Best of Menswear Fall 2011

After 9+ weeks of women's pre-fall came a tiring two week slot for menswear sandwiched in between the couture shows that just started the other day. The speed at which collections are being thrust upon fashion patrons now is head spinning to say the least. How can one remember what to buy, especially when the seasons deliveries aren't in sync with the reality of the weather at the time?

That being said, here's a look at our favorite menswear shows for Fall 2011, even if they did happen in the blink of a forgettable eye...


Dries Van Noten(and above)-


If compiling these lists has proven anything to us, it's that we are faithful to our favorite designers, and Dries continues to be a perennial in our books. Fall's fluid legged pantsuits were anchored with half fur lapels, one of the wittiest uses of fur we've ever seen in menswear.

Jil Sander-

Raf Simon's consistent appropriations on the codes of Jil Sander's ardent minimalism continue to produce stunningly wearable collections season after season. Fall's outing was yet another exercise of his mastery of stimulating color, cleverly energizing his lean take on traditional layering.

Alexander McQueen-

Amidst a drab Milan fashion week shone Sarah Burton's confident take on the regal side of Britannia and McQueen.

Marni-


Simple, spare and fuss-free, Marni's relaxed take on basic standards gives off the perfect air of uncomplicated cool.

Miharayasuhiro-


Ditching the techno heaviness of past efforts for an exaggerated take on classic menswear elements made this one of Miharayasuhiro's best collections to date.

Check out every single one of our favorite Fall 2011 Menswear looks here

Marni Fall/Winter 2010 Womenswear Campaign

Marni may not run print ads like many of their high-end contemporaries, but we're more than happy with this sweet short film they've released for their Fall 2010 collection.

Medal-Worthy Military Pieces at Vnyc

Military influences cycle thru the fashion system practically every other season and are often the victim of uninspired designs at the hands of fast-fashion chains. Avoid taking the literal approach & look for pieces subtly inflected with military references.

80's Thierry Mugler Cropped Peplum Jacket-$218

Marni Tiered Waist Camo Skirt-$114

90's Yves Saint Laurent Re-Issued Safari Dress-$242

Smart Buy: Marni's Bottle Green Dress

This week's Smart Buy, from Marni, is of course another easy year-round wear, versatile dress-up or dress-down number. Its a simple dolman sleeved dress that has pleats running down the front and back and comes in one of the house's signature hues, lush bottle green. Its charming simplicity happens to be quite beneficial since it could be thought of as a blank canvas for unlimited layering options. Wear it belted to highlight it's beautiful cut, or un-belted for a relaxed, fluid option. The subtle genius and charm of this dress's endless allure is yet another reminder of why the label has so many hardcore devotees.

MARNI Bottle Green Pleated & Belted Dress-$212