The names FASH, GFASH. 00 STYLE.

Bond is a character every man aspires to be. Even if it is just in appearance. He is sharply dressed, wears well-cut, and sophisticated clothing, visits exotic beautiful locations and saves the world all whilst being a gentleman. When seeking dapper inspiration there is no finer example than 007.

Photographer: Irina Krupovich

With that inspiration in mind and an invite in hand to attend The Globe-Trotting PR, A Caring Experience at Hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris, I chose to unleash my own 00 style but step away from the usual traditional tuxedo. I required something a little more lavish.

Photographer: Kseniakuznetsovaphotography

Times have changed and the velvet suit is no longer the armour reserved for Austin Powers to fight Doctor Evil or for the bunny partying late Hugh Hefner. Velvet is back, in all its plush luxurious glory, assuring refinement and elegance. Hence why it continues to take over my wardrobe. Velvet is ultra luxurious with its chic polished style and adds some serious grunt to an outfit with its subtle yet commanding presence.

Photographer: Irina Krupovich

A typical suit worn for work or less-formal events such as business meetings and attending weddings would not suffice for such an event, nor would off the rack. Having researched off the rack tuxedos from a number of Australian brands, I was told the suit would require multiple alterations to have it fit my frame perfectly. As my new year resolution is to shop smarter and better, I knew that I would not be happy wearing a suit that many other gents had, yet alone the cost involved of the suit and further costs for multiple alterations. For this occasion there was no other choice than to go bespoke, made to measure. It’s what Bond would do.

With this in mind it was an ideal choice for this very special event to visit The Spectre Collection prior to departing Melbourne to discuss the event, purpose of the event, who would be in attendance, and of course of my personality and style. With anything in my wardrobe it needs to suit(see what I did there)my personality.

Photographer: Irina Krupovich

The final product was absolutely outstanding and one of my favourite outfits I wore in Paris. The tailoring is exquisite for the modern guy with its subtle details in the lapel, pockets and don’t get me started on the lining. Small details make for simple classic elegance, which is what really defines a Bond look. A traditional tuxedo would feature a satin lapel and a stripe down the side seam of the pant. As much as I enjoy military details I wanted the luxurious modern blue and black plush fabric to speak for itself. 

Photographer: Kseniakuznetsovaphotography

Complimenting the suit, I had a custom made to measure shirt created, which I believe every gent should have in his wardrobe. You would assume incorrect if you thought this would hit your wallet hard. Truth is, custom made shirts are roughly the same price as quality made shirts hanging in most department stores around the country. I opted with further customisation with double cuffs, to show off suave cuff links of course. A classic white shirt is all a man truly needs and will always be a wise investment. 

Photographer: Kseniakuznetsovaphotography

A velvet suit is not traditional black tie, but who follows the rules these days? Tick the black tie dress code boxes by adding a bow tie for a more formal look. I opted for a black velvet bow tie that has been making a strong impact on menswear thanks to designers such as Tom Ford. However this suit would look equally as good with a traditional tie. 

Photographer: Kseniakuznetsovaphotography

When wearing such a suave suit you also need the appropriate footwear. Ticking more boxes like I did by opting for a black patent lace up. Just be sure to go up a size when first purchasing as patent rarely gives and moulds to your foot like normal leather does. As much as I love my patent shoes, I binned them after a few wears trotting around Paris due to them being ridiculously uncomfortable. 

I can hear your questions now. How and where would I wear such a suit? Traditionally a suave suit such as this should only be worn only after 7pm or to private and public dinners, events, balls, and parties where dress code is enforced. In my case A Caring Experience by le Monde de GHRIBI

Once again the suit can also be worn as two seperate pieces and down graded to smart casual attire. A good pair of dark tailored trousers or even dark denim jeans, open collar shirt, or no collar, all would be a great looks for dinner, dates or heading out to a bar. Obviously velvet shouldn’t be worn in summer but is perfect for blocking out the winter chills. 

So what are you waiting for? Unleash your inner 007 by giving your evening attire a lavish spin. Take a classic and make it your own.

PINK IN PARIS

Pink has been making its mark on menswear the last few seasons with a hue called Millennial Pink. People all over the globe have been embracing this colour, including men. Heard the term “Real men wear Pink”? The same could be said for double-breasted blazers. Once reserved for the older gent, they have had a resurgence in recent years with the youth. So what happens when you combine the two?

Personally I have been wearing pink forever as I find it modern and timeless. Although for my trip to Paris Fashion Week, I needed to update my wardrobe with a statement suit that was more sartorial than safe, so what better colour than Pink!

Trotting from catwalks to trade shows at Jardin des Tuilerie, the suit definitely made me feel like I was in Parisian movie, popping perfectly against the beautiful streets of Paris (you can see more of this on my instagram). It is sophisticated, chic and modern look whilst making me feel very suave as I strutted between Fashion Week locations.

Paris in winter is beautiful. Paris in winter, in Pink….even better. If you are looking for a colour to upgrade your wardrobe, then look no further than unleashing your personality with a bit of pink. But now you are probably thinking you can only wear this brave colour to a fancy occasion like fashion week? Insert buzzer sound here. I will come back to this after I consume a croissant.

Double-breasted blazers are best suited to leaner gents, (although it can still suit a bigger or wider man) or stick insects like myself who are tall and have long limbs as they create a silhouette that emphasises broad shoulders and a narrow waist. The same as tapered trouser works for lean legs. How do I know this?

Knowing how to dress in ways that flatter your body can help you confidently strut your stuff, which is where bespoke comes into play. With bespoke you are forced to take a good hard look at your features, like leg length, width of your shoulders, torso length, all of this is taken into account to build the perfect pattern for your body shape. Building the blocks and knowing what does and does not work for you ensures you feel comfortable and brings you confidence. Every person should experience bespoke just once so they can be educated on what works on their body. Real confidence comes with excepting your personal quirks, long limbs and all.

The team at The Spectre Collection worked with my long limbs on this delightful pink suit. They understood that I required something that was going to pop, that was classic yet still showcased personality. The team knew that I was attending fashion week in Europe and required a certain uniqueness and were very encouraging of creating something outside the box. I have had bespoke menswear before but never like this. It is wonderful to create items based on your personality and needs. The Spectre Collection will do anything for you. Your desires are their wish. My wish……….chic French piiiiiiink!

So back to ways to incorporate pink and double-breasted blazers into your existing wardrobe. This whole suit can still be worn casually (think a tee and some casual canvas shoes) and the trousers could be worn separately (think just a polo or shirt and some white kicks). The easiest way to dress down the double-breasted blazer is to wear it with chinos or some denim. The effect of the blazer is accentuated by pairing it with a simple chino, maybe in a navy or a boring beige.

For the cautious man, pink combines beautifully with navy, black and almost any neutral colour whilst still being daring and vibrant. For the extrovert (me) it combines wonderfully with brash oranges, bold red, deep plums and hues of yellow. A geometric print wouldn’t hurt your ensemble either, a combination of zebra or leopard. The possibilities are endless.

 

I have noticed the French do wear strong colours but tend to pick one or two shades rather than vibrant clashes. They really are the masters of "effortless" looks. A key lesson I have learnt in a short time observing the fashion pack on the streets of Paris, is that clothes don't have to be totally form-fitting. For someone who likes his clothes skin tight, it was refreshing to wear inspired pieces that oozed this chic French style.

Add a little sartorial elegance to your wardrobe, wear pink! Better still wear Pink in Paris.

Au revoir

Photographer: Irina Krupovich

HOW TO CARRY-ON

Winter Feast Dark Mofo 2017

These days with budget airlines offering cheap fares to nearby cities for the cost of weekly transport to work, there has never been a better time to jump on a plane and explore. Yearly I make the sabbatical trip south to Hobart for the Dark Mofo festival. Dark Mofo is an annual festival curated by MONA and celebrates the darkness of the winter solstice with 2 weeks of non stop performance art, parties and showcases all of Tasmania's great produce. So how does one pack for a 3 day weekend away to "the island". Making most of the affordable airfares and only packing one bag is quite the task, especially when you need numerous outfits and costumes for parties. There has never been a more affordable time as ever to start travelling with only carry-on. How do you make the most of your carry on? Everything you will see I am wearing as carried in carry on luggage.

Choose your bag wisely

Firstly, packing well starts with choosing the right bag. It is so important. A well designed bag with pockets, zips and compartments will make packing a breeze. Select the right shape and size bag, in line with your airlines code for carry on. That is a given. Other important factors to consider is the weight of the bag, before it has items inside! It is wonderful to have a beautiful crafted bag with lots of embellishments, but this automatically makes your bag heavier. Make sure the bag is comfortable to carry, either by its handles or by shoulder strap. This bag will be attached to you for your trip. Personally I like to travel with some sort of style and grace. As much as a back pack has the benefits of keeping your arms free, there is nothing stylish about looking like someone on a tour group.

For this trip I have selected my trusty Ted Baker duffle bag. It fits the airlines codes and is lightweight, stylish and can hold up to a weeks worth of clothes.

Plan your outfits

This is the main step. Planning your ensembles accordingly to the activities that you will be attending. For instance for my trip to Hobart I required two outfits per day, plus two costumes (2x3+2= 8 outfits required) One mandatory item I required was a coat to brave the elements. Even though the city provides plenty of fire outdoors to keep you warm, you still need a coat. Obviously multi purpose items are great as they are easily combined. For instance I packed a reversible cloak coat from Jack London, two outfits one item of clothing. Choosing light weight fabrics that will dry quickly if you need to wash and rewear are a bonus!

When you have planned your outfits, you need to catagorise what you have (shirts, sweaters, jewellery) and see if the items can be mixed and matched with each other providing you with more combinations. If you wear lots of black this should be relatively easy. The next key step is CULL. Unless you are taking a certain necklace or shirt for a reason it does not belong in your suitcase. If it is a statement piece you require, I fully understand but you will need to play sacrifice. People tend to over pack and take too much with them and do not wear half of it. Take only what you need. If you are taking an item "just in case", don't even consider it.

Coat: @jacklondon_official
Shirt: @briggins_clothiers
Vest: @connor_clothing
Jeans: @jeanswest
Shoes: @hm_man
Bag: @Gucci

Now of the outfits you have planned, you need to select what I call "your plane outfit" This is the outfit that has the most weight. Heaviest coat, heaviest shoes, denim and any of your bulkiest items. Of course you do not want to be a marshmallow sitting in your seat, but this is a very strategic way of boarding the plane with more goods. Especially if your flying into a colder climate, such as Tasmania. Getting more bang for your buck so to speak!

Sunglasses: @dangerfieldclothing

Coat: @oxfordshop
Sweater: @ted_baker
Shirt: @hm_man
Pants: @connor_clothing
Shoes: @moschino

Accessories

Personally I do not travel with huge amounts of accessories or over pack. If I am flying to a warmer climate all I need is 5 swimsuits and a few singlets and shorts. I try to keep my shoe addiction to a minimum when packing, one pair on my feet and one in the bag. Truth be know in Tasmania you are not going to be wanting sandals at an event celebrating the winter solstice! Boots on the plane and the trusty Moschino loafers for walking around perhaps? Jewellery, scarves, gloves and watches I tend to wear on the plane or have stuffed inside my coat at check in. This is smarter way of boarding and saves on smaller items taking up room inside your carry on.

Transliminal Dark Mofo RBMA 2017

Suit & harness: @slickitup

Personally I am not a fan of travelling with huge amounts of electrical products. For a quick getaway I can normally get away with just my smart phone. I try not to bring big cameras, tablets etc. Although the one item I always bring is my trusty smart phone tripod to take pictures. It takes up relatively no room and weighs nothing!

How do I pack the bag?

Every little bit of space is prime real estate inside your bag. Place shoes and other flat items at the base of your bag. Socks, underwear etc roll up nicely to stuff inside your shoes. Roll all clothing tightly, this also cuts down on ironing at your destination. Do not fold. Any fragile items should be placed lastly or if they are smaller, stuffed inside another item. For this trip I had to travel with a bunny mask I had as part of my costume. This I literally carried onto the plane in a paper bag.

Coat: @oxfordshop

Sweater: no name
Pants: @connor_clothing
Shoes: @hm_man
Bag: @gucci
Sunglasses: no name

Benefits

Other benefits to only selecting carry on includes saving time at the airport, no check ins required, head straight to the gate with your ticket, disembark the plane and head straight to your destination. You should not be stressed when going away and this is a simpler way of traveling and you need not worry that the airline has lost your baggage. It is a freeing experience to realise how much you actually don't need and you can experience the world without being burdened by "stuff" as Andrea would say. Looking forward to visiting Hobart very soon. It is a enchanting city that I wins a piece of my heart each time I travel there. In saying that I do look forward to coming home and going into my closet and saying hello to all the things that did not get to come with me.

OODLES OF OUTERWEAR

Back in Melbourne after my vacation to Noosa and I am feeling the cold. From days on the beach soaking up the sun to jumping puddles and constant coffee runs to stay warm, there could not be more of a contrast. Either way I am to inspire both men and women with experimenting with their own personal style. To inspire you to engage with the world outside your front door and step out of your comfort zone. Clothes can either maketh the man or woman but in truth the clothes should not wear you. You should wear them, and they should make you feel amazing and be an extension of your personality. A great item to showcase your personality and style is the coat and that is what this post is all about.

Hat: @asos_man

Sunglasses: @lespecs
Coat: @vanheusenau
Shirt: @dangerfieldclothing
Scarf: vintage find
Pants: @topman
Gloves: @dentsgloves
Shoes: @jacklondon_official

Whether you're running around town attending gallery shows or catching up with friends over a nice brunch, make sure you're warm and cozy this winter. A wardrobe necessity for me is a good winter coat (or 3 or 4) Wherever you are this winter, you want to ensure that the coat you choose is both functional and stylish. Personally I favour long coats as I like to feel warm and secure. Bomber jackets and denim are great but not practical for cold winters in Melbourne or Hobart where you need a coat that can battle the elements. 

This coat is called "The Grant" from @oxfordshop Naturally I bought it 
Coat: @oxfordshop
Suit & shirt: @briggins_clothiers
Tie: @bows_n_ties
Shoes & bag: @ted_baker
Socks: @paulsmithdesign
Sunglasses: @gucci

Being a savvy individual I adore coats that are easily "Go-To" or "Do-It-All". Simply throw it on and run out the door and look effortlessly chic, coats that are able to be paired with many of your wardrobe items. Great coats will be fitted with some sort of stylish feature from buttons, fur trims, pipping, deep pockets and luxurious fabrics.

Sunglasses: @gucci
Scarf: @frenchconnection_au
Coat: @bossinimenswear 
Pants: @connor_clothing
Gloves: @dentsgloves
Shoes: @ash

Obviously this is one wardrobe item that does need to be fit for purpose and deliver in protecting your from the elements. You will find a large portion of winter coats will come with a hood. The aim of a winter coat FYI is to keep your body warmth in and block the elements from getting in. I look for deep pockets (user-friendly), high collars, and a point of difference in the details such as buttons. 

Coat: @boohooMANofficial
Shirt: @jamesharper_
Pants: @manuelritzofficial
Waistcoat: @connor_clothing
Shoes & bag : @ted_baker
Sunglasses: no name

Keep in mind when shopping for a coat what the material actually is. You will find these days most coats are not fully made of wool, or partial inferior fabrics and insulation are used. In saying that you do not need to spend hundreds of dollars (so many great bargains around town) to get a great coat. There is a large variety of online retailers that produce quality winter coats for fraction of the price and the quality is quite good. 

Coat: @boohooMANofficial
Pants: @edderedidelduca
Shoes: @adidas
Scarf: @karllagerfeld
Bag: @ted_baker
Sunglasses: @lespecs
Gloves: @dentsgloves

The great thing about fashion and style (both two very different things) is there is no right or wrong these days. From clashing prints, to changing your body shape with the use of different fits and styles. Invest in a great coat and it will last years. I do not understand why people invest in something that does not fit their personal style and will be thrown out after the current season. Prime example is Burberry trench coats. They stand the test of time as they are classic and the quality is amazing. 

Cape coat: @jacklondon_official
Sweater: @oxfordshop
Shirt: @oxfordshop
Pants: @boohooMANofficial
Shoes: no idea
Hat: @connor_clothing

Family and friends always ask my advice with how to choose the right fit for a coat. Here are some handy tips:

1) If you cannot lift your arms parallel to the floor the coat is too tight

2) Swing a punch (seriously). If you cannot the coat is too tight across the back

3) Throw your keys or phone in the pockets, if it feels to restricted it is not for you

4) You need room for layers, such as suits, scarves and sweaters or thermals

Sunglasses: @gucci
Coat: @boohooMANofficial
Shirt: @oxfordshop
Pants: @topman
Shoes: @targetaus
Scarf: @frenchconnection_au

Make sure you're ready for the winter season with a great coat or two. My advice is to purchase a black and a camel. Always in fashion and remarkably go with everything. Shop smart and pick a great coat. 

AN OZZIE BUM IN AUSSIEBUMS

Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Noosa for my sisters wedding. Destination weddings are becoming oh so popular and the choice of location was meaningful for the couple tying the knot. Noosa is approx 30 mins from Sunshine Coast Airport with beaches all the way up the Queensland Coast. So once my duties of Man of Honour were over, it was time to throw on the dt's and jump in the pool and head to some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. 

A brand I like to wear while being active in the water is Aussiebums. I like to support Australian products and brands as much as possible and Aussiebums is run completely from its headquarters in Sydney. The creative team design colourful cut swimwear and underwear in numerous flattering styles and materials. 

Swimwear: @aussiebum_team

Swimwear: @aussiebum_team

Swimwear: @aussiebum_team

Having hours to spend on the canals of Noosa paddling in canoes the Loose fit 1.5 dry quickly constructed from super thin nylon. The style above come with drawstring only around the waist which allows for great comfort when rowing for hours or kicking back with a beer soaking up the view of the canals.

Swimwear: @aussiebum_team

Swimwear: @aussiebum_team

I am not a fan of wearing items of clothing with big branding splashed across them. Adidas T-shirts and CK T-shirts are a pet hate of mine. Aussiebum give you the selection of not including their logo which I think is a very smart move. That way your swimsuit is always in style like this WJ Loose 2.5 Miami swimsuit. Again this has a drawstring pouch and wonder jock technology in the front. 

Swimwear: @aussiebum_team

The Classic 1.5 comes is a variety of colours. I adore pink. It is such a refreshing colour on men at the beach. Real men wear pink! This classic style is made from Nylon making them quick drying and ultra lightweight. They are perfect for running in and out of the surf and naturally easy to throw in your carry on luggage. The narrow waist and low cut style enhances your assets making them perfect for hours of soaking up the sun. 

Swimwear: @aussiebum_team

Don't be shy and cover up in long board shorts. There is nothing worse then being tangled in your swimwear when at the beach or pool. Ditch the board shorts once at the beach and get back to basics. There is a reason the old fashioned swimsuit is a classic.