“I still find it fascinating that there’s interest in me, because I can, like, dress myself… I don’t think that’s a remarkable skill.”
-Nick Wooster

Nick Wooster, is the sartorialist’s sartorialist. He is considered by many to be a street style demi-god and is usually the most photographed man at any fashion show. And that includes the models. He was previously the Men’s Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus Group Services in New York but has since left to become an all round fashion consultant – splitting his time between Giltman.com, New York’s Park and Bond store and putting together style shows for various companies.

So what is the deal with this guy? Sure, he gets photographed a lot and has an extensive background within plenty of fashion departments but doesn’t that just mean he has the money and experience to dress great? Well, yes and no. Once you’ve spent enough time immersed in menswear you not only know the rules off by heart, but how and when they can be broken too.

Going beyond that, he has had enough time to hone his style to perfection; so that when you do see a photo of him you instantly think ‘that’s so Woost’. Something we all are aiming for, right? Nick has talents and interests outside of the fashion world and understands that, at the end of the day, they are only clothes, allowing him to have a supreme amount of confidence when it comes to what he wears. This is pretty much an essential quality you need if you want to be considered stylish.

Nick Wooster LookBook

Nick Wooster Style Breakdown

When it comes to Nick’s style, it isn’t that difficult to pull off. It is a rugged tailored look, while he describes it as ‘smooth and slow burning’. However, if you want to pull off a similar look, there are a few key things that need to be remembered.

• The first of these is the fit - If you are planning on wearing some of the more outlandish patterns and prints, you have to make sure it fits you properly. Once you nail this, regardless of what you’re wearing it will always look like it was made for you. The best example is when he wears shorts with a suit. The shorts that he wears have the same fit as the jacket and the shirt he wears them with, giving the effect that the shorts were meant to be paired with the rest of the suit. Even when he’s not wearing tailored pieces and is just in a simple t-shirt, it all fits him perfectly.

• Invest in some quality tailored pieces - Here we are talking about suits, shirts and ties. Nick tends to stick to neutral colors like navy, grey and black for his suits so that he can experiment more when it comes to his shirt and tie combinations. Ways in which he experiments with these include making them both the same colour, or the same pattern but with a twist. Nick sometimes takes things a step further and uses statement pieces such as a madras blazer or shark print trousers. Again, the key to him pulling these off is not only the fit but the fact that he lets that piece do all the talking by keeping the rest of his outfit simple.

• When it comes to accessories, think outside of the box - Why not invest in some uniquely colored shoes? Nick keeps his suits simple and monochromatic so that he can have more fun with his accessories – like his shoes and also pocket squares, watches and sunglasses.

But remember to be able to pull of The Woost look, you need to be a well groomed gentleman. Just look at that beard! It is expertly kept, and for good reason too. Having the beard adds to his rugged but refined look, whilst if it was too out of control and ragged he would instead look like a hobo who had robbed Macy’s. Regardless of how cool and arty you think your beard makes you look, chances are it needs a trim. 

Check out CSquared Style Tips & Inspiration here

Stay Stylin’

CSquared

Subscribe to Csquared Menswear by Email and stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @CsquaredSA for more stylin’ daily updates.

CSquared Menswear is stocked at selected boutiques and premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide.

CSquared Mediterranean Resort Summer Collection 2012 will be available at HOM Menswear, Stuttafords & Markham stores, South Africa’s ultimate online shopping and style destination for men, ThirtySixMan and online retailer of international and local fashion brands Zando.com

images | via 

Believe the hype, Tom Ford is the pinnacle of men’s style. Here are his golden rules for eternal style:

1. I don’t believe in playing around much with suit cuts. I like a fairly classic shape that gives a man strong shoulders, a fitted waist, and long legs. Classic simplicity always works.

2. Someone who is secure enough to be very present when relating to another person is sexy. In other words, a good listener always lands who he wants.

3. When mixing patterns, don’t think about it too much—just throw it together.

4. I hate the trend of short suit jackets. When a man’s butt is showing below the bottom of his jacket, I think it makes him look like a female flight attendant from the back—not my idea of sexy.

5. With jewelry, I actually like bracelets more than anything else, but they have to be small and simple. Cary Grant always wore a simple gold bracelet with his watch, and I think that was very chic.

6. If you’re careful not to overuse Botox, then yes, why shouldn’t you use it? A little bit of it between the brows can make you look less stern and more approachable. Who needs to frown, anyway?

7. Just like girls need to learn to be comfortable in heels before they go out in them for the first time, a man should try wearing a suit throughout a normal day. I do most things in a suit—and sometimes even in a tuxedo—and so I’m really comfortable in one.

8. When it comes to grooming, keep earwax out of the ears and keep stray hairs and flakes of skin in check and you should be good to go. In the morning, I put ice cubes on my eyes and use lots of Visine.

9. Time and silence are the most luxurious things today.

10. There’s one indulgence every man should try in his lifetime: If you’re straight, sleep with a man at least once, and if you’re gay, don’t go through life without sleeping with a woman. Either way, you might be surprised at how natural it will feel if you can get past the mind-fuck of stereotypes. In the end, it’s just another person that you are relating to in a physical way.

Check out CSquared Style Inspiration here

Stay Stylin’

CSquared

Subscribe to Csquared Menswear by Email and stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @CsquaredSA for more stylin’ daily updates.

CSquared Menswear is stocked at selected boutiques and premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide.

CSquared Mediterranean Resort Summer Collection 2012 will be available at HOM Menswear, Stuttafords & Markham stores, South Africa’s ultimate online shopping and style destination for men, ThirtySixMan and online retailer of international and local fashion brands Zando.com

The annual British GQ Men of the Year Awards were held this week in London and we have got to say the gents were on point. Honestly going through all the red carpet looks was such a pleasure and there were so many dapper men in attendance. If only all red carpet events could be as stylish.

We rounded up our fav looks from the evening, let us know who impressed you.

• Chris Hemsworth, The Avengers actor and his stunning wife were in all black for the event.

• Essex born model David Gandy in Dolce and Gabbana

• British track cyclist Christopher Hoy opted for a three-piece grey suit.

• Comedians David Walliams and Jimmy Carr in matching velvet jackets.

• Sacha Baron Cohen cleans up good!

• Mad Men’s John Slattery in Dunhill.

• Tinie Tempah in none other than Tom Ford

We don’t know how he does it, but Monday to Friday Katlego Maboe is up at the crack of dawn to present on the SABC 3 Breakfast Show Expresso and he sometimes does it dressed in CSquared Menswear.

Katlego and Top Billing Presenter Simba Mhere at this years Durban July.

Stay Stylin’

CSquared

Subscribe to CSquared Menswear by Email, and stay tuned to CSquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @CsquaredSA for more stylin’ daily updates.

CSquared Menswear is stocked at selected boutiques and premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide.

CSquared Mediterranean Resort Summer Collection 2012 will be available at HOM Menswear, Stuttafords & Markham stores and South Africa’s ultimate online shopping and style destination for men, ThirtySixMan

Released 30.07.2012

Csquared Menswear is South Africa’s most cutting-edge formal wear brand worn by celebrities and bold, stylin’ IT-guys. Ten years ago Csquared revolutionized South African men’s fashion by introducing slim fit garments, sharp Italian tailoring and ready-to-wear menswear that continues to enthrall and dominate the Fashion Week runways.

On Friday 27 July 2012, Csquared ignited the catwalk with vivid colors, prints, and an array of innovative silhouettes that will define Summer 2012 Menswear. Every piece in the collection was created to evoke the true spirit of summer in the sun.

The Cut & Silhouette:The highlight of the collection was the architectural innovation of the summer suit. The re-working of the traditional pants and jacket proportions added a fresh “slouchy-tailored” edge to your wardrobe this Summer ‘12!

Color: The Csquared 2012 Mediterranean Resort Collection lit up the runway with electric colours; parrot greens, oranges and highlighter yellow contrasted with sea blue and green to turquoise, terracotta, raspberry, lemon and pistachio.

This was a move away from the usual greys, as the collection is tastefully awash with statement color in the form of acid and pastel brights. Each look in the collection was created to transport you to the intoxicating red volcanic beaches of Santorini to the seductive sunshine and emerald forests of the Amalfi Coast.

Trends: Keeping with the laid-back but glamorous resort feel of collection, some of the top trends that Csquared showed were: Mediterranean Neutrals, Big Blue (Think Riviera Chic), The Exotic Printed Shirt and Luxe-Sport Formal, perfect for jet-set men who enjoy Cote D’Azur yacht parties.

When asked about the collection, Csquared Menswear Designer, Wayne Govender commented, “Our designs were inspired by people who want to stick out of the crowd, be a little more different, trendier and fashion forward. The theme is about collaborating bold, bright colours and prints with modern and classic tailoring, which creates not only a fascinating catwalk but also exciting new garments that are both accessible and wearable.”  

Csquared is excited to announce that the Csquared 2012 Mediterranean Resort Collection will be available for online purchase in September 2012, on the soon to be launched menswear-only online shopping and style destination ThirtySixMan. ThirtySixMan will offer the style and fashion-conscious South African man a carefully chosen selection of items from an assortment of brands and local designers including Csquared.

When interviewed after the show, Head of ThirtySixMan, Neil Doveton said “Congratulations to Wayne Govender, whose enthusiasm is definitely paving a bright future for Csquared. The show on Friday night at Cape Town’s glam-spot The Reserve delighted its audience with a dynamic Summer 2013 collection. Vibrant colour and bold checks made a statement and there is no doubt that any man wearing Csquared this summer, will be turning heads. I am very pleased to announce that a selection of the collection will be available to purchase from ThirtySixMan soon.”

House of Monatic Head of Brands, Mark Gooding commented, “We were very excited to showcase Csquared in such a unique environment at The Reserve. We were overwhelmed with the turnout for our 10 year anniversary and apologies for to the late comers who were literally left out in the cold!  Csquared has always stood out from the crowd, and unlike other designer labels, we showcase what we sell. I love the edited summer collection chosen by Neil Doveton and his team for the ThirtySixMan online store which I believe will sell quicker than “Lady Gaga” tickets when the site goes live with Csquared the range in September!”

The highly buzzed about fashion show and after party was attended by celebrities, TV personalities, fashion heavy-weights and the movers and shakers of the South Africa social media zeitgeist.

Guests were greeted at the door with a chilled bottle of Peroni and treated to a surprise performance by musician Stoan Seate. Celebrities spotted at the Csquared show and after party included Actor and Viyella Heritage ambassador Tumisho Masha, singer Chad Saaiman and former Miss South Africa Cindy Nell among others.

Csquared #TOPSWAG Style Icon 2012 Winner Mvelo Ncube also walked the runway before a decadent red, black and gold Charly’s Bakery cake was bought out, flanked by showstopping models, in honour of Csquared’s 10^th Anniversary. 

Csquared is stocked at premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide as well as a range of top-tier boutiques and online destinations.

Summer 2012 - Rediscover your Mediterranean side.

<END>

Useful Links

CsquaredTwitter, CsquaredFanpage, CsquaredBlog, CsquaredWebsite.

For any queries regarding Csquared please contact:

Marketing Coordinator:

Pamela James

Pjames@monatic.>co.za

Distributed By:

Chido Samkange

pr@socialwoo.co.za>

Account Manager:

Sianna Wu

Sianna@>socialwoo.co.za

Images: 

Csquared Menswear is South Africa’s most cutting-edge formal wear brand worn by celebrities and bold, stylin’ IT-guys. Ten years ago Csquared revolutionized South African men’s fashion by introducing slim fit garments, sharp tailoring and ready-to-wear menswear that continues to enthrall and dominate the Fashion Week runways.

On Friday 27^th  July 2012  at Cape Town’s most exclusive venue The Reserve, Csquared in association with ThirtySixMan online boutique and Peroni will launch the highly anticipated Csquared “Mediterranean Resort” Summer 2012 Collection.

The Csquared 2012 Mediterranean Resort Collection will light up the runway with electric colours; parrot greens, oranges and highlighter yellow contrasted with sea blue and green to turquoise, terracotta, raspberry, lemon and pistachio. Each look in the collection is set to transport you to the intoxicating red volcanic beaches of Santorini to the seductive sunshine and emerald forests of the Amalfi Coast.

The Csquared x ThirtySixMan Midnight Fashion Express show and after party will be held at the glamorous Reserve Nightclub & Restaurant at 11pm and will be attended by celebrities, tv personalities, fashion heavy-weights and the movers and shakers of the South Africa social media zeitgeist.Celebrity fashion show producer Jan Malan will be directing the #36Csquared summer extravaganza.

Join Csquared in celebrating 10 years of style, elegance and attitude and the hottest menswear collection at Fashion Week, via live-blogging updates or follow the buzz with @CsquaredSA via Twitter and the official event hashtag #36Csquared.

Live in Cape Town and want to join Csquared x 36MAN refreshed by Peroni this Friday at The Reserve?

Click on the following LINK and stand a chance to win 1 x 20 double tickets to this midnight fashion extravaganza.

Follow Csquared to get a virtual front-row seat at fashion week via

Blog csquaredsa.tumblr.com

Facebook facebook/Csquared

Twitter @CsquaredSA

For more Csquared movie inspired looks, click here

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

Subscribe to Csquared Menswear by Email, and stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @CsquaredSA for more stylin’ daily updates.

Csquared Menswear is stocked at selected boutiques and premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide.

Csquared Menswear was featured in the August 2012 Issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine South Africa.

Once a year Cosmo SA has its Cosmo-Hitched edition where they give you tips on how to look your best on your big day…

He wears Csquared Bowtie, R195 avail at Stuttafords & Markham

He wears Csquared Shirt R499 and Bowtie R195, avail at Stuttafords & Markham

Cosmopolitan Hitched on news stands now.For more onCsquared Menswear press click here.

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

Subscribe to Csquared Menswear by Email and stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @CsquaredSA for more stylin’ daily updates.

Csquared Menswear is stocked at selected boutiques and premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide. 

Yesterday afternoon Csquared Menswear premiered #MENSTYLECHAT. A first for the South African menswear industry, #MENSTYLECHAT was a Live Twitter chat event hosted by @CsquaredSA. 

#MENSTYLECHAT is about giving South African men a platform to discuss fashion, get tips and ask the experts questions about style and grooming in an open, instantaneous and entertaining manner.

The #MENSTYLECHAT panel included:

- Csquared Menswear Designer - @WayneGovender

- Csquared #TOPSWAG Style Icon - @Mvelo_N 

- According to Jerri Blogger - @JerriMokgofe

- Trends Beyond Threads Blogger - @Sandiso_N

For an hour we discussed all things menswear. Here’s a recap of what went down…

#MENSTYLECHAT Main Topic - From The Runway to The Street

• Head to Toe Prints

Bottega Venetta S/S13

Mugler Mens S/S13

John Galliano S/S13

Csquared Menswear Winter Collection 2012

• Slouchy Trousers

D&G S/S13

Lanvin S/S13

• Sleeveless Waistcoat Jackets

Versace S/S 13

Dior Homme S/S13

Jill Sander S/S13

• Short Suits

Louis Vuitton S/S13

Moschino S/S13

One of the hilights of discussing short suits- to shave or not to shave?:

Emporio Armani S/S13

But are short suits office wear too:

Csquared Menswear Summer Collection 2012-13

• Sheer Shirt

Louis Vuitton S/S13

If this is a trend you can get into our panel had a few styling tips on how to rock it:

Csquared Menswear Summer Collection 2012-13

#MENSTYLECHAT Q& A

We asked @CsquaredSA followers to send in their burning styling and grooming tips:

Q.1 Which style of clothes that stays timeless in the category of classics for all occasions?

@JerriMokgofe:

Q.2  Do you think colour blocking is entirely phased out yet? 

Q.3 Bowties and pocket squares are currently in the stylish radar at the moment. Any rules or advice for gentlemen wearing them to be aware of?

#MENSTYLECHAT Hot or Chop

With Durban July having taken place this weekend it was only right we ask our #menstylechat panel what they thought of some of the looks…people did not hold back on their opinions:

• Khaya Dlanga:

Image: Khaya Dlanga Instagram

• L’vovo, Twitty and Fisherman:

Image: Sowentan Live

• Mthokozisi ‘Swenka’ Chiya:

Image: Sowetan Live

Thanks to everyone who joined and contributed to yesterdays #menstylechat…

Thank you to our panel Wayne Govender, MveloNcube, Jerri Mokgofe & Sandiso Ngubane for taking part in this menswear first #menstylechat

If you are interested in becoming a part of the #menstylechat panel e-mail contact and blog details to pr@socialwoo.co.za

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

Subscribe to Csquared Menswear by Email, and stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @CsquaredSA for more stylin’ daily updates.

Csquared Menswear is stocked at selected boutiques and premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide.

Runway Images : Vogue.com

With the Vocadom Durban July only days away we know some of you gents are still out there looking for the stylin’ outfit to show off this years theme of “A Material World?” or you have your outfit but are looking for that something to bring an extra bit of panache and individuality to it.Csquared has got you covered. 

We put together a Csquared Durban July Look Book, with a few looks that a colorful, stylish and will definitely get you compliments. We shared these looks on Twitter earlier today and got some feedback from the fashionable gents of Mzanzi.

@kaizenlifestyle:

A bit of Magenta

@TheGQblogger:

Green and magenta? Yes gents it works. Durban July is not about conforming to style rules its a chance to break them. This pocket square is also a great compliment to the overall look. If you are not sure how to mix patterns and colour together, click here for a quick how to from Csquared Designer Wayne Govender.

@TheGQblogger:

Blue & Yellow

For those looking for a more casual yet suave look this is the one for you. The yellow jacket gives a great pop of colour but should the Durban weather become too warm you can easily loose the jacket while still bringing a sense of individuality with this detailed blue shirt.

@JerryMoeng:

Red, Blue & White

In a nod to our American friends who recently celebrated their independence, this look can easily be paired with a dark blue bow tie and a paisley pocket square as pictured above. For a more casual look, remove the bow tie and place it in your top pocket not only for safe keeping but for a stylish contrast to the pocket square.

@LifestyleOasis & @LloydJansen:

Its all in the Details

We cannot say this enough but it really is the details that sets you part. It could be the stitching on your jacket, patterns or embellishments on your shirt. For those not brave enough to try a look out side the box this could be a simple way of standing out.

@TheGQblogger:

Bow tie as Pocket Square

As the day goes on, you may find yourself a little hot and want to go a little more casual. Rather than loose an item that brings a pop of color to your outfit,  use as an alternate to a pocket square.

@TheGQblogger:

@IamPercy:

@Mnqobi_Banele:

Now you have the stylin’ outfit make sure you know to capture it best for those Facebook pics, check out Csquared’s guide to looking good in your pictures.

Stay on trend at Durban July with these Csquared Style Tips.

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

Csquared Menswear is stocked at selected boutiques and premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide.

Subscribe to Csquared Menswear by Email, and stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @CsquaredSA for more stylin’ daily updates.

Csquared Menswear was featured in the July 2012 issue of the elite men’s magazine Blaque.

Model (bottom left) wears Csquared Menswear Winter Coats avail at Markham and Stuttafords nationwide.

For more on Csquared Menswear press click here.

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

Subscribe to Csquared Menswear by Email and stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @CsquaredSA for more stylin’ daily updates.

Csquared Menswear is stocked at selected boutiques and premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide.

On the first Saturday of July at Greyville Racecourse in Durban South Africans gather to watch the best thoroughbreds storm down the home straight to the finish of the R3 million, Grade 1 Vodacom Durban July. 

However its not just about the horses, its about fashion too. Durban July is well known for its creative fashion. Its a day to let your hair down and show off your creativity in an eye-catching outfit for the big day. Each year a theme is announced and racegoers are encouraged to put together garments for raceday that add to the special occasion

This years theme is “A Material World?”

So what does this mean for those attending? What look should you be going for not only to match the theme but also stand out from the crowd? We at Csquared have a few stylin’ tips to help you.

Going Green

Image:Fiebre De Bolsos Y Joyas

For this theme going green would be the obvious choice. Whats great about green is that it adds a great deal of pop and contrast to just about any other color that it’s put up against.

Csquared Menswear Green Shorts Suit avail at Markham & Stuttafords

If you are afraid to go all green, add subtle hints of it to your outfit for example with a pocket square or wear green shoes to add a pop of colour to your outfit.

Checking Outside The Box

Image:GQ Japan

One of the biggest trends at the moment is checks and patterns. Wearing checks lends a sophisticated look for men but it is also a great way to add versatility since checks can be mixed and matched in different ways and can be flaunted through different garment pieces thrown together.

Csquared Menswear avail at Markham & Stuttafords

Not sure how to style your patterns and checks, check out Csquared style tips on how to wear checks and patterns this season here.

Step Outside The Theme

Don’t feel that because there is a theme you have to stick to it. Be a risk taker and think beyond the theme. An event like Durban July that is synonymous with fashion demands you make a statement and look good doing it to by daring to be different.

Go velvet 

Image:Couteque Coute

Incorporating velvet into your look adds flair to an otherwise straightforward outfit. The luxe look and feel of velvet makes it the ulitmate statement piece for Durban July.

Csquared Double Breasted Velvet Coat & Bow Tie avail at Markham & Stuttafords

Go bright

Image:GQ Japan

The ultimate style risk taker will always use color to stand out. Go bright, go bold. Pick a shirt with a striking color. The added pop of colour underneath your jacket will be an unexpected surprise.

Csquared Menswear Shirt avail at Markham & Stuttafords

Afraid to go bright? Let your accessories do the talking:

Csquared Menswear Accessories avail at Markham & Stuttafords

For the fashionista who aims to stand out in front of the massive crowd on race day: are encouraged by me, not to take the theme too literally! Rather look objectively at the theme, and draw inspiration from current fashion trends locally and abroad. Sophistication, with a little bit of an edgy twist and glamour are the guidelines I offer.

“The theme is set to sustain the wonderful energy of A Material World?” so push the boundaries of fabrication and construction as a way of being clever and incorporating old recycled fabrics and accessories for an updated race day ensemble.

Go beyond the obvious!! Make it exciting, but comfortable. After all you are going to be wearing this outfit the whole day and be partying the night away.

A strong misconception is that an elaborate design is more interesting – sometimes less is more, but on saying that more can be good on a day like this! - Wayne Govender, Csquared Designer

Stay on trend this season with these Csquared Style Tips.

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

Csquared Menswear is stocked at selected boutiques and premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide.

Subscribe to Csquared Menswear by Email, and stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @CsquaredSA for more stylin’ daily updates.

The inaugural London Collections: Men took place over the weekend with 48 catwalk shows and presentations and we were treated to all kinds of exciting menswear trends for Spring/Summer 2013.

British menswear designers showcased a mixture of transparent florals and detailed paisley prints accessorized with quilted handbags and coloured briefcases during the three-day London show.

We picked some of our favorite looks from the runways:

Richard James

This collection is all about color.

Tangerine and electric blue two-piece linen suits, tailored shorts falling just above the knee, were particularly suave looking they had us longing for summer parties on rooftops.

Bit it wasn’t all bright colors though there were mellow candy flosses, greys, blues and whites that also made an appearance on the runway.

And color wasn’t just limited to the clothing. There were shimmering loafers in pink, violet and blue, ties and pocket squares in muted complementary tones as well.

E-Tautz

We cannot lie it was the sharply cut cape in fuchsia and the duck egg-blue trench coat that caught our attention when going through images from E-Tautz runway show. Those two pieces had us sold but there was more…

The Collection also comprised of dapper double-breasted suits, paired with pleated shorts, striped ties in cream, blue and pink, travellers’ hats and, above all, a scorchingly-yellow plethora of shorts, formal trousers and shirts. 

Hardy Amies

For the launch of Hardy Amies’ new, more accessible London diffusion line, mannequins stood on display at 14 Savile Row in a salon-like environment.

There were military style pieces in khaki, navy and charcoal which were a nod to the trench coat form or flirting with the idea of a parka - which we like a lot.

The double-breasted suits, something of a Hardy characteristic, were paired with the obligatory “HA”-initialled pocket square or a printed silk shawl sprucing up the neckline.

Our favorite of the collection is the Hardy Amies London dinner suit (R) with its sophisticated satin lapel a definite insignia of importance.

Jonathan Saunders

This collection was the perfect combination of sharp tai­lor­ing and a lively mix of prints and col­ors.

We liked the geometrical patterns - stripes, dots and tiny rectangles. Pinstripes added a sense of formality - wide apart and colour-blocked in black and white or olive and black, they appeared chameleonic in sharply-cut suits. 

Sharp nar­row trousers were the per­fect com­ple­ment to smart knitwear each perfectly crowned by iconic Bowie sunglasses. 

Oliver Spencer

Models wore grey linen suits rolled-up hi-lighting the collections slim-fit of the tailoring. Shapes were simple, with detailing coming in the form of rough wooden buttons, patchwork pockets and the perpetually turned up trousers.

A vibrant palette, color-blocked with panels of black and navy, navy and army green and intense blood-red with several hues of electric blue really impressed us.

Matthew Miller

With sharply tai­lored trim suits were cut sharp and printed with numbers and symbols around the sleeves and pockets, this collection was simple yet perfectly stylish. 

The colours were limited to a greyscale palette but this did not hinder to the stylish simplicity of the collection. Miller modified the tai­lored suit for the more adven­tur­ous by creating a sleeveless waistcoat-like suit jacket.

We particularly liked the white shirts that were detailed with a cutout design, the pattern showing relief from the pieces underneath the shirt as though embossed like paper.

YMC

This collection was inspired by early the 1960s west coast surf cul­ture and late 1980s casuals and featured relaxed sil­hou­ettes in silk rayon, coated linens and soft cot­tons. 

Unstruc­tured tai­lor­ing in earthy neu­trals and pas­tels con­veyed a sense of easy dress­ing wit the floral print adding to the beachy feel.

These are our top picks from the first London Collections: Men - which one was your favorite?

Do these looks have you excited for S/S13? 

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

Subscribe to Csquared Menswear by Email, and stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @CsquaredSA for more stylin’ daily updates.

Csquared Menswear is stocked at selected boutiques and premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide.

London Collections: Men S/S13 Images via Zimbio/The Fashionisto/Vogue

Csquared Menswear was featured in the 17 June 2012 Issue of the City Press.

The menswear editorial is titled “Plush Bazaar” - A sumptuous take on laid back lounge living.

Csquared Chocolate Jacket (bottom right) R1 699 avail at Markham

For more on Csquared Menswear press click here.

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

Subscribe to Csquared Menswear by Email and stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @CsquaredSA for more stylin’ daily updates.

Csquared Menswear is stocked at selected boutiques and premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide.

Dr Martens Shoes

Color and pattern have been dominating menswear for the last season or so. But we at Csquared have noticed that a large number of men are a bit reluctant to pick up on this growing trend.

However for those that are not quite ready to rid themselves of their safe blacks, greys and navys, the option of colored shoes offers a fantastic way subtly incorporating the trend into your everyday look.

Pop Color Shoes

Louis Vuitton

Bright shoes don’t necessarily need to be worn with bright clothing. Let your bright shoes be a simple pop of color against neutrals. 

Another way to incorporate colored shoes into your outfit is to partner your shoes with a bright accessory partner elsewhere in the outfit.This helps create a cohesive ensemble and adding a piece of clothing that mirrors your brightly colored shoes will help those shoes seem like a natural choice.

Csquared Menswear Accessories, avail at Markham and Stuttafords 

Cardigans, blazers, and shrugs or even scarves can work wonders toward drawing vibrant shoes into the mix. For a refined look, create some distance between the shoes and their colorful friend. You could wear a bright colored bow tie with to complement your shoes. 

Csquared Menswear - Avail at Markham & Stuttafords

Two-Tone Shoes

Two-tone shoes, or the co-respondent shoe as they are occasionally known, are making a big comeback this season. Two-tone footwear is proving hugely popular especially in brogue silhouettes, where the leather panels are constructed in contrasting shades to create a fantastic visual impact.

Dr Martens Shoes

We think the use of two-tone coloring in brogue styles creates a sense of classicism and conjures up images of the American gangster eras of the 1920s and 30s.

Csquared Menswear  “brushed off”  Leather Shoes, R799 - Avail at Markham & Stuttafords

Injecting a bit of pattern or colour into your footwear rather than the main body of your outfit will enable more reserved men to follow the trend in a more discrete way.

Csquared Brogues, R899 - Avail at Markham & Stuttafords

The pop colour trend is an easier one for the everyday man to pull off and integrate into their current wardrobe.

Remember if your shoes are bold in colour, keep the socks and accompanying outfit stripped back and simple – really let the statement shoes shine.

Stay on trend with these Csquared Style Tips.

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

Csquared Menswear is stocked at selected boutiques and premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide.

Subscribe to Csquared Menswear by Email,and stay tuned toCsquared’s Facebookor follow us onTwitter at @CsquaredSAfor more stylin’ daily updates.

Csquared at MBFWJ & Fashion By The Sea/SDR Photo 

Csquared Menswear was featured in the June 2012 issue of The Wedding Album Magazine.

The theme of the editorial is to “Push the boundaries on the traditional white gown and black tux. Bring in flashes of dark blue for a hint of the unconventional, or add drama to your dress by accessórising with an intricate belt” 

Model wears Csquared Suit - White Jacket R1 695, Trousers R699 avail at Stuttafords

Model wears Csquared Suit - White Jacket R1 695 avail at Stuttafords

For more on Csquared Menswear press click here.

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

Subscribe to Csquared Menswear by Email and stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @CsquaredSA for more stylin’ daily updates.

Csquared Menswear is stocked at selected boutiques and premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide.