If you’ve ever ventured down past a post to read a bit about who I am as a writer, you would know that I possess an intriguing alter-ego in that I’m a biomedical researcher by day and well, an art aficionado by night (and day)!
As expected, a good chunk of my day is spent poring through scientific literature, writing manuscripts or tending to research participants. The other chunk feeds that right-brain lust for fashion, art and anything where a sizeable dose of subjectivity can be thrown at it. As expected, over the course of my workday, the odd chance of coming across anything remotely fashion-related amid the scientific jargon is rare. Browsing fashion blogs and reading the latest findings in the Journal of Neuroscience are tasks that are far removed from one another—except for today!
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My present thinking wouldn’t regard Michael Jackson as much of a fashion-forward chap. These days, I’m more concerned with the King of Pop melting under the sweltering sun of Dubai as his Botox infused visage struggles to hold itself together. However, judging by Jackson’s recent head-to-toe Givenchy womenswear getup, it seems like the King of Pop is back to his good ol’ “Beat It” best!
Based on recent sightings, it’s no secret that Jackson is trying to relive his trendsetter days. After being seen cavorting about in a svelte Balmain t-shirt from the label’s AW09 womenswear collection, recent snapshots show Jackson in a piece for piece rendition of an AW07 stardust-inspired Givenchy look that Gemma Ward wore. Interestingly, closer observation of Jackson’s lapel in comparison to Ward’s shows adjustments were made to tone down the femininity of the initial jacket. Amendments aside, it’s safe to say that Jackson’s affinity for Givenchy could best be described as straight, no chaser!
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If you fancy yourself a football loyalist, you would know today is a monumental day in football as England’s Manchester United and Spain’s F.C. Barcelona square off to decide who is the European champion. A time-tested Manchester United fan, I’m confident that United is bagging the silverware. However, I’m also comforted in the fact that, win or lose, the Manchester United lads will be well decked out in Sir Paul Smith’s awfully dapper light grey Prince of Wales suits.
Recently billed as the victors of the English Premiership, it was only natural that Manchester United would be in league with the iconic British designer. For the last year, Sir Smith has been at the helm of the football club’s formal wear and accessories, designing and supplying the United players, coaching staff and club officials with suits, raincoats and baggage. The union is meant to span for another two years.
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Psychedelic colours, ethnic patterns, and bohemian details. That’s what Matthew Williamson splashed out for his summer H&M line for men. It was a literal kaleidoscope that spoke to the past, present, and future of menswear in an extremely wearable context. At the least, I had a rough idea that Williamson would stick to his vibrant best and deliver a piña coladaesque collection that epitomized his signature aesthetic of sprightly prints and colours atop relaxed yet structured feminine pieces.
However, I wasn’t sure how that would translate into menswear. It’s rumoured that the designer is to launch a menswear collection in the near future. Let’s just say if his H&M line is a reflection of what’s to come from Williamson in menswear, then we have a lot to be encouraged by.
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Given the speed with which Balmania has swept the fashion world, it was only a matter of time before we began to see exaggerated shoulder pads on the high street. And now we’ve received an exclusive tip that the self-proclaimed arbiter of male style, Kanye West, has jumped on the trend for his latest movie with a specially commissioned shoulder-pad-tastic jacket by womenswear designer and stylist Romero Bryan.
Bryan has already adopted the Balmain style shoulder in his own clothing, adapting t-shirts for nights out:
“Giving myself wider shoulders makes my waistline appear a lot smaller giving me the perfect V shape body,” says Bryan. “If I ruled the fashion world there would definitely be more shoulder pads!”
The truth is that menswear designers and tailors have a better understanding of the power of the shoulder pad than anyone.
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written by Ikechukwu Onyewuenyi on Sun, May 31, 2009
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