Style Icons: Male »Karl Lagerfeld

karl lagerfeldKarl Lagerfeld is one of the few icons in fashion today that is larger than life in so many ways. His persona makes me giddy and his little fan makes me smile. To my surprise however, while watching (a not so good) documentary on him a few months ago, I found that beyond the diet, the thin black pants,the sunglasses,the flash, and the pretense, I actually found him quite charming and agreed with a lot of his philosophies on creativity and life.

And who can't respect his lines of exquisite clothing, including the insanely hyped Lagerfeld line, that debuted last season only to be abruptly cancelled by Tommy Hilfiger (who owned the rights). Just goes to show Tommy is insane, first he sissy punches Axl Rose, now this?

Lagerfeld has also spent the last many years at Chanel, delivering shows that are truly high art and make me want to cry at the idea of even touching the hem of the garments. Yes, I am being dramatic. I learned by watching Karl.

See more: Style Icons: Male


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on October 2, 2006

Style Icons: Male »Marc Jacobs

marc jacobsMy relationship with Mr Jacobs has been an emotional one of ups and downs. Of course, the Marc line has remained a loyal friend, but the main line has increasingly left me amazed and enamored then confused and downright hurt all at once.

Fall 06 was the breaking point, not only was everything so layered and frumpy but the fashion world LOVED it, leaving me feeling less than hip (horror of horrors).

But even so, I have to admit, Marc Jacobs is significant in the world of fashion, even if I don't love it. But this spring – I did love it. Well not the crazy pleated pants, but the rest was as pleasing as the peaceful green and gray runway. And the Marc line's patched dress was about the greatest thing of NY fashion week.

So looks like we are on again Marc, and congrats for getting your little pudge in shape.

See more: Style Icons: Male


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on September 25, 2006

Style Icons: Male »Jon Cryer

duckie jon cryerWow, lots of Pretty in Pink references considering it is far from my favorite John Hughes movie, but it just got a re-release so you can relive the painful yet winsome lovesickness of perpetual best friend, Duckie.

The opposite of James Spader's Steff, Jon Cryer is the devoted friend who never gets the girl but will always be there to hold her when she cries. His style may be dated, but he really did it up his way from the bolo tie to the white leather shoes.

See more: Style Icons: Male


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on September 18, 2006

Style Icons: Male »Alfred Shaheen

Say what you will about the blight that is the Hawaiian shirt on American fashion, but when it comes to unique printed dresses from the 50s to 70s, Alfred Shaheen is the man to go to.

The best place to find his stuff is eBay where people often don't realize the piece of art they have and sell his stuff for practically pennies.

The amazingly prolific Shaheen manufactured and designed his prints from Hawaii for forty years for his many labels.

PLEASE NOTE: photo is copyrighted and used with permission. Thanks

See more: Style Icons: Male


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on September 11, 2006

Style Icons: Male »Tom Waits

tom waitsI have had two prized possessions in my life that have been stolen. One was an “I Killed Laura Palmer” t-shirt in Jr. High (stolen from my gym locker). And the second was a “Tom Waits for No One” button that made it through high school before being stolen in college.

Tom Waits was a demigod to me; the epitome of cool ever since I first listened to Rain Dogs. Not only is his music great, but he is electric on screen (see Short Cuts and Down By Law) and his unparalleled live performance (which can be seen in Tom Waits Big Time) is one of those rare occurrences that I fear I may never get to experience first hand.

See more: Style Icons: Male


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on September 4, 2006

Style Icons: Male »Christian Lacroix

wedding dress christian lacroixSince Jim and I will have just had our third wedding anniversary as you read this, I thought I would honor the man who designed my wedding dress, the extraordinary Christian Lacroix.

Whether he's epitomizing the eighties with his luxury and decadence, helming Pucci with aplomb, or delivering the always exciting and favorite Lacroix couture and ready to wear lines, he is truly a living legend.

No one can mix prints and fabrics quite like him and I love that he keeps a sense of humor with his clothes. If I were famous and/or rich I'd wear him all the time.

See more: Style Icons: Male


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on August 28, 2006

Style Icons: Male »Prince Valiant

prince valiantThe ultimate in haircuts for those hard core ren faire type nerds, especially if it covers a bald spot and is accompanied by an old english vocabulary.

Prince Valiant also embodies the values of chivalry and bravery – two traits that can turn any man stylish today.

See more: Style Icons: Male


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on August 21, 2006

Style Icons: Male »Cy Twombly

cy twomblyOne of my favorite artists who blurred the line between painting and drawing. Clearly Cy Twombly is still an influence on the world, just look at Proenza Schouler's fall collection and Twombly's “On the Bowery”.

My personal favorite pieces are always the colorful ones of the 80s and 90s that evoke hazy days of summer.

See more: Style Icons: Male


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on August 14, 2006

Style Icons: Male »Helmut Newton

helmut newtonI had a Helmut Newton moment. His photos have been ever present in magazines, but they never clicked with me until now. Don't ask me how, but I woke up all about Helmut Newton.

His photos were bold and extreme but undeniably stunning. I am a particular fan of his color work from the 70's and 80's, especially fabulous is the series he did for the movie The Eyes of Laura Mars, which mix the ever controversial subjects of sex and violence.

Over the top, dangerous, decadent, and sometimes funny, his work is still one of the most exciting things to happen to fashion photography.

See more: Style Icons: Male


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on August 7, 2006

Style Icons: Male »Kevin Ayers

kevin ayersNot only is Ayers my album pick of the week, but he just looks so great in every photo and video I've seen, he's just got to be my style icon too.

He was also a member of The Soft Machine before a solo career that many of his fans complain he did not take seriously enough, often opting to take off for a tropical island anytime fame got too close. That may be why Kevin Ayers is far from a household name, but it sounds pretty fun to me.

He could have easily fit into my hunk category as well with that angelic face.

See more: Style Icons: Male


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on July 31, 2006