Dolce & Gabbana x Grado DS2012 Headphones

The two continually evolving industries of technology and fashion have a long standing love affair with one another, producing products which are all round aesthetically/acoustically/technologically pleasing. Over recent years, collaborations of note include the Armani-Samsung Galaxy S phone back in 2010 as well as LG’s 2007 Prada phone – both of which were an overwhelming success for all the brands involved.

The latest techno-luxury (yes, I just made that up) partnership sees Italian fashion giants Dolce & Gabbana team up with leading manufacturers of audio accessories; Grado.

The result? An all-round eye and ear pleasing product, entitled The DS2012. The headset features ‘open air’ technology for squeaky clean sound and is completely hand-manufactured from a precious mahogany – the perfect accessory for numerous long tanning sessions on your winter getaway.

Thinksound MS01 Monitor Series Headphones

Thinksound, an American headphone company which began with a simple goal of creating ‘incredible sounding headphones with the smallest eco-footprint possible’ also do an authentic wooden in-ear headphone, actually claiming to be the first in the market to create such a product.

The Thinksound MS01 Monitor Series is, perhaps, not as pretty as the Dolce & Gabana version but coming in at under £100, you’ll be saving more than a few pounds – as well as a tree or two.

They are available now at Amazon.

A Guide To Looking Good: The Christmas Party

Yes, it’s that time of year again, already. It only seems like yesterday that your Nan was napping on the sofa, your parents were snoozing in the chairs and you were passed out on the floor (at least that’s what happens in my house). The shops are stocking up on crackers, mince pies, Christmas puddings, awful music and all the other guff that generally makes Christmas a miserable time of year, contrary to the popular belief of children.

Outfit Inspiration

Look 1: Shirt & Knitwear Combination

A pair of jeans, a slim fit shirt (white or blue probably) and a good, chunky cardigan is a winning combination whenever you wear it and where-ever you go. If you want to make it that little bit more interesting, try finding a shirt with some added details, a penny or rounded collar, or with a very light pattern such as the Reiss one.

Look 2: Utilising Accents

Lookbook: polo shirt with trousers, bold shoes, silk scarves, trend pieces like double breasted and knitted jackets

Rather than shouting in everyone’s face with your outfit of bold colours, crazy patterns or luxurious textures, inject some interest through your shoes or accessories. A flash of colour at the wrist or something a little different on the feet is a great talking point and will exude just enough fashion forwardness to show off your knowledge and confidence. Likewise, a trend cut such as a double-breasted jacket (still in a muted colour) can be a subtle choice that hints you know what you are doing.

Look 3: Blazers & Roll Necks

We’ve already had two slightly more casual looks, so now it’s time to scratch the itch that I know at least half of you will be suffering from.

For this look we have a small check list: Blazer? Check. Roll neck? Check. Smart trousers/chinos? Check. Smart shoes? Check. Just go all European on their arses.

Because this outfit is quite sharp, you can choose to keep things crisp and slim with Derbies or Oxfords, or on trend with monk straps or Chelsea boots. Keep things playful – you’ll find an outfit can be drastically altered simply by switching your footwear. Personally, I would stick to slim and refined but it really is up to you.

Look 4: Formal Wear

know for a fact that a few of you will want to wear a dressed down suit. It’s just one of those things, especially if you’ve just invested in a little burgundy number.

However, a word of warning – if you choose to go down this route, there are a few things to consider.

Do you wear a suit every day? Please don’t wear a work suit, go for something bold (only on the basis of the parameters set out previously being met and your colleagues appreciating it) or something classic but in a more statement colour and/or fabric. It’s worth remembering that not all navy suits look like business suits.

Once you’ve chosen your suit, look for ways to differentiate it from the kind of thing you would wear to work;whether this is through bold accessories, different textures or mixed aesthetics (such as a denim shirt and stand out shoes) is up to you.

Conclusion

Please remember that this is also just a guide. It has been designed as a simple source of inspiration and all of the outfits I have shown are completely interchangeable – with just a little thought you can adapt them to suit your own purposes and image. By altering just one item, you can create something completely different and all of your own.

So, if you want to impress this party season, taking the time to create the perfect, event appropriate outfit is key. Get it right OR wrong and the chances are you’ll be the talk of the office; make sure it’s the right kind of talk.

The Look: British Heritage

British Heritage: The Key Elements

The English hunter is not only a slayer of wildlife, but a style icon that has seen much resurgence in recent years. Heritage hunt wear is an excellent choice for the autumn/winter months as it is built to be weatherproof and durable.Nothing quite says ‘English classic’ than a waxed jacket and woollen trousers, right?

1.Layering & Fabrics

First, the basics. Layering is key here. Mix plain, woollen jumpers with contrasting shirts and t-shirts for a seasonally appropriate look. Whilst après-ski patterns are certainly a key trend this season, British classics are our inspiration here, and anything semi-Scandinavian will only detract and confuse an otherwise strong look.The key brands to look out for are the likes of Pringle, Lyle & Scott and Ted Baker, so take plenty of inspiration from our homegrown fashion heroes.

In terms of fabric choice, stick to materials traditionally associated with the countryside such as tweed, corduroy and wool – luckily for us, all three are trending this AW12.

2.The Jacket

Barbour is the first and most obvious brand; countryside apparel that has become something of a firm fashion fixture. No longer the sole reserve of fox-killing toffs, Barbour is considered an excellent style choice for any contemporary gent. Waxed numbers in navy and dark green are more than relevant, as are cheaper quilted jackets, which can be worn as an under or outer layer, dependent on thickness.

Try to stick to the more classic heritage options; black belted jackets are a nice update of the more traditional formula, but they lack a certain heritage appeal. However, with premium brands like Barbour, comes a notable price tag. 

Tweed blazers have become an alternative outerwear option, due to their inherent warmth, and can be dressed up or down as appropriate to your style/the occasion.

3.The Trousers

Believe it or not, straight-leg denim jeans integrate perfectly with this look. Whilst not an obvious sartorial decision, they can dress down any outfit – and every gent should have a half decent pair in their existing wardrobe.

Woollen trousers in grey and slate are the most heritage-friendly pieces, but try to avoid patterning if your tweed jacket already incorporates one.

Corduroy trousers are not only on trend, but now come in a huge range of colours and a slimmer, more contemporary fit. I have already shown you how to wear cords successfully this season, so just bear in mind the width of your wall and what items you are going to be pairing them with. Go bold if your top half is restrained, and anchor with classic navy or brown cords if you have opted for a statement jacket.

Feel free to roll up hems once or twice for a clean, neat finish – the secret to a fantastic British outfit is a crisp silhouette. It also allows for a flash of sock colour, the height of British eccentricity, and everyone can earn a few extra style points from this little trick.

4.The Shoes

Vans and Converse just won’t cut the mustard I’m afraid. All I can advise here is to invest, invest, invest; good shoes need to be high quality, to ensure a stylish finish and an element of hard wearing. Many a good outfit has been ruined by an ill-informed footwear choice and I wouldn’t want any of you to fall victim to this also.

Brogues, Oxford and Derby shoes are all incredibly relevant, and for those looking to bring a touch of the country to town, why not invest in a pair of brogue or hiking/walking boots? Both of these options are smart enough to be dressed up or down, and will bring a contemporary spin to the traditional ‘hunter’ aesthetic.

Personally, I think brown leather is best; the bolder amongst our kind may opt for country inspired colours such as burgundy, camel or olive, whereas two-tone brogues available from the likes of ASOS and Urban Outfitters provide an interesting twist on the classic model.

Conclusion

So guys, that’s a brief rundown of the joys and benefits of British heritage wear – and why looking like you’ve come straight from the farm is a desirable look this season.Despite the polished appearance of this particular style, there’s nothing prissy or feminine about heritage hunt wear;these blokes have shotguns, after all.

Dismissing Mens Fashion Myths.. Shit My Dad Says

There’s nothing wrong with my old man’s style. He does well with what he’s got, and playing to our strengths is all any of us can do. However, like most people who pick up the signals sent down from up high, he does have a few stalwart rules about fashion and style (and himself) that can never be broken. But he’s just plain wrong. And I’m going to explain why.

So without further ado, consider this the greatest hits of Shit My Dad Says: The Style Edition.

"Pleats Just Aren't Stylish Anymore”

Oh man, I hate this one. It’s a prime example of how the fashion industry can have serious side effects on the way people dress.

In actual fact, pleats serve a very specific purpose when dressing your body type. For the larger gentlemen amongst our readership, they can help accommodate the way your hips and waist become wider when you sit down. They also help your trouser drape in a cleaner, sharper line. Therefore, guys carrying a bit of timber will actually look slimmer with pleats in their trousers.

So, rather than believing everything you read as gospel, try deciding what looks best on you in the mirror first by paying attention to the proportions and lines of your body.

“Never Wear Brown In Town”

What does that EVEN mean? First of all, this one doesn’t stem directly from the fashion industry but from an old saying that was popular during the late nineteenth, early twentieth century.

Traditionally, Englishmen that worked in the city would wear black, blue and grey and, upon returning to their homes in the country at the end of the day or at the weekend, would change into the more country appropriate colour of brown. This resulted in the belief within English society that brown should not be worn in the city because it would communicate to others that you were not ready for business; dressed casual or off duty.

Sure, traditional country fabrics like tweed look better in brown and other achromatic colours, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear them in town. Heed the words of the ever inspirational Tupac Shakur and wake up “screaming f*ck the world”! Rather than my old man, who wakes up creaking.

Final Word

In part two, we cover the subjects of navy and black, what qualifies as evening wear and what other items of clothing larger guys can wear (sorry Pops). But whilst you wait, why not get involved in the comments sectionand share some of the other preposterous theories on men’s fashion you have come across…

Wish List #5

1.Riess Aviator Jacket-£97

2.McQ Alexander McQueen Bone Hummingbird Scene Slim Shirt-Available now from my-wardrobe.com priced at £210.

3.Shwood Release Limited Edition Canby Frames to Support Sandy Victims-The limited edition Santos Mahogany Canby frame is available from the Shwood online store with polarised and non-polarised lenses. Prices range from $155-$195.

4.Lanvin Slim-Fit Jeans-£270

5.Shwood Limited Edition Canby Sunglasses-The limited edition Santos Mahogany Canby frame is available from the Shwood online store with polarised and non-polarised lenses. Prices range from $155-$195.

Style Icon: Dan Trepanier

Dan’s dress sense is very much in the vein of what we here at FashionBeans often strive for – timeless but with the occasional twist. Individuality is essential to every well dressed, standout gent but behind that individuality is the perfected craft of timeless basics done justice – the blank canvas on which the art of accessories and detailing is applied.

From fit to flourish, ties to trouser breaks, Trepanier has the basics more than perfected. Equally, his ability to put together a classic outfit before adding something a little different for that standout quality is second-to-none.

Think vintage, chunky knit Cowichan cardigans layered over a perfectly curated shirt, tie and waistcoat combination or an old lightweight camo jacket worn over an oxford shirt, bow tie, indigo jeans and loafers. Both looks sound a little out there on paper to the average guy, yet Dan pulls them off and makes them look good; confidence we can all be inspired by.Our man isn’t afraid to take a risk or two, yet at the same time many of his outfits are combed back to basics.

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RALPH LAUREN’S RL VINTAGE ONLINE BOUTIQUE LAUNCHED

CASELY-HAYFORD FALL WINTER 2012 KNITWEAR

Comme des Garcons ‘by the sea’ Fragrances

With the autumn/winter season now in full swing, it’s time to switch out all of your favourite summertime scents in favour of rich, dark, altogether muskier fragrances. You change your wardrobe from season to season, so why wouldn’t you make appropriate changes to your fragrances too?

With this in mind, Comme des Garcons have got you covered this holiday season – with the release of the ‘by the sea’ range, the latest addition to their ever expanding fragrance line.

The three fragrances that make up the range are; Wonderwood (woody notes), CDG2 (Chinese cedarwood and cumin) and Amazingreen (palm tree leaves, green pepper and dew mist).

For this latest venture, Comme des Garcons have enlisted the help of talented artist Sandra Korn, who has created original artwork for each of the three different bottle designs.

With each bottle a work of art in itself, they are just begging to be displayed with pride – these distinct designs are truly unique and undeniably eye capturing. So, with each fragrance benefiting from not only smelling amazing but also looking good too, you are sure to be on to a winner this Christmas if you choose this gift!

Retailing at £75 each, these stunning limited edition fragrances are set to be available at Dover Street Market next week.

Street style #5

Alexander McQueen: Fashion Visionary

Images-'Dapper Kid'

Alexander McQueen: Fashion Visionary

By Judith Watt

Foreword by Daphne Guinness

Published by Goodman Books

(Available at Amazon and other good bookstores)

Verdict

This is most certainly not your typical coffee table fashion book and I like that. I think this book makes for a very easy to navigate and useful resource material, covering McQueen's collections in a detailed chronological order. The extent of the research that went into the book, including the various interviews, provides a wealth of information that is enjoyable to read. I think this book would make a very good starting place for anyone interested in McQueen's work, but also a nice addition to those already very much taken by the extent of his artistry. Would I, like Watt, place McQueen's life work alongside that of Chanel and Saint Laurent? I'm not so sure yet, but she certainly makes a convincing argument.

Selfridges- Largest men’s shoe department in the world

Not content with its status as the ‘Best Department Store in the World’, Selfridges can now claim another global accolade. From tomorrow the luxury retailer will be home to the largest men’s shoe department in the world.

In numbers that’s 72,000 pairs of shoes, 3,200 styles and over 250 brands – we’re talking 10,000 square feet dedicated to your feet.And from £25 Havaianas to over £10,000 for made-to-order Tom Ford boots, via a pair of customised sneakers and bespoke brogues, the new space is filled with enough footwear variations to satisfy the needs of even the most fervent shoe connoisseur. Selfridges have also managed to score a number of exclusives including styles by Dr. Martens, Burberry and McQ designed especially for the store.

In short: if you want shoes, you know where to go!

AW12 Trend: Sleeve Cropped Knitwear

The biggest proponents of the cropped-sleeve knitwear trend at the AW12 Fashion Weeks were Calvin Klein Collection and D&G

The Calvin Klein Collection featured a series of round-neck, knitted jumpers with cropped sleeves paired with button-down white shirts and worn over thin, cotton long-sleeved pullovers – creating a successful layered effect.

Although the range of looks showcased at Calvin Klein followed a near identical formula, there was a wide selection of knits: from a black fleck-knit jumper to a waffle-knit version in pale grey to a beige/black check-pattern jumper. The overarching feel of each outfit proved to be fairly similar, but the variety in pattern and colour helped differentiated each look and provided some individuality, all the while hammering home the emphasis on creative layering:

D&G also featured a cropped-sleeve jumper in dark grey with a contrast light grey neck-cuff and waistband. This jumper featured quite a rough finish on the edges, again emphasizing a hardy, workwear feel. It was paired with several layers of thinner, long-sleeved pullovers in various tones of grey cotton:

Esquire Magazine have featured cropped knitwear pieces in their editorials for both October and November 2012, which shows they really feel this trend will make an impact this season.

In fact, Esquire felt that the look pushed by Calvin Klein at their AW12 runway show did not require any tweaking at all; they created an exact copy, as modelled by Jamie Dornan [below right]:

BUYER’S GUIDE: 6 PATTERNED WINTER SCARVES

I thought i'de write up a quick Buyer’s Guide turning to a cold weather essential – The Scarf. One of those accessories that can really makes the difference during winter, I've gone for some full on pattern with these examples including the like of Dries Van Noten, PAM, Howlin, Kapital and Y3.

Howlin - Zion Scarf

Zigzags from Howlin by Morrison. Made in Scotland from new wool, navy blue and grey almost impossible to argue with. Howlin have this scarf thing down.

Eribé – Snowburst Scarf

Something a little different from your average fairisle, this colourway from the Scottish knitwear firm is just beautiful.

Dries van Noten - Camel Geometric Scarf

Somewhere between a doormat and a hairy wafer biscuit, this scarf manages to be both odd and brilliant at the same time. A mohair and alpaca blend, possibly not suitable for chronic sneezers.

Kapital – Navajo Muffler

An oversized scarf from the always brilliant Kapital. More Chimayo than Navajo, whichever way this one offers enough knit to wrap you up mummy style.

PAM – Jacquard Scarf

PAM accessories are really on the up lately, this scarf a great example. 100% Merino, made in New Zealand.

Y3 – Multicoloured Nomad Scarf

Aside from the great choice of colours and block formation, it’s the mix of melange with plain knit that makes this a winner, unnecessarily large logo (on the reverse) aside.

A.P.C. SPRING SUMMER 2013 – PREVIEW

Photos: Jacob Breinholt/Selectism

A.P.C have once again not let us down with their latest spring/summer 2013 preview collection.

You’ve really got to hand it to the brand in terms of consistency, with the Parisian label managing to supply its loyal following with yet another classically simple, refined yet casual range.Sticking to what they do best, the range is widely focused around timeless wardrobe staples and luxurious knitwear in a subdued neutral colour palette of navy, beige, tan and blue.

 Included in the looks are sunglass collaborative works with SUPER of Italy, and works with Louis. W. 

Set to hit stores over the coming months – keep a sharp eye out for these pieces towards quarter 4 this year.

My Latest Purchase #1

Chanel Allure Homme Sport, Alpha-H Glyolic Micro Cleanser, Chanel Bleu.

Imagine taking Chanel Allure, toning it down some, adding some lemony aquatic notes.....Boom...Allure Homme Sport. Decent longevity and sillage with the creamy, citrus smell of the fragrance seems to be a big crowd pleaser and certainly not generic at all. Even though Bleu de Chanel is not geared to a particular demographic/age-group or so they say, Chanel hopes this fragrance will broaden its appeal with young men and it certainly clicked with me, so much so i thought i'de splash out on two fragrances rather than conforming to my usual one. 

The Alpha-H Micro Cleanser has somewhat become part of my morning (and night) ritual and since i top-up days before i think it'll finish. Its proved itself to be impeccable at removing signs of stress and fatigue by cooling cucumber and refreshing mint with the 12% Glycolic Acid exfoliant which removes embedded impurities from the pores, while micro beads exfoliate dead skin cells and stimulate micro-circulation leaving my skin feeling great.

Maison Martin Margiela with H&M - Full Collection

Maison Martin Margiela’s deconstructed, asymmetric, over sized  layered, and archived aesthetic have been beautifully translated into a 104 piece collection for high street retailer H&M. Well I’ll be refreshing the H&M website for life on the 15th November as I absolutely love the entire collection! In terms of menswear, the two-tone check mac, tan wool coat, grey painted shoes and satin top will be the pieces most likely, (and realistically with my budget) be finding their way into my wardrobe, and if I were a woman, I’d be scratching and pulling hair over stunning draped, asymmetric and over sized (but figure flattering), garments.

Byredo ‘Nécessaire de Voyage’ Leather Travel Cases

Byredo is and remains to be one of my favorite independent perfume houses. Today I present the brand’s ‘Nécessaire de Voyage’ collection of leather travel cases developed to carry Byredo’s 12 ml Eau de Parfum travel vials. The Leather Travel Cases combine functionality with timeless simplicity and are handmade in the finest leathers. Each case is fitted with Byredo’s signature magnetic enclosure.

You can buy the cases now here.