Cut Outs

I have always found these sorts of images to be fascinating...I mean, who thinks to overlay a man in pants with a guy in a jockstrap whose getting up off the ground?! But seriously, these are amazing!

Japan: My Fashion Reaction

All eyes point West.  Having the opportunity to hang out and talk casually with a few editors today, a common topic of conversation began to emerge: the tragedy in Japan.  The earthquake that shook up the Pacific had a few people concerned.  After a long day of talking iodine pills and mutants [no comment, just stating facts], I began to digress and think about the tragedy in Japan and how it might affect fashion. 

History lesson:

Japanese design first made a real impression on the fashion world in 1982, when 12 designers showed their collections in Paris. Today's famous names, such as Issey Miyake, Kenzo, Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garcons have made a big impact on contemporary fashion.  Their use of inventive shapes and monochrome tones, particularly the use of black, shook up the fashion industry [no pun intended].  

Today, street fashion is shaping the fashion landscape, with much of the focus on Tokyo, however the established designers still play a big part in setting global trends.

I am obviously uncertain about what will happen over the next few years, but for right now, I will continue to pray for Japan, its leadership and the people that live there...and maybe I should go shopping at Comme.

Ivy PrepstAr

Inspired by the book Take Ivy by T. Hayashida [if you don't have it, buy it, NOW!] my friends tie line, "Ivy Prepster," updates the traditional tie.  The line transforms knit ties into woven patterns, taking inspiration from argyle, fair isles and textures.  The line also includes a well procured collection of refurbishes vintage ties which are very much up my alley.  So whether or not you are a single- or double windsor type of guy, I say go for it - check out the site here.

"STAY PREPPY MY FRIENDS"

Foodie Forever

I wouldn't consider myself a foodie per se, but I definitely love to wine and dine, and even more so, I love to be wined and dined. ;-)  Each year, Alan Richman, food correspondent for GQ Magazine, provides readers with a few "best of" lists - all of which tickle my taste buds.  I don't know when I'll make it to the West Coast, but as of right now the East Coast is offering up some really incredible dining options.  Trust me, Lincoln at Lincoln Center [ranked #1], and The Kitchen at Brooklyn Fare [the only restaurant in Brooklyn with a two-michelin star rating] are on my bucket list.

Check out the full list HERE.

Assouline

Every once in a while, you stumble upon a fashion treasure trove, and New Yorkers almost have it too easy.  Seeking to be an "engine of culture," Assouline book store, located on the mezzanine level of the Plaza Hotel, publishes some of the premiere monographs on photography, art and FASHION.   I recently wandered in, not intending to buy anything [of course], yet walking out with a copy of American Fashion Menswear.

This book is probably one of the most authoritative and exciting books on the evolution of menswear--period.  Get your copy HERE.

Espadrilles

I wore flip-flops while walking around NYC...once.  If you like the idea of nasty street dirt all over your feet, by all means, enjoy, but I personally enjoy the closed-toe shoe option myself.  The last few summers were all about the boat shoe, however, I see a trend a-brewin' on the horizon.  Call me a soothsayer, but have you slipped on an espadrille recently?  Don't get me wrong, I love a designer collaboration boat shoes in the summer, but espadrilles are swiftly picking up consumer attention...I swear!

For example:

HERMES [the name alone makes me smile] made a lace-up espadrille that was recently featured in Details Magazine.

[Image from Hermes.com]

PRADA [who is genius] made a lace-up wingtip oxford with espadrille sole.  Coveted by every fashionisto, these are a hot commodity.

[Image from Highsnobiety.com]

I have yet to personally purchase a pair, but rest assured it is on my spring 'must-have' list.

Arm Candy

I think I own 14 watches of various make and caliber, all of which sit in a drawer, in my dopp kit, in storage...somewhere.  I never really caught on to the whole "jewelry for men" idea, that is, until I went to a Details x David Yurman event.  I bought a bracelet.  It was steeply priced, but oh so gorgeous, and it helped with my cognitive dissonance when I realized that a percentage of the sales proceeds were going to Jeffrey Fashion Cares.

Last summer everyone was digging those yarn friendship bracelets.  Then, my roommate turned me on to a few Burkman Bros. versions.  I'm convinced that a Rolex, friendship bracelets, paper wristbands from last nights concert, and a prayer bead bracelet stacked on ones wrist is uber-chic: the grandest of fashion oxymorons, maybe.

Now I just need a Rolex.

[Image courtesy of GQ.com]