Homme | Umit Benan S.S.13

Umit Benan's theme for his Spring/Summer 2013 collection is I Once Loved a Woman Who Loves Menswear and the only reason I like this collection is due to the jackets. The Cornflower blue biker jacket is especially a favorite. Since the start of the 2013 men's fashion weeks in London and Milan, it seems that blue is the IT color for menswear next season. While many are using various shades of blue, it's a refreshing switch-up. 

 What makes clothes interesting, gives them meaning and ultimate definition, are the inspirational character who wear them.  - Umit Benan  

Fashion Speaks | Frankie Morello

When I first came across the clothing brand Frankie Morello a few seasons ago I was very skeptical. Skeptical in a sense of why in the hell do their men's collection emulate a high-fashion Italian version of Rocawear? Honestly, that is what I thought. Even more-so, with the recent release of their Spring/Summer 2013 collection, I witnessed the same thing yet now, I understand why that street element is included in some of their designs. Maurizio Modica and Pierfrancesco Gigliotti, the founders of Frankie Morello, were two mysteries for me until I came across the interview below. The interview helped me receive clarity on the streetwear facet because Maurizio advised that he grew up being a part of  Italian street culture as a performer and choreographer, so it makes sense now. The aforementioned is why I love when designers become candid in interviews about their backgrounds because it opens up a personable path for their supports to follow, which I believe is important. Check out the interview below. 

Homme Style | Richard James S.S.13

Ah, the British designers are delivering some brilliant work for next season and I have been highly impressed so far. Richard James, who is considered one of the "Big Three" designers who revived the bespoke tailoring fit back into British fashion (i.e. the other two are Ozwald Boateng and Timothy Everest), has made me become infatuated with this new collection. It's debonair, riveting, and masculine which earns a top grade of A in my book. Note: The slippers are amazing! My anticipation is now set for their release. 

Homme Style | Neil Barrett A/W 2012 Collection

Neil Barrett is such a phenomenal designer and his Men's Autumn/Winter 2012 collection is gorgeous. He always chooses to stay within his comfort zone yet he remains open-minded by experimenting with various fabrics and cuts that will keep him relevant. I admire designers who travel that route because it not only keeps their brands fresh and innovative, but also reputable.

Homme Style: Ovadia & Sons Fall 2012

www.ovadiaandsons.com 

Fashion Speaks | Ouigi Theodore

If you are a supporter and admirer of the high-end men's clothing brand, The Brooklyn Circus (Bkc), then Mr. Theodore's face and name should be very familiar to you since he is the founder & owner of Bkc. I remember when I first came across the brand some years ago and how impressed I was at the impeccable quality of their clothes. Their cardigans and varsity jackets are truly a favorite of mine. But onto Ouigi, I haven't seen him do too many interviews and when I came across the video below of him speaking at a PSFK conference about a year ago, I was so inspired by his story. He goes in-depth about finding your purpose as a creative and then making the purpose work for you, and like many of us creatives, that is an all too-familiar phase for us. So check it out and really absorb the wisdom that Ouigi is providing.