Oversized Shorts
There has been a definite departure from tight-fitting slim separates to noticeably relaxed and louche shapes. Take inspiration from baggy street-wear as oversized structural silhouettes lend a fresh perspective on staples. Pleated or plain oversized shorts showcase casual at its best.

Sportswear
Parkas are a super trend for S/S2014– perfect for summery outerwear. Lightweight parkas, anoraks and cagoules took centre stage in Milan. The sporty man with an edge is back.Prints
A splurge of floral and abstract prints and beachscapes dominated the catwalks in Milan. Vibrant tropical hues and tones hold their tight grip on the runways and on next summer’s style.

Innovative Textures
In addition to the traditional summer fabrics of cotton, silk and linen, the runways showcased some memorable and unconventional textures and materials. Shiny raincoats and waterproofs, a plethora of rainbow PVC and layers of leather injected an exploratory and creative edge to Spring/Summer style.

The post Top Trends from Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014* appeared first on The Style Examiner.

Over the last four years, the brand has been diversifying its range of products and for spring/summer 2013 it offers linen beach towels, short-sleeved cotton polo shirts and long-sleeved shirts in either cotton or linen, wood surfboards and sets to play Frescobol (the popular Brazilian beach sport that gave the name to the brand and is best described as a relaxed version of tennis or squash) comprising rubber balls and racquets hand-made from remnants of Brazilian woods used in the industrial production of furniture.

However, the highlight of Frescobol Carioca is undoubtedly its attractive swimwear. Bikini sets for women are offered in three styles of block colours, whereas men’s swimming trunks (named after popular Brazilian beaches) come as sports, tailored and limited edition styles, in a range of block colours or patterned versions.

For the moment, Frescobol Carioca is stocked in a select group of stores, resorts and beach clubs, including Harrods and Selfridges in London; The Conran Shop in London, Paris and Tokyo; Le Bon Marche in Paris; Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing; Neiman Marcus in Miami, Palm Beach, Bal Habour, San Diego and Honolulu; and at the Copabana Palace hotel in its hometown of Rio de Janeiro. However, and as its popularity slowly increases, The Style Examiner expects Frescobol Carioca to garner many more followers worldwide.

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This effect is achieved by applying the brand’s patented AngleFit technology (which was developed over three years by a team of pattern cutters, a tailor and an anthropologist) that factors in the roundness of the wearer’s buttocks to create a snug second skin of fabric. AngleFit is divided into three options to address different body shapes (135° Slim, 115° Average, 95° Full) and create three different models of the same style that stretch comfortably over the natural curves of the body to create a flattering silhouette.

Curious about this new line of beachwear for men, I got hold of the D.Hedral Hector trunk in black and from the moment that I tried it on, I could see how D.Hedral’s products have gained their reputation of enhancing the male silhouette. The shape I went for (Average at 115°) not only felt snug but it also highlighted the contour of the buttocks and thighs (making them look more muscular, in fact) while keeping the fabric in place. After trying the D.Hedral Hector, I have no doubt that D.Hedral beachwear deserves to become a popular option for men who do not compromise on style and comfort on the beach or by the pool.

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His current Rugged collection for Spring/Summer 2013 follows this principle by combining contemporary elegance and tradition. Inspired by tie designs, its belts feature braided red, green and blue fabrics and washed, aged and twisted leathers, as well as brass and English silver buckles intended to last and improve with time.

Since the brand was founded in July 2011, Adriano Meneghetti’s belts have always been handmade in Italy but they can be purchased in 25 stores located throughout Italy and Japan.

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In spite of his undeniable present fame and impressive list of achievements in the fashion world, Paul Smith grew up more interested in sports than fashion, and it wasn’t until his father made him take his first job in a local clothing warehouse in his native city of Nottingham at age 16 that he first came into contact with the world of fabrics and designs. When, at the age of 18, he was recovering from a bicycle accident in hospital (cycling has been one of his major passions for years), he met a student from his local art college who introduced him to fellow colleagues and to the new realm of artistic and architectural movements and personalities that still largely influence him today (such as Pop Art, the Bauhaus, Le Corbusier, or the world of photography as a medium to capture illusive realities). The friendships that stemmed from those encounters eventually convinced the young Paul Smith that there was more to the world of ideas and creativity than what met his inexperienced eye. In 1970, just a few years after developing his first connections in the art world, he opened his first boutique in Nottingham, a small space measuring just three by three meters. After taking tailoring classes during the evening and working hard to promote his business, he swiftly developed the Paul Smith label to the point that by 1976 he was already showing his menswear designs to buyers and journalists in Paris.

Paul Smith’s rising success has been undeniably astounding. From the company’s headquarters in London’s Covent Garden (where he shares his office space with a team of 180 people distributed across the five floors of an elegant red-brick building), these days Paul Smith commands a veritable empire of stores located in 66 countries (with 17 in the UK and over 200 in Japan alone) and representation in major fashion centres such as London, Paris, Milan, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Antwerp, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, UAE, and Korea. Today, the brand comprises 14 different collections, including Paul Smith for men and women, PS by Paul Smith, Paul Smith Jeans, Paul Smith London, R.Newbold (in Japan only), Paul Smith Black, Paul by Paul Smith, Paul Smith Accessories, and Paul Smith Shoes. Rugs, china, spectacles and fragrances are also profitable Paul Smith-branded goods produced under licence.

For Paul Smith, the ability to accept the influence of what surrounds people has always been paramount in the creative process. One of his mottos (that he often quotes and which he used for the title of one of his books) is that “you can find inspiration in everything”. His passion for the worlds of music and rock stars has been evident in designs inspired by the songs and personal style of David Bowie, Frank Zappa, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Jimmy Hendrix. He is also known to wander London markets (particularly Portobello Road, a part of London close to his heart as it is situated near where he lived during his first years in the British capital) looking for inspiration from vintage clothes and accessories. Similarly, he collects objects from everywhere he travels and gathers them in his office; a fantastical eclectic space that resembles a private museum of eccentric curiosities. In addition to gathering symbolic mementos from his trips abroad, Smith is also know for writing down his thoughts and inspirations in bits of paper or notebooks that he has permanently available on him, in his office, or throughout his house, including a permanent one on his bedside table.

Despite the impressive presence of the brand on a gigantic international scale, Paul Smith strives to be involved in every aspect of the business. He contributes towards the promotional campaigns (some of which he personally photographs) and has a say in the architecture and interiors of his stores. This sharp design acumen was noted by London’s Design Museum that is hosting the first major retrospective of Paul Smith’s work later this year. The exhibition, scheduled to open on 20 November 2013, will explore how Smith’s intuitive take on design, coupled with an understanding of the importance between designer and retailer, have laid the foundations for the company’s lasting success. The display is expected to illustrate the different stages of design and production that lead to the presentation of a collection on the runway, offering insight into Paul Smith’s creative processes. The curators hope that visitors will be able to have a glimpse into Smith’s passions, his attention to detail and a look at a year in his life. The exhibition will also focus on what drives him as a designer, and the objects, people and places that have inspired him during his career. A section will also be dedicated to Paul Smith’s shop designs, from the bright pink building in Los Angeles’s Melrose Avenue to a Japanese garden at the heart of the Jingumae store in Tokyo.

In recent years, Paul Smith has accepted that fashion has evolved and that the traditional and faithful male customers of his ready-to-wear creations are getting older. To address the need to capture younger consumers, the brand has invested in a revitalised made-to-measure approach to tailoring and has developed creative partnerships with carefully selected brands such as Rapha (for a range of cycling clothes), Kashimax (bicycle components), Swami (to design surfboards) and Barbour (purveyors of very popular British heritage garments), resulting in making Paul Smith known to new segments of the market. In addition, the most recent collections have embraced a new aesthetic for a younger male with more ingenious patterns, brighter colours and innovative tailoring lines for different body shapes.

For his spring/summer 2013 menswear collection, for example, Smith has welcomed colour at all levels, with pale pastels, dusty blues and pinky taupes contrasting with black and also vibrant hues and patterns such as deep reds and prints of scissors and roses. In addition, Smith’s updated modern tailoring is present in slim jackets with structured shoulders and cinched waists to allow for definition without becoming bulky. Similarly, trousers are pleated and pegged with a cuffed cigarette shape to accentuate the silhouette. Shirts (very much a staple of Paul Smith’s collections) show a return to larger, longer and angular collar points and high neck lines. Slim silk black polka dot neckties complement the look, whereas laddered scissor-snipped knitwear or short zipped leather pieces allow for layering effects. In outerwear, waterproof reversible coats reveal raw edges and contrasting lining colour and footwear incorporates elevating heels to create an upright posture and, as a result, a more flattering silhouette.

Even though he is turning 67 years old this summer, there are no visible signs that Paul Smith will give his creative mind a rest any time soon or that his emblematic status as doyen of British menswear is to wane. The inclusion of his name, for the first time, in a recent poll by British GQ Magazine of the 100 most influential men in Britain confirms his enduring reputation. During the 40 years in which he has been involved in the fashion industry, many other men’s fashion designers have come and gone but, in the global perception of what defines contemporary British tailoring, Paul Smith remains an irreplaceable figure.

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To give you some style inspiration we’ve put together a rundown of our favourite flats for the season, from dressed-up to casual, so you can put your best foot forward this spring, no matter what the occasion.

Keep it casual
Every girl needs a trusty pair of sneakers in the closet, especially for those laid back spring days and summer evenings in the park. This year there’s a real trend towards vintage and vintage-inspired sneaker designs – just take a look at the massive return of the classic Nike Blazer. For low tops, look to Puma Suedes for an iconic and very comfortable sneaker for spring. There’s something about suede that softens the whole sneaker look, making it way more wearable and feminine. We’re in love with these Puma Suedes from BANK in a totally retro shade of green that’ll instantly lift any outfit, but these come in every colour under the sun, so feel free to experiment!

Must-have sandals
There’s only one sandal you need in your wardrobe for spring, and the chances are you have a pair already. Gladiator sandals were back in a big way on the spring catwalks, in both the heeled and flat variety. This year though they’ve been stripped back for a more minimal take on the look, keeping it nice and fresh for 2013. So don’t go for OTT buckle detailing, instead stick to clean strapping and laces. Some shows, notably Alexander Wang, featured gladiator sandals that strapped up all the way to the knee – an easy way to make a really bold style statement.

Sumptuous slippers
If you love flats but you’re tired of ballet pumps then this could be the spring shoe for you. And no, we don’t mean those Wallace and Gromit slippers you’ve got lurking under the bed. An elegant alternative to ballet pumps, with a real vintage feel too, slipper pumps cover more of the foot but keep the same dainty feel as ballet pumps. Just like ballet pumps, the fabric, colours and prints available are almost limitless, and it’s a fun shoe to experiment with when you want to add a dash of colour or a contrasting texture to outfits. We really love this Carven bow-backed pair in an eye-popping spring green.

The new heel height
If you really can’t stand not wearing a heel, then there’s a new must-have heel height in town, and it’s flat-ish too. Kittenish heels that keep to less than three inches are a great way to add just a touch of height to outfits that don’t work so well with flats – sometimes a look just needs a little elevating to lengthen that silhouette. Elle has a great guide to the new look heel for spring, with plenty of inspiration in terms of colour and shape, and all look perfect with bare legs too.

The post Spring 2013 Shoe Trends: Fabulous Flats* appeared first on The Style Examiner.

This lightweight slip-on beach shoe is made in Portugal and features a bespoke lining, leather inner and a rubber sole, with the upper made from high-quality cotton in two prints. As a limited-edition shoe available only from Hentschman.com and from Opening Ceremony in Japan, The Style Examiner recommends a swift purchase before hipsters worldwide make it a sartorial rarity!

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The Sport, Dress and Pillow Tank categories include Swiss movements and sapphire crystal, whereas the Dual Time Zone variations feature a movement developed specifically for Jack Spade that can tell an alternative time zone with its fourth sweep hand. The Graphic watches (probably The Style Examiner’s favourite range owing to its bright colours and designs, including a model with a nice camouflage pattern) feature a Japanese quartz movement, and in typical Jack Spade humour, announce on the dial that they have “no jewels” and are “not Swiss” made.

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Both models are available in rosewood, walnut and ebony from sustainably managed forests, and no two of the brand’s handmade sunglasses are the same as the wood grain and finish of each piece is always unique. All lenses used by Finlay & Co. provide full UVA and UVB protection and all sunglasses come with a lens cloth and a bespoke, foldable case.

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