Stylish Salute: Mr Jamie Dornan

Always been a fan of the boy Dornan. From his early modelling days I've been keeping tabs. Has this effortless look that is inspiring. Apart from the obvious fact that he is strikingly handsome, he has always carried himself with an effortless stylish manor whether in campaigns or not. Love his latest work with Zegna. Nonchalantly cool!

Anyway back to my salute. Time for a dress down feature. Around London town yesterday Jamie sported a sharp red Lacoste polo shirt with a slick pair of clear framed shades. Controversial point to argue. Collar up. Hit or miss?? Personally it depends on the persons persona and individual style, but I'm a fan. Be careful though boys lets not try to hard with this look. It's definitely a laid back easy wearing deployment. Picturing a Sunday morning coffee run that could turn into brunch.

Lunchtime chat with Mr Powell

So last Friday I jotted on down to Soho to see the boss of Mod tailoring; Mr Mark Powell. Always a pleasure to be in Marks company. Saw on my way through he had a new window display put in. Fantastic self portrait of the main man alongside his signature creations. Love it!

As I was leaving I noticed a pair of bright red dress cords put together with signature MP intialed velvet slippers with sequins. This is what Mark Powell Is all about. Eccentric style mixed with uncomporimised tailoring detailing and design. Class.

What I've been wearing...

Need to do it don't I? If I'm preaching stylish dress on a daily basis then I need to back it up with some #WIWT selfies. In the most tasteful way of course. Don't worry you won't find me over doing it with the self loathing! Not my style though feel I need to profile myself. Any how here's a brief collection of some tailoring outfits that I've pulled on these past few weeks.. 

Trying to keep it limted with overuse of colour. Too much doing the rounds in the sartorial street game at the mo. Seen a few guys go overboard recently that comes across un-natural and false. Love the contrast waist coat right now. Whether it's with a tonal blend or a contrast. Pretty chuffed with last Fridays effort pictured above. Anyway you've provoked something. Be prepared for more consistent tasteful stylish selfies!

Texture and tonal brilliance from Basmajian

Last week popped along down the "Row" to have a up close gander at the forthcoming AW14 collection from Gieves and Hawkes. For those who were at LCM in January for G&H's presentation would testify it was a rather busy affair with not too much space to monouver let alone get close for a cloth inspection. That's all credit to what's been created at Gieves over the past few seasons that a spacious venue like Christies was filled to capacity for the showcase. Lead by the creative genius of Jason Basmajian, his clear and precise vision has given Gieves a modern identity hence the packed out Christies venue back in January. So this was my chance to have a real close look at this amazing collection. Yes amazing. Where do I start? For me the three main factors that stood out from a long list I could've chosen from was the powerful statement outerwear, gorgeous textures within the fabrics and the divine tonal brilliance of the collections colour pallet. 

There was only a small fraction of the collection on display at Gieve's prestigious No.1 Savile Row showroom but that's all that was required to show off the collections pure sartorial beauty. For me Basmajian has infused G&H's traditional heritage with a modern luxury approach. For style and substance this has to be right up there with the likes of Brioni or Mr Tom Ford. 

The colour pallet and tonal masterclass Jason put forward is utter genius and I'd say it's the factor I'm most in ore of. Might be the American influence. National profiling slightly but I do know our Atlantic neighbours are partial to the odd formal tonal ensemble or two. More so than us Brits who tend to keep it traditional. Basmajian I believe has cleverly intertwined the two.

One last thing to note; evening wear texture combos and a pale blue dinner shirt are the way forward. Whatever Jason says I'm listening!

 

My new regimental skincare routine

Working on a rare grooming article for MFM. I know, bit out of comfort zone but hey ho I'm giving a shot. The subject; a morning and night skincare regime. Using products from the acclaimed Kiehl's. I swear by their facial fuel for a moisturiser and when I do scan across grooming segments their products always seem to be there or there abouts. Other than that, don't know too much else if I'm being honest. My usual facial routine consists of a splash of cold water and some imperial leather. Have to say I'm doing rather well with my toning and cleansing. Watch out for my debut grooming piece coming soon.

    Morning & evening

MFM shoot pictures

Had a couple of studio shoots for MFM over the last two months so here's a few raw images that I liked. Had a really strong capsule of brands and designers to pull from. Bit of mod contemp stuff, standard tailoring and a dash of streetwear.

MFM X Zoo Fashions style videos

Alongside the debut digital magazine we've also launched the MFM YouTube channel. Style and mens fashion videos I believe are an untapped source and holds the key to a lot of potential opportunity. Of course barring Mr Porter who's videos are excellent there is little out there that really cuts it to a captivating and consistent standard. We launched a series of interviews with industry style experts and have collaborated with zoofashions.com on a set of videos covering some of the high calibre designers they have within their brand portfolio. Check out the first of which covers the 'designer sneaker' presented by the brilliant Stephen Kelly who we are very fortunate to have fronting the concept. Alongside Stephen in the video is Sohail Rehman who is head of Zoo fashions E-commerce business and buyer. Both him and Mr David Pike who is head buyer for the business have unparalleled knowledge into that luxury menswear business. Being a menswear inthusausiast I'm contstantly taking in information like a sponge whenever I'm in their company. Great blokes as well which is always a bonus. 

Check out the video and the MFM YouTube channel by following the link http://youtu.be/0fQN7E71uLU

www.zoofashions.com/ 

Dominic Cooper: a stylish salute after a stylish misdemeanour

Always thought that Dominic Cooper chap has been on the cusp of something really good. Don't mean the acting. I'm talking about his formal dress game. Favourited him in my little scrap book of style ( yes I have a big battered folder of collated cuttings) sad I know but this is the sort out thing I get up to when I decline offers of socialising from close ones. Yes I'm at home cutting out pictures from magazines! 

Anyway spotted him last summer in a newly acquired A Sauvage MTM job. Went with the Sauvage pin collar and tie combo too. So having a suit as sharp as that it was only a matter of time before it was taken out for a red carpet spin. Dom did just that for his Need For Speed film premiere last month. Looked ace apart from the shoes. So close. Those brown shoes with wooden base lost him some serious marks. Should of gone for a sharp black pair. Just saying.

 He did however make up for this minor indiscretion a few days later with dress down tailoring with dressed up Jimmy Choo sneakers. Perfect accessory of some dark stubble to add to his "Parisian noir" look. Your still in my good scrap book Dom.

New beginnings and my big excuse

  Didn't I mention something about consistency only a few months ago. I'm terrible aren't I. So here is my excuse. All 228 pages of MFMs first digital magazine which launched on Friday. As a few of you are aware I've been writing for MFM for a few years now and in September was made Style Director for the online base. Within a few weeks into my tenure as SD myself and Editor in-chief Paul McGregor were making plans to launch a printed and digital magazine. It was an idea we've both talked about for sometime and saw potential in the marketplace for a publication that would appeal to the average joe and to the sartorially cultured. It's based around our passion for menswear and wanting to share that whether you know your Thom Browne from your Thom Sweeney or you've taking a new found interest in mens fashion. Inclusivity is the key word. Anyway enough of the hard sale check it out for yourself as it's available from the App Store and Google Play for £1.99. Would love to hear your feedback so please feel free to get in touch by commenting on here or on twitter @danielrhone.

So that's a big chunk of my excuse out of the way for going AWOL again, but there's a significant piece of news I need to notify on. I have a new job. One that I have pursuing for a while now (other chunk of the excuse!) I am now Personal Shopper for Topman at their flagship position in Oxford Circus, London. The role is something I'm extremely passionate about and working day to day with a menswear retailer that leads the way on the high street in terms of business model and offer with a personal shopping service that is unrivaled, I am truly over the moon with the opportunity I've been given. For any of you that don't know about the Topman PS service it's free with no obligation on spend. All we ask is you have a specification that we can work with and ideally you pre book with our PS booking team (bookings@topman.com). Expect a few posts to be Topman personal shopping related in a tasteful manor of course. 

So there's my excuse. Hope I'm off the hook. Time management has also been assessed so you should see a more regular post pattern soon enough.. The proof is in the posting.

Style inspiration for this season: Justin Bobby Brescia

New feature on me blog. As a so called Menswear professional I'm always looking at trends and taking inspiration from what guys are wearing on the street to who's wearing what around the media and celebrity circle. First hit of my style inspirations is dedicated to a man not all will know. The name Justin Bobby Brescia mean anything to you?? No fair enough, I may have asked that question to the wrong crowd. He was the wild boy rebel biker from U.S. Reality TV series 'The Hills' from a few years ago. To my stylish point, I absolutely unashamedly love his drop.

JB's 'LA biker' look as I like to call it is so understatedly cool. Nonchalance with an edge. Really cool vintage pieces from 'worn to death' military boots to a sleeveless denim jacket. David Beckham as he does nailed a watered down version of this look when he was residing in LA where it was more about flowing colour combinations. JBs look has bit more bite and variety. 

I'm also a big fan of the styling Justin deploys. He portrayed a careless persona in the show and comes across in a good way to how he dresses. Some people just have the ability to put next to none thought process in to their attire and look like they have. Brescia looks to be one of those guys. How this for a look? Hoody up under a shawl knit. Pretty damn cool right??

  

LCM: stylish salutes

Haven't given any stylish salutes for a while so as we've just had London Collections I thought it would appropriate to collate some of the particularly stylish from crowd.

Mr David Walker-Smith

I'm a big fan of David's style. On Day 1 he opted for a really cool silk embroided bomber with a functional Burberry parka. Also loved the beautiful oxblood Pradas. I wouldn't expect anything less from DWS. Ultitarian chic.

Mr Stephen Kelly

Presenter Stephen Kelly looked ever so dapper in his River Island DB suit.Yes I did say River Island. Nice work from them and from Stephen combining the deep tan Grenson boots. I have to say I'm favouring a good formal boot and cropped flannel right now. Also great work from Stevie in the MFM X River Island LCM video. Check it out.

Mr Phil Green

Phil always gets it spot on. Tailoring wise he's one of the most consistent around. Doesn't diviate from the plan and dresses clean-cut and sharp. After seeing Phil in his Archibald Optics specs from Day 1, I think he's convinced me to give the japanese made frames a go. Take a bow Mr Green.

Mr Oliver Cheshire

I loved Oli's look from Day 2. Would say outfit of all three days I loved it that much. Minimum effort with maximum effect. There was a fair amount of 'peacocking' and over doing it with the accessories doing the rounds over the three days. Mr Cheshire shows sometimes less is more! A real stylish look especially with the fedora.

Dumi Oburota 

The Disturbing LDN mogul made a firm statement alongside his pal Tinie Tempah in his own right after being named into GQs list of best dressed for 2013. On Day 1 he had an applaudable, understated ensemble going on with a blue flannel whistle and Bengal stripe but that's not what the stylish salute is for. The salute is for his Rolex DD. Blinding choice of time piece with the croc brown strap and gold face going off against the blues. Mr Oburota I salute you.

Martell Campbell and Adam Titchener

Stylists and writers Martell and Adam used bold colour and dogtooth print brilliantly from Paul Smith mainline. Superb examples of nailing statement colour pieces.

Andrew Weitz

Now a LCM regularly, the most stylish agent in the business Andrew Weitz gets two salutes. One for the Dolce & Gabbana claret dinner jacket with velvet lapel which was worn at the Dolce & Gabbana event on Sunday night. The other was for a beautiful Gucci DB overcoat that he wore in the evening of Day 1 to the Gieves and Hawkes presentation. The coat hit the runway for Guccis AW13 collection in this light blue but Mr Weitz wore it in a more sultry midnight blue. Toned down colour but still made a statement. Andrew's the only guy in his industry that could give his clients business and fashion advice at the same time!

Mark Ronson and Jack Guinness

These two showcased statement outerwear styling with a nod to the traditional. Jack Guinness had his cloaked over his check suit and Mark Ronson went 'old school' with his full length Richard James DB overcoat. Beautiful colour and loved Ronsons 'fuller' trouser to add.

Paul McGregor

Had to get my boss in here. Now before you think I'm after extra brownie points hear me out. My Editor-in-chief of MFM killed it on the final day. Hardy Aimes herringbone tweed jacket, vintage Yves Saint Laurent knit tie, Norton & Sons made to measure shirt and finished off with a pair of hand made brogues. Well played gaffer, even Dynamo thought it was magic.. Sorry that was poor.

Gary Kemp

I've mentioned Mr Kemps style before. Perfect look for him paired with Oliver Spencer's unstructured tailoring. Also loved the cuff detailing from OS. One of the highlights for me was Kemp strutting down the runway for Spencer giving it some proper swagger. If you've got it flaunt it right?

David Gandy

A LCM stylish salute wouldn't be complete without a nod to 'the Gandy'. I liked the specs on Day 1 but felt his and Tinies scoop tee and tailoring combo felt a little odd seeing as most in attendance were layered and covered. Not their fault though that they get chaffeured from door to door. Anyway Gandy's throw back off white overcoat must be acknowledged. Very romantic with his reference to the yester-year in this made to measure Neil Fennell number.