Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Call Me Lazy But... 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009...


Balenciaga F/W 2004


This was the first fashion show that I ever remember watching. I don't know what drew me to watch it, or how I managed to stumble across Balenciaga, but it happened and I know my life has never been the same since. At the time I didn't know how popular this collection would become, I was just a teenager dipping my feet into the pond of fashion. Now, the aviator jackets shown are a cult item and highly collectable. I was really intrigued by the way that Nicolas plays with classic Balenciaga shapes, and found them to be horribly futuristic. This of course was before I studied Balenciaga to realize that many of the cuts used have been around since the 50's and 60's, which just goes to show how ahead of his time Cristobal Balenciaga was. 


Louis Vuitton S/S 2005


When this collection had came out, I had just traveled to California and visited the Hollywood Louis Vuitton store, and purchased my first Vuitton item; a small cell phone key chain with the Louis Vuitton logo in sterling silver. I was kicked out of the store for taking a picture, kicking off my hatred for the sales associates at all Louis Vuitton stores. Who was I to know that luxury stores don't let you take a picture of yourself inside the store? Anyways, after I made my purchase, and before I was escorted out (It still seems a bit drastic) I grabbed one of their look books. On the flight back I fell in love with this outfit, along with Gemma Ward, who was on the cover of American Vogue at the time. I love that the model has a teddy bear pin on, and that even though this is spring, he has on a huge scarf! In contrast to the Vuitton woman, I think the Vuitton man has such a clear image of what he wants to be. Each season he remains casual and sporty, without being too over the top which happens so often in mens fashion. 


Christian Dior Haute Couture F/W 2005


Ah, the Christian Dior 100 year anniversary Couture collection. John Galliano always puts on a good show, and this collection was no exception. I will always remember my awe when a carriage came up on stage, and out of the smoke and crazy scenery came wildly crazy outfits that were everything one would want to see in a fashion show. Each piece was dramatic to the max, and you could really feel the spirit of Dior in every outfit. You never really understand why a haute couture garment is so special until you see one under the House of Dior. 




Alexander McQueen F/W 2006


This collection marked my introduction to Alexander McQueen, and what a good impression it left. I love the whole English countryside feel with a hint of Gothic Victorian. Apart from the hologram Kate Moss at the end of the show, I distinctly remember this wedding dress complete with deer antlers. I love the theatricality to the whole thing, but most of all, I can't imagine this dress any other way! For some reason, it feels completely wearable just the way it is. I can only hope someday to have a bride that can pull off such a dress. 


Trovata F/W 2006


Maybe it was because Trovata just snagged the CFDA New Designer Award, but I can't understand why I would have watched a show by an relative unknown, at a time when I still knew so little about fashion. I'm still a sucker for a good California preppy look, and no one does it better than Trovata. For the longest time I dreamed about owning some of their pieces, and now I have quite a few. The quality of their clothes is amazing, and you can mix and match any item and still look put together and effortlessly cool. While they don't follow the trends like many brands, they stick to what they do best, and that is why they still remain as one of my favorite American brands.


Balenciaga S/S 2007


It's a given that Balenciaga is going to be on my list of favorite moments more than once, and if I could I would simply call this my favorite Balenciaga moments of the decade, and just do images of Nicolas Ghesquiere's amazing work. This collection, in my opinion, was the furthest he pushed the idea of dressing for the future. He introduced so many different materials as fabric for me with this show. Never would I have consider dresses and leggings made of metal, or using neoprene and pvc for jackets. While this wasn't his most critically acclaimed collection, It remains to be my favorite. I love every look from start to finish, right down to the neo-saftey goggle sunglasses. I would have killed to wear those during a High School shop class, and probably still would!


Balenciaga F/W 2007


I don't know why, but the Balenciaga I love the most is the Balenciaga that is the least well received. Many call these shoes ugly and childish, dubbing them the "Lego" shoe, but I think they are one of the best things to happen to footwear. I think any woman walking down the streets in these would instantly get my total respect. On a separate note, Balenciaga filed copyright infringement against Steve Madden on December 18th for making a cheap knockoff of these. 


Dior Homme F/W 2007


When talking about menswear during the decade, you can't help but mention Hedi Slimane. He is one of the greatest influences on my design aesthetic and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for him. If I could, I would wear this outfit every day of they year, and I wouldn't mind looking like Cole Mohr either. I don't even know where to begin when talking about this (it's just that amazing!), so we will just move on to the next image...


Givenchy F/W 2008


I wouldn't call myself a very religious person, but If there was one that invloved Ricardo Tisci's interpretation of Givenchy gone South American Catholic then sign me up! More than the clothes, I loved the accessories in this collection. The heaps of chains and crosses that made the necklaces were just too amazing. It was the first time I ever tried a D.I.Y. project based on collection because I just loved the necklaces so much. 


Rodarte F/W 2008


Sometimes I am truly amazed by some designer that come out of California. Laura and Kate Mulleavy of Rodarte are right up there with Rick Owens in my book. They feel more like a European brand than an American one. I only have good things to say about their knitted nets and their exert mixing of different materials. I had been following their work from the start, but this collection made them one of my favorite brands, along with Nicholas Kirkwood who made some really fierce shoes for this show. It probably helped that they used one of my favorite shades of green on this dress. 


Gareth Pugh S/S 2009


Another designer that I have followed since their start is Gareth Pugh, another fellow from London. Like a good wine, his designs get better with age, and each collection is exponentially better than the previous one. S/S 2009 marked his first show in Paris, and what a show it was. Each look was white on the front, black on the back, symbolizing stepping out of the darkness of winter and into the light of summer. Vents were cut into many of the outfits as a way of cooling off the body, cuz you know that a pvc suit is going to get hot. Like many from London, there was that throwback to historical references, but he does it in a way that feels totally modern. 


Prada S/S 2009


This has been my favorite Prada collection to date. At first, I hated it, but each time I watched the video I fell more and more in love with it. I'm a sucker for technological fabrics, and a lot of the garments were made with coated metal thread to retain the crinkle effect. I think this show also goes down as one of the most dangerous for models. The shoes were on a staggering platform and the models had to wear ankle socks, not to mention the slick concrete surface. By the end of the show many models had fallen, some more than once. You can't help but feel bad for these girls who's careers rely on their walking ability, a sprained ankle can be devastating. I read a recent article about the S/S 2010 Alexander McQueen collection, where top models like Sasha Pivovarova refused to walk in the show because of the footwear. Back to the clothes, Muccia Prada referenced hospital gowns, and each garment was held together with ties. I thought the look was so casual and chic, and the outfits in metallic gold were simply stunning. 


Nina Ricci F/W 2009


This was the first time I was literally left speechless by a show. literally speechless. I watched it over and over again in a state of trance by what I had saw. Everything felt so otherworldly and eerily beautiful. The platform shoes were a full 11 inches, and were lacking a heel, making the models have legs that never ended. Just to mention, no one fell. The elongated form of the bodies were so elegant that I was at a loss for words. It was like Olivier Theyskens had taken a croquis (fashion sketch, 9 heads high, the human body is 8) and made it a reality. This happened to be Olivier's last collection at Nina Ricci and he sure went out with a bang, and left 2009 at a high point. 


Nina Ricci F/W 2009


The 2000's seemed to be the decade of the platform shoe, but this Nina Ricci show seems to have kicked off an extreme footwear trend for the 2010's. 

Monday, December 28, 2009

2003...




S/S 2003 Tom Ford for Gucci


No one sells sex better than Tom Ford. His era at Gucci has left a lasting impression on me, and taught me that fashion is not just about making beautiful clothes, but finding a way to market them. Perhaps more than the collection itself, I will always remember the advertising that went with it. Some call it disgusting and vulgar, I call it genius. The 2010's are looking to be just as good for Tom Ford, with the premier of his first film, A Single Man, and talks of his own clothing line. 










F/W 2003 Rick Owens


Some call him goth, I call him a futurist, but throughout the decade Rick Owens has promoted an image that does not follow the main stream of fashion. What I love most is his dramatic plays with proportion, and of course his minimalistic color palette. He also gives me hope that an American (he's from California) can have such a European feel to his clothing. So often American designers get caught in a never ending cycle of "sportswear", but Rick Owens has managed to break away from that with clothing that almost resists categorization. 

Givenchy Obsession...










Time for the new Givenchy S/S 2010 ads! Remember that post about finding the perfect pair of sandals? Well if anyone wants to gift me the Givenchy ones, It will make me a very happy person. Just throwing that out there. Mariacarla Boscono looks fierce as ever, its amazing that after 10 or so years of modeling she is still at the top of her game. And what's there not to love about Natalia Vodianova? 


 The only things missing? Ranya Mordanova and Leonor Scherrer. 

Sunday, December 27, 2009

2001...


S/S 2001 Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton


Now, I'm not usually the biggest fan of Marc Jacobs, and to be honest, I think he does a horrible job designing clothes at Vuitton. If there is one thing I can credit him for, it is being an amazing accessories designer. The designer collaborations never cease to amaze me. 2001 marked the introduction of Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse. A reoccurring theme throughout the 2000's was the late 80's and early 90's, so it is fitting to have Sprouse's signature graphic style to add to the historic Louis Vuitton monogram. I really enjoy how Vuitton has went about updating the print throughout the decade by using a variety of different day-glow colors. These bags always look fresh and remain one of my favorite artist collaborations with a fashion house. 


S/S 2001 John Galliano


London designers are known to put on a good fashion show, and no one does it better than John Galliano. I love this image from his S/S 2001 collection, it shows the joy and frivolity in fashion that so many people stereotype the industry with. Non fashion types usually think of Zoolander and the cliche fashion shows with a disorderly parade of fabric vomit and overly animated models. Cue Galliano. All to often fashion is sever and austere, and we need people like John Galliano to come in, reference a billion different things, and just put on a good show. Lets hope in the next decade we can still rely on him to keep us on our feet with clothes that are fun for funs sake.


F/W 2001 Olivier Theyskens


Olivier Theyskens is one of the great designers of the decade. He manages to reference historical garments but executes the garment in the most modern way. While the pieces together can still look a bit dated, on their own they are versatile in a modern wardrobe. A boxy wool blazer can be thrown over jeans, or opened over an evening gown. The slip skirt provides a great base to pair with a multitude of tops. I am just fanatic about how Olivier can make an outfit that is a clear reference to post World War 1 Europe, and break it apart into pieces that feel so now.


F/W 2001 Michael Kors


I can't resist an equestrian theme if my life depended on it, and Michael Kors sent out a massive collection based on equestrian clothing for his 20th anniversary collection. Leather, knee high boots, khakis and big sweaters came down the runway in one after another without ever becoming repetitive. Michael Kors showed that he was the undoubted king of lux American Sportswear with this collection; Ralph Lauren has nothing on Michaels version of polo. Lets keep or fingers crossed for another great collection at the F/W 2011 30th anniversary show. 

2000...

Well, a decade is at its end, and like so many others, I am making one of those list recapping the past 10 years of fashion with some of my favorite fashion moments.



S/S 2000 Hussein Chalayan


I've always been in love with Hussein's work and the way that he constantly mixes art and fashion, always with a hint of wit, and references to Middle Eastern and Western culture. I'm always amazed that in my sculpture classes, fashion is never mentioned, with the exception of Hussein Chalayan. His airplane dress is brought up most often because of its protective qualities and its moveable parts. While this design doesn't contribute much to the fashions of the 2000's, it is a much needed bridge between Art and Fashion, which is so often not connected.


S/S 2000 Alber Elbaz for Yves Saint Laurent


With Monsieur Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge's watchful eye over YSL, Alber Elbaz created a remarkable collection that brought leather back to spring in full force, something I don't recall being done again until the S/S 2010 Celine collection. This makes me think that leather is the perfect way to dust off an old decade (and winter) and start things anew. The leather shirt dress brings that hard edge that YSL can be known for, with that timeless chic that Alber is a master of. It is the timeless nature of this garment that I find so amazing. This dress could easily pass as modern, even though it is now a decade old. 


F/W 2000 Dries Van Noten


As much as I love Dries Van Noten for his amazing use of mixing patterns and colors, his bold and simple patterns really capture my heart. While velvet hovers along a fine line of fabrics that scream "dated", the unique green shade makes it feel fresh and new. The camel sweater really compliments the pencil skirt in color and shape. I love the play of proportions between the tightness of the skirt, the slouch to the sweater, and the hem lengths on the skirt and sleeves. 



F/W 2000 Julien MacDonald


Leave it to Julien MacDonald to be a great London showman. I don't know if it is his extensive use of Naomi, or the slinky dresses, that make me feel like the 90's are not done yet. His F/W 2000 show was one of those great productions that happen every so often in fashion; it took place at the Millennium Dome with a concert by No Doubt. The slew of short party dresses and somewhat campy model walks made me want to party like it is 1999. 

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Marvelous Marlow...


So while looking around Nordstrom's designer bag section I was unexpectedly drawn to the Chloé section. Don't get me wrong, I love a good Chloé bag, but they just are not meant for guys. As amazing as the Paddington is, with its buttery soft leather and oversized lock is, I could never walk around with one under my arm. But, hidden within the mounds of Paddingtons I discovered... THE PERFECT BAG! Let me introduce you to the Chloé Marlow. Perhaps it is because I steer clear of the Chloé's that I never noticed it before, but from now on I will be going out of my way to look at it. Of course, when I saw that the Marlow came in black with brown accents, I about died. I've been looking for a bag that I can mix with my browns and blacks, and this does just that. The shape it takes on when empty is amazing to say the least, slouchy to perfection. It has a shoulder strap so you can casually throw it over your shoulder, and when mixing that with the slouch, its hard not to feel like the epitome of Parisian Chic. As if this bag was not perfect enough, it gets better...


Blue


Velvet


Interior



*faints*and*hits*floor*with*drool*coming*out*of*mouth*




Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas...


The John Galliano designed Christmas tree at Claridges Hotel, London.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Resolution 2010: 1

Last year I spent complaining that I didn't have a nice pair of driving shoes, when I finally found a pair that I liked I bought it in three different colors. Well, this year I will complain about not having any leather sandals that are fashionable. I'm in love with this Dior Homme pair, but I don't really want to spend $300 on them, and the Raf Simons wing sandals that I adore are nonexistant now. So, my first resolution for the new year; find sandals that suit my taste, are relatively cheap, and are not Havianas (I have 13 pairs at last count).

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Homme Sweet Homme...


Dior Homme S/S 2010 from Luisa via Roma


Since Hedi Slimane left Dior Homme in 2007 I haven't been excited about any of the new collections. I think Kris Van Assche is finally getting into the swing of things at Dior now though, and I really like some of the pieces in the spring collection. He really played up the transparency which I think makes for some really fun layering pieces. I'm also slightly obsessed with the zipper hooded vest, its like some crazy hybrid between Helmut Lang and Rick Owens, plus the layering details make some really fun volumes. The only problem I have with the new Dior Homme is that Kris Van Assche is moving to far away from the original Dior Homme client, that is the skinny rocker who wants skinny clothes. Kris has his own line that he can play around with more. I'm fine with trying to make a established brand your own, but you still need to respect the identity of the brand, overly pleated pants and baggy blazers are not the Dior Homme identity. 

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Bugs Bugs Everywhere...


So, I've always wanted to collect fine jewelry someday (along with Hermès scarfs), it seems like one of those fashion items that would be worthwhile investments if you get the right pieces. I'm not usually one to go vintage, its just not my style, but I think jewelry is a great way to work older pieces into ensembles. Of course being a guy it is hard to work fine jewelry into a wardrobe, but I think I found a good solution... BUGS! Now that the resort collections are in the stores and spring is soon to follow I've been getting in the mood for some warmer weather, which in Minnesota always means the bugs come out. I really love the whimsical nature of these dragonflies and the details in some of the art nouveau pieces is just spectacular. I'm really fond of the one in the upper left corner. Peridot is one of my favorite stones, I just love any shade of green, and the diamonds add that sparkle that I can't live without. 1st Dibs is a great place to find vintage jewelry, along with great designer and antique furniture and Haute Couture. Its always fun just to look around at some of the stuff they get in.


On a different note, I was checking out a new fashion blog that I stumbled across, Hapsical, and it totally inspired me to be more creative with my images that I post. So, instead of just photoshopping images into a grid, I spent some time to cut out the images and arrange them into something a bit more fun. It took a lot longer, but I think it turned out really well. We will just have to see how long I can keep up this creative imaging. 


Haha and I just noticed that my masterful photoshop skills cut off one dragonflies wing, another is missing some diamonds, and another has some gold details that disappeared. Oops.

Monday, December 21, 2009

D.I.Y. Project


So, like usual, I would kill to have this S/S 2010 Lanvin hat. But since I do not have $400 in spending money, nor the capability to kill someone (plus who in Minnesota would have this for me to track down?!) I will need to put my creative abilities and education to work... I smell a diy project! The only problem will be finding a straw hat that I like. Lanvin makes these hats in bright colors too, but I'm going through a nude color phase right now. what can I say, I'm just in love with fleshy tones! I can just see my summer outfit now... this hat, a cream and purple oxford, my Trovata oatmeal sweater wrapped around my neck, light wash denim and a nice pair of Sperry Top-siders... mmmm this will be a good summer. 

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Tilda + Panos



Like usual, I'm always the last to know about something, or in this case find out when it is way too late. So, last spring (I know, I'm uber late on this) Tilda Swinton, my favorite woman on the red carpet, and Panos Yiapanis, my favorite stylist, teamed up for AnOther magazine. I really don't know how I missed this. Anyways, words cannot describe how much I love Tilda, she is fearless when it comes to dressing herself (and doesn't use a stylist for award shows *gasp*). While other celebrities play it safe with the all too common and bland Marchesa, Dolce & Gabbana, and Christian Dior gowns, Tilda wears strait off the runway Lanvin, Haider Ackermann, Christian Lacroix, Balenciaga, and Celine. Usually, mainstream people (E! and People I'm talking to you) don't get her style and send her to the worst dressed list. I on the other hand would happily name her the best dressed celebrity of the 2000's. Then there is Panos, my man in Givenchy. His hard edge styling pushes a photo shoot into a whole new dimension and never ceases to leave me in awe. I frequently credit the amazing Catherine Baba as my favorite stylist, but that would be based solely on personality. As far as my preferences in style goes, Panos easily takes the cake. So, Tilda and Panos created a spread to showcase up and coming London designers, and like so many other things do, left me speechless. Panos did a fantastic job picking some really amazing show pieces, and Tilda worked them better than most models can. 


Comments or thoughts anyone?

Friday, December 18, 2009

Forever and Never...


If I had a jewelry fetish it would have to be for Alex & Chloe. They make the most amazing plexiglass jewelry, and didn't disappoint with their latest collection "Forever and Never". At around $100 a piece, they are reasonably priced, considering the necklaces are reversible, thats like two for one! I really love the "dual shard" (middle left) to layer with my current pieces, and how amazing would one of the large ones be as a tie alternative with a suit?!



please can that be me in nothing but Alex & Chloe?!

To A Certain Reilly McMonigal...

A tank top from the new S/S 2010 John Galliano collection, for some reason I think it is perfect for this obscure girl that I know. Maybe it is the psychedelic print, maybe it is the teddy bear, or maybe it is Johns perfect face, but I just feel like she NEEDS this.

Incase you didn't know, but Luisaviaroma, where you can get this top, is doing pre-sale on the new collections, ill need to do a separate post on all the goodies that they have.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Tibi Pre-Fall...

So, until Milan Men's Week starts next month, I am left to watch the fashion faucet drip down Pre-Fall collections at a nauseating rate. You want to run the waters of fashion at full blast, but instead you are stuck at a trickle. So, one of the latest, Tibi, came as quite a shocker. Every season there seems to be one collection that almost blatantly knocks off another designer, well here it is!

Tibi Pre-Fall 2010


Givenchy Resort 2009 and Givenchy Spring/Summer 2010

Amy Smilovic, you can pee on my leg all you want, but I won't believe you when you say it is raining. I understand Ricardo Tisci is horribly influential, but please be a bit more careful when you take a reoccurring theme in Givenchy like a half sleeve blouse, and a jacket that could fit into the S/S 2010 collection, of which multiple draped wide lapel stripped jackets were shown. Now, lets move on from this nonsense and back to things that really matter... like wondering if Balenciaga makes the Arena Velo bag in Anthracite?


Wednesday, December 16, 2009

THEY'RE HERE!



Nothing makes my day more than getting a message from the lovely Brianne at Nordstroms to haul my butt down there cuz she has some surprises for me... today I got such a message.

Now is an appropriate time to have a moment of silence as we all make alligator matting calls, because lets face it, who doesnt get turned on by the buttery soft lamb skin?

AND THE NEW ARENA VELO BAG (MESSANGER) DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED!

I always thought the giant weekender was my perfect bag, but this arena velo is beyond words.



Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Run, Don't Walk...

TO THE BALMAIN POP-UP SALE!


GO!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

ANTM Cycle 14

Tyra Banks signed on Kimora Lee Simmons and Andre Leon Talley to be the new judges on America's Next Top Model. Something tells me that I will start watching the show again. If anyone gets the chance to read Mr. Talleys book A.L.T.: A Memoir, they should, as it is incredibly inspirational.


Lacoste Loco...

Usually it is unlike me to let a designer collaboration go under my radar, but somehow the amazing design duo behind Campanas worked with Lacoste to make a limited run of 20,000 basic polos, and 2 of the all over lace (upper right). If you are unfamiliar with Campanas, I strongly suggest you at least do a basic google image search because they are amazing. I dream of one day decorating my house with ridiculous designer furniture (think the "art collector" sketches with noonie and nunie on SNL) and their chairs are at the top of my list. Back to the shirts... Each one is done entirely by hand (the one in the upper right took 100 days to make) and take inspiration from the iconic Lacoste logo and Campana's Brazilian heritage. For instance, the bottom right shirt is clustered to resemble a group of islands within the Brazilian Amazon and the bottom left is based on vines. I'm just going to put one of these in my imaginary couture closet right next to a Martin Margiela 80's sequin appliqué blazer... more on that closet later... and other couture collectors for that matter...

Saturday, December 12, 2009

The September Issue

If The September Issue wasn't demode when it came out in theaters, it most certainly will be when it releases on DVD February 23, no?

Eye Candy...

Normally I am not to fond of Taylor Swift, but I must say her editorial for T Magazine was borderline amazing. She really worked some of my favorite show pieces from the S/S 2010 collections, plus the hair totally reminds me of the Prada show.

Prada Swarovski chandelier skirt and top. $19,000 well spent if you ask me.

Jil Sander oil spill dress and Givenchy wedges. Awkward metallic fabric is going to be big soon.

Rick Owens Dress and shoes. That dress moves like no other.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Rantings...

Clockwise from upper left: Helmut Lang F/W 2009, Gareth Pugh S/S 2010, Rick Owens F/W 2009, Raf Simons S/S 2010.

As of late, a lot of people have been trying to tell me that what I wear is "not fashionable" and "different". I started today by putting on some Levi's 510 Super Skinny jeans, a Shades of Greige swoop neck tank top, and a prized Helmut Lang draped cardigan. I was monochromatic, I was confident, and I felt chic in my own right.

My personal style has changed rapidly over the past 6 months, but then again, so have I. Since 2008 I went from 220 lbs down to 155 lbs, and my new body has let me look at fashion with a different eye. What has caught my eye the most is a growing movement in post-minimal and neo-gothic design. Tim Blanks said it best when he said "Fashion is just having a Rick Owens moment". This Rick Owens design aesthetic is a far cry from the Preppy American look that was shaped by my love for J.Crew, Ralph Lauren, and Trovata. What is fashion for if I can't experiment with new styles? If you disagree with the trend I am trying out, than suck it up and deal with it. It is a trend. It will pass. Life will go on.

With my drastic weight loss, I have grown more and more comfortable in my own body. As a way of validating it, I have become accustomed to wearing low cut shirts that show off a lot of my chest. These were quickly banned from my house. According to some, these shirts were "vulgar" and "not cool". Not that I really care what is "cool" by non-fashion type standards, but a recent article in the Wall Street Journal went as far to say that men should wear low cut shirts and that they are indeed "cool". So, now for the people that banned the low cut shirt around the house, I am back to wearing them. Just be thankful I don't have chest hair, or greased up chest hair Tom Ford style for that matter. To me these shirts represent the new me, who for once is close to being at home in my own skin. I am comfortable in them, and I like the way they look in them.

So, in my outfit today, I got in an argument that "boys don't wear the clothes that you (I) wear". Apparently my Helmut Lang asymmetrical draped cardigan didn't scream masculine. The person who was on the other side of this conversation wanted me to prove that other males wear clothes like this, so here I am. I grabbed some images that I draw my new style from, all which mix masculine and feminine, and all of which push the boundaries of modernity. I started with Helmut Lang, similar to my current look, shown here modeled by a boy... hmmmm... Next I chose Gareth Pugh, I love the asymmetry and monochromatic looks with a hard edge. Then there is Raf Simons, I tried the belted high waisted look (taken from the women's trend) but I liked it more in theory. Even if I was to grow fond of it I would hope people would have the decency to let me be myself and experiment with proportions like Raf did in his S/S 2010 collection. Finally we are left with the man of the moment; Rick Owens. Note the "not fashionable" low cut shirt, and feminine draping. If Tim Blanks is right (which he almost always is) and I am anyone to testify, then this Rick Owens look is being adopted by other men out there... Even if they don't reside in Minnesota.

If you have made it to the end of this rant, then thank you. I'm just sick of being told what I can and cannot do when it comes to fashion. Fashion changes, and so will I, so if you disagree with my current choices of clothing, then just wait a while, because I will change again, and maybe you will like it better the next time around.