Play on Shades
Ecru and off-white are not the easiest alternatives to pull off within the color spectrum, especially if you have a lighter skin tone such as myself. However, with Summer on its way and a couple of sunny days to get your tan going, these are two of the season’s must haves. As neutrals, you can pair them with virtually anything as long as you avoid washed out looks: the key is to achieve a chromatic balance by opposing different shades and creating an interesting outcome. Play around with hues while favouring subtleness over obvious combinations such as opposing colors.
Details: herringbone linen blazer by Gentleman (tailored), ecru cardigan by H&M, light blue dress shirt by DKNY, slate grey trousers by Boglioli, taupe suede derby shoes by Buttero x Porvocação, silk paisley scarf by Zara, braided leather belt by Acne and socks by H&M.
Model and Styling: Miguel Vieira
Photography: Rita Lino
Source: beyondfabric
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
H&M Pre-Summer 2012 Conscious Collection shot by Terry Richardson
Keeping it simple
As much as I love dressing up and stepping it up a notch, there are days when going for some time tested simplicity just does it for me. The classic sweatshirt is experiencing a strong comeback in menswear, from massive retailers to exclusive designers and it’s just one of those essentials one should stock on. As you might’ve noticed by now, I have a soft spot for Our Legacy and their Great Sweat is one of my favourite versions to date, providing outstanding combinations of fabric, fit, colors and price tag. This one, in washed red, is made from a silk/cotton blend and features a vintage feel that goes perfectly with khakis or dark denim. Pair it with an untucked oxford for a relaxed vibe balance it with brown tasseled loafers and the result is a polished relaxed look.
Details: washed red great sweat by Our Legacy, white button down oxford shirt by Ralph Lauren, dark denim by H&M (drain), brown tasseled loafers by Lottusse and watch by Baume & Mercier (Classima Executive).
Model and Styling: Miguel Vieira
Photography: Rita Lino
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
This is one of my favourite cold weather blazers. As I mentioned earlier tweed is here to stay, so you might as well make the most out of it. This vintage Harry’s Tweed was quite the find at London’s Portobello Market and after some tailoring by my friend Ayres it’s been on heavy rotation lately. Being so warm makes it perfect for layering with v-necks or cardigans such as this double breasted version. Striped oxford button down, club tie and some camel highlights on the accessories to add some visual appeal and you’re all set…
Harry’s Tweed 3 button blazer (vintage), double breasted merino wool cardigan by Purificacion Garcia, candy stripe oxford button down by Our Legacy, jeans by Levi’s (511 slim), club tie by Gentleman, braided leather belt by Acne and leather gloves by H&M.
Model and Styling: Miguel Vieira
Photography: Rita Lino
A classic trenchcoat is one of the most essential and timeless pieces you can add to your collection. Although it’s perfect to top a suit or more formal attires, incorporating it into more relaxed looks to achieve a thoughtful balance is also a great way to sport it. Besides that elegant/relaxed mix what I love about this is how so many different complementing colors blend in for a perfect outcome: the plaid on the shirt, denim on the jacket, brown scarf, charcoal jeans and tan topcoat.
Trench by Paul Smith, plaid linen shirt by Boglioli, denim jacket by Levi’s, jeans by H&M (drain), cap toe oxford shoes by Paul Smith, floral patterned scarf by Épice, leather gloves by Casa das Peles and patterned socks by H&M.
Model and Styling: Miguel Vieira Photography: Rita Lino
Fighting off cold with color: found this rich dark green toggle coat during a Summer sale and have been waiting to sport it ever since. Love everything about it: fit, deep pockets, plaid inner lining and that color… perfect match for most neutrals but off the chart when paired with brighter shades as orange.
Dark green hooded toggle coat by Gentleman, orange v-neck by Purificacion Garcia, white dress shirt by Paul Smith, jeans by H&M and boots by Buttero.
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).
