Libertine Spring/Summer 2014

What I enjoy about the Libertine S/S 2014 collection, and really Libertine in general, is the fact that the pieces and looks are ready for the stage.  I welcome the somewhat propagandist aesthetic seen several of the pieces below, and I think that offering a cultural+political statement on the stage, with which wardrobe can help, is a significant part of artistic expression, of course. And placing the queen's face on garments helps, but anytime text is placed on garments it can  be read in a sociopolitical context. Wear your message. See more of the Libertine S/S 2014 collection HERE.
Source: Homotography

Some Favorites from Spring/Summer 2014: Thom Browne and Givenchy

Some favorites from the Spring/Summer collections:

I’ve delayed commenting on both the Spring/Summer 2014 collections from Thom Browne and Givenchy mainly because it took some time for me to sort out just what I thought. I knew that both collections struck a chord, but I wasn’t sure how or why they resonated; I keep looking at both collections and have yet to grow tired.

With Browne’s collection, I believe it must be the sense of strength of the pieces, which take so many militaristic references and twist them, when juxtaposed to a high gloss presentation of face that grabs my attention—it’s like Robert Palmer Girl-meets Grace Jones-meets Michael Jackson. This character is simply one I cannot shake, it’s so strong. Several of the pieces themselves aren’t very functional, like the strange crotch additions and the oversized coats, but many more can be incorporated as statement pieces. But, again, it’s the styling and aggressiveness of the pieces that I can’t keep from being drawn to. See more HERE.

In regards to Givenchy, the tribal influence that is crossed with digital, and even analog, technological inspired prints, which also have insect-like forms, keep me thinking. The pieces read future, retro, and ancient all at the same time, and that’s an intriguing idea in regards to clothes to be worn by today’s younger men. I’m also usually partial to face painting, and the make-up on the models captures tribal-meets-digital very nicely. See more HERE

Agi & Sam Spring/Summer 2014

Inspiration is all around us, even when traveling on a bus. Case in point: Agi and Sam Spring/Summer 2014 collection. Agi and Sam look toward (or should I say underneath their bums) the seemingly tacky--and oftentimes bizarre--prints one finds on the seats of buses. You know, those gas guzzling vehicles full of tourists and teens on fieldtrips. But the team take something overlooked and mundane, and turn it into very interesting, fashion forward pieces. Agi and Sam are also turning the bus-inspired prints into accessories. See more of the collection HERE on Fashionisto and some of the accessories HERE on Selectism.

Tom Rebl Fall/Winter 2013

Tom Rebl takes us on an excursion through a mystical, and smokey, realm of slight whimsy in his Fall/Winter 2013 Lookbook. The Tom Rebl man seems to be a traveler you run into in a dark wood, and you can't tell if you should be scared or happy to have his company. I'm enjoying the prints--both the irregular shapes seen on the black+silver suit as well as the floral number. See more HERE on ThisHeartsOnFire.

Songzio Fall/Winter 2013

Tight and fitted suits with a look of being eroded: the Songzio Fall/Winter 2013 collection creates a feel of decadent decay with these leather suits. I enjoy the gold tones that come from underneath the distressed material on the black jacket below. See more HERE on Totem Fashion.

Dior Homme Fall/Winter 2013

Slick. Future. Dior Homme F/W 2013 keeps it simple and slightly militaristic with creative director Kris Van Assche. I enjoy the use of the belt to accentuate the waist; and of course I like the metallic glimmer. Very interesting graphics, too, on several of the pieces. See more HERE on Fashionisto.

Walter Van Beirendonck F/W 2013--"Shut Your Eyes to See"

This is my favorite look from Walter Van Beirendonck F/W 2013 collection, "Shut Your Eyes to See." What I enjoy is, of course, the glitter. Yes, it sparkles, but it also has texture and depth. I'm also very curious as to the material of the pants and the shirt: it has somewhat of a vinyl look, or maybe a very soft leather. Perhaps it's an eco-friendly material?  Whatever it may be, I like it; and the overall look is exquisite. See more HERE.

John Richmond F/W 2013

John Richmond has a way for designing cool without trying too hard--as it should be. That's the case with the designer's Fall/Winter 2013 collection. I enjoy the leather accents and the embellishments added to the jackets that give a feeling of strength and intrigue . See more HERE.
Source: FuckingYoung!

Kenzo A/W 2013

Finally. Something that has gotten me excited this season in Men's collections. If you haven't been following what's been happening in London for the Men's collection, see highlights HERE. However, what I have enjoyed most has come from the Pitti Uomo in Florence: Kenzo A/W 2013 collection. The prints on the coats are not only colorful, but they are ethereal in a way: featuring cloudscapes in a way that is reminiscent of Japanese Ukiyo-e. I'm also enjoying the playful way the faux-tie on the blue suit is "broken" almost midway. See more of the collection HERE. Seems like Pitti might beat out London's collections this year as far as getting my attention. 

"Ceremony" styled by Sebastian Machado

Too cool! Can't help but enjoy the Postpunk/NewWave Militant vibe in this spread entitled "Ceremony," styled for Cover Man by Sebastian Machado. 
Photos by Hasse Nielsen
Source: Fashionisto HERE

"Kings Never Die" in DSECTION MAG

Dress like a prince. I can't help my gravitation toward the regal. I do enjoy the Indian/South Asian Maharaja tilt in this spread--"Kings Never Die"--for Dsection Magazine. This Portuguese publication bills itself as "The first and only Portuguese fashion magazine dedicated entirely and exclusively to men" See the rest of the shots by Nicolas Valois on Morphosis.

Matthew Miller Spring/Summer 2013: CCTV on the Runway

I enjoy the print so much that I decided to post this suit by Matthew Miller for his S/S 2013 collection again--well, in a way. This is the complete suit; I posted just the jacket previously. What I find so cool about the print is that Miller has captured the images he then manipulates for the fabric from closed-circuit tv cams around London. You might as well check out the runway show, too: video below. 

Lidija Kolovrat Spring/Summer 2013

Lidija Kolovrat is a designer who is not afraid of graphics and strong prints. From Bosnia to Portugal, she is a designer that crosses borders. I'm enjoying the graphics on this suit because it has a haphazard, street graffiti, paint-splotched feel, but crossed with a structure that is almost data gridded--like number sequences. I am also a big fan of the Chelsea boots with the panel of blue. And I never get sick of a jumpsuit. See more of the Lidija Kolovrat S/S 2013 collection on FuckingYoung!

10/10--"Only Young Once!" collection

When I think of designs that work to push the envelope while still being quite wearable, this is what I have in mind. 10/10 (ten out of ten) collection "Only Young Once!." I'm instinctively drawn to the geometric, asymmetric, as well as symmetric shapes and details . Yet, even while creating layers of interest via stacked and exaggerated affixes, the pieces aren't "bulky" or too big: they retain a streamlined, fitted feel and look. The pieces and looks have the blend I enjoy between edgy and urbane; past and future. This collection is simply speaking my language--I want these pieces for the stage, or perhaps as street armor. See more of the 10/10 collection HERE.
Source: FuckingYoung!

Carlo Pignatelli Spring/Summer 2013--500th Post!

This is the 500th post for ViktorMan and I think it fitting that this post features the latest collection from Carlo Pignatelli as presented during Milan's fashion week. The collection speaks to much of what I enjoy when it comes to fashion--decadance, fun, texture, a touch of the exotic (in this case a nod toward South Asian flavors), and a nice glint with a little swagger. I enjoy looks and pieces that present a story--a story I can envision myself within. In the case of Carlo Pignatelli's Spring/Summer 2013 collection, that story fits very nicely within my regal inclinations. Yet, it is done, not in a stuffy way, but with a freshness and virile vitality. I look forward to another 500 inspiring, aspiration-sparking impressionistic moments in men's fashion. 
See more of Carlo Pignatelli's S/S 2013 collection HERE on Homotography. Also, be sure to check out the video of the runway presentation below. Enjoy!

Jonathan Saunders S/S 2013

Definitely getting a 60's vibe from this collection by Jonathan Saunders for Spring/Summer 2013--though that isn't such a surprise. What I enjoy the most about this look, besides the stripes, is the hint of blue that comes through around the unadorned, and simple white collar. See more HERE on Fashionisto