Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2010

I think the LV men's collection has improved a lot since Paul Hebers took over from Marc Jacobs as head designer.

LV is the only brand that I'm aware of that never goes on sale, as a matter of policy. Personally, I've never wanted anything of theirs enough so that I was wiling to pay full price.

-The Scandal

Bottega Veneta, Fall 2009 Men's

I like the muted/neutral colours in this collection, though I confess that I usually wear bolder colours.

-The Scandal

Raf Simons, Fall 2009 Men's

As I browsed the images from this show, it started off with some pretty conventional black suits, then it all got interesting with some unconventional two-tone pieces, as shown above. There were also some stranger pieces (not shown) that were worn only on the sleeves over suits and coats.

-The Scandal

Hermès, Fall 2009 Men's

A few weeks ago, I read a comment in the Globe and Mail business section that Hermes and Loro Piana are unlikely to be affected by the economic downturn because they have a loyal following of discerning customers who are willing to pay for the luxury. I was surprised that those brands enjoy such goodwill over all the others. Then again, both brands are known to obsess over the quality of their fabrics (Hermes with skins, and LP with cashmere) and to cater to old-money customers.

Yellow is always a risky colour. It's interesting that this is a fall/winter collection, yet it still makes liberal use of that much-maligned colour. I actually have two pairs of yellow pants. You are either with me or against me.

P.S. Do you think people ever show up to the Hermes kosher bakery in North York seeking a green ostrich skin purse?

-The Scandal

Fall 2009 Men's Lanvin

I get the feeling that Lanvin is one of the new "it" labels for men. There seems to be quite a buzz surrounding the brand. I know The Sartorialist is a big fan. There is a certain soft luxuriousness to their clothing. I picked up a pair of pants in Barney's in New York this season, but you can also get their their stuff at Holts.

The head designer, Alber Elbaz, looks like a cartoon character--I just can't figure out which one.

-The Scandal

Dries Van Noten, Fall 2009 Men's

If your name is "Dries Van Noten", you are way more likely to end up as fashion designer than you are to, say, be selling insurance in New Jersey. I thought this collection was pretty cool and stood out from many of the other shows in Paris this season. The cuts were unique and interesting without being too avant-garde.

-The Scandal

Fall 2009 Men's Louis Vuitton

I've liked Louis V a lot more ever since Paul Helbers took over as the men's designer. I never liked the Marc Jacobs collections.

I thought this show was kinda nice. It featured a lot of muted grey/blue tones and cobalt blue (which seems to be big this season). As always, the bags were pretty badass.

To be honest, I don't really like shopping at LV because of their no-sale policy. Everybody likes a deal, but Louis just won't play ball. If I were to buy anything, it would likely be a bag/briefcase or maybe a pair of shoes. But enough about me.

-The Scandal

Fall 2009 Men's Dior Homme

Kris Van Assche took over from iconic Hedi Slimane a couple years ago as the lead designer for Dior Homme. He's also has an eponymous label.

It looks as if KVA got his colour palette this season from a North York Yeshiva. Ok, to be fair, there were flamboyant displays of grey. All kidding aside, there were some interesting angular cuts (which seems to be trendy these days e.g. Prada and Raf Simons). I'd be curious to get up close to those clunky shoes to see if that white strip is actually stitching.

I always liked the men's change room at the NYC midtown Dior boutique. It's got this dizzying black and white fun-house pattern.

-The Scandal