Gladiators For Men

  As I proved last week with my men’s short shorts piece men are starting to really think about the way they look  and are obviously taking inspiration from the ladies. In seasons past gladiators exploded into footwear super stardom, being worn by every woman in America who had any sense of style, at all. Once again, now it’s the guys turn! Gladiators for men were seen on S/S 2012 runways in the fall and are now being worn by everyday men everywhere. The men's gladiators is much more authentic to the original roman design however, than the trendy woman's sandal. Very little glitz is added to the male version of this summer time Ugg, naturally. However the occasional masculine metal stud done by Givenchy or colored leather finds its way into the mix                                           

                                                        -Branden Wuensch

Rising Hems For Him

      Its all about the men and our shortening hems this week. For years woman have been testing social boundaries to see how short their skirts and short shorts could get without becoming vulgar. Well, now it’s the boys turn! For Spring/Summer 2012 almost every major menswear designer cropped the legs of their suits and jeans or brought the hems of their shorts to above the knee or higher. This fresh, sexier look is a welcomed change from the baggy, below the knee cargo shorts and tattered jean hems of the past. Although more fitted bottoms for men have been gaining popularity the past few year I have a feeling the flooded/short shorts look will be a trend that may take time to grow on the average American man. However  this look has already been adopted by the masses on many young, hip college campuses. Young men seem to be more open to the idea of showing a little leg.       

                                                      -Branden Wuensch

Wearable Art

      Digital prints have been shown on the runway for a few seasons  by designers like Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, & DVF. This season however, the trend has blown up! With the help of the always present floral for spring digital printing has found a whole new inspiration; A funky alternative to the classic floral print. Bold colors, sharp lines, and trippy designs are being created like wearable art. These unignorable prints have become a favorite for standout stars like Beyonce, Rihanna, and Daphne Guinness.

      The digital printing trend isn't limited to wild florals, however. The design duo The Blonds recently showed a collection of head to toe printed suits for men, which have been worn by gossip and fashion blogger Perez Hilton. Retailers like H&M and Forever XII have also hopped on the trend with lines of digitally printed animal tops and triple print leggings.

                                                      -Branden Wuensch

Long Live The 90's

      It is said “What goes around comes around” and the same can be said for fashion and its always-changing trends. Rewind to the early 1990’s where denim, flannel, and size XL were king. Thanks to the worlds trendiest stars like Rihanna and Miley Cyrus we have seen a Renaissance of sorts, celebrating the most deconstructed style period in history. Never before had we seen woman covering their bodies in oversized T-shirts, ripped short shorts, and button ups formally suited exclusively for lumber jacks. This grudge trend faded and let way to a brighter, more refined late 90’s but has recently reemerged with a vengeance. I must say, I could not be happier!

                                            -Branden Wuensch

Feminine Pastels for Spring

      With spring shyfully making its way into the spotlight we also see designers like Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren spot lighting the use of soothing pastels. Powder pinks, milky mint greens, & subtle lilacs were the stars of spring/summer 2012 Fashion weeks from New York City to Paris a few months back and are now starting to pop up like spring flowers in more accessible retailers. Stores like H&M, J. Crew, & Anthropology have all done their own variation of this new, soft spring trend, some pushing it more than others. Although these lady-like colors are somewhat understated compared to their color wheel brothers and sister they still scream the feminine message that designers are trying to convey. Along with the use of these subtle tones an undeniable sense of femininity radiated from most collections shown for spring. Things like girly bell silhouettes, whimsical feather trims, & flirty lace details create the perfect nest for these Easter egg hues to rest on

                                                       -Branden Wuensch