Mickey Rourke's ready for the weekend

Mickey Rourke is definetly an example of evolution and reinvention, having achieved the peak of his career in the 80s and then a comeback in 2008 with "The Wrestler". Below a photograph of him around 1988-1989 at Cannes wearing an ensemble that's great for the weekend or any day of leisure.

All you need is a pair of jeans, Levis 501s, a denim or cotton long sleeve shirt, a striped jersey, and accesories such as rings and Wayfarers, although it appears that Mickey Rourke's sunglasses are "Cat Eyes".

Photo: GQ

A review of Paris FW 2010-2011

Days ago Paris hosted Menswear's Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2010-2011. Even though it only lasted several days, Paris showed the world more of what was shown in Milan for this season: lots of black and grey, furs, trench coats, "Mad Men" suits, and vests to mention some. Below I'll post some of the pieces that were presented on the runway that grabbed my attention and likeness.


Paul Smith featured several "colorful" suits like the one below, that immediately brought "Mad Men" to my mind. This one in particular is something that can be worn by Pete Campbell. What's remarkable from this piece is its "shine" and of course the combination of the tie and the pocket square.

Hermes on the other hand offered a mix of formal elegance with casual elegance, a great one. From its combination of grey jackets, grey t-shirts. and black trousers to a very bohemian/casual ensemble like the one below with a red vest, grey cardigan, and white jersey.

Grey was the predominant color in Hermes, and I really like its use in Fall/Winter because besides being elegant, it's a "colorful" option instead of an all black look. Below a zipper cardigan that reminds me of the one worn by Alain Delon in a previous post called "Alain Delon's Fall Jacket" and a blue with grey pullover and grey trousers.

If I had to decide which fashion house was the one that presented the best collection for Fall/Winter 2010-2011 in Paris, I'd pick without a doubt Maison Martin Margiela. It was a collection that was wearable, versatile, modern with a touch of 60s Carnaby Street, 70s Glam Rock, jumpsuits, and even Doctor Zhivago.

The first Margiela ensemble consists of a "polka dot" shirt and a pair of striped trousers, both in black and white, that have a big 60s Carnaby Street influence. An outfit that can be worn all year round, especially for a party at the club or lounge. The boots give it that Swinging 60s touch. The black coat makes it a Fall/Winter ensemble. The second outfit has a slight 70s rock/punk vibe with the option to wear it with a white jacket or without it, wearable all year.

These previous two outfits are great options to wear when partying and hanging out with friends, dare I say they look elegant and formal, while being casual and "rocker". White paired with either grey or black is great combination.

And to wrap up this post, we have this modern version of a "suit jumpsuit" and this fur collar, wrap around coat that definetly took some inspiration from Doctor Zhivago.

Photos: GQ.com

Sean Connery's Rolex Submariner 5513

A watch besides telling what time it is, is an accesory that reflects one's style and personality. Throughout history many watches have been created and worn, yet few have achieved the status of iconic and "must-haves". One of these is the Rolex Submariner 5513.

Created in 1953, the Rolex Submariner was the first water resistant watch. In the early 60s after a series of outstanding Submariner models, the 5513 was created. It is a watch that has not only been used in expeditions, but also by some of the most stylish men and in movies such as those from the James Bond saga (1962-1989).

Below we can see some photos of Sean Connery as James Bond wearing the Submariner in "Dr. No" (first photo) and in "Thunderball". Besides his Rolex, it is worth mentioning that both of his ensembles are something one can wear this upcoming Spring/Summer.

Photos: Rolexforums.com, Flickr, & Doctormacro1.info

Relaxing with Miles Davis

Jazz legend Miles Davis takes a pause to relax and probably observe what was going around him looking very stylish. He is wearing a simple and eye catching ensemble made up of a grey pullover, with a dark scarf wrapped around him, some beige trousers, and a pair of black shoes.

Photo: GQ

Milan FW 2010-2011 in review

From January 16-19 Milan hosted the Fall Winter 2010/2011 Menswear Fashion Week. As always, the major menswear fashion houses presented their collections on the runway, collections which in general were made up of dark colors (black, grey, midnight blue, brown), used different materials (velvet, suede, leather, fur, wool, flannel), and featured both classic (1920s newsboy, 60s Mod, 70s glam rock) and avant garde designs (contrasting and detailed lapels). Below I'll present to you my favorite pieces from the collections featured in Milan.

Dolce & Gabbana's collection contained pieces that went from the very elegant to the very casual, all classic and wearable.

They say less is more, and this proves it. A perfect example of the 60s Mod look due to the black skinny tie, crisp white shirt, and black trousers.

Using the same style combination, Dolce & Gabbana decided to use a wider tide and vest below.

Black is a synonym for elegance, and the addition of a pin striped jacket makes this outfit 100% Italian. The return of the double breasted jacket was more than evident this year in Milan.

For those days when one wants to be casual and comfortable, yet well dressed there's nothing more perfect than this ensemble.

The 1920s newsboy look made was featured constantly this time by Dolce & Gabbana.

Several weeks ago I posted about Jack Nicholson's 70s black velvet suit, well it has made a comeback 35 years later.

Emporio Armani had this double breasted pin striped jacket in a cool shade of grey.

Once again Gucci was one of my favorite shows since most of its collection had 60s Mod inspired outfits; wearble, classic, elegant, and stylish. Along with Dolce & Gabbana it was in my opinion the best show in this fashion week.

My favorite outfit from Milan FW 2010/2011. The 60s Mod look is evident with the turtleneck and blue velvet jacket. The white trousers provide a balanced contrast.

A mixture of 60s Mod with Yves Saint Laurent's late 60s and early 70s Safari jackets.

Gucci once again decided to bring back the 70s glam rock look featured on it's SS 2010 collection with this ensemble, quite similar to what was shown several months ago. Midnight blue is definetly a great color. The V-neck gives it a casual yet elegant look and it's something to wear while clubbing or going out to town at night.

Photos: GQ.com

Robert Redford's "Three Days of Style"

Robert Redford is definetly one the best representatives of true American style in the 70s. Shown below in a scene from 1975's "Three Days of the Condor", he is wearing a more than perfect ensemble. Its elements: blue shirt underneath a dark pullover sweater, wool jacket, some washed jeans, and a pair of sneakers.

Photo: Flickr

Rafael Medina Abascal

Rafael Medina Abascal alongside his brother Luis Medina Abascal (who was featured previously months ago in this blog) is one of Spain's and Europe's most stylish men nowadays. His style mixes a bit of dandy, Mod, and classic tailoring leading to something that's elegant, classic, natural, wearable, youthful and modern.


Photographed below at one of the salons of the Palacio de Duenas in Seville, Spain; he can be seen wearing what appears to be a teal colored turtleneck with a black jacket and trousers. The touch of color can be appreciated in his socks and colorful/artistical design slippers.




Photo: Flickr/L' Uomo Vogue

Marcello Mastroianni

Marcello Mastroianni was an ambassador of Italian style in the 60s and 70s who starred in films such as "La Dolce Vita", "8 1/2" , "Marriage Italian Style", and "Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow" among others. On screen and off screen his style was an example of pure class and elegance.

50 years later, his portrayal of Marcello Rubini in "La Dolce Vita" still remains one of the most remembered ones in cinema history. Below he is shown in a scene from this Fellini movie strolling at night on Rome's Via Veneto.


Photo: Listal

Mick & Bianca Jagger

One of the most remembered weddings of the 70s is the St. Tropez wedding of Mick Jagger & Bianca Jagger (Bianca Perez Morena de Macias). Their May 12, 1971 wedding was a wedding that earned a place in history not only because of the many photographers and press outside the City Hall, but because of Bianca's white Yves Saint Laurent wedding dress made of a long skirt and open blazer. Mick on the other hand was wearing a 3 piece grey suit with a colorful scarf and shoes.





Photo: Flickr

Somewhere My Love

This Winter has been a cold one for most parts of the world, and regardless of the freezing temperatures one must look stylish at every moment. Based on the novel by Boris Pasternak, "Doctor Zhivago" from 1965 is a film which depicts the story of Lara (Julie Christie) and Doctor Zhivago (Omar Sharif) during the years of the Russian Revolution.

To confront the freezing Russian Winter, Lara and Doctor Zhivago wore fur coats, fur hats,
wool trench coats, and what appears to be black turtleneck wool sweaters. What grabs my attention from the photo below is Omar Sharif's leather belted trench coat, and the fact that several years ago people were surprised to see this look on the runways, well this look originally comes from circa 1915-1917, just another proof that past fashions can become present and future fashions.


Stay warm and stylish this winter (if possible buy synthetic furs!).

Photo: Flickr & Daily Mail

One of a kind sneakers

It has been said by many, that the first thing they notice when meeting with someone is not their shirt, jacket, sunglasses, cufflinks, trousers, jeans, or watch, it's their shoes. To some shoes are a minor outfit complimment, to others a collectors item, while others consider them as something that adds a final touch to their ensemble.


I could go on and on regarding the shoes every stylish gentlemen must have in his wardrobe, which are appropiate for certain ocassions and seasons, the variety of colors and materials. But this time I would like to focus on two original pairs of canvas sneakers.


The first one, a pair of Tommy Hilfiger Peace Symbol print sneakers (which I proudly own after looking for weeks for a size that fit me) in red, navy blue, and white. The Peace Symbol is one of those iconic symbols from the 60s, a favorite of mine due to its representation of Peace & Love, and a symbol that has made a comeback as of last year. Besides this pair, one can find a black and orange pair, and also some bed sheets and even a bikini for your girlfriend with the Peace Symbol all from Tommy Hilfiger.


The second sneaker pair is from Vans and it has all over them the iconic Piet Mondrian painting which was made popular in 1965 by Yves Saint Laurent with his Mondrian dress collection. These sneakers are literally a piece of art.



I would recommend wearing any of these sneakers with a pair of jeans, white or blue trousers, or a monochromatic outfit to add a touch of "color". Ideal for those moments of leisure or hanging out with your friends at the club and lounge, these sneakers will certainly get the attention of many and express your sense of style.




Photos: Flickr

Michael Hutchence's denim jacket

The denim jacket had its heyday back in the late 80s and 90s. Versatile and easy to match with anything, it is a jacket ideal for leisuring or rocking the town. INXS frontman Michael Hutchence was photographed in the mid 90s at a music store wearing one. One can notice in the background a poster of Jimi Hendrix, which makes this photo a bit "significant", considering the fact you have two Rock culture icons, who sadly were gone too soon.



Photo: Flickr

On the road with Alain Delon

The start of a new year and decade is always a time in which one looks towards the future with optimism, hope, perseverance, faith, and happiness. It's the start of a new stage in our lifes, and we should look back and analyze our accomplishments, our strengths and weaknesses; and at the same time we should establish new goals to reach out for and improve some areas we may have to.

The beginning of 2010 marks the start of a 365 day/10 year journey along an amazing road called "Life". A road which we'll travel to grow as persons, accomplish our goals, give the best of us to our famiy, friends, and other citizens of the world. There may some bumps and dangerous curves in this road, yet if we remain positive, objective, and proactive we will overcome them. And of course we'll have the opportunity to admire the great landscape and some outstanding settings, it's important we enjoy each of these moments.

During the early 60s, Alain Delon, was photographed driving a convertible car along the road in France. Wearing a white suit and portraying a confident attitude he posed for the camera.

So let's start our roadtrip along 2010 and the 10s...


Photo: Flickr