Messieurs Spring14 Trend Report: The Blue Mood

Feeling Blue?

Balmain SS14 pictures from style.com

Balmain's Blue Explosion

After reviewing Balmain's SS14 menswear collection, being in the blue mood doesn't feel so bad. This spring it is all about true blue and adding a little edge and cool to the nautical color is a must.


Retail Therapy

g-star.com

g-star.com

zara.com

jcrew.com

jcrew.com

Messieurs Who Blog: David Rochez "From New York To Texas"

To Blend... or To Lead?

"No matter where we New Yorkers go, well,  we just stand out"

-David Rochez 


David Rochez has the New Yorker state of mind, "If it isn't a way, create a way". Take a guy from NYC and put them in Houston, you'll be sure to see lots of head turns. Not just because of his New Yorker tone and fast walk, but his stylish appeal is captivating and doesn't go unnoticed. Mr. Rochez appreciates the Houstonians  for their culture and way of life "It slowed me down but in a good way" says Rochez.  However he is excited to influence his New Yorker spirit with his blog and menswear journal "From New York To Texas". He hopes it inspires and educate young men to appreciate different styles and fashion.


The Interview

MM: How is Texas style different from New York style? 

DR: This is a great question, New Yorkers make an effort in fashion not to say some Houstonians don't but when you think of NY you think of cold weather, rude people and people who can dress, people care more about their appearance. Houston is very conservative, it's slowly getting there with people moving from New York, LA and even Europe to inspire change and growth. 

MM: How would you describe your style?

DR: I like to say my style is traditional with a twist and very edgy.

MM: Which state do you love the most and why?

DR:  THERE'S NOTHING LIKE HOME!! Growing up in NY you have a sense of pride in saying "I'm from NY". The way you walk, talk, conduct yourself and view life its a lot different that people wouldn't understand if your not from NY.

MM: Where are your most favorite areas in NYC and in Texas, to shop?

DR: Soho of course! but in Houston I got introduced to thrifting. There's n area called Montrose in Houston that's big in thrifting.

MM: What stores do you love shopping in the most? Why?

DR: Urban Outfitters, French Connection, J-crew, Club Monaco and a local resale shop called Charity Guilde. At the resale shop I bought a Christian Dior suit for a very good thrifing price and now they get all of my money. 

MM: Who is your favorite designer and why?

DR: I really don't have a favorite designer, I enjoy being creative and putting my outfits together.

MM: What piece can't you live without? (hat, scarf, tie etc) Why?

DR: Honestly my watch, I love love watches but my gold Seiko is something I throw on with every outfit. If I had to pick a 2nd item would have to be my Leather jacket I got thrifting for $10 dollars from the Goodwill.

MM: Why did you create From New York to Texas?

DR: What made me create 'From New York to Texas' was to educate men on appearance and style not be so one sided with fashion.

MM: How do you like working at Cole Han and how does it relate to your blog/lifestyle?

DR: I enjoy working at Cole Haan, seeing the latest trends in shoes and connecting with my clients. It relates to my blog because I can show people how to care for your shoes the correct way and how I pair my shoes with the outfits I wear.

MM: What's the most important thing you want people to remember you for?

DR: I just want to inspire people to put an effort in how they look. Appearance is everything, why cut yourself short because you didn't have on the correct attire for an interview and because of that you didn't get the job.

MM: Where do you see yourself in five years?

DR: I see myself back home in NY blogging and doing something fashion related. 

MM: Who is your celebrity style crush and why?

DR: Lol! Janelle Monae that whole women in suit thing is sexy to me, Vashtie's like a female Pharrell, Teyana Taylor because shes edgy and natural.

MM: What do you appreciate about women's beauty and a style?

DR: I love women who can dress and  be creative and put outfits together. Who understand what they like and know what looks good on there bodies. Who isn't over the top but not to simple either. I just love women. 

MM: What else do you do for fun in Texas?

DR: For fun, i'm either in the gym playing basketball or trying to gain weight, going out to eat, wine tasting or just hanging out with great company.

MM: What or who gives you motivation and or inspiration?

DR: As cliche as this sounds my family gives me my motivation. Being well dressed when I go out inspires me, i just enjoy looking sharp.

David Spring 14 Must Haves:

DR: The perfect denim jacket and adding more color to my wardrobe!

Want the items on David's spring list?

hm.com jean jacket $45

zara.com 

Designer Inspiration

Burberry Prorsum SS14 (picture curtesy Style.com)

Retail Therapy 

Jcrew.com

Read From NY to TX! 
www.frmnytotx.com

Messieurs Spring2014 Trend Report: Bermuda Shorts

To Wear or Not To Wear?

Alexander McQueen SS14 (picture curtesy Style.com )

Ice Berg SS14 (picture curtesy Style.com )

Band of Outsiders SS14 (picture curtesy Style.com )

Bermudas were all over the runway for designers spring SS14 menswear collections. Yes, a trend that was once a 90s hit has returned with a new approach.

Designers Bermudas Comeback 

Alexander McQueen SS14  gives us a royal and dapper twist, making them appropriate for formal events.

Ice berg SS14 give us a mix of sporty yet smooth attire suited for day of vibrant occasions.

Band of Outsiders gives us low-key prep ensembles, perfect for around the town fun.


Retail Therapy 

zara.com

zara.com

bananarepublic.com

For The Dapper Only! : Tyed By Dede

This Spring: Wear Swaggerful Ties

Derrol Scarlett creates Tyed by Dede, a hip yet sharp accessories line made in Brooklyn but to be worn by men and women around the world. Monsieur Scarlet understands the power of accessory play, which is why he offers custom made bow-ties.  "Our customers are individuals who want to stand out from the crowd. They don't want the typical black or white ties. They want to custom, to create their own" says Scarlett.

Spring is all about standing out and being a show starter which is why we're digging Tyed By Dede bow-tie collection, not only are they hand made but they are reversible!  You get two bow-ties for the price of one. Some may ask, how many bow-ties can a man have? Well, just like fashionable women, dapper guys get tired of wearing the same ole things over and over. Having a variety can refresh a favorite sweater or blazer, giving an outfit a new appeal.

The Interview

MD: Why did you decide to get into fashion designing and the fashion business? 

DS: It only took me 30 years, but I finally figured out what I wanted to be when I grow up. And this is it - owning my own men’s neck wear business and bringing a splash of color blocking into wardrobes all over the world. I've been wearing bow-ties for years now and the majority of my collections are homemade ties. I started making my own bow-ties for multiple reasons​Bow-ties are hard to find in stores​Bow-ties in stores are expensive

​I don't have enough hobbies (yeah, right...)

MD: What's this inspiration behind the brand? TYED BY DeDestarted out as an idea turned into reality. What started out as a simple piece of fabric, grew into a collection.

 MD: Who is the Tyed By DeDe customer? 

DS: The TYED By DeDe customer is EVERYONE, from a 5 year old to an 85 year old. Our customers are individuals who want to stand out from the crowd. They don’t want the typical black or white tie. They want to custom, create their own.

MD: How does Brooklyn inspire your creations? 

DS: When you come to Brooklyn, you find a diverse sense of style in each community. As a native brooklynite, growing up in this borough was not the easiest. While having a rough childhood with a single parent, she always taught me to go after my dreams and never give up.  Brooklyn has helped me express my individuality through fashion as my art. 

MD: Who is your favorite designer? 

DS: Betsey Johnson. She inspires me as a designer in that her collections are always colorful, fun, and unique. When you see a Betsey piece, it sets itself apart. As her collections come to life, you can tell that she had fun coming up with the concepts each and every season. Oh and I love her famous cartwheel at the end of her fashion shows.

MD: Where do you love to shop?

DS: I often end up in the city or online at local boutiques such as Zara, Asos, Jcrew, consignment stores, and vintage shops. These stores help me to express my creative side with even a simple blazer. Once I have on a blazer, I can put an entire outfit together for just about any occasion. 

MD: What's your personal style? 

DS: A simple jeans and white t-shirtpaired with a black leather jacket represents my personal style. Simplicity is always my way of showing individuality separating me from the rest. 

MD: What's your favorite go to piece? 

DS: A nice crisp white button down shirt: You can dress it up or down.  Pair it with a cardigan or motorcycle jacket or sports coat and you’re ready for any occasion. Dinner with the pals, a night out on the town or even a casual business meeting.

MD: Who is your celebrity style crush? 

DS: It may sound cliché but I would say Kanye West. He is someone that likes to take risks and this represents TYED to the seam. He’s not afraid to buck trends and start a trend all his own.

MD: What celebrities would you like to wear your ties?

DS: I want to dress them all…LOL

MD: What makes your ties worth the wild to try? 

DS: Our custom madebow tie sets our customer apart to be an edgy individual. We paycareful attention in selecting only the best quality fabric. A TYDE By DeDe customer won’t have to worry about attending any event and having 20 people in the same tie: don’t you hate that? Lol. You pick the fabric and we'll do the rest. No more expensive bow ties and clip on's.

Interviewed by Quanasia Graham "Madame Q" 

Don't wear ties? Is it because you have a hard time? Well no worries Tyed By Dede has a suave guide. 

Shop Tyed By Dede!

www.tyedbydede.com

Messieurs Spring2014 Trend Report: The Return of Romeo

 The King of Smooth 

Roberto Cavalli SS14 (pic curtesy from Style.com)

Dolce n Gabbana SS14 (Pic curtesy from Stye.com)

Haider Ackermann SS14( pic curtesy from Stye.com)

Martin Maison Margiela (pic from courtesy Style.com)

Romeo is still alive and he is smoother than ever. This Spring design houses put a twist on the classic suit, giving us a poetic fusion of tuff yet delicate handsome collections. A wardrobe of romantic pieces made for guys who isn't afraid to shine.

Which Romeo Are You?

Roberto Cavalli SS14 Collection, is for men who isn't afraid to wear a suit yet cool enough to know when it's time to throw on a leather jacket and killer pair of shades. He appears to be mysterious!

Dolce n Gabbana SS14 Collection, is for guys who love to travel and party with the people of the town. He can go from sporty to dapper within minutes. He's not afraid to strut his stuff in shorts and go topless at a local fair. He's also the guy that cleans up well, throwing on a head turning tailored suit and smooth shoes. 

Haider Aackermann SS14 Collection, is for the cool guy with a tuff attitude, who wears his pants a little loose yet he's dapper enough to pair them with a satin jacket. He's the guy with swagger! Cigars and cool shoes may be a few of his favorite things.

Maison Martin Margiela SS14 Collection, is for the not so classic guy. He is all about the new and loves finding ways to reinvent himself.  He's the clever guy that makes up his own rules. He haves a hint of hipster appeal, an unshaved beard and a care-free spirit. He may even wear his shirt unbuttoned at meetings just because he can. Because he's that guy! 

Celebrities on Trend:

Kanye West 

Where can you find your Romeo Attire?

TopMan.com Suit $340 

TopMan.com Shoes $80

Zara.com

Zara.com

Express.com

hm.com  Leather Jacket $199

Aldo.com 

dolcegabbana.com

A Day In the Life Of: Berthold Charles

To Be Or Not To Be? 

Berthold Jean Charles- NYC Based Fashion Stylist

Berthold and I awaiting to be seated at Desigual MBFW Fall 2014 #Runway Show

Berthold and I at an art gallery in Chelsea, NYC

Well that seems to be the question of the year. There is just too much of everything going on these days. Everyone seems to be this... others seem to be that. Too many cliques not enough leaders. Social media is well known for making anyone seem or look important. When meeting some of these social media stars in person, they surprisingly don't have the social skills or etiquette to match their impeccable wardrobe.

"How do we weed out true talent from a forest full of wannabes?" I asked Berthold, as we walked through the front doors of Lincoln Center, on the first day of NYFW. "Well it's hard these days, too many people are not dressing for themselves, their dressing for others and to be photographed" Berthold says, after having an annoying debate about his credentials with one of the security guards.

I had just saved him, Adrian (a videographer) and I were climbing the steps, excited to see Desigual's Fall 2014 Ready To Wear collection. There was Berthold, a model and stylist, talking with one serious faced guard. Berthold turned with annoyance and said "well finally a familiar face." Can I use your phone for internet? My phone just died, and they need to see my invitation". "Of course", I said, shocked that they didn't just let him in, after all he looks like he belongs there. Or at least they need him in there. He has a style that is innovative and way before his time. But you can't blame the guards, they're just doing their job.

A year ago,  Daniel, my previous Editor n Chief at Livid Magazine, received a submission of Berthold's work. It was a fashion editorial featuring himself as a model. The photos were amazingly odd, his presence grabbed our attention, wanting to know more about him. We would've been fools not to use it.

"Finally!" Berthold says while showing his invitation to the grumpy guard. We walked in and to our surprise, the set up was different. "No wonder" I said. "It feels like death" Berthold says. Adrian agrees. "I guess they really want to bring it back to Bryant Park days, more business and less sociable. I don't know if it's for the good. After all, fashion should be fun and we make it fun. The designers need us, you know. The inbetweeners. We make shit happen. We make it pop. We influence sales" Berthold says.

I gave his comment some thought. Is fashion week at Lincoln Center going in the right direction? How much do we as inbetweeners influence fashion and business? Are they tired of the wannabees and are making it more exclusive? You need it all, I said to Berthold. "Without any of it, it wouldn't be worth the wild" I added. While waiting on line, Berthold decided it would be great to skip to the front.  He says as eccentric as possible, "You have to act like you belong there already, because at the end of the day, you do. I can't wait until I really make it. I can feel it, I'm almost there. I wonder how I'll be. I wonder if I'll make it harder for other people. Nah I'm not that guy" He says to Adrian and I.

After seeing a great show from Desigual, we dashed to preview Dore collection at the Empire Hotel. Later we grabbed a snack from a local deli and then headed to Chelsea were we crashed about 6 different events at art galleries. I had the time of my life with Berthold and Adrian, we took the night. He reminded us what it felt like the first time attending shows during NYFW. It's scary to blend in so just be you!!! Yet Brave : ).


More about Berthold 

MM:What city were you born? 

BJC: 

NYC! 

MM: Were you always this eccentric with your look during your early school days? 

 If so, how did you deal with the pressures of fitting in or standing out? 

 BJC: 

I was always a very neat person. Even as a little boy I use to iron my pants with a crease every  morning before I went to school. My style aesthetic was more "URBAN" then, but I always had a unique sense of style way before I knew what style even was. Hmmmm...... I was a loner. I had literally one friend and many associates. So, I didn't care too much about fitting in. Being popular was never something I cared about. 

MM: Did people outcast you because of it? 

BJC: I mean I didn't talk to that many people, but the ones I did speak to accepted me for who I was and also had a unique sense of style themselves. I never hung out with people that judged me. I would hear things but I was like those aren't my friends so who cares. 

MM: Why did you go with Trey Styles instead of your real name? 

BJC: Well.. It was actually spelled Tr3y Stylez. Eeeeek! I thought I was so cool with that. It just came from Tre Chic and then I figured Why not stylez as a last night. I swear people thought I was a rapper, but it did afford me opportunities I guess because of the intrigue of such a name. People love catchy things. As I grew I had to let that name go and use my real name which is Berthold Jean-Charles. Berthold is German and means "BRILLIANT RULER"

MM: Who do you admire most in fashion? 

BJC: PRINCE

MM: What do/did you like most about fashion week? 

BJC: 

THE PARTIES!

MM: How do you feel about street style? 

BJC: 

We have a love hate relationship. So many people are sort of chasing a certain aesthetic to be photographed and not truly being themselves. Not everyone, but many.

MM: Where do you see yourself in the next 2 years? 

BJC: 

On television. 

MM: Whose your favorite designer? 

BJC: Dsquard2, because I love the tailoring in all their collections and the pieces are very cohesive and totally me.

MM: Who do you have a style crush on?  Andre 3000, because he does what he wants and doesn't give a rats ass what you think and he always looks done!

MM: How would you describe your style?   

BJC: Brilliantly unique, boldly profound

MM: What's your ultimate go to piece? 

BJC: Bag, hat and or belt etc A structured top hat!

MM: If you weren't in fashion what would you be doing? 

BJC:

I would probably be a public speaker

MM: What do you want the world to know you as? 

BJC: 

A person who stuck to his convictions and make an incredible life for himself while giving others beautiful energy and making them smile.