GANT by Michael Bastian Fall 2012 Collection

For Fall 2012, Michael Bastian took us on a journey through his collegiate years in Boston. During the mid-80's, during the MOD revival, the collegiate sense of style was still centered around the preppy principle. Drawing from this inspiration, Bastian took a practical approach in translating the era to fashion. Combining functional winter essentials with tailored seasonal fabrics like tweed and corduroy, GANT by Michael Bastian was a representation of prep versus practical.

 Parkas, hooded anoraks, and shetland cardigans portrayed the harsh winters that Bostonians experience, while the impressive styling of the collection de-localized the inspiration into a testament of what all men want visually. Bastian also modernized classic looks by adjusting the fit; favorably seen with the slim fit cargo pants and herringbone trousers. The color palette was collegiate in general, linking both university prep and Americana together. On trend with the deep purples of Fall 2012, GANT introduces the color in corduroy pants, and in color ways within plaid and striped fabrics. The women's collection stood out just as much as the men's, with sharply tailored blazers and winter performance wear. The leggings with contrasting center stripe were a winner with the styling of the looks, and will definitely be a major seller for the ladies.

Rochambeau Fall 2012 Collection

Designers Laurence Chandler and Joshua Cooper Standing with Model at Rochambeau FW12

The Rochambeau Fall 2012 Collection has been one of the most wearable collections from the brand; however, don't mistake this season's crossover resonance with a lack of editorial element.  This collection is versatile and genuine to Rochambeau; a very smart effort by designers Laurence Chandler and Joshua Cooper.  Rochambeau maintained their relaxed, layered aesthetic with harem pants and collapsed waist detail, but added an intelligent amount of tailoring to the fit of their Fall 2012 Collection.  With black as the main color of the collection, pops of deep burgundy hues with crisp white shirts and leather detail contrasts against the darkened palette.  Fringed detailing in the letter accessories were a pleasant addition to the collection, while the hats and gloves, though not fringed, also completed the looks with a sartorial edge.

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Photos: Quentin Washington/Avenue Swank

Frank and Oak Menswear Site Launch

For men who loath the idea of shopping, there is an easier, more direct way to purchase quality clothing for a great price!  From the creators of Modasuite, Frank and Oak will provide men the opportunity to purchase clothes efficiently, affordably, and intelligently.  The exclusive collection of menswear available on Frank and Oak will be a personalized experience for each member, where members can choose from their very own curated looks.  If the price range of $20-40 isn't enough, members are able to receive their selection of goods at home to try on before purchase!  The site launches today at 9AM EST, so get ready to experience Frank and Oak live! Stay tuned, as I detail my first time experience on Frank and Oak coming soon. 

Duckie Brown Fall 2012 Collection

From waist down, Duckie Brown will always give you a moment; whether a skirt, or long shirts that layer in skirt-like fashion, those who appreciate the aesthetic of Duckie Brown will alway feel the energy of masculine androgyny.  For the Duckie Brown Fall 2012 Collection, the waist-down approach of skirting was achieved with wide leg pants and long coats.  There were more simple, yet memorable dapper moments with dark grey tweed jackets and herringbone trousers.  Of course, a the look couldn't be complete without a moment of street aesthetic, aided by the long chunky sweater gloves and knit beanies - maybe even an occasional wig.  

photos: Getty/Zimbio

Oumlil Fall 2012 Collection - Menswear

Hisham Oumlil has an understanding of today's man that extends beyond the current state of menswear fashion.  Inspired by "men working behind the scenes - building, innovations, and creating," the Oumlil Fall 2012 Collection was a display of looks that any man would want to wear at any occasion.  From formalwear, to arrogantly handsome moments of color, Oumlil hit the 'M's' of Menswear; Modern, Masculine, and Mature.  The collection is so perfectly crafted and tailored, that even the most conservative of industries would have no choice but welcome the Oumlil dress code.  Politicos wearing purple blazers? Attorneys wearing bright yellow coats? Developers in lavender trousers? With such a classic, bespoke approach to menswear, there is no rule broken with this collection - only rules created.   Oumlil used the contrast in color and texture to create dimension with his tailored pieces; most notably the coats with contrasting lapels that matched the lining.  The accent of bands around the arm, and the satin stripes that ironically went halfway down the leg of the tuxedo trousers added a geometric element to the collection.

Nautica Fall 2012 Collection

Nautica is always true to its namesake, but this season, they kicked their styling into a higher level, focusing on tailored menswear; without forgetting their nautical/performance notoriety.  Still inspired by aquatic masculinity; Nautica drew their inspiration from the iconic watermen of the American northeast coast.  

Layering cable knits with blazers, and accenting jackets with optical rames sans pocket squares were a very modern take for the brand; credit to stylist Matthew Edelstein who brought Nautica into a more debonair aesthetic.  The deep red corduroy  pants were a perfect touch of color to the Fall Collection, complimenting the palette of olive, navy, and white.   In the era of classic menswear raining supreme, Nautica presented a Collection worthy of the gentleman's aesthetic. 

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