Mr. Cunningham's Eye on...

Bill Cunningham, the original street style photographer who has worked for the New York Times for as long as anyone can remember, now does very irreverent and pitch-perfect video montages of his photos of stylish citizens of New York for the publication, and are one of my favorite things to watch one the Times website. I came across two great videos which seem to have captured my visual sense of style today in two very distinct ways for me: the ultra-feminine and perhaps the last bastion of gender-specific clothing, the Dress, makes its big appearance (again) at NY Fashion Week, AND, the direct influence of menswear/womenswear towards androgynous dressing, or, in my opinion, "dressing for You".

Enjoy these great video montages and the wonderful commentary of Mr. Cunningham:
"Fashion Week: Fantasy or Reality?"
The influence of menswear on womenswear, or is it the other way around? I think we have really reached the apex of "dressing for You". Look at how interchangeable it really truly is nowadays: men carry handbags/purses and wear color, and women are re-drawn to tailoring and wearing brogues better than ever.

"Zip It"
The return of the dress, in a big way, has not only transcended the runways but the closets of women everywhere. The "one-piece" does what it does without any other aplomb. It is stylishly simple and complete and the smartest move to make now.

-fggofstyle

Video: Lanvin Paris Fall 2011 Collection

Full of fun and tongue-in-cheek humor, Lanvin Paris does their Fall fashion film to a beat unexpected of the famed fashion house's general public image of the ultimate in French decorum. Steven Meisel helps to break down this barrier by creating a fun and hilarious film for the season, and one of my favorites. There is so many things to adore about this: the models are perfectly coiffed, everyone is dancing naturally (albeit loosely choreographed) and the cameo at the end is the best part. Who knew Alber can get down..?!
Enjoy!
-fggofstyle

A Hero's Welcome: Lanvin Men's Spring 2012

Spring/Summer 2012 Menswear Fashion Show from... by afp-fashion

The theme of the collection and presentation, "war heroes turn into heroes of peace", runs full force and relevant in Lanvin Men's fashion show, which just showed in Paris. This is a standout menswear collection and another personal favorite. Alber Elbaz and Lucas Ossendrijver present a cohesive and extremely wearable collection.
I love the color palette and its evolution, from rich and deep browns, to washed navy (almost chambray), black (and the exquisite leather and that covetable patent leather blazer), to a burst of color to close out the collection. I also love how the fabrics change from hard to soft, from the leathers to knit wool, to prints and tie-dye, to silks and jersey cotton. I also love how the style moves through the presentation, which you will notice how each look goes from "buttoned up" (ie boots, jacket, tie, etc) to "loosened up" (ie sandals, layered looks, color, soft textures).
The collection, rooted in an ideal of the strength and austerity of the "hero" man, hits all the right targets, I believe, by showing us both the hard and the soft, and the dark and the colorful side of the modern man's wardrobe.

-fggofstyle

(video via DailyMotion France/YouTube)

"Brothers of Arcadia"--a short film presented by Mugler Menswear

Nicola Formichetti brings his bad-ass-ness back and this time its for the guys. Combining myth, legend, and lore and titillating imagery, Mugler Menswear brings us "Brothers of Arcadia" a provocative conceptualization for Spring 2012. Formichetti says about the film:

 “I was interested in the idea of fantasy, dreams and voyeurism. I was looking at Italian Neo-Realist cinema and then, post-that, where Fellini and Pasolini become more about myth and fantasy. At the same time, I loved the idea and accessibility of pornography and everyday voyeurism on Xtube. Fashion is always referencing pornography, so there was an element in doing this film of just ‘cutting out the middleman,’ but it is an erotic fashion film nonetheless.”


Call it what you will--guerilla marketing or digital art or cinema sexualite--one thing is for sure, you have our attention Mr. Formichetti. The film, to me, is a moving and lyrical fashion ballet of sorts, moving its way from classic beauty to our new hyper-ideal of it. Its varied references of "Caligula", Madonna's art book "Sex", vintage homoerotica, and 1990's underground/downtown/club fantasy world all come together in an interesting and definitely provocative way. It pushes an envelope without losing the focus on its focus: Mugler Menswear (albeit without showing much of the collection itself). Instead, the ideals and essence of the collection is showcased. And its not really about sex, its about the sensuality of style, in my opinion. See for yourself and enjoy.
-fggofstyle


"Brothers of Arcadia", a film by Branislav Jankic presented by Nicola Formichetti/Mugler Menswear
(video via New York Magazine)

Related articles

• Mugler | Paris Menswear Spring/Summer 2012 (modedimitri.wordpress.com)

BLK DNM | A Johan Lindeberg Project

Never one to shun or shy away from amazing contemporary basics, I am always on the look out for brands that keep it simple, clean, and directional to help me keep mine and my clients' wardrobe sleek and streamlined. Johan Lindeberg, aka J Lindeberg, has launched, with perfect perfection in my opinion, a new venture and one of the best contemporary basics line around nowadays. With great offerings for men and women, and keeping everything in a sleek and simple vein, Lindeberg's BLK DNM label has something for absolutely everyone: tailored pieces, denim, knits, sweaters...all the items are made of the highest quality and with distinct details and finishing. There is also a great "newspaper" called "gazette" that is worth getting a copy of as it is a genius bit of marketing and an artistic rendering of the label. With a pop-up store in NYC's SoHo district, BLK DNM keeps it even more cool. And to make sure the cool transcends, they do have a website and e-commerce so you too can get a piece-- BLK DNM | A Johan Lindeberg Project.

Sometimes its too easy to look good and cool at the same time and with BLK DNM, you're killin' it kindly.

-fggofstyle

Related articles

• Extra! Extra! Lindeberg Has Landed! (tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com)

Video: The Boys of Milan and Paris

This is a joyous and fun video from Jak & Jil's Tommy Ton and director Justin Wu of the male models from the Milan and Paris FW 2011 shows, having fun and offering backstages glimpses of the shows. Can you say, "Boys, Boys, Boys"!?! So much FUN!! Enjoy...
-fggofstyle


Boys of Milan & Paris FW2011 from Justin Wu on Vimeo.

Men's Fashion Week-Milan : DSquared2

I absolutely love the DSquared2* show, just presented at Men's Fashion Week in Milan.
It's theatrical, modern, and celebrates the return of the well groomed man, albeit as the quintessential  lothario/gigolo/bachelor type, complete with his latest seductive conquests at his side. Unlike the male models of recent seasons, the men cast here in DSquared's show are well...men: athletic, coiffed, and tailor made to wear Dan and Dean Caton's modern men's collection. Take notes, because this is how men should and will be dressing next Spring.
-feelgoodguru
(*video courtesy of T Magazine/NYTimes; photo credit: Alberto Pizzoli/Agence France-Presse-Getty Images)

Loving Friends: Commuter Guy

I spotted these two guys recently in the Sunset Strip area. They caught my attention because: the guy on the left was wearing the coolest vintage moccasin boots (I've always wanted a pair of these but wasn't sure how I'd pull them off) with his decidedly "LA Rocker look", the guy on the right's very 90's colored denim (and in my accent color of late, red), and most importantly, because they were so attentive and involved in their conversation and (under the blue denim jacket in their lap) they were holding hands. It struck me to be sweet and private, yet bold and public. It was definitely heartwarming and it put a smile on my face...
-fgg

Commuter Guy (3) Young Prof: West Hollywood

I snapped this young professional guy in West Hollywood. I love his jacket, and his longer lengthed hair. He definitely works in entertainment or film, but this is LA, so he could be your financial advisor...
-fgg

The Hottest Site for Men's Style

By suggestion from a very stylish female friend, I went on over and checked out Valet, and I strongly suggest that you do to. Whether you are a style savvy guy follower, or a cool hip fashion chick, there is someone you know who could use the very fantastic information and editorial on the site. Layed out like a true glossy, Valet doesn't skimp or skirt on the substance and their content. I am totally loving their "31 Days" guide, perfect for ALL of us!!
Take a look and check them out: http://www.valetmag.com/

-feelgoodguru

Commuter Guy

UPDATE: 12/23/2009

I had a nice meet and greet and a pleasant chat with my second entry and first guy in the "Commuter" series on a recent trip into Beverly Hills. I had the pleasure to meet Jeremy and snap this new pic. He is wearing a more business/professional look. I like how he is in dark charcoal but opted to inject color by choosing a burgundy shirt and topping it off with a great neutral ivory coat. Again, proving his keen style and sense and personality. Take a peek.
It was my pleasure to meet you, and here is to seeing you again very soon!
-fgg

The second entry in my "Commuter" series is this very stylish guy I have seen a few times. He is always in something distinctly his own but is always classic. He tends to favor more "prep" looks but I have seen him don a full suit as well. Today he is definitely more casually dressed. I love his sneakers today: vintage Adidas! He is very smartly appointed as well, donning some of the best sunglasses I have seen around! He always catches my fashion eye beause he is keen on dressing in a way that expresses who he is, adds just a enough of a whim of trendiness and hipster cred, and always wears clothing that fits his frame and build and that is comfortable. He wears it well! I will try and snap another pic of him in another look very soon, so keep your eye out for it. Enjoy!
-fgg