Oakridge Style

Milan’s men’s fashion week is almost here. Here, who’s doing shows, and why we’re excited.

Who’s showing: John Galliano is showing his diffusion line, Galliano is holding a presentation, which makes us think he might launch menswear under the same name, Alexander McQueen is coming to the catwalk-diverting from his film-showing last season (we’re simply dying to see what he does with men’s shoes–after the alien heels he showed for women in Spring 2010), and Pringle is coming back to the runway. We’re sad to hear he’s not doing a runways show, but thrilled that Roland Mouret is debuting his first menswear line in Paris. He reportedly said that men can’t walk down a runway.

Who’s not: Missoni and Moschino aren’t doing shows this season (sigh).

Hot menswear terms this year
Meggings: mens’ leggings
Heavage: mens’ cleavage
Man clutch: a small bag meant just for men

Get the Look
Find runway-inspired looks at J2, Boys’ Co, and Harry Rosen

Years ago, London was considered a second-class fashion citizen, at least compared to Milan, Paris and New York. Today, attending the shows across the pond has become de rigeur fro any fashion editor worth her (or his) Manolos. London designers are once again making waves as prescient trend-setters who think outside the box.

We’ve reviewed the Spring 2010 menswear, and present here our:

Top Picks from the Spring 2010 Menswear Shows
A few designers did leggings (look out Miuccia, these ones are pulling from womenswear, for men, too)
Topman’s slim, single- and double-breasted suits
Prada’s looser, easier silk tops
James Long’s sleaveless leather bike jackets, and man-bag clutches, backpacks and briefcases
Carolyn Massey’s tailoring and nylon anoraks
Katie Eary’s skeleton-print tops and gold gladiator sandals

Though we loved a lot of it, we didn’t love the white socks paired with leather loafers and shorts–yes, shorts–at B Store, the Quality Street candy wrapper-inspired shiny pants by AW Anderson, or the ill-fitting white suit by Wintle.

Get the Look
Find your runway-inspired digs at Harry Rosen (pictured) and J2Men.

When Miuccia Prada designs, the world pays attention. She’s been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the world, after all. So it was with slight trepidation that the men in our life received the news that she’s working on a menswear collection, and is probably including skirts. 

Should they be concerned? Consider the black nylon backpack, the bowling bag, classic diamond brooches on cashmere twinsets, and drab colours like bottle green–not to mention fairies, fairies everywhere. What Miuccia does, goes.

She’s been called “fashion’s most restless creative force” by Style.com, and a recent interview with the UK’s Independent confirmed it for us. Miuccia was reported saying:

In fashion, once you’ve got something, you’re already thinking about what’s next. Maybe it’s a little hysterical. Now, every day I’m thinking about change. It’s a constant anxiety that is probably a reflection of society’s anxiety in general. The big deal about fashion is really very recent, this frantic pursuit of newness. It may be a good thing, or a bad thing, but it’s really defining this moment.”

Restlessness aside, we’re secretly keeping our fingers crossed she does send her male models out in skirts. Why should Jean Paul Gaultier get all the credit for riffing off womenswear for men, instead of always vice versa?

Get the Look
Skipping the skirts? Find runway-inspired menswear at J2Men, Boys’ Co (pictured), BOSS Hugo Boss and Harry Rosen.

LET’S HEAR IT
Men in skirts: do or don’t?

Peter T. Hoang

With so many new fashion trends debuting each season, the pressure of choosing the right look can definitely overwhelm any guy that’s trying to stay fashionable. The key is to have the essentials–and to be able to mix and match pieces for a constantly updated look. So, gentlemen, look in your closets and make sure that you have these five wardrobe essentials.

Top 5 Men’s Wardrobe Essentials 
1. The Button Down Shirt
The classic, white button-down shirt is a must-have that can be worn casually with dark denim or worn with a suit for dapper formal look. A black or even blue option is also a safe bet. Oakridge’s Banana Republic has a great assortment of high quality button-down shirts that are definitely worth checking out.

2. Dark Denim
They should be plain and dark-coloured with very-little-to-no distressing and not too much detail. Besides being versatile and comfortable, they can easily be combined with dress shoes, sneakers or even loafers for a great sporty look. Stop by Boys’ Co and J2 Mens at Oakridge and find the right pair of denim that fits you.

3. The Favourite Sweater
V-neck or round collared, cardigan or pull-over: whatever your choice may be, the knit sweater can be worn again and again. Spoil yourself in luxury and pick up a fine cashmere sweater at Mount Cashmere or a sporty casual one at Eddie Bauer, which are both found at Oakridge Centre.

4. The Casual Shirt
Whether it’s a polo or a plain basic T, the casual shirt is the most fundamental piece that can be worn with anything for any occasion, depending of course on what you pair it with. Pick up a classic polo or plain T at Lacoste or Tommy Bahama at Oakridge for a look that will never go out of style.

5. The Suit
Without a doubt, every man needs at least one high quality, tailored suit that can be worn for any special occasion that springs up. Stick to the traditional black or grey single-breasted suit. The amazing staff at both Harry Rosen and Hugo Boss at Oakridge Centre can help you find that one that is just right for you. Keep in mind that shirts and ties can easily be updated and changed but the suit is timeless, so invest in a well-tailored, classic cut.

We’ve perused, we’ve panned, we’ve praised. And now, we’re sharing five of our faves from Menswear Spring 2010 in Paris.

Two themes stood out: Explorer, and Easy.
EASY
1. Dior
Kris Van Assche showed a looser look, using fluid trousers, layered tanks and vests, and sleeveless in mostly blacks and whites, but also browns and beiges.

2. Lanvin
Lucas Ossendrijver’s collection was modern, wearable, more dramatic and edgy, but, he says, straight from the street. Intended to give men plenty of “no uniform” options, the collection also included fluid pieces: silk shorts, tartan pants, and sleeveless jackets, in dark colours.

3. Rick Owens
Owens even injected ease into zippers–keeping them curved–and boots, leaving them loose at the ankle and undone. His collection was black, gauzy, flowy, and filled with taffeta.

EXPLORER
1. Kenzo
Antonio Marras was inspired by Africa, more specifically the 19^th-century Italian explorer Pierre de Brazza’s experiences there. Models marched single file down a runway lined with giant bottles tipping sand at their feet; they wore hats and shorts in dusty hues and subtle floral prints.

2. John Galliano
Napolean Bonaparte’s journeys through southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East inspired Galliano to turn out flowing shirts, cargo shorts, tanks, and waistcoats embellished with military-style embroidery, and often in dusty suede.

Get The Look
Find your Explorer digs at Banana Republic.

LET’S HEAR IT
What’s your fave: easy or explorer?