VMA AWARDS: DULL SHOW, YEA RIGHT!

Thank music heaven VMA's returned home--back to NYC! What a lineup of spur-of-the moment unpacked events! Kudos to Janet on representing MJ glowingly and Madonna for the heart-stirring mark of respect. I will dare NOT highlight Kanye's look-at-me buffoonery. Mr. MSR ears perked up for good quality music and honed in an edited eye on knockout fashions.

Music's best talents pulled up in flashy rockish and glittery looks! The ladies went micro mini and bare sheen leg while the men went sharp-suited and simple!

Side reflection: Jay-Z and Alicia thank you for exciting a deeper appreciation for my city. NY'ers stand tall!

My favorite style moments of the evening:

Solange, great understated glamour in the one-shoulder number.

Diddy, don't care for this pigeon-toe stance. However, highly appreciating the sharp-fit black white-edged suit. Also loving the jazzy patent-glossed footwear!

HOV'... you're so B-R-O-O-K-L-Y-N and the look, so time-appropriate. The swagger, tilted Yankee fitted (urban term for baseball cap), and relaxed layering gets my approval!

Taylor Lautner represented a Tom Ford appeal on last night’s VMA reds. A very subtle finesse and low-key flamboyance I would comment. Well done Taylor!

Christian Louboutin + Men’s = Fly Footwear!

Last year April, I joined lipstick-red heel Louboutin devotees for his ‘Sole Desire’ exhibit at F.I.T. (Fashion Institute of Technology) , where a hodgepodge of imaginative stiletto pumps canvassed all over. Christian Louboutin manages to flawlessly imitate art + functionality all into one shoe. I grew a likable fascination after touring the smartly-curate space.

So… Just imagine how beaming and excited Mr. MSR is when a Louboutin insider shared [with me] he’s finally foraying into men’s shoes! About TIME! Christian attempted in past seasons with capsule men’s collection (pictured below)—offering limited edition counts. But now, it’s the dudes turn to bold and pop out on the footwear movement.

Stay on MSR beat for more updates surrounding this stirring endeavor!

I need this in my closet before Christmas! Oh, these are $1,695.

The leopard-print high tops are $835!

FASHION WEEK RECAPS

NYC menswear shows are pumping off on a strong beat for Spring/Summer ‘010. With interesting cuts and fabrics, the coterie of menswear crafters seems to be incorporating distinctive trends. Very refreshing to see.

3.1 Phillip Lim

We champion and promote everything Phillip Lim. In a raw loft space yesterday—tattered and mildly ransacked—models dotted through in relaxed presentation form, sporting a tasteful crop of Spring pieces. Phillip drew collection inspiration from the ‘Beatnik Movement’. (Beatniks expressed their alienation from conventional, or “square,” society in the ‘50s.) Phillip outpoured loose and shapely trousers, wildly printed jacket and pant matching, plunging neckline t-shirts with drop-down buttons peppering downward. The accessories were fun, playful, and a bit sporty. Standouts: Detachable ankle strap footwear (great when incorporating different looks) and flashy rock star sunglasses!

Loden Dager

With mild rain monsoons swarming, my colleague Kwasi and I trekked up to Axelle Gallery to check the 4 design chaps of Loden Dager. Known for their precise sportswear fits and precision cuts, the Loden team shot out voluminous silhouettes across the board. A clear changeup for the Loden brand. The multiple pocket trousers in denim and khaki along with the ranging springy hues (bold turquoise, stonewash peaches, and sandy browns) piqued several interests. The show favorite: A slim-cut drawstring rain slicker.

NYC FASHION WEEK: BRIGHT + TERRIFIC!

The September month is jam-packed with exciting highlights for Mr. MSR: 1.) A 'Birthday' 2.) 'NYC Fashion Week'. To discuss the latter, Big Apple fashion players are presently bubbling and gushing over designer shows & after parties !!

Stay tune for insider recaps from my favorite shows and events this week. If you're currently in town tonight, check "Fashion's Night Out" at a roster list of retailers--from PRADA to Lord & Taylor. Visit F.N.O. website for more info.

Speaking of PRADA, dash through their 5th Avenue doors tonight for a remarkable installation on hand by Vogue's Creative Director, Grace Coddington !

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT PSA!

BRIAN WOOD: ULTRA-HIP SPORTSWEAR DESIGNER

Months back, cozying out during a friend's rent party, a sleek figure bolted across flashing a jet-black tailored trenchcoat boasting cut-out ventilation. I focused every effort next, to discover the inventive fingerprints behind the outerwear. The answer back: "Hi, I'm Brian, I designed this jacket last season." A interest in designer "Brian Wood" matured immediately. I find fashion adopters (including Mr. MSR) are lapping up Pratt Institute grad Brian Wood's trendsetting creations.

I present you Brian Wood Fall/Winter '09 menswear collection. Entitled Night Stalkers, the collection promotes stark blacks, steel grays, warm off-whites, and other interesting color treatments. (Certain oxford cuffs in the collection boast stylized blood splattering.) Night Stalkers gives wearers edginess all while being sharp and neat-looking. Our favorite standouts: Rugged asymmetrical motorcycle bombers; dark denim duffel coats; comfy cashmere knits emblazon "B" logos, and water-repellent outerwear with adjoining face masks.

Feel free to visit Brian Wood online for more brand information and nearest stockist details.

VANITY FAIR: CONSISTENT POWER DRESSERS

You awake with eye crusts or maybe drips of drool firmed on the lip brim. What's your first course of morning action? If by any chance you won a spot on Vanity Fair's juried '09 International Best-Dressed List , I guarantee you're coordinating statement looks at the crack of dawn. Reading certain considered fashionista names on VF's list puzzled me. Like ???

Some distasteful, uninspired and far-out fashion players made the cut and it just didn't rest well. I came to the conclusion, the individuals held clout or some power handling among the Vanity Fair empire. I digress. The list included scores of style-wielding ladies and sharp-attired gentlemen.

MSR is celebrating the guys who starred the coveted list !!!

Lapo is my MAN! BTW: He reads MaleStyle Review!

LENS: THIS WEEK IN STYLE

Last night NYC shocked and brighten with Kanye West + G-Shock watches @ Cipriani Wall Street !! I always reckon an Kanye-involved event! How? Normally average-attired patrons, come deck out in their bestest (sp) of threads!

For this edition of T.W.I.S. check the finessed tastemakers , Kanye summoned to celebrate G-Shock Press event!

HARVARD: MENSWEAR CLASS IS IN SESSION

Brainy. Brilliant. Bright. All synonyms one would clasp to scholarly Harvard University.

Never in my wildest thoughts would I assimilate Fashion with the institution. While perusing WWD MEN'S earlier I quickly choked on my latter comment. Right in my face, there it was: Harvard University Launches Men's Collection. The collection--Harvard Yard. Preppy sensation muscled back into current style moments for men all over. The sporting of sockless loafers, tailored above-knee shorts, seersucker sport blazers, patterned shirts, and fly-guy Wayfarers marked clear references to '50s and '60s preppies.

Creative Director, John Fowler, mentioned in the article " designers drew from photos of students lounging in Harvard Yard in the sixties. It’s a style that has become current again and not just with the American consumer. We think Harvard Yard will have global appeal.” From the pictured collection shots I will assess it's not a WOWZER, but more another Classic Americana collection coming to market.

Mr. MSR is happy there is not any overexposure of Harvard identifiers--crests, crimson hues, etc. Harvard Yard includes "short-sleeve plaid shirts, Liberty print wovens, seersucker shorts, regimental stripes, sporty knits, patterned jackets and fancy pants — all in a contemporary, tapered fit," according to WWD MEN'S.

The collection range from $165 for pants to $495 for sport coats.

OBSESSION: ARISTOCRAT POLO BY EMPERIAL NATION

Since March Mr. MSR been hearing steady buzzes about lifestyle label Emperial Nation. A few weeks back, early buzzes developed into swooning after landing the label's Aristocrat polo! The guillotine-logo shirt boast two standout elements: 1) Svelte fit. 2) Plush cotton jersey texture.

Emperial Nation visible design penchant towards history preservation imparts smoothly throughout their different collections (Harlem Renaissance, Civil War, French Revolution, Ottoman Empire, Gangs of New York, Wild West).Taking a bold, unique flair with eye-catching graphics and subtle design details Emeprial Nation have cemented a [fashion] stamp in history!

Mr. MSR's top Emperial Nation picks:

CAMERA SHY? NOT THESE WELL-DRESSED GUYS.

"He wears the finest clothes. The best designers, heaven knows, from his head down to his toes. Halston, Gucci, Fiorucci. He looks like a still.That man is dressed to kill" spilled off the lips of disco quartet Sister Sledge.

As Sister Sledge soulfulness filled the airspace, I was brought back to dressed-to-kill individuals I have seen in images. Nothing radiates more than confident people (I hate contrived dressing. Just straight stale and unoriginal) wearing their second skin, never missing a beat or step. The batch of camera-ready Gents below, just notice the innate ability to engage and own the shooting lens'. I don't even have to elaborate or conduct any style unpacking. The men in highlight, serves a fresh-to-kill-take-no-prisoner approach to their wardrobe assortments.