FUNKISM

It all started with the “Harem” pants that found their way into women’s closets a year or so ago…But recently we’ve been seeing more and more men rock the look in a more tapered, tame way. Even prominent designers like Yves St. Laurent and Dolce & Gabbana have featured the drop crotch in their collections for fashion week.

The major difference from the normal harem pants, (and the reason why Drop-Crotch pants can be acceptable in most cases), is the fabric and tailoring. Materials can range from denim to fleece, or even wool.

The trick to rocking this style? Perfect tailoring. In order to prevent yourself from looking like a bad reincarnation of MC Hammer, try to find a pair that aren’t too loose and baggy. You can also war a top that ends right by your waistline to keep it from looking like you’re drowning in your pants!

As for footwear, go for something simple. Let your pants do the talking! Basic sneakers like Converse, Vans, or Keds will do. You could even tuck them into a nice pair of boots!

So what do you think? Would you/will you rock the look? Or is it best left to the ladies? Let me know in the comments section!

Dolce & Gabbana

The theme of the show: “artists using the streets as their medium to communicate messages”. In order to portray this theme, Buckler shut down an entire street in SoHo, NYC and used it as his own runway. Something about watching models walk down the street in the collection just made it seem so much more real. It helped show it’s rugged, but soft quality to the fabrics. Buckler showed mostly somber colors, something different from what most menswear designers have shown this season. However, black isn’t bad. In fact, he showed what worked last season, long silhouettes, lots of layering, and small bursts of color that resembled street art. You all know I’m a big fan of color, but I also like the simple basic colors like the blacks and grays, even the basic white button down shirt. I also felt that the cuts and tailoring were great, and flattering for the average man. All simple, sporty, and classy at the same time.

Thanks to Jose Camacho for the photos since I did not have my camera!

The show begins the same way most Autumn Menswear shows begin…a model walks down the runway in a simple structured dark suit; monochromatic and void of all the allusions to spring, happiness, and warmth. However slowly but surely, the Autumn I know and love begins to appear. First in bright red-orange corduroy pants, and then mustard yellow, next a wonderful blue pea coat. Soon color has bled onto the runway as every model walks down in something exciting. Wether it’s an electric green shirt hiding under a jet black coat, or a simple light brown trim on a navy suit jacket, color has found it’s way back to our hearts…and our closets.

But the return to bold color did not stop at just Bottega Veneta. It seems as if Milan’s Menswear season has finally seen the light.

More and more designers have incorporated bold, bright colors; in no way sacrificing the actual architecture or structure of their designs. A suit jacket is still a suit jacket, except maybe even more inviting in a brilliant shade of fuchsia at Jil Sander.

For those of you who don’t need (or want) to wear a solid fuchsia suit to work, you can still incorporate this upcoming season’s trend into your basic everyday attire. The basic elements of Jil Sander (form and function) were not spared as Raf Simons added little sightings of bold color on sweaters, collars, and lust-worthy linings. Christopher Bailey also followed the trend with his collection for Burberry Prorsum, which featured a coat for every season, but revamped with deep luxurious colors and shades. So why all the color? Maybe it’s just time for change. And who said only womenswear could have fun? Mark your calendars as 2011 issues the return of COLOR!

Recently one style has been making a re-appearance on the runways; the Double Breasted Blazer. Many designers have previously avoided producing them because many people see them as too-formal. But now that designers are shaking things up a bit, every man needs to run out and buy one to wear casually! It doesn’t necessarily have to be a blazer; it could be a suit jacket, a coat, or even a sweater/ cardigan. But you need one now! Here are some examples from recent Fall 2011 Menswear shows:

Although they do seem formal when buttoned, you can also wear them unbuttoned and open, for a more casual look. Many also think it may be too physically big, however as long as it’s tailored to you, you’ll look great in it no matter what. Because there are so many options, we can wear them in many styles and colors and textures, ultimately adding class and personality to your style!