Michael Bastian, Fall/Winter 2010

Overview: What do you get when you combine 80% Ralph Lauren + 20% DSquared? Answer: Michael Bastian. I love the way this guy makes everything look so wearable. But don't be fooled; as casual as the clothes look, they are deceptively luxurious.

Rating: ***1/2 out of ****

Highlights: Layering, quirky colours

Lowlights: None. Nada. Ok, well, maybe some unfortunate shirt/tie combinations.

-The Scandal

Spurr, Fall/Winter2010

Overview: One of my favorite up-and-coming designers, Simon Spurr didn't disappoint this season by adding much-needed pizazz to New York fashion week (first time I've ever used the word "pizazz").

Rating : *** out of ****

Highlights: Peacoats, scarves, sheen fabrics, wool sweaters

Lowlights: Loud-print suits

-The Scandal

Worst of Paris and Milan Men's Fall/Winter2010

Here are my top ten worst looks of Paris and Milan Men's Fall/Winter2010:


1. Who killed Kenny?

I don't know, but I wish somebody would kill this look:

 (Comme des Garcons)


2.  Haven't you always wanted to dress like a folded napkin?

(Rick Owens)

3. I think this guy took the suggestion "Let's shag baby!" a bit too literally :

(Commes des Garcons)

4.  Bad, bad combination:

+

+ 

+

=

(Rick Owens)

5. Latest look inspired by Gaza streetwear?

(Commes des Garcons)

6.  Is this what prisoners wear on the moon...

...or is it just nonsense that Thom Browne dreams up?

(Thom Browne for Moncler Gamme Bleu)

7.  More disturbing arithmetic:

+

=

(Alexander McQueen R.I.P.)

8.  I wonder how many squirrels went into the production of these beauties?

(Rick Owens)

9. Where is Waldo?

(Thom Browne for Moncler Gamme Bleu)

10. You do not, I repeat, do NOT, want this guy at your party:

(Etro)

Honourable mentions:

(Thom Browne for Moncler Gamme Bleu)

(Thom Browne for Moncler Gamme Bleu)

(Alexander McQueen)

(Rick Owens)

-The Scandal

Adam Kimmel Fall/Winter 2010 Men's

You can't make this stuff up, and no I'm not talking about the green velvet. It's too bad about those distracting masks, because some of Adam Kimmel's suits are actually kinda neat.

-The Scandal

Paul Smith, Fall/Winter 2010 Men's

Overview:  This brand seems to be a bit directionless for the past few years. Perhaps a victim of its own success? I get annoyed when people roll out the traditional cliches to describe the looks, e.g., British "gent", colourful, eccentric, etc. I haven't really seen anything consistent over the past 5 years or so.  Still, even a broken clock is right twice all a day, so there will always be something appealing.



Rating: ** (out of ****)

Highlights: non-traditional colours for suits

 
Lowlights: jodhpurs (nazi pants)
 
 

 
-The Scandal

Canali, Fall/Winter Men's 2010

Overview: Perhaps not as widely known, Canali is comparable to Ermenegildo Zegna; Excellent quality suits, with a touch of Italian flair.

Highlights: Suede shoes, scarves;

Lowlights: Maybe the vests (not part of the suit), but only because it reminded me of something Arsenio Hall might've worn in 1991.

-The Scandal