BDMOTP’s Steve Oldfield catches up with Godfrey Gao, considered to be the ” First Asian Supermodel” in Los Angeles. Gao, starring in a new movie, “Mortal Instruments: City of Bones”, speaks about his must-have items and gives style advice.
godfreyGao BDMOTP from Alton Barber on Vimeo.
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week NYC continues on with more fabulous fashion, especially from David Hart. David Hart also had a superb Spring/Summer 2014 collection. A distinct 50´s vibe was present in his suits, pants, and shorts sets. He too designed the trending ¨shorts suit¨or ¨shorts blazer combination¨. He added some knee socks into the mix as well, which is interesting. However, it really works together. Come spring, we shall see if men out there are wearing knee socks! The collection had a distinct British feel to it, especially the plaid pieces. Hart also used hats, as well as sunglasses and worked with patterns. Do you like the styles below?
Images from WWD.com
Posted by Lori Zaino
September has arrived, fall fashion is here, and we are kicking everything off with some highlights by Michael Bastain during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City.
Michael Bastain´s Spring/ Summer 2014 collection was exciting and quirky this season. The collection was inspired by foreign french films he watched while stuck in bed with a bad cold. ¨Red Ballon¨and ¨The Dreamers¨ sparked his creativity and helped guide the way for his current collection.
The collection is bright and bold, perfect for spring and summer. The clothes are very ¨French¨inspired, dandy and dapper, fun and even a little whimsical, yet still masculine. He uses a lot of hats, and crazy prints as well, like leopard for men, which is kinda cool.
We can see a trend coming through, with Bastain´s collection (among others) of the ¨shorts suit¨. The shorts suit is a matching blazer and shorts, or in some cases, simply shorts with a different, un-matching blazer.
The appearance of this trend is interesting, because it combines a formal, classic suit or dressier blazer look with something casual and low key, and very summery. Is this the new way to dress for a semi- casual, semi- dressy event? Is this a response to climate change, it being too hot for a normal suit? Now that blazers paired with jeans are socially acceptable, is this the next step? When next spring falls upon us…I suppose we´ll find out if people were truly be wearing this trend! In the meantime, enjoy the below highlights of the Michael Bastain collection.
Images from WWD.com
Posted By: Lori Zaino
At 25, Jake Hamilton is one of the most popular young film critics in the United States. While his main job is working for KRIV-TV, the Fox station in Houston, Jake is seen by audiences the world over, with his popular channel on Youtube. He has had several celebrity interviews “go viral.”
Jake is known as one of the most stylish critics on the circuit. We caught up with him outside the SLS Hotel, in Los Angeles – which has its own red carpet – a place where Jake is at home when he’s not in Houston. Jake was there to interview the stars of “You’re Next” and “Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.”
1. What’s your must-carry item when you’re on the road to feel stylish?
It’s all about the little things — a nice tie-clip, a classy pair of cuff links, a colorfully popping pocket square. To add attention to a detail of your ensemble that might initially go unseen says you care less about what other people think of you and more about what you think of yourself.
2. Where did you learn your sense of style?
My sense of style comes from details over history that have remained timeless. A well fitted black suit will NEVER go out of style — that’s the sort of thing that has always been appealing to me. Boys may have swag, but men have class.
3. What do you love about the store that supplies your clothing?
For me, it’s all about the fit. Whether the pieces of my ensemble come from Banana Republic, Express, H&M or Target, they all have one thing in common — they fit like they were made just for me. I’ve often paid more for tailoring than I have for the suit — and that’s where it counts. The name on the inside of the jacket doesn’t matter as much as the name of the tailor who fit it for you.
4. Who do you think are the most put-together, stylish actors you’ve interviewed? And why?
I’m always impressed by actors who rock what they know works for them. I could never pull off Johnny Depp’s look, but it fits who he is. So that sort of thing is what impresses me — not having an actor wear what I would wear, but wearing what works best for them. Style isn’t always the clothes on your back, but the confidence you use to back it up. That goes a long way.
Interview by Steve Oldfield
A Seasoned Nail Technician Talks The Trade & Offers Some Tips
He’s one of the toughest guys in Chicago but even former Chicago Bear Brian Urlacher has been known to get a manicure – it comes with the territory when you’re pitching products on television, print or online. He definitely puts the MAN in manicure – and he’s not alone.
Yes-this tough guy gets manicures!
More men of all ages and backgrounds are paying someone to keep their hands looking good, according to Martine Fung-Cap, Nail Department Director at Studio 110 Salon in Chicago’s Gold Coast area.
“I’ve had everyone from a construction worker to a retiree.” Not to mention music moguls and business executives of all ages. About 20-25 percent of her clients are men and the price is the same whether you’re a Joe or a Jane: $23. Pedicures go for $45. Martine says those are more popular in the summer when flip flops are likely to expose problems that can turn-off a date.
The self-confessed former nail-biter says she never intended for manicures to become her mission. Martine worked as an office-manager before trading in her desk for a station at the salon.
“Every day is different,” she says. “I love it!“ Quite a few clients are referred by wives and girlfriends who want to hold a more tailored hand to go along with that Patek Philippe watch and Zegna suit. Martine has plenty of regulars but she also meets traveling businessmen from around the world who are staying at the neighboring Four Seasons Hotel.
“I love the interaction with people,” she says.
Martine sees regulars about every two weeks; some also opt for a pedicure once a month. Many clients schedule their manicure to coincide with monthly haircuts, hopping from the stylist’s chair to the nail technician’s in a visit that can last an hour-and-a-half.
“We also offer express service for people who just want a touch up instead of the full-treatment,” she says. The half-hour express service is $30 for a pedicure and a combo manicure/pedicure express is $45. While a standard tip is 20-25%, Martine has also had clients tip her as much as 100% of the bill.
“I’ve found many clients don’t mind spending money if they feel it’s money well spent,” she says.
Right from the beginning, you know this is NOT your Grandma’s manicure – or the one you used to see in those Palmolive commercials if you’re over 40. You don’t start by plopping your paws into a bowl of soapy water – or “bath” as it’s called in the biz.
Martine sanitizes your hands and then she sprays them with a conditioner. For men with tough cuticles, she’ll also wrap your hands in a warm, moist towel before going to work, using a brand new nail file for every client.
“That costs us a little more, but we want to make everything as sanitary as possible,” she says. Martine always wears gloves during pedicures. She says you should also make sure you’re going to a “Certified Nail Technician,” who has an active license with city or state. While many customers find a technician by word-of-mouth, she also recommends checking websites like ‘Yelp!” for reviews. Martine says once you arrive at the salon the first time, take a quick look around and make sure the place is spotless BEFORE you sit down and surrender your hands. “You just can’t be too careful when it comes to being clean and sanitary,” she says.
KNOW THE LINGO: Martine will ask you if you want “a free edge” (showing a little of the white part of the nail) or only pink. And just like when you get your shoes polished, you have a choice of a “buff” or “shine,” finish to the nail. Some men may opt for a coat of clear polish. You can even get a polish designed just for guys, “Matte for Men,” that dries quickly without any trace of a shine. While many men want a manicure that isn’t obvious, some clients are happy to show off their lacquered nails.
“It’s just a matter of preference,” Martine says, adding that even the most masculine clients have nails as shiny as the finish on their sports cars.
Martine prides herself on getting all of her first-time clients to settle down and enjoy the experience. For the nervous ones, she often completely finishes one hand before starting on the other.
“That way, they can see that this girl knows what she’s doing,” she says. “Then they settle down and it’s fun.”
Image Credist: Brian Urlacher Photo: Watercoolersports.com, Salon Exterior: Giltcity.com
Posted By: Steve Oldfield
For a business man, a trip to Alain Figaret is a real pleasure, because when you walk in, you know you will walk out as a better (dressed) man. The store specializes in men’s dress shirts on the high-end of the market and offers luxury finishing on each item, in which it distinguishes itself from the competition (Van Laak, Arrow). Clearly the market for men’s business & dress shirts is a global one, but only at Alain Figaret will you be able to personally design your business shirt à-la-carte.
Begin by chosing your fabric, the design, the width of the stripe, the colors, and most importantly the length of the threads with which the shirt is woven, because this length determines the quality and finesse and softness of the shirt fabric: The longer the original thread, the better the shirt.
Now chose the custom fit/cut (coupe in French) which measures best to your body’s shape: X Slim, Slim, Droit, and the ready-to-wear size which is indicated in both American and European measurements.
Then you are ready to select the type of collar: The traditional ‘French’ collar, which is the classic one. An ‘American’ collar in France is the one with two buttons on the collar. The ‘English’ collar has two buttonholes to close the collar and a small rope or chain link in the front of the collar. The ‘Italian’ collar (say ‘Napolitaine’ and it’s understood when you say it) has the collar stand up on both ends like a toxedo shirt. These are just the basics but frankly the variety of styles and shapes is endless.
Is your shirt selection made-to-measure (sur mésure) & ready-to-wear (pret-à-porter) now finished? No, because you have to select your cuff (poigné in French). And also the cuffs come in various shapes and forms. Will you have a cuff with buttons, or with cuff links? What is the cut & shape of the cuff? What is type and the color of the button which you will select? Alain Figaret offers a great variety of real mother-of-pearl buttons in a variety of colors.
You think you are done? Well almost, but now the fun part begins because you can now personalize your shirt in two or three different ways. The inside of the collar and the inside of your cuffs can be made ‘en-opposition’, which means another color, design or fabric on the reverse…maybe the best part of your new shirt?! And of course you can have your initials embroidered or even your own personal logo or anagram put, where you deem it convenient. Finally, last but not least, you may chose the color and the strength of the buttonhole threads.
A dress shirt is a thing of beauty, and a mark of style of men, after all!
Alain Figaret has a total of 23 stores in France and one in Tokyo, and is considered a ‘maitre chemisier’: A master shirt maker! At France’s number one shirt maker it will be possible starting October of this year to do mailorder & shipping on their website. Yet it is much better to walk into one of their stores in person when you are in Paris, at least the first time, to get yourself measured up. You will need to know the measurements of your collar, your shoulders, and your waist. A completely finished shirt will cost you around between 150 – 250 euros, depending on the extras, and that does not include shipping or handling. It is an affordable luxury!
In Paris there are several locations, one on the rue de Longchamps, one on the rue de la Paix, and the one we visited for this article, the one on the Rue de Sevres in the St Germain district. Ask Pierre-Jean or Anne-Sophie for a guided tour of the two floor store, even if you are not planning on buying a shirt, as the explanations on the arts of men’s dress shirt making are quite impressive.
A final small note of importance and perhaps the best but unseen quality that Alain Figaret has to offer: Visiting the store I asked if it was normal for well known business men and others to visit and order shirts. The natural reply was that of course well known executives and politicians were clients of Alain Figaret and that of course their names or identity would never be disclosed. And for THIS, you have to love France in this global age of indiscretion and openeness where everything we say, think or do, or communicate, is instantly known globally through mass & social media.
Thus, the best thing Alain Figaret offers global intrepid executives for shirts is the priceless and invaluable quality of DISCRETION.
Posted By: Sandro
When off the rack won’t do, Torontonians head to Garrison Bespoke to get suits, shirts, overcoats, and trousers made to perfectly fit one’s body. Custom garments are tailored from the finest cloths from Europe. The boutique’s pieces are conservative enough to create credibility but unique enough to stand out. A sharp pinstripe suit with crushed jade woven into the cloth for good luck is one client’s signature look.
Garrison can even make a waterproof suit, perfect to protect against rainy days, and spilled glasses of red wine.
Secret suit pockets are the norm.
James Bond would definitely approve.
Posted By Sari Colt
While waiting for my LIN to LHR flight, I noticed Vivienne Westwood sitting at Linate airport. I had just taken in her show at Moda Uomo in Milan the day before, and thought I’d let her know how much I enjoyed it. You know, you always wonder if a well-known person is okay with an admiring fan approaching, but as homo sapiens go I’m fairly confident. Also I figured I’d heighten my senses and look for immediate signs to indicate if she was interested to chat or not.
Clearly I was thinking about it too much, as she gave me a wonderful smile and hello as I sat down beside her. Once through the introductory formalities, I shared with her that I really enjoyed certain aspects of her show, like her use of big plaid, suit cuts and very lightweight sweaters. I also mentioned that I liked the berets that some of the models were wearing, and gave her the term “berets for Bradley” that I thought of the previous day, while watching the show. She smiled.
We then segued into more about BDMOTP, she really focused in and wanted to understand the concept. She mentioned that she was getting more into social media, and that she wrote a blog longhand that someone posted for her. Longhand, classic….contemporary, either way is hot! We went on to discuss the possibilities of the internet vis-a-vis empowering the masses. Real global democracy, ideal. We bounced ideas off of each other with regards to wealth distribution, health of the people and health of the planet. I noticed she was reading “Broken Republic” by Arundhati Roy. I hadn’t read the book, but had heard about it and that gave me further insight into Vivenne’s thoughts on active resistance. It also gave me an appreciation of her relationship with India.
Thoroughly stimulated, I bid her adieu and headed to B Gates to catch my flight. Still today, I continue to contemplate our conversation during my altruistic moments, in hopes of finding that solution.
No picture today….would not have been cool to snap her at that moment….so you’ll have to imagine….and I’ll have my memory!
Outside of the Vivenne Westwood Show in Milan, I was approached to do an interview with Fashion TV Germany. They initially, just wanted to snap my photo but inquired about who I represented. Once they appreciated what BDMOTP is about, they quickly changed to wanting my opinion about the show and trends. Then asked is they could interview me on camera…and what did I say…of course, it would be my pleasure.
They wanted to know my thoughts about guys in printed pants, shorts over tights, and skirts, three trends that were apparent during this European tour. In my opinion it can be a challenge for men to add color to their outfits. Printed pants are a good way, provided that the print design is apropos, to add color and a bit of flair. For example, I saw a nice paisley print design that was great. We have a few pics of printed pants up on out street style section, check a few of our favorites here and here.
As for the shorts over tights and skirts, I’m not a big fan. I am a proponent of men being confident and owning their look. I would say, that it takes a lot confidence, or the total opposite being a seeker of attention, to pull off tights and/or a skirt. As you get to know me, you’ll find that I’m into nuance, so when I say I want men to display confidence in their dress, I really mean a subtle rock solid confidence. I learned something about myself today. Other than ethnic dress, I’m not sure how you pull off a skirt subtly, just my humble opinion, but please allow me space to evolve. And because BDMOTP is such a cool site that’s bigger than me with room for everyone, we have a few pics of guys in tights and skirts as well, that our team thinks pulls the look off.
Thanks Fashion TV Germany….look forward to seeing you in Germany in a couple months.
Eco-friendly and stylish come to mind when thinking of Whitney Linen Inc.’s menswear collection. Toronto-based designers, Whitney Westwood and Franciska Veress, import the raw linen from Lithuania and design the line in Canada.
Whitney Westwood explains , “My love of timeless elegant things started when I was a child. My parents brought the first Hermes store to Toronto and ran it for 15 years. I grew up with Hermes, so to speak, and absorbed its style, colour and line. I have spent much time in Europe and have watched elegant men and women, dressed in linen, walking the cobbled streets of France and Italy, looking so chic. The more worn linen looks, the better it looks. I want to introduce the comfort and confidence of this image to North Americans.”
The benefits of wearing linen are it’s ability to keep the body cool, it’s durability and it’s green appeal.
Having linen is a definite must for any man’s wardrobe.
