Lana Del Ray has been dogged by controversy since the public discovered the total overhaul of self that had allowed her to transform from the all-American, jeans-and-spaghetti-strap-wearing, penny-pressed pop failure Lizzy Grant into the sizzling, sultry, Brigitte Bardot from the wrong side of the tracks with doe eyes and blow-job lips. Love her or hate her (and I happen to love her - I think her reinvention is indicative of the fickleness of the music industry, the ridiculous nature of the fame game, and some utterly ingenious marketing from Interscope), watching this video - the sexy older sister of the ‘lo-fi’ ‘Video Games’ - you cannot fail to see an icon in the making. Her flawless, sixties screen-siren, honey-tinted hair and carefully cultivated goddess kohl flicks are tipped a wink of knowing irony and trashiness by her well-lacquered reverse french manicure with blood-red tips. Her red-carpet, white silk gown is worthy of Audrey Hepburn - except for the cut-out detail that shows more decolletage than our beloved Audrey ever knew existed. As she sits resplendent on her throne, she wears a crown of flowers knowingly reminiscent of a cutesy floral bathing cap - and finishes her video soaked in her own blood in denim cut-offs by the side of the road. She is a perfect rose with her thorns displayed as proudly as her petals. I couldn’t give less of a toss whether said rose is genetically modified or not. Watch this girl. She is here to stay.
Keep Your Powder Dry.
x
Burberry Prorsum Menswear Autumn/Winter 2012 Show
Some incredible pieces were showcased yesterday in Milan.
Accessories took a key role, with umbrellas and flatcaps being prevalent throughout. The spiked gloves and carry bags were also a personal favourite.
There was a real sense of heritage in the collection, with strong country colours on contemporary cuts (really, really tailored) creating a town-to-country feel. Strong fabrics and the iconic trench worked for the city looks, moving to quilted finishes which were shown on many of the coast and cropped jackets hailing the move to the country side with the introduction of luxury, softer fabrics. As the show progressed, colour started filtering in via a series of Velvet suits and print shirts and ties, finished with some excitable embellished jumpers that brought a jovial side the collection Bailey has described as “playful” and “charming”.
My Weekend Wardrobe
This weekend is all about day-to-night dressing. Meeting friends for late lunch, then off to the bars for an even later night, you’ve got to look smart, stylish, yet comfortable and relaxed for daytime activities while maintaining a fashionable edge for the night. .
Here’s what I’ll be wearing:
Outerwear:
Britton double–breasted trench coat ~ Burberry
Top:
ASOS Crew Neck Jumper With Sheer Panel
Down below:
Topman Port stretch skinny jeans
The shoes:
H by Hudson Nevada zip boots
The Accessories:
Chiffon skull scarf ~ Alexander McQueen
Silver pop Scoubidou ~ Tateossian
SALES SALES SALES
So I, like millions of others, hit the shops over the festive season for the annual sales, and this year was a winner for me! I got some great pieces from various places to expand on my wardrobe. All very different, all for different purposes, all versatile, all durable; as I like it. (Lots of shoes)
Here are some of my best finds:
ASOS Crew Neck Jumper With Sheer Panel ~ ASOS.com
Designed in-house in ASOS’s London studio by their dedicated menswear team, this awesome sheer yoke top is probably my favourite piece. It strikes the perfect balance of the classic hallmarks of a sartorial staple, with its long sleeves and bound crew neck, and contemporary styling; it’s given a modish rework with its luxe soft knit construction and sheer yoke panel. A directional, everyday item, which works from day to night.
ASOS Longline Racer Back Vest ~ ASOS.com
A simple long-line vest featuring a low scoop neckline and a curved racer back with raw cut edges and a relaxed fit. Perfect for the gym, for clubs, for home. I went back and bought more.
Black ‘Lieutenant’ leather boots ~ Topman.com
Now, every man needs a classic black boot, and these Lieutenant boots from Topman fit the bill perfectly. Crafted from 100 per cent leather, these boots feature a classic lace-up front, embroidered detail and are finished with a toecap.
Nevada Zip Boot ~ H By Hudson
These Nevada boots from H by Hudson are similar to a pair of Diesel suede boots I already have, but I loved the rich dark brown hue (much darker than the image) of these ones, making them a much more formal version. Featuring a mid-rise design, suede upper, double stitch detailing to the main, a zip closure to the side, an almond shaped toe, stitched leather sole and low block heel, these boots are a classic, with which you can’t go wrong.
Navajo Workboots ~ Frank Wright
Now, I had been looking for a pair of everyday brown boots for decades when I finally came across these Navajo workboots by Frank Wright. With the H by Hudson boots being so smart, I was still in need of a pair of casual weekend boots. Navajo Features a lace up front with metal eyelet detailing, rounded toe, side zip fastening and a pull on tab to the heel in softly worn leather effect finish.
Shoe lab quilted trainers ~ Topman
Excuse the state of these, I couldn’t find them online any more so had to take a pic, not cleaned the sole since New Year! ha! I love these trainers, can’t fault them anywhere, classic shape, classic colours, given a cool twist with quilted panels on the upper, lace and velcro strap fastening, urban-up smart casual looks, or simply finish off street-style looks. SIMPLES.
So what did you guys find? Email your pictures and where you found your bargins to tsoa.editor@gmail.com and I’ll load them up for all to see!
Can’t wait to here from you guys!
Catch you soon!!
Neil
BURBERRY PRORSUM Suede trenchcoat
Here it is! In a much better picture than my quick twitpic. I love this trench, such a luxe rework of the iconic Burberry trench. Now, how many tricks do we think I need to turn to afford this….?
Burberry’s iconic trench gets a luxe rework in supple suede for the new season. This long trench continues the military aesthetic of the previous season with its epaulettes at the shoulder. Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey continues to take inspiration from the Burberry archives, incorporating exposed button fastening to the front, chic waist belt, storm flaps and collar and multiple pockets.
Style Forum Special: Tom Ford. A special insight into one of my favourite designers/men/human
My weekend wardrobe
NEED. WANT. CAN’T AFFORD
So, over the last two weeks I have had the time of my life at work as I was put in charge of all of the menswear copy for the site while the regular Copywriter was away. This is something I have been working hard to achieve, as many of you know, menswear is the reason I am here.
The downside of working non-stop on the finest and most coveted menswear items available is that I have mentally bankrupted myself, about 5 times over.
Here are a few of my most favourite pieces.
MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA
Foldover Tote
Maison Martin Margiela has created a sartorial staple with this luxe Foldover tote. Crafted in Italy from the highest-grade leather, this covetable accessory boast unlimited versatility. It large shoulder strap can be used for cross-body wearing as you run abut town, then switch to the small carry handles as you enter those important business meetings.
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
Stretch Harness regular fit single cuff shirt
Give your smart–casual look a contemporary twist with Alexander McQueen’s Stretch Harness shirt. Made in Italy from soft cotton, this classic shirt is modernised with the label’s signature buckle–adjusting harness shoulder strap and is given a seasonal rework in a stretch-cotton fabric.
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
Gingham cargo trousers
Vivienne Westwood give the cargo trouser a signature directional spin with a subtle all over check print, ribbed cuffs and contemporary drop crotch. Made in Italy from lightweight cotton for a luxurious finish.
What do you think? Be sure to tweet me those special items that make your heart swoon! @iamneilthornton
All available at Selfridges.com
