis actress Amanda Seyfried looked incredible in a navy Zac Posen gowen. The Strapless dress hugged all her curves and the exaggerated mermaid silhouette made heads turn. Another Hollywood starlet who rocked navy last night was Jennifer Lawrence. Jennifer Lawrence’s Christian Dior strapless gown was exquisite. The layered gown was a new take on a classic silhouette. Jennifer Lawrence brought home her first SAG award last night for her role in the Silver Lining’s Playbook and looked alluring and graceful doing it.

Jennifer Lawrence SAG awards

Florals were everywhere last night. Floral prints are definitely a trend to watch out for this Spring 2013 season, and the stars knew it. Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, and Ariel Winter all sported floral frocks. However, Julianne Moore’s Chanel Couture dress did not work on her. The white, low cut V-neck gown, with black contrasting floral appliques looked terrible on the actress. The top half did not fit and made her appear “saggy.” Also, the dress was too tight around her legs and she could barely walk up to the stage to accept her Actor. Overall, Julianne Moore was my pick for worst dressed of the night.

Julianne Moore in Chanel Couture
Julianne Moore in Chanel Couture

These were just a few of the trends that were headlining at the 2013 SAG awards. So many other amazing fashions were on display last night. Other trends I noticed were glittery dresses, contrasting black and whites, and thin waist belts. Before I finish this article I must point out one of my most favorite looks at the 2013 SAG awards. January Jones definitely wore the most bold gown of the night and her slicked back hair and bright red lipstick made her look like a rock star. The black and white Prabal Gurung gown had a unique neckline and the Mad Men star looked fierce. I would also like to point out my two best dressed men of the night. Ben Affleck looked insanely handsome in Gucci and Justin Timberlake’s Tom Ford suit and tie were perfect for the singer.

January Jones 2013 SAG awards
January Jones in Prabal Gurung at the 2013 SAG awards.
Ben Affleck in Gucci
Ben Affleck in Gucci
Justin Timberlake 2013 SAG awards
Justin Timberlake in Tom Ford

Finally, my best dressed of the night. Jessica Chastain looked absolutely regal in her red satin strapless Alexander McQueen gown. The dress fit her immaculately and the color looked brilliant against her flawless pale skin tone. Her loose wavy hair and toned down make up were impeccable. Jessica Chastain stood out last night at the 2013 SAG awards yet still wearing a classic silhouette and color.

Jessica Chastain SAG awrds
Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen at the 2013 SAG awards

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, FASHION, OPINION, STYLE, uncategorized Tagged With: alexander mcqueen, ben affleck, best dressed, chanel, donna karan, fashion, gucci, jennifer lawrence, jessica chastain, julianne moore, red carpet, sag awards, sag awrds 2013, tom ford, worst dressed

Primary Sidebar

Navigation

  • HOME
  • OPINION
    • REVIEWS
  • BUSINESS
  • LGBT
  • ENTERTAINMENT
    • ARTS
    • MOVIES
    • MUSIC
    • TELEVISION
    • THEATRE
  • LIFESTYLE
    • TRAVEL
    • FASHION
    • HEALTH
    • FOODIE
    • STYLE
  • POLITICS
  • SCIENCE
  • SPORTS
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • U.S.
    • NEW YORK

Footer

  • ADVERTISE
  • TERMS OF SERVICE
  • CAREERS
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • Home
  • Contact
  • Legal

Copyright © 2023 · ManhattanDigest.com is run by Fun & Joy, LLC an Ohio company · Log in

 

Loading Comments...