Suit You Sir...

(Written for The Mancunion. Click here to view it). 

Once upon a time a suit was nothing more than a practical outfit we all had to own. It would make a dismally infrequent appearance for a distant family wedding, another christening or a friend’s unnecessarily themed ‘black-tie’ party at the local village hall. While the girls worried about where to buy their new dress, we worried about if the dry-cleaning had properly removed the effluvium of vomit from last years Student Ball. 

However, with Hollywood’s struggle for original insults to throw at it’s female red carpet victims, the world’s fashionable eyes are turning to their male companions. This means we men are now getting more options than a simple black tux. Here are my suggestions for something a little riskier:

1) Mix it up. By abandoning the matching suit mentality you can discover a wealth of fun options. For example, a common favourite is a velvet blazer. Although they are available in a multitude of colours, I recommend staying dark with a british racing green, burnt maroon or midnight purple. For a traditional smoking jacket choose a double breasted option with simple buttons; adopting a rope fastening will take you into fancy-dress territory.

2) Similarly, maintaining a black jacket can allow for a variation is choice of trouser. Tartan is a good print, but staying dark is still essential. If patterned pants seem daunting, block colour can bring a simple edge. Just avoid joining the red trouser brigade. This is Manchester, not Exeter. 

3) If bold is the route you want to take, bright colours can work in some very special cases. Although within an unlikely student budget, Burberry frequently include more daring colours in their collections. However, even this price range may make you look more Ronald McDonald than Tinie Tempah. 

Don’t get me wrong, a simple suit is still a strong look, and in most cases a recommendable one. However, the smaller details have seen a recent growth of importance. For example, opt for shorter dimensions in both the sleeves and trouser to bring the staple classic into a modern era. Similarly, two-buttoned suits fit better around the midriff than their three-buttoned predecessor, giving a more defined silhouette. As for the classic and simple tux, one button is already enough and it should also only ever be paired with a crisp, white dress shirt and plain bow-tie. I call it a simple tux because that is exactly how it should be; simple. If you really must add some colour then a silk scarf is acceptable. Hundreds are available from edgy, overpriced vintage stores in the Norther Quarter, but if you can get to a kilo sale you’ll find a life-time supply for less than lunch.

As we mature into modern men a strong understanding of formalwear is essential, not just what’s on trend, but what works for you personally. By the time next year’s Student Ball comes around, your options will be countless. Just try to keep it clean this time. 

Sleeve It Out

(Written for The Mancunion. Click here to be redirected.)

In 20 years time a new breed of men will emerge. These men will never sport a t-shirt and shudder at the thought of the gym. They will avoid holidaying in warm climates and refuse to visit public swimming pools. If this doesn’t sound like your ideal future husband, fear not. There is a way these modern men can be identified; their sleeve.

Once reserved for hard-core biker-boys and worthy workmen, the sleeve is now another accessory for the bearded, top-knotted creative crew at your local advertising agency. Even my hairdresser got a sleeve at the weekend. However, as the tattooed arm continues to gain popularity, the reasons behind this craze are becoming increasingly unclear. One may be the need for our generation to constantly express our beliefs. A tattoo is a permanent change to your body, so it should represent something you really believe in. Religious? Get a tattoo. Patriotic? Get a tattoo. Vegetarian? Get a tattoo. They give us an opportunity to show the world who we really are. For example, nothing says ‘fighter of the bohemian revolution’ more than a selection of dice, hearts and sepia faded flowers doodled down your arm. A sleeve represents an attitude to life; carefree, creative and generally cool. It gives us an opportunity to show our individuality and uniqueness. I can only imagine the joy someone feels from knowing that 25% of the UK’s population has something very similar.

Has the crave to be kooky turned into social conformity? Are all members of the 25 percenters really that individual? My experience has taught me that after the lure of an edgy sleeve has worn off, the man behind it tends to be more boring than the tattoo-free majority. It is the same phenomenon as that of a girl with short hair; they believe a ‘different’ haircut will give them an edge, whereas actually it just provides more entertainment to those playing ‘is it a he or a she?’ on the Megabus.

Don’t get me wrong, not all tattoos fit this category. It is socially acceptable to get a tattoo for sentimental reasons, just ensure strength in the legitimacy of these reasons. For example, I must admit there is a hidden hypocrisy to this article; I have a tattoo. It compromises of three dots on my ankle as if someone had written ‘therefore’ in shorthand. Very hipster. When asked for its relevance I used to tell people that it’s meaning of ‘ma vida loco’ lies in prison tattoo history. However, the truth is buried in a blurry alcohol stained memory of a Thai beach. Not so hipster, but a lot more believable. Similarly, I once met a girl who felt the urge to share with me her latest body addition; a heart with wings across her lower back. She then preceded to explain how the heart represented her troubled background, with the wings symbolising her struggled escape. This was, of course, complete pretentious fabrication. If you have a bad tattoo, admit it. As a result of a bet gone wrong, a friend of mine has another friend’s surname in ink across the sole of his foot. When asked, his explanation is that he is an idiot; believable, truthful and straight to the point.

Luckily, these tattoos are all able to be hidden. A sleeve, however, is guaranteed to provide far more difficulty in concealment when the inevitable regret sets in. Like most fashions, the sleeve is a fad. This fad will disappear in due time, but the evidence of it will remain. Once a symbol of rebellion to social norms, the inked-up arm is soon to be to the young man what the tramp stamp has become to the young woman. When the boy becomes a man and tackles responsibilities such as fatherhood and mortgage repayments, he may question whether he was ever that kooky and individual. With a pair of scissors and a blade the top-knot and beard can be dealt with. However, the sleeve will cling to its owners conscience forever, serving as a regular reminder of just how ordinary he really is. Oh, for a beach holiday.

Best of British

(Written for The Mancunion. Click here to be redirected.)

They’ve created national joy and celebration throughout their engagement, wedding, pregnancy and birth. She’s a brunette beauty living the perfect rags-to-riches fairytale, whilst he’s represented his country in the toughest of battles. That’s right, the Beckham’s could not be more British! We can’t help but feel a sense of bona fide pride when we see their faces in the flashing lights of foreign paparazzi. Although their fashion history is questionable, including matching leather outfits, cowboy hats and mohawk haircuts, this couple are true trendsetters, consistently satisfying the prying and style savvy eyes of the British public.

Press and fans the world over religiously fall at their perfectly pedicured feet. David repeatedly appears in GQ’s best dressed list, looking smooth in both tailored suits and casual jeans. However, Victoria’s decision to abandon her crop-tops and braids could be Brand Beckham’s greatest achievement yet. After her stint as a British ambassador for Dolce and Gabbana, her explosion into the fashion industry has seen classic silhouettes with sharp modern twists appear in her confident, yet simple collections. Furthermore, as if she needed a seal of approval, her well matured and developed eye for design was officially recognised by winning ‘Designer Brand of the Year’ at the British Fashion Awards in 2011. 

However, the couple’s family commitments have grown in recent years, slowing Beckham Ventures. These commitments include conceiving and birthing four children, moving to LA and back again, and tackling Rebecca Loos. ‘Posh’ must be somewhat disappointed that her fashion label has only managed to win critical acclaim from Vogue Magazine and reportedly generate an annual turnover of £60 million. Similarly, after David’s retirement from his 6 year captaincy for the English football team, he has only collaborated with one of Europe’s largest high street chains to design and launch an underwear line. Some would say the pair are slacking. 

Still, it’s fair to say our nation regards the couple as a true asset. They bring superstar quality to the average British couple, simultaneously juxtaposing both genius and humble qualities. However, it can be argued that throughout their journey to international fashionista recognition their British eccentricity has somewhat been lost. Victoria has sold her soul to societal conformity in the form of conservative dresses and forced pouts, while ‘Golden Balls’ has sported relatively mundane hairstyles for sometime now. Is their fashion success sincere or do they pine for the 90s? Perhaps the couple will do a one-eighty and bring back the matching leather!

New Country, New Home

So I have recently moved to France. I am now a fully-fledged Lillois and, so far, I’m loving it. I’ve moved here for one academic year as part of my degree, and I couldn’t have chosen a better city. The fashion here is fantastic, with every single person in my neighbourhood looking constantly chic. The women are glamorous and the men are handsome. There are some fantastic little vintage shops around my house, which seem to hide beautifully amongst the crumbling French walls and cobblestones. In contrast to this, brands such as Louis Vuitton and Zadig & Voltaire have sleek stores made of glass and steel squeezed between the historic Architecture. 

Talking of architecture, I thought I’d share with you my house here. I have become completely obsessed with it, further increasing my love for properties and furnishings! Although I’m not even close, I’ve had great fun filling it with vintage furniture. Here’s a couple of photos of what I call home. 

Whistle While You Work

Throughout my time at Code Le Vush I worked predominantly with the SS14 collection. This included organising editorial photoshoots. The collection is truly beautiful, with it’s silhouettes simultaneously mirroring the juxtaposition of London’s natural beauty and municipal strength. By twinning this with contrasting landscapes for the two photoshoots, I think the collection is able to speak for itself. 

I was also able to attend Pure London 34. The trade show was an incredible success, for them and for us. The catwalk showcased some amazing new designers, and the Drappers team gave a great insight into SS14 trends to look out for, using some pieces from Code Le Vush’s collection. 

Our space looked chic and managed to pull in the stockists, adding to a successful weekend for the brand. 

Summer in the City

It’s been a very busy summer. I moved to London at the beginning of it to start interning at Code Le Vush, an emerging luxury fashion designer. I love London and was so excited to be in the city for longer than a weekend break. I’m fortunate in that a family member of mine owns a beautiful flat on the South Bank, with incredible views over the expanse of urban jungle we call our capital city. So for me, accommodation was very much sorted. 

In my first week of work I attended the launch of Exalt Magazine. It’s an incredible publication with beautiful editorials from front to back, including big names such as Oliver Cheshire. The editor, Emma Breden, is a dream to be around, on both a professional and personal level and threw an awesome launch. I opted for a casual look, in all black with a light denim jacket over the top. Excuse the shameless selfie. 

Love Affur

  For decades fur has caused controversy in the fashion industry, leaving many people in the age old dilemma of ethics or style? However, in recent times animal rights activists have experienced a string of success, with rising public awareness, shops like Forever 21 promising to stop selling fur, and Kim Kardashian being flour-bombed. Although I don’t condone cruelty to animals, I have a bigger dilemma facing me. Forget protests, placards and throwing red paint. I don’t care for exposé documentaries or fur trading legislation. What I want to know is; Can I wear fur even though I’m a boy? 

  I love fur. I am completely obsessed with any girls who wear fur. To me, fur represents youth, class, elegance and a glamorous, carefree attitude. However, when fur garments are transferred to the opposite sex, it seems to convey less glamour and more seedy-transvestite-with-a-troubled-upbringing. The reasons behind this are unclear to me. Men have worn fur throughout history, from the caveman’s loincloth to King Henry VIII’s gown. It once represented wealth and success, with some prestigious graduation cloaks enjoying a fur lining. This is evident even without having to delve into the depths of history (my own headmaster wore a graduation gown with white rabbit trimming). So when did it suddenly turn? Why can I not enjoy this natural fabric as my ancestors once did?

  I have come to the conclusion that, nowadays, men do not wear fur because other men do not wear fur. There is a fear of standing out, or being categorised as gay. This connotation has only attached itself to fur because of it’s stronger presence in modern day womenswear than in menswear. It has somehow become socially unacceptable for men to wear it, and the longer this continues the worse the situation becomes. 

  I appreciate many fashion designers still use fur in their menswear collections. However, although this is praised on the catwalk, I wonder whether I can realistically wear fur on the high-street. Can I, a male 21 year old student in Manchester, really walk into Sainsbury’s to pick up some eggs wearing a vintage fox scarf? 

  I am serious. I want an answer. Not from left-wing hippies who obstruct the entrance to Selfridges with their sorrowful attempts to rally consumers. They can keep their annoyingly clear conscience. I want an answer from the everyday guy. Can a boy wear fur? Alternatively, as I am likely to disregard any unfavourable answer, I might just don a floor length mink coat and strut around town with confidence anyway, cigar in hand. Besides, I hear flour is a good look this year. 

You're Tacky And I Hate You

So this week's fashion theme in The Mancunion was 'tacky'. Here were my suggestions... 

Picture: viviennewestwood.co.uk

Tacky’s not an outfit, it’s a lifestyle. However, if you’re unable to fully dedicate yourself to the cause, this bag from Vivienne Westwood should just about cover it. The luscious mock crocodile effect in hospital-curtain pink just screams ‘all-money-no-taste’, topped off by the perspex amber glitter orb on the front. But don’t be fooled, this bag is not just about ultimate tacky style. The heart-shape body is just the right size to fit absolutely nothing inside it, while the handles ensure not even Katie Price could fit it over her arm. What’s not to like?... The £225 price tag.   

Picture: pauls-boutique.com

However, if you’re still desperate for that garish edge to your outfit but are on more of a student budget, this bag from Paul’s Boutique should fit the bill. At just £40 it retains the all important ‘tack’ through the similar heart-shape style. Although you’ll need to sacrifice Vivienne Westwood’s crocodile effect for the poor-man’s version of snake skin, the chunky gold chain strap will actually fit over your shoulder. Plus it brings an element of versatility, being grey on one side and green on the other. Who would have thought something so stylish could be so cheap- in every sense of the word?