DESIGNER - Gori de Palma Video

Prepare to feel all cultured with this insight into the world of Gori de Palma, a fashion designer from Barcelona. Find out why he's so well known in his Spanish city and he even reveals a love of see-through clothing... although, I'm guessing that is something most men would try and get women to wear if they had fashion designer status.



The video above comes compliments of Vice UK, and I must admit that I always flick through my boyf's copies, oh, and we all love the DO's and DON'Ts, right?

I'm still trying to decipher the bio on his website. I did A-level Spanish and dammit I will use it!

FASHION - Orschel-Read‏ SS10 at LFW

I popped along to On|Off at London Fashion Week to see the Orschel -Read collection on the catwalk. Normally gothic inspired fashion is not my thing, but I was keen to see some menswear and the stuff that the label has done in the past has been theatrical with amazing old fashioned tailoring. Definitely worth a look for curiosity's sake.

As I expected the show was pretty dark, but there were some interesting pieces. My fave being the waterfall detailed black tux jacket. That's something that I could see working in the mainstream...

The colour palette featured a lot of green, black and some surprising candy coloured patterns The green theme was even carried through into the models... check out the model with the green Mohawk and eyebrows. The show was formed of two parts, a bespoke collection and a more wearable range which kicked off the show. Leather and lounge suits can be seen in the first section and in the second, exaggerated shapes, luxurious materials and even some human hair!

I saw the models after the show who were heading off to Soho for some well-deserved drinking time. For me, it was a mad dash up to another presentation and then The 1974/Pout event which I will post about soon.

GROOMING - Guys are Getting Groomed Brows

Here's a bit of news for you. Men now make up 40% of visitors to Debenhams Brow Bars, double that of a year ago. Demand for male eyebrow grooming is now so great that beauty specialists at the department store are considering holding men-only guybrow nights.

While women have long recognised the benefits of a good brow shape – done well it can literally transform the face – men are now catching on to the idea. Many men give threading a try initially to up their game for a job interview or when prompted by their fiancée as part of the wedding preparations. However, the more youthful, groomed appearance created by the art of threading means most return for regular appointments.

Sara Stern, Director of Cosmetic Merchandising at Debenhams says, “As with self-tanning and facials, the taboo around eyebrow shaping is quickly disappearing. Men are recognising the power of a groomed brow to frame the face and create a sexy James Bond style arch when raised.

“The Neanderthal monobrow, famously displayed by Noel Gallagher will soon be ancient history as alpha males look to cultivate dark, strong brows with the help of threading and dying. The over-plucked feminine look favoured by Sylvester Stallone however is a serious no-no. A quick tidy-up in the style of Jude Law is all that’s needed”.

So who has the most wanted brows?

1. Russell Brand
2. Robert Pattinson
3. David Beckham
4. Danny Cipriani
5. Peter Andre

And the ones to avoid...

1. Alistair Darling
2. Noel Gallagher
3. Sylvester Stallone
4. Richard Madeley
5. Jeremy Clarkson

FASHION - Gen Art's Fresh Faces

This week Gen Art’s 15th Anniversary Fresh Faces New York show was hosted by new Gossip Girl, Joanna Garcia. It featured collections, from six womenswear designers including Cloak & Dagger, Duskin, Linus, Min Young Lee, Vicente Villarin and Yeojin Bae, and one menswear designer, S2VS. I've included the menswear pics above showing relaxed garments with a preppy, nautical theme. S2VS was formed in May of 2007 in New York and the spring-summer 2010 collection will be their 5th season.

For 15 years, Gen Art’s Fresh Faces in Fashion, its anchor event, has been the largest and most recognized program, showcasing emerging designers in the United States. Fresh Faces has launched the careers of noted fashion designers, including Zac Posen, Rebecca Taylor, Phillip Lim, Chaiken, Dagmar, and many more.

S2VS have varied inspirations for their collection. "We handpick and develop new fabrics each season that are unique, comfortable and natural... This season, we took elements from John F Kennedy’s sailing styles in the late 60’s and combined it with the Ivy League prep style from the same era. We focused on looks that were casual but incredibly clean-cut and dressy. "

Find out more about S2VS

ACCESSORY - Alan Aldridge Designed Wallet

Alan Aldridge is known as an illustrator, poet and designer. Born in 1943, his career is phenomenal and his success, obvious. He set out designing covers for Penguin Books, and soon became art director at The Sunday Times, before creating record album covers and lyric books for the cream of 60’s London such as The Who, The Rolling Stones, Elton John and of course, The Beatles. This is the same guy who apparently won a drawing competition with Salvador Dali, partnered Oliver Reed in a drinking contest and rode through the Hollywood hills with Steve McQueen. Can you get much cooler than that, I don't think so.

Print Card Case - my-wardrobe.com - £120

And now you can get your hands on some iconic artwork as ‘His Royal Master Of Images’ designs for Paul Smith. This black leather card case with Alan Aldridge indian print interior features the Paul Smith signature logo embossment on the front.

If you're in need of a new wallet, then none will have more street-cred than this little number.

NEWS - Gap Launches Carnaby Concept Store

40 years ago Doris and Don Fisher opened the first Gap store in San Francisco and, to celebrate, Gap is launching the gap1969 Denim Concept Store just off fashionable Carnaby Street for a limited time only; 19 days and 69 hours to be exact. The action kicks off on 10th September and you'll have until 5th October before the shop packs up.

The three-floor store on Kingly Court will showcase an extensive range of Gap’s iconic denim styles, specially produced in uniquely engineered washes. Strictly limited edition, only 69 pairs of each style will be available, each pair individually stamped and numbered.

On the opening day ONLY there will be an opportunity to get your hands on a limited edition pair of Gap (PRODUCT) REDTM rinsed jeans for £19.69, with half the profits from all jeans sold going towards the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

If you get a chance to visit, make sure you check out the bespoke denim pieces from designers Pierre Hardy and Albertus Swanepoel, work from celebrated illustrator and photographer, Garance Doré and Pharrell Williams’ new Bionic Gap Collection.

With music such an integral part of Gap’s heritage, the store will also host a selection of breakthrough artists, with live, acoustic sets. VV Brown kicks off the sessions, performing at gap1969 on the opening night followed by Taio Cruz on Friday. I plan on being there!

Visit www.gap1969.com for more info.

FASHION - Transitional Essentials From Burton

At this time of year you need some clothing options that take you from warm to freezing in about 3 minutes flat. Your usual T-shirt, cargo shorts and sneakers may not be enough for the changeable weather. Sleeves for shirts need to start getting longer and layering is as important for you guys as it is for the girls.

I love these two pieces from Burton for any-weather dressing. And even better, you can get both for under £50.

Grey Utility Shirt - £22

Red Fine Stripe Cardigan - £25