BESPOKE:MILAN FASHION WEEK HIGHLIGHT

Kaizen Lifestyle's fashion editor Tshepang Sebulela gives us some of his highlights from the Milan Fashion week, which took place about a week ago. Here are some of his highlights:

About a week ago Milan was definitely the place to be as the Milan Fashion Week took place with shows like Burberry, YSL and Dsquared. Speaking of the Dsquared, the creators who happen to be twins Dean and Dan Caten showcased their 2012 Spring/Summer collection and left everyone there amazed. Their collection was inspired by a fictional American tourist, arriving in Europe for a summer trip passing by countries like Mykonos, Florence and even London.

The collection had lots of color in bomber jackets, fitted leather biker jackets and logo t shirts which I thought were now out of season. I personally loved the bright neon colored slim fitted pants paired with gladiator sandals, however I am not sure about those tiny swimming trunks though. The collection as a whole is wearable with that funky ski inspired flavor; it also included classic casual items like slim fit blazers, white crisp shirts and skinny ties.

THE DOLCE AND GABBANA SPRING/summer 2012

We also saw the Dolce and Gabbana unleash their Spring/ Summer 2012, to be honest I am in two minds with their latest collection. I don't know if I like or loathe it because like a lot people in the fashion industry I thought the collection is nothing different from what we have seen before.

Slim fit dark suits, skinny ties, and white shirts. This year they loosed up the fit of the shirts and the suit pants were a bit loose fitting too. I tried to be open minded and that's when I started appreciating the clean simple LOOSE lines, they are doing a good job at trying to reintroduce the loose tailoring trend.

The texture used on this collection is what stood out for me more than anything; the texture was inspired by the nets of Sicilian fishermen, showing lots of square weaves layered or just bare. They also used conservative colors and stayed away from our summer colors.

By Tshepang Sebulela

BESPOKE:THE NEW EVENING GLAM GENTS LOOK

When you get an invite for an evening formal affair what is the first thing that comes to mind? A black or charcoal suit right? Well let us break the rules a little bit.

Forget the suit and reach for a leather jacket as the key item.

Here are a few rules:

1.Jacket
Make sure the jacket is plain clean black or brown NO compromises here the jacket must be snuggle your body, fitted and must reach the waistline.

2.Shirt
Get a fitted shirt in white.

3.Pants
Then go for flat fronted pants in black or a pair of khaki chinos or even dark grey pants. Whatever pants you choose make sure they are narrow leg and reach your ankle.

4.Shoes
Let us discuss shoes because these can disable the whole look, now to be safe wear dark socks and patent leather lace ups. If you are the brave and bold enough, then go sockless and go for suede slip on's in a camel, brown or black or get the brightest color you can find. Loafers and moccassins can also do wonders for your outfit. Stores such as Fabiani and Woolworths have plenty of style and colours(Check out our previous post on loafers for a proper breakdown)

5.Accesorize(bow tie, belts, watches, scarves n etc )
You can add a bow tie in a funky tone that will compliment the whole look. Ensure that the accesories coordinate with the shoes or be safe and go for a leather or silk skinny tie. The choice is yours if you want to wear a belt or not I say leave the belt at home. Because it's winter, u can more flair to your look with a scarf paired up with leather gloves.

These are just guidelines have fun and make the look yours you can substitute the white shirt for a denim shirt. Just make sure you get the basics right and the colors coordinate.

By Tshepang "Dolcedon" Sebulela
Facebook: Tshepang Calvin Sebulela
Twitter: dolcedon