Table of contents for Style Spring - Summer 2017 in Da Man

you are what you wear, they say. In recent months though, what people wear has come under heavy scrutiny, thanks in no small part to escalating global tension. What is supposed to be an individual expression of style and creativity could easily turn into a thing that gets one banned from entering a particular country. Still progressive voices on the fashion front are still alive. Dior, for one, spiked up the spirit of feminism by outwardly stating “We Should All Be Feminists” on window displays and T-shirts. Then, there was the #TiedTogether movement, which strongly connected fashion with social media and a new social movement. You are what you wear, indeed; but what you wear can speak (and even shout) of individual freedom, or sometimes trigger fear. This is a…

DOS • GO OVERSIZED Denim shirts are one of those fashion items that don’t have to fit. An oversize shirt can make for a great outerwear piece. • KEEP IT PATCHED Patches on denim shirts are in. Pick one that complements your looks and stick to just one or two patches at the most. • BUTTON DOWN For those of you looking for a more polished look, pick a button down denim shirt. It might be a simple change, but it can leave a huge impact. DON'TS • CHOP THEM UP Shredded denim works great for some articles of clothing. Shirts aren’t one of them. • ACID-WASHED When it comes to denim shirts, subtlety is the key. So, instead of gaudy and loud acid-washed denim, a simple washed variety with…

1 WHAT CONSTITUTES A “BUSINESS CASUAL” DRESS CODE? The term “business casual” can sometimes be tricky to decode. But put simply, it means dressing in more casual and relaxed clothing while still projecting a professional and business-like image. On a more practical level, the commonly accepted clothing items for this dress code include: • Dress shirts, open-collar shirts or polo shirts in neutral colors • A tailored blazer or a knitted sweater for outerwear • Slacks, chinos or corduroy pants • Loafers or dress shoes Please note that in some business (particularly in the technology and creative industries) a presentable T-shirt and jeans can be accepted as “business casual.” 2 WHAT ARE THE BEST STRATEGIES FOR DEALING WITH A LARGE PHONE IN YOUR POCKET? Once upon a time, we happily…

Elegant menswear used to be all about tailoring. The way a well-cut suit falls help shape the silhouette of the wearer, and it emanates charm and intelligence which words fail to convey. Furthermore, good suits were a status symbol, a prerequisite to break into higher echelons or to rub elbows with the movers and shakers. But menswear today is turning fast into something closer to womenswear. Like womenswear, menswear today is, first and foremost, for the sake of fun. Accordingly, the currency of elegance seemed to be lost in translation on many of the runways during the Paris Men’s Fashion Week of spring/summer 2017. Lanvin, the longest running couturier in Paris, was, ironically, showing its age. The brand’s head of menswear design, Lucas Ossendrijver, has a reputation for designing worn-in…

“NOT MANY PEOPLE KNEW THAT THIS SPRING/SUMMER MARKS THE SECOND RUNWAY SHOW FOR JOSEPH ABBOUD AFTER A 15-YEAR ABSENCE” Utilitarian is a strong theme among many designers of late. Less frills, more function, easy to wear. American menswear is predominantly built on that notion. Exceptions abound, of course. Hood by Air, the nation’s newest l’enfant terrible, has gone beyond the boundaries of gender and, for this season, chose to hold their show in a gay sauna in Paris instead of New York. Since politics, the economy and security remained shaky during this New York Fashion Week—what with multiple policeshooting incidents, the terrorist attack in Nice and so on—its ripple effect was less than expected. But, like with any well-kept secret, the less people know it, oftentimes the better. Not many…

They say that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And more often than not, that one initial step is followed by many small shuffles forward (and the occasional misstep) before one finds himself on the path to greatness. Such was the journey of Giuseppe Zanotti. At the age of 17, the would-be legendary shoemaker started working as a radio DJ, before his love for music eventually brought him into the world of fashion. In 1994, Zanotti started designing his own shoes, and six years later he opened his first boutique in Italy’s fashion capital of Milan. Today, his fabulous creations can be found across fifty of his stores around the world—to say nothing of the works he’s done for some of the biggest names in…

After spending quite a long time hidden from the public eye, Brandon Lee, son of legendary “Baywatch” star Pamela Anderson and Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee, is stepping into the limelight. And, of course, he’s doing it in style. For one, Lee is one of the faces of Dolce & Gabbana’s spring/summer 2017 campaign, and also appeared on the brand’s runway show during the Milan Fashion Week event earlier this year. It would certainly seem that the modeling gene runs in the family: His brother, Dylan Jagger Lee, modeled for Saint Laurent. Naturally, film is a not-sodistant goal for the elder Lee brother, who described himself on numerous occasions as a consummate “cinephile.” Rumors abound about at least one cameo in a film project that’s probably quite familiar to him.…

The old saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” has never been more relevant than today, where any photo can be seen by thousands—if not millions—of people. Take Matthew Noszka, a world-renowned model who has become the face Ports 1961’s and Dsquared2’s spring/summer 2017 campaigns, was seen on the runways of Moschino and Philipp Plein, and appeared on a number of high-profile editorials. And that’s just what he’s accomplished in 2017! As crazy as it might sound, all that started with a single Instagram post. And it wasn’t even staged. But that one picture was seen by Luke Simone, a representative of Wilhelmina Models (which, in turn, represents figures such as Nick Jonas and Shawn Mendes), and he saw Noszka’s potential. The rest, as they say, is history—and this…

A roundup of all that you need to know this season to look and be your best…

DOS • NEUTRAL HUES Although bright colors are all the rage this season, it’s best to stick with neutral colors for your parka. It will help you maintain a sleek—and professional—silhouette. • AVOID SHINY FABRICS Unless you want to look like an ’80s pop star, avoid parkas that are made using shiny fabrics. • KEEP AN EYE ON LENGTH Oversized parkas tend to look good on women, but somehow don’t look quite right on most men. As a rule of thumb, the bottom of a parka should reach around mid-thigh. DON'TS • PLAY WITH PRINTS Since parkas will cover the better part of your outfit, playing with patterns is risky and can clash with whatever peeks out from beneath. Better play it safe and look for something more subtle. •…

GOT THE BLUES A BLOUSON OR LIGHT JACKET IS A DEFINITE MUST-HAVE. PICK BOMBER JACKETS WITH ELASTIC BANDS ON THE WAIST FOR A SPORTY LOOK, AND IN BLUE FOR A TIMELESS APPEAL THE WHITE STRIDES THE SIMPLE COMBINATION BETWEEN A WHITE BLAZER AND BLACK PANTS IS GAINING MOMENTUM ON MANY PRESTIGIOUS EVENTS. PERFECT THE LOOK WITH HANDSOME CONFIDENCE CASUALLY SPRING THE BEST TIME TO WEAR WHITE PANTS IS DURING SPRING OR SUMMER. WITH COMFY SNEAKERS AND A RELAXED POLO SHIRT, YOU’RE SET FOR A WEEKEND GETAWAY…

The year 2016 saw a lot of economic and political uncertainties. From Brexit to Trump’s presidency and a host of other issues, many felt perplexed as they grappled with the reality that followed. On a somewhat similar note, the fashion business underwent its own share of upheavals. What with the rising number of brands combining their men’s and women’s shows or streamlining their lines, the season was a doorway to an unpredictable future. A lot of things are going to change, that’s for sure, and everybody did their best to get a grip on things. This usually meant reconsidering every move and staying close to the ground. Fully embracing this approach was Etro, which once again featured real people—not just models—on its runway shows. While this was not exactly new,…

Fashion is a fickle subject. Trends come and go; a brands’ signature can change season after season. Of course, constant reinvention is exactly what makes up the backbone of the industry. This is certainly nothing new for Silvia Venturini Fendi, granddaughter of Eduardo and Adele Fendi, founders of the famed Italian house known for furs and, more recently, “it” bags. As a matter of fact, it was Silvia who came up with probably the most recognizable “it” bag for ladies in the late 1990s and 2000s: the Baguette bag. Then, she pushed forward with the Monster bag and, last year, the FendiFaces bag for men. While fashion keeps changing, it seems that Silvia really knows how to ride that unpredictable wave of change. All that, however, might not become immediately…

Years ago, Jason Basmajian headed Italian fashion brand Brioni before creating a new chapter for one of the most celebrated institutions on London’s Savile Row: Gieves & Hawkes. Now, for the spring and summer of 2017, this maestro of precise tailoring and classical cuts delves into casual styling, sportswear and denim—even denim-ondenim— for Cerruti 1881. At the same time, Basmajian masterfully weaves this new approach with the Italian fashion house’s rich heritage. The result, as seen on the runways and described by the creative director himself, is a feast for the senses. DA MAN: Cerruti 1881’s spring/summer ’17 collection seems to comprise a wide range of styles. Do you have a single, unifying theme that runs through every look? Jason Basmajian: The theme of the spring/summer ’17 collection is more…

Fashion models are seen, but not often heard. That’s how things used to be, at least. Nowaday s , a model’s personality can count for just as much—if not more—than his looks. For model John Kolic, though, the cool and somber look still works swimmingly for his runway appearances, his campaign shots and his editorials (including this one, obviously). But beneath that look is a genuinely warm personality with a penchant for humanitarian work (Kollic supports the A.skate Foundation, for one, along with several non-profits mentioned below) and a lot of insight into the world of modeling. Oh, and apparently, he has quite a sense of humor. Below he shares his thoughts on what gets a model noticed in the industry and his passions beyond fashion. DA MAN: Hi, John;…

Back in mid-2016 DAMAN photo shoot featuring two male models. One of them was Charlie Matthews. And now he’s back again in his own fashion feature and interview. So, this time around we got to learn more about Matthews as he opens up about his first steps into the world of modeling, how he has branched out to jewelry design and much, much more. DA MAN: Hi, Charlie, great to have you back. What have you been busy with these past months? Charlie Matthews: I’ve been busy working with my regular clients here in L.A. such as Guess, Mr. Turk and I’m also working on my jewelry line I launched back in January. DA: Can you tell us how you got your start in modeling? CM: I actually got scouted…

COPA CUBANA FIRST INTRODUCED IN THE 1950S, THE CUBAN COLLAR OOZES OLDSCHOOL CHARM AND CLASS. NOW, THANKS TO MIUCCIA PRADA, THIS STAPLE OF SUMMER FASHION FINALLY GOT THE ARTSY TREATMENT IT SO DESERVES. ALSO IN THIS SEASON: MIXING PATTERNS AND BRIGHT COLORS. STILL, CRISP WHITE OR FLORAL PRINTS CAN ALSO DO THE CUBAN COLLAR JUSTICE VARSITY BLUES THE VARSITY JACKET WAS ALWAYS MEANT TO BE A GRABAND- GO PIECE FOR WHENEVER YOU’RE UP FOR A GOOD TIME. THIS SEASON, PLENTY OF DESIGNERS SENT THEIR OWN INTERPRETATIONS OF THIS VERSATILE ITEM DOWN THE RUNWAYS. FOR THE BREEZY SUMMER DAYS OF 2017, VARSITY JACKETS COME WITH COLORFUL PATCHES ON THE CHEST OR EVEN ABSTRACT PRINTS ON SATIN TO A TEE WHILE WE CAN EASILY AGREE THAT SIMPLE, WHITE T-SHIRTS ARE NEVER GOING…

DOS • ALL ABOUT THE FITS Tight shorts never look good, no matter how toned the wearer is. Same goes for oversized shorts. So, always make sure that you get the best possible fit. • TROPICAL PRINT Tropical prints are a summer favorite for good reason. Balance the vibrant feel with a simple white shirt or polo for an effortlessly cool look. DRESS THEM UP How do you elevate a pair of shorts? Pairing them with a linen blazer can work. Dressy shoes like moccasins or brogues can also do the trick. DON'TS SHEER FABRICS Linen or wool is always preferable when it comes to shorts. The stiffness of these fabrics helps you maintain an acceptable level of polish. • TOO SHORT It’s summertime and showing a bit more skin…

HERMÈS THE FACELESS Following its new “Objects for Life” slogan, Hermès chose to highlight its products instead of models for the brand’s spring/summer ’17 campaign. Tackling this new concept is photographer Jackie Nickerson, stylist Delphine Treanton and creative director Fabien Mouillard. The end result is a photo portraying a model with his back turned to the camera as he holds up a tie-dyed yellow jacket, accompanied only by the name of the famous French fashion house and the aforementioned slogan. As a side note, the campaign photo for the women’s collection follows the same concept, with a model whose face is never seen in showcasing shoes, a handbag and a scarf. VERSACE VERSACE HORSE POWER Versace heads to the ranches of Kentucky for its spring/summer ’17 campaign. American photographer Bruce…

With New York as the de facto newest (official) kid on the international fashion week scene, it would seem that London—or London Collections: Men (LC:M), to be exact—has really settled into its role as a major focal point in the world of menswear. Besides, LC:M is well into its fifth year running and shows no signs of slowing down. Still, much like its counterparts on the mainland or across the pond, the show also felt the sting of hatred now permeating the globe. Day three of LC:M spring/summer 2017 began with many attendants distracted by news of people being shot at a nightclub in Orlando. Then the day ended as word came out that nearly 50 people were killed and dozens more injured. The show did go on, as it…

Long before he became the creative driving force of Bottega Veneta, Tomas Maier had already been a force to be reckoned with. Schooled at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris, he has worked with legends like Guy Laroche and designed for storied fashion houses, the likes of Hermès. It was in 2001 when Bottega Veneta tapped him as the brand’s creative director with total creative control over everything from product design to advertising to store design. This proved to be a most fortunate choice as Maier wasted no time in returning Bottega Veneta to its roots, thus turning it into the luxury lifestyle brand it is today. More than 15 years later, and coinciding with the brand’s 50th anniversary, he once again showcased his true colors with…

Clean cuts, high quality and a proud attitude. That’s Tiger of Sweden in a nutshell. The brand’s spring/ summer 2017 collection, however, looks remarkably different from the lineup of suits and jackets that most people have come to associate it with. For this collection, head of menswear Andreas Gran injected quite a few elements of life in his home country. There’s a bit of the old (architecture from the Baroque era, specifically the Kungliga Slottet, Sweden’s royal palace which was, in turn, inspired by Versailles) and a bit of the new (namely the growing multicultural aspect of Swedish youths, which, in turn, has inspired an equally diverse and edgy street style). It would seem that Gran, who joined the brand back in 2010 as a sourcer before moving up to…

The stories of some of the world’s greatest models often start in other paths—sports, music, theater and even manual labor. Naturally, once they’re in the biz, modeling comes first and their earlier livelihoods or passions descend into the realm of hobbies, occasional pastimes and memories. That’s not, however, the case with Josh Beech. This London-born model’s first love was music, and he never let it go—not even when Burberry booked him for a campaign not long after he was first discovered. His portfolio kept expanding with projects for the likes of Givenchy, Moschino and Tommy Hilfiger, to say nothing of the countless editorials he’s done. Yet, his music career hasn’t suffered from it. If anything, it has grown as Beech continued to experiment with various genres, formed his own band…

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