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All the trends that matter this season.

Trend reporT

Spring/Summer 2009

Clockwise from right: Alber Elbaz and Lucas Ossendrijver of Lanvin; Naomi Campbell at Dolce & Gabbana; Dior Homme models; Ben Hill at Dolce & Gabbana; model at Lanvin.

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The indispensable answer to any sartorial conundrum, the blazer adds gravitas to an ensemble when needed, yet creates levity where necessary.

Clingy and stretchy, the new knits look sexy on the slight of frame, yet perfectly frame muscled silhouettes. Neat!

The Blazer

KniTPerfecT

Trend reporT

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Out-cool the rest at the boardroom, or stroll casually on the boardwalk with the new baggy silhouette. It’s a shape that is eminently adaptable.

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Bag men

Spring/Summer ’09Trend reporT

Small is beautiful.

Is it the return of the blouson or the Thom Browne effect? Whatever it is, short and cropped dangerously near the waistline is key this season. Not great on short bodies but would you wear it any way else?

Once an essential part of a formal three-piece, the waistcoat is now effectively a versatile number worn with or without a jacket.

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The micro

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Blue is the new black. A hardy, perennial colour, this season’s blue runs the spectrum from Yves Klein’s signature shade to a distinctly Smurfy tone — take your pick.

Forget the uptight formal nature of the Eighties power suit. The user-friendly suits for modern dandies are soft but structured, athletic but not aggressively slim.

Blue lagoon

suiTs You fine

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Neil Diamonds’ forever in Blue Jeans is the perfect anthem that sums up the timeless sartorial elegance of this fabric.

The denim

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The man in The White Suit starring Alec Guinness and American Gonzo journo Tom Wolfe’s trademark blanc ensemble have carved out a special place in menswear this season. A stark, stand-out, stylish classic, the white suit is the f irst, middle and last word in sophistication.

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Spring/Summ

er ’09Trend

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“Why do I have to be Mr Pink?” screamed Steve Buscemi’s character in Reservoir Dogs. Why? Because from screaming fuchsia to a shade of cooked salmon, real men do wear pink. The perfect accessory? The financial Times.

A non-colour comes into its own. Like a clean canvas, nude is quiet and understated. Bright like a freshly-scrubbed face, it almost feels optimistic. An instant classic to add to the canon.

misTer pink

in The nude

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No longer the preserve of Boy Scouts and geography teachers, shorts are the surprise hit of the season. Conservatively skimming the calves or skimpily riding above the thighs, a pair brings out the boy in every man.

For all aspiring playboys of the Western (and Eastern) world, slouch pyjamas are just the sartorial outf it to use to get ahead. Somnambulism with a sense of style? Thank you, Hugh!

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Functional, yet far from dull, the outer coat has many more reasons for existing than merely keeping you dry inspite of monsoon squalls and acid rain. Drape it on or keep it belted, it’s time to channel your inner Bogie in Casablanca.

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Spring/Summer ’09Trend reporT

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From skirts and the mlutch – the male clutch, guys – to the newly-exposed decolletage, menswear this season approaches the feminine from a very masculine perspective.

Japanese obis, Indian dhotis. East is best as fashion designers indulged in a cultural exchange by taking Oriental inspiration.

Translucence and light-as-air fabrics take centrestage in menswear. Soft, subtle and gender-blurring, they soften the hard edge of traditional masculine tailoring. Not for the f labby, so shape up or ship out!

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