ACCESSORY - Forget Snoods, Get a Scood

Burberry featured the snood on its runway shows and GQ essentially said it was the must-have man accessory, but there's another newcomer to winter dressing. A 'scood' is a cross between a hood and a scarf, which in my eyes is a bloomin genius concept. Gents who have longer hair that needs a bit of styling will be able to save their styling efforts from a sudden downpour by pulling the hood up. It's cosy too and gives that extra warmth that comes from wearing a hooded jumper, but yet it can still be worn with smart attire.

Here I am modelling Blue Inc's version that they kindly sent me to try out.

If you like your neckwear more traditional, check out these too...

 

Burberry Light Grey Embroidered Crest Cashmere Scarf  - My-wardrobe - £195

Chunky Knit Scarf - Blue Inc - £8.99

VIDEO - Pringle Pokes Fun at Making Jumpers

Here's some light relief... Pringle of Scotland commissioned artist David Shrigley to create a humorous animation depicting life behind-the-scenes at Pringle to celebrate the brand's return to Milan Fashion Week this season.

The animation was showcased during Pringle of Scotland's menswear show in Milan on 18th January covers the making of jumpers over the 195 year history of the Scottish brand.  It's funny and it's Saturday so it just had to be shared.

If you're interested in seeing the AW10 collection, check out the pictures over at GQ.com It's all about a palette of grey which is always my favourite shade for knitwear. That might seem boring, but it's just a classic look that works, and it's the details that get updated to give a different angle each winter.

COLLECTION - Paul Smith Jeans SS10

For SS10 Paul Smith Jeans is inspired by Wes Anderson's ‘The Darjeeling Limited' a story of three brothers’ journey of self discovery through India.

The collection contrasts  native Manhattan looks of refined elegance with the colourful printed palettes of India. Sharp grey marl single breasted jackets and classic trenches sit alongside Indian inspired Hawaiians and paisley shirts. Pastel striped chinos contrast with bright dip-dyed ginghams and bleached out checks which are must-haves this summer, even more than they have been in previous years.

Chambray is introduced into the collection, detailed with soft paisley piping. Chambray, if you haven't come across it before, looks like denim but is much lighter and more like cotton which makes it perfect for taking jeans and denim clothing through to summer.

Colour remains central to the collection. Pinks, oranges and yellows reflect the Indian inspiration, while blues, soft greens and purples create a darker summer palette. Pale yellow and lime green add softness to the collection.

Check it out over at Coggles.

FASHION - Behind The Scenes at D&G

Milan fashion week is the place to spot the next big trends in menswear with major fashion houses showing their men's collections including D&G.

Here is the blurb for the AW10 collection...

Inspiration: Looking deeply at technology. Without the past, there can be no future. Baaria - Giuseppe Tornatore’s latest film masterpiece inspired this collection.

Buzz words: Sicilianità - Heritage - Going back to the roots. Sensuality - Softness - Sweetness - Smell - Love. Sartorialism - Cuts - Proportions - Volumes - Lines

The colour palette is dark with the odd white shirt. There was a definite mixing of rich textures like velvet, wool, leather and denims. The trouser shapes were reminiscent of old fashioned men's underwear with button detailing at the front. You can watch the full show over at the D&G website and I've included some backstage pics below.

 

 

UNDERWEAR - Ronaldo for Emporio Armani

Giorgio Armani does like his footballers doesn't he! If your gym routine since Xmas has been (at its most energetic) raising a pint to your mouth, then you might want to look away now. These pics of Ronaldo in his pants will put you to shame.

Cristiano Ronaldo appears in Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans Spring/Summer 2010 advertising campaigns. You'll be seeing plenty of these shots taken on location in Madrid - they will roll out starting from February around the world in sport, fashion and lifestyle magazines and on billboards in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, London, Milan, Paris and Tokyo.

Giorgio Armani said, “Cristiano is a great looking man with the perfect physique of an athlete.  For me, he is the essence of  youth – spontaneous, exciting, a real maverick. It is for his energy that I have chosen Cristiano to become the new face of Armani Jeans and Emporio Armani Underwear – for his youthful, exciting and yes, sexy, attitude.”

Over the years Armani has dressed many of the world’s great players including Luis Figo, Thierry Henry, Christian Vieri and Fabio Cannavaro. David James famously appeared in the Spring/Summer 1996 Armani Jeans campaign. Since then Andriy Shevchenko, Kaka’ and David Beckham have also modelled for the designer.

TREND - Rucksacks Are Back for SS10

One thing I've really noticed since moving to London is how nearly all men carry bags, and not just a sporty style with their gym kit in, men carry Mulberry! Obviously that isn't the only brand, but bags are definitely more stylish in the capital and, for the coming season,  the back pack is getting a makeover. SS10 runways were full of backpacks, especially canvas or leather versions so they are definitely the bag style to watch.

 

It hasn't fully filtered onto the high street yet, but I did spy one at the Debenhams press show which seems to have been picked up in a few magazines. Roomy, slouchy and organic = totally on-trend.

Or try one of these...

Rick Owens DRKSHDW x Eastpack Padded Pakr
Was £180.00 Now £79.99

Eastpak Heritage Padded Backpack - ASOS - £45

Quadra canvas rucksack - Amazon - £19.99

FASHION - French Connection Rocks New Tees

French Connection has launched its new Rock Legends T-shirt range, featuring iconic images of four of rock's biggest stars.

Available online and on the high street, the range features four different T-shirts each highlighting a different rock legend. Mens T-shirts in the range feature images of Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, guitar virtuoso Jimi Hendrix and the infamous punk rocker Sid Vicious. The fourth design features Debbie Harry of Blondie and is available for both men and women. The T-shirts are available in white, grey or black.

Throw on one of the tees to complement a casual rocker look when combined with denim shorts or jeans or go more formal but rebellious and wear underneath a suit jacket. The shirts can also be teamed with velvet for a grunge luxe style or with bright denim for a more colourful and striking look.

Check out the tees

THOUGHT - Happy New Year