Contributed by Charlie Johnson

Charlie
Matthew Williamson has broaden his horizons and created his first men’s line set to be launched in time for Spring/Summer 2010; his individual use of bright colours and extravagant patterns has been continued within his opening male collection.

For those who is not familiar with Matthew Williamson, is an English fashion designer. His collections are shown twice a year during New York Fashion Week, and they often have an Indian influence, perhaps related to the time Williamson spent working in India for the clothing store Monsoon. He counts celebrities such as Björk, Cat Deeley, Sienna Miller, Kelis, Jade Jagger and Plum Sykes amongst his friends.


After the success of his Matthew Williamson for H&M collection it’s easy to predict how popular his first male designs will be; the items which will only available be in London, New York and Dubai (in his stores and Harrod’s) customers will literally fly to get the first piece Williamson for men.


The capsule collection which includes silk scarves, cashmere sweaters and a range of brightly coloured t-shirts isn’t designed for the faint hearted male; but why should women only enjoy his clothes, take a road trip to your nearest store and bring Williamson into your wardrobe.

His first capsule collection which includes silk scarves, cashmere sweaters and a range of brightly coloured t-shirts; is set to sell quicker than his high street range and with it only being available in New York, London and Dubai people are set to literally fly to get it.

Looking back to Milan Fashion Week, Dolce & Gabbana led the way with one of its strongest presentations in seasons, using Giuseppe Tornatore’s new film, “Baarìa,” as the starting point for a Sicilian-inspired collection highlighting Italian tailoring and distressed work wear.









If only Michael Corleone had these threads on hand when he was hiding out in the motherland. They're everything a macho, sexy, tough Sicilano could want, from long johns tucked into worker boots and henleys to Sunday-best suits looked especially sharp when contrasted with worn-out tank tops.


Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, and their attention is clearly in the right place.

Hermes stepped back from the fashion fray on Saturday by delivering a collection of timeless pieces that willfully snubbed trendiness.


The storied label's menswear offerings for fall-winter 2010-2011 made nearly no concessions to the fads that have swept other Paris catwalks, including proposing slouchy longjohns as a stand-in for pants and relieving blazers of their sleeves. Hermes' menswear designer, Veronique Nichanian, served up to-die-for suits with straight-leg pants remarkable only for their perfect cut and sweaters that retired French soccer international Lilian Thuram — a front row guest — said he was already coveting.


 The rest of the pieces — which included slim overcoats worn with leather belts, velvet jackets in slate and mauve and cashmere V-neck sweaters — were timeless in a manner befitting a house that has been forging a reputation for handmade excellence since its start as a saddle maker in 1837.

This is the question that I always want to ask myself and to the readers out there.

My favorite wear is this cargo pants or  button fly jeans with T-shirts, and the most with V-neck sweater or scoop neck sweater. Pack with a pair of white Converse sneaker. Of course, I do received comments from my girlfriend like "Is that what you're going to wear?" which is more like accusation than question to me!

On the other hand, I do put up designer dress suit, shirt and fashion dress shoes, and my favorite blue retro skinny tie when I attend some formal parties with my girlfriend. Oh yes, I do have maroon red as well. :)

The bottom line is I wear clothes I feel comfortable in. For me that's what dressing and fashion is all about. But for most ladies that isn't the case. I am sure you have heard that this question, "Is that what you're going to wear?" countless times. And for all you women out there, unless you're going to physically undress us and then redress us to your specifications, the answer is, "Yes, this is precisely what I'm wearing."

Not because we're (or just myself?) stubborn or provocative but because we either don't know bother or we just feel comfortable with.

End of the day, my fashion philosophy is about comfort and be my own style, as well as fit into the surrounding rather to impress. So how about you? Do share your view here.... :)

I believe most of you think process of shaving is so simple, you hardly put any work or thought into it. Of course, all you need to do is put some/any shaving cream on your skin or just turn on your electric shaver and start shaving. Hang On!
Are you sure you got the right shaving products for your unique skin? People complain about getting cuts all the time and acne problems blaming their razors. Some of us don’t realize that right skin care regimen and products will make a huge positive change on our skin. Some men in particular just do not let go of the cheap shaving foam or even worse – soap and water. Along with applying good techniques, you should find out what skin type you have and use the right products for your skin. Choose your shaving products wisely. For instance, alcohol in a product is not good on sensitive skin. It dries it and causes irritation. Same for menthol. Yes, they feel good at first, but the result may not be as pleasant later. Avoid foam based products. Aerosol gels or foams are most popular products. It’s because they are easy to use and find. They give you a handful of lather at the press of a button. However, it’s quality not the quantity of the lather that is important.

Chemicals that are bad for your skin foam those products up. Quality shaving creams do not just help you remove hair. They prevent skin irritation, acne, and razor bumps. And they are not that expensive. Only for couple more bucks, you can get a good shaving cream that does all that and more. During these last years, skin care and shaving products have greatly developed.


There are many products on the market for any skin type, so you just need to spend a little bit of time to analyze and choose the right one for you.

Check out the latest Europe Men's Fashion Week calendar. 


Milan Schedule...

Saturday, January 16, 2010

9.30am Carlo Pignatelli Outside - Museo della Permanente via Turati, 34
10.30am Ermenegildo Zegna Stampa - via Savona, 56/a
11.15am Ermenegildo Zegna Buyer - via Savona, 56/a
12.00pm C.P. Company - via Savona, 54
1.00pm Costume National Homme - Laboratori Scala Ansaldo via Tortona, 58
2.00pm Dolce&Gabbana - Metropol viale Piave, 24
3.00pm Jil Sander - via Luca Beltrami, 5
5.00pm Emporio Armani - via Bergognone, 59
6.00pm Burberry Prorsum - via Melegari, 3
7.00pm Les Hommes Homme - Segheria via G.Meda, 24

Sunday, January 17, 2010

9.00am Bottega Veneta - via Privata Ercole Marelli, 4/6
10.00am Frankie Morello - La Pelota via Palermo, 10
11.00am Gianfranco Ferre' - via Pontaccio, 21
12.00pm Roberto Cavalli - via Burigozzo, 2
1.00pm Salvatore Ferragamo -Palazzo Mezzanotte piazza Affari, 6
2.00pm Vivienne Westwood - Palazzo della Permanente via Turati, 34
3.00pm Neil Barrett - viale Alemagna, 6
4.00pm Giuliano Fujiwara - Teatro Parenti via Pier Lombardo, 14
6.00pm Prada - via Fogazzaro, 36
7.00pm John Varvatos -Chiesa sconsacrata di San Paolo Converso corso Italia, 21

Monday, January 18, 2010

9.30am Pringle of Scotland -via Clerici, 10
10.15am Enrico Coveri - via San Barnaba,48
11.00am Dirk Bikkembergs - corso Italia, 58
12.00pm Gucci - piazza Oberdan, 2/b
1.00pm John Richmond - Giardini di porta Venezia, ingr. via Palestro
2.00pm Etro - Palaghiaccio via Piranesi, 14
4.00pm Canali - via Savona, 56
5.00pm Versace - piazza Vetra, 1
6.00pm Moncler Gamme Bleu - via Tortona, 58
8.00pm Alexander McQueen - via Thaon de Revel, 3

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

10.00am Dsquared2 - corso Italia, 58
11.00am Giorgio Armani Buyer - via Bergognone, 59
12.00pm Giorgio Armani Press - via Bergognone, 59
1.00pm Ermanno Scervino - Showroom Ermanno Scervino via Manzoni, 37
2.00pm D&G - Metropol viale Piave, 24
3.00pm Iceberg - La Pelota via Palermo, 10
4.00pm Z Zegna - via Savona, 56/a


Paris schedule...

Thursday, January 21st

10:30am – ALEXIS MABILLE
11:30am – ISSEY MIYAKE
12:30pm – FRANCISCO VAN BENTHUM
1:30pm – JUUN J.
2:30pm – LOUIS VUITTON
4:00pm – GASPARD YURKIEVICH
5:00pm – JEAN PAUL GAULTIER
6:00pm – SMALTO
7:00pm – DRIES VAN NOTEN
8:00pm – JULIUS
8:00pm – ADAM KIMMEL
9:00pm – HENRIK VIBSKOV
7pm-10pm – Y-3 PRESENTATION & COCKTAIL RECEPTION

Friday, January 22nd

10:00am – JUNYA WATANABE MAN
11:00am – BLAAK
12:00pm – YVES SAINT LAURENT
1:00pm – RICK OWENS
2:00pm – WALTER VAN BEIRENDONCK
3:00pm – KRIS VAN ASSCHE
4:00pm – COMME DES GARCONS HOMME PLUS
5:00pm – CERRUTI
6:00pm – GIVENCHY
7:00pm – TIM HAMILTON
8:30pm – JOHN GALLIANO

Saturday, January 23rd

10:00am – BORIS BIDJAN SABERI
11:00am – KENZO
12:00pm – MIHARAYASUHIRO
1:00pm – ANN DEMEULEMEESTER
2:00pm – TILLMANN LAUTERBACH
3:00pm – DIOR HOMME
4:30pm – UTE PLOIER
5:30pm – DUNHILL
6:30pm – DAMIR DOMA
8:00pm – HERMÈS
9:00pm – RAF SIMONS

Sunday, January 24th

10:00am – BILL TORNADE
11:00am – LANVIN
12:00pm – WOOYOUNGMI
1:00pm – SONGZIO
2:00pm – RYNSHU
3:00pm – ROMAIN KREMER
4:00pm – QASIMI
5:00pm – PAUL SMITH
6:00pm – AGNÈS

As every fashion houses are ready to go for this year Mens Fashion Week in various locations. Likewise for Burberry too.


Check out some of Burberry Prorsum Autumn Winter 2010 Collection that just held in Milan this month.



Just launched their preTrench coat, parade jacket, pea coat, blanket coat, double breasted topcoat, dress coat, double breasted chesterfield, parka, utility overcoat, cropped military jacket, funnel neck coat, aviator jacket, slim fit trousers, slim fit utility trousers, five pocket jeans, military shirt, utility shirt, patch pocket shirt, officer's shirt, box fit shirt, vintage blanket knit, military rib knit, shearling trim knit, wool linen thermal knit, brushed teddy knit, military button knit



COLOURS

Black, melange greys, indigo, ink, natural white, khaki, military green, mustard, moss green

FABRICS

Military wool felt, blanket wool, lightweight wool felt, wool twill, dry hand wool, pressed military wool, coated cotton canvas, indigo denim, bonded cotton, oversized cotton drill, shearling, bonded nappa, lightweight denim, chambray cotton.

What to see more? Find out yourself at Burberry live broadcast at Burberry Live.

The world has changed significantly with the internet. First with IT related products, and slowly moved to products including fashion. Yes. More and more fashion bloggers are being invited to attend these mega fashion shows. Lately, these giant fashion houses have move forward further by providing live streams to shoppers like us.

Let check out who we got here.

1. Burberry



2. Emporio Armani

3. Dolce and Gabbana

Don't miss the great bargain from Ecko Unlimited, which offer 30% off for Denim and Hoodies, Marc Ecko Cut & Sew and Ecko Red with limited time only. Yes, this offer will end by 18 January 2010. Remember to put in Promo Code: MLK30 when you purchase online.

These are some of my top selections.

Brand: MARC ECKO COLLECTION
The Scarlet Horde. Show your school spirit, or just look cool in this Marc Ecko Rutgers hoodie. Wear your stripes loud and proud. This zip-front hoodie is detailed with an adjustable drawstring hood, pouch pockets, "Block R" on the left chest; mascot on the right. Rib knit sleeve cuffs and hem.  

Marc Ecko Armed And Dangerous T-Shirt
Mother of the universe. This Cut & Sew tee features a screen print of a many armed goddess in front and in back. 100% cotton. Machine wash. Imported.


Marc Ecko Malcolm Short



Perfect for summer and beyond, the plaid short from Marc Ecko Cut & Sew. Detailed with front slash and rear slip pockets with a bias cut pattern and Marc Ecko label above rear left pocket.



Find out more of the great offer as well as Halo Gear @ 19.99 at ShopEcko.com

PUMA sportlifestyle introduces a new classic, with clean, simple and streetstyle in mind.

Aptly named the PUMA Mid Vulc; the style is inspired by the PUMA Archive’s original 1970s -1980’s PUMA Mid, yet refreshed on a vulcanized sole.

In true PUMA fashion, the Mid Vulc unifies on trend design, form and function. Especially created for those who like to make the street their playground, it is a durable, easy to wear and ride sneaker in leather, ripstop nylon and suede.

Accompanying this premium, clean looking style, is a limited run of PUMA custom laces featuring a metal aglet with silver cat detailing, which compliment the silver foil logos on the shoes. Each set of laces comprises of 1 x black set and 1 x white pair to give the wearer the choice to go tonal or add a pop of contrast.

Working in association with Goodone, (www.goodone.co.uk) both pairs of laces come in an authentic hand made bag made with recycled off cut PUMA Archive fabric. The bag is also an ideal size to be a digital camera/ipod/iphone case.

Not for sale there are just 250 special edition PUMA Mid Vulc laces and bags in circulation in the UK only.

In no doubt a desirable streetwear staple, the PUMA Mid Vulc in black and white colourways are currently available exclusively to select PUMA independent trainer boutiques nationwide, retailing at £55 rrp.

Continue from earlier post last week, here are the next 8 pairs of coolest sneakers designs ranked by Sneaker Freaker in 2009. Do give your comments whether these are also your choice.

Nike Supreme Bruin

After previously working with Nike on some successful, high-profile collaborations, New York-based retailer Supreme put its spin on the Bruin, Nike's first low-top basketball shoe, which debuted in 1972. The line comes in four basic colors, but the ultra-white model with metallic red pops is the one that ascends to the top 25.

Vans HUF Old Skool LX


Too often, classic is just another word for boring in the sneaker world. These kicks avoid that rap. Although the shoes are plain, intriguing details such as bricolage canvas, a suede upper, an embroidered Vans stripe, and repeating triangles on the foxing made the Old Skool one of the year's best.

Adidas Jeremy Scott Collection


Sometimes the sneaker lovin' community lacks humor, but no one would say that about designer Jeremy Scott. His collaboration with adidas this year (one in a long history) is a stunning four-model ensemble of lunacy and silliness. One shoe has three tongues; another, giant golden wings, while others have tassles, studs, and snakeskin.

Nike Presto


The '09 Presto remained true to its stylish roots, with the plastic-spined lace system once again taking center stage. Unlike its eye-popping, multitoned predecessors, the shoe's solid color schemes caught people's attention this go-around.

Converse UNDFTD Poorman's Weapon

Los Angeles store Undefeated has consistently styled sneakers with panache using a touch of military flavor. Released as part of its War Is Business campaign, the Poorman's Weapon featured a flight-jacket nylon upper, property tags, and removable Velcro logo patches. The black edition sold out in minutes, and the green wasn't around much longer.

Nike ACG Ashiko Boot

Named after a ninja's favorite weapon, the ACG Ashiko boot is made with Flywire, Nike's proprietary lightweight yet sturdy thread. Sneaker Freaker's editors were so impressed with the shoe after taking a pair hiking, they quickly plastered it on the magazine's cover.

Reebok Proper Dual Pump Runner

This pair of kicks represents the joint efforts of Reebok and Proper, a boutique in Long Beach, Calif. With PlayDry lining, memory foam, and a 100% synthetic upper, they are one of the world's first vegan runners. Even the glue was free of animal innards.

Adidas Kazuki ObyO Collection

Japan's Kazuki Kuraishi had worked for style dons such as clothing line A Bathing Ape and Fragment Design, a design house that has collaborated with such heavyweights as Rolex and Disney (DIS:US), but it was his adidas line that brought him international recognition. The line's KBALL mid-tops in rich black leather with eggplant laces are understated. Also, the slender Kazuki branding on the tongue is a tip-top top-off.

So again, stay tune with the last part of Top Sneakers in 2009 - Part III.