Haute and the City

Did you know that in the early 1900’s, cocaine was widely used in toothache drops for children?

Oh yeah. Terrifying, right?

This message is the foundation of a locally-produced t-shirt brand; once-prescribed treatments that are now illegal and/or known to be exceptionally dangerous. Way back in August at the Fashion Fights Cancer 2010 event, I was introduced to this exciting brand of t-shirts called American Apothecary.

American Apothecary’s designs not only comment on how our perceptions of these once widely-accepted medicines have changed over the years, they also provoke your thoughts on the safety drug use overall.

After all, do you really know what’s in your prescriptions?

Chances are, probably not!

I got the opportunity to wear an American Apothecary t-shirt (specifically, the Heroin design. Heroin was mass-marketed in 1898 as a cure-all for respiratory diseases). Like all of the American Apothecary pieces, it is 100% pima cotton (which, for the record, feels AMAZING), is completely eco-friendly and the fit is excellent (I tried a medium, but would probably go with a small).

Further:

Did you know an estimated 20% of people in the United States have used prescription drugs for non-medical reasons (source: National Institute on Drug Abuse)?

That’s why American Apothecary donates 10% of their profits to NYC community-based substance abuse treatment and outreach programs.

I don’t know about you, but I just love the juxtaposition of now-illegal/dangerous drugs designs printed on a philanthropic, eco-friendly t-shirt.

Overall, I’d highly recommend the American Apothecary for anyone who’s looking for the comfort and simplicity of a t-shirt while making a bit more of a statement than “here is my undershirt I pulled out of my laundry today.”

You can purchase American Apothecary at their online store and at The Prince of Soho.

Photo credit: Jordan Popalis, American Apothecary

I first discovered designer Nick Alan and his collection, Nick Alan International,  back when I launched Haute and the City in March and was looking for some cool underground NYC designers, and I’ve been keeping an eye on him ever since. After completing his first collection in 2008, his clothes and accessories have been seen on the backs and necks of celebrities such as Tinsley Mortimer, Eric West, Moya Brennan and Crystal Rose Truehart.

While his shop is currently full of eye-catching accessories and t-shirts, I recently caught up with the designer/musician to discuss the big things he has in store for 2011.

Although there’s something glamorous about being a “underground” designer in NYC, it frequently doesn’t pay the bills as well as it should! So, in order to get his fantastic SS11 collection ready, Nick has started a Kickstarter.com initiative to help with funding. If you donate to Nick’s project, you’ll not only help a supremely talented designer get is line off the ground, but you’ll also get awesome perks like free stuff!

Check out his video and consider donating at the Nick Alan International – 2011 Collection Launch.

When did you start designing?
I started sewing at a young age. My parents owned an upholstery shop, so at the age of 7 I started learning how to sew. Later I helped out by sewing “piping” for furniture. It was an old cast iron “Singer” sewing machine with a leather belt and foot peddle. I started pretty raw. But it made me the skilled craftsman I am today!

What was your first piece?
I used to make all of my own clothes that I would wear to school. I had a pretty crazy wardrobe and I used my school like a runway. (I wasn’t getting anything else out of it, so I made the best of it!)

What inspires you to create?
My dreams and visions drive me. I see things in my head that I can only express by physically creating them and wearing them. Once I create something and put it out in the universe, it’s overwhelming, the reaction and positive feedback that I get. That drives me even more. It makes me realize that this is what I was meant to do.

Where do you see Nick Alan International in the future?
Everywhere! My main goal with my company is to branch out eventually, opening stores all over the world that I can run as I see fit. I want to build a company where the employees actually feel appreciated and respected. I know it seems like a side step away from actual fashion design, but customer service and the proper treatment of people is very high on my list. Working retail for so many years made me really see how ridiculous company policies can be. I won’t mention names… but I have worked for my fare share of huge companies, where all the decisions are made by someone who has never once stepped foot in a retail workers’ shoes. It’s a very sensitive topic for me. I just don’t feel that it is right to put so much pressure on an employee who is severely underpaid, and forced to walk around on hard concrete floors for eight hours a day in three-inch heels. It’s inhumane. I’m going to change that.

How did it feel when celebrities started wearing your clothing?
My first little burst of “is this really happening” was when I saw Crystal Rose Truhart on the Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency in my clothing on national TV. It was a pretty amazing feeling. I remember calling my team and freaking out over the phone. It was a great feeling of accomplishment, as well as some great exposure on five consecutive episodes of the show!

On any given day, what would we see you wearing?
Skinny jeans, white loose t-shirt, black boots and my leather “Claw” coat. I like to keep it fairly simple… I don’t wear labels. (Not that everyone else shouldn’t… I depend on those people!) Dressing is such an anxiety attack for me. I know, odd considering I could make and wear anything in the world I wanted to, but it can be stressful to have all that pressure on you! So I keep it basic and I always feel ready for any situation. I guess I’m just overly sensitive to what I wear.

Are you from NYC?
Nope. I have lived in NY state and parts of PA my whole life but it wasn’t until I last year in June that I moved to NYC. I had great success with my previous collections and I decided it was time to take on NYC! A decision I will never regret!

What are your favorite NYC hot spots?
Honestly, I love to be home. Working my butt off. I don’t feel good unless I’m being productive! Work, work, work! But, on occasion I do get out. I go to see my good friend (personal friend plug!) Artem, “DJ Mess Kid” spin at Greenhouse on Monday nights. It makes me feel alive and one with the city. Seeing these great people so affected by light and sound, and all of us just letting go of the daily anxieties. No one judges, no one cares, everyone feels connected. It’s a great feeling, and a good way to remember why I’m happy to be alive, in NYC, living out my dreams while I’m awake.

As a minor fashion writer in New York City, I frequently find my inbox majorly full of invitations, press releases and the latest editions of online publications. One of those said e-mails contained a piece from Not Just a Label entitled, “Military Tailoring.”

I stopped myself from instinctively clicking “delete” and pondered for a moment; “what IS the big deal about military style?”

According to Paris, military-inspired looks are not going anywhere anytime soon (please note the Spring 2011 looks from Balmain featured throughout this post). So, maybe it’s time we take notice of this obviously-important design aesthetic.

According to Michael Skinner, who was interviewed for the Not Just a Label interview,

“all service uniforms… are all cut to fit the body. There is no allowance for slack or ease. The concept is that the uniform should not be skin-tight but should hug the body, in order for the guard or officer to have complete freedom of movement. This creates a stiff, sharp bodyline, but allows the wearer the ability to move fast and freely.”

Essentially, military uniforms were designed to allow warriors to burst into attack without the worry of ripping the seams of their skinny jeans.

Okay, that’s pretty hot.

The article goes on to describe how the jacket seam, which runs from the underarm to the back (as opposed to the side), helps create a shell which “forces the wearer to stand upright by giving him a concave back and a convex chest with very little effort.”

So, here we have that military uniforms also force these psychotically fit men to stand perfectly upright (a sign of confidence, power, overall manliness).

I’m not mad!

I think it’s important to appreciate the military aesthetic; it represents honor, courage, bravery, respect.

You know, all those manly things.

Happy Veteran’s Day!

Photos courtesy of The Fashionisto.

Although fall in New York City brings the promise of many autumn treats and cozy scarves, it also brings the promise of frigid temperatures, air dryer than the Sahara desert and wind tunnels strong enough to knock your hat off.

Without proper attention paid to your skin, you’ll quickly learn how mummies feel.

When I was given the opportunity to try out some products from a brand called YBF Skincare (“YBF” stands for “Your Best Face”), I jumped at the chance, largely due to my fear of feeling like a mummy. That, and being a publicist with a background in beauty, I’m somewhat obsessed with trying out new products.

First of all, I was super impressed with YBF Skincare immediately because I was contacted by one of the company’s founders, Darrell. I always love hearing from the people who started the company, because you can tell how passionate they are about what they’re talking about. I quickly learned that Darrell started YBF Skincare in 2004 with his friend Kimberely. The two decided to abandon their 9-5 lifestyle [you know, given the uplifting economy and promise for small businesses ] to start their line of skin care products.

Luckily for them (and for you), YBF is still around and kicking today.

The YBF Skincare products I tried were:

• quench - lip treatment (lip balm)
• define - lip area anti-age cream
• prep - brightening exfoliant
• boost - daily moisturizer
• correct - invigorating eye cream

My thoughts?

I really enjoyed both the quench lip balm and the define lip cream. I had never heard of a “lip mask” before, and honestly at first I found the concept a bit odd. But, since using it nightly along with the quench lip balm, I have to say I’m a fan!

The prep exfoliant is another winner. It has a pleasant citrus smell (and believe you me – I am not a fan of citrus smells, so for me to like this aroma is a big deal!) and I love how smooth my skin feels after it.

My favorite products were by far the boost and correct. They both have a really great almond-y smell that reminds me of Christmas cookies (that’s not to say they smell like cookies, that’s just how my brain works). correct is probably the best eye cream I have ever used. That’s saying a lot, because I’ve tried a whole lot! You can see the results in no time (it does wonders for dark circles and puffiness) and doesn’t feel disgusting like a lot of eye creams.

boost, I’m convinced, is some kind of witchcraft. Since using boost, I almost never have blemishes and my skin feels soft and smooth (you know, what every other skin care product promises but never delivers). I have never experienced a product like this, and would have loved it as a less-than-blemish-free teenager.

The price points of these products are a bit higher than the Garnier found at your local Duane Reade, but you’re honestly paying for what you get. You should definitely check these products out at The Skin Care Shop.

Be sure to let me know what you think of them!

Remember when I introduced you to Eubiq NY, the NY-based menswear line? I liked the Eubiq look so much that I wanted to learn more about the genius behind the brand, Shirley Lee.

Here’s what the savvy seamstress had to say.

The story of how you got started creating men’s clothes is really interesting. Could you share it with us?

Since I was a kid, I’ve also loved fashion and made clothes for myself, so a few years ago, when my boyfriend/(now husband) couldn’t find pants that fit right and sat “just so” over his sneakers, I set out to make it for him. Those few pairs of pants became a capsule collection and eventually I decided to quit my day job and to start my own label.

Your designs eschew fleeting trends that we tend to see on the runways. What is your reasoning for this?

That’s a huge compliment! It’s not necessarily deliberate but I don’t want to sound like I design in a bubble also. I just think good designs are not bound by what’s hot at the moment. I certainly keep one eye on the market but I prefer to reference classic designs. My philosophy has always been it’s better to invest in a low-key piece that’ll take you through season after season and always look good.

Zac Efron in Eubiq NY at the premiere of Charlie St. Cloud

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

I find that I frequently look to the past—old movies, icons, pervasive military influences. But, you wouldn’t necessarily think so from my designs, because I like to re-work and bring and modern and urban influence into it.

What are three essential pieces for a man’s wardrobe?

A great pair of non-descript dark wash jeans—or at least a well fitting pair of pants, a structured jacket and a great sweatshirt that doesn’t look too sloppy. Looking good shouldn’t mean being uncomfortable.

Do you have any men’s fashion pet peeves?

Ill fitting clothes—especially too tight pants! Just because it’s trendy, doesn’t mean it works for everyone. You have to find what works for you.

What’s the most exciting thing you’ve seen in fashion recently?

In case you can’t tell, I’m really into outerwear. Jackets are my thing and there are definitely some interesting things going on—from super drapey to really structured. I’m loving the high end sneakers market at the moment too, like the Balenciega, Kris Van Ashe, Rick Owens, etc.

There’s been a lot of buzz about localizing fashion production, supporting the Garment District, etc. Tell us your thoughts on this.

Well, I do 90% of my production here in Manhattan, so I am a total supporter of the Garment District. We’re only helping ourselves by localizing our business, especially small companies like mine—it’s win/win. We wouldn’t be able to compete and survive in this industry if it weren’t for the resources available to us right here.

Are you from NY? If not, what brought you here?

Born in NJ and been living in NY for 10 years. For my line, it’s so important to be here. It’s so influenced by the city and urban living. In addition to the fact that NY’s garment district is like no other.

Do you also create clothing for yourself, or do you prefer to shop?

I make my own shirts, but more often, I tweak and tailor clothes I buy so that it works for me. I don’t have time to shop as much as I would like to! But my menswear philosophy is influenced by my personal style—If you have a few great style pieces, mixed with great staples, then any old t-shirt or pajama top will work.

Where are your favorite places to shop for men’s and women’s clothes in NY?

For men—Aloha Rag, OAK, and Atelier. For women’s, Poppy, Edith Machinist, TG-170, and if you feel like having a NY movie fashion experience, go to Jeffrey. You can find the same items in other stores, but there’s something about that place that makes you feel like a little bit fabulous.

What’s in the future for EUBIQ NY? Where do you see yourself in five years?

World domination. Or at least men’s accessories and a women’s line. I like to keep it small and focused.

Photos courtesy of Factory PR.

So, one of the perks of being a fashion blogger (as opposed to a fashion journalist), I get to assault you with my opinions and any other little thought that flies through my brain.

Today, one of my completely biased opinions I will be sharing with you is about my favorite accessories designer EVER – Chris Habana.

I don’t even remember how I discovered Chris’s jewelry and accessories line, CHRISHABANA. It was certainly before I jumped on this fashion journey, probably back when I was in a work-induced coma.

I fell further in love when I attended a GenArt sample sale, during which I was broker than a joke and couldn’t buy anything (water, water everywhere…).

Because I love CHRISHABANA so much, I naturally had to write about it!

Chris graciously took some time recently to answer some interview questions so I could introduce him and his work to all of you! Be sure to check out his website.

What have you done so far today?

Woke up, showered, threw some stuff in a bag and headed out to Fire Island…I’m on the beach in Cherry Grove writing this at the moment.

How did you get started in designing accessories?

I’ve always been doing something in fashion since I could remember. When I moved to New York in 2000, I started to make recycled jewelry and fur pieces.  Seven [New York] picked up a few styles and it went from there. I was in and out of doing jewelry, also designing clothing for a bit, but it wasn’t till 2007 that I got more official and pursued CHRISHABANA as a real business.

What do you love about accessories?

I love that accessories and jewelry have a transformative effect. I’m also into the “more is more” philosophy so I feel naked when I don’t have at least 2 necklaces on and a wrist full of cuffs.

What inspires your designs?

My accessories and jewelry are heavily inspired by growing up in the late 80′s and early 90′s in San Francisco. I love the mix of POP elements from that time such as Madonna and Moschino with harder elements from underground movements such as punk, goth and house.

Do you do anything special while you work?

Nothing out of the ordinary, really. I sketch a lot, and have an inspiration board with tears that help shape my collections. When I take breaks, I walk around my neighborhood in the East Village to recharge and get re-inspired.

Do you have a favorite piece you’ve designed? If so, which?

Some of my signature pieces are actually my favorite to wear, such as the Cross Cuff and the Cage Cross Necklace, but I am also really into the Bed Of Nails Group from my FW2010.

Many pieces from your collections seem to reference a sort of gothic-glamour feel. Is this intentional?

Not really intentional to make it glamorous, but more intentional to make it POP. I want to translate goth and fetish into something that is more POP. In doing so, the results can sometimes be glamorous. That was the case when I designed the Bed of Nails group from FW2010. I created different forms and drove nails into them. When cast in my gunmetal and copper finishes, the nail heads look like organic, shimmering paillettes, till of course you get closer and realize they’re pretty bad-ass pieces.

What are your wardrobe staples right now?

I have a pair of 10-year old combat boots that I wear almost everyday, even in a heat wave. And of course, my jewelry.

What are your fashion pet peeves?

I hate when people say “dress it up, or dress it down with jeans.”

Where are you from originally?

Originally from the Philippines.

Why did you choose to live in New York?

Well, I always fantasized about New York and the art scene in the 80′s such as [Jean-Michel] Basquiat and Keith Haring. But I didn’t choose to move here. My boyfriend at the time got a transfer from his job to move to New York so I moved with him. I guess in a way, New York chose me.

If you could live anywhere but New York, where would it be and why?

Don’t make me a traitor to my home.

What’s your favorite thing about New York fashion?

That it’s always changing.

Where are your favorite places to shop in New York?

I wear and customize a lot of vintage, so I love going to flea markets, 10 Ft. Single and About Glamour. I’ve started to wear “newer” clothing from boutiques like Oak, so I guess I’m growing up…a little.

What’s your idea of a perfect New York night?

Having friends over to drinks and dress-up, then out to eat ramen at Rai-Rai Ken, then dancing, dancing, dancing.

You’ve had a lot of great success so far with CHRISHABANA. Where do you see yourself with your work in five years?

I try not to think about the future too much. I want to keep things as organic as possible. At this point, I’ve gotten a good amount of attention and support from press and shops and I am so thankful for that and hope it continues to grow.

Photos courtesy of MAO PR.

I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I hadn’t heard of David Shilling until one of my friends IMed me a slideshow of the Royal Ascot opening day recently. I immediately fell in love with a top hat adorned with over-sized fake cherries and a spoon, worn by a jolly man whom I would later find out was the hat’s designer himself.

I continued on my journey to learn as much as possible about the man who designed the cherry hat. Milliner, sculpturer, fashion and interior designer and writer David Shilling was born in London’s West End where he began designing hats for his mother to wear to the Ascot Races by the age of 12.

In 1976, he opened his first shop in London’s Marylebone High Street selling a variety of his creations, including hats. The day after he opened his shop, one client ordered 24 hats. Since then, he has sold hats at Bergdorf Goodman for $3,000 a piece, created countless visual art masterpieces and even fashioned the world’s most expensive hat, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

The unwaveringly positive artist kindly took time to answer some questions so I could learn more about the man who designed the cherry hat.

When did you first begin making hats?
Making hats came to me as naturally as breathing – or eating ice cream! I can’t remember when I didn’t! As a child I would conjure them up. My grandmother, who always wore couture, took me to fashion shows as a child. I loved the theatre of it all! And my mother had a diamond tiara she used to let me play with before my parents would go out for the evening! And then my mother started to ask my opinions when we went shopping!

Why do you love hats?
They make women look special; it does something for your posture. Men’s hats are good, too, and I like choosing to wear hats, too! Wearing one of my hats makes my clients feel good, they know they look great! They feel more beautiful, more special, more rare and exciting/ exotic. It’s a win / win situation! It makes me happy to see my client happy!

What’s your favorite way to approach a new design: knowing what the customer will wear the hat with, or a clean slate?
I design collections and my client and I discuss what direction we are going to take together. When I am designing the whole outfit, I often start with the hat and work down but, equally I am happy to see an outfit and work the hat around it! And I love to see my client’s jewelry even when I am not designing it. There should be a big warning sign in Times Square – it’s all about the tiny details – the wrong lipstick can ruin your hat, the wrong earrings can kill your look. Did I say hat-wearing is easy? But it’s worth it!! Same for men, if in doubt, don’t over-accessorize!

Do you prefer to design for women or men? Why?
I don’t trust generalizations like that; good guys, bad girls, good girls, bad guys! I have always designed hats for men, but it is only very recently that I see there is so much scope now for me to be more creative with my clients than ever before – I need the right clients and they need my experience to guide them!! This is like walking on the moon for men!! And just as dangerous!!

Do you have a favorite hat that you’ve designed? If so, which one?
I guess one of the ones my mother wore and made famous at Royal Ascot horse races, especially the black and white ones like the  half-black/half-white giant coin one, both the epitome of elegance and outrageous at the same time, the giant daisy with the stalk down the back of her coatdress. Oh, yes and the giraffe! Men’s? I really had such a great day wearing the top hat with the pheasant; it was a lot of fun for everyone! But my job is not to design “that one hat,” it is to design collections, reliably season after season, and stay ahead!

I’m completely in love with your cherry-adorned top hat. Tell me about this hat.
Thank you. This year (2010), I decided it was time for me to move men’s hats forward. I had worn hats with a little decoration before to the Royal enclosure at Ascot, horse races before, like a top hat with a few diamonds on a couple of years back (really subtle actually), and then this year I decided the time was right for something a little bit more! I have a couple of cherry-trimmed hats in the 2010 collection. One is a great men’s hat in white patent with cherries that women love, too. I decided to design the top hat with cherries [I wore to] the Ascot opening day with the silver spoons because there is that phrase “born with a silver spoon in his mouth,” meaning you are leading a pampered life – and it’s about time a few people said, “hey – so what is wrong with a bit of indulgence so long as you aren’t hurting anyone else?” And “looking good is helping the economy to recover – respect and join me!”

You’re very visually artistic – tell me about some of your other work that you do.
This past Friday we poured the cement for a 9 metre wide base for one of my monumental sculptures, it should be dry in this heat now so tomorrow I start installing the metal work and then 5 tons of Carrara marble arrive to finish it off. I have a meeting about a piece of jewelry I designed which is being auctioned in Abu Dhabi in autumn, and the next day a meeting about a design project for 2011. I am also working on a play and a screenplay and that is at the lots and lots of telephone calls stage every day!

Stephen Jones's Exhibit Opening

What do you find the most inspiring: art or everyday life and why?
Everyday life is so much more inspiring than art because “real” life is always so totally unbelievable.

What are your favorite things to do when you’re here in New York? Do you have a favorite place to shop?
When I am in New York my favourite thing to do is EVERYTHING!! I always stay in an extremely expensive hotel and then never find time to sleep there; I just go back to shower and change!  I would be better off renting a locker in the changing room at the Y! There are so many great stores in New York to choose from so why limit yourself to one?

You’ve had an incredible career, from having your hats on the heads of top celebrities to beautiful museum exhibitions. What’s next for you; is there anything you’d like to accomplish?
Being able to live every day to the full is the challenge, so many people are negative and don’t encourage you to fulfill your potential every day! At this stage, there is so much more for me to do (I hope!) and I love a challenge, so…???

I first discovered YouTube sensation Gregory Gorgeous about a year and a half ago, when I was doing research for one of my beauty clients at the time. My team and I huddled around one computer screen as a (then) sixteen-year-old impossibly blond boy apologized for his hair looking like “pure TRASH!” and explaining why straight guys need slim jeans.

We couldn’t believe it.

Here was a sixteen-year-old self-proclaimed glam-tastic gay boy who was more confident than most of adults and had far more makeup knowledge than any of the girls working for our major makeup clients.

“I wish I was that confident when I was sixteen,” I remember someone saying. “I wish I was that confident now!” another joked.

There is something about Greg’s unapologetic in-your-face personality that captures your attention (not to mention the attention of 5.5 million YouTube users). His style is no different – completely unique, take-no-prisoners and you sure as hell aren’t going to forget it.

Because I think Greg’s confidence and approach to fashion are pretty kickass, I asked Greg, on the heels of his prom, to answer some questions about his YouTube life and style:

Just as a little background (in case some of my readers don’t know), how did you get started on YouTube?
Well this coming August will actually be my second year on YouTube!  So kind of like our anniversary, you know? Haha.  It all started, in all honesty, from boredom.  Not like I had nothing else to do, but I seriously just wanted to try something different.  I had always known about YouTube and I had some favorite people on the website, but I wanted to give it a try and see where it would take me.  From the pressure of my friends and what I was feeling, I finally just jumped into it!

Where do you see it going/What are your plans for the future?
Let me just say, I didn’t start YouTube because I thought it would benefit my “future” haha.  I seriously thought it was just something fun I would be doing on the side, you know?  I mean, I’m still young so I just see so many things I want to be doing in the future.  Like, I want to take it all on.

You have a very distinct style. Tell me about your fashion inspirations.
I mean, honestly, I feel like a lot of my fashion inspiration comes from the 80s without me even thinking about it haha.  It’s funny, because I wasn’t even alive then.  I love dramatic pieces that pop in an outfit, you know?  Bright colors and structured silhouettes are what I live for.  My makeup is the same way.  Everybody is all “OMG too much blush back then in those 80s”, while I’m sitting there reapplying mine.

Are there any style icons that you admire?
Well a no brainer would be David Bowie.  I mean, I still remember to this day seeing his outfits and makeup on stage in pictures.  My mom loved him haha.  I think maybe that’s one of the many reasons I am the way I am. Honestly, I take inspiration from all over, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a person.  It could be colors or textures I see anywhere in my life and I’ll then incorporate into my makeup and outfit choices.

You don’t conform to the typical “boys wear polos and chinos, girls wear heels and skirts” fashion tradition, but rather take a more androgynous approach. Tell us about that.
I just think it’s all so boring!  Like, why can’t I dress up in girls clothes and go out?  Wearing dresses and heels and all of that feels so normal to me.  It’s so “out there” to everyone else, but I couldn’t feel more at home.  Another thing that pisses me off: when people automatically assume that guys that dress up want to be girls… Open your minds, people!

One thing that a lot of your viewers admire about you is your confidence, especially because you are so young. How do you think that influences your fashion?
Because I am young or confident? Haha.  Being comfortable with yourself is really important when it comes to fashion.  You have to own what you’re doing, you know?  As far as my age goes, I don’t really think that has anything to do with it.  Other than having a hot young body haha jk.

There’s the stereotype that girls love gay boys because they can take them shopping for clothes. Do your girlfriends do this with you?
Ew that’s honestly one of my biggest pet peeves.  Like, when I meet a girl and the first thing out of her mouth is “OMG you need to take me shopping!”.  Sure, I would love to go shopping with you, but don’t approach me like that’s all I’m good for.

What advice would you give to a boy who wants to express himself with his clothes but isn’t sure where to start?
Well if he wants to express HIMself, I can’t really give advice for that!  But I’ve said this before, and I will always say it, you have to live everyday like it’s your last.  If someone wants to try something new, they’ve got to go full force and just jump in with no regrets!

What is the worst fashion faux pas someone can make?
Honestly, I hate it when I see people wearing something just because they saw it in a magazine or something.  Like “in” items.  More recently, shoulder pads have been huge, and like, if they shoulder pads are wearing you, not the other way around, something’s not right!

If you could describe your fashion in three words or fewer, what would they be?
Refined, dramatic and cohesive.

Boxers or briefs?
Edible thongs!

Follow Greg on Twitter | Like Greg on Facebook | Friend Greg on MySpace

Diesel

As you may recall (unless you’re one those fair-weather readers who only shows up when I post shirtless pictures of Taylor Lautner), I recently did a guest post on Nandoism called “What Does Your Man’s Underwear Say About Him?“. The post (which you should definitely read before continuing on with this post) was too much fun to write and really got me thinking:

What if these men don’t realize their underwear choices (not just their sandpaper-like personalities) are sending their dates running for the hills?

I mean, it’s just like the age-old axiom delineates: It’s not outside what counts, it’s inside.

Well, in fashion, we know that’s a load of crap; it’s what’s outside AND inside that counts – but we still need to stop housing the inside goodies in depressing drawers. Got it?

I realized that I am not qualified enough to write a whole post on how to help men dress their best in the downstairs department (I try to limit my underwear shopping to early mornings on national holidays at Macy’s, in order to enjoy peace and quiet avoid bloodthirsty competition and enjoy fully-stocked shelves avoid falling into a sneaky hate spiral because evil leprechauns have eaten everything in a size 29), so I reached out to my buddies at Freshpair.com for some advice.

[Note: If you haven't heard about Freshpair, check 'em out NOW. It's like underwear heaven. There are more than 100 brands of men's and women's underwear complemented by expert advice so you don't feel overwhelmed by your options. You'll love it. So will your package.]

I was graciously helped out by Freshpair.com President Michael Kleinmann, who I consider to be a bit of an underwear expert. Like you do with anyone who’s expertise you trust, I decided to throw a bunch of “so this guy is getting ready for a date and…” hypothetical situations at him to test him and make him prove his smarts see what kinds of underwear he’d recommend for different types of guys. Check out what he has to say:

Me: Our first guy is getting ready for a normal date, i.e. dinner and drinks (where he’s pretty sure his underwear will be seen and wants to show of his assets), but he’s a little self-conscious about wearing something too crazy like a jock strap. What pair(s) should he go for?

MK: Keep it lean but play it safe. No loud patterns or experimentation here. He wants something that will enhance what he has so he feels confident when he looks at himself in the mirror. Go with modern briefs and trunks, keeping detail to a minimum but not forgoing it altogether.

Michael recommends: 2(x)ist and Calvin Klein

Me: Our next guy is also pretty low-key, looking for something that will help him look his best, even though he has a little extra pudge around the edges.

2(x)ist Form Trunk

MK: This guy needs a little shape-up but nothing too dramatic. Keep him confident but in his comfort zone. Options can range from all-out waistband compression if he doesn’t plan on taking his clothes off in the company of his company, or managing the ‘extra’ with a pair of underwear that provides more coverage or a wider conventional waistband. Stretch microfiber fabrics are also great for this category, as they’re very forgiving when they cover bumpy roads. Also consider a shaping top that moderately compresses the muffin top so you can have more liberty with your underwear choice.

Me: This next guy has a crazy side and isn’t afraid to show it. What underwear should this guy wear to let his date know that he’s ready for a wild time?

Ginch Gonch I Love Bacon Sport Brief Trunk

MK: Options for this guy run the gamut, but since it’s the first date, I say keep it fun. Reveal your personality before your…well, you get it. Leave something to be desired. Opt for whimsical patterns, unique details and graphics that let your underwear do all the talking, and even try a jock strap if it’s your thing. Since they’re meant to be seen, you won’t disappoint.

Michael also recommends: Andrew Christian, Piss & Vinegar, Diesel

Me: This next one I’ve seen guys struggling with for a while. Say a guy is, um, really packing downstairs, but wants to wear skinny jeans?

MK: For this guy, it’s the age-old rule: everything in its place, and a place for everything. Go for a pouch that will effectively, but comfortably, accommodate and manage the package. Stick mainly to trunks that are snug fitting, as guys aren’t invincible to VPL [Editor's note: VPL = "visible panty line"].

Michael also recommends: Calvin Klein X

Me: A lot of women love boxer briefs. Are there pairs that you would recommend as particularly sexy?

MK: Boxer briefs can definitely be sexy, but don’t let the leg get too long. You want to look like you’re packing for fun, not the Tour de France. Stay more toward the “trunk” fit and with styles that hug snug so you don’t end up schlepping around in dad’s relaxed boxers. If it’s the sexier varieties you’re after, there are a slew of sleek microfiber styles that are definitely masculine sexy.

Michael recommends: 2(x)ist, Polo Ralph Lauren, Emporio Armani

There you have it, kids. Time to go shopping and report back!

P.S. I hope by now you’ve figured out that a few of these links are NSFW.

Everyone’s favorite queen of mean, Kelly Cutrone, made a big splash last week at The Bryant Park Reading Room Series, where she appeared to discuss her book, If You Have To Cry, Go Outside. Cutrone, head of People’s Revolution and star of Kell on Earth, made the world scratch its collective head during her speech when she said:

“Fashion luxury, forget it. It’s over. Gucci, Vuitton, Hermes…all those places are really great, go for it. That business exists in a city called Paris, France. That’s where that is.”

Uhm, what the Kell?

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got mad love for Kelly as I think she’s a kick-ass chica who is NOT afraid of going with her gut, but this particular statement left me a bit puzzled.

Naturally, I took to Twitter to gather the thoughts of some of my favorite industry professionals on Kelly’s bold declaration:

• FashionOffice: The Luxury business is NOT over (thank goodness). We’ve gone thru a period in which #luxury was democratized. We’re on to a new chapter of #luxury. This would take much more than #140 to explain.
• fashmarketing: I don’t think luxury is over, just markedly different from what it used to be.
• LuxuryPRGal: It’s BS – she’s trying to stir the pot

Obviously, LuxuryPRGal’s response is my fave.

No one’s gonna fight that the luxury market suffered during the recession. The wealthy are buying less frequently and the aspirationals (people who occasionally buy luxury items) have cut way back.

But it’s getting better!

The wealthy are buying again and eventually the aspirationals will get their monetary confidence back again. Fashion luxury is far from over.

BUT- perhaps we’re missing the point of what Kelly was trying to say. As a PR person, she’s pretty damn good at getting her name out there and stirring up buzz (especially when the media cuts and pastes quotes together! Not that they would EVER do that! ).

I think Kelly was (less eloquently) espousing Alexander McQueen’s sentiment on modern style:

“I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern – wearing head-to-toe designer has become a bit passe. It’s a new era in fashion – there are no rules. It’s all about the individual and personal style, wearing high-end, low-end, classic labels and up-and-coming designers all together.” – Alexander McQueen

A-ha! There we go.

Saying that ‘luxury fashion is over’ is kind of like saying ‘NY state’s government officials work really well together’ – it’s simply untrue. I’m in agreement with Alex Bolen, the CEO of Oscar de la Renta:

“I think the idea that luxury is out is bunk… It better damn well be unique, and it better be luxury. If it’s a me-too product, good luck.” – Alex Bolen, (source: Reuters)

Like Alex said, I’m a consumer who is going to look for something really high-quality and really unique in my luxury purchases. (And you better believe I’d wear my Louboutins with $40 Uniqlo jeans).

What do YOU think? Is fashion luxury out the window, here to stay or are we mixing and matching these days?

Photo credit: Flickr