ENDING FASHION WEEK RECAPS

Bon voyage NYC Fashion Week!

Overall, NYC Fashion Week received likable and spirited reviews! Personally, I gave the entire week a bold 8! With F.W. officially wrapped, its time for rollout reviews of my favorite ending designer shows.

Michael Bastian

A show worth attending--packed with all the right punches!

Last week a colleague and I rush determinedly to sit in on Bastian's much-buzzed Spring presentation. Even in nosebleed seating assignments (power fashion A-listers crushed the frontal and secondary rows), I still swung a perched and focused view. Truthfully, opening runway men's looks were clear, conventional, Michael.

...What happen next, ensued repeated jaw-drop gasps--literally. Space lights dimmed, reappearing (in seconds) to propose fresh-toned models hammering out attractive + striking! pieces along the runway mile. (Michael focused substantially on one-piece standouts as per se coordinated and matchy looks.)

Frankly, taking in the mixture of styled together assortments--thigh-long cardigans over safari green shorts, U-ring toggle coat layered over a sweater-shirt-combo and milky shred-cutoff shorts--planted me on the cobblestone roads of Italy. Michael's echoed machismo inspirations were transparent even before receiving Spring '010 collection notes. A collection has one charged once cravings and itching for a second walk-of-show conjures.

Mr. MSR plans on scouring through Jeffrey's NY aisles [early March] for Bastian's all-powerful Spring collection.








Timo . Weiland

Überhip fashion designers, Timo Weiland and Alan Eckstein, blew us out of our loafers--again! First exploring with a capsule [accessories] collection, Timo tag-team duo shout out a rather well-rounded men's + women collection. Themed A Life Full Of Holes, Timo Weiland synched a theme-matched collaboration within their Spring roster: ivory open bow tie bibs, whimsical ruffled loop neck chokers + skirts (women's), perforated asymmetric-back militia coat (a dreamy cognac), and polka dot traces.

The creatively styled host of models presented an anti nouveau riche essence during their stance atop v-shape runway platforms. On the outskirts, for an aerial preview, Mr. MSR documented well-tailored, highly-wearable, statement looks.( All jazzy wares for discerning twenty-something wearers.) Besides drool-swooning over the aforementioned cognac perforated coat, a charming precision-pleated trench took ahold !!

Designers of Timo . Weiland.

Spurr

"The casual, weightless luxury of his clothes marks them as dream ensembles for the contemporary playboy connoisseur," were penciled thoughts from men's style critic Tim Blanks. I couldn't agree more Tim!

Spurrs' Spring collection emanated a subtle yet clear air of sexiness and gentleman flyness! The collection--without any reflection of doubts--mirrored Mr. MSR's Spring '010 wardrobe lineup: sheen navy-blue double breast suit, white sport blazers paired to worn-in distress jeans, peach tone singular pieces, suede oak brown lace-up shoes, bleach-white skinny jeans and a distinct [day-into-night transitioning] trench coat. Using '60s style icons Jimmy Hendrix and Bowie as main inspiratory for Spurr's Spring layout, I would say it had a real groovy and spiced appeal.

See for yourself…

OBSESSION: MODEL ARLENIS SOSA

Models appear in strong doses within my industry--especially during the current Fashion Week. Nothing gets my visual grips more than attractive faces + matching poses! For about a year, Mr. MSR have built a fixed eye on model—supermodel soon—Arlenis Sosa. The young (born 1989 in Dominican Republic) überlooking model just gets me creatively going when she's in action—whether posing for Patrick Demarchelier or stomping the catwalks at Christian Dior.

I really see Arlenis soaring far and high in the industry. (And it does not hurt Anna Wintour strongly champions Sosa.) With her pleasant and warm disposition, Arlenis, I’m confident, will continue knocking’ the industry dead!

LENS: THIS WEEK IN STYLE

Even with a pouty expression Yeezy,  the punctuated accoutrements offers a cool gentlemen appeal with your suited look. 

Nothing gets style dashers out like a rooftop NYC party. Over the weekend an awesome-upon-awesome party was thrown for writer and bon vivant Lesley Blume (sporting Jackie O frames)!! This capture highlights the ultra-swag partygoers imparted! 

June Ambrose--Style Architect to the celebs--premieres a glamorized version of the Safari trekker. Mr. MSR digs a woman with boldness and confident strut to boot. 

My POPPA displaying a somewhat disheveled swagger at last week's 50th anniversary for the Four Seasons Restaurant! What a night!!!! Sidebar: The jeans are RL Purple Label if you were wondering.

Menswear designer Yigal Azrouël serving 'rocker chic' with and bevy of glitzy women for an event, honoring GQ creative director Jim Moore, at Barneys New York last week. (Jim, congratulations on the Eleanor Lambert honor you will  receive tonight at CFDA Awards.) 

STEVE MCQUEEN: STYLE LEGEND

The past few days I have spent immersed in Ralph Lauren's 40th Anniversary fantastic tome. Every time I delve through the giant sheets either a new thought or visual gem unearths. Another style pioneer bubbled my mind seeing the youthful Ralph Lauren -- of course well-together in a aged leather bomber atop his signature visual-detailed monogram knit sweater.

The pioneer is none other than "The King of Cool" Steve McQueen. The academy award-nominated actor epitomizes the term cool. Known for his fast-and-furious flair with cars and motorcycles, the in-demand actor knew how to coordinate a wardrobe.

MSR wanted to pay ode to a style legend who never appeared not with-it, but always relevant and effortless in appearance.

See for yourself...

NATE GILL HEATS UP GQ!

Happy post-Memorial Day weekend readers! I hope your quick weekend getaways, celebratory barbecues, and beach-y jaunts conjured up relaxation and soul-replenishment. The weekend was terrific for Mr. MSR!

A holiday highlight occurred while navigating leafs of the current GQ issue. Model Nate Gill—who I styled for Ralph Lauren Rugby online site—played up some thrilling summer wardrobe looks! Editorials as the one below remind me why designers rely heavily on models to market and fuel their merchandise sales figures.

Job well done Nate!

OLD SCHOOL IS NEW AGE...

Brad Pitt and Robert Redford (Early 70's) looking like twins.

Over the weekend, my movie-watching queue contained numerous excellent classics. What struck me about each film encounter, were the “timeless fashions” characters peered through; especially the leading/supporting male characters. I explored the initial thought with another ah-ha! moment: Yesteryear style figures reflect present limelight figures flourishing our TV screens.

Brad Pitt, Lenny Kravitz, Jamie Foxx, Will Smith, Tom Cruise, and average men all channel style influences from ‘greats’ who arrived before them.

Have a look! Notice the distinctive inspirations and trends these men pioneered in former times.

Robert Redford flaring a rather dapper look! Very reminiscent of a present Brad Pitt!

Ultra-skinny tie with loose draping at neck area mixed with "ban-roll" pants. I see scores of men--and even women--wearing this getup.

Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte showcasing slim printed ties paired with solid suiting!
A look visibly repeated on Gentleman Quarterly (GQ) glossy leafs.

Harry sports a dreamy charcoal suit while blending a spread collar shirt and black necktie; a traditional uniform for men everywhere.

Frank Sinatra in traditional menswear attire.

Marvin Gaye rocking a trend crowding a lot of men today: Geek-chic-street!
Photo: Circa 1973

Marvin Gaye sporting the full denim suit with striping and punch of red! Side note: I absolutely LOVE this shot! I see Lenny Kravitz shining in the capture.