The Look: Farewell to Skinny Jeans?

Is it time to man up and ditch the skinny jeans? Fall 2009 collections are saying yes. This fall, we may see the comeback of wide legged pants for guys. This may come as a relief for all those who despised the body-hugging, glued-on look that has become synonymous with cool hipsters and fashionistas alike.DSquared joined in on the wide legged comeback with their wide legged destroyed jeans and khakis. Even Dior Homme, the perennial purveyors of skinniness made a bold step in incorporating wide legged (almost harem style) pants in their Fall 2009 collection. A definite plus to this trend is the fact that wide legged pants can be worn by most any body type, whereas skinny or slim fit pants are more tailored toward skinny/slim men. So more men can join in on this trend without worrying about size issues.

The current recession can possibly be to blame for this comeback. Designers are trying to garner more customers, and by sticking to the basics and making their clothes more wearable for the regular sized man, they hope to achieve their goal. I'll definitely be buying some wider legged pants for the fall but I'm definitely holding on to my slim fits as well.

Highlights from the DSquared Fall 2009 Collection:

Highlights from the Dior Homme Fall 2009 Collection:




Photos via men.style.com

The Look: Going Native

Photo via men.style.com

Although moccasins have been an ongoing trend for a couple of years now and have become fully fashionable, high end designers are just catching up with the times. But now shoppers can add Ralph Lauren, APC, along with other designers and retailers like Zara to their list of money-worthy moccasin makers. This fall has never been a better time to wear moccasins and to get a fashionable pair instead of one that looks like it was bought from a flea market. Keep in my mind: Less is more when it comes to fringe!


Both of these designs can be bought from asos.com

Sitar and Violin Duet

In an attempt to expand my violin repertoire (which at the moment only really includes Western classical music), I am working on the violin part to this beautiful duet by Ravi Shankar. Unfortunately I could only find half of the song (basically the introduction) on youtube. The song becomes more fast paced after this introduction. I can't wait to have the whole song down!

The great Yehudi Menuhin is the mastermind behind the violin in this duet:

Zikrayat and Arabic Violin

This is a performance by the amazing Arabic music group 'Zikrayat' who perform all over New York. What I love about them is that they are committed to playing music from the golden age of Egyptian and Lebanese film (the 50's-70's) which gives them the classical Arabic vibe I love. I haven't actually seen the movie 'Tamr Henna' which this performance is a reenactment of, but from watching this scene I definitely feel the need to run to the nearest Arabic movie store and buy out their classical film section!

Classical Egyptian films are such a contrast to modern Egyptian films, many of which do not have viable plots and have shoddy art direction. Films from Egypt's golden age just seem like more thought was put into them and in my opinion they are pure works of art. That is part of the reason why classical Egyptian films still have a voice today as opposed to many black and white American films that are dying out with time.

Zikrayat's musical director is violinist Sami Abu Shumays and I was actually so moved by his work that I've decided I want to take Arabic violin lessons with him at his studio! I am trained in western classical violin, so taking Arabic violin will definitely be a change because it is more based on improvisation, listening, and repeating than simply reading music. Shumays professes, "One of the things I love most about Arabic music is how subtle changes have a big effect on listeners.The slightest change in intonation on one note, or the smallest variation in an ornament, can sometimes make audiences shout out in ecstasy. And there is a dialogue between audience and performer, so that the more listners respond to the music, the more performers give (or hold back) what the audience wants, increasing their enjoyment by engaging them in the process of music-making. Arabic music is very rich in detail, rich in variety of intonation, rich in subtle differences in phrasing and expressivity..." I definitely agree, so wish me luck on my next musical journey! :)

Zikrayat at Alwan for the Arts in New York City; Left to Right: Nikolai Ruskin, Dimitri Mikelis, Tareq Abboushi, Bridget Robbins, and Sami Abu Shumays

Givenchy Couture Fall 2009: A Nod to the Middle East

As an advocate for anything Middle Eastern I was very pleased to see Givenchy's overt hommage to the Middle East in his Fall 2009 couture collection. Models were adorned in heavy gold Bedouin style burkas and gaudy jewelery. Harem pants were the order of the day. They were black and sequined, gold threaded, and white, and were paired with a variety of different looks. Givenchy even incorporated the veil in a beautiful yet tongue in cheek way, draping it playfully over the head and torso but leaving the breasts viewable through sheer fabric. Morocco-inspired red designs decorated craftily structured tops as well. As the collection moved on, it gave way to a softer look wherein the last two pieces look as if they came straight from the elfish look circa 'Lord of the Rings' with an all white sheer full-body veil covering pure white harem pants on one and a dress on the other. The collection comes at an interesting time as well with President Sarkozy openly condemning the burka (the Afghan version, not the Bedouin version) in France. Maybe Givenchy was sending a message with this collection? What do you think? 

My favorite pieces: The burkas!!!

Japan: The Most Innovative Design Capital?

I continue to be amazed by Japanese architecture and interior design. I would even venture to say that Japan is home to some of the most innovative achitects and designers the world over. I think it stems from the Japanese infatuation with radical simplicity. Clean geometric shapes, simple modern colors, and minimalist decoration is at the paragon of Japanese design. That along with the need for space-saving buildings in one of the worlds most populated metropolises, Tokyo, combine to make for the most style and space conscious designs.

Origami inspired house in Tokyo. Space consciousness to the extreme.

An apartment building in Tokyo

The Japanese also have an eye for aesthetics and the beauty of the natural environment. So much so that gardens are popular inside the home and out. Nature is incorporated with the architecture as much as possible. Nature extends to natural light and many Japanese homes try to include natural light as much as possible through the unique placement of windows and through open areas in the home.

Shell houses in Japan that incorporate both light and nature

Nature is brought into the home with this indoor rock garden

Since the typical Japanese person is averse to clutter, measures are taken to alleviate the bother. Hidden drawers, trap doors, and multipurpose furniture are ways in which Japanese interior design handle this need for less clutter and more minimalism. This makes for very smart homes where a staircase can double as a bookshelf or a wall can become a bed. modern bedroom with minimalistic features
traditional mixes with modern in this living room space
"Reversible Destiny Lofts" in Tokyo

The Look: Bright Colored Suits

I spotted these bright colored suits at Topman on a recent shopping trip and fell in love immediately. I'm always one to go for a classic look with a bold twist and these suits just did it for me. They are so cleverly tailored with a skinny suit jacket paired with slim fit trousers that are perfect for the modern dandy with a fun side. They are also versatile and can be worn up with a tailored fit button down or down with a simple tee. And they translate easily from the office to the lounge. I wish I could buy them in every color but for now, the purple one seems to be calling my name. I can't wait to see more people in these colors! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Alexander McQueen Sample Sale

I decided to check out the Alexander McQueen sale on West 18th to see what all the buzz was about. I felt like the selection wasn't really that great for men/I'm not too much of a McQueen fan but they did have some great shoes for 80% off! I didn't buy anything but I did eye a couple of shoes that they sadly didn't have in my size. The women's selection was great and it seemed like clothes were flying of the racks.

There were all types of people there as well: Stylists, models, deal-mongers, and just randoms from off the street. All in all it was a pretty successful sample sale. It was not too crowded and was organized to an extent. There was a long checkout line however due to broken registers but people were so happy with their 80% designer duds that it didn't seem to phase them. The sale is still going on, so if you want to get your McQueen fix then head on over!

These Alexander McQueen for Puma hightops were reduced to $57!!

Ties for $40 and Scarves for $100

The Look: Mono Lens Sunglasses

It seems like a lot of people on the streets of New York are aspiring to be like Geordi LaForge from 'Star Trek: The Next Generation'.

Mono lenses are slowly taking over the city and as I walked down Broadway, I couldn't help but consider getting a pair after seeing dozens of people wearing them. I decided to wait it out and see where this trend goes but that shouldn't stop people who dig this trend from paying up for their mono lens look. I first saw the look from streetstyle photos of Jean-Paul Paula outside fashion shows and I thought only he could pull off a look so daring. But lo and behold, the rest of the world is following suit and dare I say I do enjoy looking at them in their sunglasses! I'm just not sure if I'm ready to don a pair yet.

Jean-Paul Paula in one of his daring outfits complete with signature mono lenses.

Martin Margiela Mono Lens Sunglasses