Beauty is in the ankle of the beheld

Ponystep.com's Dean Mayo Davies made it his personal mission to get to the bottom the latest trend in men's fashion by going straight to the bottom of the (recently cropped) pant leg. It appears the humble ankle has made a splashy return thanks to an influx of long-shorts, cuffed jeans, and dress pants artfully cropped just a few inches shy of the foot at runways shows like Junya Wantabe, Dries Van Noten, of course Thom Browne -- and in the streets.

Patrick Grant, of Savile Row's Norton and Sons, asserts the trend is about "reclaiming the suit from 'the City,'" and believes that carefully tailored pieces are in demand because as of late there has been "a return to elegance but also a return to craft -- people are coming to us because they want something made for them, but also made with integrity."

Ponystep's Fashion Editor Jean-Marc Masala sees the trend as the result of denim losing its rebellious associations. "Jeans don't have the power they used to have -- they are not a freedom flag anymore," he said. "Ankle trousers are cool because they make you look like you belong to a gang -- everything from rave kids to ecopunks. Plus the sexualizaion of everything makes people think 'The more I flash the better.'" 

We're all for more skin, and there's something faintly romantic and courtly about the idea of coquettishly baring an ankle, but that doesn't mean we're ever come to terms with the idea of pegged pants making a comeback.

-- NOAH MICHELSON

Spring Menswear from Paris!; Milan Spring Trend Roundup; More Beckham for Armani Underwear--And How he Feels About His Package;

Photo: Getty Images

Spring fashion continues with new collections from some of our favorite designers in Paris (Louis! Dries! Dior!).  And--good news--man purses are showing up in the City of Light, too! [The Cut] and [Men. Style.com]

And, here's a nice tidy round-up of the trends from Milan because we were too busy celebrating gay pride with tens of thousands of our closest friends to write one of our own. [Refinery 29]

Two more images from David Beckham's Armani underwear campaign have been released, much to our excitement.  He's just so so yummy. [Towleroad]

The poster boy also wrote a nice little blog about his bulge.  We've noticeable already done so...[David Beckham Blog]

--SETH PLATTNER

Sex and the City in The City; Dries Van Noten Gets High Honors; New Fragrance from Kenzo; Eric Dane for Ernst Benz

Photo: Getty Images

At last, it is upon us.  Sex and the City premiered at Radio City Music Hall last night.  The fab four looked divine. [The Cut]

Next month, Dries Van Noten is set to receive the prestigious CFDA's International Designer of the Year Award.  If you don't know why, please catch up.  "Unconventional classicism" tends to be his theme, and everything from suiting to shoes reminds you of what good clothing should be, but with a little edge to keep it interesting.  But who is the man behind the label? [The Cut]

Kenzo will launch a new men's fragrance come August, appropriately titled Kenzo Power! OK--I added the exclamation point, but I find it appropriate, no? Kenzo Power! [Now Smell This]
 
Woe the countless hours spent dreaming over McSteamy.  At least now you can sort of wear a piece of him on your wrist.  Eric Dane (seriously, how hot is his name?), along with Mary J. Blige and Russell Simmons have each designed limited edition Ernst Benz watches for Chrysalis, the nonprofit association that helps men and women transition from poverty.  Renderings will be unveiled on May 31st and a few of the time pieces will go on eBay in June.  Indulge a fantasy and help the needy? Score! [WWD]

-- SETH PLATTNER

Out.com Fashion Advice: We Heart the 80s!

A look from Moschino's Spring/Summer 2008 Collection. Photos: Getty Images

Each week, the fashion editors at Out.com answer your fashion questions! Visit Out.com for new advice or seek answers to your own style quandaries by sending an email to fashionadvice@out.com!

Q: Is it just me or are the '80s coming back in a big way? I've already lived through it once and am not loving the flashbacks! Do we have to go through this again?

A: Yes, whether you like it or not, the '80s are back in a big way. Neon was splashed all over the runways from Dries van Noten and Marc by Marc Jacobs to Moschino and 3.1 Phillip Lim! It's a huge trend for Spring that you can't miss -- partly because it's so damn eye catching. If you're shy about looking like an Electric Youth throwback, keep your neon limited to accents and accessories. Add a pop of color with a bold stripe on a sweater, a pair of dayglo hightops or even a shot of color on a skinny tie. If you're feeling particularly brave and like to make a statment, pump up the volume and reach for a solid shirt or pants in a fluorescent hue. If you're not a fan of fluorescent, stick to the classic 80s looks from gray jeans and jackets -- especially gray leather jackets from Diesel. This time around, the looks are more tailored than their predecessors -- so you won't feel like you're swimming in M.C. Hammer pants.

[Earlier: OMG Shoes: Diesel's 80s-Delicious Playground Sneakers]

Moschino Spring/Summer 2008