Diesel Black Gold Collection

Continuing their rock chic approach to fashion, Diesel Black Gold has pulled out all the stops in their new spring/summer 2012 collection. Combining relaxed tailoring with a sleek rock aesthetic, the result is a fresh, dynamic display perfect for edgy style seekers.
By using a cool palette of greys, whites and blues, Diesel Black Gold has provided a wide range of versatile separates that are both on trend and cleverly unique in cut and design. An emphasis is placed on the use of accessories, with attention being placed on the incorporation of scarves and bags within each look. Pattern is uniquely integrated into many pieces too, creating such stand outs as the check dropped crotch bottoms and the orange striped tee and scarf.
Other notable pieces include the vibrant Toricy-Uhau Tee in khaki/charcoal hues. With its blurry finish and merging of shapes, the print appears almost watercolour in design, giving the item a distinguished arty look that is very appealing.
The collection itself demonstrates a focus on detail in the form of layering. Various patterns, washes, buttons and prints are mixed and layered to produce each original look. That also tends to nod its head to the current trend of tonal colour outfits. Although it holds strong rock influence there are several pieces with a more casual, everyday finish. Meaning there is something for everyone no matter what the individual style may be.

Diesel Black Gold Collection:

Ovadia & Sons SS12 Collection

This year’s SS12 collection is a superb showcase of their discerning pursuit to make their label the definitive destination for the man who demands classic longevity and considered sophistication from his clothing. Some of the standout looks were a belted motorcycle jacket, given a fresh personality by its bold sunshine-yellow hue; modern safari tailoring and separates in classic savannah-chic tones; sharply-cut tailoring featuring traditional fabrics and heritage checks; and their quality shirting, which sports old-school penny and cutaway collar styles.
The line’s polished accessory selection of monk-strap loafers, fringed leather lace-ups and kooky collegiate bow ties are the essence of debonair refinement.
From a striped Breton knit and waxed cotton cover up to a proficiently-cut linen-blend suit and 30s-inspired black-tie tailoring, the SS12 line has every garment choice to see you from day to night, with the collection displaying a coherent understanding of a man’s sartorial needs across both work and play occasions.
With the timeless and novel aesthetic to their garments, Ovadia & Son’s designs are smart and insightful creations that every man will find space for in his wardrobe, no matter what his sartorial predilection.

Ovadia & Sons SS12 Collection:

Asos: The Fuji Rocker Collection

ASOS doesn’t do fashion according to seasons, their idea of style changes on a monthly basis.
This month sees a style described as ‘Fuji Rocker’ – heavily featuring prints from just about every culture and garments to suit all tastes.
The Spring/summer season so far (or lack of) has been all about prints and textures. This collection is no exception, offering feather tribal necklaces, Aztec canvas backpacks and camo waxed jackets to name but a few.
The hype built up for fetish style wear this SS12 seems to have staked a claim to the runner-up prize. Although high fashion houses would love to push their dark twisted fantasies upon us (thank you Kanye) we are all a bit of a sucker for colour. Personally I would be happy to not feel the need to incorporate fishnet and leather into my outfit every day, especially not on my annual summer trip to Brighton – things could get messy.
Be warned: The desire to go to a festival this summer will cast away your thrifty inhibitions once you have laid eyes upon this collection.
Check out the full feature over at ASOS.

Available At

ASOS – This Month’s Key Pieces:

Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren Spring/Summer 2012 Lookbook

For spring/summer 2012, Ralph Lauren’s Denim & Supply line goes bohemian; delivering an authentic vintage inspired range which is rugged yet effortless.
As is typical of bohemian style, the collection features a colour palette of predominantly earth tones and neutral shades – exuding the bohemian spirit and feel that the brand desperately sought after.
Utilising a variety of textures, the collection features softly washed denim, chunky & light weight knitwear, fine-gauge crochet and distressed outerwear. In terms of finishing, the garments feature hints of fringe detailing, traditional western detailing and premium materials such as leather and distressed suede.
Some of our favourite pieces from this collection come in the form of softly washed denim items – such as the jeans and denim shorts – as the lighter, somewhat faded colour ways of white and pale blue are ideal for this SS12 season; these pastel shades not only reflecting the weather and mood perfectly, but they are also a key men’s colour trend. Not only that, the distressed finish that each of these pieces has undergone gives them a distinct edge and embodies the laid back, bohemian aesthetic.
You can shop the full lookbook now over on the Ralph Lauren website.

Available At

Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren Spring/Summer 2012 Video

Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren Spring/Summer 2012 Lookbook:

Introduction

Rain never fails to dampen the mood (as well everything else) and with it often comes a lack of creativity and spark, which can seriously dent both the level of consistency and effort you put into how you dress.
In my last article, I put together a list of three common style mistakes which I often see occur on a day to day basis. Very closely missing from this list was failing to dress appropriately for the weather. With Britain in the midst of a drought (read: downpour), not to mention the notoriously unpredictable spring weather patterns, I felt it would be an apt time to put together a couple of tips on how to beat the rain in style.
Overcoming a style slump when the weather turns sour is difficult in itself, so today I’m going to focus more on quick fix solutions, rather than an overall mentality change.

Beating The Rain In Style

1. The Umbrella

The most obvious way to beating the rain is an umbrella. My personal recommendation would be to go for a full sized one, although compact brollies definitely have their merits.
I endorse a full size umbrella for the simple fact it can act as an accessory on it’s own, even when it’s not being used. Not to mention you have the opportunity of adopting one of this season’s key print trends through the canopy as well.
A compact umbrella on the other hand oozes practicality and can be easily tucked away in your man bag of choice when the weather makes an effort to be somewhat seasonal.
A key thing to remember when buying an umbrella is that you generally get what you pay for and they can be worth investing the extra pennies in. Buying an excessively cheap one can often mean paying twice, or even thrice.

• Fulton Huntsman Walking Umbrella
• London Undercover Black Sherlock Holmes Print Premium Umbrella London Undercover
• London Undercover Classic Prince Of Wales Check Umbrella
• London Undercover Camouflage Print Umbrella
• Check Print Twin Canopy Umbrella
• Harrods Signature Umbrella – Green

2. The Trench Coat/Mac

The timeless trench coat is an all time favourite and there has been a plethora of articles written on or about it. Ben penned a double header on how to wear it in spring/summer and in autumn/winter, while Ashley Cover has previously written an all-encompassing ultimate trench coat guide.
With these articles covering all the bases there is very little more than I can add about the trench coat except that it is a great choice for wet weather – whether you are undertaking the office commute or on a day out shopping. I’ve certainly spent the last fortnight or so in mine in an effort to keep dry.
Similar to an umbrella, a pack away trench or mac can be a fantastic practical option if the weather and the forecast are both looking ambiguously suspect. Easily tucked away in a man bag or on a back seat, they certainly shouldn’t be discredited.

• Topman Navy Full Length Belted Mac
• Asos Grey Trench Coat
• Allsaints Hamana Mac
• Reiss Simeon Double Breasted Trench Coat Mid Grey
• Burberry Brit Taupe Check Lined Britton Packable Trench Coat
• Burberry London Showerproof Belted Coat

3. The Parka

The Parka has undergone somewhat of a resurgence recently, rising from nothing more than a style minnow to the fashion front line in a matter of seasons.
Like the trench coat, the parka has military derivations and is just as suited to the wet weather. However, the parka often lends itself to a more utilitarian approach – unlike the trench, which has an air of business like respectability.
These roots make the parka a great casual option when tackling the downpour, although there is nothing stopping it being used as the outer layer during the morning commute. The hood and insulation – often coming in the form of fur – traditionally associated with the parka make it especially useful for when the climate is more akin to deep winter than the midst of spring.

• Allsaints Depot Parka
• Burton Black Fur Trimmed Hooded Jacket
• Lyle & Scott Camouflage Print Hooded Parka
• Barbour Washed Blue Neigh Parka Jacket
• Ps By Paul Smith Hooded Cotton-canvas Parka Jacket
• Woolrich Woolen Mills Hooded Parka Jacket

4. Other Waterproof Outerwear

If neither the trench nor parka takes your fancy as your preferred outerwear choice to combat a downpour, the seek out a water-resistant alternative – waxed fabric or waterproofed nylon-blends are often given precedence. Last year’s spring/summer fisherman trend threw up some great examples of stylish waterproof wear that was perfectly acclimatised to the spring.
Lightweight duffels and fisherman style jackets proved to be the cornerstone of the aforementioned trend, but their practical usage gives them a far more lasting appeal. In fact, more utility jackets than ever are being included in lookbooks and campaigns for this season as well, proving that they should be one of the mainstays of a UK spring wardrobe.
These utility jackets are also a great place to bring in a pop of colour that might be missing elsewhere. The fact they are not considered to be staple outerwear gives you that opportunity to play around with colours that usually wouldn’t prove so pragmatic for daily wear.
It’s probably best to keep these rain jackets confined to casual wear, as wearing a bright yellow rain coat on the commute to the office could look a little ridiculous.

• Aubin & Wills Brenthall Cotton-blend Fisherman Jacket
• Percival Reversible Rain Coat
• Farah Vintage Racing Green Howe Waxed Jacket
• Topman Red Lightweight Hoody
• Penfield Rochester Navy Jacket
• Barbour Navy Light Nylon Twill International Jacket

5. Wet Weather Footwear

Shoes, as i mentioned many times before, are a vital component of any outfit. When you’re faced with spring showers, your footwear choice should be as pragmatic as your outerwear.
Leather soled shoes will not do well in the rain, especially if they’re brand new, and you risk damaging the sole when the leather gets wet. Shoes with a rubber sole on the other hand will fair much better in the rain, although the aesthetic isn’t always to everyone’s ideal.
If you’re a leather sole kind of guy and don’t mind running the risk of wearing them in the rain then it is crucial you care for your shoes after they’ve been subject to the elements:

• Dry them properly, this means naturally at room temperature. The use of a radiator, hairdryer or a hand dryer – trust me I’ve seen it and although I commend the dedication, the leather can and will become compromised, as will the stitching, and there is a good chance that the welts will eventually split.
• Put shoetrees in them, or stuff with newspaper, and leave them for a couple of days.

While it’s definitely best for the longevity of your leather soled shoes that you avoid wearing them in the rain, sometimes it’s unavoidable, especially at this time of year.
When it comes to more casual footwear, the rain is a great time to reprise those hiking and duck boots that were a big trend last season. White trainers or desert boots wont fair well in the wet, whilst suede and loafers would be incredibly ill-advised – having been caught in an unforecasted shower in mine, I can safely say it doesn’t end well.

• John Lobb Wood Shoe Trees
• Pedag Jazz – Shoe Trees
• John Lobb Wood John Lobb Black Rubber Overshoesshoe Trees
• Sanders English Tan Leather Brick Sole Gibson Brogues
• Allsaints Almack Boot
• Redwingwork Chukka Boot Tan Leather
• Grenson Fred Vibram Sole Brogue Boots
• Fracap Ripple Sole Scarponcini Boot Black & Antique Brass
• Asos Leather Lace-up Duck Boots

Conclusion

Dressing inappropriately for the weather is a major style sin.
Remember, bad weather doesn’t have to equate to bad style.

For more visit the Fashionbeans website: http://www.fashionbeans.com/2012/mens-fashion-tip-beating-the-rain-in-style/