Modus Couture

Importance of the Men's Dress Shirt

2009-06-16T17:06:00.003-04:00

Ask a woman this simple question: what can enhance the look, personality and appearance of a man in a matter of moments? The answer is a quality men’s dress shirt.

A men’s dress shirt can help reorganize the way you look. A dress shirt is comfortable and can be cool, fashionable, elegant, stylish and it is the easiest way to express your personality and style. You can wear them anytime and for any purpose.

The shirt is the most noticeable of the dress items. It is often said that the dress shirt is the first alphabet of person's body language. You need to understand that the first impression may not always be the best impression if you pick the wrong shirt. Selecting a suitable and matching dress shirt is very important, and we recommend a woman’s advice. It is important to take into consideration the occasion, color, design, dimension, fabric and collar.

Dress for the Occasion: Each kind of occasion demands a particular set of color and design.
Know Your Dimensions: The most important aspect is not the sleeve length but the fit on the shoulders. If the fit at the shoulders is perfect and the sleeves are too short, please do not be alarmed. Simply fold back the sleeves. In such case, we recommend selecting a couture shirt with double side fabric.
Color: color is all around us and has more influence over our moods then you might think. When it comes to fashion, color is a powerful way to send non-verbal messages about your confidence and ability. A men’s dress shirt color implies the level of success, background, status, authority, personality and more. A man who wears a pink couture shirt actually creates an air of confidence because any man who dares to where it must be just that.
Design: There are endless impressive displays of men’s dress shirt styles and designs to choose from. You need to have a wide variety of designs and styles (different collar, stippled, solid colors, different collar designs, different button styles etc…)
Fabrics: Cotton is by far the most common fabric for dress shirts. All men’s cotton shirt are not created equal. Pay close attention to the fabric quality and please diversify. For instance, your closet must include a linen shirt.
Collar: the collar is the most important aspect of a men’s dress shirt. We discussed that point in a previous article.(LINK)

All men should adhere to this advice: Look Fabulous!

Men's luxury shirts

2009-05-26T13:15:00.001-04:00

Following is a sample of my favorite shirts from Bogosse. Please enjoy

Not safe for Work: ScarJo undresses for French Vogue

2009-04-28T13:00:00.002-04:00

For the first time in forever, Kanye West's blog has proved useful. He has posted exclusive pictures from Scarlett Johansson. We realize this is a menswear blog, but these pictures are really, really hot. You're welcome!

Spotted: Swamp boots

2009-04-27T14:13:00.002-04:00

In early March, when Milan Fashion Week ended, we told you to start buying fishing waders and swamp boots because the Prada show is one of the most accurate trend prognosticators out there. Well, the trend has already been spotted by The Sartorialist: The picture above was taken in Marais, Paris. The trench is perfection, the hair a risky choice, but the boots? The boots are forever.

Would you take fashion advice from this guy?

2009-04-20T14:39:00.003-04:00

Idiosyncratic fashion designer Rick Owens is featured in Details giving a top ten list of fashion advice. Before you consider any of it, keep in mind that Mr. Owens has worn this , this, and made this. He is also in the new Vice fashion issue, where, in response to the question, 'what's your fashion aesthetic?', he answers, "The low hum of a heavy industrial motor." Grim. In any case, his rules:

1. I'm not good at subtlety. If you're not going to be discreet and quiet, then just go all the way and have the balls to shave off your eyebrows, bleach your hair, and put on some big bracelets.

2. Working out is modern couture. No outfit is going to make you look or feel as good as having a fit body. Buy less clothing and go to the gym instead. [ed. we actually agree with this one]

7. Jean-Michel Frank, the thirties interior and furniture designer, supposedly had 40 identical double-breasted gray flannel suits. He knew himself and is a wonderful example of restraint and extravagance. [ed. this is what Jean-Michel looked like]

9. I hate rings and bracelets on men. I'm not a fan of man bags, or girl bags either—or even sunglasses. I don't like fussy accessories.

The Look of the Week - Michael Stipe

2009-04-17T15:01:00.003-04:00

Seen here, who knows where, is a man who has aged with style: Michael Stipe, of R.E.M. Take note David Lee Roth, Lindsey Buckingham and the rest. The picture is by The Sartorialist.

Valentino: the movie

2009-04-15T11:06:00.002-04:00

The most talked about fashion movie of the year is Valentino: the Last Emperor. The film follows the Italian designer on his farewell tour, as he finished his last ready to wear and couture collections in 2008. Valentino has been working for 45 years, during which time he dressed Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor among other luminaries. Of the other great designers who came of age in the 60s, only Kaiser Lagerfeld, who actually went to the 45th anniversary Valentino celebrations in Rome last year, has outlasted him. The film is now showing in selected cities. Above and below, shots from Valentino's last menswear shows.

Urban Spectacles return!

2009-04-07T13:31:00.003-04:00

We've told you about Urban Spectacles before, a Chicago-based manufacturer of handcrafted, custom-made wood eyeglasses. Today we received Scott Urban's latest newsletter, announcing brand new styles (seen above and below). But, as it turns out, Urban also has some major news: there might be an Urban Spectacles line in the works. Before, all eyeglasses were made to suit the customer's needs, but the new line will expand into mass production (which might mean that the bespoke glasses production will decline). Urban says the new line may appear in a year.

The look of the week: Office fashion

2009-04-03T14:01:00.003-04:00

Another picture of The Sartorialist. The message here is to combine Chanel blazers and sneakers.

EXCLUSIVE: Preview of new Vogue Hommes Magazine

2009-04-02T15:11:00.002-04:00

The Web site for Vogue Hommes still hasn't been updated, but we have an exclusive preview of the summer/spring issue. The New Vogue Hommes has Keanu Reeves on the cover with an interview inside by friend/fashionista Amanda De Cadenet. No signs of Constantine or the Day the Earth Stood Still - this is Keanu as you remember him in My Own Private Idaho. Inside, the magazine asks photographers Terry Richardson and former Kate Moss-boyfriend Mario Sorrenti (pictured) for a series of self-portraits. In an eye-opening spread, V-Hommes does pink the way it should be done, not as awfully as Vman did it earlier this week. And in the spread cheekily called Room 69, the magazine pays homage to dandy style, with opulent ascots, bathrobes and Tom Ford bespoke suits.

Passion Pink

Room 69: an homage to dandy style

Mario Sorrenti: self portrait

Thom Browne vs. Tom Ford

2009-03-25T16:24:00.002-04:00

In the battle of the fashion T(h)oms, who has the best ads? Tom Ford's ads are like his clothes: flamboyant, confident, expensive and extremely tailored. Thom Brown's are kooky, eccentric, retro and robotic. You be the judge. Above, Thom Browne. Below, Tom Ford.

Vman FAIL

2009-03-24T14:25:00.002-04:00

The new cover of VMAN is vile. It combines the worst of Miami Vice (rolled up sleeves on a blazer, blinding neon colors) with the worst Pradaisms (pink lace leggings/longjohns). This is not even remotely directional (as the stylist might say, defending their zoot suit), it is downright unattractive. Readers, this is not fashion for the fearless man, as the cover announces. It is fashion for the clueless man.

Kanye starts denim line

2009-03-23T13:21:00.003-04:00

Our obsession with Kanye's eccentricities is well documented. Well, it looks like the singer is putting his considerable crazy to good use. After a much mocked performance on American Idol, where he wore an all denim-ensemble, Mr. West has joined forces with UK-based denim peddler Religion for a line of his own namesake. Here's to hoping it goes better than the ponytail.

The look of the week: the best under $100 suit

2009-03-20T15:23:00.001-04:00

Opening Ceremony and cheap Japanese fashion retailer Uniqlo have collaborated on a linen suit that retails for an astonishing $120. Available March 19 at Uniqlo, 546 Broadway, New York and all other US Uniqlo stores; (877) 486-4756. [via The Moment]

Oscars of Fashion announced: Band of Outsiders against Calvin Klein

2009-03-19T14:37:00.003-04:00

The Council of Fashion Designers of America announced this week the nominees for its annual achievement awards. Patrick Patrick Ervell, whom we told you about during New York Fashion Week, is one of the nominees for best new designers. Other nominees in this category include Tim Hamilton and Robert Geller. But the biggest surprise is that our beloved Band of Outsiders snagged a nod in the best menswear category, up against, of all people, Italo Zucchelli of Calvin Klein. Band of Outsider's look is casual and formal, combining tux pants with duffel jackets, or tuxedo jackets with clip-on ties. It's this high-low combination that lets Sternberg getaway with such concoctions as the three-piece suit in blue nylon above.

The Most Amazing Watch Ever

2009-03-18T15:22:00.002-04:00

What if your watch, instead of being divided into 24 hours, was divided into activities? One hour for lunch, two hours for shopping, 5 hours of work. The Mr. Jones watch (a bargain at just $145) comes with a daily planner installed, sort of. "The dial shows a breakdown of what average people do on an average day, so you’re able to see what you yourself should - on average - be doing at any time." According to the Watchismo Web site, only 100 of the Mr. Jones watches have been made, making the odd watch " a cult brand in London." Click here to see the watch in action.

We know you like expensive clothes

2009-03-17T13:37:00.002-04:00

In February, we told you about a $43,000 suit from Brioni. Well readers, you may want to sit down for this one: Balenciaga, the legendary fashion house, is not asking $43,000 for a whole suit. They're asking $50,000 (!!) for just one top, one beaded, shiny, ridiculously expensive top. Again, we say, What recession?

How to tie the perfect scarf knot

2009-03-16T13:39:00.002-04:00

Kempt is one of our favorite fashion blogs. They have directed us to an instructional video of a major pressing issue: how to tie the perfect scarf knot. Now, this may be coming a bit late, seeing as Winter is finally going away, but the New York fall shows showed us that skinny scarfs, or even sometimes big scarves made out of soft fabrics will be in style throughout the year. This video will come in handy next time you strap on your favorite, 50% cashmere-50% silk Normann Copenhagen scarf.

The look of the week: Karl Lagerfeld

2009-03-13T12:56:00.002-04:00

We can't stress this enough: Karl Lagerfeld is the man. An amazingly
ridiculous, ponytailed-at-70, white-haired, lippy man. I think when
you've reached 70 (or more!) no one should tell you how to dress, and
for that Kaiser Lagerfeld: we salute you!

New menswear line: Corpus

2009-03-12T14:05:00.004-04:00

It's hard for all the fashion blogs to agree on something, but Kempt, The Pursuit Aesthetic and New York's The Cut are rallying for Corpus. The California-based design duo has found shoppers in Barneys, Steven Alan and New York's Oak, and they have designed a diffusion line for Urban Outfitters. This year, they won the coveted Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award. In their interview with New York, they say they appreciate the brand Ralph Lauren has created. The influence is clear to say. Their clothes combine preppy with hipster, often featuring cute touches like nautical motifs and high arm holes.

Start buying fishing waders

2009-03-11T14:18:00.001-04:00

At the end of Milan Fashion Week, the big trend for Fall are shoulders, but the Prada show had the models walk out in rustic fabrics, and most importantly for us, waders. Big jellies, and fit-for-a-swamp waders that will for sure make a big splash in the coming year both in women's and mens' shoes.

Silver Dagger's "Controlled Bling"

2009-03-10T13:55:00.004-04:00

There are two types of shoppers in a recession: 1) broke, with no spending money. or 2) filthy rich, but feeling guilty about flaunting said money. Last December, Tina Brown's Daily Beast famously exposed the stealth-shopping habits of the spouses of wealthy CEOs. It seems these women ask high-end retailers to brown-bag their Hermes scarves and thousand-dollar gloves lest someone see them flaunting their riches while the rest of the country staggers through the recession. Well, with Silver Dagger you won't have to brown bag your couture. In the menswear trade magazine DNR, Silver Dagger says that they specialize in "controlled bling:" rhinestone embellishments that come in tribal or skull shapes. "It's blingy, but classy," says Serge Abecassi, head designer. Silver Dagger counts Hulk Hogan and Alfonso Ribeiro from Fresh Prince of Bel Air as clients. Above: Hulk Hogan wearing the Silver Dagger cross buckle.

The Spring Wardrobe

2009-03-09T12:18:00.004-04:00

men.style.com calls oni-ki an online shopping mecca. We decided to check out this place to see how much putting together a simple spring outfit would set us
back. Buyer beware. From top to bottom:

These are Linda Farrow Projects x Damir Doma Wayfarers, but at 231
pounds ($326) the only people who can afford them are those
missing investment bankers Gawker says have been fleeing to Argentina.

Raf Simons & Fred Perry Mesh Vest:
As we said earlier, one of the big trends for Spring is orange. Who
doesn't need a 109 pound ($154) orange mesh vest?

Folk Slim Short:
These shorts cost $120 because they are made out of 100% Japanese
cotton twill. Buy at your own discretion if things like organic cotton
twill are important to you.

Martin Margiela brass keyring:
At 139 pounds (almost $200) this is fabulously
extravagant. Like Puffy or Kanye would have one of these. Approve!

Raf Simons & Dr. Martens classic sandals: We also love these sandals, and would
consider (only consider!) paying 170 pounds ($240!) for them.

The Look of the Week

2009-03-06T14:57:00.000-05:00

Somebody finally (!!!) got a picture of Kanye West's ducktail aka The Mullet.

New affordable clothing for Spring

2009-03-05T14:55:00.005-05:00

Standard Boutique is one of our favorite online shops for affordable and
hip clothes. They carry such labels as Trovata, Marc by Marc Jacobs,
and Juicy Couture. Right now they're having a huge sale. This is an
appropriate site to start putting together your spring wardrobe.

Ray Ban Aviators: These are the signature Aviator frames from Ray
Bans, discounted at 50% to just $70. The shipping fees are likely to be less than oki-ni because Standard ships from the US.

Rxmance tee: Another brand name for dirt cheap: $17

Juicy Couture waistcoast: Everyone knows a vest is a great way to spruce up your wardrobe. This one from Juicy Couture will set you back $68

Chip & Pepper "Shack Up" Jeans: Chip & Pepper is one of those companies that are constantly outshone in press by bigger brands like Tru Religion and Seven for All, but that constantly make solid, good-looking denim. This pair of jeans are a bargain at $56.

Fur Hats are In!

2009-03-04T14:53:00.003-05:00

According to the New York Observer, the inauguration's most lasting fashion impact came not from Barack Obama's skinny tux, but from Aretha Franklin's fur hat. In a new article, and slideshow, the paper says that these huge hats started showing up when Kate Moss wore a white Russian hat on the cover of Vanity Fair. But they have appeared everywhere since the inauguration, from Sundance to all throughout fashion week. "Often made of fox or rabbit fur, the style of the hat ranges from the classic Russian hat that covers the ears to the Siberian-style round hat that makes it look as if a small animal curled up right on top of your head." Check out their slide show to celebrate the year in hats, so far.

French Vogue gets frisky

2009-03-03T13:24:00.003-05:00

Steven Klein is fashion's provocateur. Just check out his Web site for proof. He's brought us Justin Timberlake bloodied, and Madonna in a twist. Last month, he was one of the photographers chosen by French Vogue to pay tribute to the model of the moment, Lara Stone. In his version of The Dark Knight, it's the girl who abuses the The Joker, not the other way around. Take that Maggie Gyllenhaal!

Patrick Ervell menswear

2009-03-02T16:20:00.002-05:00

In a week when everyone's (Duckie Brown, Calvin Klein) showing tough looks for Fall, Patrick Ervell showed clothes fitting of a shy school boy abroad living on his parents' pension. "There was a fragility to his clothes that was almost feminine in the conventional sense," Tim Blanks said at men.style.com. Ervell's man is shy, unassuming, prone to wearing attenuated shearling jackets and beige sweaters. The yellow overcoat below, however, is standout.

The Look of The Week

2009-02-27T13:27:00.002-05:00

Because we aren't playful enough with our accessories - always picking the same shade of gray or black socks, or the same Swatch. The Sartorialist, on the other hand, likes his socks green.

For $24,870, you too can be one of GQ's best

2009-02-26T14:51:00.003-05:00

GQ has a roundup of the most stylish men in America. The combined cost of their wardrobe? $24,870. Kanye's Dior Homme jacket ($,3425) is the most expensive on the list, and T.I.'s Calvin Klein Underwear tee is the cheapest ($16). The most stylish man on the list? Interview magazine editor Glenn O'Brien, half of whose outfit has no prices listed because they are "model's own." "How have I stayed stylish?" He is asked. "It's about dressing with respect. My grandmother was a big influence on me in that way. If I was going on a date, she'd say, 'You can't wear that pink shirt—what's the girl's mother going to say? Have some respect.'"

The Best of New York Fashion Week

2009-02-25T12:43:00.002-05:00

New York Fashion Week 2009 will be remembered as the one that "dealt" with the recession. And by dealt, we mean avoided. Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Diane Von Furstenberg - all showed escapist collections that recalled the heyday of the 80s not its problems. In psychology, we believe this is called denial. You can say that the menswear and womenswear shows collectively addressed the economic crisis in the somber palettes (Calvin Klein) or that they strived to protect the body (Narciso Rodriguez, Duckie Brown). But these are still obscenely expensive clothes. Is it really necessary for Yigal Azrouel and Rodarte to make outfits that look ragged and filthy when the possibility of looking as penniless as a Madoff investor is looking like a reality with each passing day? The New York Times' The Moment blog has a list of the eight must-buys of the week. As people have less money to spend, what becomes important is to edit: getting the most for your buck, buying clothes that look expensive, thinking about the material. In other words, think of that Calvin Klein suit (below) as your February investment. The Moment recommends the Fair Isle sweaters at Patrick Ervell (above left), the double-breasted blazers at Zegna (center), and Tim Hamilton's red suit (above right), among others.

Kanye is still bitching

2009-02-24T12:04:00.002-05:00

Turns out it's not just Chris Brown who's pissed off about something this week. After speaking to MTV news about his manhood, Kanye is still reeling. The Daily News is calling him the biggest diva in NY after he told off three (three!) media people to "leave him alone." When a reporter from Spin asked Kanye for comment on the magazine's blog, the mini-mulleted rapper shot back: "I didn't like the cover shot you used the last time." He was overheard telling event staffers "I don't want to do any press" after a reporter for New York Magazine tried to speak with him. And, in what may have been a low point for the multi-Grammy losing artist, he hid in a bathroom to avoid a New York Observer reporter.

Yigal Azrouel in New York Fashion Week

2009-02-23T14:26:00.002-05:00

Yigal Azrouel made headlines this week when he fired his PR representatives after they invited Ashley Dupre, better known as Elliot Spitzer's call girl, to his womenswear collection. Few had heard of Azrouel before that working girl sat at his front row, and few are likely to seek him out if he continues putting out the vagabond-inspired clothes he showed in his menswear collection. Talk about getting your inspiration from the recession! The talk this week in menswear is 90s revival - the return of grunge, et al - but no proud slacker would wear the finely stylized grime on display here:

For better 90s inspiration - My Own Private Idaho, to be exact - check out Michael Bastian's layered homage to the Gus Van Sant flick.

Kanye: I'm man enough!

2009-02-19T12:37:00.003-05:00

Last week we told you about a small man in Kanye West's entourage (Ibn Jasper) who took to his blog to answer the h8trs. "NONE OF US 'gay'or a 'clown,'" he trilled. This week, it's Kanye himself pitching a fit: "Dressing gay" you can't dress like ... Your dress don't give away whether or not you like a man. Think about actors that straight dress up like a woman or something like that. People wanna label me and throw that on me all the time, but I'm so secure with my manhood. And that's the reason why I can go to Paris, why I can have conversations with people who are blatantly gay." Er, sure Mrs. Doubtfire. But, (and we have it on good authority) the gays (or the straights) don't want your mini-mullet hair: the horror!. Neither does Lupe Fiasco, apparently, telling New York Magazine: "Kanye doesn't dress better than EVERY minority group."

Calvin Klein returns to New York

2009-02-18T13:12:00.003-05:00

In what the New York Observer called a triumphant return, Calvin Klein Menswear put its first show in New York Fashion Week after 11 shows in Milan. This was the first time creative director Italo Zucchelli has shown in New York, and the glitterati made sure to pay homage: Chace Crawford of Gossip Girl and Kanye West were both in front row. Like in collections past, Zucchelli's own brand of futurism was a central theme, this time in the somber monochromatic tones of "The Recession." One- or two-tone gray suits walked down the runway, sometimes made out of materials that recalled Robert Patrick's liquid metal T-1000 in Terminator 2. In what was mostly a commercial collection (heavy on wearable sleek overcoats and bomber jackets), Zucchelli's broad-shouldered suits, military boots and use of synthetic fabrics suggested a man ready to deal with the worst of what this recession might bring.

Trends so far in New York Fashion Week

2009-02-17T11:59:00.001-05:00

While the girls over at New York's The Cut are keeping track of the trends in womenswear at New York Fashion Week, men.style.com is keeping score of the trends in menswear. So far, they've spotted high, super high necks at Victor Glemaud and Duckie Brown (above). Like Narciso Rodriguez, who showed disaster orange last Fall, Hazmat-orange has also made an impression at Duckie Brown and Y-3. Last but not least, we think laceless oxfords we'll be seen in a few other runways over the next week.

THe Look of the Week

2009-02-16T14:07:00.003-05:00

Big, Nascar-style earphones are the next big thing.

High end pair of socks!!

2009-02-12T14:15:00.001-05:00

Based in New York, V.K. Nagrani has been the emblem of men's high end socks. Nagrani's goals are simple and straight forward: superior products that would exceed one's expectations, a life of luxury and elegance.

Nagrani creates the best cotton socks with an elegant, stylish and colorful design. It's a pair of socks for the connoisseur, a man with an exquisite style and confidence.

Nagrani hosiery is sold to an elite group of men's specialty boutiques throughout the world. Robb Report selected V.K. Nagrani's hosiery as the "Best of the Best."

The socks are very affordable and start a 35$ a pair. The designs will "knock your socks off".

Tom Ford - photographer?

2009-02-11T10:38:00.002-05:00

Women's Wear, the fashion industry trade paper, is reporting that Tom Ford shot his own Spring menswear and eyewear campaigns. "I have always felt that an advertising image is in a sense the last layer of the design, and so decided this season to just shoot the campaign myself." Longtime Ford model, the Spanish Jon Kortajarena, and model Karen Elson will appear in the campaigns this March.

Men Style's buyer guide: the good, the bad, and the unaffordable

2009-02-10T13:21:00.004-05:00

Every year Men.Style asks shoppers for the country's biggest (Saks, Barneys, et al) and coolest (Jake, Jeffrey) shops for their sartorial shopping recommendations for the new season. The shopping guide is predictably preposterous, with the cheapest items consisting of beat-up t-shirts and Michael Kors short shorts. Here is our guide to the guide.

The good: the shoes.

The Gordon Rush royal-blue suede chukka boot. As Carrie Bradshaw once said to a pair of Jimmy Choo slingbacks: hello, lover.

Marc Jacobs suede laceups. They cost $500, just about affordable enough.

Pierre Hardy's chukka boots are today's answer to Serge Geinsburg's preppy repettos.

The bad. There's no reason to

From consistently overpriced Surface 2 Air, this exemplary t-shirt - simple in design and execution, will set you back $80.

The Bergdof Goodman buyer says that every surfer needs a good beach anorak - picture, Michael Bastian's - but we guarantee you reader that to afford this little nugget they'll have to pawn the surfboard first.

The unaffordable. There are many (Many!) things in this list that we crave, such as the Ralph Lauren Black label olive linen suit, but at the top of our list is this leather jacket worthy of Purple Magazine's Olivier Zahm.

Rag & Bone, $1,850 at The Archive in San Francisco.

Kanye West's stylist is pissed, more pissed than Kanye

2009-02-09T13:02:00.004-05:00

Christian Bale may be last week's meltdown du jour, but weeks ago, one of Kanye West's stylists, the improbably named Ibn Jasper (above, wearing the black beanie and glasses) took to his personal blog, ferrarimurakami.blogspot.com, to mouth off against "The h8trs," to wit: "People were saying that we dress "gay" and that we're "clowns" among other things. And for the record, aint NONE OF US "gay"or a "clown". What's so funny to me about it , is that we dress like grown men. We are all approaching, or in our 30s, and we have style, money, and a vast knowledge of fashion. Has this hip-hop, street sh!t made everybody forget what a man REALLY is, or supposed to look like?"

43,000$ suit

2009-02-03T13:31:00.001-05:00

Legendary Italian fashion house Brioni unveiled a 43,000$ suit. No need to ask what it is made out of because we already know the answer: it is tailored to perfection and with the best and rarest material that couture can put their hands on. The suit is not for the elite, but for the elite of the elite, the top 1% earners worldwide.
Certain people may think that it is ridiculous to buy a 43,000$ suit. I disagree: value is in the eye of the beholder. I wouldn’t buy that suit, however, there is a market for it and Brioni recognized it. I would like to congratulate Brioni because they had the guts and confidence to introduce the suit in such chaotic financial times.
A 43,000$ suit for a person who earns 1$ billion annually is like a 430$ suits for a person who earns 1$million annually. My only suggestion is to the dry cleaners: be extremely careful with a 43,000$ suit.

Loro Piana - A symbol of excellence

2009-02-02T12:48:00.001-05:00

Established in 1924, Loro Piana is an Italian clothing company known for its high-end, luxury cashmere and wool products. They have a tradition of excellence across their men’s, women’s, children’s and accessories’ collections. Loro Piana products are made from the finest, rarest and most exclusive cashmere and wool in the world. Loro Piana is a symbol of premium fabrics, high end luxury, quality, elite and a product for the connoisseurs.
The ideal client for Lora Piana would be James Bond. We picture him in a Tom Ford suit accompanied with a Privé men’s dress shirt from Bogosse, a coat and scarf from Loro Piana.
Below is a coat from Lora Piana. The picture is from Nieman Marcus and available for 4,455$.

The Collar: the most important aspect of a men's dress shirt !!

2009-01-30T13:15:00.004-05:00

Modus Couture strongly believes that the fit and look of a collar determine the elegance and value of a men’s dress shirt. An expensive and nice looking dress shirt without an exquisite collar looks cheap and used.
The collar of a men’s dress shirt should be “standing up” (or stand-up), fitting around the neck and not lying on the shoulders. That is the most important aspect of a men’s dress shirt.
We believe that the sexiest, most beautiful, exquisite men’s collar shirts are from Bogosse and Ike Behar, two designers based in Miami. Collars from Bogosse and Ike Behar frame the face and have a stiffened look. Bogosse collar usually have three buttons on the front, a button on each side the neck and one button at the back. Ike Behar has an exclusive U.S. patented Diamond Quilted Collar which provides the extra strength needed for the most utilized part of a shirt.
Bogosse and Ike Behar collars are designed to maintain their strength, stability and natural shape especially after commercial laundering.

shoe sales

2009-01-28T12:05:00.000-05:00

Aldo is having a sale of up to 70%. We were not great fans of Aldo men’s shoes, however, last year; they greatly improved their “city fashion” collection. Following are pictures of our favorite items from Aldo men’s collection currently on sale.

The Look of the Week

2009-01-27T12:09:00.003-05:00

We haven't seen scarves as big as this since Giles Deacon's Fall '07 womenswear show. More people should do this, that's for sure.

Thom Browne shows sharp suits in Florence

2009-01-26T10:57:00.002-05:00

At this year's Pitti Uomo menswear fair in Florence, Thom Browne, the American designer, showed 40 identically dressed models in shrunken gray suits and camel coats. Both men.style.com and the International Herald Tribune have pictures from the show.

Milan Mens Shows: Missoni

2009-01-23T09:58:00.002-05:00

It's not a joke when designers say they are concerned with worldly matters like the economy. The topic has been front and center at many of the shows this week. It certainly was the theme for Angela Missoni's collection at Missoni. She sent out patchworked sweaters and awkward oversized knits, impeccably stylized to capture the hardscrabble times we live in. The look was so successful they recalled the pictures of Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans during the Great Depression.

picture is from men.style.com

Milan Mens Shows: Dolce & Gabbana

2009-01-22T09:42:00.000-05:00

Leave it to Dolce & Gabbana to do excess in hard times. The D&G man, they told men.style.com, "tends to be unhindered by emotional or family ties, and is therefore free to fritter away his income on himself." He is the type of man that dons velvet suits and "petrol-blue pants.. accompanied a chunky navy knit" simply to spite convention. D&G is not the first show to velvet this week - Burberry did it also - but they may be the only ones to do with such eccentricity and pizzazz. Tim Blanks suggests that they're drawing on the movies of Rosselini, but we think Stefano and Domenico are looking to reinvent the mafioso look, much like Gomorrahas reinvented the mafioso movie.

Milan Mens Shows: Burberry

2009-01-21T11:44:00.003-05:00

Christopher Bailey took out the check for the latest Burberry show in Milan. The famous Burberry check that is. Tim Blanks at men.style.com points out that this was the first time Bailey had used the check to prominently, which suggests that after many years of resisting, he finally gave in to the heritage of the house. If the clothes look safe, it's because maybe Bailey can't help but be a commercial designer. Raf Simons he isn't. But there is nothing wrong with that. "Washed-cotton shirts with pleated fronts and little ties at the throat were like something out of Thomas Hardy," Blanks said. In a word: awkward, but chic.

posted by Modus Couture - men's fashion blog

Milan Mens Shows: Jil Sander

2009-01-20T10:04:00.003-05:00

This week is the mens fashion week in Milan. Because of the economy, it is expected that designers will showcase safe and commercial clothes that are accessible to the customer. But Raf Simons at Jil Sander threw a curve ball at the beginning of the week that has Women's Wear Daily, the industry bible, wondering if the week is going to be a bumpy ride after all. The suits Simons sent out are curvy and strong, like if soldiers went into the trenches wearing hourglass-shaped blazers. He dispenses with dress shirts, mostly, and served a long procession of subdued colors - black, gray, herringbone and bright charcoal color blocking towards the end - over impeccable-looking turtlenecks. We will have pictures from the rest of the week as they come.

posted by Modus Couture - men's fashion blog

The mustache is back

2009-01-19T10:35:00.002-05:00

What started out with James Franco's mustache in Milk, has turned into a full-blown trend: the mustache is back. Thursday Styles said that while the beard remains the badge of honor in hipsterland, the mustache is getting renewed attention with such fashionable guys as former UN ambassador John Bolton sporting the look. Then, in this story, Esquire analyzes the facial stylings of the men at the Golden Globes. Our favorite mustache belongs to Miami's resident King of Pop Jose El Rey, a dj/performance artist/lothario who has not shaved his humongous mustache since October. He says it only takes him two weeks to grow.

Go Benetton

2009-01-16T14:34:00.004-05:00

The best suits are from Tom Ford, Brioni and Ermenegildo Zegna. Brioni and Tom Ford have designed many suits for agent 007 in James Bond. These suits espouse your body, have a modern, sophisticated, elegant and classic look that will transform any ordinary man into fabulous. These suits start at 2000$. However, if you are on a budget and you desire the fabulous look of these top designers, we recommend Benetton.
Benetton has incredible suits for under 800$. They have a slimmer fit, especially in the shoulders and a narrow waist. Have the WOW look, GO BENETTON.

Pictures are from www.benetton.com

These shoes will make any men look fabulous

2009-01-14T11:19:00.007-05:00

The most effective technique to drastically change your style while keeping a fun, comfortable and self-assuring image is with your shoes. And we are not talking about black or brown shoes that men have been obsess with for centuries. We recommend colorful shoes (red, yellow, blue). These shoes will make any outfit look fabulous; you will stand out from the crowd while having a clean look and women will pay more attention to you. We recommend the following shoes from the legendary Italian designer Salvatore Ferragamo and are available on www.bergdorfgoodman.com.

The look of the week

2009-01-13T13:59:00.000-05:00

Pharrell at an Art Basel Miami Beach 2008 party. Leather is in.

Topman Sale

2009-01-12T09:18:00.002-05:00

British Topman is having a gigantic sale. We fully endorse this blue puffer jacket. There are also trenches galore, tees, and polos for as low as seven pounds.

Best dressed literary types

2009-01-09T12:48:00.002-05:00

Playwright Harold Pinter's death made us think about other well-dressed literary types. Here's our top five.

David Wojnarowicz

Ernest Hemingway

Norman Mailer

Jack Kerouac

Christopher Buckley

The look of the week

2009-01-08T11:26:00.002-05:00

Our obsession with man bags has been well noted. We believe we have found the ideal bag via The Sartorialist.

posted by Modus Couture - men's fashion blog

The greatest bag in the world

2009-01-07T12:42:00.000-05:00

This is sick. We didn't make it to Design Miami during Art Basel, but V Magazine did. They bring us this picture of the illest/most awesome bag in the world from the Ornamentum Gallery. It's called the Ted Noten Lady K Bag, a "gun-engraved with flowers and gold-plated, then cast in an acrylic Prada handbag." Awesome. It looks like something Carmela Soprano would walk around with.

Designers on holiday

2009-01-06T09:55:00.002-05:00

Bryanboy has a hysterical slideshow of the world's most famous designers on holiday: Donatella Versace (burnt), Roberto Cavalli (saggy), Armani (mummified). New Year's resolution: to not look like this when we're old.

posted by Modus Couture - men's fashion blog

News from the retail business

2009-01-05T12:49:00.002-05:00

The day after Christmas is often believed to be the year's other Black Friday, with many stores offering deals and sales hoping to milk a few pennies more from customers. But with the economy the way it is, did the shoppers rush to the mall this holiday season? Women's Wear Daily, the industry's trade magazine, reports that this year menswear is outperforming every other merchandise category for most large stores. "It's less worse by half," noted David Fisher, executive vice president and general merchandise manager of men's wear for Bloomingdale's. Interesting. What about you reader, have you shopped more this year than in year's past? Why, or why not? Comment away!

posted by Modus Couture - men's fashion blog

The gospel according to Mr. Tom Ford

2008-12-31T12:53:00.000-05:00

The former creative director of Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, and the man responsible for bringing back luxury bespoke, dispenses some nuggets of wisdom in this month's Details. To wit,

1. I don't believe in playing around much with suit cuts. I like a fairly classic shape that gives a man strong shoulders, a fitted waist, and long legs. Classic simplicity always works.

4. I hate the trend of short suit jackets. When a man's butt is showing below the bottom of his jacket, I think it makes him look like a female flight attendant from the back—not my idea of sexy.

and perhaps most shockingly, no. 10. There's one indulgence every man should try in his lifetime: If you're straight, sleep with a man at least once, and if you're gay, don't go through life without sleeping with a woman. Either way, you might be surprised at how natural it will feel if you can get past the mind-fuck of stereotypes. In the end, it's just another person that you are relating to in a physical way.

posted by Modus Couture - men's fashon blog

The year in deadly fashion

2008-12-30T09:46:00.002-05:00

As the year winds to an end, we salute the fashionistas, sartorialists and all-around dandies who passed away this year.

Yves Saint Laurent. The original Marc Jacobs, a man who gave us Le Smoking, Belle de Jour, and Opium.

Bettie Page. Did she usher in the sexual revolution? Where would John Waters and Dita Von Teese be without her.

Polaroid film and Sparks. Both brands stopped production this year. Hipster everywhere wept.

The house of Bill Blass. In a Thursday Styles obit, Eric Wilson describes that disorganization, hubris and bad timing brought down one of the most elegant American fashion brands.

posted by Modus Couture - men's fashion blog

The things every man should have in his closet.

2008-12-29T13:41:00.001-05:00

We want to point you in the direction of an interview with one of Paper magazine's best dressed editors, Paul Johnson-Calderon. In an interview with Starworks, he touches on a number of important issues. First, his favorite places to shop: Opening Ceremony, KidRobot, Bergdorf Goodman. Second, new brands that he's discovered recently: the very affordable Minnetonka moccassins. Third, his fashion hero: Pete Doherty. And fourth - what are the three things every man should have in his wardrobe: A tux, an old moth-eaten cashmere sweater (preferably a cardigan), and a plethora of vintage t-shirts. There you have it.

Posted by Modus Couture - men's fashion blog

The look of the week: Tom Ford

2008-12-26T12:59:00.001-05:00

This is former Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent designer Tom Ford on the set of his new movie A Single Man. We're very wary of the vest when worn without a jacket, but once again Mr. Ford proves us wrong. [via fashionologie]

posted by Modus Couture - men's fashion blog

Chuck Bass' scarf

2008-12-24T13:55:00.001-05:00

Second to Mr. Don Draper, the best dressed man on tv is Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl. We don't know if this is where GG costume designers buy Mr. Bass' scarf, but it comes close. From Drakes of London: the Chuck Bass 100% silk scarf.

posted by Modus Couture - men's fashion blog

Men's Vogue and its best blog

2008-12-23T10:59:00.002-05:00

The only thing we miss about Men's Vogue is Amanda Brooks' blog In her Eyes, which she apparently stop producing as soon as Conde Nast decided to stop paying Mogue's freelancers. The blog remains online though - who knows for how long - and Ms. Brooks tackles a number of important issues, such as how to wear sandals and not look like a hippie, cardigans, and variations on the suit.

posted by Modus Couture - men's fashion blog

Duran Duran's designer does Topman

2008-12-22T11:55:00.001-05:00

The man who dressed Duran Duran and Bryan Ferry - Antony Price - in the 80s has a new diffusion line for Topman. They're almost all blazers or suit jackets. Yes, they're in pounds, but they're a good deal if you need a blazer and you don't have a Zara's in your area. Topman is also good for slim guys who don't like the Banana Republic/Men's Warehouse alternative.

posted by Modus Couture - men's fashion blog

VMAN for free

2008-12-19T11:16:00.000-05:00

VMAN is one of the better men's fashion magazines out there. It only comes out four times a year. This time around, as with their V edition, the Visionaire group has gracefully put up this season's issue entirely online. Click on VMAN to go there.

posted by Modus Couture - men's fashion blog

The look of the week: recession-friendly

2008-12-18T12:53:00.000-05:00

The look of the week comes from Thursday Styles. They've taken to heart that we're amid a recession, and they've sent us to Club Monaco and Brooks Brothers for our suits and ties.

posted by Modus Couture - men's fashion blog

Style from Tokyo

2008-12-17T12:29:00.001-05:00

We all know Tokyo is the true fashion capital of the world. Just look at Tiffany Godoy's Style Deficit Disorder, which chronicles harajuku street fashion. But in the mean time, discover Style fromTokyo brand new blog we've discovered via The Pursuit Aesthetic.

posted by Modus Couture - men's fashion blog

Marc Jacobs' and Puffy's sketches for Barack's inauguration suit

2008-12-15T18:47:00.004-05:00

Women's Wear Daily asked designers to propose sketches for what President-elect Barack Obama should wear inauguration night. Click on Wear to go to their site. From left to right: Turnbull and Asser, Sean John, Kenneth Cole, Marc Jacobs.

Posted by Modus Couture - men's fashion blog

Best of list: the year's most stylish movies

2008-12-15T12:38:00.002-05:00

This is the list to the year's most stylish movies. Though The Dark Knight is the year's highest grossing film, it was a cable character that made the strongest fashion impression - Don Draper. Indiana Jones and Tony Stark's duds are, idiosyncratic at best, and sure Bond had a flick out, but it was Jon Hamm's classic suits that had us watching

Much has been made of the pairing of Kate Winslet and Leonard DiCaprio, but we're far more interested in Revolutionary Road's channelling of this retro Draperish aesthetic.

Brad Pitt lately has been about three things: Jolie (duh), skinny mustaches, and three-piece suits. They all (kinda) come together in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Gomorrah promises to do for Napolitan gangster what Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels did for wannabe cockney gangsters. Still, our vote for the best flick of the year.

Last year David Fincher did the 70s in Zodiac. This year, Gus Van Sant does the honors in Milk. Tight short shorts, and even tigher tees, Milk's sartorial trademarks show the best of San Francisco's Castro, but also what made the 70s style inspiration for Boogie Nights, Velvet Goldmine and '54.

posted by Modus Couture - men's fashion blog

The Best Dressed Man of the Week

2008-12-11T22:13:00.002-05:00

Upon the news that Pantone has selected mimosa as the color of 2009, we bring you the best dressed look of the week. This is director/artist Julian Schnabel at Art Basel IN Miami Beach wearing a scarf. Readers, we were there - it was not that cold. But the bespectacled bear knew it all along: invest in yellow for Spring.

by Modus Couture - men's fashion blog

Best of List: Russian Art at Art Basel

2008-12-11T12:44:00.000-05:00

One of the best things we saw during the week came from Moscow-based gallery Regina, which showcased the Supernova section of the main fair at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Sergey Bratkov's work reminds us of Slava Mogutin's Russian soldier pictures, except they're less heavy-handed and more satirical.

Best of List: Prices at Art Basel Miami Beach

2008-12-10T13:41:00.000-05:00

Art Basel is the biggest art fair in the United States. Millions in watercolors, video, photography and bells are sold here every year. To put things in perspective I asked one galleria the price of the above picture, an especially nondescript Nan Goldin. The answer: $15,000.

Best of List: Art Basel Miami Beach

2008-12-09T20:00:00.002-05:00

Throughout the week we will be bringing you sights and sounds from Art Basel Miami Beach 2008. There were concerns throughout the week that, because of the economy, there wouldn't be many sales this week. That was evident when Beyonce and Jay-Z offered to buy a series of 24 photographs by Paul Pfeiffer (below), except she only wanted half.

posted by Modus Couture - Men's Fashion Blob

Best of List: Best Dressed Bands

2008-12-08T12:59:00.002-05:00

With the end of the year come the best-of list. Throughout the month of December we will be posting our own twist on this hallowed tradition. First up, the three best dressed bands.

Jamie Hince is known by the Pitchfork crowd as the lead singer of The Kills. Fashion people know him as Kate Moss' boyfriend. Coincidence? The lady model has always had a thing for rock stars (her last date was Pete Doherty, formerly of Babyshambles and The Libertines). Mr. Hince prefers his trousers and ties on the waifish side as well.

Glass Candy. They were included in French sartorial authority Colette's last mix cd, alongside Hercules and Love Affair and other Italian discofied bands like Chromatics. But it was Karl Lagerfeld that used them in the Chanel Spring hauture couture show. Glass Candy is making the sexiest music out there. Life after Sundown may be this year's In the morning; it'll make you feel like you've taken a peyote tonic at a porny European disco.

The Last Shadow Puppets wear possibly the best peacoats you're likely to see on any music video this year in The Age of the Understatement. They look like they belong in a Slava Mogutin photo when they're riding Soviet war tanks. Plus, the video is directed by Romain Gavras, Costa Gavras' son, who's worked with sartorial heroes/french pop stars JUSTICE

by modus couture men's fashion blog

Matthew Williamson, formerly of Pucci, will do HandM

2008-12-04T12:55:00.003-05:00

The big fashion news of the week is that Matthew Williamson, an erstwhile designer and good friend of SSienna Miller, will follow Commes de Garcons as the next diffusion designer for H&M. Most importantly, he will do the FIRST men's diffusion line for the beloved downmarket retailer. The line should appear in stores in May. Above, Williamson and looks from Pucci [left] and his namesake line [right].

by modus couture- men's fashion blog

Shoe Discount

2008-12-03T14:16:00.002-05:00

Something to be thankful for the holidays: London-based fashion outfit Kurt Geiger is having 30% discount sale on leather shoes. The leather lace-up dancing boot above is available at 50 euros. Here in the US, nonprofit shoemaker TOMS shoes is giving away free shipping on an array of new styles. TOMS is a great holiday gift because for every shoe bought, they will send another pair as a gift to a child in need in Argentina or South Africa

The hip office look

2008-12-02T13:17:00.003-05:00

The look of the week comes this time from Barcelona party site icanteachyouhowtodoit, operated by nightlife impresario and photo GeeJ (nee Gerard). We often wonder, how to go to a job interview looking formal, but hip. This is the way.

Spectacular retro lens

2008-12-01T12:05:00.002-05:00

We know you guys love the eyeglasses posts. Here's another one: Shuron Ltd. Eyewear has been making eyeglasses and sunglasses since the Civil War. During WWII, they were the main sunglasses supplier for the U.S. military. Their Web site boasts that they provide most of the retro frames seen in movies and on tv. [viaACL]

The bad look of the week?

2008-11-29T14:40:00.001-05:00

We saw a lot of men wearing these dropped-crotch, Arabian/genie pants when we were in Europe. Normally, we saw them on hippie-reggae anarchists with rattails, but the fellow above seems to reasonable, and in control of his body odor. We would still quibble with his choice of attire, but maybe we're behind the times? We leave it up to reader to say. Comment away!

My style will literally knock you off your feet

2008-11-28T16:01:00.002-05:00

These are the stills from the Harvey Nichols Spring 08 campaign. The image is clever, kind of, if you want telegraph to everyone around that your style is so hot no one can get near. Or, if your style is so toxic it creates a 10 foot radius around you wherever you are. The British shopping giant explains the campaign by saying that the 10-feet wide inflatable speech bubbles, especially built for the house, communicate the irascibility of HN style: it will literally knock you off your feet. On the other hand, we read a conversation between Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee in Interview that suggests that maybe HN is onto something. Spike Lee asks where Scorsese what he remembers about Frank Sinatra: People wouldn't go nearer than, like, 10 feet around him. It was like a wall. He just moved, and the atmosphere moved with him.

classic French shoes

2008-11-25T12:37:00.002-05:00

We didn't know what a J.M. Weston shoe was until up-and-coming designer/savvy dandy Victor Glamaud told us about it in an interview with (awesome) fashion blog Refinery 29. The J.M. Weston shoe, first made in Paris in 1891 using American techniques, is immaculate, long and slender with a leather sole. But that's not what surprised us most about their (must be said: v chic) Web site. It was, instead, the video they've posted showing how their shoes are made. It's maybe the most riveting, stylish infomercial we've ever seen. Check it out here. [J.M. Weston has 12 stores in the US, including New York, Portland and Washington]

Five menswear lines to watch

2008-11-24T13:23:00.005-05:00

Ever since Alexandre Plokhov's cultish Cloak closed, sartorialists have been looking for the next provocative new brand of menswear. Is it Michael Bastian, or Victor Glemaud? Luckily Gen Art Pulse, in their weekly newsletter (free subscription!) has sent out a list of 5 Menswear Lines to watch. Drumroll, please!

Patrick Ervell - A mix of smart, tailored suits and casual, playful pieces like striped pants and gold jackets fit for the likes of Mark Ronson.

s2vs - An Oliver Twist inspired collection with a little bit of rock & roll and a strict attention to detail. Also, Lenny Kravitz's next red carpet look.

Erik Hart - Great coats. Classic with a little bit of edge and perfect for Adrian Grenier wannabes.

Hood by Air - Innovative and structural street wear sure to impress Pharrell.

Philip Sparks - Modern pieces influenced by the preps, jocks and slackers of the 50s—and soon to be spotted on Mr. Posh Spice.

Lagerfeld Dictionary!

2008-11-22T17:41:00.006-05:00

Karl Lagerfeld (aka the Kaiser), famous designer for Chanel, Chloe, and Fendi designed the 2009 edition of France’s premiere dictionary “Le petit Larousse illustré” (Larousse Small Illustrated Dictionary) released on November 09. He joins the rank of fashion icon Christian Lacroix and the French cartoon legend Moebius (aka Jean Giraud) who respectively designed the 2005 and 2007 covers.

The dictionary has a black background with an illustration of a "woman blowing the seeds of knowledge". The case is a drawing of Lagerfeld with the words "Habillé par Karl Lagerfeld" (Dressed by Karl Lagerfeld).

I think that it is elegant. However, since it is by Lagerfeld, I think it’s too simple and he could have done a much better illustration. It looks like it has been created by Lagerfeld’s apprentice and the Kaiser just signed it. Any person familiar with the Photoshop software could have done a better job. It’s an elegant design, but not by Lagerfeld standards.

The reasonable man bag

2008-11-21T11:48:00.003-05:00

The man bag: pro or con? Last week we told you about Mister Bag, a man-bag-obsessed tumblr. But looking at its list of fawned-over "murses," we couldn't help but notice the price tags. If there's anything more recherché than a man with a murse, it's a man with an expensive murse. We bring you an alternative: Warren Heim's duffel bag retails at $45.35. Its design is simple (2 sets of black straps, one solid color) but personable.

Should Obama stay in a suit?

2008-11-20T14:15:00.003-05:00

While Thursday style is often ridiculous, we can't help but agree with today's (much-talked about) assessment that Obama's casual look leaves much to be desired. Exhibit A: above. The Times says his look recalls Jerry Seinfeld. We beg to differ. We think he looks like Bill Nye, the science guy! too harsh? Danny Tanner is surely a more suitable comparison. In the picture above, he looks like he's about to go pick up Michele and Steph from Kimmy Gibler's house because Uncle Jesse couldn't handle the bike ride.

Stoked on Stoned

2008-11-19T10:26:00.004-05:00

In last month's Interview Glenn O'Brien, in a conversation with Kate Moss, notable because Kate admits to kind of not eating when she was doing runway, and also for hysterically saying, "I'm a tit man"; well, in that conversation, O'Brien, also known as GQ's style guy, says that he hated Stoned, the Brian Jones movie, but watched it four times just to see the clothes. Renting it!

Gucci taps major talent for new ad campaigns

2008-11-18T14:03:00.001-05:00

We can't say that we've tried Gucci by Gucci, the new fragrance by the Italian fashion mainstay. But, this much we can say: Gucci has produced two stellar ads for its fragrance campaigns. For the first ad, Frida Giannini tapped David (Mulholland Dr., Inland Empire, f'ing) Lynch to direct Raquel Zimmerman and a bevy of girls to prance around while Blondie's Heart of Glass plays in the background. In the second ad, James Franco roams a giant Metropolis-style mansion in an immaculte black skinny suit while the great Roisin Murphy sings a cover of Bryan (another sartorial hero) Ferry's Slave to Love. Gucci by Gucci, the ad announces. Sometimes all you need is a name. And a good song.

Fashion Bloggers

2008-11-17T11:15:00.001-05:00

Yes, yes, there are great fashion bloggers, but lately we've been obsessed with some great fashion tumblrs. The guy who runs A Continuous Lean does The Material Review, which seems like a hodgepodge of pictures of things he likes to wear, look like and/or buy. geezer chic? We approve. Mister Bag is the most po-mo of the bunch - It's a love letter to man bags, in all their glory. We especially like this. And then there's The impossible cool. The impossible cool is awesome because every day they have a picture up of a sartorial hero. Nov 10 had Michael Caine. Nov 2, Charles Mingus. Above is June 28: the unflappable Mr. McQueen.

The Most Beautiful Men's Shirt!

2008-11-15T19:09:00.002-05:00

If a man wants to look fabulous, they have to wear a “Bogosse”shirt. “Bogosse” is a french expression that means “handsome man”. The video is about the brand “Bogosse”. I think that they make the most beautiful men’s shirts. The video is about Bogosse at the Cannes Film Festival. Enjoy

Color Purple

2008-11-14T13:01:00.003-05:00

The most telling picture from Obama's visit to the White House Monday was sartorial in nature. For some reason (was this proposition 9?) purple has been chosen as the color of bipartisanship. Both men chose their ties in a purple shade to send a signal of forgiving, of letting bygones be bygones. But the choice is telling. Obama's tie is thinner to Bush's wide polka-dotted albatross. Bush's hangs like a heavy paisley noose on his neck, while Obama's looks cooler, like Prince's jheri curl or something. He can just pull it off. Someone was saying that Obama is going to be hard to make fun not because he's so serious, but because he's so cool. Is style a partisan matter? Or a question of temperament? On the other hand, Jeremy Langmead of Esquire, says that someone should cinch Obamba's trouser legs. They're getting too red.

Lights, Camera, Action

2008-11-13T12:52:00.002-05:00

Ari Gold wears his suits with five buttons on the cuffs. Robert Evans preferred velvet to business casual. The Hollywood producer has been on our minds recently. We've been watching Action, the cancelled '99 Fox sitcom about a belligerent Hollywood producer played by Jay Mohr, the guy who played a belligerent sports agent in Jerry Maguire. Hulu's got the whole and only season up. Action is like David Mamet and Robert Evans' boozehound Irish baby. Peter Dragon is like the brother Ari Gold never had. Peter Dragon's wardrobe is very late 90s - broad shoulders, narrow trousers - and the color combinations Calvin Klein by way of California - mossy green on acid beige. He's s the sort of guy who's not above looking like a bully in lizard loafers because, hell, he is a reptilian douchebag. On the first episode he hires a prostitute, and impressed with her pitch for a script form his reject pile, re-hires her as his consigliere. But not without telling her - don't get chirpy sweetheart, "your crotch has seen more visitors than Graceland." Touche Mr. Dragon, Touche.

What About the Frames?

2008-11-13T12:29:00.002-05:00

If the suit you're wearing is bespoke, why shouldn't your eyeglasses also be custom-made? Some people like Oliver Peoples, some people like Cutler & Gross. We've been looking at Urban Spectacles. Scott Urban of Chicago starts by discussing frame and style of eyeglasses. Choosing from a variety of made exotic woods (zebrawood! jatoba!), he whittles down a solid block of wood into frames completely crafted by hands. Spectacles start at $475, going up as far as $500 for special designs.

The look for the day: pork pie hats, track jackets.

2008-11-12T13:52:00.000-05:00

There's no faster way to inspire the wrath of a dandy than by copying someone else's style. Inappropriate! like that episode when Carlton hilariously imitates Will in Fresh Prince. But, we make exceptions, sometimes. We fully advocate that you look, absorb, repeat with these guys. A certain lady says that these are the kind of guys that she used to get crushes on in high school. And why? Their frisky sense of color, their puffy jackets, and the fact that they wear their hearts on their sleeve. A wise man once said that be good at life, you have look fantastic in a suit and in casual wear. This guy says: combine it all! porkpie hat? check. nylon track jacket? check. Heck, even the Fresh Prince would approve.

posted by www.moduscouture.com

Men's Vogue: The queen is dead. A list of the heir apparent.

2008-11-11T14:50:00.000-05:00

The best men's fashion magazines.

Men's Vogue was cut back, from a monthly, to a biannual supplement last week. Conde Nast cited the weak ad environment as the reason for the change. As if. You probably won't even notice this dishrag missing from the newstand. Men's Vogue was the magazine version of a sweater-vest, or your local avuncular weatherman. It's hard to run a men's fashion magazine. Much harder to find a damn good magazine. Still, there are a few candidates. and no, Esquire is not among them. (You relinquish that title when you're reduced to this).

Vogue Hommes International- Conde Nast actually does run pretty savvy men's fashion magazines - they're just on the other side of the ocean (L'uomo Vogue, being the other one). These are good for people with money (not that there's anything wrong with that!) - they're functional and quick. The Summer Vogue Hommes has a spread on formal nightwear. The guys wearing the bespoke suits? The Virgins. As shot by Terry Richardson.

L'uomo Vogue is like a good Slim Aarons photo: attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places.

The risk-taker should read Arena Hommes Plus. In the summer issue Juergen Teller will teach you how to wear PVC skinny jeans with panache. Synthetic fabrics, and attenuated cuts - what more could a man want.

The price for the best men's fashion magazine goes to The Chap, a little British journal, with an eighth of the Conde Nast budget, but twice the style. The Chap is for strict Dandies - it's a favorite of the dandy of the underworld Sebastian Horsley and that maligned reporter Jared Paul Stern. Friends in high places indeed. If you like these guys, you're a Chap. Asked in a questionnaire which item of clothing he considers the height of vulgarity, Horsley said: There are only two actions I cannot tolerate. The first is denim. The other is murder. If denim is not wrong, nothing is wrong.

Posted by www.moduscouture.com

Obama Fashion

2008-11-10T22:47:00.000-05:00

MIchele Obama wore Narciso Rodriguez to the victory rally at Grant Park. And Obama?
We are the Market says the Great One buys from Chicago-based suit maker Hart Schaffner Marx, who coincidentally is already advertising that in its homepage. The Marx suits have a clean line, look to be slim-fitting and comparatively inexpensive, topping at $895. No word yet if Marx was the suit of choice election night.

Posted by www.ModusCouture.com

“Red Carpet” Marketing:

2008-09-16T13:14:00.000-04:00

The term “Marketing” can be divided into two (2) aspects:

1) PR

2) Advertising

In Fashion, PR tends to be the favorite and most advantageous option. Example of PR can be an article review or a star wearing a brand of fashion at a Red Carpet event.

Although PR is not free, it is called “Free Marketing”. PR stimulates the buyer in a whole different way than Advertising. PR is a mixture of propaganda and notoriety affirmation. PR has a longer lasting effect on the public than any other form of marketing. As an example, an article written about a particular brand will be published, archived, and searchable over the Internet where viewers will be able to access it for many years. On another hand, running an ad on the Internet (i.e. Google) has a limited shelf life because the advertiser pays to cover a fixed amount of time. Once the ad expires, it is taken off the Internet indefinitely. Thus, on the long run, PR is a lot cheaper than conventional advertising.

Another interesting aspect is that PR is more credible than advertising. As an example, any designer would prefer Oprah to talk about their couture rather than running an ad during the Oprah show. Since viewers relate and value Oprah’s opinion, they will me more prone to buy the product than just simply by viewing it during an ad.

In fashion, rapidly becoming the most popular type of PR is “Red Carpet” PR. It consists of a designer having a Red Carpet celebrity attendee wear their couture.

Designers such as Gucci, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana have been taking full advantage of this type of PR. Reportedly, designers are now paying stars huge sums of money to showcase their design on the red carpet.

Modus Couture’s designers have been playing their part in Red Carpet Marketing where an interesting list of celebrities have been spotted wearing Bogosse. The list includes:

- Usher

- Ryan Seacrest

- Jamie Foxx

- Howie Mandel

- Emilio Estevez

- Robert Verdi

It is important to mention that these celebrities were not paid to wear Bogosse (designer for Modus Couture). The couture sold itself because it is designed for celebrities. In fact, stars pay attention to details. Since Modus Couture is all about details, it explains the correlation with the celebrity attraction. The Modus collection spells out elegance with: square buttons, contrast stitches, double sided fabrics, double or triple buttons, and unique collars.

It’s incredible the effect that a star can create on a brand’s appeal. In an IHT article, Nick Robertson, Chief Executive for the online fashion retailer ASOS (United Kingdom), “noted particularly strong demand for clothes with African prints and a nautical Riviera feel, as well as the sort of lace dresses sported by socialite Peaches Geldof, and the style of gladiator sandals worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in the movie "Sex and the City"” (Click here to read story).

The latter gladiator shoes are designed by Tory Burch. Since then, Tory Burch’s sales exploded and women cannot get enough. The same phenomenon occurred for Christian Louboutin when Sarah Jessica Parker stunned viewers with Louboutin’s red signature heels.

Why are we star obsessed? Apparently, it started with the advent of television, with such star as Marylyn Monroe who has played a vital role in re-enforcing our obsession.

But whatever the reason, red carpet marketing has grown to become the best R.O.I.

(Return On Investment) for Fashion Marketing.