The department store Hema claim that the push up bra Andrej Pejic is modelling can boost women’s busts by two cups.  This is illustrated by the fact that Andrej’s no-cup chest does appear to have been enhanced to a B cup in the advertising campaign pictures.

The campaign pictures have only recently been released.  However, they have sparked a huge reaction and response, with Pejic’s agent referring to the campaign as revolutionary.  Fans have been using online forums and social websites to comment, many believe the HEMA campaign is outstanding, stating that if a male model can look good in a push up bra, it must work.  

It is believed that a male model has never modelled women’s underwear for an advert campaign before.

Andrej Pejic other fashion shoots

The title is the BFA’s highest honour, and acknowledges Paul Smith’s innovative and unique contribution to the British fashion industry during a career that has spanned four decades, beginning when he left school at the age of 15.  He opened his first clothing store in 1970 and unveiled his first menswear collection six years later.  Today, there are twelve collections under the Paul Smith label.

Paul Smith’s spring/summer 2012 collection was unveiled at London Fashion Week, echoing the classic British essence that has made Paul Smith a national favourite.  The collection fused colour blocks of bright orange and navy hues.  Layering featured strongly alongside blue jeans and tapered trousers.  Sharply tailored jackets gave way to striking shirts with skinny ties in coordinating colours.  Belts stayed skinny and shoes were glossy and black – or a daring leopard print.  The collection is wearable and the result is slick, sharp and stylish.  It seems that Paul Smith has done it again.

Paul Smith

]]> http://www.sheltons-menswear.co.uk/paul-smith-receives-fashions-top-award/feed/ 0 http://www.sheltons-menswear.co.uk/tartan/ http://www.sheltons-menswear.co.uk/tartan/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:30:05 +0000 sheltons http://www.sheltons-menswear.co.uk/tartan/ Surprisingly, tartan clothing is on the rise. The patterned material has been seen on a variety of cat-walks and is now even starting to find itself in stock in local high-street stores. Big companies such as Burberry have even been getting in on the act. Burberry has recently released new products in primary hues, cross hatch with black including men’s jackets too so guys can get in on the act too. Brilliant.

However, tartan fashion can be slightly tricky. When it comes down to it, there are lots of things to remember, and lots of things to steer clear off. Below we have listed some very fundamental do’s and don’ts when it comes down to wearing tartan clothing.

•    Do mix and match- you don’t have to just stick with tartan. Lots of designers have been pairing up tartan patters with other eye-catchy ones such as animal prints. Wow. This gives a really cool and edgy look, however, I would advise only the more confident of fashionista’s to try it.

•    Accessorise! Why not try a basic tartan scarf? With a plain coloured or layer outfit, this could be the piece which completes the look. Adding basic tartan accessories allows you to follow a fashion trend and without going OTT.

•    Layers! As mentioned above, it is always a good idea to layer your tartan. You should pair up with cardigan and jackets. This style looks brilliant and it’s perfect for the colder seasons coming up, too!

•    Don’t be afraid of going OTT. Nothing should stop you from expressing your interest in fashion. Even the craziest of tartan outfits have been accepted on the catwalk, so you should never be afraid of standing out!

Gender Bender Style

One of the biggest features of the winter scene has undoubtedly been the tomboy style, with boys’ and girls’ wardrobes seeing many common pieces of clothing.  Fashion trends like the 80s-inspired boyfriend jeans have accustomed women to the loose-fitted, baggy look, and this autumn-winter collection takes the look further with suit jackets, shirts and even men’s flat shoes.

A few designers have chosen to break the monochrome of the all-masculine look by adding plunging necklines to silk shirts and heels along with sparkly trousers.  Another feminine twist has also been seen in the form of gilded embroidery and ornate sequin work.  Decorative work has been used to add a touch of ladylike charm to the otherwise severe men’s tailcoats and riding jackets.

Among the line of jackets and coats for winter 2011 are aviator jackets and Russian-style military jackets in intense colours like electric blue or deep green.  The androgynous look is in this season and audiences across runways the world over are getting a taste of gender shake-up.  So with those feminine curves hidden under layers of jackets and overcoats, be ready to look and feel like one of the boys.

Dell’Acqua first joined Brioni in 2009 after having parted ways with his own eponymous label. Speaking at the time, Andrea Perrone, president and CEO of Brioni, had said: “The appointment of Alessandro Dell’Acqua represents the Group’s desire to strengthen the womenswear collection, which has been a source of great satisfaction for some time.”

All the parties involved in the decision to cease production and part ways have declined to comment on the move, but it is widely believed that the plans laid down in 2009 had gone awry and that the decision is in some way influenced by the fact that the French luxury conglomerate PPR is interested in acquiring the iconic Italian fashion house. 

Few details are available beyond the fact that the house will stop producing womenswear after September and it is not known if the label will be present at Milan Fashion Week although it is due to show there on September the 25th.  The closure of this line marks a significant time in women’s fashion and the Italian giants will leave a large hole in the industry which many others will be keen to fill.

Designer clothes aren’t something many people can afford to buy a lot of each year, I find it easier to buy a designer suit or black jacket, to last me a few years, then other items which change often to fashion such as tops and shirts I go for cheaper brands or highstreet clothing options.

This season I have found that to keep up with a lot of the trends is to invest in a few t-shirts, men’s shirts and jumpers in earthy tones such as browns, beiges, greens and mustard yellows as well as slate greys, blues and blacks. These will provide the backbone to quite a few different trends this season and great to mix and match.

Some other things that you should try and look at are trousers, not just black, but more adventurous colours such as oranges, greens, reds and mustard yellows. Although you may think these could be a waste of money coloured trousers are having a bit of a resurgence which will no doubt be around for a while yet, after all we have had just denim jeans for a long, long time.

Brought to the capital by Metro, the Oxford Street Fashion Week offers an array of activities.  Amongst the events set to take place over the week are special promotions, style tutorials, mini catwalk shows and interactive fashion workshops.  Proving to be a popular concept, the event has led to both celebrities and large fashion retailers getting involved and the sense of fun and opportunity brought about by the week is creating a real buzz.

As the first event of its kind that has been held around the same as key fashion weeks on this scale, the event seems set to compliment rather than criticise the more prestigious fashion week alternatives.  The New York, London, Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks will always remain the linchpins of the fashion world, showcasing the world’s best designers and leading the way for the following season’s styles, but it’s certainly fun to have an alternative that allows the masses to be excited about fashion.

One popular trend which we have seen for the past couple of years is Military, which includes worn jeans, layers of t-shirts and shirts, dusty, dark and grey colours and not forgetting the trusty, military/work boot. The beauty of Military is that it can easily be integrated into your wardrobe with some great cross over items.

Another trend which is making its way from summer to autumn is preppy and inspiration can be taken from American college cool with many highstreet brands like Soul Cal making the most of this trend. Straight cut trousers worn with a skinny belt, polo shirts and varsity or sports jackets. Preppy also has a bit of a geek chic to it so don’t be afraid to turn up your trousers or jeans and pop on a pair of specs.

Whether you opt for a silk scarf or cotton bandana, the neckerchief is all about fashion and attention, so don’t expect functionality or warmth.  If your look needs texture, depth or interest, look no further.  Their humbling price tag means you can stock up on several colours and patterns to suit any occasion.  Smart or casual, a neckerchief says you care about the details.

Drape a neckerchief loosely over your t-shirt to add a touch of flair and individuality to your festival ensemble.  Leave just a hint of colour above a button down dress shirt for a truly stylish celebrity look.  Or tie it tightly around your neck, swaddling your Adam’s apple in colourful fabric, something glossy, formal and flashy to smarten up your work wear.

However you wear it, whatever the material or colour, it’s sure to draw attention.  Neckerchiefs are for the creative and daring.

At the big reveal of the 2011 designer watch collections we saw great flair, passion, innovative design and forward thinking use of technology.  The 2011 collections are the epitome of masculinity and class.  Designers seem to be moving away from the traditional watch and continue to create multi-purposed objects of distinction. 

Take this example: detailing the date and time down to 1/10 of a second, Calvin Klein’s latest production, the Post Minimal Chronograph watch boasts four windows on one face.  With its impressively handsome clock face and overall sleek, seductive design, the fine balance of elegance and masculinity this watch emanates will enthral all.  A perfect accessory to any ensemble, this adaptable timepiece is a timeless modern classic. 

A definite contender for best watch of 2011 and an excellent alternative to Calvin Klein’s Post Minimal Chronograph watch is one of Emporio Armani’s most recent offerings – the Ceramica AR1400.  Similar to that of Calvin Klein’s watch the Ceramica is in essence a chronograph watch.  This misleadingly lightweight, water resistant, rich black ceramic submission is capable of showing the time to 1/10 of a second on three separate dials.  The watch exudes a subtle assertiveness and chic sophistication.   The Ceramica AR1400 truly is arm candy in the most literal sense.