Earlier in the week Popnography was obsessing about Daniel Craig's perfect package in his perfect khakis in the new James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace. And while we can't say that his package, or those khakis, have been forgotten, we're moving on today in our break down of Bond's classic style to the most synonymous outfit in the 007 wardrobe, the tuxedo.
Tuxes today seem like a chore to have to wear, but boys should remember that there's hardly an outfit out there that, when done right, makes you look as good as a tuxedo does. That being the case, here's how to do it without looking like a cater waiter:
The easiest rule of thumb for the tux is to just go classic. A traditional tux may scream boring, but if it's perfectly tailored with the essentials -- notched, peaked lapel, bow tie, cumberbun if you wish -- it's going to look great. Just remember that at some point in the night that jacket is going to come off, so keep the shirt pristinely white and slim on that body you work so hard to maintain.
Most labels out there do their version of a tux, the most perfect of which come from the likes of Tom Ford and Dior. But, look to labels like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren for equally impressive tuxedos at a fraction of the cost. And speaking of price, just suck it up and buy one. What's the point of renting every time you need one when a good tux will last for years? Surprisingly, tuxedos are even versatile enough to wear with a cool tee and tennis shoes. So, again, lay down some cash and get your own.
As we noted yesterday, gays aren't always keep to stick to the classic, so if you're one of those divas who just has to steal the spotlight from the bride, here are some suggestions on how to update the tuxedo:
Instead of a notched lapel, try for a slicker, but appropriately slimmer, shawl collar. For your jacket (and jacket only) there's always the white dinner coat or a velvet smoking jacket, and, if you really want to stand out in good way, opt for a midnight blue tuxedo (for Inspiration, Gucci makes a beautiful version). Still dark, still classic, but with just a bit if snap. Band of Outsiders also makes a perfect hipster tux if you're one to go against the traditional grain. And, as we see time and time again on the Hollywood crowd, the long tie is now perfectly acceptable for a tux. Bond would never do it, but if you do, make sure the color and fabric of the tie match your lapel.
Now you know how to go both casual and chic like Bond. Next up we'll tell you how to elevate it all with the perfect 007 accessories.
Published in this week's DNR is the "Gen Y Wish List," a nation wide survey of 100 men, age 18 to 24, that tallies the top 12 labels gen-y males are most likely to gladly pay full price for. Listed by the percentage of respondents who ranked each brand in their top five, these are the 12 labels that young men somewhat surprisingly aspire -- and will shell out top dollar -- to own:
1. Polo Ralph Lauren - 17%
2. Giorgio Armani - 17%
3. American Eagle - 17%
4. Nike - 16%
5. Gucci - 16%
6. Abercrombie & Fitch - 15%
7. Banana Republic - 12%
8. Puma - 11%
9. Hollister - 11%
10. Tommy Hilfiger - 10%
11. Calvin Klein/ck Calvin Klein - 10%
12. Adidas - 10%
Sort of reads like a checklist for the local mall, right? We'll dispense a bit of leniency given the age group polled -- some youngsters just need a little time before they reach fashion maturity -- but we also wonder what the list would look like if 100 gays were surveyed. We can think a couple from the list above that would be scratched off immediately, and we'd add a few obvious gay faves -- Diesel, D&G, H&M, American Apparel (for basics in all colors of the rainbow) -- but how about the rest of you 'mos out there? If you're going to plunk down the cash and pay full price, what are the top 12 labels you'd break the bank for? Let us know and we'll post the results along with our own, albeit not-so-scientific list for gen-gay.
Out's September fashion story "The Migrants," shot by Walter Chin, features some of fall's hottest runway looks and was shot on location at an upstate New York farm. We asked Out's editorial and fashion assistant, Brent Coover, to instruct us on the fine art of adding a few key pieces to your wardrobe -- without looking like a country bumpkin.
All Photos by Walter Chin
Dolce & Gabbana's equestrian inspired runway show featured tailored pants and luxe riding boots paired with chunky scarves and sweaters. The result encompasses masculine ease but isn't sloppy. Grab those loose knit pieces that look handmade, but not homely.
The problem with shearling is that it is so sexy. Who doesn't fantasize about a lumberjack or a farmhand? But on common boys or city folk, it can easily seem silly and like you're trying too hard. This Marc Jacobs jacket (above left) with shearling collar and lining, however, has a modern and fresh cut and color.
Playing with proportions is definitely something to take note of, though it may not be for everyone. Alexander McQueen's shawl collar cardigan (above right) is a prime example -- it would look great with suiting pieces or just a great pair of worn-in jeans.
Let's be honest, no one actually looks this good chopping up trees. Then again, no one wears head-to-toe Gucci while gathering firewood. But look at that beautiful leather jacket with fur collar! Definitely a must-have item.
Plaid, whether tartan or bold, woven cotton or knit wool, is a necessary purchase if you don't already own. It was around last year and by the looks of this Yohji Yamamoto jacket (above left), it really isn't going anywhere.
An entire pony hair trench, like this Burberry (above right), is a tough one albeit beautiful. It's a nice variation from the usual textures. Try a pony hair belt or pony loafers.
The great thing about these brown D&G leather cargo pants is that they have that worn-in look and yet the cut is entirely new. Check out the elastic finish at the hem. We've been seeing this on all kinds of trousers, including knit pants in cashmere, wool, and cotton, which was an overwhelming trend.
The lesson to be learned from this Calvin Klein look: feel free to mix textures, fabrics, and colors, especially when dressing in less than common materials like suede.
Below is some additional behind-the-scenes bonus footage that was made available when the campaign recently launched. Franco walks around an apartment with a scowl on his face as he tries to avoid getting beaned by a boom mic, before finally breaking character and cracking a smile for camera.
Not much happens in either clip, but with a face and body like his, who's really going to complain?
Puma has launched a men's and women's fragrance as a follow up to their 2003 Puma Flowing duo. This season's smells have been dubbed "Free Flowing Man" and "Free Flowing Woman." The men's fragrance is described as "a spicy citrus woods" and the women's fragrance simply makes me uncomfortable because of it's menstrual name. [Now Smell This]
The summer's most stylish pants? High waters and cut-offs. So raid your closet and work that hem! [NYT]
While we sort of thought she was cute in The Princess Diaries, then applauded her for showing off her girls in Brokeback Mountain (but secretly despised her for getting to kiss Jake Gyllenhaal), and then fell head-over-heels for The Devil Wears Prada, Anne Hathaway has now become our new girl crush. She ditched her loser man and is looking more fabulous than ever. [The Cut]
Forget the bags for the women and the watches for men: designer shades are the new "it" accessory. Glad to hear my face isn't being shielded by my over sized Guccis for nothing...[NYT]
For all you daddies out there (legitimate and otherwise) David Beckham filmed a cameo for Sesame Street in which he almost "comes to blows" with Oscar the Grouch. It's always nice to find a program that kids and parents can agree on, because Mr. Becks can come to blows with me any day...[Mirror]
Former Guns n' Roses face shredder Slash is teaming up with longtime friend and "Australia's Next Top Model" stylist Jonathan Pease to develop a video game based on fashion and styling. Um...what? [Blabbermouth]
Fulfilling reports last month, Josh Harnett can now be seen in the new fragrance campaign for Emporio Armani's Diamonds for Men. Meant to look like Harnett's being hounded by paparazzi, it comes off as wishful thinking because, really, who's following him around these days? [WWD]
Not only did Marc Jacobs drop the female gliterrati from his ad
campaigns, but it looks like he is doing away with female models all
together! For his Fall/Winter 08 collection he shot mens and womenswear on it-boy model Cole Mohr. With legs like his he should have been the one dangling them from a bag. Sorry, Posh. [Models.com]
Men's Spring 2009 ready-to-wear kicks off today in Milan, bringing next year's warm weather trends just as I'm getting ready to beef up my wardrobe with all the looks I saw for fall. I'll try not to get ahead of myself and stay in season, but Neil Barrett's collection is already pretty inspiring. [Men.Style.Com]
Slated to preview this week during the men's ready-to-wear shows in Milan is Prada's new men's fragrance, Infusion d'Homme. It hit's counters in September...[WWD]
...And Gucci will be ready with a rebuff. Frida Giannini had crafter her own scent for men that will also go public in September, and, with sales expected to reach $180 to 200 million, Prada better be ready for a throwdown. [WWD]
Creative Director Ricardo Tisci did wonders for womenswear at Givenchy, and now he is taking his eye for detail to his men's looks.
“My concept is to design styles for real men. Elegant, sharp, masculine clothes with a twinge of Latino street boy confidence." Que bueno. [DNR]
The $10 flip flops you purchased at H&M during your last trip to the beach won't impress the boys at your next Fire Island beach bonfire or Hamptons social. Let's just say they are more flop that flip.
It's time for an upgrade, so pick up a pair of Gucci's luxurious sandals. The red and white stripe, ankle strap and suede give these a nautical and sporty look. Instead of flip-flopping all around, the ankle strap keeps your sandals secure. Take pleasure in knowing that your sandals won't fly off your feet whether you're building Barbie's Dream House out of sand or just chasing a handsome suitor down the beach.
Just make sure you get a pedicure before you wear them, and please, leave the socks at home.
The Pope is here! The Pope is here! There's a whole etiquette to addressing the Pope and New York has some soul-saving etiquette tips. Don't say "Your Popeness," "What's up, Pope?," "Hey Holyman," "Your Glory Holiness" or "Hi Holy Daddy." It's "Your Holiness." And don't forget to kiss his ring...seriously. [NY Mag]
Celebrities offer up some entertaining ideas for what the Pope should do during his stay in NYC. Carson Kressley's idea? Go shopping at Prada and the megadiscount store Century 21. Marilyn Manson paramour Evan Rachel Wood wins for best response! [NY Mag]
Marc Jacobs has an military fetish. He's selling refurbished Army bags at his Bleecker St. store for $45. [Racked]
James Franco is confirmed as the face for Gucci's Fall fragrance. Okay, so he's got that whole James Dean quality about him. [WWD]
Gucci's New Leading Man? James Franco with a Particularly Villainous Mustache.Photo: Getty Images
Miuccia Prada plans to bring Out covergirl Tilda Swinton to the Costume Institute Ball as her date. Hopefully, Swinton will let Prada pick her outfit for the evening so she doesn't have another Academy Awards flop. [WWD]
The Village Voice takes a visit to the Louis Vuitton pop-up shop at the Brooklyn Museum and ends up buying an Hermes bag on Canal St. Have we learned nothing from LV's anti-counterfeiting hoopla and mock-Canal St. theatrics? Apparently not, but good luck getting a Vuitton in Chinatown. [Village Voice]
Audrey Tautou may replace Nicole Kidman in ads for Chanel. [WWD]
France passed legislation that would make promotion of extreme dieting punishable by two years in prison and a hefty fine. The authors of the bill say that the fashion industry is not a target unless they use a sick girl in their advertising. [Washington Post]
Versace is in a new seat of power in Italy. Santo Versace has won a seat in the Italian Parliament and rumors say that the new Prime Minister could tap him to be a member of his cabinet. Does that mean the PM will only wear Versace suits during public appearances? Money can't buy that kind of advertising...or can it? [WWD]
Spiderman hottie James Franco is rumored to have signed a deal to front Gucci's new men's fragrance that will debut this fall. You do know James Franco, don't you? Don't you? Gucci hopes so! [WWD]
Even though you might prefer to hide behind the dark lenses of your sunglasses, they should still say something about your identity and personal style. In the spring and summer, shades are the most important of accessories. Not only are they they first line of defense against the evil eye but a protective cover for covert glances at good looking beach bums.
What they say about you: You're a club kid who has been up all night and you probably have a piercing thats not visible while clothed. Sunglasses, Gucci, $320, at Gucci Boutiques
What they say about you: You wear motorcycle boots to black-tie events, rock concerts and the leather bar. Sunglasses, 55DSL, $150, visit SolsticeStores.com
Gay men love fashion, and fashion loves gay men. Is it something in our jeans? Celebrating this long tradition, Stylelist exists to offer advice, tips, and the occasional catty observation on celebrity style coups and faux pas.
Photo: Getty Images
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