Articles By: Ikechukwu Onyewuenyi

Rick Ross Shows Big Boys Can Fashionably Hang

I’m not a fan of Rick Ross. As a matter of fact, I’ve never had a single Rick Ross tune on heavy rotation so I post this “Magnificent” video not to venerate his musical talents, but to give him due props on what seems to be his renewed sense of style (fingers crossed). No pun intended, but Rick Ross literally looked suavein a polished two−button white suit topped off with a touch of black piping. The matching polka dot ascot and pocket square was equally pleasing and left me wondering who styled his counterpart, R&B crooner, John Legend? Honestly, what was up with that third leg of a tie?! Take heed people, ties are not to hang past your belt so please don’t try this at home.

On a final note, it’s important to recognize that as hefty as Rick Ross is, he still managed to hold his own against the more shapely John Legend. Moreover, there is the odd chance that Ross actually upstaged the singer’s wardrobe thus Ross’ styling debunks the notion that burly lads can’t look the part. So to close, I’ll say this: if shedding pounds is not in your foreseeable future, then investing in a tailor is the next best way to looking, acting and feeling magnificent!

Frolicking & Fashion: Carlo Brandelli on Keepie−Uppie

I’m not a quote, unquote fashion designer, but I wonder if Carlo Brandelli will take me up on his offer, seeing as I am a fashion journalist. My heydays of professional football are fast behind me (I was on the books for a few clubs, but never could break into the first team), but such is my background in the sport and the art of “keepie−uppie” that I’m confident that I stand a good shot at usurping Mr. Brandelli’s proposition. Heck, with what’s at stake, who wouldn’t inflate their confidence!

After Brandelli’s monumental ready−to−wear delivery for Kilgour’s SS09 collection, I’ve been a fan of the layer of modernity Brandelli has brought to stoops of Savile Row. With a few deft strokes of a pen, Brandelli renders the stuffiest silhouettes (i.e., the tux) into graceful creations that emanate a classic yet progressive feel. His work is pure genius and umm…I need that jacket in look twenty-five!

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Get Suspended!

Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony Fall 09

Either Steve Erkel’s legend presided over the proceedings of the spring shows in New York or tis the season to be suspended since braces were out in full force. Notwithstanding Larry King’s hoary relationship with braces, the philia being shown towards suspenders is unprecedented. Then again, Rag & Bone were up to bat on day one of the week’s festivities so the penchant for braces could very well have stemmed from the seventies, skinhead feel of the British duos SS09 collection. All the same, it’s quite evident that suspenders haven’t gotten this much play in decades so, for some, the return to sartorial tradition is more so a trek into new frontiers.
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Cummerbunds Turn Practical

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Hark, men’s fashion is exuding a renewed optimism, with jarring silhouettes and inspired tailoring shaking up tradition. The cummerbund is a case in point. When Stuckey & Murray reinvented the tuxedo’s cummerbund to take on a more detachable utility, I applauded its progressiveness. Since then, I’ve seen the cummerbund take on dizzying new heights in men’s wear courtesy of Marc by Marc Jacobs and Burberry Prorsum.

Conventional use of the cummerbund has been largely confined to formal appearances alongside a dinner jacket. However, Jacobs and Bailey switched formality for exuberance in the form of expressive patterned cummberbunds that would leave Alan Flusser sweating in his boots.

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White Socks and Black Dress Shoes…Finally Acceptable?

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In comparison to our female counterparts, menswear can be viewed as rigid. To some, the stoic tradition that defines men’s fashion is what keeps things on an even keel. For others, these rigours serve as creative license to unsettle what seems to be the norm. I say all this because I’m noticing a rebel of sorts within menswear that would leave the staunchest traditionalists livid. However, for the longevity of men’s fashion, I think this break with tradition can be healthy. Or maybe not. Well, you be the judge as I share with you some recent avant garde encounters and sightings that had me shook.

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Label Whore Redefined: 88-Keys’ Love for Polo Ralph Lauren

There’s one thing to be a label whore in that your love for high-end brand names is far-reaching and shows no real particular bias. Then there’s 88-Keys. This record producer, emcee, and fashion enthusiast’s affinity for Polo Ralph Lauren is literally unrivalled. However, what easily distinguishes 88-Keys from the typical label whore is that for one, he has exclusively worn Polo Ralph Lauren for 16 years on a day to day basis and two; he boasts an astounding knowledge on the brand’s many collections. Definitely fresher than the average!

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Come Winter, Come Summer, Rock A Perforated Number!

louisvuitton-090209For a minute, last summer, I was firmly convinced that an upheaval in Thom Browne’s sockless trend was on the cards. The Sartorialist and Face Hunter had spotted a few dandies about Europe who were oddly sporting ankle socks with their lace-ups as opposed to venturing out sockless and, upon seeing this, I was quick to herald it as trend to watch for. Optimistic as I was, Louis Vuitton’s perforated richelieu shoe has definitely put a dent in that once-upon-a-time high. Your guess is as good as mine as to whether Browne’s sockless fad inspired these LV shoes, but I have to admit that the shoe’s perforated aesthetic gives those sockless goers a more attention-grabbing twist to their vogue.

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Cathy Horyn’s Synopsis of The Men’s Shows

“The way I see it is that all the men’s designers have to prove to the consumers that they need these clothes. There must be a compelling reason, if your standards are high and your budget—well, isn’t budging. Givenchy? Not a believable vision. Galliano? Been there, Jack Sparrow. Dior Homme? Wasn’t this a cool label once? Lanvin? Seductive and romantic, the clear fashionista favorite. Number (N)ine? Crazy delightful, worth it if you have $2,500 plus to spend for one of the Flemish-colored jackets. Saint Laurent? Drab and unimaginative. Rick Owens? Original but I don’t want to know what the wearer’s hobbies are. Raf Simons? The fit is the compelling reason, nothing more, nothing less. Comme des Garcons? A good season for eclectic pieces, including the leopard pumps. Dunhill? Pointless things done to clothes, with the formality of a boutique hotel uniform.”

Cathy Horyn on On The Runway

Kanye’s Boon of Advice: Gay Men Can Dress!

Even though he has the proclaimed ego the size of the equator, you can’t knock Kanye’s nuggets of wisdom, as far-fetched as they sometimes may seem.

His latest commentary on fashionable ways of gay men is poignant, but of course, quite off the wall—classic Kanye! This is what the emcee turned fashion intern had to say:

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Name: Abraham
Occupation: Sales Rep, Avalon Exchange
Location: Pittsburgh, PA