Look Book: Colour Me Colour Blocked

Some colour blocking for Easter Monday.

Instagram: @MrLanceChung

Look Book: Colour-Blocked

I don't know what it is about this particular trend that I seem to have such a high affinity for, but I am all about the colours this season! It's not even really my style either, as I prefer to go with more subtle patterns and colours over the flashier variety. Perhaps it's the vibrancy and optimism that seem to come with this particular aesthetic that i've become so enamored with. Given certain events that have occurred in my personal life, a little colour is precisely what is needed in order to liven up a setting.

For those of you wanting to try this particular look, just remember, balance is key. Too little, and you're missing the whole point. Too much, and suddenly you've joined the circus. Tread carefully. Pick one statement colour (in this case, my mustard yellow pants), and build your outfit around it with colours that will complement and anchor it down. I like to keep things fairly simple, so any more accent colours on me, and i'll feel like a clown. Others, however, will incorporate a palette consisting of colours all across the board - and pull it off. It all depends on your style, and how well you can balance each element together!

Look after the jump for credits :) 

Le Male

Over the summer, in preparation for the Fall/Winter 2011 issue of the "Book For Men", distributed by SHARP magazine, I had the most wonderful opportunity to interview Francis Kurkdjian. Although certainly not a household name, Kurkdjian has worked with some of the most influential designers and fashion houses in the industry, from Dior and Lanvin to Ferragamo and Gaultier, as a master perfumer. In fact, Kurkdjian is responsible for creating the most commercially successful cologne in the marketplace (Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier), and was able to do so right out of school, no less. In other words, he's kind of a big deal. Calling into Paris on a sunny morning in Toronto, I was pleased to find out that the man remained polite and charming, despite his reputation and success. We chatted about his triumphs and history, work in the industry, experiences with designers, and the process required to create a scent, from formulation to production. It truly was a fascinating discussion! You can read my article in the F/W 2011 issue of the "Book for Men", by SHARP magazine, or continue below! I've included supplementary material from the interview that we weren't able to fit into the book, so please enjoy!

Milan Men's Fashion Week Pt.II

So

i've finally finished compiling some of my favourite looks from the Milan men's fashion week! For those quick to judge, keep in mind that I chose these looks for a variety of reasons. When looking at the outfits that are sent down the runway, one cannot just judge based on face value. You have to be able to see a look and have the ability to disassemble it, appreciating each piece for the contribution that it makes to the overall presentation of that outfit, or the contribution that it could make in another. You have to be able to imagine certain pieces in different settings. Perhaps in a beautifully stylized advertising campaign, perhaps in a whimsical street shot. Fashion and style are never singular formulas. That boldly printed D&G blazer may be a bit much for some, but it would look absolutely stunning in a magazine spread. Or perhaps that hot pink double-breasted blazer by Cavalli? Paired with a crisp, white button-up, some casual navy trousers, with the sleeves rolled up, and you've got a luxuriously casual look! These looks have been chosen for a multitude of reasons and are appreciated for their versatility! I encourage you to think outside of the box when looking at these pieces and try to imagine ways that they work instead of ways that they don't!

STYLE TIP: Details

Today, I woke up at 9am. Just so you know, my work also starts at 9am. Not having planned out my attire for the day the previous night either, my morning proved to be a true test of agility, willpower (otherwise known as not screaming like a mad woman upon seeing the time), and sanity. It's times like these that having a couple style rules in your back pocket come in *very* handy!