A common consensus amongst men is that they look at more than that brand plastered on your tee, such as your watch, sunglasses, shoes, wallet and car keys. Of course, a tie, scarf or hat this season would also ignite charisma and instantly light up your persona.
You already won half the battle, with your Ralph Lauren polo, but your Gucci shades and shoes complete the perfect picture. I would insist on the term “a perfect man,” but for that, we need to accessorize. However, if you only own one accessory, and that is a Lamborghini key/keychain, we will make an exception!
Wondering how to transform your wardrobe for 2011? Here is what you need to know about the latest trends and concepts that made way into the male style lexicon au moment.
"It's all about good taste"— Giorgio Armani
It is true; your apparel becomes your identity and sets you apart. Believe it or not, men notice. For those who differ, I set up a survey on Facebook and men from 19-55 years of age answered in the affirmative. So, yes, it is all in the details.
Arab men in particular are full of zest for life and style and are passionate about their elite sense of fashion. Indeed, Arabs have set the stage ablaze with their alluring confidence. When it comes to high fashion, it is imperative to discuss the latest trends on the runway by high-end designers. For those guys wanting to take the fashion plunge, this is your cue.
When it comes to men's style, there are two schools of thought on the runway: the classics and the contemporary risk takers.
Our spotlight is on the hottest accessories this season that add élan to an Arab man’s style.
Man bag and man clutches. Yes, it is phenomenal and probably can be shared with your partner. Iconic bag styles are available in leather, such as Damier Infini — an ultra-soft and high quality leather embossed in signature check. The Keepall, the Neo-Greenwich and the Porte-Document de Voyage are showcased on the runway in Motel Red, Glacier Grey and Anthracite. Large camouflage bags come in crocodile print. In addition to this new leather statement, brief cases and small satchels, designed with trunk locks — classic Louis Vuitton delights — are available in elephant print leather and in classic Nomade soft leather, Monogram canvas or patent alligator. Other features are available in leather and exotic skins such as crocodile and python. Some of these are bags, luggage accessories, wallets and iPad cases.
We have all been fanatics of the rock star leather jackets or the Armani models that paved way for the superlative tux and jackets of pure class. Presented by a number of design houses, including Burberry and Calvin Klein, the main facet of the men’s style are statement jackets.
The generic trends this season present an array of contemporary classics, which fundamentally means you upgrade your Audi TT to an Audi R8. Using the same line of vision, just add panache to your wardrobe or incredible accessories. These may be for your boy toys or utility items. For the former, you can carry your iPad in a Louis Vuitton case; and for the latter, use Louis Vuitton’s sneakers designed by Kanye West. Just the way he likes it.
Be it Billy Reid’s timeless southern refinement, Brit Style with ‘Tude or a magical journey with Louis Vuitton. You can indulge in velvet underground displayed by the likes of Bottega Veneta, or be the quintessential man by Paul Smith. Play with it.
Put on your flamboyant hats boys because the men are back, and this time they have their heads adorned with the modern crown. Fashion Week 2011 excerpts reported the Roberto Cavalli presentation, which owed a lot to Jim Morrison in the guise of the Lizard King with a literal crowning touch provided by Borsalinos. John Galliano, Dior Homme, favored austere flat-brimmed hats right out of "Witness," while Lanvin made way with a broad-brimmed Borsalinos.
"For sure, we can say that hats are having a fashion moment. Here are funny hats, magical hats, eccentric hats, erotic hats and hats that are disturbing," said Elisa Fulco, the curator of the Borsalino Foundation.
Think royalty. Men are coming back to a time when royalty used jewelry to illustrate their significance. It’s part of the heritage that men have carried over the years as a definition of masculinity. No, not the superfluous dandy kind, this is real business, adorned by Gucci, D&G jewels, Cartier and Bvlgari, amongst many others. Furthermore, the English touch, that consists of cuffs, complete your attire. It can cost you up to a million dollars making jewelry a vital part of men’s fashion industry, but the more affordable pieces are available at H&M, Bershka and Massimo Dutti.
Sunglasses are both functional and fashionable. Celebrities use them to shun paparazzi and Taio Cruz supports them cruising in his BMW at night in his music videos. You can also support the most incredible yet ludicrous pair of glasses because frankly, this is the season for it, and hopefully the only one. Ray-bans make a comeback with a new bang, colors and contemporary framing.
You can tell a lot about a man by his shoes: his mood, taste and perhaps his bank balance. Gucci’s Spring 2011 Menswear focused on footwear, namely slip on loafers. Because of their mere simplicity and elegance, slip-ons, even in velvet, can bring a vintage appeal to your overall style.
A man speaks volumes through his watch. An important man knows the value of time and definitely of a Rolex. Cartier, Breitling and Hublot share an extremely superior collection.
Jackets are given star treatment with a pocket square, in satin and silk textures. Speaking for 2011, a must for a double-breasted suit is that it has peaked lapels and that its breast pocket accommodates a pocket handkerchief. Hermes or Armani, suit yourself; remember, it is all about cohesion. Even more, brooches and chains feature as belts and braces for accessories this season. On one of their shirts, Dolce & Gabbana reveals the core of a male fashionista: "Love me tonight!"
2011 predicts that real men, not boys, will dominate the male modeling trade. Women too applaud the return of strong masculinity and gracious man power.
The escape from skinny boys, will lead us to the rough, slightly dangerous, muscled and powerful men that is basically what women want. A man for all seasons and a reflection of classicism and masculinity.
