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

Honoring Joe Frazier Through Fashion

After battling cancer, boxing legend "Smokin" Joe Frazier dies today at the age of 67 in a Philadelphia hospice.  Frazier, Olympian, heavyweight champion and hall-of-famer, was a powerhouse in the 60's and 70's most famous for his bouts with Muhammad Ali, being the first to defeat the Ali in 1971.

In his later days, Frazier became known for his hats; always wearing the wide brimmed accessory that became his statement piece.  The Ave honors his life with looks from the Spring 2012 season, embracing the accessory for the modern man.

Photos (clockwise l to r) SS12 Anne Demeulemeester, Woolrich Woolen Mills, Yohji Yamamoto, Yohji Yamamoto

Carlos Campos Spring 2012 Collection

In a time where men have been longing for designers to bring masculine fashion back in style, Carlos Campos has obliged in a way that's simple, unique, and representative of the idea of manhood that spans across generations and cultures.  You can follow this idea of man through a course of time; from the mountains of South America, to the automobile boom of Detroit, to the summer streets of the upper west side, the Carlos Campos SS12 Collection exposes the hidden quality of blue collar style.

Inspired by the "ethnic vibrancy of the Aztec, Mayan, and Incan cultures," Campos used patterns and colors that are indicative of South American culture.  Focusing on a modern approach to uniforms, Campos created a collection that is interchangeable, durable, and well-executed.

 The collection was very similar to the style of dress of men in the 50's: masculine men who cared about their appearance, without having to do the status quo "rat pack" style of dress during that era.  Subtle details, such as the single pleating in the trousers, to the manipulated pockets of the jackets, were a sign that styles from the past can easily re-emerge with proper tailoring and execution.  With color blocking being a major trend this season, Campos perfected the craft by blocking shades of the same color, as well as pairing colors asymmetrically, adding attitude with balance.

A standout  accessory of the collection were the shoes.   From blue suede to the tribal fabric used for Campos's show invitation, Generic Man provided footwear that accompanied the collection perfectly.  

To get the full experience of the collection, view the video footage below:

Yigal Azrouel Spring Summer 2012 Men's Collection

 

 

There's no mistaking that color blocking is here to stay; but to also block fabrics, textures, and shapes adds even another layer of dimension for Yigal Azrouel's menswear collection. Focusing on a "new prospective of utility" Yigal's Spring Summer 2012 collection pushed the idea of the modern man without losing an ounce of masculinity.  Architectural lines, structured outerwear, and a mix of rugged fabrics like twill and leather are simple enough for summer, but fully transitional to wear in the Autumnal months.

View Finale Walk of Yigal Azrouel Men's Spring/Summer 2012 Collection