Steven Klein shot the 42-page editorial for the special edition of Arena Homme + Spring & Summer 2011 issue. This photo shoot explores the beauty of violence, S&M and homosexuality. Mostly in black & white, the shoot is shockingly beautiful with the mood of Robert Mapplethorpe's classic masculine portraits. Rico a.k.a. Zombie Boy, the skeleton-tattooed face of Mugler modeled for this shoot wearing pearl necklace, chain and bullets. Do you know that Rico is tattooed everywhere in his body except his most private part? Not sure if he will have it tattooed soon, he plans to have pierces on it though.
The Charming Men meets Rico in Aug 2011! View his off-duty style here
What makes a perfect tote? The look: simple and clean, yet elegant to carry for all occasions; The size: generous enough for books, camera and other gadgets without looking bulky. It is such an endless search when it comes to finding the right daily tote bag, the one that goes along with denim and everyday wardrobe. Here we have picked 2 recent favourites: Black coated canvas and leather tote by Yves Saint Laurent (size: 15" x 23", handle length 7"); Devon leather tote (also in Black) by Acne (14" x 16.5", handle length 12.5").
We love the clean and neat look of wearing a shirt whether it's for daily uniform or special occasions. Does this idea contradict with rock & roll when the boys dressed in shirt and tie performing on stage? The answer is definitely NO. In fact, the boys look even wilder when they're dressed up. Designer Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy thinks a modern gentlemen can be double-sided; Or maybe it's the contradiction between how a man looks and behaves makes him even more attractive.
"He can appear mannered and groomed, but the other side of him can be rock and roll - much more sexual and open…But, no matter what he is doing or where he is, the modern gentleman is always elegant." - Riccardo Tisci
Somehow, it reminds me of Joy Division or Interpol, both the best dressed bands in tie and shirt. In fact, this black coordination is the daily uniform of Robert Mousakis, a hair stylist from Chicago. Robert gives the best answer of why most hairdressers in the world either wear black or white. It's because different colours of hair would stick in their clothes while they work. I guess it solves the mystery.
Q: Who do you think is inspiring?
Robert: Anyone who does architecture; Toni & Guy.
Robert wears H&M shirt & Cheap Monday pants. Shoes are from Chicago.
I wonder how many of you are also a cancer because our astrology fashion forecast this year basically tells us to dress like Iggy Pop on The Idiot album cover.
Some time ago, I read a horoscope column on "style & trend forecast 2011". Pretty amazing, huh? The solar system / your fate being your personal stylist! I mean, hey, "Don't worry, you will look fabulous this year, all you need is to put on some _____ & you definitely need to get _____, it brings luck. " As simple as that!
I am a cancer, and my forecast reads… -You will need some amazing tailored blazers / jackets. (I know, not at Zara at least.) -You will be majorly wearing simple tops / tees all year around. (Yes it is! How do you know?) -You will stick to 2 pairs of jeans with different cuttings. (I have only 2 pairs in fact!)
The first image popped up in my mind was The Idiot cover. It's almost scientific that I can't explain why. Okay, today we're going to have a style lesson from the punk rock icon.
On stage, Iggy Pop mostly goes shirtless, but never without a nice pair of jeans. Iggy Pop told The New Yorker Magazine about what he were wearing now and then.
On his personal favorites: “In the sixties, I used to wear really cheap ones called Male, they were so cool. They had the Continental pocket—never diagonal, literally just a slit. And I didn’t realize it at the time, but they were cut tight in the crotch. Now I’ll wear a pair of whatever anyone gives me. I have Versace, Chrome Hearts, Varvatos, Vans. My wife bought two pairs of LVs four or five years ago, and they still stand up.”
On the trend of wearing low on the hip: “If somebody has a nice ass crack, then I am always interested to have a look at it…but what looks funny to me is when they do it with the underwear showing. I get the idea—they are trying to show they are ready to breed, that they are alive in that sector, and they are trying to show a disrespect of a certain vague sort. It’s kind of interesting, kind of dumb.”
And a little footnote to Iggy's jeans style: He doesn't wear underwear.
I'm currently only wearing Acne and I don't think I would wear any other brands of jeans until the day I die, seriously. I love so much of the stretchy skinny jeans. It fits perfectly, comfy without feeling any tight. What about the pair of jeans you're wearing? Can you share with us here?
Snart Sandeman, Edinburgh Hat: From a market in Bali T-shirt: From a market in London Trousers: Topman
Snart has a perfect smile. You would like him because he's constantly smiling, if not, giggling. I met him and Sury in a sunny afternoon. Sury asked me if I did portraits randomly, and I replied "Only stylish people", then we three broke into laughters. Snart didn't mind revealing that his gold Rolex was a fake one (laughed again) and he tried very hard to recall where he got the clothes from. After the shoot, the boys were on their way to get some ice-cream.
Here's good news: Alexander Wang will launch his first men's collection in fall 2011! His more casual line T by Alexander Wang has already earned him GQ's Best New Menswear Designer Award and CFDA Swarovski Award For Menswear this year. While Mr. Wang is doing so well on his women's collection, these awards reflect how bad the guys want to put on Wang's designs as well. Wang earlier told that his men's wear won't simply be a translation of the androgynous women's collection. The designs will be dedicated to the type of guys the Wang girls would love. He always knows what the girls want, doesn't he? And for the guys, black sweaters, jersey tuxedo, leather shorts and sweat-pants as suit-pants will be the new wardrobe staples for sure. Read more on Style.com
