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Archive for April 22nd, 2012

Men’s fashion is enjoying an unprecedented boom, largely due to the influence of popular male style icons like David Beckham, Pete Doherty and Daniel Radcliffe.

The revolution in men’s fashion has been gaining pace for some years now. First, the rise of the world ‘metrosexual’ – used to refer to trendy men who took care to dress well and look good – brought the growing male awareness of style to the forefront. However, in the last couple of years, so many men have begun to take an interest in fashion and clothing that singling certain males out as ‘metrosexual’ seems to have little meaning: everyone’s in on it.

In large part, the rise in male fashion consciousness has to do with the emergence of popular style icons as household names. Trends in men’s fashion have often been swayed by cultural figures: from the distinctive clothes of Mick Jagger and David Bowie to the original haircuts of anyone from The Beatles to Kevin Keegan. But with the meteoric success of David Beckham as a well-dressed celebrity in the limelight throughout the 1990s, it became ‘stylish’ to be stylish again – and men seemed to start taking acute care of their clothes, hair and general appearance.

While other famous sportsmen – like Amir Khan and Kevin Pietersen – have been making inroads into the fashion industry, it’s musicians that are leading the new generation of male style icons today. Pete Doherty’s relationship with Kate Moss, each chapter of which has been meticulously catalogued in the press, instantly projected him into the consciousness of style gurus the world over, making him an instant fashion idol of men keen to keep up with up-and-coming clothing trends.

Since then, the dandy-esque ways of a range of men in the public eye have become an inspiration to the fashion-conscious in Britain: from Russell Brand to David Tennant, men’s fashion trends have been immortalised on TV, in film and photography. The result has been that investment in male retail stores has increased considerably, with leading British fashion retailer Topman having recently opened a new flagship store in Cardiff – the store’s biggest premises outside of London.

Moreover, the recent upturn in the men’s fashion stakes has had an equally influential effect on teenagers, as much so as on young professionals and the under-40s. Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, for example, is often held up as an exemplary model of men’s fashion, while young bands like the Arctic Monkeys, The Klaxons and The View are frequently lauded for their irreverent approach to clothing and hairstyles.

Older men needn’t feel left out either – after all, the likes of Jagger and Bowie still hold sway in the fashion lottery. And while some older fashion fans might not be able to successfully sport the trendy offerings of Beckham and Doherty, there’s still plenty of in-vogue inspiration coming from the likes of Jose Mourinho and George Clooney. After all, fashion is for life: not just for the twenty-somethings!

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Adam Singleton is an online, freelance journalist and keen amateur photographer. His portfolio, called Capquest Photography is available to view online.

Fashion changes each season, be it in clothes, makeup or jewelry. To keep up with the latest fashion trends is not easy. But it is imperative to do so if you do not want to be caught wearing last season’s clothes or shoes. For spring summer 2011, the focus is on bright colors and floral prints. Feminine dresses in slim silhouettes, flirty ruffled skirts and tailored shorts will all be popular this season. Makeup on the other hand will be natural and subtle with a focus on a more fresh and scrubbed look. Here we are going to discuss some key spring summer 2011 trends.

Spring Summer 2011 Fashion Trends

Spring summer 2011 trends shows that there is an emerging trend in bright hues and maxi dresses with tribal prints. Last years key look like the jumpsuit and military inspired jersey dresses have been replaced with softer and more feminine dresses in painterly prints with a more streamlined silhouette. The playsuit has also made a comeback and it is one of the strongest trends this spring. Opt for a strapless playsuit and accessorize it with a statement necklace or stacked bangles to look trendy and fashionable. Pair your strapless jumpsuit with an aviator jacket or a short tuxedo jacket to create a great evening ensemble. Spring summer 2011 color trends are soft colors like powder blue, dusty pink, pale yellow and lavender. Floral prints will be popular this season with a focus on soft watercolor prints in fabrics like linen, chiffon and satin that drapes the contours of the body.

Jeans will be skinny and straight fit and darker hues like indigo and charcoal will be very popular. Short skirts with ruffles and dresses with flirty necklines will also be very popular. Layering in clothes will also be popular this season with the use of fabrics like lace, organza and georgette to create a romantic look. Another trend that will be popular this season is that of the mini dress. Summer is the perfect time for you to show off your tan and there is nothing better than a mini dress to do that. So get your legs toned for mini dresses. Shorts too are an emerging fashion trend for spring and summer fashion, and you can choose from mid thigh shorts to high waisted shorts. Neutral color shorts can be worn with a feminine silk blouse for a classic day look. For evening, you can pair a neon colored shorts or printed shorts with high heels and ruffled blouses.

Spring Summer 2011 Jewelry Trends

This season make way for bold and chunkier pieces of jewelry. Jewelry trends 2011 is all about big and bold pieces that are stylish and eye catching. You can choose from bib necklaces in multi colored stones to wide cuffs in materials like resin, crystal and beads. A single statement necklace when worn with a trendy piece of clothing can make you look chic and fashionable. You can also wear layered chains with both simple tee shirts and skinny jeans as well as evening dresses. Layered chains with pearls, stones, ribbons, beads and feathers are a fashion must have this season.

If there is just a single piece of jewelry that you need to have in your wardrobe than it will be a long shoulder grazing chandelier earring. Chandelier earrings are back with a bang after a long hiatus. They are romantic and glamorous and can perk up even the drabbest and severest of any outfit. Try a chandelier earring with a Victorian inspired design to stay on top of trends. Hoop earrings are also the latest trends in jewelry with a focus on pave diamonds and colored stones with antique metallic finish.

Spring Summer 2011 Makeup Trends

With so much bright colors in your makeup and clothes, it is but natural that the makeup trends for spring summer 2011 will focus on nudes and pastels. Makeup will be more natural looking with a focus on fresh face that looks almost like there is no makeup done. The face should be done in shimmery foundation that has a light pearly glow. Blushers in colors like pale pink and rose pink should be used and the use of bronzer and highlighter should be limited. Nude lipsticks and lip stains in a “barely there” color will be quite popular. The spring summer 2011 trends in makeup focuses on minimalism with the use of light colors and shades. Eye colors like pale pink, peach, coral and gold are popular this season with color block being the main technique of application. A trend that is not so hot this season is smoky eyes. So leave the smokey eye makeup for autumn and winter.

This was all about spring summer color trends 2011. While choosing clothes and accessories this season, remember to keep it bright and bold. When paired with subtle makeup and no fuss hairstyle, you can look elegant and chic.