[Note: This is the first piece, of many, written by our new Style Editor, Gabrielle Nicole Pharms. She'll be giving you up to date info on the latest looks and must-have styles for the office, nights out, and play. Because we outgrew Garanamals years ago...]
An NBA Playoff-like buzz described the vibe of the audience at La Venue in West Chelsea. But they were here for fashion, not dunks.
The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award winners, Sam Shipley and Jeff Halmos, definitely brought their A-game for their classically fashion-forward spring/summer 2009 collection for guys.
S & H are known for their classy uptown pieces. They create menswear with a tailored mentality but also create casual clothing with a relaxed, yet very put-together aesthetic. The summer assortment was chock full of the staples S & H are celebrated for, yet, a dash of edge was thrown in for that extra needed touch.
Guys: Think Buddy Holly meets Jay Gatsby’s brother from California. The motif of the show can be wrapped up in three looks... looks you can adopt for yourself for work or weekend:
Well Suited for Work
Nothing looks better than seeing a man in a well tailored suit. For the summer, opt for suits that are made with light weight fabric such as linen or seersucker.
A skinny tie gives your suit a more modern and stylish appeal. Also notable is the more tapered fit in the leg of the pant – but beware, this fit is not made for the physique of every guy and it certainly can turn into a pinched leg disaster. Not feeling the skinny leg? Stick to the classics.
Black Out
Summer is party time! Summer hours for work and must see concerts at night. Black is a BOLD statement. Go head to toe with a black tee and black denim or tuxedo pants. Make it work-ready with a skinny belt and square toed shoes. Make it ready for a date with the night with a chunky belt buckle and Nike SB kicks.
The California Prep
White button downs + Khaki shorts + Trench to avoid being drenched by rain (a buzz kill when you have to work in the city) = classic summer staples. Even if preppy is not for you, punk up these classics with Converse and gnarly Wayfarers’.
[BG note: Those shorts are looking awfully short. Remind me to ask Gabrielle if we're going to be subjected to more Guy Thigh from now on...]
Style does not need to be forced. If something doesn't suit your personality and yet you wear it anyway, it will show up on your attitude whether you believe it or not. Translation: Love your girlfriend, but don’t let her dress you up in something you are not.
Gabrielle Nicole Pharms is the femme fatale that gives you guys the skinny on everything fashion and all things extreme.