The guys are back!!!! In this the first of a two part trend report, Ken and friends focus on all the latest styles to come out of London and Milan forecasted for next summer.
As usual, London was one hot mess with lots of "experiments" and (non-wearable) creative expressions!!! The Brits can always rely on the sober lines of Bestoke (made to order) suits and gentlemen classics, but was passes for menswear trends was one wild and crazy ride. While most of it doesn't translate well into 1/6 scale for our vinyl hunks, there were a few fun ideas that actually work for a young, hip hop look!
The designers in Milan, on the other hand, know how to temper this young, nervous energy into something that can actually be worn on the street. In addition, there are classic looks with a new twist, showing off the Italian designers savoir-faire when it comes to dressing men.
SHORT SUMMERWhether worn with sweaters, shirts or jackets, this trend which began this season, will continue on through next summer. Notice the range of fruity colors!!! Included in this group: shorts suits!
RED, HOT CHILI PEPPERSThe story here is about hot, vibrant color splashed over the simplest of wardrobe favorites: jackets, jeans or trousers. Be daring, be bold....all the best dress Ken dolls in our lives will be dressed in flaming red for the hottest summer ever!!!
DESSIN ANIMEThe digital age is here in the form of video games and also parkas and jackets in playful prints. Again, the story here is color....this time carved up in coloring book style prints and patterns. For Sean's jacket I cut away a colorful decal from a T-shirt then used a
basic coat pattern. Normally the cotton knit of the T-shirt would be too soft, however, the decal was comprised of a thick puffy paint which yields quite a bit of body to the limp fabric. After cutting out the coat, I took the scraps of what was left of the decal and glued them onto the tank top worn underneath.The result: a bright, refreshing contemporary look!!!
ETCHINGS ON MY WALLNewspaper prints, etchings, simple embroidery or applique, the profusion of line print and pop-art makes for fresh a new take on urban style. The lesson here is not to be afraid to mix or match bold black and white patterns and etched prints.
TRASH TALK
To be honest, I have never warmed up to ripped jeans and the whole "destroy" movement. But I must admit, it is a look that has been with us since the 1990's and has no intention of going anywhere. You might even say, it has become a new modern day fashion staple. In Italy, menswear designers have embraced the look of destroyed jeans and ripped Tshirts by transforming them into a high fashion with the addition of a classic jacket.
MR. GREY"Grey" is the newest addition to the "Fifty Shades" novel series. It tells Mr. Grey's side of the story much like this palette highlights the suave and timeless style of the famed character. Look for tone on tone looks in clean silhouettes, textured grey fabrics cut in layers. Note: the safari jacket will be a must-have garment next summer!
SAINT JAMES CLUBAt the end of the day, nothing beats a man dressed in a classy suit. You can update the look by cutting the trousers a bit large to be worn under a fitted blazer, or making a long waistcoat buttoned high, or even the simplicity of a car coat length jacket that wraps around the body worn over satin pants.
The boys have already taken the train to Paris for part II of our menswear report. They'll be back in a few days with a wrap up of the best looks from the capital of fashion!!! Stay tuned!!!
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