Diesel Black Gold A/W'11 - "The Heroes of our Past"

Fresh from their unique presentation in Milan,Diesel's Sophia Kokosalaki and her team introduce their Autumn/Winter 2011-12 collection as a gift to those who understand that style has nothing to do with conformity.

The latest offering from the lovechild of couturier Kokosalaki and the denim empire is a collection infused with subtle references from 18th and 19th century that inspired well-crafted tailored yet timeworn pieces.Watching the full show on the runway,for a minute it felt like time stood still.The heritage effect of the purposely created dishevelled feel of the clothes blended perfectly with the synoptic idea of the whole collection that was a synergy of past and present.

The juxtaposition of elements from the past & present was illustrated in such a beautiful,nostalgic yet masculine way that the Diesel Black Gold man could be anyone from a warrior to a poet.Oversized military double breasted coats were softened with shearling, delicate fabrics toughened with leather and of course the necessary dose of neat denim to give the Diesel Black Gold show a contemporary feel that only Diesel can.



The Diesel Black Gold was a breath of fresh air mixed with a scent of vintage that wasn't overbearing or extreme.Even though the colour palette was muted with greys, black and khakis, Kokosalaki used her couture edge and manipulated details in design, proportions and colour with such a way that the clothes were re-modeled to look au courant and haute street modern.

Fellow Greek Sophia Kokosalaki is definitely the new queen of haute denim!

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

New York Fashion Week A/W 2011 "Grey's Anatomy"

Loden Dager A/W'11

If one word could sum-up Menswear at New York Fashion week would be GREY!One after the other, the models paraded down the catwalk wearing grey pieces from head to toe.Whether it was ash, cloud, ice,gray or grey, even darkgray or charcoal,the bottom line was that everything were GREY!

Calvin Klein A/W'11

Eventually what was so peculiar with this picture was the fact that if you had most (and I do say 'most' as there was a ray of sunshine in the bunch) designers show on the same day, under the same roof, you wouldn't be able to differentiate between brands, designers or aesthetic.Show after show it felt like designers collaborated to give us a bigger ,extended version of what they have shown previously but on the same day!

Libertine A/W'11

Robert Geller A/W'11

Tim Hamilton A/W'11

The centric inspiration of New York fashion week did carry on the same sartorial feeling of Paris and Milan fashion week but in a more youthfull ,wearable and street challenging way.Suitting was there but sartorial suitting offering was quite limited;whereas the more adolescent,even inane approach to suits flourished under the watchful supervision of designers in the likes of Calvin Klein, Tim Hamilton, Loden Dager and Libertine.

Calvin Klein A/W'11

Richard Chai A/W'11

Being severely influenced by street fashion or even better the streets, designers used exxageration through proportions to emphasize the toughness in their designs.Calvin Klein's 90's inspired puffa jumpers and Richard Chai's bulked-up and figure sculpting approach showed the real side of New York,the more masculine, hard and even dangerous one.

More on New York Fashion week to follow!

See more images from the shows after the jump!

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

Raf Simons x Fred Perry S/S'11

It's somewhat hard to find collaborations within the fashion industry that can stand the test of time.Not only because of the shift in demand but also due to artistic differences.Designers are a very tricky bunch,they tend to explore,move on, forget and resurrect all at the same time which makes it even harder for a company that just wants to sell stuff!

That is not the case though with Fred Perry and Raf Simons. Already in their 7th collaboration, the designer goes back to basics for Spring/Summer 2011, re-working classic Fred Perry pieces boosting them up with the necessary hint of minimalistic Belgium essence.

Eager to add more of a couture feel to the Fred Perry designs, Simons is re-vamping the statement pieces by replacing the buttons with shiny metal zips and re-structures proportions with cleaner and sharper lines granting the collaboration a more youthful silhouette.

Featuring 38 pieces including classic tees, zip-through sweaters,skinny trousers and shorts exclusively manhandled by Simons, the S/S'11 Fred Perry x Raf Simons collaboration is launched on-line at www.fredperry.com and in Laurel stores today 17th of February.

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

"SNAPPED" All Walks Beyond the Catwalk

                        All Walks Co Founders - L-R  Caryn Franklin, Erin O'Connor and Debra Bourne

On the eve of probably the most identity centric event ever to take place in London,London Fashion Week,7thMan Magazine was invited on 11th of February to the opening of the Late Shift of  "All walks Beyond the Catwalk".More than 4,000 people travelled from all over Britain to join All Walks Beyond the Catwalk's celebrate a message of inclusivity and individuality at National Portrait Gallery.

All Walks Beyond the Catwalk gave us a peak at "SNAPPED",a photographic speciment lensed by the one and only fashion photography maestro Rankin, to promote individuality through a series that embodies the All Walks aesthetics:"All Shapes,Ages and Skin Tones!".

Led by fashion insiders and co-founders of All Walks Beyond the Catwalk - Erin O'Connor,Debra Bourne and Caryn Franklin, all engaged in a debate with other industry professionals and bloggers around the issue of contemporary portraiture in fashion photography and how fashion is becoming the lens through which we view our identity, recognising the power of the fashion industry and the messages that it conveys to both women and men.

The 9 portraits shot by Rankin feature S/S'11 pieces from designers Vivienne Westwood, Betty Jackson, Matthew Williamson, Antonio Berardi, Alice by Temperley, Hussein Chalayan, Osman Yousefzada and Stella McCartney.

In All Walks spirit - All were welcome!

See more pictures after the jump!

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

Diesel x Adidas Originals heading for the top

7thMan Magazine was delighted to be one of the first magazines to preview the new sneaker collection of Adidas Originals and Diesel a few weeks ago, a street infused collaboration that was long overdue.

But we weren't the only ones who noticed the design quality & passion that both labels put in those shoes.The amazing sneakers have not even hit stores yet and it looks like they've been attracting a massive star following.

Celebrities in the likes of actor Luke Evans and 'Misfits' star Nathan Stewart Jarret as well as singer & producer Labyrinth have all been spotted sporting the amazing trainers.

The collection goes on sale on the 17th of February in all Diesel stores and Diesel.com but you have to be fast,only 10 thousand pairs are available!

Can you smell success? 'Cause we certainly can!

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

Converse x Comme Des Garcons PLAY: Jack Purcell shoe

Yesterday, Converse Inc. announced its next collaboration with Comme Des Garçons  PLAY, this time giving their own spin on the Jack Purcell shoe.

Building on the notable success of the Spring 2010 collaboration between Converse and Comme des Garçons  PLAY, the two brands have reunited for Spring 2011.

The Jack Purcell shoe is the perfect fit for Comme des Garcons PLAY, the more casual, streetwear-influenced line from the pioneering, avant-garde Japanese label,as the shoe's history is as unconventional as CDG.Born as a badminton shoe ,the Jack Purcell was later adopted by style icons who didn't play by the rules.

The four new styles are engraved with ,the ever so famous, PLAY’s signature heart-with-eyes logo and are available in black and natural canvas colour.

Retailing at £110, the Jack Purcell shoe will be available from March 2011 at Dover Street Market,London.

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

Cold Heart Collective

I would like to introduce you to THE COOLEST brand we have stumbled across in 2011. Our Junior Fashion Editor Hannah showed us her little brothers hardcore band Fallacies endorsement brand Cold Heart Collective. Ultimate cool staple t-shirts and totes for next to nothing!

Go and clean out their online store http://www.cold666.bigcartel.com/

Gil Scott-Heron x Jamie Xx-emplar new collaboration

If you know music then you'll know Gil Scott-Heron.The American hip-hop neo-soul legend has left his mark on the industry influencing the sound of many generations being sampled in songs from Dr.Dre, Mos Def, Q-Tip and more recently Kanye West but trust us, he is way better!

21^st February sees, Gil Scott-Heron  collaborating with one of the Uk's most celebrated producers Jamie xx  for the release of their ‘We’re New Here’ album. The Mercury prize winner that recently gave proper beat to Adele's "Rolling in the Deep", revamps thirteen tracks from the acclaimed 2010 "I'm New Here" album of Gil Scott Heron. 

To celebrate the forthcoming release, you get the chance to hear the whole album a full 10 days before it actually hits our wavelengths.‘We’re New Here’ album transmitters located around are turned on and ready to start sharing the new brand spankin remixes of what is been tipped to be "probably the best album of this decade".

Fans can tune in and hear the album in its entirety by heading to one of the locations and logging on to www.werenewhere.com/radio using a smart phone (iPhone / Android / touch screen Blackberry). The album will be broadcast 24 hours a day but can only be heard at the exact transmitter locations.

‘We’re New Here’ is available to pre-order now on various formats including a Vinyl Box Set which will feature the album on pink heavyweight vinyl, an instrumental version of the album on green heavyweight vinyl, CDs of both the album and instrumental album and 2 limited edition photographic prints.

For a map of all the worldwide transmitters – which include such locations as record shops, venues, clubs, rehearsal rooms, museums and art galleries – just click here  

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

Is Jaeger the most hard-working British brand in the industry?

It seems that Jaeger is hitting all the right notes this coming Spring/Summer'11 season!

On top of unveiling their new suit silhouette and having already announed their plans to enter the Russian Market, the heritage brand has sealed the deal through a strategic partnership with JamilCo,one of Russia's leading luxury brand distributors.

Belinda Earl Jaeger's Group Chief Executive confirmed the news saying that they are delighted to be expanding into the Russian market with Jaeger London, along with Jaeger Black and Boutique by Jaeger collections. "The Russian market is dynamic and vibrant, and we look forward to attracting new customers to Jaeger."

In addition Jaeger is going all out and presenting the new trend-led series of outerwear and jackets that any fashion conscious individual can identify with!From the British made Jaeger by Jaeger trench to the navy three-quarter length technical jacket and the reversible Jaeger by Jaeger bomber jacket, the English brand looks set to finish off another year as one of the most successful heritage brands around.

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

7thMan must-have : REN skincare products for men

In the words of Marc Jacobs "PROTECT YOUR LARGEST ORGAN"!With the cold weather setting in we thought it was about time you introduce to your daily regime skincare products that would give you the necessary boost to feel fresh as a daisy and not take anything away from your masculinity.

Multi-Tasking After Shave Balm, 50ml | £20.00

You always want to eat quality food with no preservatives,go to the gym, lead a healthy life and even listen to good ol'real music.Would't you want the same for your skin?REN is the skincare the way it should be and the way that we like it.

REN products were devised with a new approach towards skincare. Blending well effectiveness, pleasure and aesthetics, REN founders Robert Calcraft and Antony Buck created hi- tech, effective and formulated skincare products with cutting edge bio actives that are a pleasure to use but at the same time are free from all the skin-unfriendly chemicals routinely used in the skincare industry.

Seaweed and Sage Body Wash, 200ml | £14.00

Offering a wide range of body care and skincare including day creams, moisturisers, shaving creams and balms, the brand is available at Space NK, Harvey Nichol's, Libertys and many more(not to mention in the bathrooms of countless celebrities).

So maybe next time you try reaching out for your girlfriend's day cream or your wife's moisturiser, we think it could be about time you get your own stuff.No need to hide anymore!!

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

Röyksopp & BUG event at London's BFI

"Alcoholic" by Lluis Miras

This coming Friday, London is bursting with super events that you guys can go to!

11th February sees Röyksopp teaming up with Adam Buxton (Adam & Joe) for an extra special BUG event at London's British Film Institute.

The BFI will be showing a big-screen retrospective of the band's output in moving image (including standout works such as their exquisite videos of 'Remind Me', 'Eple' and 'Happy Up Here'.).Both Svein and Torbjorn will be joining Adam on stage to talk through the band's legendary visual output.

The "Alcoholic"video by Luis Miras from Argentina was the winner of the Röyksopp  Senior video competition hosted by Genero.tv .Chosen in association with Wall of Sound and PIAS, the video captures brilliantly the Royksopp aesthetic and sense of the bizarre within the mundane.

If you can't make the Röyksopp and BUG event  you can catch the duo at Benugo Bar where they will be DJ-ing for one night only!

To have a look at all the videos that won you can click here!

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

Centre Commercial by VEJA

What are you doing to protect the environment?Do you still go out and buy the same old high-street products that are mass-produced and harm the world we live in, in all kind of aspects - including visually?

VEJA the French footwear and accessories brand has been built on 3 purposes,using ecological input, fairtrade cotton and latex and most importantly respecting the worker's dignity.On top of that every season they manage to lash out stylish and wearable collections that are on-trend and never dissappoint!

They are not just producing ecological products for the sake of it,VEJA founders tend to initiate projects to raise awareness for what they believe in.For their latest project CentreCommercial, they combined fashion with social commitment and artistic projects with environmental concerns, establishing a space infused by all these varied influences.

CentreCommercial offers a selection of second-hand bicycles,vintage furniture, art-works but also pieces from several established fashion labels from Great Britain, France and Denmark including VEJA, Gloverall, Knowledge Cotton Apparel and St.James for both men and women.

What is so fantastic is that VEJA managed to interpret their own ideas through all the products that are sourced for this project.The clothes & accessories combine local know-how and ecological materials,the furniture are from actual antique dealers and the bicycles are collected and restored by the social association Ateliers Sans Frontières (ASF).

"Centre Commercial wants to slow down the rhyme of our fast-paced society. Reminiscent in the ways of our grand parents, we favour know-how and continuity. Rather than offering mere products, we try to curate genuine projects."

Sebastien Kopp & Ghislain Morillion

Founders of Veja

Make sure you check it out if you are in Paris!Maybe next VEJA should do something similar in the UK!

Centre Commercial is located on 2 rue de Marseille ,75010, Paris, France!

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

TOPMAN DJ sets for Men's Lab @ Harrods

Topman can advertently claim the No.1 spot for menswear on the high-street but now the cult-status fashion infused brand is going up-market.

For the launch of Topman  inclusion in the recently opened Harrods trend-led offering space Men’s Lab, the party loving brand is throwing a showdown for all of us every Friday and Saturday for the rest of February.Topman hand picked some of the hottest and most influential DJ’s and bands around to play some of their favourite records in the new destination Menswear area.

And noone could've done it better!

With a selection of right on the money DJ's,club promoters and even label owners on the decks, the line-up includes Echo Lake,Kool Kids Klub, Teeth,Something in Construction and Fiction.Get ready to shop and bop with Topman DJ's spinning some brand spanking beats that West London "daaahlings" have never heard before!

If you haven’t paid a visit to the Men’s Lab area yet and shopped some of Topman’s latest ranges and collections including Topman Design, Topman LTD, AAA and some very exclusives pieces to Harrods there is surely no better time to do so than whilst listening to some of London’s hottest properties soundtracking your shopping for you.

Kicking things off this Friday 11th of February is electro DJ and producer ‘Magnets’ who’s about to release his highly anticipated first EP on the ever progressive ‘Kill ‘Em All’ label.

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

 

Soulland "Civilized" by Ironflag

Soulland Autumn/Winter 2011, Civilized from Soulland on Vimeo.

Following our recent Copenhagen Fashion Week expose we fell head over heels with Danish brand Soulland due to its simplistic yet intricate approach to menswear tailoring and aesthetic.

The team behind Soulland have released a short film by Ironflag featuring pieces from the A/W'11 collection entitled "Civilized".

The film premiered alongside their Paris Fashion Week conceptual presentation and translates the emotion and feel of the collection through a series of purposely manipulated video shots.

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

What went down at Copenhagen Fashion Week this weekend!

Soulland A/W '11

The Copenhagen Fashion Week is always one to spot new talents, emerging new trends and brands that we would like to see being featured in many editorials and stocked in London boutiques.

For Autumn/Winter 2011-12, the designers at Copenhagen fashion week moved away from the norm and broke free from the sartorial tailoring of both Milan and Paris fashion weeks, showing an array of luxury loungewear outfits,easy to wear pieces and most of all inspired a youthful attitude towards menswear.

Henrik Vibskov A/W'11

Henrik Vibskov is propably one of the most detail infused enthusiasts of this past decade.His shows are always a fantastic alternative to the usual boring walking down the runway shows and the A/W'11 presentation didn't dissappoint.Starting off the models were presented sitting round an immense table and one by one were doing the rounds presenting his hobo-esque sci-fi meets heritage collection.Featuring several navajo and fairisle printed sweatpants,pegged in at the leg or shorts worn over tights, the designer volumised the outfit with oversized deconstructed wool coats and vibrant nylon parkas.

Danish brand Wood Wood definitely needs to make a move into the UK market.The A/W'11 offering was full of chunky cable-knit knitwear, printed head &neck knit shawls and tight long-johns.Buffalo plaid shirts, military influenced jackets,capes and even bomber leather jackets infected the catwalk with the necessary pinch of cool.We might've just found our new favourite brand!

Soulland A/W'11

For a brand that started out in 2002 producing printed t-shirts they have done pretty good for themselves as the brand is now stocked in several boutiques in Europe & the USA but it has also evolved into a full-blown design brand to watch.After a small presentation at Paris Fashion Week, the Danish brand returned home for an excellent presentation at Copenhagen fashion week.

This is what designer Silas had to say about the brand's revolutionary new collection "For the autumn/winter 2011 collection we studied the uniforms of the soldiers who fought the civil war and the flags they served under. We were particularly inspired by the portraits of the time and the sense of honor in the soldiers that comes across in the portraits.We especially looked at the hobo soldiers, their layering has served as a great inspiration throughout the development of the collection.”

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

Photography Copenhagen Fashion Week®

Have a look after the jump to see more pictures from Copenhagen Fashion Week!