At this year’s first New York Fashion Week we partnered with Lacoste UK for a Twitter takeover and found ourselves backstage in the Lincoln Centre at 8am on a very frosty morning. Being backstage at a show is very much like the metaphor of a duck perfectly and elegantly gliding across the lake, yet underneath the water its legs are flapping like mad.

The Lacoste runway show was flawless, even though the show director wanted the finale to “be messier, I want it unstructured with less formation. Let’s do it again”.

But behind the scenes, things are a bit more chaotic. You’ve got 30+ models stripping off with each look having a particular stylist responsible for it. Then there’s someone making sure they’re in the right order to walk which can be tricky since some models are still getting final hair and makeup touches. 

The first thing we noticed backstage before the show was the resemblance to cult film The Royal Tenenbaums’ characters Richie Tenenbaum, Margot Tenenbaum and Chas Tenenbaum with tennis sweatbands mixed in with sports luxe and long fur and trench coats seen throughout. For those who’ve not seen this comedy filled film, Richie is a tennis prodigy who has a meltdown during a tennis match and the commentator makes one of our favourite film quotes of all time with “He's taken off his shoes and one of his socks and... actually, I think he's crying." A cool fact includes the fact that Gwyneth Paltrow wears a Lacoste stripe tennis dress (with fur coat) in this film.

Anyway, let’s get back to the Lacoste Fall/Winter 2015-16 collection. The Lacoste style seen by Felipe Oliveira Baptista? An essential style. A style with a strong heritage yet more-than-ever contemporary, an urban style that flirts with the open air, a style that is neither masculine nor feminine but both equally. A style injected with casually sophisticated sportswear that plays with codes and stripes down to the essential: self-expression. The starting points of the collection were the vision of one man, Rene Lacoste, and tennis, which made him famous both as a champion and as an inventor.

Felipe Oliveira Baptiste pays tennis a tribute once more this season, and offers a ‘winter tennis’ that mixes the supple lightness of sportswear with the tailored elegance of long protective coats. This spirit runs through an entire wardrobe where menswear and womenswear echo each other. Tailoring is inspired by the casual refinement of the 30s and fantasized by the graphic and colourful 70s. The collection is built around a ‘chic’ that does not take itself seriously: ‘Rene did it first’ and ‘tennis anyone?’ are featured on sweatshirts and sweaters. The story is set: this winter is all about tennis!

Article by Menswear Style

Stuck right in the heart of London’s theatre district is one super slick, uber cool, St Martin's Lane hotel. If you like your hotels minimalist enough that it cuts out all the chintz of those big London chains, you've come to the right place. The lobby is large and inviting with cool art installations you can Instagram to show off to your friends or pretend you've already been on a trip of cultural discovery the minute you arrived in London.

The vibrant St Martins Lane is a 204 room urban resort has an electrifying lobby scene and the rooms at the hotel offer a sensuous and luxurious sanctuary where guests can unwind.

Expressing an experiential approach to minimalism, they’ve used the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows as a unique backdrop to low and simple furnishings to create the feeling that guests are floating over the city. Linen drapery, polished aluminum, teardrop lighting fixtures and pale leopard print carpets soften the space, while the updated iconic interactive light feature allows guests to elevate their mood selecting from a spectrum of colours with a custom-designed dial. 

The newly-painted room will enhance this lighting effect, which will also reflect off of the newly dichroic laminated glass desk as well as the illuminated surface that holds the new flat-screen smart TV.

The Room 

Interior designer Tim Andreas of Banjo Ad Inc pays homage to the original ethos of the hotel by blurring the lines between baroque and minimalist, extravagance and simplicity. The new rooms epitomise high-concept design while enhancing the guest experience through comfort and functionality with elements like a new white leather chair that rotates 360 degrees for optimal viewing of the entire room, bedside reading lights, additional USB charging stations near the bed, and media hub with high-current USB charging, HDMI video and music playing capabilities. 

With a distinctive service style and refreshing new guestrooms, St Martins Lane is modern and functional. We particularly liked the different colours that light up the room which can be adjusted depending on your mood, and the TV is just ginormous!

Asia De Cuba Restaurant 

Cafecito’s afternoon tea sends guests into the mystique and ambiance of a Cuban teahouse through a fusion of Asian and Cuban inspired treats, offering an alternative to the traditional afternoon tea format. Despite dining in the restaurant on a cold Monday afternoon, the place was booming. Asia De Cuba is clearly the place to be, whether you are a hotel guest or not. As the name suggests, it serves food with Asian and Cuban influence. The menu is fun and imaginative, and the food is delicious. Their afternoon tea took an interesting twist on the old English classic. Scones with mojito butter, chilli chocolate, and all washed down with some fabulous teas. It’s an experience to remember.

Guests are taken on a journey to Cuba, where each diner receives a classic, handmade wooden cigar box, containing their tea utensils. Each delightful tea blend has been hand selected from a range of the finest leaves, from specialty and luxury tea supplier JING, to compliment the colourful food offerings. 

The menu is made up of fun and distinctive options, including a Cubano pressed sandwich with BBQ pulled pork, beef and vegetable empanadas with Caribbean hot sauce. Leading into the afternoon’s sweet treats, guests can then indulge in Asia de Cuba’s renowned mini Mexican doughnuts filled with butterscotch sauce, banana spring rolls filled with white chocolate and coconut ganache and key lime pie topped with a soft meringue all served on a three-tiered stand.

Article by Menswear Style

Following the great success of the AW collection, Ted is teaming up again with swimming Champ, Mark Foster to create a Spring/Summer T for Tall range... It was while admiring a masterpiece at the T&B Museum, London, that Ted’s friend in high places, Mark, became embroiled in a smash-and-grab-gone-wrong with the city’s notorious art thieves. 

Throwing a sack over the gallery’s most prized Renaissance statue, the 'Loot It & Boot It' trio bid a hasty retreat to their getaway vehicle, a rather splendid 1973 Alfa Romeo with beautiful bodywork and a modest boot.

It was only then they realised their prize catch was in fact Britain’s most successful all-time swimmer (and occasional fox-trotter).

“How are we going to fit him in there?” one of the crooks quipped, pointing to the car... To be continued... Taking its inspiration from the mainline collection, T for Tall offers the 6’3” - 6’6” man a capsule wardrobe of summer essentials. From punchy romantic floral prints to oversized checks and patterned knits, SS15 captures the imagination with smart-yet-stylish looks. 

This season sees the introduction of new styles to the T for Tall range. Swimwear in nautical stripes, enlarged checks on short-sleeve shirts and sporty bombers give the tall man an even wider, stylish offering. A head-turning colour palette refreshes classic styles with bold blues on suits and chinos, whilst striking yellow and colour-block knits inject playfulness. Adding the final touch to the collection, linen textures relax more formal looks.

Article by Menswear Style

You cannot separate the sport from the Formstripe. That’s because the Formstripe hasn’t slowed down since it first hit the pitch, court, pedal and street. Whether it was Tennis in the 70s and 80s or Running in the 90s, the Formstripe has been worn by some of the greatest athletes ever. These powerful player-product combinations are icons. They are the personality and momentum behind the PUMA brand and drive us forward and define what’s next.

PUMA’s archive is packed with over 65 years of records and trophies. SS15 sees PUMA look back to this archive to inspire their future. This season, many styles filed under ‘firsts’ or ‘one and only’ are re-issued. Some are altered. Some are authentic to a fault. They never held back in their heyday. They sure as hell aren’t about to start now.

Running 

With PUMA’s design criteria of shaking things up, running a little wild and innovating to change the game, the sneaker technology boom of the 90’s meant chunky silhouettes and loads of cushioning – more comfort, more miles, more style. In the market-dominating retro running revival, PUMA has put a modern twist on some iconic Trinomic silhouettes for SS15 as well as introducing the new and exciting Arial Evolution – a take on the R698 with a mesh upper, translucent TPU saddle, reflective heel windows and a lightweight IMEVA rubber outsole designed to be the future of slicker and faster PUMA styles. 

The Black & White Pack sees styles such as the XT2 and Disc Blaze given a simple monochrome makeover for a premium, understated alternative whilst bold and daring colourways with fade-outs and the classic Splatter on the XT2 and R698 make up the Splatter Pack. The Coastal Pack sees the Disc Blaze and R698 take on a bright, coastal inspired twist for Spring finished with the R698 and Disc Blaze of the Nylon Pack where Nylon uppers, off white midsoles and gum soles create a regal finish complimented by a smart colour palette.

Suede 

An industry rebel that said no to ordinary leathers, the Suede is a classic from the archives, an iconic style made famous by athletic greats such as basketball’s Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier, growing into new levels of fame to transform it into a shoe that’s key to every seasonal PUMA collection, a true fashion staple. 

The most popular and well-known of all PUMA shoes, the Suede Classic rightly deserves its place in public affection and in every Hall of Fame, whilst the Suede S, a brand new, re-designed style for SS15, sees a sleeker look that’s close to the original but with moulded, removable footbeds, a padded nylon tongue and iced outsole areas for increased comfort, wearability and durability that certainly lives up to its predecessors’ game-changing legacy.

Court 

In the 70’s and 80’s PUMA unleashed a full court fury with its tennis shoes: all white leather, occasional coloured Formstripe and soles that conformed to the foot – exactly what world-best players such as Germany’s Boris Becker needed for grand slam level play. 

For SS15, PUMA has re-entered the field with old time classics bought back to life in painstaking detail, re-invigorating the historic Tennis category now firmly positioned within lifestyle. The re-issued Court Star in tennis inspired colourways teamed with darker tones and an off white sole makes for a classic, vintage look whilst the Match 74 stays true to its simplistic approach, re-mastered with a stylish upper, perforated Formstripe and extra lateral reinforcement for a clean, easy option in several colourways that serves as a nod to PUMA’s tennis heritage.

Article by Menswear Style

The other night, Warner Music Group hosted their annual Brit Awards after party 2015 at the Freemasons Hall in association with Vanity Fair. The After Party is my new favourite kind of party, over taking The Boat Party, The Green Party and Take That and Party. Sadly I won't be spilling the beans on the celebrities I saw frequenting the disabled cubicle to partake in their fellatio-based proclivities. Those in attendance included Orlando Bloom, Ant & Dec, Nicholas Hoult, Robert Pattinson, Oliver Cheshire, Jonathan Ross, Holly Willoughby, Mark Ronson, Olga Kurylenko, Caroline Flack and Gary Glitter. (Of course I jest, Gary Glitter didn't show I just wanted to make sure I had your attention).

London Artist, Rupert Newman created a spectacular bespoke light mapping show featuring the nine Warner Music artist nominated at the awards (Ed Sheeran, Paolo Nutini, Royal Blood, Damon Albarn, Charli XCX, Coldplay, Clean Bandit, Black Keys and Lily Allen), completely transforming the outside of the Freemasons Hall.

When the guests weren't laughing riotously at endless vines of Madonna flying offstage on their phones, they were being spoilt to a menu of bespoke CÎROC Vodka cocktails created by The Arts Club. "Welcome to CIROC" I said in my best Connery accent to the hot twenty-something cocktail waitress. She laughed politely but I don't think she got the reference. The cocktails were neatly themed to coincide with the award nominees, including CÎROC Royal Crush, CÎROC Sucker Sour, CÎROC Multiply ‘X’ Martini and CÎROC Blue Stone. Delicious as each one was, the menu was entirely lost on me as I haven't listened to contemporary music for twenty years. Unfortunately for me the day East 17 disbanded truly was the day the music died.

The show itself has a rather oddly inert and perfunctory feel to it these days. Gone are those special moments where we could look forward to an out of touch Cliff Richard telling the audience to grow up for booing his toff mates, or Chumbawumba soaking John Prescott with an ice bucket. Thank god the well-oiled machine still has a few glitches which allows us to witness Madonna breaking the record for the longest back-flip from a standing start.

Article by Menswear Style

For a while now I’ve been pondering how to tackle one of my all time favorite designers,Giorgio Armani. As long as I can remember his legendary career and work have resonated with me very strongly. But how to approach his designs? And how to pick one period or collection over another? So, when I ran across an interview he gave recently to the London Evening Standard about how he conceives his creations for the silver screen, I thought I would first approach this fashion Titan through his work for the movies.

Mr. Armani has graced the screen and their leading men with his creations spanning many different eras and atmospheres.

He created the wardrobes for Kevin Spacey and Sean Penn in Hurlyburly (1998) using an interesting understated touch, and for the Batman film, The Dark Knight (2008), he designed the everyday attire for Christian Bale, infusing a sense of sleek elegance in the character of Bruce Wayne. 

For the recent The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), Mr. Armani wanted to create the image of a financial tycoon that could subliminally remind us of a superhero. As a result, Leonardo DiCaprio is wrapped in conservative dark colored suits that create a V shape by having the shoulders a little exaggerated and a narrow waist, accentuating the powerfulness of his character. 

But in American Gigolo (1980) and The Untouchables (1987), Mr. Armani gave his most unique personal rendering, designing the wardrobes for Richard Gere and Kevin Costner.

In American Gigolo not only did he introduce the world to his iconic style, consisting of soft textile suits that envelop the body of a man in a fluid and sophisticated embrace, but he also gave Mr. Gere unforgettable panache. And for Kevin Costner in The Untouchables, Mr. Armani adapted his couture to 1930’s menswear, designing Mr. Costner’s wardrobe in quite a stylized fashion, keeping both old and modern accents by again using soft fabrics which had become his undisputed trademark. 

Both actors after these films were catapulted to mega stardom, becoming themselves icons of elegance and sexiness, and I like to think their fame came in part thanks to the wardrobes innovatively designed by Giorgio Armani.

*Illustration also by Stefano Imbert

Article by Menswear Style

The longstanding popular tailoring colour blue is still very relevant this season, It’s one of the easiest colours for men to wear in all its varying tones. And a staple of any man’s wardrobe should be the navy blue suit. It’s super flexible in terms of teaming with other colours and combining with accessories as well as being able to wear it any time of day or night no matter how formal or laid-back the occasion.

The blue blazer can be easily dressed up or down and is simply adaptable to any situation you might find yourself in - team it with a crisp white shirt or a classic white tee.

This season Moss Bros have updated the blue formalwear trend with a vast selection of men’s blue suits, blue shirts, blue jackets & blazers and blue accessories. Enter code BLUE20 at the checkout for 20% off... now that’s a good reason to be feeling blue today!

Article by Menswear Style

On a recent trip to New York we truly put Uniqlo’s Heat Tech, Base Layers and Ultra-Light Down garments to the test. The weather in New York was extreme, it reached -17 whilst we were there and in the name of fashion we headed to our hotel’s windy rooftop to see how it felt layered up in a full Uniqlo styled outfit.

Dry Stretch Sweat Full-Zip Jacket - This men's zippered jacket is made from trendy sweat material with added DRY technology to keep you feeling smooth and dry. The contoured, stretchy fabric is easy to move in, making it a great option for everything from sports to everyday wear. It is really comfortable and light, making it a perfect layering addition.

Ultra-Light Down Compact Vest - This compact Ultra-Light Down vest is amazingly thin, light, and warm, thanks to a slimmed-down design that doesn't use down packs. The compact design means it can be worn as an inner or outer layer and packs away neatly into a small pouch. It’s so light you won’t realise you’re wearing it but it’s offering both warmth and wind resistance.

Slim Fit Straight Stretch Selvedge Jeans - These classic slim jeans showcase the vintage appeal of selvedge denim, which can only be created using antique looms. Rolling the cuffs reveals the signature "red ear" accents unique to selvedge denim, and each pair takes on an individual character through wear and fading as you break them in. Revised with a new fabric designed in conjunction with Toray industries for a high density stretch.

Convertible Collar Coat - The straightforward design of this collar coat makes it ideal for both business and casual wear. Remove the stylish lining on warmer days, and choose the solid or camouflage side to match your look on those super cold days. We of course opted to keep the camo lining! Liner buttons are carefully placed so you can use a backpack comfortably.

HEATTECH Crew-Neck T-Shirt - Combined with HEATTECH this t-shirt was an essential for this extreme weather. Providing a solution to the cold in the form of a base layer which is no more than 0.55mm in thickness. Capturing heat from your body and trapping it within air pockets in the fabric to envelope you in warmth. It’s really stretchy too, meaning SO comfortable! 

Article by Menswear Style

It’s never been so cool to wear spectacles than right now in 2015. Think Idris Elba, Jon Hamm, Johnny Depp and Ryan Gosling – and did you know that Tinie Tempah doesn’t actually need to wear eyeglasses? With this in mind, here are some eyewear brands that you should look for next time you’re shopping for glasses. 

FLEYE 

For their SS15 collection, they have crafted an eyewear range which puts extra focus on the most beautiful feature of the face: the eye. Super thin rims that follow the contour of the lens highlight the personality of the glasses and put the focus squarely back on the wearer. Their new Contour Collection is handmade in Japanese beta-titanium, an allergy-friendly material that delivers outstanding lightness and flexibility.

Dom Vetro 

Inspired and handmade in the Italian Alps dating back to the 18th century; often described as a legacy. Dom Vetro’s aim is to challenge the industrial mass production of eyewear, in which they are one of the few brands that are 100% hand-crafted. Looking at the latest range we see matte finish frames, mirrored lenses and the option for a removable snap outer lens. Aesthetics include tortoise shell or frosted neutral shades to reflect that of the alpine inspiration. The craftsmen behind Dom Vetro have spent years perfecting this art where the ‘maestri’ create the ultimate visual experience for their customers.

The Bespoke Dude’s Eyewear 

Founded by Fabio Attanasio of ‘The Bespoke Dudes’ blog, this new eyewear brand is currently one to watch this year. Fabio’s aim is to create artisanal glasses at an ethical price in order to stand out from the mass produced brands we see today. Keeping the ‘Made in Italy’ name, all the frames and lenses are handcrafted by family run business Kador who have been producing eyewear since 1962. The latest styles in the range are the ‘CRAN’ and ‘PLEAT’ which derive from the bespoke tailoring industry; the ‘cran’ being the space between the collar and the lapel of a jacket. They’ve taken no compromise on quality where they have used four screws instead of two, a classically designed range with a modern and elegant twist.

Mykita 

This German based brand aim to provide modern manufacturing with complete in house production. The creative core emerges from Philipp Haffmans and Harald Gottschling, two of the eyewear world’s most innovative designers. With innovative designs the duo have a knack for style and sophistication. In terms of quality Mykita take their inspiration from an industrial design with an aerodynamic style; a complete technical style with classical elegance. Exclusive to Mykita they have created screw-less hinges of interlocking pieces that snap on and off for simple repairs. All frames are made from titanium for an extremely lightweight and flexible accessory, adding durability and strength. Not only are the designs great, their boutiques are pretty suave too!

Nackymade 

As a previous sales man in the glasses industry Naoki (Nacky) wasn’t able to find any glasses to which he actually liked to wear himself, and this is where his inspiration began. Handcrafted by Japanese artisans with Japanese plastic acetate and European antiques he’s been able to produce unique and eye catching designs. To say the least this brand is unconventional. so if you’re after something a little daring Nackymade will probably have what you’re looking for. With designs created in the style of tailor scissors, and dragons to frames made from cherry blossom trees; all are very unique. Nacky also offers ‘Made to Order’ at various trunk shows across New York and Asia.

Kirk + Kirk 

Dating back to 1919 and three generations on the London based workshop, Kirk and Kirk find their inspiration from the Victorian era and the scientists who made their name in this period. Karen Kirk has described this business as "standing out from the crowd", in doing this she has added a unique jewellery pin of 9ct gold or sterling silver to her designs. For their latest range, Kirk and Kirk have recently collaborated with ‘Transitions lenses’ who specialise in light adaptive lens technology; which makes their brand pretty unique. All frames are handmade in France from a very lightweight acrylic, in 4 different styles in a range of 6 metallic colours.

Thom Browne 

New York based designer launched his eyewear range for both men and women in 2011. Following his success of being "One of the most influencial designers in menswear" it only seemed right to release something new into his collection. The collection has been a big success in the press having seen them featured on Pharrell’s latest album cover ‘Girl’. Each pair of frames are handcrafted in either Italy or Japan from acetate so are durable and lightweight. Each featuring the signature Thom Browne tri-colour of red, white and blue. The latest range features aviator designs in matte finishes and often blue mirror lenses.

Article by Menswear Style

Bored with your layers and layers of clothes? While the weather doesn’t agree that it’s time to shed your sweaters and scarves just yet, there’s no harm in planning ahead and considering what you’ll wear when the clouds finally part. With that in mind, here’s the three best (and most wearable) trends of Spring/Summer 2015.

1. Denim 

Not exactly a big surprise, you’ll be glad to know that this fashion staple will be staying for summer. For true fashionistas, double denim is the way forward, with Tom Ford in particular loving it. He showed denim shirts and jeans with navy blazers, for a true blue smart-casual look. The idea is not to be too “matchy matchy” here, so a faded denim jacket with deep dyed indigo is good, or favourite old jeans with a crisp denim shirt. If you prefer a classic look, the good news is that James Dean’s style still endures, and a white t-shirt with jeans and smart trainers (not that the bad boy ever sported sports footwear, but it’s a contemporary interpretation, ok?) exude easy going charm. The trick is to invest in some good quality denim pieces, because a classic item like jeans for example will be worn regularly for years to come.

2. Stripes 

Again a perennial favourite, and that’s good news because every well dressed gentleman will already have some stripes in their wardrobe. You can stick with your Breton stripe sweater, but stripes also come in wide, Dennis the Menace red and black strokes on chunky knits, and fine graduations too. Stripes also extend to your legs, with shorts and trousers featuring the pattern, both vertical and horizontal. On any area of your body, but especially your lower half, be aware that stripes have a strong optical effect, so if you have skinny legs, think twice before putting on something with a vertical stripe, as it will make you look lankier than ever, and if you’re a little wider of thigh, a horizontal stripe will create quite a chunky effect. For formalwear, the pinstripe is popular, and should you wish to add a subtle hint of personalisation to your outfit, we suggest nothing better than taking a leaf out of Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister’s book, and wearing a suit with your name woven into the fabric.

3. Prints 

Sometimes you get bored with the usual safe favourites. Young designers showing within the Fashion East house were keen, as was Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy and Jeremy Scott for Moschino. Everything from robot t-shirts to tie-dye to ethnic prints goes. We suggest the best way to get a) something authentic, b) a bargain and c) a tan (if you’re lucky), is to shop from the source, and visit the markets of the world to grab eclectic fashion bargains. 

Overall, a lot of the trends from previous seasons have carried over, such as all-white, blue and black together, and the vogue for red garments. If you’re quick you can still grab a bargain in the sales to update your wardrobe for spring too.

Article by Menswear Style

There is nothing to match the sense of freedom and exhilaration that spending a weekend in the wilderness brings. It's a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors, develop skills and self-reliance, commune with nature and getaway from the stresses and distractions of everyday life.

However, the wilderness must be treated with respect. It can be an inhospitable or even dangerous place to those who visit unprepared. The essentials needed to ensure a comfortable, safe and enjoyable weekend in the wilderness are all easily obtainable.

1. Navigation - A GPS receiver is useful, but it is always wise to have a back-up in the form of topographical maps in waterproof protection, along with a compass, and the knowledge to use them. 

2. Insulation - Essential apparel includes a hat, gloves and changeable weather outdoor clothing such as that which can be found at Engelbert-Strauss.co.uk. That way the traveller will be ready for any climatic eventuality. It is important to stay warm and dry, so a change of clothing should be brought along in the backpack. 

3. Sun protection - The sun is life-giving but it can cause great discomfort for those unprepared for it. Sunscreen is needed to protect skin, and sunglasses to keep out potentially damaging glare.

4. Illumination - It can get very dark in the wilderness at night when there's no moonlight, so a torch and some spare batteries are a must. 

5. First-aid - An outdoor first aid kit, such as those available from ert-Strauss.co.uk, is excellent insurance in case of a mishap. Supplies include bandages, gauze and cleaning wipes, and there should also be a supply of insect repellent. 

6. Fire - A butane lighter or matches held in a waterproof container are essential for creating fires for cooking, warmth, or as a signal in case of emergency.

7. Tools - The number one most important item is a good quality knife, but a compact multi-tool with scissors and screwdrivers has its uses. Rope is always useful, and lightweight, strong, compact 550 parachute cord is ideal. 

8. Nutrition - Dried food is preferable as it is light to carry. It is advisable to take enough for an extra day in case of emergency. 

9. Hydration - It may be possible to find water en-route, but in a dry environment it is especially important to take plenty of water, along with an extra two litres in case of emergency.

10. Emergency shelter - A tarpaulin, bivouac sack, lightweight tent or insulated sleeping bag are the best options, but even a large plastic sheet or rubbish bag will provide a shelter in which to stay dry and warm. 

*Tent, Panoramic view, Hiker, Lost Hiker, Landscape images via Shutterstock

Article by Menswear Style

Last month saw the announcement of a multi-year partnership between male grooming experts Nivea Men and Liverpool Football Club. The partnership was revealed during a press conference at Anfield, the home of Liverpool Football Club, attended by a plethora of fashion, sports and beauty journalists, bloggers and vloggers alike.

Shuttled up from London on a special Nivea Men train then bussed to Anfield on none other than the LFC team coach, the guests were subject to an information embargo until 2pm on Thursday, sworn to secrecy about the content of the press conference (to be honest the details we were given were very vague anyway!).

Gathered in front of boards emblazoned with Nivea Men and LFC, were Andreas Ostermayr, northern European general manager at Nivea Men parent company Beiersdorf Ltd and Billy Hogan, the chief commercial officer at LFC. Compèred by LFC TV presenter Peter McDowall and comedian Mark Watson, the conference was also streamed live over Google Hangout to conferences in Sweden, Finland and Denmark, a world first for a football team, each of which had a Liverpool legend present, Glenn Hysén, Jari Litmanen and Ian Rush.

On becoming official grooming partner to Liverpool Football Club, Andreas Ostermayr announced that Nivea Men, the worlds number one men's skincare company, were "honoured to become part of the historic and deftly famous club." The rationale behind the partnership is to engage men in a relevant way - and what better way than through football. 

When it comes to Nivea Men it's all about being prepared: and therein lies the hashtag #preparetowin. A survey of 2000 men was conducted to better understand how men handle pressure. Whether it be in the workplace or gearing up for a Champions League match, one point emanates with all, preparation is key.

Peter McDowall introduced Jordan Henderson, Simon Mingolet and Raheem Sterling, first team LFC players and the stars of the new Nivea Men television advert. The players were questioned, by all at Anfield and the Google Hangout crowds, on the filming of the advert, preparation for games, their personal skincare regimes and dressing room etiquette. 

On the advert, Simon Mingolet revealed that the rear seats had to be removed to fit his legs in. Raheem Sterling joked that the hardest part of filming was fetching coffee for Jordan Henderson from Costa. Jordan Henderson, the main star of the advert, is said to be getting some stick from the lads for his "shirt off" antics.

Mingolet revealed that "preparing for big games is important, mentally you have to prepare yourself - keep the same routine. You prepare yourself in a similar way, certain routines make it easier." Sterling went on to say that he just tries to relax and have a laugh, announcing that "Jordan has the (Nivea Men) advert on his phone..." 

Preparation seems to be a key principal shared by both LFC and Nivea Men, and the partnership is a smart one - even if the advert is rather silly.

Article by Menswear Style

I am probably going to get lynched for saying this and I apologise in advance... but I’m afraid David Beckham was not the first one to start the unisex white trainer/Stan Smith trend, despite the attention he received for being seen wearing them recently. Yes I know him and his wife, Victoria, are supposed ‘trend-setters’ however this trend has been running for quite a while, with recognition going to Celine’s Creative Director, Phoebe Philo, who has sported them as a staple in her wardrobe for quite some time!

We have spoken previously on MWS about the growing fan base and amazing revival of the Adidas classic Stan Smith, and I myself are wearing a pair right now, so I won’t focus on these too much.

However it is hard to ignore the amount of people still wearing them all year round and with the increase in the variety of shoe designs; basketball, baseball, oxford or slip-on, it is difficult to imagine this all-white trainer trend coming to a halt anytime soon. I am certainly not against it! 

With Spring (hopefully!) fast approaching and the cold snap (hopefully!) disappearing, it is time to start thinking about shifting your heavy-duty winter workers boots to the back of the wardrobe and bring out the more light-weight options. Let’s wait a few more months for flip-flops, unless you want to go down the socks and sandals route... the jury is still out... Anyway, perusing the menswear sections of various stores recently, and checking out what is coming out for Spring/Summer 2015, the abundance of white trainers that are/will be hitting the shelves is quite startling.

Many moons ago I might not have been so keen to sport a pair since the view on them was slightly altered to the view of them today. Some of you may still avoid them, but with the great variety of styles available, I ask you to give them a go. 

One of the best ways to wear them, obviously depending on your sense of style, is with dark or light washed slim jeans. A really fresh white pair can look great with a well-styled smart pair of trousers too, especially with a dark navy or black pair for a strong monochrome look. Maybe even go for a crazy choice of sock to really make them stand out! Being a completely neutral colour means they can be worn with ANY colour combination and any print!

Printed shorts, shirts and trousers will be out in force in the shops for high summer so they will be perfect for these if you fancy pushing the boundaries! Perhaps not such a suitable combination for the office though! 

Some key brands that have jumped on the white trainer bandwagon and are currently offering some of my favourite men’s styles are Common Projects, Ami, Prada, Paul Smith and Oliver Spencer. The more high-street versions provided by Vans, Kirk Geiger, Adidas and of course, the classic Converse. If you feel you can’t go all-white and are in need of a splash of colour (and really want to push the boat out expenditure wise!) then definitely check out the in-store-now trainers from Valentino.

With a wide bold stripe of colour stretching across the width of the shoe and the infamous studs around the bottom of the heel, you are sure to score yourself some luxury fashion brownie points, especially from your fashion-forward girlfriend who will probably want a pair for herself... 

You might still need to get your JML magic eraser out to keep them whiter than white, but get a pair of white trainers in your wardrobe for Spring and be prepared to carry them all the way to Winter. High-top, low-top, leather or canvas, with so many options it will be worth it, trust me.

Article by Menswear Style

Can’t tell your Pinot from your elbow? The Grape Club is on a mission to demystify the world of wine and get the UK drinking better wines at more affordable prices. 

The Grape Club is an innovative online wine subscription service. They remove the hassle and indecision associated with wine buying, delivering you four bottles of wine straight to your door each month for £45.

What more, most of the wines cant be found in the supermarket. The Grape Club is the UK’s answer to helping the digital generation understand and appreciate great wine at a reasonable price.

The brainchild of two first cousins from a wine producing family in Northern Portugal; Ant and Louisa Symington founded The Grape Club in September 2014. They had grown tired of the wine available in supermarkets, where quality is often secondary to a snazzy label and price when choosing wine. They resented how much they’d have to spend on a last-minute bottle on the way to see friends for dinner. Like most people, they are eager to learn more about what they drink and appreciate good wine when they taste it.

Ant (26) and Louisa (28) are bringing 120 years of family wine experience into the 21st century. As the modern working schedule leaves little time to hunt for and learn about interesting wines, the first cousins developed The Grape Club to take the hassle out of buying good wine. 

Each month is given a theme and four wines are carefully sourced to reflect this, with every bottle accompanied by a tailored tasting note. Wary of the common (and at times, not entirely undeserved) perception of snobbery in the world of wine, the note is written in layman’s terms. This explains the connection between a wine’s origin and its flavours, as well as offering food pairing suggestions.

It’s the perfect concept for those that have always been interested in wine but never know how or have time to learn more about it. It can be quite intimidating trying to choose what wine to buy but with your monthly Grape Drop full of fantastic wines you can learn as you enjoy them! 

With first-hand knowledge of the hectic lifestyles typically led by today’s young professionals, Ant and Louisa decided to wave goodbye to their jobs and set out to turn their passion for wine into their occupation; The Grape Club was born. 

Louisa explained to us: “Ant and I understand how time and money are an issue which prevent people from taking up a hobby like enjoying good wine. This is why, with our family history and experience, our ultimate aim is that members can start to develop their understanding of wine through our monthly Grape Drop.”

Article by Menswear Style

It’s a slow news day when a new resort on an island such as Lanzarote makes it to the headlines - they just tend to blend in, don’t they? But we were taken by the Hotel Barceló on Teguise Beach, with its stark white cubist architecture poking from the Costa Teguise - itself something akin to a bed of golden nuggets wrapped in swathes of precious blue diamond.

The Hotel bills itself as adults only, without interferences - a retreat from the strains of the modern world, but it goes further - offering impeccable minimalist design features that come finished with luxurious amenities - from in-room hydromassage tubs to a fully equipped gym and Turkish baths.

The focus here is on pure indulgence - whether you want simply to retreat to your fully equipped room with unobstructed ocean-view, or to engage with your fellow guests over a cocktail - every need is catered for and every situation has its own venue within the hotel. 

The atmosphere here is tranquil, just moments from an idyllic stretch of golden beach, the rooms are ambient - perhaps avant-garde in their minimalism, a blank canvas filled with the tools necessary to create the perfect escape on Lanzarote. The rooms are of course the stars of the show - a beautiful collection of deluxe rooms, suites and a single - impeccable Master Suite, all with clean white detailing, large bright open windows, state-of-the-art entertainment technology, balconies and luxurious bedding atop king size beds that are as inviting as the beaches that they have views onto.

Of course you can pick and choose to your requirements - if you don’t need a Hydromassage tub in your suite then simply take one without - same for the views. Outside of the rooms waits a thoughtfully created self contained relaxation area - with a pool area, wellness facilities (think massage and treatment booths, sauna and Turkish baths) and a lounge area. 

The fully equipped gym awaits those with more strenuous needs - and there’s a golf course, horse riding and cycle routes around the grounds of the hotel. There’s also a full range of hotel-organised activities - yoga classes next to the pool, wine tastings at the snack bar, and even local vineyard visits (thoroughly recommended for wine connoisseurs and those with even a passing interest in Lanzarote's prized artisan wines that grow atop volcanic rock, making for some of the most geographically diverse vineyards the world over).

Those who prefer to stay within the hotel will find that the hotel offers an intriguing collection of gastronomical experiences too - with an á la carte restaurant, a sports bar and a buffet restaurant that offers local Canarian dishes, and of course 24 hour room service - they don’t mind a little cheeky off-menu ordering, so long as your request isn’t too outlandish. For those with slightly wider culinary requirements - you’ll find an exquisite collection of restaurants (as well as shops and bars) on the promenade which is just a matter of minutes walk away.

The hotel’s setting is of course incredibly beautiful - with awe-inspiring vistas out over miles of Atlantic Ocean, the somewhat benign climate of warm winters and not-too-hot summers and the vast stretches of secluded, golden beaches. The beauty of Costa Teguise on Lanzarote is such that you don't have to do anything if you don't want to, other than lazing on warm soft sand - but should you need for anything more - Hotel Barceló Teguise Beach is on hand to provide it.

Article by Menswear Style

Chiseled good looks and a catchy sign-off will only take you so far. To be an iconic TV Presenter it helps to have a garish wardrobe and not have your name linked to Operation Yewtree. Here are the top 5 quintessential classic TV dandies that we have had the fortune to grace our screens. 

JOHN McCRIRICK 

The former racing pundit for Channel 4. Famous for his eccentric punditry and size-able chin-slappers. McCririck was instantly recognizable, often seen wearing his deerstalker hats, smoking large cuban cigars and his flamboyant matching suits. He accused Channel 4 of ageism as the sole reason for the termination of his employment. The Channel 4 boss chairman replied "McCririck is bigoted, chauvinistic, an irritant, offensive, overrated, disagreeable, sexist, misogynistic and just a bit of a twat. But I definitely did not fire him for being a cantankerous old codger."

TIMMY MALLETT 

He was the pioneer of the loud shirt and goofy glasses. I'd imagine if he wasn't bashing kids over the head with his giant pink foam mallet, he would have been sectioned or subjected to electric shock therapy. Watching Mallet in his vibrant, sometimes frankly inexplicable attire, was a treat for the ten-year old fashion blogger in me. Such was the height of the shows popularity, his sidekick Magic the pet cockatiel, was romantically linked to Kate Moss before she left the feathered lothario for Johnny Depp.

RICHARD WHITELEY 

The plucky punster would have been the first person to be seen on channel 4 when it was launched back in November 1982. Whiteley, the host of Countdown for 23 years, had a blatant disregard for the rules of fashion and it sadly turned people off in their droves. The show continued to run however and developed a cult following during Whiteley's tenure. Whiteley's co-host Carol Vorderman would later double its audience size as her breasts also mysteriously doubled in size during episode 3676 and episode 3677.

JIM BOWEN 

It seems like not a day goes by where Jim Bowen dies on Twitter. But ignore all the rumours, Bowen is booming, still going strong at 77. I would say he has never looked better, but that would be disingenuous. There is a reason why he tops most peoples celebrity death sweep-stakes. Bowen hosted the game-show Bullseye where he donned an array of slightly thickened cloth-blazers that wouldn't have looked out of place on a Butlins tour guide.

PAT SHARP 

Like most people in their mid-thirties, I too grew up watching Funhouse. The show had more action than a Die-Hard DVD box set. Messy gunge games, the Fun Kart Grand Prix, the time-trapped 80's psychedelic t-shirts, and not to mention the sexy cheer-leading twins. Back in the day those twins, alongside with Jet from Gladiators was the only stimulation a young adolescent male had. Pat Sharp will be forever synonymous for his over-sized mullet, but lets not forget those days of the double-dip denim shirt and shorts combo. Like Bon Jovi, without the talent.

Article by Menswear Style

The devil lies in the details or so the old saying goes, in other words the small things are what we should focus on the most because if you don't pay attention and do your due diligence then things might go apocalyptic-ally wrong, or if you have done your homework it's the place where things can really start to take off.

Menswear is a strange beast, well it is in comparison to our female contemporaries. To put it mildly, girls have a much more varied choice of what they can wear and they're also a lot more daring in their fashion choices.

Men on the other hand are usually a bit more reserved, so instead menswear is all about the small details. Details can mean anything from the fit of your clothes, the colour scheme you're using, the use of patterns, wearing the right shoes with the right outfit or using the right accessories with the right outfit. 

If you're looking for the secret formula that's going to elevate you from "that'll do" to a consummate sartorialist, then details are the answer. 

Colour 

Knowing what colours work together and what colours don't is essential for any fashion conscious man.

Before we get onto combinations that work really well, let's go through some general rules that should stand you in good stead. First of all, don't wear an outfit all in the same shade, the same colour can work as long as there is a subtle difference in shade, pattern or texture. Secondly, be wary of bright colours, by that I mean use them, but use them sparingly, they should pop out of an outfit and make it special, not make you into a walking traffic light. 

Experimenting with colours is a good thing and combinations can look incredibly good and breaking the rules is always fun. To get you started here is a list of combinations you can't go wrong with: 

Monochrome - fancy fashion talk for black and white. It's simple, it's elegant and it works. I think this is because of the colours contrast yet compliment each other. You can't go wrong with a white Oxford shirt and a pair of slim black jeans or trousers. 

Blue & Burgundy - this is really on trend at the moment and for good reason, these two colours really compliment each other well and help give a suit a 'mod' aesthetic.

Grey & black - I suppose some people would call this monochrome but I'm being picky, I'm a huge fan of wearing a grey jacket over the top of a black jumper and a white shirt. Stick to hounds-tooth or herringbone and you can't go wrong. 

Orange & Brown - due to the mild autumn we've had so far there's still plenty of autumnal colours around, so it's the perfect time to incorporate them into your wardrobe. 

Pattern 

Adding a splash of pattern to your outfit can lift it to new heights. Here are some cool little tricks and trends that I love about patterns:

Vintage floral pocket squares - yes exactly like your nan's curtains, except this time it goes in your breast pocket. I like these because not only do they look great, they can turn even the stuffiest suit into something much edgier. They add a touch of summer and eccentricity. 

Matching patterns - this is simply combining a shirt and a tie with the same pattern. It may seem counter intuitive but the effect looks fantastic, for added effect make sure the tie is made from a heavy fabric like wool to add that extra bit of texture. 

Checked trousers - checked trousers are really trending at the moment, and I love them, mostly because you can wear them with anything. Go for a full checked suit (again very on trend) or get a pair and wear them with a t-shirt for a more dressed down rock & roll inspired look.

Accessories 

This is what really separates the men from the boys in the sartorial stakes. The use of accessories is really important, it turns an ordinary outfit into something extraordinary. Here are a few of my favourites: 

Pocket squares - yes I have mentioned them already, so to stop myself falling into waffling territory I'll keep it brief. If you own a suit or a blazer, get a pocket square, get more than one. 

Ties - first of all, absolutely no novelty ties, because they look terrible and no one has ever genuinely laughed at a tie; learn some jokes and leave the humorous ties behind. Invest in solid colour ties in grey or black because you'll get the most wear out of them. Try one of those colours with a slight pattern or go for a knitted or wool tie to add much needed texture. 

Watches - every man should have at least one nice watch. I favour leather straps with a simple clock face. Minimalist. Do what works for you though, I will say avoid Velcro straps though. In fact avoid Velcro in general. 

Jewellery - personally, I'm not one for jewellery but it can look fantastic on the right gentleman with the right look. But keep it minimal, you'll be thankful when going through airport security.

The little things are the easiest to miss in life, but they're also the most important; there in lies the secret to success. Do yourself a favour and pay attention.

Article by Menswear Style

Swedish home furnishing retailer IKEA has become the first in the UK to launch a revolutionary range of furniture with built in wireless charging spots, helping people stay constantly connected and making charging your smartphone at home more convenient. 

The range, part of a long-term commitment called Home Smart, marks a giant leap forward in creating the home of the future by making mobile phone charging accessible and more discreet.

The newly released range features a selection of products with integrated charging pads for every room in the house, including floor, table and work lamps, two bedside tables, and a selection of charging pads to add to any office space.

As well as pre-made products, for those who enjoy unique and tailored options the JYSSEN wireless charger can be fitted wherever needed, and will also fit snugly into the cable outlet of IKEA desks. 

Created, developed and designed in IKEA’s central design hub at their Global HQ in Älmhult, Sweden, the wireless range is designed to blend seamlessly into every space in the home, ensuring the aesthetics aren’t compromised whilst also helping keep every device charged. The lack of cables helps keep rooms tidy and saves space whilst hiding ports in plain sight, meaning chargers will never be lost again.

The range also includes the NORDMÄRKE wireless charging pad with three ports that is ideal for office spaces or families where multiple devices can be charged at the same time. 

For those phones that don’t support the wireless charging standard (QI), IKEA will also sell a selection of wireless charging covers for iPhone 4, 5/5S, 6 and Samsung Galaxy S3, S4 and S5. Every product also comes with a USB outlet for charging additional devices.

Jeanette Skjelmose, IKEA Business Area Manager Lighting and Wireless charging said:”Through research and home visits, we know that people hate cable mess. They worry about not finding the charger and running out of power. Our new innovative solutions, which integrate wireless charging into home furnishings, will make life at home simpler.” 

The wireless charging range will be available in all UK IKEA stores from mid-April 2015, and to buy online here with products starting from £30.

Article by Menswear Style

When discussing your favourite male style icons, who springs to mind? the well-known classics like James Dean and Steve McQueen, or do you think of the ever so admired David Beckham? Whoever you think of, it’s guaranteed they all follow the same stylist route; clean-cut, well-groomed, and suited ‘n’ booted right? 

It’s the adventurous men who we often overlook; those who have grown into their style over the years, who aren’t afraid to be bold, make statements, and dress outside of the box. On this note, allow me to present some males who have upped their style game massively, proving proof that some style rules are better broken. 

1) Oliver Proudlock 

Best known as being Chelsea’s finest, and founder of fashion brand Serge DeNimes; Mr Proudlock certainly knows a thing or to about making style statements. Often seen creating clean, minimalistic looks mixed with both high-street and high-end, Proudlock creates the most versatile styles; never holding back on colour, layers or accessories.

2) Harry Styles 

He’s got a British Style Award under his belt, and out of all 5 of 1D, Harry Styles is no stranger to switching up his style game. From his early career days of dressing in Burberry suits, to channeling his inner Rolling Stone - think viscose shirts and silk scarves. As of late, Mr Styles is adding a hint of bohemian to his list of trends; paired with his trademark skinny jeans and Chelsea boots.

3) Alex Turner 

One of the most stylish men in rock, and the frontman of Arctic Monkeys, Alex Turner’s style has somewhat evolved over his musical career. From his days of rocking his classic biker jacket and pompadour hair, to his current rock-inspired classics of skinny tailoring, loafers and Cuban collar shirts.

So there you have it, top 3 style icons who should inspire the modern man into remembering that sometimes being ‘timeless’ isn’t always best. Do you have any style icons who aren’t a follower of classic trends? 

*Harry Styles image via Shutterstock

Article by Menswear Style

Imagine a room where all the guys look like extras from the film Quadrophenia and all the girls resemble a young Cilla Black. It felt like I was back in Manchester's notorious Hacienda club during the height of 60's northern soul, talking about whether its cool to like both Sting AND The Police, Joy Division AND New Order, and whether you'd do Cilla Black in HER 60s as well as Cilla Black in THE 60s.

This was the backdrop for the shin-dig thrown by author British youth culture historian Richard Weight in collusion with rock star Liam Gallagher's fashion label Pretty Green, to celebrate the launch of the new book 'Mod: From Bebop to Britpop, Britain's Biggest Youth Movement'.

The book dips into the rich history of the British music scene, chronicling the most unbelievable stories of the last 50 years. Everything from Brian Harvey running over his own head, to Jason Orange from Take That slipping Lulu one. Of course I jest, but can you believe that Brian Harvey ran over his own head? That story still makes me smile. The book also traces the influence of the sixties sub-culture through key British music scenes, emerging fashion trends as well as global design movements. 

The refreshments consisted of a bukkake of British Becketts gin cocktails or MODhito's as I coined them (Boy did you want to see how smug I looked when I came up with that zinger). The booze was specially crafted for the evening supported by Fever Tree and The Shrub & Shutter, whilst Red Stripe kept the DJs and special guest bands well-oiled.

Perhaps a little too well-oiled as someone dropped a considerable amount of arse by the decks that literally hung around like a bad smell from 8.10pm to 8.30pm. A swift needle swing from Pretty Green to Pretty Brown. Fitzrovia favourite Bubbledogs created a retro hotdog stand to satiate the guests throughout the night. The dogs were a sweet relief as I had dodged dinner and was hoping for more than smoked salmon and pea vol au vents. 

This private party celebrated pioneering British youth culture. Hosted at the Gibson Brands exclusive showroom 'The Gibson Lounge' in Fitzrovia, Central London, alongside a presentation of Pretty Green's new Spring/Summer 2015 menswear line. Stand out pieces from the range were the Corporation Monkey Jacket and the Deansgate Fishtail Parka. Overall this launch was a knowing nod to the nostalgia of everything that made the Mod era cool. Vintage clothes, Elongated sideburns, and the fit one from The Sugarbabes who I spotted by the DJ booth at exactly 8.10pm. I'm not saying she was directly culpable for the air-biscuit, but lets just say I did the "air-biscuit math."

Article by Menswear Style