Italians and Outerwear

While I was living in Milan, I received a lesson in creating a lasting wardrobe built from classic and quality pieces that stay sartorially relevant and functional for a very long time. Just being around the Milanese teaches you a great deal, the first being that Americans are sloppy. Casual to Italians (and this is not reserved for the fashion capitol Milan) is still polished. Sweats are dressed up. They take pride in how they present themselves to the world. As winter nears and the leaves change color, outerwear is an important part of dressing up again. Thank goodness for that because as a San Franciscan I have the urge to bring a jacket everywhere I go no matter what my eyes tell me about the weather outside. My collection of outwear does not always live up to what I have learned during my time abroad because for some reason I used to believe I could pull off womenswear and have it look correct on my body type but I hope I can get it right with time. Here are some men I met in Milan who knew what they were doing.



I took these photos on main luxury shopping streets in Milan, more specifically Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga. All these men were either running errands or going to work. Look how well the clothes fit, the comfort and naturalness of the ensemble, and how each piece can be worn today or years from now. My theory holds up: I took these 4 or 5 years ago.


-jerome

I Wanna See You Peacock-cock-cock-cock

I miss Milano very much. It will always hold a special place in my heart. I cultivated my photography style in Milan, both in the club and on the street. Going over Tommy Ton's photos brought back a surge of nostalgia. I wish that I could be there for fashion week again with my friends, celebrating every night at PLASTIC. My favorite thing about Milan is that everyone is always dressed - and dressed well.


My current basic formula for an outfit includes a nice collared shirt, some bracelets, and some color. The Milanese have it down. It seems as if every well dressed man has a blazer, a striped cuff, and a stack of beads. European men are not so shy when it comes to dressing up, nor are they bashful with their brights. In the US, unfortunately, it is such an event when a straight man decides to get dressed in colorful hues. I Pitti Uomo pity these American men.

Coming in July, I will be in New York for vacation. I am already planning my wardrobe as it will be sweltering and my Bay Area arsenal of outerwear and shirting will be rendered useless. It has been a busy few weeks and the break is much needed. Hopefully I can post more. Until then, enjoy the sun everyone!!

- jerome

Quickie

This past week has been hell at work, and with the weather slowly getting worse each day, I have succumb to seasonal cold symptoms. Thank goodness I am not legit sick yet but I realize that I am behind on posting. A couple of nights ago I attended a benefit wearing full blown palazzo pants. The next day, I was wearing tribal jewels and prints. Now I am in a fishtail parka and brogues. My style has been all over the place lately, which usually means I need to go shopping. Times like these are exciting because when you try out so many different looks, you develop your own spin on things. Here are some examples of my latest obsessions.


1. Tribal Inspiration - Kentaro Sawano in VMan
2. Keeping it Classy - Lasse Pedersen in Fudge
3. Glamazon - Blake Lively in Marie Claire UK



- jerome

Wide Leg Ways

Blazer and Sailing Shirt by Zara, Boots by Virgin Blak, Trousers by Balenciaga
So I was saving this for after Thanksgiving, and after my Lanvin x H&M reveal, but because there are other media outlets starting to take notice of this trend revival, I thought I would put in my two cents before it became a craze.

I LOVE ME SOME WIDE LEG TROUSERS. Flares even. I busted out the ol' AG Jeans and boots. There is something about a hidden leg and shoe, shrouded in a voluminous but sharp covering, that makes my heart flutter. Phoebe Philo got me interested with her play on proportions and minimalism. Pictured above are an amazing pair of trousers from Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière. I was really lucky in acquiring these as they were a thrift find.

Originally the flare was about 4' wider, but because these are more of a bell-bottom and not a full wide-leg trouser, I had them taken in. Unfortunately I look like an epic whale because of the combination of lighting, angle, and pressing my tailor did not press the pants to create the shape I wanted, but I couldn't wait and had to share; time is of the essence!! I think they are still lovely with a platform boot. I am in love. More bell shapes to come!!

- jerome