• 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

Versace

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

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

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...