Special Runway Monday: The Best of Milan & Paris Spring/Summer 2012 Review

Welcome to a special Runway Monday review. Milan menswear fashion week will kick-off this Saturday and Paris comes after that. So what better way to get even more excited is to watch a highlights video of the previous Spring/Summer 2012 shows. Okay, Eventhough that I don't completely agree who FashionTV included with their their best of video, I do love some of the collections namely, Vivienne Westwood and Dior Homme umm where's Prada? Most of fashionistos and fashionistas all over the world knows that these two major circuits what dictates what will be hot next season. Almost all the giant fashion houses show during these two consecutive weeks and walked by the creme de la creme of male top models. THAT'S my goal for next fall to travel abroad for those shows.

Speaking of schedules, I finally booked my flight for New York Fashion Week! I'm going to miss the first half but will be there right on time for a few shows that I have been looking forward to see. I will be super busy till then though so I'm not really feeling the exhilaration of it all . . . YET! Then again it's just probably some Monday Blues. Le sigh.

Regardless, Have a good Monday, my fashionistos and fashionistas!

Sweat, Blood and (Maybe) Tears Too - Ryan Taylor by Greg Swales

Working in the fashion industry is tough. It is not an easy profession by any means. People have claws and designer handbags. Okay maybe I would think twice before I hit anybody with my Hermes Birkin bag but nonetheless, it is cut-throat, just ask any designer, no matter how established they are. So far my experience is nothing but tolerable, eventually I would have more control over the projects I receive till then, hard work and perseverance is my game.

This week and the next couple weeks, my days off will be utilized to plan my sister's baby shower for next month, I know I'm already behind schedule. So in short no days off for me!

But Happy weekend, regardless.

Remember him? It's Ryan Taylor! Another face that was on EVERYTHING a few years ago and now that he's back from a hiatus from modeling. Top model, Taylor is one of the cover boys for Fiasco's latest issue called Blood, Sweat and Tears. Greg Swales photographs a sweaty Ryan Taylor for the House on Fire editorial story. Brian A. Richards and Dwayne Kennedy style Taylor with pieces by Sid Neigum, Jeremy Scott for Adidas, and fast fashion giant, H&M. Hope to see more of him in the upcoming runway shows, eventhough for the last two seasons he's only been doing the Milan and Paris rounds.

These photos are exclusive for The Guy In The Mission and Beyond Please only use two pictures and include a working link. Thanks!

Dress Code - Yuri Pleskun by Jens Ingvarsson

Most of the time, I'm pretty good with following dress code. All thanks to being enrolled to a private Catholic school and wearing a uniform, from pre-school to high school. The thing with the fashion shows I've attended in the past, I always have control to what I wear. But for the upcoming Snow fashion event, an all white attire is called for.  I refuse to wear white pants, I'm not a fan of them and as of today I'm still refusing to wear a pair. So I'm playing with other options of light grays. I know, I know that I'm over thinking my outfit but the pieces I'll be wearing will be part of my closet and not a one time outfit. If I want blogging pieces, then every look will be such a breeze.

In today's editorial that appears on the newest Ukranian L'Officiel Hommes, Yuri Pleskun truly shines in this photo story shot in NYC by the talented Jens Ingvarsson. Katie Burnett's styling includes pieces from Dior Homme, Gucci, Alexander McQueen and Hugo Boss.

Happy Friday my fashionistos and fashionistas!

Things That I Want: Backpack, backpack, Yehay!

Louis Vuitton

You know what just dawned on me? The holidays are over! It went like a MUNI bus missing its stop. Zoom it was gone. So over the Holidays, I got to see my niece, which I rarely do for the fact that I live in San Francisco. She's four now and it just cracks me up on the things that she says. I remember when all she wanted to watch all day was Dora The Explorer, ALL DAY. And if you're familiar with the show, every episode she always sings that silly backpack song which is a form of torture in some places, I'm sure. If you don't know what I'm talking about, I included a video at the end of this post. Yes, you're welcome for solving all your problems today for you. Hashtag, First world problems.

Dora's backpack

Speaking of backpack, this is a backpack I wouldn't mind rocking. This is saying a lot since I've tried to avoid backpacks ever since my junior year in college. The LV backpack is part of the Louis Vuitton's spring/summer 2012 collection. I love that it is a touch safari and classic at the same time. I like the subtle monogram which I usually try to avoid but sort of works well with this backpack. A great combination of leather, canvas and nylon piece definitely. It is fashionable and luxe but very functional at the same time. Plainly, I just love it and Kim Jones as well.

Okay, fine it is a tad bit big but I do carry a lot of stuff with me, just like Dora, sometimes she even carries a ladder with her, no kidding!

and as promised, here you go

Hectic - Milan & Paris Menswear Shows Schedule Fall/Winter 2012-13

Alright, in the next couple of weeks the Menswear shows for Fall/Winter 2012 will kick off starting with Milan. Now that I'm working as a junior buyer, part of my job is not only to know up-coming designers but to do trend reports. Thanks to my blog and being into fashion, it is almost automatic. So, It comes easy. I can't wait when I become a principal buyer when I can travel at will to the international shows!

So here's the not so short list. and OH YEAH! It's Hump Day already, imagine that!



Milan Men's Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2012-13

Saturday, January 14, 2012 Runway
9.30 CET / 3:30am EST / 5:30pm JST - Corneliani, Viale Alemagna, 6
10.30 CET / 4:30am EST / 6:30pm JST - Ermenegildo Zegna, via Savona, 56 A
12.30 CET / 6:30am EST / 8:30pm JST - Costume National Homme, via Tortona, 58
14.00 CET / 8:00am EST / 10:00pm JST - Dolce&Gabbana, Viale Piave, 24
15.00 CET / 9:00am EST / 11:00pm JST - Jil Sander, via Beltrami, 5
16.00 CET / 10:00am EST / 12:00am JST (January 15) - Frankie Morello, via Palermo, 10
17.00 CET / 11:00am EST / 1:00am JST (January 15) - Burberry Prorsum, C.So Venezia, 16
18.00 CET / 12:00pm EST / 2:00am JST (January 15) - John Varvatos, C.So Italia, 21
19.00 CET / 1:00pm EST / 3:00am JST (January 15) - Neil Barrett, via Valenza, 2
20.00 CET / 2:00pm EST / 4:00am JST (January 15) - Roberto Cavalli, via San Luca, 3

Saturday, January 14, 2012 Presenations
9.00 - 18.00 CET / 3:00am - 12:00pm EST / 5:00pm - 2:00am (January 15) - Valextra, via Manzoni, 3
10.00 - 21.00 CET / 4:00am - 3:00pm EST / 6:00pm - 5:00am (January 15) - Ballantyne, Corso Italia, 49
15.30 - 19.00 CET / 9:30am - 1:00pm EST / 11:30pm - 3:00am (January 15) - Marni, via Spiga, 50

Sunday, January 15, 2012 Runway
9.30 CET / 3:30am EST / 5:30pm JST - Bottega Veneta, via Privata Ercole Marelli, 6
10.30 CET / 4:30am EST / 6:30pm JST - Emporio Armani, via Bergognone, 59
11.30 CET / 5:30am EST / 7:30pm JST - Ermanno Scervino, via Manzoni, 37
12.30 CET / 6:30am EST / 8:30pm JST - Salvatore Ferragamo, Piazza Affari, 6
14.00 CET / 8:00am EST / 10:00pm JST - Pringle of Scotland, See Invitation
15.00 CET / 9:00am EST / 11:00pm JST - Vivienne Westwood, C.So Venezia, 16
16.00 CET / 10:00am EST / 12:00am JST (January 16) - Missoni, via Thaon de Revel, 21
17.00 CET / 11:00am EST / 1:00am JST (January 16) - Trussardi, Piazza Della Scala, 5
18.00 CET / 12:00pm EST / 2:00am JST (January 16) - Prada, via Fogazzaro, 36
19.00 CET / 1:00pm EST / 3:00am JST (January 16) - Moncler Gamme Bleu, via Clerici, 5
20.00 CET / 2:00pm EST / 4:00am JST (January 16) - Calvin Klein Collection, Viale Umbria, 37

Sunday, January 15, 2012 Presenations
9.00 - 18.00 CET / 3:00am - 12:00pm EST / 5:00pm - 2:00am (January 16) - Jimmy Choo, via Manzoni, 7
10.00 - 18.00 CET / 4:00am - 12:00pm EST / 6:00pm - 2:00am (January 16) - Sergio Rossi, via Landolfo, 1
11.00 - 15.00 CET / 5:00am - 9:00am EST / 7:00pm - 11:00pm - Giuliano Fujiwara, via Manzoni, 11
11.00 - 17.00 CET / 5:00am - 11:00am EST / 7:00pm - 1:00am (January 16) - Bally, Corso Venezia, 48
11.00 - 17.00 CET / 5:00am - 11:00am EST / 7:00pm - 1:00am (January 16) - Fendi, via Sciesa, 3
11.00 - 18.00 CET / 5:00am - 12:00pm EST / 7:00pm - 2:00am (January 16) - Alberto Guardiani, Corso Venezia, 16
14.00 - 18.00 CET / 8:00am - 12:00pm EST / 10:00pm - 2:00am (January 16) - Cesare Paciotti, via Sant'Andrea, 8
15.00 - 18.00 CET / 9:00am - 12:00pm EST / 11:00pm - 2:00am (January 16) - Les Copains Uomo, via Sciesa, 22

Monday, January 16, 2012 Runway
9.30 CET / 3:30am EST / 5:30pm JST - Dirk Bikkembergs, Viale Alemagna, 6
10.30 CET / 4:30am EST / 6:30pm JST - Iceberg, via Palermo, 10
11.30 CET / 5:30am EST / 7:30pm JST - John Richmond, Giardini di Porta Venezia - Ingr via Palestro
12.30 CET / 6:30am EST / 8:30pm JST - Gucci, Piazza Oberdan, 2/B
14.00 CET / 8:00am EST / 10:00pm JST - Etro, via Piranesi, 14
15.00 CET / 9:00am EST / 11:00pm JST - Z Zegna, via Solari, 35
16.00 CET / 10:00am EST / 12:00am JST (January 17) - Canali, via Savona, 56
17.00 CET / 11:00am EST / 1:00am JST (January 17) - Gazzarrini, via Tortona, 15
18.00 CET / 12:00pm EST / 2:00am JST (January 17) - Moschino, via Cinco del Duca, 8
19.00 CET / 1:00pm EST / 3:00am JST (January 17) - Nicole Farhi, See Invitation
20.00 CET / 2:00pm EST / 4:00am JST (January 17) - Versace, via Gesu', 12

Monday, January 16, 2012 Presenations
9.00 - 20.00 CET / 3:00am - 2:00pm EST / 5:00pm - 4:00am (January 17) - Larusmiani, via Verri, 10
9.00 - 20.00 CET / 3:00am - 2:00pm EST / 5:00pm - 4:00am (January 17) - Alexander McQueen, via Thaon de Revel, 3
10.00 - 19.00 CET / 4:00am - 1:00pm EST / 8:00pm - 3:00am (January 17) - Church's, via Borgonuovo, 16
10.00 - 19.00 CET / 4:00am - 1:00pm EST / 8:00pm - 3:00am (January 17) - Fratelli Rossetti, Piazza San Carlo, 2
10.00 - 19.00 CET / 4:00am - 1:00pm EST / 8:00pm - 3:00am (January 17) - Woolrich, via Lombardini, 20
10.00 - 18.00 CET / 4:00am - 12:00pm EST / 8:00pm - 2:00am (January 17) - Marc Jacobs, via Argelati, 22
11.00 - 19.00 CET / 5:00am - 1:00pm EST / 9:00pm - 3:00am (January 17) - Massimo Sforza, via Sant'Andrea, 3
12.00 - 14.00 CET / 6:00am - 8:00am EST / 10:00pm - 12:00am (January 17) - CK Calvin Klein Jeans / Calvin Klein Underwear, Viale Umbria, 37
14.30 - 18.00 CET / 8:30am - 12:00pm EST / 12:30am - 2:00am (January 17) - Carlo Pignatelli, via Stendhal, 35
15.00 - 20.00 CET / 9:00am - 2:00pm EST / 1:00m - 4:00am (January 17) - Class Roberto Cavalli, via Spiga, 7
18.00 - 21.00 CET / 12:00pm - 3:00pm EST / 2:00am - 4:00am (January 17) - Brioni, Viale Alemagna, 6

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 Runway
9.30 CET / 3:30am EST / 5:30pm JST - DSquared2, via San Luca, 3
10.30 CET / 4:30am EST / 6:30pm JST - Giorgio Armani, via Bergognone, 59
11.30 CET / 5:30am EST / 7:30pm JST - Diesel Black Gold, via Savona, 56
12.30 CET / 6:30am EST / 8:30pm JST - Ports 1961, via Tortona, 58
13.30 CET / 7:30am EST / 9:30pm JST - Enrico Coveri, via Bugatti, 9
14.30 CET / 8:30am EST / 10:30pm JST - roccobarocco, Palazzo Valsecchi - via Santo Spirito, 10

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 Presentations
10.00 - 18.00 CET / 4:00am - 12:00pm EST / 8:00pm - 2:00am (January 17) - Marc Jacobs, via Argelati, 22



Paris Men's Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2012-13




Wednesday, January 18, 2012
16.00 CET / 10:00am EST / 12:00am JST (January 19) - Y. Project by Yohan Serfati, Maison des Metallos


17.00 CET / 11:00am EST / 1:00am JST (January 19) - John Lawrence Sullivan, Maison des Metallos, salle noire, 94 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, Paris 11e
18.00 CET / 12:00pm EST / 2:00am JST (January 19) - Mugler, BETC, Passage du Désir, 85-87 rue du faubourg Saint-Martin, Paris 10e
19.00 CET / 1:00pm EST / 3:00am JST (January 19) - Gaspard Yurkievich, See Invitation
20.00 CET / 2:00pm EST / 4:00am JST (January 19) - Christian Lacroix Homme, See invitation
21.00 CET / 3:00pm EST / 5:00am JST (January 19) - AMI by Alexandre Mattiussi, 24 rue René Boulanger, Paris 10e


Thursday, January 19, 2012
9.30 CET / 3:30am EST / 5:30pm JST - 3.1 Phillip Lim, BETC, 48 boulevard de Strasbourg, Paris 10e
10.30 CET / 4:30am EST / 6:30pm JST - Kolor, Espace Commines, 17 rue Commines, Paris 3e
11.30 CET / 5:30am EST / 7:30pm JST - Issey Miyake, 5 place des Vosges, Paris 4e
12.30 CET / 6:30am EST / 8:30pm JST - Rick Owens, POPB, salle Marcel Cerdan
13.30 CET / 7:30am EST / 9:30pm JST - Viktor&Rolf, Galerie de Minéralogie, Jardin des Plantes, 36 rue Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, Paris 5e 
14.30 CET / 8:30am EST / 10:30pm JST - Louis Vuitton, See Invitation
16.00 CET / 10:00am EST / 12:00am JST (January 20) - Alexis Mabille, Le Meurice
17.00 CET / 11:00am EST / 1:00am JST (January 20) - Jean Paul Gaultier, 325 rue Saint-Martin, Paris 3e
18.00 CET / 12:00pm EST / 2:00am JST (January 20) - Yohji Yamamoto, 155 rue Saint-Martin, Paris 3e
19.00 CET / 1:00pm EST / 3:00am JST (January 20) - Dries Van Noten, See Invitation
20.00 CET / 2:00pm EST / 4:00am JST (January 20) - Adam Kimmel, See Invitation
21.00 CET / 3:00pm EST / 5:00am JST (January 20) - Steffie Christiaens, TBA


Friday, January 20, 2012
10.00 CET / 4:00am EST / 6:00pm JST - Junya Watanabe, See Invitation
11.00 CET / 5:00am EST / 7:00pm JST - Yves Saint Laurent, See Invitation
12.00 CET / 6:00am EST / 8:00pm JST - Julius, Maison des Métallos, 94 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, Paris 11e
13.00 CET / 7:00am EST / 9:00pm JST - GustavOlins, TBA
14.00 CET / 8:00am EST / 10:00pm JST - Juun J., Espace des Blancs Manteaux, 1bis rue des Hospitalières Saint-Gervais, Paris 4e
15.00 CET / 9:00am EST / 11:00pm JST - Kris Van Assche, Les Beaux Arts de Paris, salle Melpomène, 13 quai Malaquais, Paris 6e
16.00 CET / 10:00am EST / 12:00am JST (January 21) - Boris Bidjan Saberi, BETC
17.00 CET / 11:00am EST / 3:00am JST (January 21) - Comme des Garcons Homme Plus, See Invitation
18.00 CET / 12:00pm EST / 4:00am JST (January 21) - Givenchy, See Invitation
19.00 CET / 1:00pm EST / 5:00am JST (January 21) - John Galliano, See Invitation
20.00 CET / 2:00pm EST / 6:00am JST (January 21) - Henrik Vibskov, TBA


Saturday, January 21, 2012
10.00 CET / 4:00am EST / 6:00pm JST - Maison Martin Margiela, TBA
11.00 CET / 5:00am EST / 7:00pm JST - Kenzo, See Invitation
12.00 CET / 6:00am EST / 8:00pm JST - Walter Van Beirendonck, Espaces Commines
13.00 CET / 7:00am EST / 9:00pm JST - Ann Demeulemeester, Les Beaux-Arts de Paris, salle Melpomène, 13 quai Malaquais, Paris 6e
14.00 CET / 8:00am EST / 10:00pm JST - Bernhard Willhelm, TBA
15.00 CET / 9:00am EST / 11:00pm JST - Dior Homme, See Invitation
16.00 CET / 10:00am EST / 12:00am JST (January 22) - Wooyoungmi, Palais de la Femme, 96 rue de Charonne, Paris 11e
17.00 CET / 11:00am EST / 3:00am JST (January 22) - Cerruti, 3 place de la Madeleine, Paris 8e
18.00 CET / 12:00pm EST / 4:00am JST (January 22) - MiharaYasuhiro, La Maison Rouge, Fondation Antoine de Galbert, 10 boulevard de la Bastille, Paris 12e
19.00 CET / 1:00pm EST / 5:00am JST (January 22) - Damir Doma, Espace des Blancs Manteaux
20.00 CET / 2:00pm EST / 6:00am JST (January 22) - Hermès, See Invitation
21.00 CET / 3:00pm EST / 7:00am JST (January 22) - Raf Simons, See Invitation


Sunday, January 22, 2012
10.00 CET / 4:00am EST / 6:00pm JST - Bill Tornade, TBA
11.00 CET / 5:00am EST / 7:00pm JST - Lanvin, See Invitation
12.00 CET / 6:00am EST / 8:00pm JST - Agnes B., TBA
13.00 CET / 7:00am EST / 9:00pm JST - No Edition, TBA
14.00 CET / 8:00am EST / 10:00pm JST - Songzio, Espace des Blancs Manteaux, 1bis rue des Hospitalières Saint Gervais, Paris 4e
15.00 CET / 9:00am EST / 11:00pm JST - Rynshu, Hotel Westin, 3 rue de Castiglione, Paris 8e
16.00 CET / 10:00am EST / 12:00am JST (January 23) - Paul Smith, Couvent des Cordeliers, 15 rue de l'Ecole de Médecine, Paris 6e
17.00 CET / 11:00am EST / 3:00am JST (January 23) - Qasimi, TBA
18.00 CET / 12:00pm EST / 4:00am JST (January 23) - Thom Browne, See Invitation
19.00 CET / 1:00pm EST / 5:00am JST (January 23) - Arnys, Ambassade du Paraguay, 1 rue Saint-Dominique, Paris 7e
20.00 CET / 2:00pm EST / 6:00am JST (January 23) - Acne, Garage Vaugirard, 165 rue de Vaugirard, Paris 15e

Splash of Color - Isaac Carew by Adrian Mesko

One of the biggest trend this season is color blocking. I know it's a little surprising that a number of fall/winter collections includes bright colors versus the more somber color palette that we are probably used to for the colder seasons. In general I tend to gravitate to more neutral to basic colors, like black, white and browns. So this is why I'm racking my brain on what to wear for the Snow fashion show happening this end of the month. It should be easy since it's an ALL WHITE attire (white pants?! GASP!). It is a themed event and therefore everybody wears outfits in a certain way. I have a few ideas, but I'm still in the process of compiling these ideas.

Speaking of a touch of color, this editorial that appears on the latest issue of GQ Japan shows men how to incorporate color to your looks. Fashion Editor Grant Pearce taps Issac Carew and photographer Adrian Mesko for some Color Play.  Pearce styled Carew with pieces by Hermes, Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton and Burberry Prorsum to name a few. This is the real world application of color to a look. The looks have enough pop of color without looking like the Unicorn just puked on you.

Runway Monday: Clean-up On Aisle 10: Marlon Gobel Spring/Summer 2012 Review

Welcome to the first post of 2012! My New Year's Eve was good, although it could always be better, but if anybody was to blame it would be me. More time, more champagne, perhaps . . . not to mention probably have my Canadien friend with me at stroke of midnight so we weren't counting down twice *eastcoast and westcoast.  Over the weekend,  I went through my event calendar for the next couple months and I could not believe that it was already packed with events and trips. A great way to start the New Year.

As one of the shows that I was looking forward to from my trip to New York Fashion Week, Marlon Gobel didn't disappoint. The very vibrant supermarket themed collection looked so good I  could and would sink my teeth on it. The printed produce shirts paired with tucked ties were great, what did you say? You were looking for a plum shirt? Marlon has it . . . in HD print! I absolutely love the Asparagus dress shirt! Another upcoming trend next season is mesh, Marlon Gobel's were fresh and colorful styled with bowties? Yes, please. The suits, were sharp and in some great and vibrant colorful hues. Another part of the show that I love, were the shoes! Okay, you should know by now how I love my shoes. The looks were paired with Walk Over derby shoes with pastel soles. The grey/yellow variant? Sold, to moi! The collection touched every gamut of menswear from swimwear to formalwear. Only one thing that I hope that Marlon would venture into maybe was man bags. Marlon Gobel's spring/summer 2012 collection was delicious and a pleasure to watch.

And as I'm planning my Snow fashion show/event outfit happening at end of the month. Who knew that planning an all white outfit can be so challenging. One piece I've been considering was the, as Marlon Gobel named it, Optical Refraction Vinyl Lens Jacket paired with a white shirt and a white bowtie. (hint hint nudge nudge)

Happy Monday, my fashionistos and fashionistas!



and a little extra, a backstage video.