Fall 2012, men’s Fashion tips & tricks
Men’s fashion has evolved tremendously over the last few years. Do you remember the time when a man would wear his flannel shirt, worn out jeans, hat with a scruffy beard and to top off the ensemble, running shoes? The women in their lives tried and tried ever so hard to trick their knights in “not-so” shining armour to dress better. But where a woman’s love has failed – Darwin’s evolutionary principles have definitely put things into perspective – it was only a matter of time! So for the fashionable male, here are a few tips to add to your wardrobe for fall 2012.
To help us get ready for fall, we spoke to Holt Renfrew’s Personal Shopper Ram Ahluwahlia, who predominantly caters to the South Asian male population for style and fashion advice. Fashion has truly flourished for men so they have more options to help them accessorize and create the up-to-date trendy look. We asked Ahluwahlia what are the leading trends for men this fall, “Across the board, one of the dominant trends is impeccable fit and a slim silhouette. As always men are suiting pivots on black, grey, blue or earth tones. Lace up shoes, cufflinks and ties finish the sharply tailored look.”
He goes on to say “Shirts are cotton or silk and cotton blends, the dominating colours for the fall season are rich purples, magenta, turquoise blue and periwinkle.
Majority of the men do not want a solid shirt anymore, they want something that makes a statement “wow “ factor like plaid shirts and paisley shirts with whimsical ties. I love helping my customers put this all together. Not everyone has the confidence to mix patterns, and I am always pleased when I can show a client how to do this.”
There was a time when suits were worn as ‘the outfit’ for any wedding functions, fancy birthday parties, board meetings or funerals. I also remember the days when suits were not designed to fit the male body to form – straight cuts, no shape. For the 20th century male, a well-tailored suit is always the cherry on top for any occasion. The suit is timeless but the cut and flow is ‘oh so suave’ – the right suit and the right fit can make any girl putty in your hands. The style and cut of the suit has evolved – bulky/straight is out and slim and sleek is in.
When Ahluwahlia is searching for the right suit for his clients, he says “The key things that I look for when I try a suit on a man is that he looks effortlessly cool and super comfortable. The key factor I keep in mind is the silhouette. They should not look baggy or rumpled.”
Dolce & Gabbana’s 2012 fall line has a very clean fit and “laser- frayed” edges to help you stand out. That being said, skinny pants and
torso hugging jacket are not every hot blooded male’s cup of tea. Ahluwahlia suggests,
“For bigger built men, the key factor is the fit in the shoulders and the rest can be tapered, I do not compromise in the fit of the shoulders.”
Your suit will make a bold statement – wear the suit; don’t let the suit wear you! For fall, Ahluwahlia recommends, “I am guiding my clients toward vibrant colour, slim silhouettes with impeccable tailoring, iridescent hues and lot’s of paisley ties!”
Coats, coats and more coats! The fall seasons’ most favorite and very much needed accessory. Tom Ford’s 2012 fall collection is immaculately fabulous! Keeping the somber season in mind, Ford plays with a cooler palette of earthy browns, intense greys and cool blacks – but keeping up with the spirit of 2012, the collection is texturized and accessorized.
Long coats with larger than life sheep woolcollars, silk blazers and leather accents – you’ll never want to take your coat off!
For those men who prefer a bit more colour in their wardrobe, Ermenegildo Zegna has kept you mind for his fall collection. Zegna has used a mixed colour palette to keep fall bright and alive. Also, the line fashions large collars made of sheep wool alongside knitted sweaters and soft suede. Whether you are going to work or heading out to dinner, Zegna has something for you! Oh and here is another little detail that may send the Dark Knight lovers in a frenzy for Ermenegildo Zegna!
Check put Bane from the Dark Knight – he may not be the “gentle giant” with his take over Gotham and kill them all attitude – but the man sure knows how to dress! Bane is fashioning one of Zegna’s originals – long coat lined with sheep wool and gorgeous buttons – maybe
he’s not so bad after all? Also, Tom Ford and Ermenegildo Zegna are coincidently two of the designers that are highly recommended by Ahluwahlia to be very fitting for South Asian men.
So with fall just around the corner – let’s pack those shorts and tanks away and embrace Vancouver’s best friend – our coats!
Photo Courtesy: E Zegna Fall 2012 Collection
