7th Man :7th Loves - Look at these as an investment!

Citizens of Humanity "Round Up" Twill trousers

Finding denim jeans and trousers that really look good & fit well can be such a nightmare. Citizens of Humanity, a brand established in 2003, creates perfect style essentials with a back-to-basics approach.Everything is unique and hand-crafted to perfection.No wonder is now part of our daily wardrobe.

Shop now on-ine at Citizens of Humanity

*DIED* Jewelry

This Netherland duo's jewelry line is elegant with a sharp edge,definitely what a man needs to add that final touch on his already great outfit.Creating truly unique pieces,each piece is hand-crafted, even hand-numbered,showing how much they believe in making exceptional and personal pieces,which represents themselves as much as their customer.

See more on DiedWorld

Undercover x John Chapman bags

This is definitely hot property!Tired of high-street/designer cheap collaborations?Well this exciting new collaboration between London Undercover and designer John Chapham, one of Britain's most renowned bag makers, grants quality, heritage and vintage lovers a new "toy" to play with.The collection consists of two designs of bag one flight holdall and the City Rambler which is in satchel style.Guess which we are carrying with us on our way to Paris Fashion Week tomorrow?Jealous much?

Available at London Undercover

Persol "Steve McQueen" Sunglasses

If you have seen the Thomas Crown Affair then you probably fell in love with this particular pair of sunglasses Steve McQueen was sporting in the film.Now Persol have decided to re-vamp the shades for a special edition and give them a new lease of life but only 10 thousand very lucky men or women will get their hands on these,as the sunglasses are limited!

Timberland Wharf Coat

Raincoats are bang on trend this season but if you've seen the A/W'11-12 shows it looks like the trend will see its way into 2012 as well.The re-launch of the timeless Wharf coat from Timberland is not only stylish & fantastic in colour is also earth-friendly as the new wharf coat is made from organic cotton and recycled nylon.Green is definitely the way forward! 

Scott-Nichol Fair Isle Socks

You can never go wrong with Scott-Nichol socks.Perfect for the cold weather and they carry the heritage/vintage vibe so well while still maintaining contemporary influences that can blend immaculately with any outfit!

FRACAP Scarponcini Boot

Just the fact that these boots are all handmade in Italy gives you a sense of what the quality must be like,unsurpassed!Now available in the UK as well,after being manhandled solely in the Japanese market,Fracap hiking boots are on the money.

Via theEnd

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

Lotus - "Not just another car manufacturer after all"

7thMan has been extremely busy this week but this particular offer was too hot to turn it down, especially since it involved a road trip!

Lotus,the British manufacturer of luxury sports and racing cars was kind enough to invite only a special few,including yours truly, to witness first-hand their new endeavour into the world of fashion, Lotus Originals.

We know what you're thinking "Oh God!Not another car manufacturer launching a menswear line.Don't we have enough guys parading down the street in their branded mega logo t-shirts and ridiculous hats?"Well that's where you are so wrong about Lotus.They are actually so addicted to refinement and detail that what they came up with even impressed us and we are not easily impressed.

The brand managed to convey into their menswear proposals the same feeling of exclusivity & streamlined powerful luxury that they adhere to their cars for more than 60 years.The collection was designed and produced in Italy but had as a point of reference their own British Heritage and the cosmopolitan aspect of the Lotus customer.

Lotus Originals, reflects the new direction of the brand, a more grown up, sophisticated and refined route that is able to complement and accomodate every aspect of a modern man's life. From polo t-shirts, tailored shirts,cashmere cardigans and jumpers to quilted jackets,blazers,even belts in masculine and rich colour tones including navy,black,light grey,tan and the ever recognisable Lotus green.

The brand & design team deposited excessive thought and creativity into their latest project as their sole initiative was to create a line that would appeal to their own customer but also be dignified enough to carry on the legacy of the brand into a whole new territory,like us!

The future collection is not heritage just for the sake of it.Details rose from what racecar drivers had to conform to including well crafted leather jackets with corduroy shoulder yokes and excellent quality leather gloves with maximum reliability.The leather and canvas bags,produced by the same leather manipulators as Salvatore Ferragamo accessories,are top in quality and so effectively classic that we are sure will be passed on from this generation to the next and still remain in admirable condition.

Lotus managed to create accessible eternal pieces that can transcend through every season but also any age and style.There is definitely something for everybody,a piece you can hold on to forever, a product that can stay dear to your heart,an addition to your wardrobe that signifies who you really are.A man who loves timeless style,a man that appreciates luxury,a Lotus Man!

And for your information,yes we did drive around (very fast) in a Lotus Elise and it feels & smells even better than...well you get the picture!

The menswear line will be sold exclusively on Lotusoriginals.com from February next month.

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

See more exclusive pictures from Lotus Originals after the jump!

7th Man presents Catwalk : Gucci menswear A/W 2011-12

Vivienne Westwood "MAN" A/W 2011-12

Intentionally or not, the boys at Vivienne Westwood MAN collection seem to be taking the role of British students on their way to becoming men both intellectually and heartedly, all ready for love,life and responsibility.

But any Westwood fan knows that the woman who inspired the punk-era wouldn't roll out a collection that is sturdy, firm,soulless and uptight so she decided to give the boys a make-over and splashed blood-red lipstick all over their lips.

With a royal marriage in the air, the real question the designer wanted to ask was "Who would you choose to be your bridegroom?Our catwalk is your chance to dream!"

Maybe the class entertainer wearing Charlie Chaplin inspired pants with suspenders?or the very clever one with tight grey plaid trousers and wool turtleneck, the leather rocker or the advertently sleek yet rugged suit rebel?

With an array of wonderfully westwood styled men to choose from, the unconventional craftmanship of Dame Vivienne shone through once again with so many pieces to choose from.

Baggy suits and preppy quilted jackets, bright wool turtlenecks,long overcoats and denim jeans made up a collection where everything looked cohesive whilst maintaining individual character and the westwood identity.

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

Versace A/W 2011-12

This season’s Versace collection for men presents an optical game of shapes, proportions, colors and graphics, conducted with a knowing and contemporary nod.

This is not, however, a look that sparkles and shines. Instead the luxurious aspect of the collection – such a hallmark of the Versace brand – comes from the fine fabrics used and the expert tailoring employed.

The foundation of the collection comprises highly sartorial elements, with garments that have a new volume and are less rigid and softer than previously. Notably, the shoulder line of jackets and coats is markedly relaxed, and detailing has been simplified without betraying the Maison’s DNA.

Proportions are playfully reworked with sophistication and wit – short and long combine. Lengths of jackets are extended and waistlines are dropped. The result is a cool, contemporary take on Versace codes. 

The knitwear is essential to the spirit of the collection, and the combination of textures and colours in the knits creates a modern 3D effect. This is also the result of the special processes applied to the threads.

Embroidered leather coats and astrakhan necks of the coats also posses a three-dimensional aspect.

Accessories complete the look with  shoes that have a modern and pointed shape, with contemporary details,  such as rubber soles, that emphasize their lines.

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

"Tachiagari" at Dover Street Market for S/S'11

Paco Rabanne window of  iconic "le 69" bag re-launch

7thMan Magazine was invited yesterday to Rei Kawakubo's Dover street market,  for their annual "Tachiagari". There is always a calm and peaceful aura in Dover street Market, a respectful silence almost ,  that pays respect to all the exceptional designers that are featured in-house including Givenchy, Lanvin, Celine, Comme des Garcons, Maison Martin Margiela and many more.

Tachiagari means beginning in Japanese and Comme des Garcons creative director Kawakubo, strongly supports the idea of new beginnings almost every season. The store's visual representation and space conceptual realisations has been pivotal for Dover street market's success and inadvertently the  magical alterations is what keeps the unique fashion destination different and exciting.

The bi-annual Tachiagari allows for redeveloped installations,fresh structures and furnishings to be installed, rejuvenates the store with innovative projects, new collections and curated spaces designed personally by the maestros of fashion themselves including Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, Phoebe Philo and Hussein Chalayan.

For Spring/Summer 2011, the makeover includes the re-launch of the iconic "le69" aluminium bag of extraordinary designer Paco Rabanne brought to life in 3 editions by none other than Rei Kawakubo, an exhibition space dedicated to the artwork of the late Tokyo based British fashion designer Christopher Nemeth & Hussein Chalayan Chinese puppetrie installation.

After the jump we take a closer look at most of the amazing installations, products and clothes that are on offer for this seaon at Dover Street Market!

Have a look!

Marni is hitting all the right notes with their A/W '11-12 collection

The Marni Man collection for Fall/Winter 11/12 puts work elements out of context creating a new balance. As ever, the tone is graphic, dry as opposed to romantic: contrasting fabrics and a boldly subtle use of prints define a precise study in function and proportion. The idiosyncratic contraposition of forms, lengths and materials is quintessentially Marni.

A sense of ease and exactitude runs through the collection, from the sport pieces to the more formal items. Trousers are slouchy at the waist and slim down at the ankle whereas suits draw the same silhouette with soft jackets. Boxy sweaters with contrasting details and lightweight crewnecks with monochromatic stripes are graphic in tone and precise in execution.

De-contextualization is the sartorial keyword for  this season with key pieces being broken down and put back together again.Compact ¾ length wool coats with leather sleeves,zip-up cotton shirt-jackets with wool sleeves whereas woolen work jackets sport a nylon duvet front. Shirts, either buttoned or zipped-up, are meant to be worn as a base layer or as outerwear. Moreover jumpsuits look like blouson ‘n trousers combos, but only in the front and bold intarsia creates a two tone contrast on corduroy trousers worn with matching jackets.  

Not anymore confined to shirts or internal garments, prints get to the front, adding another layer of movement and dots,flowers and hearts predominantly take over on shirts and shirt-jackets.

It wouldn't be true Marni if the palette was not rich and muted yet surprising us with sudden pop of colour .Camel, beige, inky blue, military green, rust, black are united with shots of flame red and screaming orange to add the Marni touch. Fabrics have a dry, sturdy hand: wool cotton gabardine; cotton corduroy; denim; heavy cotton jersey; crispy wool; crisp technical nylon.

 Accessories include brushed leather work shoes secured with spat-like straps, round-toe lace-up derbies, felt and leather super-flat totes and cotton canvas bags. Luxury hat maker Borsalino collaborated with the Italian brand to create trilbies and bowlers with contrasting brims and a ribbed wool band in place of the trim to conclude the look that Marni wanted to achieve for the Marni Man this season.

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

 

More lookbook images after the jump

 

Emporio Armani A/W 2011-12

In the setting of a great metropolis, perfectly attuned to the open spaces of any big city, the Emporio Armani is a collection that brings freedom of movement and a contemporary edge to couture.

Never so fluid and lightweight as today, with not a trace of an imaginary life among trees and meadows, this season the Italian house is plunging into an intensely realistic urban townscape. There we find beautifully tailored yet wearable overcoats, sometimes combined with waistcoats, to provide protection and warmth, while projecting a completely new image of a modern man who understands style and can adjust his own personal taste to what is current.

This year shoulders are understated but lengths are still impressive, the cut is fitted and pared down, with special attention paid to the construction of the collar – asymmetric, double, stand-up with flap fastening against the cold – all contributing to a deconstructed silhouette.

Armani waves goodbye to nylon and quilting, as this is the year for wool in a range of treatments, nubuck style sheepskin and leather for a reassuring sense of solidity, maintained through a range of jackets in streaked wool with needle punch effects that seem scratched into the pile.

The collection was very cohesive as the same treatment also recurs throughout the accessories, shoulder bags, bags and shoes, which as ever reference and emphasise the key themes of the collection.

Among the most innovative designs of this season are trousers that unite the casual and sporty with the elegant aplomb of the tailored darts at the waist, absolutely typical of the Armani style.

Staying true to his own colour aesthetic,Emporio Armani's palette is precisely defined with hints of camel; grey marl in a range from medium to dark and a scent of black for long overcoats and formal wear.

 By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

More images after the jump

More exclusive images from Milan A/W '11-12 Fashion Week

Emporio Armani

Gianfranco Ferre  

John Varvatos

Ermenegildo Zegna

Costume National

Bottega Veneta

The Milan shows for Autumn/Winter 2011-12 are well on their way and anyone who religiously watches the shows can already spot the trends for next Fall and Winter.

From Emporio Armani's luxury sportswear grey offerings, John Varvatos leather-lead world rock traveller to Gianfranco Ferre's heritage well tailored silhouettes and Bottega Veneta's structured bold coloured playful suiting, the trends are starting to shine.

Double-breasted jackets/coats and vibrant knits in orange,green and mustard  seem to be making an appearance in everyone's shows from Costume National to Jil Sander and the Italians are really showing what they are made of, as tailoring silhouettes and suits have been spotted in every proportion, colour, shade, structure and even the fabrics are more luxurious than ever.

This is looking out to becoming one very lavish season!

See more looks from the shows after the jump!

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

Jil Sander A/W 2011-12

With the A/W 2011-12 collection, Raf Simons is revisiting the origin of Jil Sander menswear - a reduced language of shape and a comforting expression of tailoring.

The new collection is an interpretation of Jil Sander but with a modernistic approach that is rich in texture, bold in color and even more so ,simplified in form.Substantial surfaces define the outline of most of the garments and emphasize their robust yet minimalistic appearance.

Simons proposed, the way he only can, square cut-suits in vibrant monochromatic tones,chunky parkas, quilted pants and tops and double layered turtlenecks creatively adjusting volume,proportions,design and colour in such a magnificently subtle way bringing together his excellent craftmanship with the simplistic structural composition of what made Jil Sander the powerhouse it is today.

by Andreas Menelaou , Features Assistant

Dolce & Gabbana "Sartoria Eccentrica" A/W 2011-12

The good thing about Dolce&Gabbana; they never dissappoint!

If any designer knows how to celebrate and interpret glamour of the seventies into a sleek and contemporary show, that's  Stefano and Domenico.

The show was oozing polished testosterone with half naked models sashaying down the runway, Bryan Ferry playing in the background, plastered all over the classic "Icon"t-shirt and new proportions were introduced re-tailoring prototypical silhouettes.

Referencing Bryan Ferry's own unique London style, the boys were sporting shrunken coats and low-rise multi pocketed pants, suspenders and shiny chunky brushed shoes.The  colour palette of red,bordeaux, purple,grey and black was very cinematic dangerous,dark and mysterious and the luxurious fabrics velvet velour, faux fur and painted leather contributed considerably to the heavily rock influenced atmosphere of Sartoria Eccentrica.

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

Trussardi 1911 Fall 2011 at Pitti Uomo

Out with old and in with new,Trussardi celebrated being 100 years old and for their centenial presentation, creative director Milan Vukmirovic chose to showcase their Fall 2011 collection at Pitti Uomo.

Milan Men's Fashion Week might have started today but the first Fall collection to be shown was Trussardi 1911 this week at Pitti Uomo.Vukmirovic's Trussardi man is no longer the basic and classic suit centered one we used to know. The new Trussardi man understands craftmanship & luxury and is presented with a more modern approach to design.

The leather inspired collection pays tribute to the heritage's brand legacy of excellent leather dexterity and cosmopolitan luxury with contemporary pieces and wearable separates including  exceptionally thin leather t-shirts,sleeve-less belted jackets,parkas,combat boots and even a masculine skirt wore over pants.

Having used only leather, shearling and fur the collection resulted in a futuristic meets heritage meets minimalistic look that was approachable,luxe,masculine, original while staying true to the family owned fashion house's centenial vision.

See more looks from the show after the jump

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

Images and video courtesy of Trussardi

British Fashion Forward Winners Revealed

Peter Pilotto,Christopher De Vos(Peter Pilotto),Edward Meadham,Benjamin Kirchhoff(Meadham Kirchhoff) and Todd Lynn

 Brands Peter Pilotto,Meadham Kirchhoff and designer Todd Lynn were all awarded the very important Fashion Forward Award for 2011 by the British Fashion Council this week, a prize that usually only goes to one brand or designer.

"Forward" is one of many initiatives introduced by the British Fashion Council  in order to promote emerging design talent. The award provides the winner with a very much needed cash prize to showcase two collections for London Fashion Week's February and September line-up but also access to knowledge on how to develop their business.

Established 5 years ago,the Fashion Forward scheme  is sponsored by Coutts & Co and supported by the London Development Agency.The award has provided a great platform for former winners that includes designers Giles Deacon,Christopher Kane,Jonathan Saunders and Marios Schwab.

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

7thMan Designer to Watch : Forgotten Future

Sometimes you just want to look your best without having to try too hard, but not many designers or clothes for that matter can avow to achieve the effortlessly dashing look sans hardcore styling.

Forgotten Future was created in 2009, with the aim to attract the attention of today's fashion pioneers by designing clothing that transcends the mediocre, offering a directional view to contemporary menswear but the fairly nouveau brand managed to do more than that.

Attracting the attention of exclusive on-line destination Oki-Ni and creating buzz with its high degree of quality & workmanship,the premium London menswear label,fathered by Central St.Martins graduate Richard Dawson, managed to stand-out and differentiate itself from anything remotely similar in the market.

Offering investment clothes that can last a lifetime both in trend but also in essence, the designer reveled and upgraded the constructivist and patchwork techniques of his previous offerings into a detailed, post-war tailoring influenced collection for Spring/Summer 2011.

Softer hues of greys, shell pinks with neutrals offset with military khakis and shots of bright red are manipulated into vintage looking sportswear in asymetric formations to bring about a contemporary approach to the designer's historic artistry.

Forgotten Future's philosophy ,to create a wardrobe that surpasses trends with individuality and originality can also be a perfect fit for a modern man's wardrobe, eager to ease in confident,edgy and fashionable separates.

See more looks from Forgotten Future S/S'11 lookbook after the jump

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

Gianfranco Ferre absent from Milan's fashion week

Iconic fashion house Gianfranco Ferre, announced through a statement today, that they will not be hosting a menswear fashion show at this year's Milan Fashion Week that is set to begin this coming Friday 15th of January.

Although Gianfranco Ferre will not be part of the festivities surrounding Milan Fashion week,the Italian powerhouse will showcase their Autumn/Winter 2011/12 collection at a very private presentation that will take place at the Headquarters of the empire on Sunday the 23rd.

This comes after a lot of speculation and rumours,that the brand is looking for a new industrial partner since their partner Samsung has decided to pull out of a massive deal, this was reported on WWD.

Let's hope that the house founded by the "architect of fashion" will be back on the Milan schedule next season.

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

BURBERRY PRORSUM A/W 2011 Menswear from "Runway To Reality"

© Copyright Burberry/Testino

Burberry Prorsum, the Autumn / Winter 2011 menswear collection, will be available to purchase immediately following the show through "Runway to Reality" , a concept developed by the brand.

This will be the fifth time Burberry is offering its collection from the runway immediately after the show.Customers will be able to order outerwear and bags from the collection on burberry.com, through the brand's newly developed innovative 24 hour Click-to-Call or Click to Chat functionality offering the ultimate luxury, personalised Burberry customer experience.

For a massive Burberry fan like us, this cleverly created amazing platfor will allows everyone to place their order the minute the show comes to an end on Saturday 15 January.But don't worry, if by any chance you miss the show, the service will be available until Sunday 23 January 2011.

This will be a massive opportunity for every Burberry customer as the full Burberry Prorsum Autumn Winter 2011 menswear collection, will not be available in retail stores and online until July 2011.So you can rock your Burberry products exclusivily for 6 whole months!

Burberry will be streaming its Burberry Prorsum Autumn Winter 2011 menswear show live from Milan, on Saturday 15 January from 5PM (Milan time).Viewers all over world will be able to watch the show live at the Burberry.com, on iPads and iPhones and through global online news, blogs, technology and fashion websites marking the 6th season that Burberry livestreams its own show.

© Copyright Burberry

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

The Hottest Campaigns for Spring/Summer 2011

Prada S/S'11 by Willy Vanderperre

Dior Homme S/S'11 by Karl Lagerfeld

Most brands spend a fortune creating the most perfect campaign that would appeal to their audience and also attract new customers.So we thought it would be appropriate to show you the hottest campaigns for this coming season,Spring/Summer 2011 just a few days before the A/W 2011/12 shows take over everyone's radar.

Photographers Mert & Marcus and Willy Vanderperre take the lead this year having shot more than 3 major ad campaigns each including Givenchy,Loewe,Gucci,Lacoste,Dsquared and Jil Sander, Dior Homme film & Prada respectively.

Kris Van Assche, Dior Homme's creative director allowed Karl Lagerfeld to grant his photographic magic on the Dior campaign, Mario Testino enchanted Burberry and Michael Kors and Katie Grand of L.O.V.E magazine and Louis Vuitton collaborated with Dean and Dan aka Dsquared to create the sexiest and most provocative ad for this season.

Have a look at more amazing S/S'11 campaigns including Chanel,Lanvin and Calvin Klein just after the jump!

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

Queen awards accessories designer Beatrix Ong with MBE

Beatrix Ong, the global luxury accessories designer, has been bestowed the honour, Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) on Her Majesty The Queen's 2011 New Year's Honours List for services to the fashion industry.

Beatrix Ong, commented  “I feel delighted and humbled to be recognised for this honour. I love what I do, and this has come as such a lovely surprise and a wonderful start to the year!”

Beatrix Ong, now just 34 years old, launched her eponymous line in 2002 and was quickly credited as one of the Top 10 Leading Shoe Designers alongside Manolo Blahnik and Patrick Cox by The Independent. Ong has collaborated with Nike, customising the Nike iD Blazer Trainers, and Globe-Trotter, creating a luxury limited edition luggage range. In 2008, a stylish new menswear line, Ong London, was added to the portfolio.

2010 saw the opening of the new Beatrix Ong flagship boutique in Chelsea, the re-launch of Ong’s transactional website: www.beatrixong.com and an invitation to become an honorary liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers (one of the City of London’s most historic and long-established livery companies), denoting Ong's achievements in the craft of footwear.

Beatrix Ong's luxurious accessories have been endorsed by some of the world's most celebrated stars including: Sienna Miller, Thandie Newton and Quentin Tarantino.

Congratulations!

Prada opens its first store in Perth Australia

Prada is opening its first monobrand store in Perth, Australia on the city's sophisticated Hay street.

Designed by architect Roberto Baciocchi who has been actively designing for all the brands of the company including Miu Miu and Church's, the two-floor 250 square metres store, will definitely become one of the city's fashion hotspots as it houses the Prada collections of Ready-to-Wear,bags, accessories and footwear for both men and women.

The historic building that the store is situated in evokes a sense of nostalgia and harmoniously integrates with the environment inside of the shop that is aesthetically alluring yet rich and sophisticated. If you are a Prada fan (and who isn't) the store is exactly what you would expect from the Italian fashion powehouse,fabulous high-fashion meets elegant and glamorous.

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

The Sartorialist goes on film

Having documented street fashion for such a long time, the Sartorialist Scott Schumann now gets his own short documentary.

Intel have followed around the street-style photographer ,giving him a taste of his own medicine,to create a short film documenting the life of the man behind the camera and interrogated him about every aspect of his life.

Have a look at the very inspiring 7 minute video, of the photographer who managed to predict a riot and change the way the fashion world and everyone else for that matter, look at street fashion.

If you think that you are as good as Scott Schumann, then have a look at our facebook page for something that might be of interest to you!

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant