Sep
07
MAN DAY: The Haute Couture Edition
Firstly, I must apologize for taking such a long break. But, I must warn you, from time to time, I will have to take some break for work purposes.
Secondly, instead of showing all of the pictorials of the shows (plus, I really don’t have the time to do it), I will showcase some highlights (I almost shudder as I write this) of a few of the many shows. If you want a more in-depth look at the Spring 2008 fashions shown here, check out the designers official websites.
Thirdly, I had to change the colors–it was getting too difficult for me to read my own posts..curse these over-30 eyes!
Let’s get started!
Diesel
I had fun at this show. It was a throwback to 80s apparel and I was feeling right at home. I know that some of you men remember wearing skinny jeans…they weren’t just for the ladies….
However, I found some looks to be just downright disturbing
I mean, unless you are going to be dropping it like it’s hot as a Chippendales dancer, this ensemble need not be in your style repertoire. And, ankle booties are strictly reserved for grown women and babies…
Likewise, what in the flight suit hell is going on here? There they go with the booties again…
There are no words…except that deep V-necks are N-E-V-E-R acceptable with a grown man’s onesie..
Uhh, I am at a loss for words…for various reasons! Fellas, if your body doesn’t look EXACTLY LIKE THE ONE ABOVE, don’t try this at home….or on the beach. I WILL hysterically laugh at you to call you out…
Official site: Diesel
Nautica
Nautica’s new collection was infused with bright bold colors. Keeping in line with the structured look, the men’s pants and suits are appropriately form fitting and seek to create sleek, unbroken lines.
It takes quite a man to wear an aqua blazer, a man scarf, and slightly tapered pants. I mean, could YOU do it? I like the look as an editorial image, but I don’t know how well it transfers from the runway to the real way. Then again, I can imagine this look on someone named Chip, Skipper, or Buck…that will marry a Buffy, Tootie, or Mimi….
Yet again the man-scarf has its way with a man! This traditional ensemble is given a fresh update with the addition of the scarf and pocket square. I wouldn’t necessarily advise any male client to work this out….but something about the yellow is oh-so-refreshing for Spring. I would probably get the most resistance about the loafers…why is “Billie Jean is not my lover” now playing in my head?
I absolutely adore this look…classic, trendy, stylish…it’s such a signature look! Now, there a few requirements that you must have in order to wear this look:
- a very serious swagger
- moderate to above average body (your admirers will want to tear your clothes off and you don’t want to disappoint them–they may as well have a V-8 if the package doesn’t live up to the advertising)
- money in the bank for an even tighter wardrobe (don’t let this be your ONLY hot outfit)
Enough said….
Official site: Nautica
Duckie Brown
First of all, let me say that EVERY man on the catwalk had a MAN-BAG. That’s right…I said EVERY man…
Duckie Brown kept the trend of bright bold colors alive in this lively show. While I still am a bit hesitant about men wearing sports blazers/jackets and Bermuda shorts (it’s like wearing socks with sandals or wearing knee high sport socks and knee length shorts), I am slowly coming around. I don’t know if it is a true fashion psyche mindspeak or simply sensory overload…anyways, enjoy the view:
See what I mean? I love the use of primary colors, but something about the outfit is just off. Never mind the ginormous chrome purse and polo bobbysocks, something just ain’t right with this….
Check out his simply orange swagger. Besides the jacket being 2 sizes too large and the manbag overpowering the entire look, I like the orange. That’s all I have to say….I’m trying to be nice to the brother…he can’t say no to what the designers choose to put on him…I know he was like, “Why does the black man have to wear orange? Aren’t there some black or navy jackets back there?”
This, by far, was one of the best looks. Even though it looks like the model is wearing his grandfather’s suit on his very first job interview, the understated elegant mix of tradition and classiness make this ensemble timeless.
P.S. he is still holding a manbag…hee hee hee
Official site: Duckie Brown
Perry Ellis
Perry Ellis is known for a non-threatening, assimilating look. Well, the fans weren’t disappointed this season–the entire line is designed for the man who wants to be stylish but not rock the boat too much.
Ok, I know that most of you wouldn’t wear this ensemble quite this snug, but, aside from the babymaker-huggy fit, it’s a great outfit for late Spring. I am well aware that during the winter months, many of my male fabulites are getting their (sigh) “guns” ready for viewing. I’m an abs gal myself, so I really can’t push this look on too many menfolk. But, if you are pretty like the model above, you WILL get a second look, a third, and quite possibly a fourth longing stare…..
This is actually a sports blazer/Bermuda shorts combo that I would endorse. The neutral colors tone down the unlikely match-up and the crispness of the clothing create a very trendy signature look. The manbag is most suitable—a messenger bag with an American classic look is much better than carrying a large purse, oh, my bad, I mean tote…..
I was enticed by the wool checked coat, but then the ascot-like-scarfy-extra-cloth-thingamajig threw me off. I love the colors….Perry Ellis keeps the neutral tones definitely in check…
If you wear this, please remove that thingy….I might mistake it as a handkerchief and use it to blow my little nose….
Official site: Perry Ellis
DKNY
I love Donna Karan and when I say love, I mean “cry hysterically if I ever get a chance to meet her” love…
Her collections are always on the cutting edge–but definitely toe the line between stylish and safe.
I dare ask, how many men can wear a one-button suit? Well, you can too if you are slim and trim (Note to Diddy–stop wearing them–you are one donut away the Big and Tall store). If you can pull it off, this is definitely the way to do it. I give it a thumbs up!
Equally amazing is this double breasted suit with a two-tone tie. It is mighty European to throw in this tie, but, what the hey, add some excitement into your wardrobe. I love the slim fit paired with the skinny tie. I usually advocate a wider knot and tie, but this is simply perfect. Oh—this is NOT a peacoat—you could be mistaken for the Captain of the Love Boat if you overdo it and add a nautical theme to this…..
This look is absolutely HOT. The seriousness of the swagger that is needed to carry this off is beyond words. The two-tone skinny tie makes one of its multiple appearances with this one button black suit pair with a gray shirt. It’s perfect for making that bold statement for your visual personal brand…
Official site: DKNY
Heatherette
I was so geeked to go to this show…but I had to go home. I didn’t have an invite when I was in the Big Apple, but found two invites in my mailbox waiting for me. Lucky me….if I had went….
I just have one pic for your viewing pleasure:

Enough said….the rest are just different versions of this. I did like some of the women’s clothing…but I guess that won’t do most of you male readers any good…
Official site: Heatherette
This is not, by far, a comprehensive overview of Mens 2008 fashion. For a more in-depth review, check out Style.com and Instyle.
Keep it strictly stylish!




eclectik
Comment by September 14, 2007 @ 7:55 pm
Love this!
Fashion week is always the hotness but the men get next to no love; Ima have to swipe some of these pics for the messageboard LOL
Love the blog….PLUS you’re in the metro area too!
Say hi sometime.
e.
eclectik-relaxation.com
The Message board (Grown folk talk)
Celena Gill
Comment by September 14, 2007 @ 8:48 pm
LOL….thanks so much! I am truly digging your site. Your commentary is hee-larious….
Georgia Peach in the Big Apple
Comment by September 16, 2007 @ 8:01 pm
Thanks for the eye candy!
Chanel
Comment by September 16, 2007 @ 11:27 pm
Lol at Diddy being “one donut away from the big & tall store”!
But I think you are absolutely right. He really needs to stop wearing those (one-button) suits.