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