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No festive cheer for SCB
2007-12-21 19:46:00
The very lovely, Jennifer, of SCB Marketing[who's responsible for plugging the new Diesel fragrance via commenting on this, and many other, blogs] sent me yet another email today...Hi Cillian, I hope you've had the chance to check out the new limited-edition Diesel Fuel For Life gifts I e-mailed you about the other day. If not, I could certainly re-send information and/or jepgs. They're so unusual and interesting--and totally worth a look. Cheer s, Jennifer Jennifer Hoppe Manager of SCB Partners USA jennifer@scbpartners.com 646.408.0048My response?Dearest Jennifer,I'm sure they're unusual, interesting and then some. But to be quite frank I'll never feature this particular product on my blog. Thanks for your interest but I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't harass me henceforth.Best,Cillian.Yes, I know it's somewhat immature but honestly, I'd just like to ensure Diesel get the message. This blog's not here for whoring and Diesel aren't exactly a priority when it comes to my p...

Impending doom...
2007-12-17 22:23:00
Apologies for the touch-too-dramatic title. Due to the impending doom that is examination time I have no choice but to absent the blogging-realm for the rest of this week.Plenty more posting on the way this weekend though!Meanwhile, enjoy this recently unearthed spectacle featuring the quintessentially handsome Sean O, ...and Nick of course.Image from TFS via Jdvision
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VMan 10 Preview
2007-12-15 18:15:00
Some shots from the upcoming 10th issue of the outstanding VMan.A largely hooded and breathtakingly surreal affair. I especially love the eye-catching(or torturing?) flares and the use of sky shades in the styling palette. Suitably Summer.Images from Vman
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A hankering
2007-12-14 09:23:00
Perhaps I'm just a little late with my top gifts but I do prefer to delay any Christmas-related matters as much as possible. I despair when I hear of people venturing into the bustling streets of illuminated cities scouring the streets in hunter-gatherer fashion to retrieve pressies...in October. Anyhow, late or not, I've just prepared a Christmas gift list, a wish list, a hit list of sublime presents, call it what you will...Bigarade concentrée by Jean-Claude Ellena[yes, THE nose behind Hermès' scents]An overwhelmingly citrus scent, I mean this in the most positive way.100% Leather Ankle Boots from Jil SanderRobust and simultaneously alluringly sensual. Delicious.Bernhard Willhelm SS 08This look has me hankering after another bomber to add to a burgeoning collection...Lanvin by Dean L. MerceronA history of, arguably, the most influential house of all time.Images from Totem Fashion, Yoox, Amazon and Editions Des Parfums
More About: Erin

Seoul Style the Boyhood Way
2007-12-10 22:31:00
'enjoy life, everything is cool'The simple and evidently[see pix] practiced mantra of lauded street-style documenter Your Boyhood.I must confess I haven't frequented this blog as much as I would like. I found it, some months ago, through much clicking of links and quite stupidly forgot to bookmark, you know how it is. But when I eventually, and quite literally, stumbled upon this treasure-trove of individualism and creative styling once again, I made sure not to make the same mistake twice.Based in Seoul 24 year old Hong Sukwoo, other wise known as Your Boyhood-who, incidentally also contributes to Hint Mag as far as I can gather-roams the eclectic streets of the city and its surroundings snapping all the exuberant sartorial feats of the young, old and everyone in between. Photographs of traditionally-attired 'grandfathers' in suits and smoky grey trilbies are found next to those of Seoul's hottest new design talents, many of whom are male.Not only does this blogger capture C...
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Milan Menswear FW 08/09
2007-12-07 22:23:00
Saturday, 12. January 10.00 Gaetano Navarra 11.00 C.P. Company 12.00 Costume National Homme 14.00 Jil Sander 15.00 Missoni 16.00 Burberry Prorsum 17.00 Les Hommes Homme 18.00 Gianni Versace 19.00 Romeo Gigli 20.00 ROEN Sunday, 13. January 9.30 Bottega Veneta 10.30 Antonio Marras 11.30 Frankie Morello 12.30 Gianfranco Morello 13.30 Salvatore Ferragamo 14.30 Vivienne Westwood 15.30 Emporio Armani 16.15 Neil Barrett 17.00 Byblos 17.45 M+F Girlbaud 19.00 Alexander Mcqueen 20.00 Prada Monday, 14.January 11.30 Trussardi 12.30 Biagiotti 13.30 Roberto Cavalli 14.30 John Richmond 15.30 Moschino 16.30 Krizia Uomo 17.30 Gucci 18.30 Alessandro Dell'Aqua 19.30 Giuliano Fuijwara 20.30 Andrew Mackenzie Tuesday, 15. January 9.30 Marni 10.30 Iceberg 11.30 Dsquared2 12.30 Fendi 13.30 Etro 15.30 Giorgio Armani 17.30 Calvin Klein 18.30 Belstaff 19.30 Haute Wednesday, 16. January 9.30 Evisu 10.30 Enrico Cover 11.30 Gazzarini 13.30 Denis Simach...
More About: Milan , Menswear

Size Hero and the Rise of the Ripped 'Roid-fuelled...Mary
2007-12-07 21:29:00
'Roid RageMark Simpson's insightful feature on 'Muscle Mary s and 'Roids' made for an informative morning read today. With anabolic steroid [ab]users as young as 12 years old the almost-global narcissistic obsession with image is more apparent than ever. Of course, it was only a matter of time before men buckled under pressure, before the 'skinny epidemic' and EDs weren't the only worrying issues regarding our fixation with physical perfection, before steroids weren't just rampant on the gay-party scene but, well, everywhere.Simpson even remarks on the fact that the majority of males are indoctrinated with this idea of 'masculinity' from a very young age what with popular figures like Action Man and G.I. Joe to be found in many a child's toy-box.The final couplet is what impacted on me most and what provoked this post[rhyming totally unintentional]..."Steroids are the metrosexual hormone - they make men saleable and shaggable in an age that doesn?t have much idea what els...
More About: Size , Hero , Rise , Ripped

Welcome to the revolution...
2007-12-04 22:00:00
"Architecture for the arm... Cufflinks unrecognizable as cufflinks... Packaging unlike anything on the market... Exclusive membership to a radical new movement..."Welcome to the ARMREVOLUTION.Vowing to take a 'stand for innovation in men's accessories' this incredibly unique initiative was established to introduce 'radical change in men's luxury accessories, focusing on cufflink design'.Basically, I surmise the idea is you buy a particular product which carries a specific engraved identification number, which, once registered grants you membership to exclusive gatherings. Frankly, it all seems a little ambiguous, what exactly are these mystery 'gatherings' and most importantly[well, personally anyway] are you provided with freebies at these aloof affairs? I certainly should hope so as...I certainly wouldn't refuse a pair of any of these..Perfectly structured, minimalist and so very forward. Cufflinks like these have endless combination possibilities-they can be teamed with ...
More About: Revolution , The Revolution

L'Officiel Hommes 10
2007-12-02 22:51:00
Joy! Finally something to rescue me from wallowing in the depths of cover despair. Granted we're not presented with anything earth-shattering here but it does make for a respite from the so mind-numbingly boring exteriors of Men's Vogue[will I ever cease giving them a tough time? Probably not...]Andres looks impressive to say the least and whoever was on hair managed to effectively maintain the appropriate body-hair-to-skin ratio which of course is a must for any self-respecting modern male, or so we're told.The monochrome is perfectly offset by the apt 'luxe' of pitch black and gold and sparse lettering-an utter rarity-is always a plus.Image from TFS

Blahnik Brogues
2007-11-30 22:04:00
After a lengthy vacation from menswear-seven years to be exact-Manolo Blahnik has returned with a six-piece footwear collection for the boys. The collection packs quite the punch despite it's rather small scale, ranging from the pinnacle of excellence-red suede Oxford brogues to the somewhat questionable-leopard print sandals. Of course, then there's the bluest of blue..suede sandal/brogue hybrid shoe which I could hail as being oh so innovative but prefer to well..leave well enough alone.The brogues as I've already made blatantly obvious are-for me-the high-point of the collection, bearing in mind I've only, yet, seen half of it. A yearning to combine them with some chequered pants has suddenly surfaced. But not and I stress this, not of the clown or chef variety. These require the most subtle of patterned pants to enhance the cheeky humour-a heady grey and black combo I reckon.Braces come to mind too, although, perhaps that might be veering somewhat too far on the circus sid...
More About: Vogue

Movember!
2007-11-29 18:35:00
As Style Salvage has just recently reported, November is the month of the moustache! I felt I too should dedicate a post to what is an undeniably good cause, Movember-a unique initiative established in 2003-aims to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer research while promoting bristles on men. A little late I hear you mutter but not for all, those talented facial-hair growers among us have precisely a day left to cultivate a tache!More info hereDonate hereImage from Boudist.com

My Two Scents
2007-11-27 22:17:00
I've been itching to do a fragrance post for a while but I've put it off due to my serious lack of experience regarding this particular topic. I'm permanently on a budget and it's not often I can justify the extravagance of bottle so I'm not exactly knowledgeable.However, I do have in my possession two trusties that see me through the vast majority of the time...Pi Fraiche by GivenchyBasenotes says: 'Fresher' than original Pi, with top notes of tangerine and jasmine, middle notes of amber and base notes of benzoin and woody notes.I say: Light and fruity but-surprisingly-should be used sparingly, the fun is quite spoiled once you've spritzed on so much you actually smell like a sugar-coated tangerine. Great for Summer, and a nifty bottle to boot.Higher Energy by DiorDior Spokesperson says: 'more dynamic, electric and younger' than the original, Higher.I say: Citrusy, musky and spicy all at once. This is decadent but not overly lavish, an evening scent through and through.Im...

Carola Euler and the subtle difference.
2007-11-24 19:48:00
Apologies for the extended recess I've taken over the past week, studies are-as you all know-a time-consuming burden.During the rather...frequent... studies breaks I've taken I gorged on these sublime shots of menswear newcomer Carola Euler's SS08 collection.Euler just recently held a cocktail reception at the formidable b Store on London 's Savile Row where she stated the she 'was inspired by the idea of what a 16-year-old boy would buy if he suddenly came into lots of money...that kind of naïve approach to luxury dressing.'That 'naïve' attitude Euler was inspired by did in no way compromise the subtle splendour that emanates from each piece. A restricted -but not excessively so-palette, akin to Calvin Klein SS08, makes for a refreshing appeal. Metallics toned-down provide just enough edge and modernity. This Berlin er is here for the long haul.From Dean Mayo Davies at Hint Blog:'German menswear talent Carola Euler understands this and went all conceptual to make an exciting...
More About: Difference , Diff

GQ Men of the Year
2007-11-20 22:03:00
Bill Clinton, Daniel Craig and Kanye West have all been chosen to star on a GQ US cover of their own. The December 2007 issue is dedicated to who GQ has dubbed the Men of the Year .Daniel Craig...again with the eyes. Do they look somewhat artificially striking to anyone else?Kanye West...more a smug-shot than mug-shot.I should probably just accept that conventional Men's lifestyle magazines aren't going to be improving-covers-wise-in the near future but I just had to make one last jab. At least all men were considerably deserving of the title...Images from TFS

Business Class
2007-11-19 22:15:00
I've just stumbled upon the Male Editorials thread over at TFS and I discovered this gem. To be utterly honest, it's plain difficult to find male-focused editorials that are up to the creative standard of womens'. Part of the reason, I presume, is the fact that there's less competition in the male magazine realm and a much lesser demand for stylistic innovation in the said area.These are some shots from an editorial entitled, Business Class , photographed by Miles Aldridge(who's contributed to both Vogue Italia and Vogue Nippon on several occassions) and featured in L'Uomo Vogue.The concept was what intrigued me at first. The interior of an airplane, is generally not considered particularly beautiful or visually appealing, it carries only negative connotations; jet-lag, insomnia, excruciatingly loud babies and uncomfortable seating. But Aldridge has flipped this widely held conception on its head. The models-seemingly-sleep soundly contorted amongst their treasured, 'busines...
More About: Business Class , Sine

Red By Wolves
2007-11-17 17:07:00
Definitely one of the most intriguing and original label-names I've ever come across. Red by Wolves , is a London -based label that makes the most exquisite and sumptuous shoes that explore 'masculinity, androgyny' and numerous other themes, attitudes and styles. Each 'innovative, beautiful, dark, dramatic' pair is handmade in England.Sox are not my sole(har har) penchant, I also have quite a significant fondness for shoes. Shoes of every style and colour imaginable. So, it was-to say the least-a rather terrific moment when I stumbled upon the Red by Wolves myspace with its beautiful pictures of even more beautiful shoes and of-the-moment soundtrack of Joy Division's She's Lost Control.Images from Red By Wolves and RBW myspace.

ART BY
2007-11-16 13:09:00
'ART BY is a collaboration between H&M and up-and-coming creative talents. This piece is part of a collection by Icelandic artists'.Well, I think the caption(the text that also features on the shirt label) says it all, really. I was hunting through H&M for a wintry coat a few weeks ago and instead, this graphical piece caught my eye. As stated above it's from a collection designed by Icelandic artists, this particular tee is by Siggi Eggertsson. Google searches have not been helpful in producing any info regarding this H&M endeavour. Anyone have more details?Here's a few more equally appealing pieces from the collection, modelled by a more mature and bearded gent.Images from Siggi Eggertsson.

Men's Vogue December 2007
2007-11-14 22:49:00
Can anyone say... dull ?
More About: Vogue , December , December 2007

Soxitis
2007-11-14 21:18:00
This blog really seems to err on the confessional these days. Regardless, I really must have you know that I have the strangest, most absorbing obsession with socks. Yes, socks. Of course, it's not really socks in general that do it for me but a particular ilk, Topman socks.Since I began frequenting my local Topman, oh maybe two years ago, I've developed this unusual obsession. Symptoms include salivating at the sight of stripy socks, launching into fits while gawking at some star-printed socks, reacting violently to those who try and purchase said socks when stock is dangerously limited...Sometimes I won't leave without a pair...Or three....Note to Self: seek treatment.Images from Topman

Unmentionable Horror Story!
2007-11-13 22:33:00
Well..that's a tad contradictory considering I'm actually going to mention it, however, I digress!This morning was one of the torturously, bitterly cold November variety. Rolled out of bed, clambered towards the underwear drawer and selected a pair of black trunks. Slipped one leg in and then the other(TMI? Just wait...) and immediately jolted with searing pain. I scanned my lower legs where I had suspected the pain had originated to find a half-dead, stubborn wasp/bee(honestly, was too bewildered to distinguish) planted on my right calf.You might denounce this post as superfluous and well, rather bizarre, until, of course, you discover that the wasp was in fact hibernating in my pair of unmentionables!*gasp*Be warned!Image from Nick Sagan Blogs
More About: Horror , Story

The Unmentionables...
2007-11-11 09:19:00
Underwear. A rather rarely discussed topic among the straight males of this world. Some prefer a fitted pair of trunks in a classic black or white, others veer towards baggy boxers in a 'my-mother-bought-these' blue and red check, while some prefer 'bulge-enhancing' Y-fronts/briefs...if you'll excuse the vulgarity.Most probably, you didn't expect a brief history of well...briefs, when you came here today alas, here goes.It all started-as you might have known-with the loincloth, when man first felt modesty. Loincloths were usually manufactured in a linen or wool with those made of silk generally reserved for the utterly wealthy.Eventually, as we grew ever more sophisticated, men turned towards the much more dynamic codpiece. This nifty thing enabled men to urinate without having to strip off their bottoms completely.Soon, our undergarments evolved further and we began to don union suits, commonly referred to as long-johns. Some of these actually possessed a drop flap at the rea...

Wrap Up
2007-11-09 21:21:00
I admit I am so very terribly late in choosing winter-wear essentials and Winter 07 is no exception seeing as we're approaching the halfway mark in November! Anywho, the garment I've been neglecting to purchase is of course the winter coat. Be it a lightweight trench with requisite epaulettes, a nifty mac in blackest of black or a weighty, woolly overcoat-coats satisfy both practical and sartorial needs.Considering my present income I'd never dare contemplate buying designer as regards coats. It's just got to be high-street if I'm not to be forced to shack up on the streets at the mercy of icy winds and pelting rain. Presenting...Topman 100% Cotton Cropped Red TrenchI wish I had a more sophisticated answer, alas, it's the boldness of the Venetian red that caught my attention here and of course, the wearing potential...straight-cut silver-sheen jeans and a pair of winklepickers(or even high-tops) with a basic white tee or tapered pants with some lavish cashmere from Uniqlo and ...
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Male Muse - Calvin Klein
2007-11-07 22:16:00
Über-influential designer, resourceful entrepreneur and all-round fashion icon. I couldn't possibly think of a more deserving candidate for this week's Male -Muse .65-year old Klein , American pioneer(arguable...but I'm wholly convinced) of the clean-cut minimalist aesthetic and creator of the most ubiquitous briefs ever is beyond inspirational. A man who single-handedly constructed a stellar apparel and fragrance empire while designing clothing that was wearable, commercial but still true to its subtly avant-garde roots incorporating signature-to quote Klein himself-'modernity, purity, neutral shades...sex appeal and, most of all, minimalism'.Calvin Klein menswear has always-for me-been at the fore with the likes of Jil Sander in constantly re-interpreting and re-inventing the pared-down and sleek look for guys. I just hope Zucchelli does as good a job in the future...Image from Getty(as you might have guessed)

Looks
2007-11-03 17:04:00
Just a few inspiring looks from the one-man-wonder that is The Sartorialist.The sharp shorts and furry legs make for a truly masculine appearance. Plus that little Commes Des Garcons badge adds a certain playfulness and frivolity which provides a nice contrast.The fellow on the left should pursue a modelling career post-post-haste if he has not already done so. Sumptuous, classic-black overcoats denote sartorial excellence.Steeped in historical connotations this look is both nostalgic-the military jacket-and fresh-the slim jeans.Again, another otherwise formal look is given a shot of mod with the tapered leg. The subtle quirk of the up-turned hem adds personality.Pure character. This man dresses for himself.Images from Sartorialist
More About: Looks

Alexander McQueen and Puma
2007-11-03 11:32:00
Although not an avid fan of sportswear label Puma , I've been persuaded to re-evaluate my stance due to Alexander McQueen's collaboration with the brand which resulted in one of the most outstanding lines of men's shoes I've seen in quite the while.Luxe, smart and edgy, the shoes epitomise 'sleek' and possess a subtle essence of the brand's eponymous mascot-the puma itself. McQueen has outdone himself in creating a collection that truly represents the brand's dedication to quality and innovative design.This coming together of two clothing giants wasn't a haphazard process either with the entire concept for the collection having been intricately developed. Just click 'Concept' on the site and you'll understand-it's almost like a little narrative to lure you in, which is-in a way-indicative of McQueen's own way.Images from AlexanderMcQueen.Puma.com

Details December 2007
2007-10-31 11:24:00
Being a fellow Irishman it's a rare occurrence in which I take a bash at Jonathan Rhys Meyers but sometimes duty calls. First of all, I've got to get it out there that I'm quite the fan of Steven Klein's work (Klein shot the cover) but his Details covers just fail to meet the mark. No better example than this one here. Meyers is contorted in a tad too feminine pose that compromises whatever masculinity he possesses and then broods in a thoroughly fake manner. Secondly, the styling-well-Details may not be the most dynamic of men's magazines but this is just positively unimaginative. Note also, his tan looks v.suspicious indeed.This magazine-cover bashing seems to be catching on...Image from PerezHilton via TFS
More About: December , December 2007

'Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten...'
2007-10-29 09:56:00
Flawlessly crafted with the greatest of attention paid to the most minute of details-this is how one might imagine Florence's Stefano Bemer creates his bespoke and brilliant footwear. The epitome of gentlemanly elegance his shoes are also truly individual, Bemer even uses red-wine as a dye to colour some of his leathers. I could go on but I'm not sure words could do the fruits of his labour justice...Images from Odn.ne.jp and Men's Style
More About: Price , Long , Quality , Forgotten , Ality

Luke set to nuke...
2007-10-27 10:54:00
Chances are you've seen a mention of a certain Luke Worrall on more than one occasion here, or perhaps at COACD. He's new with D1 Models in London and stands 6ft tall at 17 years of age. Fresh faced exuberance is his forte, platinum tufty hair renders a striking resemblance to a one, Agyness Deyn. In fact-being British, blonde and punk-Worrall could be considered her male-counterpart.Dazed's new muse...Some portfolio shots...On the runway SS08...House of Holland Marc by Marc JacobsYou can also catch him looking suave and resplendent in Vogue Paris Nov 07 and-don't quote me on this-the SS08 Marc Jacobs campaign.Images from Myspace and Dazed
More About: Nuke

'The best wave...'
2007-10-24 22:33:00
From Alexander McQueen's SS08 collection to Vogue Japan fashion director, Gene Krell, surfing's all around the world.Above: Gene Krell talks to Men's Style on his undying passion for the sport and the importance of the best wave. He states it's not all about the flashiest wetsuit but, frankly, I think he's lying a tad, don't you? Here's why...Above: 'Surf' features at Alexander McQueen.Images and Video from Men.Style.com
More About: Wave

Men's Vogue November 2007
2007-10-21 19:58:00
Although I accept Men's Vogue is a rather conventional men's magazine and not-overall- a fashion-focused publication I can't help but feel utter and genuine contempt for the very ugly layout and the a-tad-bland subject material. This may seem totally trivial but I really think the issue should be addressed. I'm sure Conde Nast are quite aware of their target market but don't they realise that there are American men who are more than a little interested in the sartorial aspect of things? Is it their outright intention to provide a comprehensive and very forward publication-in terms of menswear-for the European market, namely, Vogue Hommes International, and almost entirely neglect the American market in this sense?Having said all that, Mr.Washington looks his usual dashing self.Image from TFS
More About: November , November 2007