Dries Van Noten and his host of covetable trends.

For the regular reader, romantic musings about Dries Van Noten collections, are no manner of odd entity, and his SS11 collection makes no changes to my eternal admiration for his craftmanship however:

Who EVER thought that bleached denim jeans, that look as if they were bought from River Island, circa 2001 - you know when a diamond earring and spiked highlights were considered the epitome of street chic? - could ever be made to look half reputable? I had most certainly never even entertained the idea, however: splatters are set to be a big trend for SS11 and I think it is fair to say that DVN - as always - conveyed the trend is the most inspiring ensembles.

His collection for SS11 was a subtle infusion of blush tones, thick creams, strong camels, denim blue, navy and stark white.

Contrast played a pivotal role in displaying the garments to their utmost best: high, long and flowing blush toned trousers - which almost enveloped the patent feet beneath - contrasted with a shrunken, bleach smattered denim jacket gives a good example of the new silhouette for SS11.

Contrasting sleeves were apparent on DVN's runway again, more subtle with tonal colour blocking this time round, rather than the domineering leather contrasting of AW10, double breasted was a big shape for the sartorial elements: suits came in unexpected colours and were broken into seperates by the stylist: showing the versatility of a suit - if you are but willing - to allow the individual garments to break free from the suit bag.

Overall, the collection was exuberantly fresh, decidedly wearable, understatedly chic and utterly on trend for SS11, my love affair with DVN menswear shall continue, intact, until next Summer at the very least.

Prada Spring/Summer 2011

With bold colours and clean lines, Miuccia Prada’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection is, as she describes in her own words; “Simplicity Regained”.

With block silhouettes featuring simply-cut pullover V-neck shirts in Cotton worn over ample Bermuda style shorts; the looks are reminiscent to almost that of hospital garb. Meanwhile tailored jackets,  worn over skinny trousers and striped boat-neck knits teamed with trousers of a considerably looser fit, also add to the collection.

Double denim appears to be a key fixture for S/S 2011, while blue is unquestionably the colour of choice for Prada this season:

www.prada.com

Brioni Man SS11

The colours of a David Hockney painting are the vivid inspiration behind this vivacious SS 11 collection from Brioni.

Relaxed suiting in supple silks and cottons, accentuate the male form emanating elegance which is enhanced through the sophisticated palette of blues, lavender, striking red and sedate vegetable tones.

The basis of this collection is a masterful example of formal wear with some sporadic sprinklings of informal wear in the physical form of outerwear and light knits - altogether some worthy contenders for the ideal summer ensembles.

Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2011

On Sunday, Sarah Burton unveiled her much anticipated first collection as creative director at Alexander McQueen. The collection, which paid homage to McQueen, reworked his signature style with a subtle nod towards his penchant for theatrical tones and bold splashes of colour.

Overall, the collection exuded a certain aristocratic feel with belted waists, high-collars and morning suits featuring throughout. With a modern edge to the stylistic spirit of Savile Row, the collection makes a number historical references from World War 1 Tommies to Upper-crust Eaton Schoolboys. "This is the England of Alexander McQueen, a place of eclectic historical and cultural references", the fashion house said in a press release.




Shunning the usual glitzy affair in favour of a more subdued showcase; the presentation was, without question, a subtle and elegant tribute to the late, great Alexander Mc Queen:

www.alexandermcqueen.com

John Varvatos Spring/Summer 2011

John Varvatos is a name synonymous with cutting-edge rockstar cool. Currently, the designer is celebrating his 10th anniversary in business and sixth season in Milan and in commemoration, he staged his S/S show in a Milanese Church where a black and white “Rocker” collage was wrapped around the runway, featuring such legendary icons as Iggy Pop and Lenny Kravitz to oversee proceedings.



Indeed, for his S/S collection, Varvatos stayed true to his roots and unleashed a collection worthy of a rockstar anthem. His repertoire of dandy-esque threads included skinny silhouettes, vintage tailoring and washed out leather and suede. Grey was a prominent colour of the collection but a subtle mixture of light blue, khaki and moss green also featured throughout.




Staples from the collection undoubtedly include the ever so alluring taupe biker jacket and of course no wardrobe would be without the signature John Varvatos scarf…

www.johnvarvatos.com

Versace Spring/Summer 2011

A definite trend for Spring/Summer 2011 is two-toned luxury judging from the collection unveiled by Versace at Milan this week.

While a fusion of black and red stormed down the catwalk, it was the bold kaleidoscopic prints in a monochromatic palette which ultimately stole the show.



The signature Versace suit also made an appearance, with a subtle hark back to 1980’s design as tailoring included reshaped silhouettes, fitted jackets, slim trousers and ever so slightly shortened sleeves. The result? A sleek collection which epitomizes the ultimate Versace Man: Strong, confident and ever so stylish.

www.versace.com

Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer 11

Burberry Prorsum is undoubtedly a firm favourite of Seventh Man and naturally we were rather excited to see what the label had in store for Spring/Summer 2011. On Saturday, Burberry Prorsum presented their new collection in Milan and once again this British institution has unquestionably delivered.


For Spring 2011, the label have carried on their slick military theme from the epic Autumn/ Winter 2010 collection, with bold khaki colourings and sharp, tailored designs. Amongst many signature pieces such as the classic trench; the collection also unveils rather more evolved designs such as this utterly stylish cotton jacket which is a fusion of military and biker influences.


Indeed, the new collection reveals a new darker approach from Burberry Prorsum, with a definite nod towards biker chic considering a series of leather pieces, many embellished with studs and spikes.


Ultimately, Burberry Prorsum has triumphed with a collection that is not only fresh and contemporary but stills respects the brand's timeless tradition.

Thirty pieces of outerwear and a selection of accessories are available for pre-order online, but you must be quick, as pre-ordering closes on Sunday the 27th of June.

If you'd like to place an order:

Click Here

Missoni Spring/ Summer 2011

Last Friday, Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week kicked off proceedings with a chic showcase courtesy of home-grown, luxury Italian label, Missoni:


The Spring/Summer 2011 collection unveiled revealed the signature Missoni print utilized in bold, layered looks, that were complimented by features of a rather "preppy" disposition such as these two-toned boat shoes:


With a variety of mismatched sweaters and button-ups paired with trousers and shorts in neutral shades; the slouchy silhouettes of these looks give the collection an overall fun yet decidedly relaxed feel.



www.missoni.com