It's a Man's World
Dandies, princes and lounge lizards - these were just some of the stylish personas presented at the Fall/Winter 2012 menswear shows in New York, Paris and Milan. While the majority of fashion journalism is dedicated to the ladies, there's a whole sea of men waiting for their turn in the spotlight. Inside Beat investigates the hottest men's fashions, soon to be seen on a sidewalk near you.
Balmain - War and Peace
Olivier Rousteing may be a newcomer at the renowned French fashion house, but he put forth some of the strongest - and wearable - looks for men this year. Allegedly inspired by Russian military uniforms, his overcoats and blazers are sure to soon be seen everywhere. Rousteing kept things from getting too stately with motorcycle boots, zipper jackets and interesting detailing ... imagine Prince Andrei as a member of a rock ‘n' roll band. Don't be surprised if your favorite musicians start wearing Balmain threads everywhere.
Dolce and Gabbana - Beau Brummell 2.0
Domenico Dolce and Steffano Gabbana seem to have raided the legendary clotheshorse's wardrobe this year, as models sauntered down the runway in fur-trimmed overcoats and rich wool suits. A smaller percentage of the collection, however, featured chunky knits and professorial trousers. While the majority of the collection was intriguing and Byronic, certain pieces, like the brocade blazers, were awkward and unwelcome.
Gucci - That '70s Show
Gucci creative director Frida Giannini has never been embarrassed by her love for glam rock - she's admitted in interviews to having a record collection in the thousands, featuring records by David Bowie and Roxy Music. Her collection for 2012 was luxe, louche and sexy: corduroy jackets in rich greens, satiny charcoal and purple trousers, and well-cut overcoats were all drool-worthy...perfect for the morning after a night at Studio 54.
Burberry Prorsum - Tinker, Tailor...
'70s chic was all over Christopher Bailey's runway, too, but it seems to have taken its inspiration from John le Carre's celebrated spy novels. Models were impeccable in sharp, menacing tweed suits - matching their sharp, menacing cheekbones, lending an air of Cold War paranoia. Other looks featured quilted jackets and newsboy caps, which brought to mind huntsman in the English countryside. Bailey did add some, flair, however, by throwing in tinkered-with Navajo prints and geometric patterns on coats, sweaters and umbrellas.
Men's Fashion Blogs Worth Investigating
dapperlou.com
streetetiquette.com
theurbangent.com
theblueeyedboy.com
