For the well-groomed man, a great hairstyle is of fundamental importance, and like it or not, it truly does have the ability to make or break an entire look. 2015 heralds the return of some of the sharpest styles ever to be seen in the world of men’s hair, with a definite nod to the rock and roll era that began in the 1950s. 

Iconic personalities such as Elvis Presley and John Travolta led the way with sculpted, voluminous styles back then, but for 2015, fashion-forward stars such as David Beckham, Justin Timberlake and Ryan Gosling are the ones to watch, taking classic looks like the pompadour and the quiff in an exciting new direction with an added modern twist.

Premium men’s grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge has just launched a brand new range of three hair-styling products to make looking good that little bit easier, including a high-shine pomade, matt clay and matt paste, and between them, they have got every hair-related eventuality covered.

For those preferring a rugged, textured look, the matt paste is great for building volume and height – think the classic quiff or the side sweep for the win. For low maintenance styles, the matt clay provides invisible hold, creating an effortless look that appears natural yet defined. There’s no need to compromise on style even when you’ve got a jam-packed day ahead, so it’s a good choice for those with limited time to spare in the mornings. 

But the king of them all, in our opinion, is the brand new pomade, which is perfect for creating the most coveted look of the year. We’re talking about that high-shine, wet look and slick as anything structured style that will keep you one step ahead of the game for 2015. All hail, the mighty Pompadour. Despite appearances, the pomp is actually one of the easiest looks to create, and once you’ve got the know-how nailed down, you’ll be whipping yours up each morning in a matter of minutes.

All you’ll need is a hairdryer, brush, comb and your pomade, and you’re just a few steps away from groomed perfection. Here’s how: 

1. Starting with the right haircut is of paramount importance. Although there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to length, you’ll need to have the back and sides of your head short, with some extra length remaining on top. For a more structured and defined look, go for slightly graduated length, but for a more dramatic look, you can opt for contrast. 

2. Once you’re satisfied with your cut, you’ll want to begin the styling process with freshly washed hair, as when wet, hair can be easily trained into the direction you want it to go,. Starting at the roots, set your hairdryer to a medium heat and use fingers to encourage strands upwards and backwards, continuing until hair is around 80% dry. 

3. To begin to sculpt your hair into shape, take a small amount of pomade and rub between your palms to soften, smoothing backwards over the hair from root to tip. 

4. Using a brush, begin to twist hair upwards and backwards from the root to create volume, continuing to dry as you go.

5. By this point, your pomp should be starting to take shape, but to achieve that slick, high-shine look, you’re going to need some more product. Take a 10p-sized amount of pomade and rub between the palms, smoothing over the hair from root to tip. 

6. To finish, take a comb and brush the hair upwards and backwards, continuing to smooth any flyaways with your hands as you go until you’re satisfied with your shape. 

And that’s it – the Perfect Pompadour. For more information on The Bluebeards Revenge, go to bluebeards-revenge.co.uk

Article by Menswear Style

Gaming's moral landscape has undergone a change... these days, there’s a slew of titles that place players in dubious situations, where the next move may be a choice between the lesser of two evils. Throughout the game these choices mount up and can lead to very different outcomes for your character and the world they inhabit. Will you take the moral high ground, dealing strictly in altruistic actions for the greater benefit, or will you unleash your darkest Machiavellian impulses on your unsuspecting fellow players? 

Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces 2 

The world-spanning soap opera of Star Wars has always been a black and white universe of good and bad, with the Empire's powerful elite succumbing to the dark side of the force whilst the Jedi Knights stick to a path of truth and dignity. Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces 2 deviated from the path of righteousness for the first time, allowing players to take their character on a take a trip to the dark side of the force. Taking the evil option offered a tantalising array of gameplay options and special dark powers. We all know that this path turned a young Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader but who could resist the ability to shoot lightning bolts from their fingers in a reign of terror that leaves rebel forces quaking in their boots. 

Amazon– Steam

King’s Bounty – Dark Side 

This super-addictive turn-based strategy game treads a fine line between light and dark with a good deal of cheeky humour thrown in to add to its entertainment value. It shines amongst its peers, bringing a wealth of tactical depth to the games, which features a stunning assortment of characters to play and foes to vanquish in its rich virtual world. Your dark side comes to the fore in a series of missions that allow you to turn peasants into zombie hordes or seek out the best folk of the land to corrupt with dark magic. Conquering worlds for the dark side has rarely been so much fun. 

GAME - Gamestop - Shopto

The Sims 

The Sims is a life simulation game where your job is to shape the lives of your virtual charges. Over four iterations of gameplay the title has evolved to allow control over many aspects of the lives of these virtual people, including creating housing for them and helping to shape their moods. Unfortunately playing at being god can bring out the worst in people and the intimacy of your relationship with your Sims can be used for both good or bad. Tales abound online of helpless Sims trapped in doorless structures or left to wither away on uninhabited islands, just a stone’s throw away from the rest of their fellow citizens. 

Argos– GAME (collector’s edition)– Tesco

Hitman Absolution 

This title is an extended commercial for wrongdoing as its central theme is getting away with murder. What sets it aside from other similar titles is the multitude of available options to complete your deadly missions. Are you the kind of hit man that likes your target to know his days are numbered, or are your methods more subtle. Hitman Absolution can accommodate both approaches allowing you to attack with all guns blazing, or by can using stealth and cunning to achieve your goals. Don't forget about leaving behind witnesses - you may think no one noticed your sneaky poisoning of your target, but taking out everyone in the building guarantees no wagging tongues. 

Amazon– GAME (tailored edition)– Tesco

Mass Effect 

Playing Mass Effect offers a continual stream of moral conundrums, which shape the game around you as react to situations. Unusually, once you take the easy path of evil choices there can be no turning back. The sophisticated way in which the game tracks your actions means that a good act will not necessarily make up for an evil one. So, before cheating on your girlfriend or knocking that annoying scientist unconscious, take a moment to consider the future. 

Amazon– Gamestop– Shopto

There’s nothing like indulging your dark side for a little bit—which of these games is your favourite? Have we missed any really good baddies?

Article by Menswear Style

Dressing well starts from the ground up, and Christian Louboutin's Spring 2015 men's collection emphasizes craftsmanship and attention to detail to build the foundation for any man's wardrobe. Breathing new life into timeless designs, SS15 shakes off the cold with a wit and spirit that is distinctly Louboutin. Colourblocking takes on the Education, a classic brogue oxford; while Gondolier, a lowtop sneaker, will help you get your kicks wherever you roam.

For the classic gentleman, Fes and Greggo deliver clean silhouettes in smooth veau velours or hand-finished calf leather.

Whatever your style, this collection is all about the details. Embroidered pineapples add a taste of the tropics to slippers and espadrilles, while the new Chain Chill loafer and Riviero bring a measure of rock'n'roll attitude. And for the man who celebrates No-Shave November all year long, Espoil and Peter Pouch introduce a playful moustache motif.

Since today's busy man has more to carry than what's in his wallet, the Spring/Summer 2015 collection of men's bags introduces fresh silhouettes including the Fredo, a polished weekender, while beloved styles like the Aliosha, a backpack for the modern man-on-the-go, have been freshly updated in new spring colors as well as a print, called Toile Loubi, introduced this season. The Christian Louboutin Spring/Summer 2015 Men’s Collection is available now at boutiques worldwide, and at ChristianLouboutin.com.

Article by Menswear Style

Following on from the 2014 release of “Give Me Your Classics...”, a gritty indie film telling the story of living for the future and the impact of now, Reebok Classic continues to develop its series of work with The RigOut and RSA Films, this time bringing the Classic heritage story to the US. In support of the Reebok Ventilator’s 25th anniversary this year, Reebok Classic takes to the streets of New York to tell a story of opportunity, possibility and new beginnings, reliving the brand’s development in the States during the 90’s.

The film documents a young Northern lad heading stateside in search of new beginnings, looking to discover what America has to offer.

Set to the backdrop of Manhattan and framed by the Gowanus projects in Brooklyn, our protagonist finds the answer to his question and fulfils his destiny. This inspirational film is created with an aspirational creative direction that reflects Reebok Classic’s heritage as a pioneering product brand, celebrating the past, present and future of British youth culture. The collaboration with The Rigout and RSA films materialised through a mutual creative vision to create cutting edge short films that bring the Reebok Classic brand story to life. “This Is The Start Of Something” focuses on a man’s journey through life with the transition of moving cities, developing themes of identity and belonging.

As part of the overall campaign, Reebok will be rewarding a young creative the chance to fulfil their creative dreams. Follow Reebok Classic on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more information on how to be a part of this unique and exciting opportunity, working with one of the most powerful brands in the history of footwear. Launching on March 18th the film supports the third release of the Reebok Classic OG Ventilator that is available at Reebok.com and select retailers worldwide.

Article by Menswear Style

Featuring CEO & Designer Tory Burch; SAP CEO Bill McDermott; and Producer & Entrepreneur will.i.am, The Wall Street Journal has launched “Make Time,” its new global brand campaign, which features ambitious, successful and intellectually curious readers who make time to read the Journal. Created with The&Partnership agency, the campaign is set to run through June 30, 2015 and kicks off with Tory Burch, Chief Executive Officer, designer and philanthropist; Bill McDermott, Chief Executive Officer of SAP, entrepreneur and author; and will.i.am, producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. 

Ms. Burch, Mr. McDermott, and will.i.am represent the wide-ranging successes and interests of subscribers who reap the benefits of reading the Journal despite increasing demands on their time. Additional Journal readers will be joining the “Make Time” campaign during its run, including Mike McCue, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flipboard and Zhang Xin, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SOHO China, the largest prime office real estate developer in China.

“This campaign highlights the value of making time to read the Journal, no matter how busy people are,” said Suzi Watford, Chief Marketing Officer, Dow Jones. “It also confirms that subscribing to the Journal puts you in a community with other ambitious people who prioritize being at the top of their game. Our subscribers are in very good company.” 

“Make Time” is designed to illustrate the essential personal and professional value of a Journal subscription. The campaign will roll out on digital, print and social channels before launching via television and out of home advertising.

Article by Menswear Style

Polyester has been standard in football apparel for years. Times have changed: Merino wool is here to defeat it.FIVAS have just launched a collection of football-inspired sport shirts that makes you look and feel good both on and off the pitch. No matter the footballing situation; whether travelling to the game, performing on the pitch or having a debrief pint in the pub after the game. FIVAS is the elegant alternative you’ve been waiting for.

Designed in the UK and ethically handcrafted in Portugal, FIVAS “made for players” jerseys are constructed from superfine merino wool, which helps regulate body temperature in both hot and cold conditions, and offers far greater odour resistance than synthetics.

FIVAS was born out of a series of frustrations of playing football in polyester garments from well-known sportswear brands: looking like a hooligan, smelling like you hadn’t washed for weeks and fact that buying a football shirt is ultimately lining the pockets of overpaid professional footballers. 

So the team at FIVAS set about creating a football shirt that they wanted to wear. They spent a year designing, hand making and ripping up shirts and eventually came up with the shirt they loved: a breathable playing jersey made from the finest merino wool, combining technology with comfort for peak performance. 

FIVAS draws its inspiration from the jerseys players used to wear in the 1940’s and 1950’s when professional footballers were still gentlemen, to create a timeless and essential piece of sport apparel.

In homage to that era of great English players who played the game with integrity, FIVAS has named its products after two of the best: Sir Tom Finney and Nat Lofthouse. 

Challenging traditional football kits, FIVAS products use superfine merino wool - not the same type of itchy wool your beloved Christmas jumper is made of… Soft next to the skin, anti-static and breathable, merino possesses unequalled qualities to help you regulate body temperature and provides far greater odour resistance than synthetics. 

The complex physical and chemical structure of merino wool reduces bacteria growth by up to 90%. Any sweat that does build up is locked away in the fabric. So your jersey will remain fresher far longer than any cotton or polyester shirt!

Article by Menswear Style

We’ve partnered with leading online retailer,The Shaving Shack who would love to give one of our stylish readers the chance to win a year’s supply of The Bluebeards Revenge, their number one selling brand. Designed by a real life Blue Beard who was bored to death with being a Desperate Dan look-alike, The Bluebeards Revenge is a range of barbershop quality shaving, skincare and hair styling products designed for use by Real Men.

The range of The Bluebeards Revenge shaving products was designed and engineered to tackle the toughest of beards whilst reducing razor rash, burn, cuts, nicks and ingrowing hairs. If you have ultra-tough stubble, suffer from shaving irritation, then this is the shaving range for you.

But The Bluebeards Revenge is more than just the best shaving range on the planet; it now features a range of top quality hair styling products. The brand has just launched a pomade, matt clay and matt paste to its impressive range. And we’ve got the ultimate grooming package to give away. Worth a cool £150 it comprises of the following: 

2 x Pre-Shave Oil (125ml), 2 x Shaving Cream (100ml), 2 x Post-Shave Balm (100ml), 1 x ‘Cut throat’ shavette razor, 100 x Double Edge Razor Blades, 1 x Badger Hair Shaving Brush, 1 x Pomade (100ml), 1 x Matt Clay (100ml) & 1 x Matt Paste (100ml). 

How to Enter 

Entry is quicker than walking to the bathroom and back. All you need to do is Click Here and fill out your name and email address before validating your entry via Twitter. It really is that simple – Good luck everyone! A winner will be picked at random at 4pm 17th April.

Article by Menswear Style

Modelling first began as a way to capture the beauty of extraordinary looking men and women who were viewed as being attractive in all physical aspects. With one of the main jobs of a model being advertising clothing on runways in front of designers and buyers, head-hunters spent their time trying to find these men and women. Auditions were held for those with extensive portfolios and experience in being photographed with particular emphasis on a specific look, body type and lifestyle. Although this is still the case for the UK, we are seeing some significant changes to the modelling world.

Social Media – From the Elite to the Ordinary 

The word 'model' has now become a more ambiguous and indefinite term as our models do not necessarily spend their time walking down catwalks or filming television adverts. In a time where Instagram posting and vlogging is becoming more and more popular, we are now starting to see the rise of self-created models.

Take Gracie Francesca, a fashion blogger who originally began vlogging on YouTube and has now become a popular and inspirational writer, discussing fashion, make up and her personal life. Through her interest in fashion and knowledge of upcoming trends, she posts photographs of herself sporting new outfits and experimenting with makeup. Through her social media channels and the demand for her fashion and beauty advice, her career as a potential model has flourished as images of her fashion combinations are crawling the internet and numerous professional photographers have wanted to capture her style and beauty. 

Gracie and others such as Jim Chapman have set themselves up through social media are perfect examples of ordinary people with a love for fashion and a desire to show their personality through the way they look. These self-created models/personalities are opening up the industry to showcasing all different body types and styles, encouraging uniqueness and discouraging conforming to what is seen as the 'right' way to look.

Male Modelling – From Rare to Everywhere 

David Gandy is just one of the millions of male models filling our screens at the moment, with a history of working as a model for Dolce & Gabbana and creating his own clothes range for Marks & Spencer, he has been voted Vogue's second top male model of all time – quite an achievement! 

However, the male modelling industry has progressed leaps and bounds since the 1960s when female models such as Twiggy, Peggy Moffitt and Jean Shrimpton were taking the country by storm. In this article written by the Telegraph, Tony Barnes tells of how he was one of the only two teenage male models in London when he started modelling at 19, a slight difference to the amount of male models we find in the big city now. 

He also talks about how he was expected to bring his own accessories, clothes and even do his own hair and make up for shoots. At a time where female models had entire departments running after them to make sure they were looking perfect, Tony and his colleague were left to figure it out themselves. The 21-year-old David Gandy, of course, had a full management team, hair and beauty department and wardrobe when he first started modelling, and hasn't worked without them since!

Smoking – From Sexy to Scandalous 

Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn are the perfect examples of models who could capture sexiness, glamour and class all in one photo, and with a cigarette in their hands! We once lived in a world where smoking portrayed beauty and wealth and created iconic modelling photographs that formed the basis of women's aspirations and men's lust. 

These days, however, the few images we do have of celebrities and models smoking are often captured in a rebellious light; skinny jeans, dark eyes, unbrushed hair and often caught off guard. Where Marilyn Monroe was pictured with an enchanting smile, flawless make up and pink frock, stars like Rihanna and Kate Moss show the scandalous side to smoking, the undesirable and anarchical element. 

With influences such as campaigns to stop people smoking, the rising popularity of alternative products like electronic cigarettes, and the recent push on keeping fit and healthy, smoking has changed in the public eye as well as the modelling world.

Article by Menswear Style

Sartorial style briefly stepped onto the usually noisy and rubber tarnished pit lanes of F1 when Hackett London transformed the Williams Martini Racing Team into the sharpest dressed pit crew to ever grace the hallowed pit lanes of F1 motorsport. 17 members from Williams Martini Racing, all looking the part, went through practice completely decked out in Hackett suits, shirts, ties... and of course, white pocket handkerchiefs.

Replacing their usual ‘all in one’ overalls for something a lot more elegant the team must have been suitably inspired as they improved their times with every practice.

The crew’s skill and dexterity was further illustrated with each member managing to keep their tie straight and true, just like their pit stops. Let’s not be too surprised if, in the heat of battle, the crew march into the pit lane in Monaco dressed as they are to suit the occasion. 

The video (below) of this dramatic occurrence will be released on the 12th March and will be available to view on many social media channels including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Hackett London is the official clothing supplier to the Williams Martini Racing team from the 2015 season onwards and in celebration of the partnership, Hackett have produced a limited edition replica kit range featuring Hackett x Williams Martini Racing branded team shirts, t-shirts, polos and outerwear, as worn by the team themselves.

As you would expect the renowned and recognized Martini racing stripe features strongly throughout. The Williams Martini Racing range will be available prior to the first race of the new Formula One season on WMR.com and appear in Hackett’s Regent St store in May, when the F1 calendar returns to Europe... and the suits worn by the crew are also now available in most Hackett stores!

Article by Menswear Style

UNIQLO have announced a collaboration with Shochiku Co., Ltd., a major Kabuki, film and theatre company in Japan, to launch the Shochiku Kabuki + UNIQLO Collection, a specially designed line that will showcase Japanese traditions in pop culture through clothing. Ichikawa Ennosuke IV, one of Kabuki’s most popular stars, will serve as the collection’s Project Ambassador.

Kabuki is a classical performing art that has fascinated people around the world since originating more than 400 years ago, during the Edo Period of Japanese history and it has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

In creating the collection, Shochiku and UNIQLO have respected the tenets of shin-zen-bi, meaning truth, goodness and beauty, in sharing traditional Japanese culture. UNIQLO is committed to changing the world for the better through the power of clothing. LifeWear, introduced in 2013, embodies a quest to enhance individual lifestyles by delivering quality clothing that is functional in design and versatile to wear. 

An example of LifeWear is UT (UNIQLO T-shirts), which first launched in 2003. Over the years UTs have featured an array of authentic pop culture graphics, from Ukiyo-e woodblock prints and paintings to manga and the collaboration with Shochiku resulted in Kabuki-themed offerings in men’s and women’s UTs, STETECO and RELACO lines, bandanas and tote bags.

UT Creative Director NIGO evaluated optimum designs, cuts and materials under supervision from Shochiku and Ennosuke IV. Inspired by Kabuki’s beautiful costumes and elaborate stage make-up, the design motifs also include the crests and patterns of Omodaka-ya, the name of the guild or acting house to which Ennosuke belongs. The new collection will launch first in France on March 20 and in other markets thereafter. The Japan launch will take place on March 26. 

“I am pleased that this collaboration has come to fruition and that today UNIQLO begins a new partnership with Kabuki. With traditions dating back to several hundred years ago, Kabuki is a very important aspect of Japanese culture that is recognized worldwide. By combining sophisticated UNIQLO pop culture with Kabuki’s traditions, which were considered sophisticated pop culture in the Edo Period, we could together achieve a new and sophisticated pop culture from Japan to the world through our clothing,” said Tadashi Yanai, UNIQLO Chairman, President and CEO.

“I believe Japan can rightfully take pride in the artistic traditions and beauty of Kabuki, which we have been promoting ever since our foundation in 1895. Working together with UNIQLO has given us the opportunity to express Kabuki’s bold, yet delicate, aesthetics on clothing in a way never seen before to millions of UNIQLO fans around the world,” said Jay Sakomoto, Shochiku President and CEO. 

“I am honoured to serve as the worldwide ambassador for this new project, and I have enjoyed contributing ideas. I believe that by combining the traditional colours and patterns of Kabuki with the contemporary styles of UNIQLO, we have created something that is innovative and totally new. I wish for everyone to experience and enjoy the clothing first hand by seeing and touching the pieces, and I hope the new collection will become very popular,” said Ichikawa Ennosuke IV. 

- Shop at Uniqlo.com

Article by Menswear Style

Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol, has announced the worldwide launch of its new Single Grain Scotch Whisky, HAIG CLUB.“Forget everything you thought you knew about Scotch.” says Dave Broom the whisky writer. I'm not entirely sure what Dave meant by that phrase but I can tell you when I left the Haig Club after 15 Haig Clubhouse Sodas, I couldn't remember my own name. Clearly I had flaunted the advice of brand ambassador David Beckham to "Drink responsibly." The distinctive and sophisticated new whisky, developed in partnership with global icon David Beckham will be available in bars, restaurants and retail stores in the United Kingdom and rolling out in the next few weeks in China, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and the United States.

“I am incredibly proud to have been part of the creation of HAIG CLUB,” said David Beckham. “I think we have made something really special. For me it has meant understanding how whisky is made and enjoyed and then working with some incredible people to write a new chapter for Haig.”

Apparently David did have reservations about the contemporary appearance of the square HAIG CLUB bottle. The blue glass bottle was inspired by the tradition of blenders using blue tasting glasses so the spirit can be reviewed on aroma and taste alone. Personally I'd quite like to see the girl that talked Beckham round. The one person on the planet that didn't nod like a Churchill dog when Becks opened his mouth, and even told him to quit his noise and leave it to the professionals, has to have one hell of a rack.

The Haig Club took a week-long residency at the Wellington Arch and transformed it into a rather swish interpretation depicted in the original Haig 'clubman series' adverts of the 1920s. When I checked my coat in at the door, I doubled back telling the lady I needed to retrieve a tenner from my wallet. "You won't be needing any money tonight sir," came the polite reply. "But how will I tip the strippers?" I asked jovially, laughing to myself, laughing alone.

Inside, Michelin starred Harwood Arms designed a menu suited to pair with the clean fresh notes of HAIG CLUB. The dishes worthy of mention were the pressed wild rabbit served with prune and dandelion. Having previously owned a rabbit, I had mixed feelings on whether it was ethically suitable for me to eat one. I couldn't help get nostalgic thinking of Rambo (my rabbit) as I washed down one of his own with a Haig Club High Tea cocktail. 

During my student days, Rambo would roam every corner of my rat-infested hovel, chewing through my Nintendo leads and leaving tiny heaps of sh*t in my slippers. I was crushed when Rambo passed some years later, however I begrudged paying the vets £200 to dispose of the corpse. So I placed Rambo in a shoe box and put him out with the recycling. Had I known how delicious he would have tasted I may have thought differently.

Next we moved onto the Fallow Doe with pickled walnut, complimented with a Haig Club Shrub cocktail. Upon learning that Fallow Doe is a form of venison, I saw this as my opportunity to crack on to the cocktail waitress. I pulled her in and said "I was offered 20 quid for 8 legs of Venison, do you think that's two deer?" She laughed politely before declining my offer to exchange numbers and went on an endless cigarette break.

The unique flavours of the whisky itself are created by master blender Chris Clark carefully selecting mature whisky from Refill, American Oak and Rejuvenated casks producing a stunning Single Grain Scotch Whisky with a fresh, clean style showcasing butterscotch-smooth tropical fruit and unexpected, spicy backing harmonies. 

HAIG CLUB is a whisky crafted to appeal to people who are new to whisky and whisky connoisseurs alike. "This is a whisky that welcomes in a new era for Scotch," said Kathy Parker, Senior Vice President, HAIG CLUB. "The rise of Single Grain Whisky has been both predicted and eagerly anticipated by whisky experts in recent years and with HAIG CLUB we are thrilled to give this hidden gem the attention and appreciation it deserves.” 

An insider’s-look into HAIG CLUB London is available at facebook.com/HaigClub and on HaigClub.com.

Article by Menswear Style

As the teaser poster for Spectre was released this week, sales for dark charcoal turtle neck polo's complete with cognac leather shoulder holsters went through the roof. The look was a clear nod towards Roger Moore's black mock roll-up sweater that empowered him to take Jane Seymour's virginity in Live and Let Die. "No sense in going off half-cocked" mused Moore before peeling off the sweater and slipping Medicine Woman the goldfinger.

The N.Peal Spectre Mock Turtle Neck Sweater will set you back £200 and is comprised of 70% Cashmere 30% Silk and its perfect attire for when you find yourself duke-ing it out on top of a moving train with a Russian spy, who is just as surprised to be fighting on top of a moving train as you are. 

The sweater has nearly vanished from the site but N.Peal has assured its customers that they have their minions working around the clock producing more sweaters to meet demand. Turtlenecks have controversially acted as substitutes of the traditional and dominant shirt and tie combo. So much so that many restaurants in uptown new-york banned them during the early 90s as they were seen as a direct violation of the shirt and tie dress code.

Of course Bond wasn't the first to rock a Turtle neck in the movies. Steve McQueen also had a love-affair with the roll-up, seen rocking one as he flew over the hills of San Fransisco (the best place on earth for any car chase) in the cop-thriller Bullitt. The roll-up sweater did fall on hard times through as Bond gave the Mock Turtle mantle to Barry Manillow in the mid-80s. Barry lived in the Turtleneck throughout the entirety of the 80s as he crooned on about "Writing the songs the whole world sings."

Did you know that Barry Manillow didn't even write the song 'I write the songs'? Bloody cheek eh? Eventually Manillow was ex-communicated from the league of Turtlenecks, and the divisive sweater went into exile, seen occasionally on preppy students and pretentious existentialists on the Culture Show with Mark Kermode until Steve Jobs reprised it in the mid-nineties.

Article by Menswear Style

After the extremely successful pilot last year, (watched by over 3 million people) Killer Magic is back for a 7 episode series on BBC3 starting next week. The show has deathly stakes and features death defying illusions. It stars a new breed of fearless magicians that are willing to put their proverbial balls in the blender in the name of entertainment. Five young magicians each week score each other’s shocking, exciting and dangerous tricks in the hope of avoiding the Killer Trick – a notorious trick that has left a trail of fear and panic-ridden magicians in its wake. A bit like Come Dine With Me but instead of the contestants rating each others inedible Souffle's whilst feigning interest in their lives, they'll be judged on whether or not they were impressed by their counterparts capability to boil eggs in their pants.

'The Gent' character of the magician pack is Ben Hart. Not only is Ben easy on the eye, he has a fantastic, unique sense of style that really encapsulates his charming, charismatic personality, living up to the young gentleman role in everyday life.

"I had to dip into my own wardrobe when I was given the Gent theme." Ben said in an interview for MWS. "I got a lot of mileage out of my Vivien Westwood suit and donned an old classic vintage cricket-esque jumper for a lot of the shoots." 

Only 23, he is already an acknowledged expert of the profession, not only performing but also writing and inventing magic for film, theatre and television. At the age of 16, he won the esteemed Magic Circle title 'Young Magician of the Year' and now performs all over the world in places such as Monaco and Las Vegas and Stoke-on-Trent. 

The killer trick the contestants are competing to avoid is the infamous Bullet Catch responsible for the deaths of twelve magicians. Anyone that has seen the film The Prestige with Christian Bale knows the potential perils of a Bullet Catch. I don't want to spoil it for anyone but in The Prestige Bale blows off a couple of digits whilst attempting the bullet catch, and his twin brother then has to chop off his fingers as well so they can carry on performing the 'Transported Man' trick. 

Then David Bowie pops up with a crazy accent that could be anything from South African to South Dorset and it all kicks off. Actually I have just ruined the entire prestige of The Prestige, sorry readers. Still, tune in this Tuesday for Killer Magic and lets wish for a better fate for our Ben 'The Gent' Hart. 

*P.S. Ben isn't really performing in Stoke-on-Trent.

Article by Menswear Style

If you’re breathing in the smell of mothballs and eyeing off faded fashion every time you open your wardrobe, it’s time for change. It’s time for you to discover a renewed love of fashion, refresh your look, and let your personality beam through your style in every way possible. The first New York Fashion Week of 2015 showcased collections all about taking risks and having fun. So, if you’re looking to inject some life back into your outfits, why not try to adopt these playful looks from the runway?

Sporty 

Sporty fashion was a huge theme both on and off the NYFW runway. There were letterman jackets, collegiate blazers, subtly pleated skirts, and gym shoes – lots and lots of gym shoes – remade into high-fashion pieces. The designers worked hard to ensure their collections retained a youthful yet sophisticated feel with a mixture of relaxed and tailored pieces and dynamic colours. If you’re all about the sporty look and want to incorporate it into your wardrobe, simply search for a few key pieces and mix them up with what you already have. Browse men’s clothing on sites like universalstore.com to find a great variety of sporty pieces. Youthful fashion retailers have a range of sport-inspired jackets, hats and shoes that will change up any outfit.

Faux Leather 

With faux leather pieces, you can be animal-friendly and on-trend all at once! Biker jackets and oxford shoes were stunning faux leather pieces on the runway. It’s the perfect fabric to incorporate into your wardrobe if you want to radiate an edgy vibe. The key to getting this look right is by teaming faux leather with softer fabrics, like chiffon or cotton. For the guys, layer a biker leather jacket over a patterned shirt and chino shorts. Just go for a relaxed fit of faux leather if you want to avoid that overly tight look.

Military 

Military fashion has re-emerged from mainstream hibernation and is looking better than ever. NYFW showcased collections peppered with khaki coloured jackets, overlong yet flattering coats, boots, and sharp-shouldered button-up shirts. One easy way to incorporate this military look into your wardrobe is by layering a khaki jacket over any outfit. You could even subtly play with military fashion by simply donning high or low-cut boots.

What do you think? Are you keen to fit out your wardrobe with these NYFW looks? Or will you be sticking with your current collection of clothes for now? Either way, New York Fashion Week serves as a great reminder of how fashion can be used to showcase personality and flair. Get creative in the comments section below and share how you’d incorporate sporty style, faux leather, or military fashion into your existing wardrobe.

Article by Menswear Style

In the changing world of menswear, there have to be some things that have to remain in the foundations. Those basics that every man relies on, have to tick several boxes and perform functions that are not always asked of trophy pieces. As brands continue to evolve to suit the needs of the modern man, there has recently been a return to great, high quality basics. Dependable, yet luxurious items, whose understated appeal and value lie in the fact that they add an indefinable hint of polish to complete the look.

The London Sock Company has stepped neatly into this role and co-founders Ryan Palmer and Dave Pickard identified the need within the current climate to provide the type of items which take a look from okay to extraordinary. These are pieces that create stories and contexts within an outfit. The defiant flash of colour at the ankle has become the modern man's secret weapon to maintain a hint of personality in a sea of generic blandness that threatens to homogenize. We had the opportunity to sit down with Dave and find out more about their ethos, the inspirations and the important cause they support, which perhaps they should shout about.

What was your inspiration for the London Sock Company and why socks? 

"Socks themselves are a subtle but significant detail that people notice; for example, when you sit down in a big meeting or client pitch, that flash of colour and style says something about you as an individual. We wanted to make it easy for every guy to enjoy that experience and ensure your socks are noticed for the right reasons. We work hard to ensure our London brand represents quality, assured style and convenience for today’s modern gent. Our inspiration for the brand actually stems from the Victorian era, after finding a book dated 1883 that was the equivalent of the GQ magazine of its day. Inside it was an incredible image of five stylish and elegant London gentlemen, wearing the finest sartorial fashion of their generation. From that moment we wanted to create a brand influenced by the style and elegance of that time, while firmly serving today’s modern gentleman. So far the response from people has been incredible. It is amazing how quickly this modern ‘sock movement’ is growing, particularly in the UK. It’s a really exciting time and all the feedback from customers has been so energizing."

Do you have a background in fashion and/or design? 

"Actually no! I studied engineering, whilst Ryan studied marketing & business. However I genuinely believe if you have a passion for something you can be successful, no matter what it is. We have also been really fortunate to surround ourselves with people that have great expertise. This was the inspiration for our designer collaboration concept, which is responsible for several new designs launching this year. We will be profiling and rewarding all of our designers, who represent a mix of established designers, students from London College of Fashion, stylists and other creatives. We are really excited to see this develop and grow." 

How did the collaboration with David Gandy come about why did you feel that his brand was right for you? 

"It’s an absolute pleasure to work with David Gandy. He has been a subscription customer for some time and just really liked the brand, the products and entire customer experience. We spent time with him at London Collections: Men, where he turned up wearing our socks and we just really got on well. We share a similar belief about British heritage, quality and that style is about being an individual. Ultimately we just asked him if he’d be interested in working with us and he was delighted to support. ‘My Selection by David Gandy’ is his selection of his favourite 3 pairs across our collections. The set is comes packaged in a luxury gift box along with a card personally signed by David, including some style tips and his reasoning behind the selection. It’s a Limited Edition set."

Whose personal style do you admire and why? 

"I think style is about being an individual and I admire anyone who is confident enough to reflect their own personality in what they wear. Personally though, I really like classic sartorial style and very few people epitomise this better than David Gandy, which is why it has been such a privilege to work with him and for him to want to support what we’re doing. With your recent experimentation with length of sock, (ie the new knee length versions) what is the next project? We started with simple, classic styles and we’ve had such an incredible year. To be working with David Gandy, have celebrities like Bradley Cooper wearing our socks and be featured in Vogue, GQ and others, it’s really exciting to consider all the possibilities! We are always exploring new concepts for our products though, and we love receiving ideas and feedback from customers. In terms of what’s next, we’re extending some of the existing ranges but are also really excited to launch our designer collaborations. We also have some very exciting new collaboration discussions going on. It’s a really exciting time for us!"

Your "Pull Your Socks Up" initiative has never been more timely, with homelessness soaring in London. Why did you choose to support this cause? 

"To be honest it’s not something we really shout about, but doing good things is important to us. Pulling your socks up is one of the first things you do each day and serves as a reminder to do something that makes a difference, even if it’s small. A friend was doing some homeless charity work and the warm socks initiative just stemmed from there. We started off literally walking around with a backpack of extra warm socks every couple weeks. The reaction is actually amazing and incredibly gratifying. Recently we’ve also donated prizes to charity auctions and supported various other good causes. We are currently exploring ideas for the next phase of the campaign and what’s great is that we’ve had people proactively contacting us to get involved in some way. Obviously we are still a ‘for profit’ company, but the more people who discover our brand and enjoy our products, the more we can do with the campaign."

Will you ever branch out from socks into a new area, such as undergarments or grooming? 

"For now we are focussed on making quality socks. There are a lot of feet out there! We have seen incredible growth over the past 12 months with such a positive response to the brand, which has been really humbling. We are exploring some interesting collaborations that would pair nicely with the socks, but as far as extending our direct product range we have no plans right now, but never say never."

Article by Menswear Style

When a buyer sits on the Front-Row of a runway show they aren’t looking at the clothing in isolation, they want to see how the whole look comes together and assess if it fits with their brand and will appeal to their customers. Hair is a crucial element in showcasing a new collection, it helps the audience decipher which era the designer was influenced by and the personality/demographic of the target wearer. The role of the hair director is therefore of paramount importance.

I caught up with Bruce Masefield, UK Creative Director at Sassoon, following YMC’s AW15 runway show to understand how he went about creating the chosen looks, his hero hair products and future trends. Bruce has lead the Sassoon team since 2006 and at the end of last year received his 'Fellow with Distinction' at the Fellowship for British Hairdressing, so it goes without saying that he’s somewhat of a hair legend.

Can you talk us through the look you created at YMC this season? 

"There were a lot of hats in the collection so I had to focus on small details and it was really important the hair worked off the face because of the hats. Last season the hair was very undone, this season I wanted it to be a little bit more preppy but still with some natural textures in there as well. There was an element of handsome grooming but slightly off the street to fit with YMC’s look which is very fresh, young and a bit urban with an element of handsomeness. We polished the hair through, blow dried it and then we went back through it to create some texture."

Which products did you use to create the look? 

"I used Halo Hydrate by Sassoon, which is a leave-in conditioner that helps make the hair more manageable, and Drynamic by Sebastian, which is a bit like a dry shampoo but has a little bit of styling aid in it too. The aim was to make the hair not look grungy, it needed to be touchable, not too worn in and not too done. And it’s definitely not Saville Row."

What do you see as the emerging men’s hair trends? 

"I like hair off the face and a bit shorter. I like the idea of things being very “dry” looking, there wasn’t anything in the YMC show that was heavy looking at all. There were no gels and waxes, it was all about being fresh and dry. I think that’s really new and where men’s hair is going."  

There was variation in the hair looks you created for the YMC, whereas for many other runway shows you tend see all the models sporting the same look, was this a conscious decision? 

"Keeping the individuality of the model is really important, and YMC as a brand is quite eclectic, they don’t do just one thing. So I look at each model and create a look for them rather than a cookie cutter approach, keeping the individuality of the model is really important."

Who is your famous male hair inspiration? 

"I wouldn’t select someone today’s world, I find myself looking back at Steve McQueen and Paul Newman. I would go into a hairdressers and say “I want to look like Steve McQueen”, who wouldn’t? My hair looks are never bonkers and really out there, I prefer more a classic look."

Are you seeing a shift away from the polished look we have seen over recent seasons? 

"We’ve seen a massively groomed look lately but I definitely think there’s going to be a move away from this. I did a shoot recently where we did the hair quite sporty and fresh. We’ve definitely seen some people pick up on the long hair look, and you’ll have seen in the YMC show there was a model with long hair, we took it away from the centre parting and styled his hair to the side. I quite like that look, but people always have to catch up with it and it is unique, the man who grows his hair will always be a little bit “out there”. Hair fashion, like fashion, is so open to everything, there is not just one movement at one time. Whilst the beard and the grooming was HUGE, but also, I’m over it now. It is a bit passé now."

Article by Menswear Style

The Mid-season sale is the Monopoly equivalent of landing on Free Parking. It's that unexpected bonus that only comes around once in blue moon. A bit like having sex with a girl that is way out of your league, but she's on the rebound and you just happen to be a good listener. Anyway you get the picture - the Urban Outfitters mid-season sale is launching today both in store and online. 

There’s discounts off your favourite Menswear clothing and footwear brands, including Cheap Monday, Farah, Obey and Converse. Reductions on a vast array of vinyl records, as well as gadget and mobile must haves. Not forgetting further discount on Womenswear brands and Home. MWS have had a sneak peak and have hand-picked 6 items that we believe to be the cream of the crop.

This Carhartt Dodgers Raglan Tee in Burgundy and White by workwear label Carhartt is crafted in a breathable cotton fabric with contrast raglan sleeve detailing. A good breathable cotton means that come summer you won't be sweating away in this like Anne Frank playing the drums. The Raglan as many of you will know takes its name after FitzRoy Somerset, the 1st Baron Raglan, who is said to have worn a coat with this style of sleeve after the loss of his arm in the Battle of Waterloo. For only £22 I'd bite FitzRoy's other arm off for that!

This Rainger jacket by Selected Homme is now only £65 down from £90. A durable and versatile piece with a contemporary edge; built in water and wind resistant fabric, it features a multimedia technical pocket for audio equipment. Ideal if you somehow find yourself in the midst of a tropical storm and you want a little protection as you watch helplessly, the merciless power of Mother Nature decimate the house your fore-fathers built. Or if you just fancy something to wear to the boozer on a Friday night, it's a jacket with range.

This Maxten jumper from Shore Leave by Urban Outfitters is built in a textured knit fabric, bringing a retro twist to classic heritage styling. It's now only £35 down from £49. I'd say just simply wearing this jumper makes you look more worldly. If you told people you sourced this jumper whilst on an orientation for Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, no one would bat an eye. Available in Rust or Purple. I'd say get both and make up your own story for each one.

This hoodie by Urban Outfitters exclusive label Commodity Stock is the classic staple item that everyone needs in their wardrobe. Now only £20 down from £32. A subtle number that doesn't need to be logo heavy to look cool. You'll probably never look as cool as the dude wearing it though. Look at the cheeks bones on this guy. Ok so he looks like he might be into some horrible music (I'm guessing Dubstep or Bjork) but still when you're that easy on the eye, all is forgiven.

The 511 jeans by Levi's are a classic slim cut jean with a slightly tapered length; cut close without being too skinny, they create a long and lean look. Something worthy of note is there is a dusting of elastane (1%) so they will give a little to suit your frame. Levi's are the original pioneers of Denim and these jeans are a steal for £55 down from £80. Unfortunately you don't see many adverts on the tele anymore. Remember that one that had that Stiltskin song in where two chicks hide behind a tree and perv over some dude having a wash in the river? I mean its utterly ridiculous, who do you know that takes a wash in a mountain river that by the way, would be colder than penguins piss, in their jeans! Do you know how long jeans take to dry?

Finally we have this t-shirt from a tongue-in-cheek label called Chunk; it features a Stars Wars graphic of Darth Vadar folding his arms and looking suitably annoyed. 'The BOSS' is printed in a loud prominent contrast white near the hem. This tee is now only £20 down from £30 and will look great when attending either Comic-Con or Bruce Springsteen concerts.

Article by Menswear Style

Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is located in one of England's most picturesque surroundings, providing a luxury English country estate hotel for Hampshire weekend breaks or holidays. It's amazing how you can find yourself among 500 acres of unspoilt countryside in less than an hour of leaving work on a Friday in Central London. The Four Seasons estate in Hampshire is certainly the outdoors and countryman's dream destination.

The hotel offers free mountain bikes for exploring, clay pigeon shooting, treetop assault course, lakeside fishing and a top class spa for relaxing in at the end of an activity filled day. There's also a hotel dog which you'll see from time-to-time... along with a few others brought by the guests of this dog-friendly luxury hotel.

The Room 

The Hotel is situated on a Georgian manor house in Hampshire, with three adjoining wings. In addition, the Georgian-style luxury hotel guest accommodations have beautiful English country interiors and are equipped with spacious bathrooms and modern business and entertainment amenities. Our room was a good size with a marble huge marble bathroom boasting an impressive freestanding bath and the beauty products of choice are Asprey London. There's a good selection of teas and a Nespresso machine, walk in wardrobe, huge bed and two large windows with sweeping countryside views for as far as the eye can see. We particularly like their very own 10th Anniversary Golden Ale, whereby they teamed up with local, family-run brewery Andwell's to carefully craft its signature recipe. And what a recipe it is!

Seasons Restaurant 

Seasons Restaurant on the grounds of the hotel offers a French-European menu executed with contemporary style and outstanding service. Abundant daylight cascades through French windows framing the glorious views of Dogmersfield Park. The restaurant has a good atmosphere because the hotel is highly family friendly. So, it doesn't feel two stuffy, more relaxing and casual yet the setting and service is top class. Our waiter was keen to give us great food recommendations (Beef main, Praline dessert) which did not disappoint.

Highwire Adventure 

The Highwire Adventure is no easy feat. It’s quite scary and certainly hard work – but you’ll love it if you’re a thrill seeker! Hidden among the woodlands on Dogmersfield Estate, it features both a high and low rope course: a series of 24 high and 17 low rope challenges for both adults and children that promises to get the adrenalin pumping and test any head for heights. Balance across bridges and traverse through the trees at heights of up to 12 metres (40 feet) above the ground. And if swinging through the canopies isn’t adventurous enough, add to the thrill with The Descent, a breath-taking 235 metre (770 foot) zip line, or try the ultimate free-fall experience with The Power Fan, a hair-raising parachute simulator. True adrenaline!

Article by Menswear Style

Back in 1994, British author Mark Simpson published an essay titled “Here come the mirror men” which coined the term 'metrosexual', and in 2002 he stated that David Beckham "embodied metrosexmania”. Fast forward two decades and the metrosexual has become the norm for the modern man, verging on the expected. It is completely acceptable for a hetrosexual man to take care of his appearance, enjoy shopping, purchase grooming products, use a hairdryer to create the perfect quiff and spend £300 on a pair of Lanvin trainers.

And so the evolution of man continues and today it’s all about the 'spornosexual' – the hencher cousin of the preened metrosexual.

The protein shake swigging spornosexual cares just as much about this appearance but takes it to the next level with a real focus on his physique. What most of us call breakfast he would call meal one and is more likely to consist of lean chicken and green veg than a bowl of Shreddies. His tweets and Instagram posts are more like a fitness diary and often include #fitfam. He struggles to find trendy jeans because he has muscly quads and a small waist. He is concerned about how vascular he is, the composition of his abs and constantly striving to create a body which wouldn’t look out of place on the cover of Men’s Health. In fact, he may even be training to win their annual coveted cover model competition, or dreaming of winning at least.

They say summer bodies are made in winter, so those reading this with ambitions to be as buff as Calvin Harris in his Emporio Armani pants need to be hitting the gym hard now. Of course each man has varying goals and encounters different challenges in his quest to create his idea of the perfect body. I caught up with Ross Edgley, co-founder of sports nutrition brand The Protein Works, personal trainer and internationally published fitness writer for his take on common training questions asked by spornosexuals. 

I've managed to build up a strong torso but have weedy legs. How can I build them up so I look more in proportion? 

"The simple answer is squat and adhere to the old gym adage of “never skip leg day.” You should be aiming to create a routine which works the entire body rather than isolated muscle groups to avoid a top heavy build. Squats are such a comprehensive, compound exercise that they train the muscles of the core. In fact, so much so it could be argued the small, isolative nature of sit-ups aren’t needed to create that elusive six-pack. Research has found that discovered you achieve 20% greater muscle activation in the plank compared to the sit-up. Based on this, squats alone would elicit greater muscle activation in the core than the much publicised and more commonly used sit up."

I want to bulk up, what should I be aiming to eat and how do I pick the right protein shake? 

"First things first, workout how much protein you need per day to see if you need a protein shake. The often quoted sports nutrition bible, 'The Complete Guide to Sports Nutrition' states athletes consume 1.7g of protein per kg of bodyweight. This is considered the optimal amount to help the muscles repair and regrow. Now for myself (100kg) that’s 170g of protein per day, which is a lot of chicken breasts or hard boiled eggs which admittedly can become boring. This is why I and so many others turn to a protein shake. 

If that’s the route you choose then there are three key elements to consider; 1. biological Value (how the body absorbs, digests and uses the protein consumed). 2. the amino acid profile (quite often people will want a shake high in BCAA, Branch Chain Amino Acids). 3. absorption rate (casein for instance has a much slower absorption rate compared to whey protein so would be the preferred shake before bed. Yet whey protein is the preferred choice immediately after training when your body is in a delicate state and requires aminos as quickly as possible to repair and regrow). 

You also need to consider that the principle of nutrigenomics (how our food interacts with our genes) means that everyone processes and assimilates nutrients differently. So my advice is don’t just grab a protein shakes off the shelf or begin necking creatine without understanding a little about your own biology first."

I want to reduce my beer gut but I don't want to stop drinking altogether. What should I opt for at the bar? 

"Alcohol gets such bad press as it is regarded as a non-essential nutrient that contains “empty calories”. What this means is that, unlike carbohydrates, fats and proteins, the body has no nutritional need for those vodka shots you had at the weekend. Alcohol contains roughly seven calories per gram, which is only second to fat in terms of calorie density, However calorie counting is a pet hate of mine. Each food has properties FAR beyond its calorie content and we extract far more than energy from food. 

Take red wine as an example, it contains a natural, health-boosting compound known as resveratrol that’s produced when grapes come “under attack” from fungus and disease. It’s believed you ingest these same disease-fighting properties when you drink a glass of your favourite red which, to quote scientists from the University of Illinois in Chicago, could have, “anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and antiviral properties.” All these ailments are associated with the ageing process. So again my advice is don’t tar all alcohol with the same brush. Each food has a unique story to tell (beyond its calories) and it’s our job to uncover them."

I'm suffering from back ache but still want to hit the gym, what exercises can I do without doing further damage and strengthening my core? 

"Aim to do exercises that train the entire body such as planks and squats that have already been mentioned. But to throw another a ‘curve ball’ into the mix, yoga moves such as the high plank, low plank and downward-facing dog poses are particularly effective for strengthening the external oblique muscles."  

What matters more, the weight I lift or the number of reps I do? 

"A common question and this of course completely depends on your goals. Let me explain, there’s a concept in strength and conditioning known as the Law of Adaptation. It just means we become ‘biologically better’ at a certain task if put under stress. 

Now stress can take many forms in training. It’s basically seen as the intentional, systematic application of exercise stimuli to become biologically better at something. Basically, if you want to become stronger you work with more weight and less repetitions (between 1-4 repetitions) since this will bring about the biological adaptions within the body that enable you to lift more and more weight as you continue to train. These changes are typically neuromuscular (so how our body recruits muscle fibers). But if you want to build muscle (hypertrophy) it requires a slightly different approach where you lift a lighter weight for more repetitions (6-12). The changes that occur during this weight/repetition scheme are an increase in muscle fiber size."

Article by Menswear Style

The Clarkson debacle has snowballed out of control in the last week and it now appears that despite a petition signed by one million people and delivered by The Stig on a tank to BBC headquarters, Clarkson's position looks increasingly untenable. Well that's what you get when you give one of your producers an uppercut in the canteen over who gets to have the last Danish, allegedly. The remaining episodes of Top Gear are on hold, with the BBC still juggling other shows around to fill the slot.

Alan Partridge is one of the names in the bookies hat as Clarkson's replacement. Coogan, who has played Partridge on TV, radio and film, has appeared on Top Gear in the past and described himself as a "huge fan".

Chris Evans is a perfect fit, being a car lover once buying a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT for 12 million, but he has counted himself out of the running announcing on twitter this week "I can categorically say I am not and will NEVER be running for office. Pls discount my candidacy." So whilst the Bookies are fawning over Stephen Fry and Dermot O'leary, lets have a look at the rank outsiders that might be worth a bob or two.

Pat Sharpe - 40/1 

Pat Sharpe has notched up several years of presenting on national television. His many years on The Funhouse officiating over the Fun Kart Grand Prix has surely given him a reservoir of knowledge when it comes to racing cars at break-neck speeds. He could even bring back those cheer-leading twins and have them cheer when the special guests cross the line as they complete their 'Star in a reasonably priced car' lap. 

John Fashanu - 50/1 

Old Fash is due a comeback isn't he? He has been keeping a low profile since his days presenting Gladiator. But there's no doubt the British public would love to see ol Fash back with his infectious enthusiasm and wonderful "AWOOOGA" sign off.

Paul Gascoigne - 100/1 

If there is one person that deserves a lucky break in life, it's Gazza. It must be heart-breaking for Gazza to see all his old team mates raking it in on Match of the Day, dating lingerie models half their age and getting paid to go watch the World Cup. So long as he stays off the booze whilst behind the wheel and the program had subtitles, I reckon people would tune in by their droves. 

George, Bungle & Zippy - 500/1 

What better way to get kids into motoring than having the cast of Rainbow presenting the show. In a way, they already have the hallmark traits of the current presenters. Zippy has Clarkson's arrogance, George has Hammond's boyish good looks, and Bungle, like May, is like background noise. No one really notices him until he decides to put pyjamas on to get into bed after walking around the house naked all day.

The 2 hot girls from Cannonball Run - 1000/1 

Remember those two hot girls that drove the Lamborghini Countach in Cannonball run? Whatever happened to those? They wore these all-in-one spandex cat suits with a zip front. I think one of them might have been Farah Fawcett. Did you know Farah Fawcett died the same day as Michael Jackson? What column inches did she get? Well maybe Farah is out of the running but the other one might still be around. 

*Pat Sharpe, Steve Coogan, Stig images via Shutterstock

Article by Menswear Style