Theme From A Summer Place

  sometimes a belt just isn't necessary, especially in the summer.

remember, a good tailor is as important as your doctor or dentist!

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Do You Like It When You Leave Your House?

"You always hurt the one you love"

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Luhk Sīk

Hong Kong 2010. Times Square. Massimo Dutti

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Lanvin For H&M W/ Alber Ebaz

It's about "H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public..."

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Hong Kong Continued

More photos from January 2010.

1. Mid-Levels, Hong Kong. Wearing wool blazer by Lane Crawford, 5 Preview T-shirt, Cords by Beauty & Youth.














2. Bank Of China Building, Hong Kong.





3. Lunch at L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon.


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Lionfest 2010 (Sydney, Australia)

Yesterday I attended Lionfest 2010, an event that showcased many performances from various martial arts (primarily Kung Fu) schools. Lion Dancing, of course was to be the main focus of the day. This ancient Chinese sport continues to feature regularly in festivals and events all around the world, it's definitely had a huge presence in my life, which is why in the pictures of today's post I will try and convey to you the happiness which the Lion tends to bring to everyday life.

 The symbolism of the Lion for this particular post is the modern day Gentleman, charming and stoic, with a touch of flamboyancy (based on the behind the scenes photos of the performers).

 

Legstand on benches

Senior performers run through their routine consisting of three lions. Working with the modern Gentleman motif we could say the style and grace represents the Lion dance almost like a Chinese equivalent of the traditional Waltz..

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Darling Girl (1957)

When I decided to change this picture from colour into black and white I had no idea of what the consequences would be- in this case it happened to be good ones! Old school suaveness, depicting various styles and cultures from the past.

1. Shirt by Uniqlo, 2. Scarf by SABA, 3. Coat by Lane Crawford, 4. Pocket square by Chorley's

My outfit is by no means historically accurate, however I believe that the cravat, overcoat, pocket square and brushed back hair gave me a 1950s Hong Kong flavour, I started to think jazz clubs and Chinese Swing dancing in America- like the segment in 'Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story'

(Above: Bruce Lee dancing the cha cha with Diana Chang Chung-wen, 1964)

My other inspiration was Fred Astaire..

(Below: Fred Astaire, 1940. Included because of the use of the 'Astaire' folding of the pocket square seen on my overcoat)

Tokyo 2008 + Tokyo 2009

Inspired by The Sartorialist's current book signing in Japan, I've decided to pull out some photos of my trip to Tokyo in both 2008 and 2009.

What an experience it was! To be honest, thinking back, my first trip in August 2008 definitely shaped and contributed a lot to the way in which I choose to experience men's style today, I will never forget seeing the combination of young men in Comme Des Garcons, Nike hi-top sneakers up against dapper businessmen styled in Tom Ford, Paul Smith and Ralph Lauren!

Paired Up: The Classic Polo & Knit Tie

Ever wonder what your Polo would look like worn with a tie? well here it is! I wanted to make this an easy transition which meant matching the fabric and textures, hence the knit tie! This is a combination that doesn't look over the top, but it's updated, preppy chic! However, bringing this sort of innovation to the office may not be welcomed with open arms! Instead this look is best left for a day of afternoon drinks in the city, a more transitional period of the day where you want to look relaxed and effortless yet maintain a certain degree of professionality.

Sydney Tropfest 2010

These Ralph Lauren shorts of mine purchased around the end of 2009 have served me well all summer! They're definitely one of a kind shorts which means I wear them all the time- so here they are shot by a new camera of mine!

Tropfest on Sunday night proved to be more about eating, drinking and enjoying the company of great friends! On the left you will see me photographed wearing some pastel colours as a way to pay tribute to a wonderful Summer that is slowly drawing to an end! Nothing too complicated just a baby pink and white check shirt with a pair of light blue cotton/hemp shorts from SABA- Sometimes I get told that I will only be able to wear such colours while I am still young- to be honest, I hope I never give this style up, nor the colours that come with it!

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Excitement For Winter: Gloves To Replace Handkerchief

What makes winter so special apart from being able to experiment with layers of conventional and unconventional style? Gloves in the breast pocket!

Having a look at Scott Schuman's February Milano photo's I came across a man he shot wearing a peacoat with a scarf that hid every layer worn underneath, then in his breast pocket was not a pocket square, but his leather Gloves! After some more digging of photos in the past, I came across The Sartorialist doing the very same thing! So simple, yet so exciting! Just another way to convey the timelessness of Gentlemen's fashion!

Photo's courtesy of The Sartorialist

Inspired In Hong Kong

Where: Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong
Wearing: Ralph Lauren Bow Tie, H&M Shirt, SABA denim, Aquilla Loafers
Inspiration: Preppy, Gentleman & Dandy. Coming to a Hong Kong winter from a Australian summer really made in the mood for some warmer colours! Looking at the photo now, it's true what they say about the Bow Tie: it always draws attention, gets people to smile- it's just so vibrant and stylish!

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Shall We Dance?

Tucked underneath my hotel were two stores on different levels that catered for gentlemen who needed an outfit for anything from ballroom dancing to formals. There were a lot of patent leather two toned shoes, red satin bow ties and white ruffled shirts to cater for those special occasions. The store was immaculate and I had a great sense of deja vu as the window display was very similar to the D&G one I bloged about in my 'Hong Kong This Coming Week' post.

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Off The Streets: Hong Kong

This man was spotted during my Yum Cha breakfast! I think the way he carries himself shows a lot of masculinity as well as being happy and comfortable in his own skin!

The real highlight of the photo is indeed his white socks! Now even I remember during high school: teachers outlawed the mixing of white socks with our traditional school uniform- which in turn, has made it so that even when I did start getting into men's style, white socks with suiting was made to appear as if it was the biggest mistake a man could make! So then, why not break down all these pre-concieved notions of what is and what is not accpetable in terms of style, after all isn't style all about being individualised, innovative and inspiring? Fair to say I am indeed thinking too deeply into this, this man most likely wears his white socks because it is comfortable (thicker, longer lasting for long working hours) and because he thinks no one will ever see behind his desk..... (oh how he was wrong!). At the end of the day I love his effortless nature, perfect example of how daggy Hong Kong businessmen are now some of the most stylish men i've seen!

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Hong Kong This Coming Week!

Am I excited? Very, has watching 'Up In The Air' made flying all the more easy for me? NO!

I'll have to be in at Sydney International Airport in a few hours, but not without one last Male Umbrella post!- Just reflecting on the past week I thought at the end of the post i'd share a picture from last weekends celebrations! It was for my mate's (Patrick) 21st! (What am I wearing you might ask?: Arthur Galan Shirt, SABA Black Skinny, SABA pants, Aquilla Shoes)

What am I packing for Hong Kong? Temperatures are about 14-19 degrees celsius, so I have packed a few shirts that are nice on, and even better in case things get messy, as well as a few basic v-neck sweaters for layering! Have packed a pair of rubber sole slip on loafers for a more dressy look and top this off with a light scarf and a electric blue cardigan, and I'm ready to go off to HK in search of anything TOM FORD, ZARA, H&M and RALPH LAUREN. Hopefully i'll buy sensibly whilst taking in the culture of the beautiful Country my parents used to call home!

(N.B. the photo below is of Monique and myself in Sydney's infamous Kings Cross. Enjoy!)

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On a final note, to really get me in the mood (to travel and shop) I have to thank Joanna and Rowena for taking the time to take a picture and send me the photo of the D&G window display they came across during a recent trip to Taiwan. Good choice ladies! (N.B. Such a glamourous display, the bow ties speak for themselves whilst the updated smoking jacket and the shawl like slim lapelle is breath taking! I just realised how much of D&G I see in Tom Ford's collection- makes me think who is influencing who? )

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