Denim Bowtie
My love for accessories has led me to a point where I almost feel naked without neckwear, and although ties are my go to choice, bows are a great way to give your outfit a different twist. I recently came across Federico Bateli’s bowties while searching for a different take on this quintessential piece of gentlemanly attire, and I must say his interpretations are quite unique and the perfect way to pack a punch. As I’ve mentioned before I like to break them down, so when I saw this faded denim version by Untitled it immediately caught my eye: light washed denim with an uneven distressed effect at the ends, superb. This time around, I decided to carry on the washed effect theme and simply pair it with stonewashed jeans, an oxford button down and blazer. By the way, a nice tip for when you grow tired of dark jeans: have them stonewashed, but be sure to specify the end result you’re looking for…this pair was falling into oblivion and has now become one of my favourites.
Details: cotton patch pocket blazer by Massimo Dutti, cotton cardigan by H&M, oxford button down by Ralph Lauren, jeans by Our Legacy (stonewashed), suede boat shoes by Buttero, denim bowtie by Untitled, MTO tartan pocket square, vintage braided leather belt, watch by Gucci, bracelets by Viola Milano and polka dot socks by H&M.
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
Rome: last day
The sunny last day provided me the chance to sport the newly purchased Borsalino I had been wanting to get my hands on for ages. Deciding on the color definitely posed a challenge due to the amount of different hues of grey, green and blue available, just mind blowing…Ultimately, and as it was my very first fedora I ended up going with the good old navy version. Its darker shade provided the right amount of contrast when paired with the camel peacoat, pink candy stripe oxford and summery white jeans.
Most of the times I dress by heart, instead of overly thinking about mixing and matching I throw on pieces that go well together, and that was just the case here - the fun part about this look is the number of distinct patterns working in harmony: vertical stripes on the shirt, horizontal stripes on the belt, polka dots on the tie and paisley on the scarf. However, due the different shades and scales (most of them are on accessories), none is overpowering when you look at the whole picture.
Details: camel peacoat by Our Legacy, pink candy stripe oxford button down shirt by Our Legacy, white slim fit jeans by Massimo Dutti, navy fedora by Borsalino, aviators by Ray-Ban, navy polka dot silk knit tie by Carolina Herrera, burgundy paisley scarf by Zara and striped ribbon belt by Purificacion Garcia.
Shot @ Piazza di Spagna, Rome
Rome: day 4
Despite the mixed opinions regarding cargo pants I have to say they won me over, especially if we’re talking about slim fitting alternatives. Cucinelli is king when it comes to cargos (and so many other things), but until I can afford to dish out +€450 for a pair of pants, this version by Uniqlo is the next best thing. Plus, when you’re traveling those extra pockets definitely come in handy. Some basic layering on top with an oxford button down, cardigan and timeless denim trucker adds texture, color and visual interest. However, the whole look is focused on the vintage white knit tie I got the day before at a flea market for €1; white is the last color I would ever consider purchasing a tie in, and I probably wouldn’t have if it weren’t for the price, but the truth is it actually works great with darker shades.
Details: denim trucker jacket by Levi’s, navy merino wool cardigan by Purificacion Garcia, dark green oxford button down shirt by Ralph Lauren, khaki slim fit cargos by Uniqlo, brown/navy suede boat shoes by Buttero, sunglasses by Ray-Ban, vintage wool knit tie, vintage braided leather belt, watch by Gucci, socks and scarf by H&M.
Shot @ Piazza di San Lorenzo, Rome
Rome: day 2 - A brother’s tribute
After greeting us with a sunny first day, the city suddenly became filled with a grayish tone and the cold and rain made an appearance. Time to throw on the only piece of outerwear I had packed, a camel wool peacoat I had been trying to snatch from my brother’s closet ever since he got it: thankfully a few weeks earlier we reached an agreement… When it comes to outerwear, few other pieces carry the undeniable classiness of a peak lapel double breasted camel peacoat. It was only after a couple of hours that I realized my attire was comprised of several items my brother handed over to me: peacoat, jeans and cotton shopper, so I guess in a way, this is a tribute to him. Love how the camel, denim and dark green shades on the bag, socks and recently purchased watch strap all come perfectly together…
Details: peak lapel double breasted camel wool peacoat by Our Legacy, jeans by Levi’s (511 slim - tailored), distressed brown penny loafers by Lottusse, aviators by Ray-Ban, paisley burgundy scarf by Zara, watch by Gucci (NATO strap by Smart Turnout), cotton shopper by Driftwood Collective and polka dot socks by Zara.
Shot @ Piazza Farnese, Rome
Ethnic Pattern Mix
If you’re acquainted with Our Legacy’s latest creations you’ve certainly recognized this Ethnic Arrow Shirt from their AW11 collection. Although it’s most definitely one of their strongest pieces to date, it’s also a challenge to mix and match, due to the tablecloth fabric and iconic print. Here I used it as an overshirt and inverted the usual layering order, throwing a solid v-neck cashmere sweater underneath it. Keeping up the patterned theme, the fair isle socks add an amazing twist to the whole look, imbuing the slate grey creased trousers with a new found life.
Details: ethnic arrow shirt by Our Legacy, cashmere v-neck sweater by Massimo Dutti, crewneck tee by Levi’s, creased trousers by Boglioli, fair isle wool socks by H&M, two-toned suede boat shoes by Buttero, bracelet by street vendor and watch by Gucci.
Model and Styling: Miguel Vieira
Photography: Rita Lino
A flowering trend…
Although I’ve mentioned florals before, I still hadn’t had the chance to fully address this much hyped pattern. Every other day, some new garment or accessory makes its way into the spotlight simply by sporting this nature inspired print. The sheer fact that its popularity is growing, while struggling with social, cultural and gender-based ill-formed preconceptions, is not only proof that men are more conscious about their style but that this pattern is a resilient one. As with all bold prints, the chances of getting it wrong are proportional to the risks you’re willing to take.
Whereas concepts such as scale, fit, proportion and color matching should be ever present on your attire, when going for more ambitious combinations they become a necessity. For me, the most crucial aspect to successfully pull it off is coordinating the scale of the pattern with that of the item itself, bearing in mind that larger items are harder to work with. When in doubt start by incorporating small notes such as scarves, pocket squares or ties and slowly work your way up the chain.
This shirt by Paul Smith was the result of an impulsive purchase a few years back, which remained stored away in my wardrobe for quite a while…now, it’s one of my Summer statement pieces. Besides the outstanding color scheme, I love its versatility which allows for interesting casual looks as well as adding a twist to more classic ones. Here I went for a relaxed, put together look aimed at toning things down by making use of pieces in complementing solid colors.
Organic cotton floral print dress shirt by Paul Smith, purple organic cotton crewneck tee by H&M, slate creased trousers by Boglioli, brown crepe sole boat shoes by Buttero, watch by Gucci, silver string by Goti (hidden).
A pinch of ethnicity #2
On this entry I’ll leave you with a few pics of the embroidered tunic I mentioned earlier. When I asked my brother to keep an eye out for them, I must say I had envisioned something different: a basic tunic in solid colors whose hemline would sit at the thighs, allowing for interesting plays with length. The thing about creating expectations and visual images in our minds, is that the element of surprise may backfire when the time comes.
Thankfully this wasn’t the case: besides knowing me well, my brother also has great taste. He got me an olive green cotton tunic with orange embroidered detailing on the front: definitely a bold piece. However, it poses the perfect opportunity to add visual interest to a look, by mixing vibrant colors and unusual design.
The minute I laid my eyes on it, I immediately pictured it paired with a shirt, blazer or even a tie. What I love about these pieces is that they’re usually a great way to make you think outside the box, challenging you to develop your creative side and come up with ways to make them work. Here, I used it as an overshirt, trying to oppose its relaxed nature with a more put together look: it’s amazing how a classic combo of khaki pants, white shirt and loafers is given a whole new life.
Olive green Moroccan tunic, white slim fit dress shirt by Paul Smith (S), khaki cotton trousers by Osklen (tailored - 40), brown distressed penny loafers by Lottusse (8.5), vintage braided belt, watch by Gucci.
Layering it up
Lately we’ve been experiencing some harsh weather, pairing both rain and temperatures of about 5ºC. The art of layering is crucial to withstanding the worst winter days, but even more so when rain joins the picture, as most waterproof garments such as trenches or macs are not the best when it comes to keeping you warm.
Layering consists of wearing several garments on top of each other, in order to increase your body’s thermal insulation. In some of the world’s coldest regions this is vital to your survival…in others, it’s just an amazingly stylish way to stay comfortable. By combining different pieces on distinct “levels” of your outfit, you are able to add visual appeal as well as functionality and versatility, by letting you adjust the number of layers to any given situation.
However, pulling it off may prove to be a harder task than it may seem at first. As a rule of thumb, the thickness of the layers should increase towards the exterior, keeping the thinner pieces closer to your body, as in: tee - shirt - pullover - cardigan - blazer - topcoat (you don’t need to wear them all at once, obviously). Mind you, every rule has exceptions and you can leave it to the Italians to find them…puffed vests over blazers anyone? Other than that, it all comes down to personal taste and experimenting with your pieces to see what works well together.
This is something I wore to work on a cold rainy day. Although this trench has a warm inner lining, it is still not enough, so I paired it with a chunky heavy knit cardigan, a brushed cotton vest, shirt, tie and a reversible scarf. One of my favourite things about this look, besides the color palette, is how the tie remains perfectly framed among all the layers. Also, notice the versatility I mentioned above, as it adapts to more casual (chunky knit), or formal occasions (shirt and vest alone).
Beige trench coat by Paul Smith, navy chunky heavy knit cardigan by Massimo Dutti, vintage brown cotton vest, slim fit pink dress shirt by Hugo Boss, dark blue jeans by Levi’s (511 slim), distressed brown loafers by Lottusse, reversible scarf by Fred Perry, polka dot pink tie by Vicri, brown braided leather belt by ACNE and watch by Gucci.
Going green…
Over the last few months I’ve developed a growing passion for green. Previously an almost nonexistent tone in my wardrobe, I have been becoming fonder of its versatility and stylish appeal, which led me to purchase a few new items and dig up others that had been stored away for a while…
Darker shades of green (hunter comes to mind) have been the order of the day in many Fall/Winter collections this year, making a stand as a great alternative to the traditional color palette of blues, browns, grays and blacks. It’s a perfect match for your slim fitting dark blue jeans, grey slacks or khakis, adding interest and richness to your overall look.
This look is all about mixing and matching pieces from different backgrounds and styles, such as the vintage Harris Tweed blazer purchased at Portobello market in London, the military inspired hooded shirt and the brown tasseled loafers. I love trying to come up with new combinations and uses for my pieces, such as pulling off the double shirt look by using the military shirt as an overshirt, which worked out great since its adjustable button closure allows me to perfectly frame the woolen tie and decide how much to show. Also, the use of two plaid patterns in different scales (blazer and tie) adds that extra bit of flare and visual appeal to the whole attire.
Vintage Harris Tweed blazer, military hooded shirt by Osklen, white oxford button down by Ralph Lauren, dark blue jeans by Levi’s (511 Slim), brown tasseled loafers by Lottusse, plaid woolen tie by Coisas d’Homem, watch by Gucci and socks by H&M.
