American Boy

The other day a friend of mine was headed out for drinks with his buddy. He tried on a couple of outfit options, and settled on a Hugo Boss black button down, crisp blue jeans, and grey Chuck Taylors. Minutes later his friend arrived wearing the exact same thing. Have American men become so lazy that dark jeans, black or brown leather loafers, and a moderately patterned button up is as good as it gets? Guys its time to step it up a notch and break out of this monotonous collection of unimaginative ensembles. As a stylist I understand the importance of ease in menswear, but it has gotten to a point where this effortless three-piece wardrobe has become to look like a dull uniform. Draw some inspiration from European men. Trade in boring denim for colorful slacks. Integrate textural accessories and blazers. Break free from black and brown shoes, instead opt for a printed or neon accented oxford. The days of a button up and jeans are so “I’ll have a Redbull vodka.” Guys we’ve moved on, and it’s time you did too.

Indigenous Inspirations

( Agua Bendita, Leonisa, Missoni, Olga Pidrahita)

Last week I had the honor of meeting VIX swimwear’s merchandise planner and learning about the creation, inspiration, and distribution of a swim wear line. As with most clothing lines, sourcing materials and designing a style happen a year out from when we actually see the suits in the store. Erika mentioned a trend that VIX owner Paula Hermanny has been inspired by lately is tribal design. Colombiamoda, the most important show in Colombia is swarming with the trend for S/S 12, and top designers like Missoni, Versace, and Derek Lam embraced the look entirely for their 2011RTW collections. It is no wonder that always-current VIX is inspired by the primitive prints. I can’t wait to see how they incorporate this rad motif into their stylish line.

Vogue Italia: The September Issue

Vogue Italia’s controversial 24-page fashion spread features model Kristen McMenamy drenched in oil sprawled lifelessly over pollution soaked rocks lining the beach of the Gulf Coast. The tidal wave of reactions generated from the pictures, shot by Steven Meisel, ebb from readers questioning Vogue’s motives. Is this just a darkly exquisite photo shoot stemming from an abstract idea, or a carefully plotted political statement with an agenda? Either way the concept of the shoot is one of the most original I have seen in a long time. Art that evokes emotion, uncomfortable or otherwise, is truly good art.

 

Time to Paint

I’m finally moving to Los Angeles and found a gorgeous warehouse loft in the garment district. The only thing left to do before the move in date is choosing wall colors. Neon seems to be my new obsession due to Proenza Schouler’s SS11 collection and a fantastic ice blue guitar I’m trying to convince Dad to pass down. I always choose one piece of inspiration and then decorate around that piece. 

Heel Condoms?

A friend of mine recently shared with me a new micro trend, the heel condom. At first I said you’ve got to be crazy, the name alone is so NOT chic. But I have to say that the concept stuck in my head and now I find myself spotting these stiletto add-ons more and more. They are definitely a little out there, but as Warhol once said, “you have to do the things that people don’t understand cause they’re the only good things.” 

A Day in the Life of Jenna Lyons

Creative Director for J.Crew, she is a trend setting genius so talented and magnetic I can't get enough of her. The more I learn about her the more in awe I am of her business savvy and truly unique sense of style.

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