Hip to be Square

First of all I apologise for using the word hip in any other context than in reference to the Os Coxae but I couldn't come up with a better title at this time of the evening.
Anyway.....Anyone looking to brighten up drab office attire or flex their metaphorical sartorial muscles would be wise to invest in a pocket square or two, it's surprising what great an effect such a small flourish can have but it really does display a considered approach to dressing.
So guys if you aren't already I suggest you get garnishing your breast pockets, below are some examples to help you on your way.

1. Richard James - Red & Navy Eyes Silk pocket Square - £42
2. Polo Ralph Lauren - Equestrian Print pocket Square - £39
3. Maison Martin Margiela - 10 Men's Pocket Handkerchief - £45
4. Barbour - Tartan Check Handkerchief Boxset - £16.95
5. Paul Smith - Smithstamatic Printed Cotton Handkerchief - £29
6. Turnbull & Asser - Rolled Seam Silk pocket Square - £45
7. Duchamp - Utopia Garden Print Pochette - £49
8. Ede & Ravenscroft - Green Bold Bean Pocket Square - £45

Jones Bootmaker SS12

Clean, simple and modern aren't really adjectives you'd use to describe Jones Bootmaker (A brand steeped in history and tradition) but that's exactly what their latest SS12 campaign is.
Photographed by Blair Getz Mezibov the campaign features fresh faced model John Todd in a series of pastel coloured, preppy styled ensembles accompanied, of course, by Jones footwear.
A wise move from a brand that was at risk of becoming ever so slightly stale.

Quote of the Week #28

“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn”
Orson Welles

The very talented Mr Welles certainly knew what he was talking about and I'm all for not giving a damn!

Domenico Cordua

My latest artistic discovery is the wonderfully imaginative and ever so colourful Domenico Cordua who's work deals with the notions of celebrity and pop culture and frequently touches upon several issues affecting the fashion industry.
My favourite and possibly most pertinent creations of his are the depictions of runway ensembles on some rather Rubenesque ladies; thought provoking and funny.


Alexander McQueen

Vivienne Westwood

Prada

Gareth Pugh

Valentino

Jil Sander SS12 Campaign

Jil Sander's latest advertising campaign shot by Willy Vanderperre takes dramatic cues from 1940's film noir. The advertisement's dark aesthetic is in strict contrast to what is a clean, bright collection and is a welcome change to the usual light and breezy SS campaigns.

Haunting expressions from models Natasha Poly, Clément Chabernaud, Aiden Andrews & Daria Strokous ensure this vision of Sander is one that lingers.

All Tied Up Two

In my current place of work the uniform is deemed casual, and the donning of a tie prohibited so when I put mine on to go and buy Lunch an eyebrow or two may be raised. However I'm not one for shirking my sartorial obligations and will continue to proudly wear mine for the 100 metre walk to Marks & Spencer every lunch time.
So in honour of keeping the tradition alive here are some rather lovely ones available today.

1. Richard James - Silk Natte Tie - £75
2. Paul Smith - Polka Dot Tie - £69
3. DAKS - Check Silk Tie - £30
4. Etro - Knitted Silk Tie - £105
5. Drake's - Striped Raw Shantung Tie - £105
6. Duchamp - Delire D'Ete Print Tie - £59
7. Thom Browne - Classic Gingham Tie - £115
8. Topman - Russian Doll Motif Tie - £10
9. Liberty London - Chive Liberty Print Tie - £55

For previous season ties see here

Organic Prints

One aspect of SS12 that is perturbing me ever so slightly is the designers penchant for using organic inspired prints, it may sound rather lovely in theory but in practice I remain unconvinced.
However here are some examples in all their glory, I shall leave you to make up your own minds.
Do let me know what you think.

Moschino

Prada

Tommy Hilfiger

Jean Paul Gaultier

Givenchy

Again one has borrowed the images from Style.com

Cut The Mustard

Cut the mustard this SS12 in one of the seasons most popular colours. The deep shade of yellow appears on everything from full suits to jackets and accessories - just what's needed to brighten up the current dismal days we're having.
Below are a few Dandy Fantastic favourites.

Roberto Cavalli

Hermes

Alexander McQueen

Viktor & Rolf

Roland Mouret Mr.

Lanvin

Burberry Prorsum

Images sourced from Style.com

Joseph Abboud SS12

With such Tundra like weather conditions upon us I find myself longing for a little respite from the cold and so I ponder on what we'll all be wearing when the summer months arrive.
I for one wouldn't mind spending those months clad in the latest Joseph Abboud offering.
Like many of his contemporaries for SS12 Abboud is inspired by the notion of journeying and exploration - It is both relaxed and rugged, through his use of deconstructed tailoring, yet highly luxurious thanks to the lightweight fabrics and rich colour palette.
Highlights for me come in the form of a fantastic suede, rather 70's, safari shirt and a beautiful blue Dupioni silk, shawl collar dinner jacket.
Do scroll down and a have gander.

Images were sourced from Abboud's own website where the rest of the collection can be seen.

Quote of the Week #27

"Anyone can get dressed up and glamorous, but it is how people dress in their days off that are the most intriguing"

Alexander Wang

Great quote from American fashion designer Alexander Wang, made all the more pertinent whilst I read the GQ 50 Most Stylish Men 2012. One wonders how they dress away from the camera, Perhaps their style accolade maybe ever so slightly tarnished