Girlfriend Jeans

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Boyfriend blazers: Meet your match. Williamsburg opened up Pandora's box and uleashed the girlfriend jeans on men - and the many terrible things to follow.

Retail giants, like H&M, are promoting the trend to the masses. In its latest style guide, achieving the rocker look involves spicing up "the look by chosing a pair of skinny girlfriend jeans and some sequin. Womenswear pieces can look just as good on a glammed up boy."

"and some sequin?" Yikes.

The trend toward cross-merchandising wardrobes has increased in recent seasons with women borrowing almost everything from their boyfriend's closets -- blazers, jeans, khakis, scarves -- but the idea of men raiding their girlfriend's closets simply won't sell.

Michael Kors Interview

OK, you're probably sick of these fashion interviews, but I'm trying to catch up with my postings. So, expect a few more. Here's an interview I did with Michael Kors discussing his Fall/Winter 2009 collection:

Who is Michael Kors? He spearheads three different clothing lines that include menswear, accessories and fragrance; he was awarded Menswear Designer of the Year in 2003 by the CFDA; he creates modern, luxurious classics that actually translate into real peoples' wardrobes, which has become his signature. In short, he is the king of American sportswear. Clearly, we could learn a thing or two (or five) from this man.

AskMen.com caught up with Michael Kors to talk about fall 2009 fashion, shopping in today’s soft economy and what big-ticket item is actually worth its price tag.

Sachin Bhola: What advice do you have for men shopping in today’s economy?
Michael Kors: Learn to invest in the best quality you can afford and wear pieces in different ways. For example, if it’s a suit, can you wear it to work with lace-ups and a tie? Can you wear it with loafers and a polo shirt? Think about the piece and see if you can make it work in two different situations and go for it.

Sachin: What does luxury mean today, in the midst of a global economic crisis?
Michael: It can mean many things depending on the man. For me, true luxury can be caviar or a day with no meetings, no appointments and no schedule.

Sachin: What’s on your iPod playlist?
Michael: Adele, Madonna, Prince, Coldplay, and New Order.

There more. Check out the Michael Kors interview on AskMen.com.

Sean Opry: Model Moment

Remember when my first Model Moment blog entries were lengthy, detailed and video-free? No, I'm not getting lazy (hey, being m.i.a. in the blog world for a few months happens - and probably explains my high bounce rates); I just thought this video did a pretty good job a capturing male model Sean Opry's charm.

Side note: I think everyone should have a video diary. It makes your life seem like the coolest thing ever -- especially when it's edited for New York Mag.

Yigal Azrouel Spring 2010

Here's a clip of the finale at the Yigal Azrouel Spring 2010 show presented at New York Fashion Week. It was the first time the men's and women's collections were presented together. Eat up the track by Phoenix: "Lisztomania." Sorry about the quality of the video; my digital camera isn't anything high-tech.

I'm really feelin' the boyfriend blazer on Tao Okamoto at the end. What do you think?

Yigal Azrouel Interview

Here's an interview I did with Yigal Azrouel discussing his Fall/Winter 2009 collection:

Belted coats that cinch your waist, shrunken schoolboy suits, knee-high laced-up boots, and pants that fit more like a ballet legging than, well, pants -- after combing through the Fall ’09 shows, sometimes it seems like designers don’t have the slightest sartorial clue about what men will (actually) wear.

So, when a guy like Yigal Azrouel comes along whose pieces are as easy to understand as they are wearable, we like him. And when his answer to a commonly asked question about what his inspiration was is: “There isn’t a specific inspiration… It doesn’t have to be that serious; it’s a cool collection for a cool guy,” we like him even more.

The Sartorialist By Scott Schuman

I recently received The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman as a gift (I know, I'm such a laggard) and feel compelled to rant about a few things.

First, I'm now convinced a lot of it is staged. It was my understanding that Schuman's premise was to capture real peoples' personal style as seen on the streets of New York, Paris and, well, New York. I soon realized that "real people," according to the Sartorialist, consists of editors, models, stylists, buyers, scenesters, and other industry buffs.

Kate Lanphear appears 3 times in his book (I'm still counting); Matteo Marzotto, Anouck Lepere and Coco Rocha are just a few more recognizable subjects.

There's nothing wrong with Scott Schuman using famous fashion folk in The Sartorialist; in his defense, the book serves as a useful reference, a veritable lookbook of insiders, for those aspiring to look the part (despite his efforts to capture a sense of "individuality," there's a clear pattern -- almost unfiorm-like -- among his subjects).

Heck, if I wanted to differentiate myself from the masses of street-style bloggers, my strategy would be to exploit my network. It lends credibility to what you do and sells (cough, Charlotte Ronson).

Simon Nessam: Model Moment

I would have titled this "I heart Simon Nessman," but there's no SEO value in that.
You're welcome.

DKNY Interview

Here's an interview I recently did with DKNY Men design director, Ken MacMillan, discussing its Spring/Summer 2010 collection:

Attempting to define the New York man is somewhat of an enigma. Sure, images of an austere-faced Trump raising his mighty finger at an MBA grad or of a starving artist setting up his gallery on the corner of Lafayette Street and Hipster Excess are good starts, but they are equally elusive.

The New York man is in motion. His only constant is change -- much like the city itself. So, who better to turn to than Ken MacMillan, DKNY Men design director, for his point of view. “New York fuels everything DKNY is. It’s as forward as it is forever. There’s no one way to look or one style to wear.”

AskMen.com sat down with MacMillan to discuss its new collection presented around New York Fashion Week, common male fashion mistakes and the seven essentials you need in your wardrobe. We may never be able to define the New York man, but thanks to DKNY, we can capture it for a season.

Simon Spurr Spring 2010

Here are some pictures I took from the Simon Spurr 2010 collection during New York Fashion Week.

Simon Spurr 2010

Earlier this year, Simon Spurr was named one the 10 finalists for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. Big deal? Well, if walking away with $200,000 and a mentoriship with industry buffs (say, Ana Wintour) isn't a big deal, I don't know what is.

With all of the buzz surrounding the Simon Spurr 2010 collection, I was looking forward to attending his show during New York Fashion Week.

Fast-forward a few (busy!) months later -- sorry for the late blog entries, guys -- and Spurr isn't the lucky recipient of the award. However, I now understand why he's on everyone's radar.

Sachin Bhola: Fashion Editor

Please note that my blog has moved. Check out the upgrade at: http://www.sachinbhola.com/blog - Sachin Bhola

Oops…

It has been 5 months since my last blog entry. Papua New Guinea! When I first started this blog, I remember reading a “How To: Start Your Own Blog,” and step 46 (yes, there were 51 steps in all) acknowledged that it was more likely than not to fall off your blogging horse. So, my bad. It happens.

(And it will totally happen again)

However, it has been with good reason why I’ve been unable to keep up with daily blog entries. Earlier this year, Sachin Bhola (that’s me) became fashion editor at AskMen.com. It’s definitely given me a lot to write about. More to come on that -- if you can wait another 5 months.

Coco Rocha: Model Moment

April 16, 2009 – Coco Rocha, the Canadian supermodel with her unforgettable name, made an appearance at Toronto Fashion Week this past March. She attended the highly anticipated Project Runway Canada finale, seated alongside legendary supermodel Iman (host of the series). She surprised us all with her new hair color, red, which she said was a refreshing change.

Her chameleon traits have served her well in an industry fueled with built-in obsolescence, but Coco Rocha’s level-headedness explains her longevity. Discovered at the age of 14 at an Irish dance competition, she has managed to maintain a life outside of the fashion world - at times blurring the lines between the two. A memorable moment in her career, and in fashion, was the Celtic jig she performed at the Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2007 show. With her international success, it is nice to see her continue to return to her native country and help elevate Canada’s fashion profile.

Other notable model appearances at Toronto Fashion Week included Iman, Irina Lazareanu, Taryn Davidson, and Amanda Laine.

Picture: Coco Rocha and Sachin Bhola

Domenico Vacca Interview

April 16, 2009 – Known for his traditional Neapolitan tailoring, designer Domenico Vacca introduced sartorial style to America in 2002. Since then, people can’t seem to get enough of him: Major Hollywood film and television productions, including the cast of Entourage, Lipstick Jungle and actors like Denzel Washington have turned to him for his unapologetically Italian aesthetic. AskMen.com sat down for the Domenico Vacca interview to discuss his Fall 2009 collection presented at New York Fashion Week, current trends in menswear and more.

Written By: Sachin Bhola

http://bit.ly/1qrZrR

Photo Credit: Zimbio.com

Travis Taddeo: Toronto Fashion Week

April 13, 2009 – Montreal designer Travis Taddeo chose to present his second collection at Toronto Fashion Week this season. Remaining true to his aesthetic, Taddeo’s vocabulary expanded for Fall 2009: He brought the kids out of the club and onto the streets in a toned down version of what we saw in his first collection. Highlights included fur accessories that draped along the back and attached across the chest (pictured below) and his trademark skinny pants. Also, it was nice to see fellow Montreal designer Denis Gagnon make the trip to Toronto Fashion Week to show his support.

Unfortunately, there were a lot of empty seats at the show. Taddeo’s first collection was quite strong which made it hard from him to top that one off. Lowlights included the lack of originality: Some of his looks read American Apparel – or slight variations thereof – which failed to show his unique voice as a designer.

Still, the energy was high and I look forward to watching his growth in the future.

Photo Credit (first two below): George Pimentel

Fashion Music

March 25, 2009 – Choosing the right track to set the tone for a show is an integral part of the presentation. Here are some of the tracks that were heard during Toronto Fashion Week’s Fall/Winter 2009 collections.

Annie – Heartbeat (heard at the Barbie by David Dixon show) *See Video Below
Black Kids – I’m Not Going To Teach Your Boyfriend…The Twelves Remix (heard at the Joe Fresh show)
Kid Cudi Vs Crookers – Day ‘N’ Night (heard at the Ed Hardy show)
Empire of The Sun – Walking on a Dream (heard at the Lundstrom show)
Marilyn Manson – The Beautiful People (heard at the Nada show)

Models Own Clothes

March 25, 2009 – Some models show up to work in the model uniform: jeans and a T-shirt (or some close variation). Others stand out with their individual style or willingness to fully embrace the latest trends. At the Dubuc after party during Montreal Fashion Week, male model Felix paired some Champion sweat pants with some leather lace-up wing tips. When I asked him about the look, he told me the original plan was to show up in some Buckler pants, but he ended up borrowing his buddy’s sweats last minute. Well, it worked, and people that night couldn’t stop photographing him.

At the Nada rehearsal in Toronto, I couldn’t help notice Chantilly’s no-heel shoes (pictured below) – a pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs she picked up in Miami.

Iman: Scene At Toronto Fashion Week

March 22, 2009 – For some, the celebrity attendees at a fashion show are more noteworthy than what comes down the runway. At the 17th edition of Toronto Fashion Week, we saw top Canadian model Irina Lazareanu open and close the Joe Fresh show, Kresha Turner walking in The Heart Truth show and MTV’s Dan Levy & Jessi Cruickshank were at the Bustle after party, to name a few.

Perhaps the biggest headliner (for me anyways) was legendary model Iman. Now in its second season, Project Runway Canada brought on the supermodel to host the show. The finalists presented their collections on Thursday March 19, 2009, and because this is scheduled to air at a later date, the tents were highly secured. For real. Even with my staff pass - the golden ticket into the VIP areas, hair & makeup, seats at shows, etc. – I couldn’t get in. Fortunately, we were producing the very next show scheduled in the tents after Project Runway Canada, and, while backstage, I had the opportunity of meeting Iman. My two cents: She is an undeniable beauty in person and her presence is awe-inspiring.

Thank you Warren for taking this picture!
Picture: Iman and Sachin Bhola

Did Ya Know?

Barbie has her own ready-to-wear line for adults. The designer: Patricia Field.

Barbie Celebrates 50 Years

March 22, 2009 – After the highly publicized show in New York, Barbie continued her celebration in Toronto, Canada. It’s hard to believe that the iconic doll, conceptualized by Mattel, has been around for fifty years (looking good, girl!). Kicking off the first day of Toronto Fashion Week was a Barbie blow out: The tent’s cocktail area featured a wall display highlighting some showpiece Barbies from days gone by, including the 50th anniversary model (pictured below).

It was nice to see Canadian designers and retailers getting into the spirit. Hudson Bay’s windows on Queen Street all featured a Barbie display, Town Shoes launched limited edition shoes, and finally designer David Dixon presented his Barbie line later that evening.

The show ran about 45 minutes late (apparently the clothes arrived late). It was a full house with some guests sitting -- and others standing -- in the aisles. While the energy was high and the effort was good overall, some of the looks failed to read “Barbie.” For instance, some models wore plaid shirts, charcoal skirts, grungy oversized hats à la Marc by Marc Jacobs, and a pink belt. Note: Just because you pull the look together with a pink belt doesn’t make it “Barbie.”

Watch the Barbie by David Dixon show below.

For more on Toronto Fashion Week visit: LGFashionWeek.ca

Renee Thompson: Model Moment (PART 2)

Part 2 of my discussion with Renee Thompson...

SACHIN BHOLA: It’s a hustle.
RENEE THOMPSON: It’s a hustle! It’s not like we even get all the castings that the other girls get. We have to sneak into their castings and prove why we had to do that! When I first started going to Milan, Paris and Barcelona, I never got that 10-list casting… I had to steal my friends’ contacts -- and then I would book it!

SACHIN: I feel like when you are a minority model, you have to bring so much more to the table to prove yourself. What advice do you have for aspiring minority models?

RENEE: Do your research, build a tough skin and talk to people who love you to keep you grounded. Remember that it’s just a job. My advantage has been that I am very aware. How you treat people in the business, how you act and carry yourself – we as minority models have to be extra careful. We can’t pull a bitch stick out of nowhere. The models who are professional, well-mannered and show their personality are the ones with staying power. Clients want to work with them.

SACHIN: Renee Thompson, what direction do you anticipate the industry taking in regards to this issue?
RENEE: It’s fashion and things are always changing… it will get better. People are tired of seeing the same anonymous faces and want diversity. And just like everything else in life, sometimes you have to create your own opportunities and success will follow.

Thanks Renee!

Rudsak: Montreal Fashion Week

March 8, 2009 – A bit street, a touch of rock-n-roll and oh yes, lots of black, Rudsak presented its Fall/Winter 2009 collection on the evening of March 5th, the last day of Montreal Fashion Week.

Opting out of Toronto’s lineup, presumably due to budget constraints affecting the industry this season, designer Evik Asatoorian expanded his vocabulary with the addition of novel leather items including military ¾ length cargos for him and separate hoods for all.

One of the key takeaways from this collection was layering via mixing and matching different textiles and weights of fabric. We saw fur vests layered over lightweight cotton and silk tops, above-the-knee leather boots over sheer stockings, and wool coats accented with leather trims. Overall, Rudsak once again presented an attractive uniform for urbanites living in cold-weather cities.

Top 10: Hype-Worthy 2009 Models

March 7, 2009 – Sasha, Raquel, Lakshmi – sound familiar? While the supermodel ear is officially over, when even the least fashion savvy could recite household names like Naomi, Christie or Cindy, the new crop of girls are stars in their own right. Which fashion models will be destined to dominate headlines this year? Check out the Top 10: Hype-Worthy 2009 Models presented by AskMen.com and written by Sachin Bhola (yours truly!).

And then there were 10...

http://bit.ly/TtWko

Renee Thompson: Model Moment (PART 1)

Ever wondered what life was like for a model – a model of color? What if your race was démodé? Today’s minority models are drowning in the flood of Eastern Europeans monopolizing the industry. Amidst the chaos backstage at Montreal Fashion Week (Spring/Summer 09), I found a quiet corner to chat with Renee Thompson, whose thoughts on today’s hottest topic in the industry and tells-it-how-it-is attitude were as captivating as her look.

By Sachin Bhola
Photo: Courtesy of Nam Models

SACHIN BHOLA: Let’s jump right into it. The July 2008 issue of Italian Vogue, a.k.a. the “black issue,” featured only black models. It was the highest selling issue in the history of the magazine. What are your thoughts?

RENEE THOMPSON: The full cover-to-cover issue with only the top black models that have made it, and not the up and coming ones? Ya, I saw that one. Do you hear the hateration in my voice? Lol. I think it was great, but they’re depicting something we’ve known forever: Black girls are beautiful, they pose well and they’re on top of their game… we know all that shit already. Why don’t you (magazines) not try to fill your quota in one issue and spread it out? Now they’re just going to say “OK, we did our black thing, now can we go back to what we were doing?”

SACHIN: So do you think that ethnic models in fashion are trendy or something that serves to advance your position in the industry?
RENEE: Well it’s just like what they did to the Asian girls for the last two seasons: They were all over the place… doing major ad campaigns and being the ethnic counterpart to the white girl. Where are all of them now? I think black, Indian, Chinese, or any other race that is not visibly white is always a trend. In and out.

Fashion Music

February 11, 2009 – Glass Candy, the American hipster band from Portland, Oregon, was heard all over the Paris runways. Their track Beatific (below), off their album B/E/A/T/B/O/X , was heard at the Chanel Fall/Winter 2008 show. While their album is currently unavailable for sale in North America, you can download the mp3s off Amazon.com. Love them while they're still not mainstream!

Fashion Week: Fall/Winter 2009

February 4, 2009 – The Fall/Winter 2009 ready-to-wear collections will be presented in the upcoming weeks, but with the recession on everyone’s minds (and wallets), some designers have decided to pull out. Vera Wang, Betsey Johnson, Carmen Marc Valvo, and Monique Lhuillier, among others, have decided to show elsewhere during New York Fashion Week.

What kind of cost saving does presenting “elsewhere” bring to these designers? Thousands – the largest tent in Bryant Park costs approximately $50,000 to rent. Let’s not forget about top models who can command thousand-dollar booking rates. Then there’s hair & make-up, well…you get the idea.

Sachin Bhola: AskMen.com

February 4, 2009 – AskMen.com, the online lifestyle magazine for men covering areas from health & sports to power & money, has introduced its latest contributor to its fashion pages, Sachin Bhola (a.k.a. me). Stay tuned for product reviews and other fashion coverage from yours truly. Click on the link below to view an article!

http://bit.ly/1GQ6gJ