How the boys do.

So in the process of thinking of another blog post I found myself asking my other half what I should write about. Of course, the inevitable... "Write about me." Said he.

Of course, I laughed off the proposal. Not that I wouldn't love to tell you all about my beloved; his funny little ways and lovable nature, but that's not really the purpose or intention of this blog. "Hmmmm, I don't really write about men's fashion." I replied, dotingly.

Which got me thinking. Why don't I write about men's fashion? Is it because I'm a woman? Is it because it's just not as interesting as women's fashion? Am I close-minded? Never.

Women's fashion is itself never-ending, an engulfing black hole of astounding creation; do I have time for men's fashion? My brain constantly whirs with fashion's transient images and starry names. Isn't the draw of women's fashion already too much to fathom? 
 
The answer to that is yes. But, that said, it is in my very nature to find out more; to immerse myself in new wonders of creativity and style.

So, I took delve into a world of testosterone, quiffs and chiselled bone structures. And what with the men's collections in London taking place just last week, what an apt time to embark on such an astute and exciting learning curve.

I started with the London Collections: Men. Autumn/Winter 7th to 9th January 2013. Here's a little of what I found, stay tuned for more:

I thought I'd start with familiar territory (you know, because new things can be scary, so best to stick with what you know) and perused Christopher Kane's A/W offering for our friends with extra body parts.

Putting a bloke in a skinny jean or aristocratic smoking slipper can be problematic... a dash too girly, or a tad too gaudy. However, Mr Kane has totally rebuffed any notion of over-feminising the collection with gothic colours of sewer grey and bat black, not to mention the use of classically scary Frankenstein and Dracula amid animalistic prints.

Nicely done too, because the collection, as Christopher Kane manages so wonderfully with women’s clothing, is wearable. A little geeky, dark and gothic perhaps, but casual and toned down enough to transfer to the high street. Topman will be jam-packed with literary horror references come Autumn 2013 without question.

Scary monsters at Christopher Kane London Mens Collection AW 13/14

And me, I'll be secretly hoping the other half buys his very own snake-skin clutch and monster-print hoody, so I can borrow them. And wear black lipstick. And totally rock.


And if like me, you need to know more about how the other half dress, watch this video from the London Collections. Interesting and David Gandy makes a cameo. Nuff said.

http://www.londoncollections.co.uk/men
v

TREND UPDATE: Ladylike

I'm writing this as riots continue to mark heavily on the UK's city communities. The rampaging fires, smashed-in shop windows and countless acts of violence are a far-cry from the escapism of fashion and even more far removed from the ladylike trend I wish to write about. Love and peace to the families, business owners and communities affected by the senseless rioting in the capital and elsewhere.

Onto brighter things, I mentioned in my last tweet the summer Ladylike trend that began in the spring/early summer months. I'm hoping the trend for elegant style and grace manages to eek it out a little longer...

Ever since the handsome Prince William married his belle Catherine Middleton in April this year, an air of ladylike elegance has perfumed the summer air in all its sweetness and gentility. And about time too I say.

What with the Saturday’s Royal wedding between Zara Philips and Mike Tindall, and numerous other weddings and romantic garden parties either in the public eye or for friends and family, dressing like a lady would has certainly been soup de jour.

Pretty florals, ivory lace and elegant cuts of summer dresses – skimming the silhouette and hemlines just above the knee and no more – have proved perfectly apt for the current feeling of political and financial austerity as well as the renewed interest in all things Royal.

Dolce & Gabbana

  

And, as the austerity climate continues, calf-length or mid-length skirts and dresses will still be the order of the day.  Loose-pleated midi skirts or a new shape of pencil skirts worn with soft silk blouses in neutral, warm shades will continue with the sense of Ladylike demure that has wonderfully filled the summer wedding parties and formal occasions of the past few months. Here's to femininity, grace and style.