A Huge Collection of Snakeskin and Leather Trends was showcased on SS14 Runways

Snakeskin and leather fabrics do not spring surprises when it comes to warmer months of the year, though it seems that SS14 may have some surprises in store where menswear turns normal expectations on their head.

The number of snakeskin and leather on the ramps during spring/summer 2014 previews was astoundingly high, whereas the variety of garments with leather or snakeskin finishing was also huge.

On the designer runways

Undoubtedly, Trussardi was the greatest rival of the snakeskin and leather trend. It comes as no surprise because the brand has always been considered a stalwart of leather goods and accessories for more than a century.

Gaia Trussardi, daughter of the founder Dante, was made Creative Director of the Trussardi’s mainline in February. The spring collection presented by the label on the runways was fabricated almost exclusively from skin, with the use of supple, thin leather in the company with snakeskin prints and patterns.

The label’s collection comprised a leather vest in gunmetal grey, round neck t-shirt in white leather with leather shorts in similar patterns, and dark silver-grey leather trousers.

Actually, leather trousers were everywhere to see with blue, grey and tan tones and the brand preferred wide-legged and relaxed cuts on the place of more traditional and slim-fitting styles.

Yet, the most audacious garment put on the showcase by the Trussardi was a boiler suit in terracotta leather, along with a matching blazer.

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Trussardi has always been one of the biggest sponsors of controversial snakeskin trend. On the runways, a burnt orange snakeskin short suit made a big statement, whereas a bit more modest pair of snakeskin trousers in grey-brown was matched with a shirt in tan leather and sandals with snakeskin effect.

Another brand to completely embrace leather in their assortment was Versace, which demonstrated an apparent fondness for biker jackets. The biker jacket collections came in bronze, black and gold patterned leather, and also in more traditional black versions with extravagant detailing of bullet hole.

Each of them was matched with complimentary leather trousers, with the label preferring for slim-fitting styles in contrast with the more relaxed cuts by the Trussardi.

The baggier leather trousers were available in attractive shades of light beige and mint green offering true feel of spring/summer. The leather suits from Versace also featured single and double breasted cuts in khaki and dark grey for a complete leather effect.

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Supporting the reptilian trend, Versace showcased a two-piece snakeskin suit in black and cropped snakeskin biker jacket with dark burgundy tone. It offers a textural feel to the leather merchandising offered by Versace. The label amused everybody by presenting the snakeskin biker jacket with a pair of non-leather trousers, which resulted in the creation of a much more wearable outfit that can switch well over to the high street.

Also, there were some other brands, which showcased similar trends on the runways.

Summer Hats: In Vogue!

A long time ago, hats were considered only to protect oneself against heat, wind and rain. Later it became a symbol of status but over the years, the hat has become a fashion statement and a staple in the summer wardrobe. Not only is the accessory stylish but it is also advantageous to the person wearing it. In summer, hats provide shade from the ruthless sun and also give you a chic look. In recent times, hats have definitely made a huge comeback in the world of fashion and if you wear it right, this one accessory can make you look like a million bucks.

Hats in summer

Summer is the best season to don hats and is extremely popular on the streets. Hats are also extremely popular on the ramp and designers like Ermanno Scervino, Iceberg and Ermenegildo Zegna in 2010, all featured hats in their Spring/Summer collection. Hats were a rage amongst fashion conscious men and were available in a variety of high street fashion stores. It didn’t matter where they were going, holidays, picnics or even parties; men were seen sporting hats as much as women sported accessories like bags. Hats are also sported regularly by a few and have become almost an integral part of their closet.

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Various hats, various styles

Of course, summer means donning straw Hawaiian hats, but not in every case. Straw trilbies are very much in fashion but people also sport fedoras and pork-pie hats. Fedoras have a wider brim and therefore were originally worn by women but the Fedora has very much become a part of men’s fashion especially after the 1920’s. These hats were worn by legends of Hollywood and were made famous by Humphrey Bogart in ‘Casablanca’, Gene Kelly in ‘Singing in the Rain’ and many more.

Trilbies are basically a lot like the Fedora but have shorter brims and the brim is ‘snapped-up’ at the back and ‘snapped-down’ in front. The pork-pie hat is another that has been popularised by celebrities like Orlando Bloom, Jason Mraz and Justin Timberlake. Earlier this hat was associated with jazz and blues musicians and even Buster Keaton, the silent film actor wore it a lot. These hats have a boxed look and are better for men with smaller heads.

The cream of the lot this summer is definitely the Trilby, Pork-pie and Fedora but there is a huge variety one can choose from. You can match these hats with your wardrobe and strike a lovely balance with your look. You can also experiment and become a trendsetter of sorts.

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Post by Charlie Brown.

Newsboy Caps- The Perfect Combination of Comfort and Style

Finding the right type of hat that will suit your style, personality and the shape of your face can prove to be a challenging decision. One of the most important things you need to keep in mind is the warmth and comfort your hat will provide. As there are many different types of hats and caps, you need to know which hat type suits which type of face. However, the newsboy cap is one of those which are apt for any face type.

In the last few years, the classic newsboy cap has become extremely popular and is widely worn by both women and men. These are also known as Eight Piece Cap, the Gatsby, Pageboy, Cabbie Cap, Baker Boy, Poor Boy Cap and Apple Cap. No matter what you call these caps, the classic design and shape offers a whole lot of comfort and style.

As these caps were worn by newspaper boys in the United States during the early 1900's, they became popular as Newsboy Caps. However, these have made it back to the top of the fashion list in the recent years. These are very similar to the look of the flat cap and are mainly worn with casual dresses. Just like the flat cap, it consists of a stiff peak in the front and has the same basic shape. However, it is much fuller, rounder and teamed with a push button on top.

There are different types and styles of newsboy caps and these are made of various materials, like wool, cotton, twill, canvas and leather as these helps in maintaining the basic shape of the cap. It is usually sewn together from the top and includes a button on the top where the materials meet. As it has panels that are sewn together, it is also known as Eight Panel Cap. Another version of the newsboy cap is the Big Apple which is much larger in size than the regular ones.

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Another popular type of the classic Eight Panel Cap is the Herringbone Newsboy Cap. This will certainly be a great collection for you as it offers both comfort and style. It is generally made from polyester, wool and satin. It has the classic Newsboy shape and has a roomy and spacious interior as it is much fuller than a flat cap. This type of cap has soft rigidity and has a stretchable peak.

Some other types of Herringbone Newsboy Cap have a 4-part crown and are made with herringbone tweed. Moreover, these are also lined with satin which helps to keep you warm and does not mess up your hairdo. The stiff peak is enclosed in a synchronized crosshatch pattern.

These caps usually have a loose fit style and will probably not fit snugly on your forehead. But that is the charm and appeal of a classic Newsboy cap. You can wear it with casual, informal and smart wear alike. You can team it up with a formal suit as well as with t-shirt and a pair of jeans. This will definitely add to your style and your overall appearance. Newsboy caps are also perfect for winter and help to increase your winter style quotient.

These hats are available in many styles, fabric and colours and all you need to do is pick one that fits your personality. You can easily find a wide range of these caps on various online stores. As several Hollywood celebrities like Will Smith, Brad Pitt, Jason Statham, Kate Moss, Samuel L. Jackson and many others are now wearing stylish Newsboy Caps; a large number of people are also opting for these.

The return of the classic Newsboy Caps has generated a new trend that has now gained much prominence in the fashion world. These stylish and comfortable head wears are now worn by men and women alike all across the globe.

Men’s Fashion Accessories for Spring 2014

Accessories have become an essential part of men’s fashion in the recent years. Accessorising can be fun and certainly adds an extra spunk to your wardrobe. If you prefer to look good and remain in fashion, then you need to modify your current wardrobe with the fashion trends of spring 2014 men’s fashion. Many trends in men’s fashion accessories has come up in the recent spring summer 2014 fashion shows in Milan, Paris, New York and London.

If you want to find out about some of the most popular fashion accessories this season, then keep on reading.

Bags

This season, the designers have come up with an exciting collection of men’s bags especially for the fashionable gentlemen. In the spring summer 2014 collection, sacks have become very popular with most designers. As these bags can be carried on the shoulder, they are generally considered as backpacks. Moreover the size of sacks is also not restricted to a fixed design.

However, if you really want to appear fashionable, then you need to go for the Tote handbags. These are easy to carry and have adequate space as well. Apart from these, briefcases and document folders are also high on the list this season for men’s bag collections. Small bags have also made their way back into the popularity list as well.

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The messenger bags have become smaller and more stylish in design. However, these are now designed only to support your basic requirements. Another current trend is to the new ultra-cool iPad cases. You may also want to go for the extra-large leather backpacks that are luxurious and sophisticated. These functional bags will make feel relaxed and free this summer.

These stylish bags can be found in various hues and colours. Apart from the usual colours, the various shades of the season have also been used in the new designs, like emerald, cherry red, yellow etc.

Hats

Hats are great accessories for summer as it helps you to stay cool and look stylish as well. For spring summer 2014 men’s fashion, the designers have presented various new styles that will increase your “oomph” factor considerably. You can find these in various shapes and styles that will fit you properly.

The edged straw Panama hat has made it into the fashion list this season. These light-weight headgears, originally from Ecuador, are creased in the centre. Pork Pie hat has also become a favourite of the designers for spring 2014 as well. These are usually made of felt or straw and consist of a cylindrical crown on the top. Pork Pie hats will not only improve your style, but these are highly comfortable as well. Moreover, the Trilby hat has also ranked high in the spring summer 2014 list. These hats are made from various materials like wool, tweed, straw and also wool/nylon blend.

If you enjoy being in fashion, then you can also try out the Flat caps and Bogota caps collection as well. These fit well with casual wear and are also great for working environment as well. Boater hats are also popular in the spring 2014 collection. These hats make you look dapper and help to upgrade your casual look.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are high on list of men’s fashion accessories as well. This spring summer season, Aviator and Wayfarer sunglasses are still popular and are going strong in the list. Moreover, sunglasses with geometric shapes have also gained much popularity with the designers. The classic circular shaped shades are also going hot.

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Another current trend for men’s summer 2014 sunglasses is the combination of dark glasses and light frames. The transparent and/or light-coloured plastic frames highlight the darker glasses and makes you appear cool and stylish.

Plastic and metal frames have dominated the fashion shows this season. Moreover, natural materials like leather or horn were also presented widely. Metal frames with coloured mirrored glasses were also featured by the designers.

Other Accessories

Apart from bags and hats, several other types of men’s fashion accessories have been presented in the spring summer collection fashion shows around the world. Some of the most popular accessories for men are Oxford shoes, Gladiator sandals, graphically painted sneakers, Knit scarf, Ethnic necklace, Leather bracelets and a variety of watches.

Be sure to choose the right type of accessory from the spring summer 2014 collection that will not only complement your looks but will also make you appear fashionable and dapper.

Men in Toronto finally have Variety to Shop from

In the recent past there were complains that there were very menswear stores in Toronto but February 2014 saw the launch of two menswear chains of the international level, Suitsupply and Loding. These two retail stores marked the beginning of the new fashion wave that was to take over menswear in Toronto, giving men access to international quality high fashion clothes including pocket squares, cashmere sweaters and T-shirts that are perfectly tailored. Holt Renfrew, a high-end department store has declared that they have plans of opening boutiques only for men, this fall, on Bloor.

Recently, everyone in the fashion world agree that finally, male shoppers will have access to well-made clothes to add to their closets. Here is a list of stores that are fit for male shoppers and have taken men’s wear to a different level in Toronto.

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Suitsupply

A favourite in the world of men’s fashion, Suitsupply has finally landed in Toronto. The store offers well tailored suits that are available in more than 600 types of fabrics. The atmosphere of the store is rather contemporary and hip. Apart from readymade suits, the store also offers custom made ones. Other accessories that are available are pocket squares, ties, shades, socks, etc.

Loding

The Parisian store provides quality clothing basics and is a reliable brand. The store has to offer shirts, cufflinks, cashmere sweaters, etc. all competitively priced for people who know what they want to buy, and buy it all at once.

MADE Clothing Co.

Since 2011, they made their presence felt but have finally opened at Berkeley and Queen. The store is airy and the space, comfortable. It is stocked with various kinds of accessories for men right from cufflinks to socks. You can enjoy your fitting at this store because of the atmosphere.

Surmesur

Ever heard of suits made with measurements taken by a body scanner? Well, here, it’s possible and is a reality. After your measurements are taken by a scanner, similar to the one used at airports; you can choose your suit details by using a touch screen. This ‘technologically advanced’ store may sound really expensive, but in reality, it isn’t.

John Varvatos

Situated at Yorkdale, this massive and glossy store is packed with cool equipment like boutique amplifiers, is far removed from some of the centre’s indie boutiques. The work of this New York designer celebrates the ‘rock-and-roll’ cult. So, expect to find leather jackets, skinny suits, etc. which would fit beautifully in any man’s wardrobe.

Menswear stores in Toronto are growing and are finally giving male shoppers a fabulous variety to shop from.

Newsboy Caps are now setting New Trends

If you are looking for the best accessories that will suit a man’s wardrobe, then you most definitely should consider hats and caps. Since time immemorial, hats and caps have been an integral part of a man’s closet. Years ago, the hats and caps men wore, was according to their status in society.

Many believe that hats and caps are worn mainly to provide shade from the harmful rays of the sun in summers and to keep one warm in the freezing temperatures during winter. Men sport various kinds of hats in summers and winter but stylish men are extremely particular about the style of cap or hat they wear. Some has can be worn only with formal wear and some hats and caps look good only when worn with casuals. There are only a few hats or caps that suit kinds of looks, the formal and the casual. One such versatile headwear is the newsboy cap.

The Versatile Cap

The newsboy cap is also called the Baker Boy Cap, the Eight Piece Cap, the Applejack Hat, the Pageboy, the Jay Gatsby, the Poor Boy Cap or the Eight Panel Cap. It is round in shape and has a short and stiff brim or peak in front to provide shade in summers. The newsboy cap is stitched from the centre and the crown of the cap resembles an eight-slice pizza or pie. The eight panels of cloth are stitched to a covered button in the centre.

The newsboy caps are called so because these caps were worn by boys who used to distribute newspapers in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century in North America and Europe. In the 1910-20s, this cap was worn by the ‘lower classes’ and was known as the ‘cap of the working class’ as dockworkers, shipwrights, high steel workers, farmers and other such working class people used to wear it.

A Flat Cap or Not

This type of cap is considered a flat cap but not all flat caps are newsboy caps. The only way to distinguish this cap from the rest is by checking the panels.

The Look of the Cap

These caps are ideally made of cotton, tweed or wool and can be worn in summers and in winters. They are usually on one solid colour but at times they have various colours and patterns. This cap looks the best when paired with casuals but one can even wear them with a suit and look fashionable.

A variety of these caps are available in fashion accessory stores but if you want to check out some unique designs check out the ones available in online hat stores.

Male Fashion Accessories add a Spark to the Clothes

Fashionable men around the world make sure that they look dapper at all costs, every time they step out of the house. Now, wearing good, smart clothes is not the only way they can enhance their look. Fashion conscious men also pair smart accessories with their clothes to make their attire look fabulous. Here are a few male fashion accessories that can really make a difference to your look.

Socks 

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A classic black suit with classic black lace-ups with a pair of scarlet socks, the look is totally unconventional and also might appear as jarring to a few, but coloured ankle length socks can really make heads turn while adding a spark to your look. Coloured socks can even spice up a pair of classic blue denims with a white t-shirt or shirt.

Quirky Cufflinks 

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Tired of the plain old corporate look? Want to jazz up your office wear with something subtle yet different? How about trying out a few quirky cufflinks? Discard the typical ones for something unusual like skull shaped cufflinks or cufflinks with cartoons scribbled on them. They will definitely freshen up your look.

Add a dash of Colour with Pocket Squares 

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Want to jazz up your boring suit? Or do you want to break the monotony of a one-coloured jacket? In both cases, a pocket square is all you need. Fold it up and tuck it into your breast pocket and you’re good to go. With the hint of colour peeking out of your pocket, your boring jacket will look subtly colourful.

Donning a Hat 

Be it a fedora, trilby, pork pie or bowler, a hat always adds a certain charm to your look. Whether you’re wearing formals or casuals, a hat or even a flat cap, if paired rightly with your ensemble, will make you look outstanding.

‘Belt’ out some Attitude 

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Tired of wearing a classic black or brown leather belt with your casual summer pants? Then, try something a little more colourful and like a belt that is a made of woven fabric and leather combined together. You’ll have your hold and others can take a look at how beautifully the belt works with the rest of your clothes.

These are just a few accessories that can add a touch of difference to men’s wear. Men’s clothing is not necessarily dull or boring; it can be made extremely peppy and stylish if things are paired well.