NADAL FOR ARMANI JEANS

When I posted the news that Raphael Nadal would replace Christiano Ronaldo as body face of Armani jeans the opinions were varied. Would he make a suitable model for the brand? Is his face as marketable as Beckham and Ronaldo? Apparently so. Here are some of the new images that have been released for both Fox and Nadal's respective campaigns. The images look great but they could have been a little more inventive with posture positioning and theme. No?

ADAM LEVINE GETS NAKED FOR A CAUSE

Awareness is a lesson we are trying to teach in our country everyday with HIV and AIDS. Part of the disease is not knowing what your body is going through, further affirming why the "Know your status" phrase has been making rounds in South Africa in the media. The same applies, obviously, to other diseases like Cancer. It is imperative to know as much as you can about it so that you can fight it. 
My mother has survived cancer twice (the second time during Christmas) and so as you can imagine I appreciate the efforts of celebrities who are aiming to create awareness. There is a long list of celebrities who have had testicular cancer, the most famous survivor being Lance Armstrong. While it's all well and good for people to enjoy the nudity of an admired celebrity I prefer to focus on the cause at hand.


The shoot immediately reminded me of the 1993 cover of Rolling Stone featuring Janet Jackson and then fiancé René Elizondo, Jr. cupping her breasts from behind. Now the image of Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine has been stripped for cancer awareness in the February issue of Cosmopolitan UK. The hands belong to none other than his girlfriend and Victoria Secret model Anne Vyalitsyna.


images from askmen.com and justjared

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON?

It doesn't surprise me that Romeo Beckham sits between Prince William and William Gilchrist on GQ's Best dressed list. He is, after all the son of David Beckham who proved years ago that style and sports can marry quite happily without taking anything away from a man's masculinity. And then his mother, ex-Spice Girl. Ex-Cavalli everything-just-about dresser. And now chic, redeemed fashion designer. He was bound to learn something.

With only 8 years of life though, that is surprising. He beat Christopher Bailey, Mark Ronson and Jude Law for goodness sake. Quite a feat if you consider the collective experience these boys have with the fashion industry in one way or another. But of course he is the first of the Beckham sons to take an interest in fashion as a possible career. Just recently it was revealed that Romeo Beckham sunglasses would be available to other stylish kids. Well, how do you argue that?
From the Guardian, photo's from REX.

Kanye West chooses Balmain for upcoming tour

"The voice of this generation" has spoken. For his upcoming tour he has requested Christophe Decarnin for Balmain to design his costumes. Not the shy fashionisto, this should prove, if anything an interesting partnership. Dsquared with Britney, Roberto Cavalli with the Spice Girls, it's no wonder that Kanye West added his name to the list.

Instead of designing all new get-up West is having Decarnin re-design part of the Balmain 2010 collection. It has been reported that he specifically wants the "seventies-centric pantsuits, cutaway coats and gilded jeans" (Hintmag). I personally think this is a great idea, especially since West has attended Balmain shows for a few seasons now and music and fashion always go well together.

The Red Carpet Round-up

Mr. Movember arrived at the premiere for his new movie '127 Hours' in which he has to do the unthinkable to survive. Luckily it's all for pretend and the 32 year old Franco can go to premieres in head to to Gucci and grow ridiculous looking facial hair.

Zachary Quinto (first image) walks the red carpet at the after party following the opening night performance of his off-Broadway play Angels in America on Thursday (October 28). The small image above comes from GQ who celebrates Quinto as one of the thick-framed cool gang which includes Justin Bieber.  I love his consistent style. Note that it's never over the top or very colourful yet it still has all the quirks we fashion commentators love; small collars, peak lapel... Quinto knows how to fit a slim suit to his tall frame without over-exaggerating it.

Gabe Saporta, who fronts the band Cobra Starship joined Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen at the Women's Wear Daily 100 Anniversary Gala in NYC on Tuesday. I love his Timo Weiland suit with his choice of rolled up cuff to reveal purple socks. It's a Mark Ronson look but we forgive him. However the un-tucked shirt loses points.

Kanye West likened himself to the 'Rap version of George Bush' this week. And while he does seem to cause mayhem with his endless opinions he does do right by me with his style. Mostly anyway. Perhaps wearing shoes that blend in with the flooring isn't such a great idea. But West must know what he's doing because this week he was named ACE Awards' Stylemaker of the Year!


This week old blue eyes is doing press for his new movie with Anne Hathaway. You may recall their first on-screen "romance" in Brokeback Mountain. Thanks to the preview of the movie I now have no reason to see it because in those three minutes I saw the whole thing. Usually I wouldn't think of adding rugged boots to a suit but in this case I quite like it. That's Hollywood rebellion for you. Add one smug look and a tan and you're all set.


This week the clean cut Gossip Boy stepped out in this modest look with the simple accessory of grey shoes and pocket square. Unlike Ed Westwick who has been named one the worst-dressed in Hollywood, it is Crawford that sticks to the basics. Maybe it won't get you as noticed in the long run but I bet he would rather be safe than sorry. I think this look is modern and elegant at the same time. Completely appropriate for the occasion.

Red Carpet Round-up

I am seriously coveting this beautiful jacket. One buttoned, Slim two-toned lapel, relaxed white shirt opened to reveal a single piece of jewelry. Fantastic look. Perhaps the only worrying detail is I'm sure he's wearing silver nail polish?

Don't quote me on this, but I would bet money on the fact that Robert is wearing Lanvin. All the usual suspects are there, high-tops, tinted lenses and a three piece suit. I'm a little bored with Susan's look but I suppose it was inevitable that a man outdress his wife at some point.

I like the look of a clean cut man. Anderson Cooper doesn't do flashy or eccentric, which is 100%. Instead he goes with what he knows, and what works, like this great fitting suit!

Ah Mark Ruffalo! At the 54th BFI London Film Festival the actor walked the red carpet in his favorite choice: Neil Barrett. This slightly unstructured blue suit is a great colour for him and I love the creased fabric. This is how couples should walk the red-carpet from now on!

Bearded, deranged and murderous, romantic and scruffy. Anything works for Mr. Cruz Javier Bardem. He's not a fashionisto which makes it all the better that he kept it simple. And he looks healthy and fresh-faced. It's the perfect accessory. 

Justin Timberlake hits all the right fashion notes

Who says you can't be a nerd and look good? I'm really enjoying the premiere shots of Timberlake, Garfield and Eisenberg for their new movie 'The Social Network'. Justin in particular has proven he may know a little something about his fashion endeavors. He has been photographed wearing Collection Premiere de Cartier glasses and a trilby that somehow makes him look bald rather than chic. His ensemble which is made up of a navy two-button peak lapel suit, striped shirt and tie, is all by Simon Spurr.

While Jesse Eisenberg and that other guy look dashing in their suits it's not surprising Garfield and Timberlake stand out. The latter certainly should know what he's doing by now, and it seems the singer turned producer turned actor turned spokesmodel turned director turned fashion designer may finally have found himself a comfortable home in fashion. He certainly is trying hard enough to make us notice. Prior to this I often felt his braver attempts were contrived. Not so anymore. 

Jude Law in new Dior Homme commercial

Hollywood is mixing it up again. Why bother using a regular director for a commercial when you have heavyweights like Martin Scorsese or Frank Miller on-board. Now Madonna's ex has been hired to film the latest Dior Homme Campaign featuring Ritchies other rumored ex Michaela Kocianova and DH favorite Jude Law. 

Catch the video from COCOPEREZ below.

JULIA ROBERTS
ROBYN: On the one hand Jules copped some flak for wearing shorts (gasp, at her age? gasp, on a red carpet?) and on the other hand she was accused of being too boring. Seriously? Can this incredibly beautiful, talented, successful woman never win? I think that she looks amazing. Look at those pins! She totally rocks the DVF shorts and smartens it all up with the Stella McCartney jacket. I think that it is a bit risky and a bit summer fun, probably unlike the movie. But that may just be me since I must be in a team of about seven people who haven't bought into the whole Cult of Eat,Pray,Love. Just call me an outlier, Gladwell.

MARCO: Obviously a better choice than the tent-like Kimono dress she wore this week in Japan. She has quite the body on her and those stems could belong to any 20 year old girl. Anyone hating on this look is just jealous or close-minded. She keeps it classy by choosing to show a lot of leg and covering the rest. A Tux jacket, the simple jewelery and the shoes, the rich brown of her hair accenting the black; I think it's hot, however old she is. I'm a proud cultee!

CHACE CRAWFORD
MARCO: There are so many things to love about this look. This is what happens when a pile of seemingly ordinary pieces pull together and make magic. It says, "this man doesn't take himself too seriously but he knows what he's doing". It's the simplicity of the styling, nothing is over-worn, in saying nothing he's saying a lot! We all know my thoughts on rolled up trousers and boat shoes, but look how he wears it without looking like a trend-follower. Chuck may be better dressed but his style is obvious whereas Chace, well he proves that you can be fashionable without back-handing people with his superior styling when he walks in a room.

ROBYN: I think we need to be honest here. This is just sheer deliciousness. And it is unseemly and unprofessional of me to drool quite so much over this poor young boy. I also think that the total scrumptiousness also diverts attention from the actual styling. It is probably a bit self conscious, no? And certainly not original, right? But who cares when Boy Chase + some lovely clothes = one rather overheated old lady. A little gift from us to you on a Friday. Sigh.

TOM FORD 2010 AD CAMPAIGN Ft. NICHOLAS HOULT

It seems Fashion really is going to the birds. Shot here by Tom Ford himself, Actor Nicholas Hoult appears once again for the designers campaign. It's all very 'Hitchcock'... right?

Brad Goreski by Terry Richardson

I am a huge fan of Brad Goreski. Having said that I haven't watched more than an episode of his show with Rachel Zoe. His style is fantastic and consistent. I like the bow-tie and glasses theme he keeps. Also I love the fact that he carries a folio or briefcase to formal events. He's one to watch for sure!



He was just shot by the famous Terry Richardson who also likes to appear alongside his subjects. His blog Terry's Diary is FANTASTIC and keeps me there for hours.



And of course if you have not already seen what it is he does, then take a gander at the following clip from Season 2 "The Rachel Zoe project"

Ryan Gosling in Burberry

Featuring an array of who's-who's in Cannes this year, Ryan Gosling walked the Red Carpet with co-star Michelle Williams. Of course unlike most premieres, BLUE VALENTINE was set against the backdrop of yachts and indulgence in Palais Stephanie. It's no wonder that the mighty talented Gosling, 29, dressed in a perfectly tailored Burberry suit ended up taking off his bow-tie, and still looking like a million bucks, scoring major Man of the Cloth points!




{source:justjared}

Robert Downey Jr. and his Gucci

There is no shortage of designer gear in Robert Downey Jr.'s closet. Spotted outside Gucci in New York City matching his shoes with not only his suit but his wife too. Lavender coordination and plum spectacles! This is why we Love RDJ.



At the premiere of his new movie 'IRON MAN 2' RDJ was decked out in his usual style, this time HEAD-TO-TOE Lanvin. I would love to take a look into his wardrobe. The colour lenses add such a special touch. Alber Elbaz must be proud!



{getty images}

Shutter Island Style

There were probably no more than three costume changes for Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo in Shutter Island. At first I was concentrating on the horror and excitement of the first half, then as the scene began to settle into a twisty huh-what-when roller coaster I started noticing the clothing instead.

I refer to the wooly (it has to be?) blue suit worn in the movie as pictured below with Mark Ruffalo. The style immediately reminded me of D&G 2006 Sailor trousers. Thick and larger in fit this style has made the odd appearance but is unrealistic in terms of it's wearability. Perhaps other Winters are less forgiving, but locally that would still be far too warm.



The ties were a real treat too! Including the big knot and almost rounded ends likened to a scarf. Not to mention the trousers which came up past the belly button. I quite enjoyed the large frames of the overcoats that were clearly too big but worked in it's time.

Did you enjoy Shutter Island?

Oscar MEN In 2010!

Robert Downey Jr. you took my breath away with this outfit. I KNEW it had to be Lanvin and my sources say it is. How could it not be? The bow-tie, the high-tops... it's perfection. I always thought that men got the short stick when it came to the Oscars and now I tell ya-- this is how it's done!



Tom Ford (dressed by Tom Ford as if there were any other choice) and Jake Gyllenhaal dressed by Burberry (as was Woody Harrelson, Ryan Seacrest, Anthony Mack and Guy Pierce). Both Beautiful Tuxedo's, I think Tom Ford's carnation adds a beautiful touch to an otherwise standard Tux. But notice the lapel is rounded and larger than Gyllenhaal's. Beautiful.



And then there was Sharlto Copley who we unfortunately didn't see on-stage. Luckily his ill-fitting South African flag tee's were not to be seen but he did ad a sweet little pin of our flag! I can't say I'm loving her dress though...

James Franco is your new Gucci Man

Frida Giannini plans to keep you on the edge of your seats with James Franco's "masculine air" with Gucci's latest release. Gucci by Gucci Sport has been said to immerse you in that "Sporty state of mind". But since the release is only slated for April these pictures will have to suffice, ladies.

PART 3 - Robert Downey Jr's style

Hero comes in a new shade! He's quirky yet handsome and seems to fall into all the wrong places in comical scenarios of every kind. So as the borders are stretched on what kind of actors we place in action movies it comes as no surprise that Robert Downey Jr is still a valid member of modern cinema.

His style is non-conformity. Or rather classic with a twist. A t-shirt under a blazer, quirky glasses and his goatee (interesting how all three Top Billing candidates have goatee's?), even double-breasted suits with high-top sneakers.



His sunglass choices are even posted online for you to buy for yourself.

So if you want to duplicate the Robert Downey Jr. style, then get the following:

1) Cartoon tee's to wear under a fitted blazer with jeans
2) Purple tinted sunglasses
3) A mustache or goatee
4) Cardigans/shirts and fun striped ties
5) Neckerchiefs
5) Sherlock Holmes attire with top hat and cane!

PART 2 - Leonardo DiCaprio's style

I wouldn't exaclty call Leonardo DiCaprio, trendy. But what he manages to exude, wether owed to a stylist or not is style and attitude. He is quite simple in his dress sense and I think that's what works. However when it gets to his casual wear it leaves a little to the imagination. With his baseball caps that never seem to leave his head except for premieres, Leo (according to a specific study of all the many photo's taken of him) wears a different cap to every baseball game he attends.



With the red carpet, Leo keeps it classic! And barely ever moves far from his black and white standard. Slick back hair and a 5 o' clock goatee is all you need. And a tan of course.

If you want to look like Leonardo DiCaprio, this is what you need:

1) Basic fitted black suit
2) Slick back hair
3) Baggy jeans and high-tops
4) Day old scruff shaved into a simple goatee
5) A collection of State Baseball caps
6) Nonchalance

HEAR THIS: WE ARE THE WORLD 2.0

Featuring the fantastic vocal stylings of P!NK, Jennifer Hudson, Wyclef Jean and even a little Miley Cyrus.
The track is similar to it's former version except that 2010 has added a wall of rappers including Lil' Wayne and Kanye West. It sounds better than I expected!

The track is available on iTunes and proceeds will go to Haiti relief!

While watching it I couldn't help but notice a tartan shirt that I immediately loved. Kanye West and his Rayban Wayfarers (it must have been bright inside)graced the re-recording of We are the world. It's a gold embellished Studded Givenchy shirt from the 2010 spring collection.





Jak and Jil blog snapped a picure of Panos Yiapanis wearing the shorts version.



Amd for the rest of us... we always have the Bedazzler.

Ryan Reynolds smells...

Ryan Reynolds isn't satisfied conquering Rom-Coms, Action movies and arguably the sexiest woman in the world. No, the Canadian Star has ventured where many a celeb has gone. Fragrance! But lucky for us it won't be his own celebrity stink-- but an endorsement from giant Hugo Boss.

The 33 year old actor said: "BOSS is a brand that not only represents classic style and sophistication, but inspires men to work hard, embrace opportunities and strive for success in all aspect of their lives. I'm honored BOSS invited me to be the face of its new men's fragrance."

And Hugo Boss' global marketing director had this to say of him: "We're delighted to be working with Ryan as the face of the new BOSS fragrance as he perfectly captures the ethos of the brand. He is stylish, dynamic and confident with a tenacity and determination that make him an ideal role model of modern success."

Oh that and he's incredibly good-looking.