Runway Report: Paris Menswear Fashion Week--John Galliano Men's Fall/Winter 2012--Photos + Video

Retro Elegant Homme:

30's Gangster Chic: John Galliano Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

As we all know, Bill Gaytten--former "Right Hand Guy" for fallen designer John Galliano--is at the helm of all things formerly touched by "the Man" himself. He designs Dior Pret-a-Porter and Christian Dior Haute Couture, as well as all the Galliano lines.

Bill Gaytten, John Galliano Creative Director/Designer

This past week, during Paris Menswear Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2012/2013, Gaytten unveiled the latest for John Galliano Men. After looking at the runway photos and video, it was simply BEAUTIFUL! The theme was 1930's and the elegant, chic man of that decade. The show went through all the archetypes of a 30's Man--from the UBER Gangsters in patent leather trench coats and side-styled fedoras, to...

Newsboy Love: John Galliano Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Newspaper boys in newsboy caps (of course!) and shearling-lined coats. Outerwear--including jackets and blazers were belted or with their own built-in waistband--emphasizing the teeny-tiny waist of yesteryear (and of the beautiful male models!).

Slicked: John Galliano Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Pants were either wide and lose or skinny/fitted. Big, metalized, patent-leather shoes and very, very slicked parted hair, finished off the total look. I almost thought I was looking at old photos of my Dad and my Uncle from when they were in their teens.

Football Goes Equestrian: John Galliano Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

The look was very Charles Lindbergh meets 1930's Football Hero meets Hollywood Star. There was luxurious fur shawl collars accenting semi-double breasted wool tweed coats, jodhpurs and even a vintage football helmet...or two.

Pea Boys: John Galliano Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

That's not to say that there was still a lot for the modern 2012 fashion-savvy man (with lots of money) to look at and incorporate into their wardrobe. Those aforementioned coats were GORGEOUS, the wide-legged "Clark Cable" pants were fabulously tailored and yes, I would even think about buying a riding pant--well, if I was 22 and had a 28" waist!

Violet Nights: John Galliano Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

For evening, there were deep purples, lurex, metallic's and an overall 1930's Dandy look that somehow looked relevant and oh-so-elegant--in 2012. At least to me.

Click Below for the complete Video of John Galliano Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013:

Runway Report: DSquared2 Men's Fall 2012/2013 Photos + Runway Video

Marlon Brandon meets "Glee" meets Prepster Trust Funder...

Bab Boy Prepster: DSquared2 Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Continuing with Menswear Fall/Winter 2012/2013 Fashion Week in Milan, now it's time to pump up the sex appeal with none other than those Canadian boys--Dean and Dan Caten of Dsquared2. Renzo Rozo of Diesel owns a majority stake in the Dsquared2 label and yes, therefore the two skinny Canadian twins can have these fabulous campy--and very expensive shows--season after season--And I'm all the better for it--because A) I love me a campy Dsquared2 show and B) I also love the models...ooops, I mean the clothes.

Vacation from Swiss Boarding School: Dsquared2 Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

The show began--in typical Dsquared2 showmanship with a stage that was turned into a somewhat-rowdy classroom with model-students acting up--as if the teacher had just left the room--but then, the show--and collection itself went from rowdy students--to High Tailored Prepsters. Very fitted skinny jeans, UBER sharp coats and cropped jackets, a knotted neck scarf here and there, and elegant Alpine Winter sweaters and (Hello Rick Santorum!!) sweater vests!!!

Coach Says "Give Me Ten Fashion Sit-Up's": Dsquared2 Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Prom Season: Dsquared2 Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

I admit, part of me wants that oversized sequined sleeve parka above, just because I would LOVE to board a long transcontinental flight in that! I always love the styling of the Dsquared2 collections and from time to time, I have found myself printing some of these looks and use as "Muses" for my wardrobe. I just wished I looked like one of these boys...oh well...maybe in my next life.

Click Below for the Dsquared2 Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013 Full Runway Video:

Runway Report: 3.1 Phillip Lim Men's Fall 2012--Photos + Runway Video

Rude Boys Rule...

Knotted Up: 3.1 Phillip Lim Men's Fall 2012/2013

The Menswear Fall 2012-2013 Shows are occurring in Paris and Milan and here are some highlights for my lovely devoted BLOG readers---since after all, it can't all be about Fab Red Carpet Divas, Figure Skating Costumes and Beauty Pageant Madness here on my blog...It's time to discuss the latest in Menswear--Let's begin with 3.1 Phillip Lim Men's Fall 2012/2013:

British Punk Boys: 3.1 Phillip Lim Men's Fall 2012/2013

The theme was "Elegant Anarchist"--think Rude Boys, Young Punks, 60's Britain. Style.com's reviewer said "Too much elegance and not enough anarchy" of the collection. I kinda liked it. Big clunky Doc Marten-looking shoes (were they Doc Marten or Phillip Lim's versions?), high-waist, paper-bag shaped trousers that ended above the ankle--"High Waters" or "Floods", as they used to call them back in my day. Extra long wide belts were the accessories du jour.

It's Cold Outside: 3.1 Phillip Lim Men's Fall 2012/2013

And big elegant coats are always a must for Fall/Winter--as well as a great 3.1 Phillip Lim staple--I own one fab Phillip Lim coat I bought at Barney's NY several years ago and I cannot LIVE without it! Maybe next Fall/Winter, I might upgrade to a newer version...


Click Below to watch Runway Video of 3.1 Phillip Lim Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013:

Runway Report: Dsquared² Menswear Spring 2012

Euro Prepster Meets Mykonos Pool Boys Meets Finnish Fishermen...Welcome to Dsquared2 Menswear Collection Spring 2012

The EuroBoy Express: Dsquared2 Menswear Spring 2012 Collection

The Milan Menswear Spring 2012 (yeah, that's NEXT YEAR!) Collections are happening right now--and so it is my duty to give my readers some of the Beefcake-y, HOT, OMG Look At His Six-Pack...Ooops, I mean, respectable Fashion Insider Two Cents on the highlights of this current season. Up first, the Dsquared2 Collection from those kooky Canadian twins, Dean and Dan Caten.

Would Like Cucumber Water: Dsquared2 Menswear Spring 2012 Collection

Now, usually, I try and stay "professional" and not be that person--when reviewing a collection--and say the dreaded "Oh I TOTALLY would wear that..." or "Oh that's soooo UGLY, I would NEVER wear that!" as we all know that's NOT THE POINT. Designers are not really showing that for YOU and YOU may not be their "market" and so on and so forth. But...I TOTALLY would wear A LOT of this Spring 2012 Collection!!!! Totally.

Thank Goodness Mommy and Daddy Left Me Some Money: Dsquared2 Menswear Spring 2012 Collection

From the moment I first saw the runway images, I pressed PRINT on my Computer Printer and now, they are on my wall as my "inspiration" for all the various "looks" I will be (trying) to give on my upcoming trip to Europe! Especially the three looks above. Even David Paul, my NIKOLAKI partner-in-crime said "Oh Dear Nick, that is SOOOO YOU!" Now, yes, A) I wish I was 6' 3" , and B) had a size 28" waist like these 19-year-old models but alas, I am not. I will, however, still somehow try and use these as a "jumping off" inspiration point. Love the cropped brightly colored pants. I would wear them. The leather sandals. Check. The Riding shoes with fuchsia pants and double-breasted jacket look. Check.

LOVE!!!

However...you probably would NEVER catch me wearing this little ensemble:

Welcome to Santorini: Dsquared2 Menswear Spring 2012 Collection: One Question--Will I get six pack abs if I purchase these???

The boys from Dsquared2 showed their typical hot-and-sexy looks for Spring 2012, adding lots of color, some "Euro Trust Fund-er" looks as well as playing with their "Is He a Gay Mountain Climber? Or Isn't He?" leitmotif. This time around, that section was covered by Finnish-looking sons of fishermen ready to catch some fish, drink some vodka and then have a good time later...with whomever is within 5 feet of them. Whomever...

Fish and Vodka: Dsquared2 Menswear Spring 2012 Collection

Tim Blanks, of Style.com, summed up the collection this way in the introduction of his Review of the collection:
Dean and Dan Caten are twenty-first-century vaudevillians, incapable of presenting a new collection without couching it in a saucy variety show. Today's revolving stage coughed up some sexy Scandinavian fisherman, a buffet of Mykonos beefcake, a couple of lower-the-temperature Roman ragazzi, a handful of droogy rockers, and Kazaky, four dizzy queens from the Ukraine whose post-Gaga get-outta-my-way-bitch shtick involved a gravity-defying dance routine performed in skintight leather pants and sky-high heels. Phew! Oh, there were some clothes shown, too.

Click Below for the Videos of the Dsquared2 Menswear Spring 2012 Collection:

Milan & Paris Menswear Spring/Summer 2011 Collections: Westwood, Moncler Gamme Bleu, Gucci

Euro Dandy or Euro Heir?Summer Drizzle: Moncler Gamme Bleu S/S 2011 Trenchcoat

The Menswear Spring/Summer 2011 Collections continue and here are some of my faves. First up, the Moncler Gamme Bleu Collection, designed by American Thom everything-is-shrunken Browne. Browne is known for his great presentations and somehow he had to "top himself" from last year's Swimming Extravaganza. He did. The runway show occurred in Milan's Vellodromo Vigorelli Football (soccer for the Gringos) Stadium and it was all about chic Activewear for that Tour de France fashionista in every man. Great windbreakers, trench coats, shrunken double-breasted cardigan/jackets (I can't wait until Topman knocks those off!) and LEGGINGS--bicycle-print ones, which I guarantee will be the "must purchase" for every stylin' gay this side of the Marais!
Going To A Picnic: Vivienne Westwood Menswear S/S 2011

Moving onto Vivienne Westwood. Her Menswear show was FAAAABUUUULOUS! I could just see those bloggers and oh-we-don't-get-it people saying "I would NEVER wear that!", "Is she crazy?", "what IS thaaaaat???". Ummm, how shall I say this politely: That's not the point and by the way IT'S NOT FOR YOU!! (for those people who say the "I would never wear that" comment. It's all about creative inspiration and creating a presentation--a show (think John Galliano). BIZZZNESS Class: Vivienne Westwood Men Spring 2011

Smart editors, store buyers and fashion-savvy writers will see beyond the wig and 1979 Male Hooker scarf (love!) and see a great plaid jacket, a rather "basic" purple gingham shirt one could even buy at Urban Outfitters, and some sexy shoes to boot! I loved the collection so much, I actually started looking for some inspiration for my upcoming lecture trip to Italy next month. I have been invited to speak to the Miami University of Ohio Summer Europe Program once again so I saw this look below from Miss Westwood as a "suggestion" for my "Traveling to Europe" ensemble...and well, I had to think again. It could be the Manpris or it might have been the I-think-all-that-carry-on might NOT be allowed on the plane factor...So, in other words, I had to "think again". A look which definitely might be in my "Summer In Florence" ensemble is:
Ahhhhhhhh, yes, leave it to Gucci. I think the above outfit WILL BE my inspiration for next month's European trip and lecture. For Spring/Summer 2011, Designer Frida Giannini designed a collection which was very 1960's Fiat Heir On His Way To Capri...or London.
The collection screamed Andrea and Pierre Casaraghi (Princess Caroline's we-do-nothing-bu-go-on-Holidays- sons). Slim very 60s suits, high-water cropped pants (a S/S 2011 Trend), rolled-up sleeves (great styling!) and an altogether Euro Trash-Gone Good look to it, which is what defines Gucci.
My Positano Beach Bag: Gucci Spring/Summer 2011 The sock-less loafers (sooooo GUCCI old-school!)
Oh it all SCREAMS "Me!". Now this is a collection where it is OK to say: "I would wear that!" Thank God the Euro is poor and the Dollar is strong because "Uncle Nick" might have to do some Gucci Damage in Italy!

Click Below for Moncler Gamme Bleu by Thom Browne Spring/Summer 2011:


Click Below for the Vivienne Westwood Menswear Spring 2011 Preview:


Click Below for the Gucci Menswear Spring 2011 Runway:

Milan Men's Fashion Week-Autumn/Winter 2010/2011: McQueen, D & G and Gucci

Alexander McQueen:Prints, prints and more prints. Face masks, printed of course and lots of very fitted Savile Row suits. Did I mention those were printed as well? McQueen is a design God. It's obvious that his women aren't the only DIVAS in the room with this collection. In reality, a very wealthy singer or entertainment type might buy a jacket and pair it with skinny solid pants or jeans and "call it a day". That's fine with me too. But I would love to see someone rock that mask and not get stopped at TSA. Just saying.
Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter Men's 2010/11 Runway Video:


D & G Dolce & Gabbana:Think luxe snowboarder in the Italian Alps with a tad bit of MTV's The Jersey Shore campiness thrown in. Yep, welcome to D&G Dolce and Gabbana for next year's Winter.

That tuxedo look is KILLING ME! It's Astronaut meets Snowboarder meets I-need-a-Baileys and Creme...like right now! This might not work in Mountain High or Big Bear but if you were going Cortina in Italy--this is what you might find somebody wearing.
D & G Fall/Winter Men's 2010/11 Runway Video:


Gucci:Designer Frida Giannini is going back to the "essence" of Gucci: Classic, elegant, jet-set. Trust-fund baby who has grown up, loves his Gucci loafers (sockless preferably), turtlenecks over fitted tailored jackets and likes to hang out on Daddy's yacht, since it will be his in a few years anyway.

Think Stefano Casiraghi, Princess Caroline's eldest son meets Steve McQueen. This is the look I'd like to "work" on my next trip to Positano!!! Here's a highlight video of Frida Giannini's Gucci Men's Fall/Winter 2010/11 Collection: