Dries Van Noten

Okay, it's been hard to decide the other designers for men, I'm torn between Miu Miu and Dries Van Noten actually. After being in his store in Antwerp, I liked alot of his colours and materials he uses, fun and stylish all in one. I have a pair of his shoes I aways get compliments on because their unique and that's why we do love our designers, don't we, to be unique! Besides, his sizing really works if your average size. This season I see alot of good designs coming out of Italy vs. France. More fun and more daring. Besides the fit of French fashion is a size zero if you can fit into it. I think that's why Karl Lagerfeld shed all his weight to fit into that Dior suit by Heidi Slimane. Moreso, I see more feminine side of French fashion now and that's fine but I do like fit, colour and texture.

Rochas

As for girly clothes I have to say I loved Rochas! Very elegant, modern and beautiful. While Oliver Theyskens was creating this collection, my jaw would drop to see what he made in demi couture. Sad to say, it's gone now but we look forward to seeing his current works with Nina Ricci. While was in Paris I went to his boutique to really see his work, I was impressed to see cool plastic buttons on wools and layered mesh on his skirts. I hope he'll make his own label one day making creations just like Rochas.

Jean-Paul Gaultier

I went to this Korean fashion website and I found this Korean model, she looks fantastic in black vintage JPG and her big tote. I like her boots to finish the full wardrobe. She rocks!

Yohji Yamamoto Pour Homme

I've been looking at ALOT of menswear collections today. I finally came down to two designers that's making some waves. Yohji's designs is impeccable in workmanship, fabric and cut. His clothes is meant to last for years to come and that is important to me because we all want something special for a long time. He's carwash coat is way cool with the cut panels. The draping of the wrap is perfect as well with that organic sensibility.  I was sad I couldn't see his show when I was in Antwerp Belgium, wishing to stay a few more days until the show opened. I'll post the other designer soon, in debating mode right now.

Haute Heels

I rode my bike along upper Polk Street the other day. I found some really hot heels from Jil Sander and YSL. I love it when all you need is a pair of heels like these to make a pencil skirt or black dress complete. As for men we all cry out because we can't have these cool designs. Only Miu Miu and Prada makes  some really hot shoes for men in the sea of pointy toe lace ups or logos. In retrospect, in the late 80's there were some really cutting edge designs coming out of Europe and Japan. The Japanese fashion movement and JPG trailblazing the hot runways really pushed design on a more experimental plane. One particular shoe designer Tokio Kumagui made some really amazing shoes but I couldn't find them for men at all, even in Tokyo. 

Modern Menswear

Last night I went to Books Inc. I found this book called Modern Menswear, I was curious to see who he would cover in the industry. The author really did a good research of current designers that create nouveau fashion. The designers i.e. Alexander McQueen, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Comme des Garcons is just a few of them that beat their own drum which I appreciate.  The shirt here is by Blaak, the flowers on the shirt is just lovely, creating both masculine and feminine works very well here.

Fashion Shows

During my last week of classes at the Academy of Art I was happy to attend the fashion show down on 6th and Bryant. The show was fresh and new and now. I like the way they experimented not to fear the imagination unlike seeing CCA's graduating class, their works were conservative, watered down and pressured to market the mainstream. 

Fashion Shows

Last week was a treat to see my friend Hellyn Mersereau's designs on the small runway at 111 Minna. Her work reminds me of some bondage effects of Helmut Lang combining organic concept as well to create meaning in her dresses. Good colours and contrasts always works as she did here.

Gucci

Today I walked down Market Street and I found this cute consignment store Sui Generis. There I see this cute guy he's name is Parker wearing Gucci pants with corset ties at the ankles. I love it when a guy doesn't wear socks with dress shoes, so un-American and so Euro. He really looks good from head to toe.

Yves Saint Laurent

When I heard the news I was in shock. Someone so talented to die. I felt he was young to pass away at 71. 

A long time ago, I went into a store that carried his Rive Gauche line. I was so impressed by his exotic silks, rich velvets and deep gabardine. As if I stepped into an exotic country where I would eat borsch, Beluga caviar with a Tiffany spoon in the Siberian winter. He made such an international impact to all the women that wanted to look exotic and stylish. His workmanship was beautiful and he didn't skimp at all. You knew this is luxury at it's finest level.

We will miss you!

Yohji Yamamoto

Today I read an article about 5 leading designers that made their influences and one of them was Yohji Yamamoto. I think he's a genius in my mind. He's kept his conceptual designs and refined it as time goes on. Remarkably he's made a big difference in the fashion world for men and for women.