So these last ten years have flown by like clockwork we’ve had our up’s and we’ve had our downs, but what men fashion trends have stood the test of decadism, and what trends have we left to rot in the closet of yesteryear, Let’s take a tip back down memory lane. Key Items: Oversized T-shirt’s/Pants/ Jackets, excessive diamante jewellery, Velour, Basketball Sneakers. R.I.P: 2000 -2004 The Suit Moment This follow up to Bling Bling urged the metrosexual man for some type of return to sophistication, gone were the oversized pieces in turn for sleeker, true to fit items such as Dior Homme blazers, super skinny ties and slim fit pants. Key Items: Fitted blazers, skinny ties, and Suit trousers or slim-fit pants with White Tennis sneakers or leather shoes. R.I.P: Although this trend has adapted itself into current trends its heyday was from 2004-2006. Eighties Revival: Mini Trends 2007- 2010 Old Skool Once again guys taking back old hip-hop influences donning items such as Hi-top trainers, nerdy glasses and Varsity jackets along with other retro inspired pieces to give there outfit some extra punch. Key Items: Hi-Top Sneakers, Paint box/ Neon Acid Coloured Tops or Pants, Slim/Skinny Fit Jeans, Gold Jewellery, Military Jackets, Aztec/ Mosaic prints, and retro pieces inspired by items of the eighties. Grandpa Sleek A style inspired by the so called “Geeks” of the eighties but also with clear influences that lead back to traditional imagery of grandfathers. This trend involves taking classic items such as bow ties and braces but remixing them with today’s fashions to create a timeless vintage look. Key Items: Vintage blazers, Grandpa Slippers, cardigans, chunky knitwear, bow ties, braces, big retro reading glasses. Of course these trends are simply a blueprint to go by today’s fashion savvy men are no longer sucked into fads and fast turnover trends instead they yearn for individuality and looks that take inspiration from things other than celebrity. With all that these are the things to look out for this spring: Heavy usage of Denim – Reworking classic looks The return of Military styles – Well Tailored and sharp detailing Classic pieces - Work sports looks with formalwear bringing life back to old pieces. Neutral Colours – Beiges, Pastel Greens, Greys, these are working their way back from Jackets to cargo pants. New Shapes – Don’t be afraid to experiment with new shapes whether it be a coat or a pair of pants. Layering – play with different textures to bring depth to outfits. Other trends are bubbling under also but these seem to be the most promising to last for now. Quality Over Quantity Lastly a stylist’s tip: Go with a theme then begin to work your outfit around it, always start with one item and work from there. Shoes or pants are always a good place to being. Remember work the vision don’t let the vision work you.

The 2010 RTW Runway Trends and Highlights Emerging from the multifarious mix of designers and their S/S ’10 RTW collections, were several unmistakable patterns. Collectively ditching the heavily tailored, overly-stiff garments of seasons past and erring on the side of femininity, designers focused on a softer silhouette. While adhering to the old “less is more” adage, celebrated design houses created wardrobe mainstays with minutely detailed, simple, stylish, garments. Making a statement about the future of humanity, Alexander McQueen presented an innovative runway show and collection that stole the spotlight. A particular shoe design pushed the artistic envelope, leaving a worldwide audience split between awe and ugh. Minimalist a la Mode At Givenchy, Celine and Yves Saint Laurent, the designers gave an expertly executed visual exposé centered on minimalism; a limited color palette combined with a smattering of small design details made for classic garments that will stand the test of time in ones wardrobe. Favoring simple blacks, whites and beiges, the designs were given an added element of interest through the various pairings of differently textured and sheened fabrics of the same color. At Givenchy, Riccardo Tisci paired together contrasting combinations of inky blacks and stark whites; visually striking looks that come off as effortlessly chic. Beautiful Bows In accordance with this season’s widespread trend of all that is girly, there was a veritable explosion of bows of every size spilling onto the runways. Moschino, Valentino, Andrew Gn and Marc by Marc Jacobs are just a few of the numerous designers that incorporated the ultra-feminine detailing onto everything from garments to headpieces. From the small and demure to the gigantic and overwhelming, there was scarcely a prêt-a-port show for S/S ‘10 that did not feature the coquettish symbol of femininity. Grecian Goddess Yards of draped, sheer and lightweight, fabrics made for a softer, flirtier silhouette on the runways this spring. Stand out collections from last fall such as Balenciaga’s beautifully draped drop-waist skirts- served as inspiration for design houses that included Lanvin, Dries Van Noten and Elie Saab. Swathed in layers of flowing silk, satin and chiffon, the models floated down the runways in Romanesque gowns, skirts and tops; a much different look from the predominantly architectural designs of last season. Futuristic-Fashion Nirvana One standout collection, deserving of a paragraph all to itself, was the highly imaginative, futuristic, Atlantis-inspired showing from Alexander McQueen. Featuring an electrifying stage show that included digitally printed, reptilian-patterned dresses, video of a naked Raquel Zimmerman covered in writhing snakes, the debut of Lady Gaga’s new single, and live online-streaming; it made for an unforgettable experience. Claw Couture It would be impossible to write about McQueen’s S/S ’10 line without touching on one of the most talked about elements of his collection; the deformed, nine inch platforms that gave the models the entertaining appearance of having legs that ended in enormous crab-claws. After the initial shock of watching something so avant-garde traipse down the runway, it is easy for one to appreciate the brilliant concept behind the cunningly crafted, visually captivating footwear. While personally itching to get my hands on a pair, I’m certain that the less artfully-inclined will find these monstrous shoes to be much the opposite of desirable.