Ankar Sweden Fall 2012

Posted on February 15, 2012 by yougogirl

I love the up close and personal time I get with clothing designers. It’s definitely a “high” when I get in on conversations about the angle of the pocket or finish on a hem.

At a breakfast showing yesterday at the Empire Hotel Rooftop, I got just that with designer, Niklas Ankar, who is clearly a creative that understands who he is designing for. This statement provide by the PR folks for the line is a perfect description of the line.

“A ‘love letter’ to men’s fashion, featuring expertly tailored shirts and sleek trousers, colorful separates in the form of cashmere sweaters and tartan Morning coats, and a signature limited-°©edition smoking.”

With simply two styles of jackets in the collection. Both the classic style and Nehru style jackets have been designed with the modern man in mind. Available in several fabrics, including a heavier wool, the jackets can double as coats.

The Fall 2012 collection fabrics were all milled in Italy and I loved that Mr. Ankar has followed the bespoke tradition of matching fabrics (remember how I feel about that with plaid) and creating unique finishes on cuffs and hems. Even the belts shown were Ankar of Sweden and they were made out of upholstery fabric. I love it.

Trend wise, the mixing of color is still prevalent with pop color on the bottoms. For men, socks are still important as they will be seen. Ankar styled the collection with a fun mix of color socks against the color cords and pants. The collection for Fall 2012 is lovely.

I love the sleek and elegant look of the Ankar top coat that is the same silhouette of the Ankar Nehru jacket. Niklas endearingly mentioned the detail of the coat that has slant pockets instead. Much easier for a gentleman as he walks through the city on a brisk day.

Well, I found another Nordic brand to love and follow. Now boys, lets get some of these pieces on you. RL

Photo Credits | Leigh Vogel/Getty Images North America

Nautica FW 2012

Posted on February 11, 2012 by yougogirl

Prep style with bold hits of color are definitely on the horizon for spring. For Fall the trend continues but with winter hues like a pop of burgundy at Nautica. No doubt that the classic American’s line color base will always be that traditional Navy. What’s great is that there is so much that can be done with it.

Since my taste is a bit more rock n roll, I would like to see guys take just one piece of Nautica and mixed with the likes of Rag and Bone and Varvatos;That would be brilliant. I love to see a guy mix it up.

My stand out piece has no great shots either from the Nautica photos or mine, but here it is. I love the idea of this coat popped with a color skinny denim bottom, combat boots and awesome plaid.

The event was right up my alley as far as how to entertain goes. We were all greeted at the door with a lovely beverage and smiling faces. The first shot gives you a sense of the room. Nice. RL

I Heart Plaid

Posted on December 16, 2011 by yougogirl

I love plaid…I always have. I had one of those lovely Scottish red tartan skirts with the big pin and pleats when I was a little girl. It was my favorite. In college, I chose a plaid fabric in Tailoring One to create a jacket with matching shorts;I wore it out with the girls one night…geeky you say?…I met one of my serious boyfriends that night. I’m just saying, plaid can make you feel…sexy?

“A plaid is a pattern consisting of crossed horizontal and vertical bands in two or more colors in woven cloth. “[Dictionary.com] As far as fabrics go, there is a load of history behind plaid. The first evidence of its existence? 100 BC. Its iconic popularity began in the 17^th century with what we all know as the Scottish plaid/tartan. Standing for rebellion, it was banned by the English only to become a popular pattern for school uniforms by that same country. The mods made it cool and the teenage girls screaming for the Beatles made it sexy. Grunge made it stand for rebellion again, only to have fashion take it over and put it on the runways for triple the price. This past summer, over a million visitors at the Alexander McQueen exhibit viewed the designer’s homage to fabric of his home country.

Wearing plaid is problematic, but I have found be keeping it clean and simple can make the obvious fear adding of pattern to your body. If you don’t want commit to the whole plaid on your body thing, use it in small doses. As an accessory; belt, bag, socks…this work for both guys and gals.

Last month in Seattle, Lushy, a band created by one of my dear old friends from the scooter/mod years, had their monthly Friday night fab gig at Vitos and asked their fan following to wear plaid…this crew always, always dresses and any theme is not daunting. Seattle Art scenesters Jo David and Marlow Harris were my favorite pictured here. My point, its just fun to wear plaid…

What’s even better about plaid is that it is a pattern that can be worn year round. But wait, before you go for it, a reminder that there are summer plaids and colors and winter plaids/colors. Be mindful…wearing a red wool tartan skirt in the heat light of summer is strange…so, don’t do it.

The thing to remember is that plaid is never going away, it is a fabric pattern that has stood the test of time. Embrace it. Here are some current plaid looks that I am loving this season both for guys and gals. Photo Credits From Top: Me with Patrick Napper and Greg Lundgren at Vitos, Alexander McQueen Plaid at The Met, JoDavid at Lushy/Vitos, Carven Twill Tartan Dress, Thakoon, Band of Outsiders, Couture Plaid Gown, Men’s Fall 2011 70′s inspired plaid, Stay Classic Blog, Isaia Fall 2011

Installations – A fresh way to view collections at MBFW

Posted on September 11, 2010 by yougogirl

Fashion Installations at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and throughout the city seem to be vogue this season. I love it. As a garmento, I love the opportunity to get up close, check out the garments on live models. You see the construction and the drape. It’s hot.

I saw two installations yesterday. Tadashi was beautiful. Inspired by Renaissance Frescos of the Italian greats Piero Della Francesca and Botticelli, the icy cool and nude palate felt especially fresh. Romantic dresses embellished with ruching and pleats offered a texture requiring no further accessorizing. Gorge.

The Buckler Installation was hot. The clothes were fab and I what I love about Buckler is that Brit style sensibility for men. Not surprising, since designer, Andrew Buckler is from the UK, a graduate of the Royal College of Art and a member of the CFDA. I thought it would be fun to share a short video clip, shaky, out of focus and all. By the way, my standout pieces by far were the black leather drop crotch shorts and the sporty leather, what Buckler calls, “Droopy Longs”. RL

Photo Credits: Tadashi Spring 2011 Rights Reserved by Rebecca Luke Style and les Egoistes and shot by Webb Davis

Guli SP 2011 at Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week

Posted on September 10, 2010 by yougogirl

As I stepped out today on to Lincoln Center to meet my photographer, Webb Davis, I had a glorious feeling in my heart…even though I got off a stop early…It was early and the sun was shining and it was going to be my first show ever at Lincoln Center. Exciting.

The show was Guli and there is no doubt that I am drawn to international designers when I am at MBFW. The injection of ethnicity into modern clothing is compelling and exciting to me.

With the Guli Collection designed by the gorgeous and brilliant Uzbekistani Ambassador to Spain, Gulnara Karimova, it’s clear he pride of the designer of her culture and the traditional textiles and clothing practices that come from her country.

As I imagined myself wearing several of the pieces on some island getaway, I was mesmerized by several pieces.

Love the above for the sexy powerful look. A fan, of the slouchy & the skinny pant ~ yes, I can’t decide ~ I’m glad I don’t have to. The shawl with the corset bra top is especially lovely.

This gown is stunning. The sheer panels of mint, curry & pale yellow are gorgeous based with the nude. Love!

What can I say about the above except I would wear it in a heart beat. The sheer skirt bottom juxtaposed with the quilting above is genius.

The color story? Influenced by the Middle & Far East, there isn’t one. That was what I found especially beautiful. The IKAT’s were incredible. Each were produced by the GULI Creative team based on hand weaving techniques. Styled with nude one piece bathing suits and slouchy black flat boots with an IKAT detail, I felt the warmth on my skin.

Guli’s Menswear had an effortless air that most men I know could easily slip in to. All the accessories & jewelry were designed by Guli.

As if that wasn’t enough, the designer is a rock star and ultimate example of “Sustainable Style”. She chairs The Fund Forum, the biggest NGO in the country of Uzbekistan with offices in major fashion/art cities all over the world. Their mission is to preserve and aid in Uzbek culture presentations, aiding crafts dynasties and supporting talented children and youth from the country. Ms. Karimova is also involved with The Women’s Council, National Breast Cancer Association, Avicenna International Association of Traditional Medicine, the Mehr Nuri (Ray of Mercy) Charitable Foundation, and the Social Initiative Support Fund (SISF). As we say at SSF, a woman of “Style & Substance” tm. RL

photos: All photos are rights reserved by Rebecca Luke Style shot by Webb Davis.

Men’s Plaid | Make it Count

Posted on October 17, 2009 by yougogirl

Here’s the deal boys. I wrote this article about plaid that is pretty Seattle – centric. I am sure all of it can be sent to you. However, check in with Tommy & Roy at Alter for Men, they have some great plaid alternations as does Opening Ceremony in Soho/Nolita. There, be prepared spend a pretty penny. Fabulous store. They have a ton of the new and improved Woolrich styles. RL

Call us if you want help sourcing or finding the right thing to hit the right trend.

Color in your kicks

Posted on March 31, 2009 by yougogirl

Its spring and you guys need color too. If you don’t want to do a colored easter egg suit ~ Cheap Monday has a great one ~ you can get color is in your kicks. Nike, Vans and Converse all have great options. Goods (Pike St & Bellevue) has a great selection of sneaks for spring. By the way, the gals will love them. You can also check out the Vans store (Northgate & Southcenter). Other stores to check: Urban Outfitters (Seattle, Capitol Hill, University Ave), and Zebra Club (First Avenue). RL

Photo Credit: Nike dunk style in a low top.

For more about men’s style in seattle from Rebecca Luke, go to The Examiner.

Spring 09 Color

Posted on March 21, 2009 by yougogirl

I always get asked, so what are the colors for the season, and I usually know the answer right away. This spring, there is not quick and easy answer. I have seen everything from shades of orange ~ ranging from a traffic cone orange to a curry orange ~ to combos of lavender, blue, teal, hot pink, citrine green. I think the point this season is to just to wear color. We have our lovely first lady to look to for the inspiration that way. I love that Michelle Obama is not afraid of color.

If you are like many folks I know and just a bit uncomfortable wearing color. One way to approach is to wear accessories with color. You can wear all black and throw a bunch of color bangles on your wrist or mix a bunch of big color beads around your neck. Or rock a shoe with color while wearing all black. That is a statement move for sure.

If you go the color direction, balance the color with shades of grey and taupe. This is lovely and easy to do. You can find many grey/taupe accessories out there these days.

Boys, you can get your color with you kicks. Every shoe line from Nike to Converse and even Doc Martins have major color going. If you are ready to go for it, wear a full suit in a color. Cheap Monday has a blue suit styled for a mod fit…hot.

My homage to color this season is a dress designed by my dear friend Andrew Dyrdahl out of pima cotton and it is orange and I mean orange. You will definitely see me coming. Side note: The design of my dress is perfect for most all body types and Andrew was recognized for formal version of the dress by the cotton folks…I loved it so much and convinced him to make a daytime dress out of it. Contact me if you want more details. RL

Photo Credit: Nathan Jenden and Ossie Clark Spring 2009 via Style.com in Vogue UK and Pantone’s Color pick of the season, “Mimosa”.

If the ladies are wearing ‘boyfriend’ jeans where does that leave the guys?

Posted on March 12, 2009 by yougogirl

This spring prepared to have your gal crawl out of her skinny’s and pull on a pair of loose fitting distressed jean ~ The boyfriend jean…or as some lines are calling it, the “exboyfriend” jean. So where does it leave you boys?

For spring, guys are doing a similar look. A “work jean”; A little looser, a bit more distressed and rolled up is the height of style for guys. Pair the look with a nice fitting shirt or add a bow tie, a rocking fedora hat or a thick pair of black Tom Ford glasses. The above look with Ernest Sewn founder is a great example. Guys…I know the shirt is questionable, but this just gives you license to have fun with a shirt.

In Seattle, Diesel (5th Avenue) should have a great option with the Zatiny styles. As of now, you may have to go in and order it. Mario’s (6th Avenue) and Oslo (Queen Anne Ave) will have a version of this look with the Ernest Sewn brand. If you want to go old school, go to the Original Levi’s Store (6th Avenue) and make this look happen with a pair of 501’s. RL

photo credit: Refinery 29, ID Magazine August 08

It’s a New Day Boys…

Posted on February 7, 2009 by yougogirl

It’s a new day and that is so for menswear, baby. The runways for SP 09 didn’t have rock and roll tees with jacket look …the looks are optimistic and the boys, like us gals, are feeling better when they get a bit more dressed up. We have an elegant prez in the office and it is time to bring the elegance back to daily dressing. Did already say, no t–shirts with logos?… we are done with that for now…lovely linen and cotton tees layered with a pajama pant and topped with a shorter linen blazer and a softer shoulder will look lovely on a hot day in the city. [photo above - Bottega Veneta SP 09, Marcio Madeira]

Play with color. Etro has always been a favorite of mine when it comes to color and the color combinations…Orange mixed with lavender, purple, browns and grey will be a favorite combo of mine for both women and men this season. Put a smile on your face and wear some color and pattern this season. Boys, you can accomplish this with a killer pattern shirt in a luxury fabric over a pair of jeans… [photo above - Etro SP 09, Marcio Madeira]

I was recently cocktailing with some dapper attorneys…they asked me, as everyone tends to do, so what’s the new trend? I quickly answered, “bow ties and suit jackets/blazers that are short”…as usual, the response was…”really?”. I am telling you boys and telling you now, figure out how to tie a bow tie [ GQ's tips on how to do it on You Tube], get a fabulous fitting white shirt and a great pair of jeans and you will feel fab. [photo above - Band of Outsiders SP 09]

Shorter hemlines on jackets and blazers are following the women’s hemlines. I, being a closet Gossip Girls lover ~ closeted GG lover being not quite the age demographic but truly addicted as a fashionista ~ think GG costume designer, Eric Daman, has influenced men’s style (not to mention gals) immensely. Fab. [Photos above ~ Ed Westwick from Gossip Girl, images from Buddy TV Photo Gallery]

Jackets should graze just above the hip. If you can pull it off in a mod/Beatlesque manner, then keep it slim. For spring/summer, balance it out with a baggier pair pants. [photos above - Gucci SP09, Marcio Madeira/Bottega Veneta SP 09, Marcio Madeira]

Nothing is more gorgeous on men and women than a combo of neutrals. Spring always encourages this fresh look and I love it. [photo above - Giorgio Armani SP 09, Marcio Madeira]

So, really, boys, time to relive the glory days of dressing. Think old Hollywood or how your grandfather dressed in the late 50’s…RL

Rebecca Luke Style

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Category Archives: Guys Style Note