Best of Men's Spring/Summer 2011

We know these collections came out weeks ago, but you know what, they don't even hit stores for months. So we've taken our time to reflect. After all, fashion is moving too fast, we need some time to digest as we've noticed that we are forgetting about the collections by the time they actually hit shops. Until then, here's a look at our favorite men's shows that are destined to inspire future buys.

Yohji Yamamoto(above as well)-

Besides the genius tailoring you can expect from any Yohji Yamamoto collection, it was Spring's dandy Baroque squire meets sci-fi Beethoven meets 80's zoot-suit riot that really got our emotions running wild. It was upbeat, avant-garde without frivolity, poetic and best of all, completely wearable. Here the capability for a man to dress with passion without having to sacrifice his dignity was on full display. Bravo!


Dries Van Noten-


DVN is well known as the king of color, the king of print and the king of refined sportswear with an artful ease, yet from him you can still expect a few welcome surprises. Here his preppy foundation and confidence lead him to play with a range of powerful contrasts, such as bleached denim sleeves on an otherwise classic camel coat, and somehow, it looks good, plain & simple.

Kenzo-


Over the past few season's Kenzo has become one of our favorite brands and even though minimalism is going strong elsewhere, Antonio Marras was at it again with a collection full of wondrous whimsy. He seems to have a brilliant hold on maintaining the giddy print-oriented codes of Kenzo while updating them with today's expected ease. From the floral printed suits to the outerwear in a soothing palette of muted khakis, this is the one collection of the season we want everything from.

Dunhill-


For the man who needs an impeccably crafted classic yet forward thinking suit, or a range of precise sportswear, Kim Jones at Dunhill should become your go-to man. After a few season's, Jones, well-known throughout the fashion world for his street-savvy yet now defunct eponymous label, seems to be making a name for himself at Dunhill with smart collections that riff on the traditional without having to sacrifice a refined level of taste and a sense of self.

Alexander McQueen-


Sarah Burton(Alexander McQueen's right hand prior to his death) sent out a somber yet beautifully crafted collection that highlighted McQueen's dedication to tailoring & historical pretense that was so well executed you couldn't help but feel elated after such a traumatic year for the house.

Prada-


Miuccia Prada's Spring/Summer 2011 outing seemed to channel fashion's quieter vibe while somehow managing to address the reality of how a man approaches fashion, by comfort. That doesn't mean she sent out xxl basketball shorts, but she did throw in quite a few clever variations on hospital scrubs, albeit with a convincing Euro-preppiness. Heavy denims, crisp khaki's and a range of blue lent the collection a subtle nautical flair but what really got our motor-boats running were Prada's stacked adaptations on the classic brogue.

Fashion Television: YSL Haute Couture F/W 1995

Though these videos are from the later part of Yves Saint Laurent's grande career, we were more than happy to come across these. Why you ask? Well, for years & years we have been saying, so much time goes into the production of a show and furthermore, as we all know, fashion has a way of encapsulating the times. Call it nostalgia if you must, but we think its about time fashion houses start releasing dvds of not only highlights but of each and every show. Think about it, after his untimely death, how thrilling would it be to be able to look back at all the glory of Alexander McQueen on the runway without having to scramble through fuzzy videos on Youtube?

ASSOULINE’s Tommy Hilfiger

In conjunction with Tommy Hilfiger's eponymous label's 25th anniversary, a new addition to ASSOULINE’s Ultimate Collection is set to debut: Tommy Hilfiger. This 25th anniversary special edition reveals the work and the man, using a photo-album format to capture the essence of the designer. Hilfiger’s contemporary takes on classic red, white, and blue looks—jeans, chinos, boxers, T-shirts, button-downs—have built his brand into a major force in fashion. And judging by his most recent runway outings, the Hilfiger clan is on a roll. All of a sudden we've once again found ourselves big fans of his studied, all-American sportswear.

Visit Assouline for more info

Favorite looks from Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2010:

Emmy's Best Dressed: Toni Collette

Actress Toni Collette looked unpredictably modern in Valentino amidst a sea of banality at the 62nd Annual Emmy Awards this past Sunday. Even with all the "celebrity stylists" out there, Collette proves there's nothing more dynamic than a little individuality. One shouldered or strapless, many of the actresses on the red carpet that night seemed to be wearing variations on the same dress, and it's sad to see all of that energy & effort squandered on monotony. In fact, where is Diane Kruger when you need her?

COMING SOON: 20+ New Arrivals Next Week

Here's a sneak peak at some of our latest arrivals, set to hit the site after the holiday next week. Stay tuned....

We're quite fond of this sweet 70's era Kenzo ruffled placket blouse, with its moody colorway and pajama shape, its elegant French flair hits fall's rich notes beautifully.

The house of Ungaro may be unfortunately suffering from a perpetual string of failed attempts at revival, but who's to blame? Its not easy filling the shoes of a man that understood how to highlight the body even when it came to riffs on classic sportswear elements. This 80's Ungaro railroad stripe jacket with its fitted shape & blouson sleeves makes that case clear.

From the 80's comes this vibrant South American handmade pin in the shape of the sun thats been encrusted with an assortment of rich bead & crystal work.

Just as everyone's trying to get their hands on as much Celine as possible comes this fun find from the house's glamour-girl days under Michael Kors. While it hits Pheobe Philo's clean scheme, its floating Swarovski block letters are sure to add a little fun to your fall repertoire.

And from the 80's comes this petite Roberta Di Camarino coated canvas logo pouch in the labels energetic signature red.

R.I.P Iconic Photographer Corinne Day

We are sad to hear about legendary photographer Corinne Day passing away after a decade long battle with a brain tumor. Day rose to fame in the early 90's, changing the way we see & capture fashion, leaving behind an indelible mark on fashion history and a beautiful body of work.



Various works from Corinne Day, above.

Inspiration: Moon Duo's "Killing Time"

Check out one of our new favorite bands, Moon Duo. We are crazy about the beauty in this video for "Killing Time" & their soothing psych sounds. Moon Duo was formed by Ripley Johnson of Wooden Shjips and Sanae Yamada in San Francisco in 2009. Inspired initially by the legendary duo of John Coltrane and Rashied Ali, Moon Duo counts such variant groups as Silver Apples, Royal Trux, Moolah, Suicide, and Cluster as touchstones.

Building on the Legacy of Alexander McQueen

A few months ago it was impossible to think about Gucci Group continuing to build on the growing success of the Alexander McQueen brand after his death. Hours after his passing our own stock of vintage McQueen was ravenously depleted, for many were trying to get their hands on what ever they could, perhaps quite justifiably fearing an end to the magical mania that was McQueen. Lucky for them they have Sarah Burton, McQueen's second in command and now creative director of the label. Judging by her Resort & spring Menswear outings for 2011, she clearly understands her mentor's trademarks and flair for elegant drama, yet there is a subtle restraint & lightness that suggest a woman's hand will do the label well. Making her upcoming runway debut for McQueen in a matter of weeks one of the season's most important shows to watch.


Alexander McQueen Resort 2011, above.



Alexander McQueen Menswear Spring 2011, above.

Most Wanted: Chloe's Fall 2010 Penny Loafers

Okay well at this point its pretty obvious, we love Chloe and we love what designer Hannah MacGibbon keeps churning out for the go-to label. Its also pretty obvious that we want every single piece from the Fall 2010 collection, from the classic coats to the perfect pants & bucket bags and now these penny loafers. Forget about yesterday's sky-high heels, the time is right to get your feet back on the ground.

Visit Chloe.com

Accessory of the week: Dior's Gold Masai Choker

Just as everyone's on the hunt for Celine inspired minimal jewelry comes our latest Accessory of the Week, this iconic Christian Dior gold African Masai inspired stacked bangle choker. It adds subtle impact to any look while its juxtaposition of old-world tribal heritage and refined, citified chic lend it an unfussy charm for superior wearability.

Christian Dior African Masai Bangle Choker-$118

Smart Buy: Martin Margiela's Triangle Skirt

Our latest Smart Buy, this ultra-chic black crepe Martin Margiela skirt, packs a quiet punch thanks to its genius triangle point hem. Ready for year-round wear, it works just as well with a simple tank as it does played up against fall's layering options.

Martin Margiela Black Triangle Point Skirt-$196

Sale in Progress, 30-50% off Select Vintage Goods

New Additions, New Markdowns, Free-Shipping. 30 to 50% off selected goods.

With a carefully edited selection of over 400 vintage gems, there's plenty of reasons to

visit Vagabondnyc.com

Comme Des Garcons at VagaBondnyc

Anyone who has a thing for avant-garde and beautifully crafted pieces with an intellectual bent most likely has a thing for Comme Des Garcons, the brainchild of Rei Kawakubo. Like Kansai & Yohji, CDG, as it is endearingly referred to, produces head-turning feats of wizardry that are as highly collectible as they are highly provocative. Here's a look at our favorite vintage scores from CDG...

Here's a typical CDG take on traditional tailoring with an unexpected blanket piece thats been tied around the shoulders for extra volume.

Comme Des Garcons Tie-Back Jacket-$458

CDG tapped 60's Mod icon Peggy Moffitt for a range that produced this clever trompe l'oiel knit top.

Comme Des Garcons Knit Top-$170

Another take on the traditional comes your way via this convertible shift dress thats composed out of a rich tonal brocade with contrasting menswear inpsired pinstriped wool.

Comme Des Garcons Convertible Length Dress-$328

Shop our range of Comme Des Garcons 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.

Most Wanted: Martin Margiela's Red Coat

After season's of tricky goods that were blatantly avant-garde simply for the sake of it, the atelier of Maison Martin Margiela managed to chill-out for a quietly daring take on minimalism for Fall 2010 and we can't wait to get our hands on any & all of it. We love their take on the classic double-breasted coat, energized in bold red, the perfect solution to winter's gray days.

Maison Martin Margiela's red coat, $3,380 at 10 Corso Como

Maison Martin Margiela Fall/Winter 2010, above.