John Bartlett's Fall/Winter 2012 menswear collection was steeped in his signature American classics but updated with pieces for every man. This is a collection without a specific audience but loosely based on The Lord of the Flies, the literary classic about a group of boys running amok on a deserted island. Allusions to the great outdoors dominated the presentation, creating what could be described as the modern lumberjack (complete with rugged models with muddied extremities and faces). Plaid vests, thermals, boldly striped ponchos, orange knit caps, and quilted plaid shorts were coupled with sturdy Hunter rain boots. They seamlessly played alongside nautical-striped shirts and heavier pieces like supple motorcycle jackets in rich chocolate brown and red. The designer stressed the importance of color to us earlier in the evening, calling it the one fashion risk every guy should take this season. Pops of yellow, red and cerulean gave his otherwise serious collection a wink of playfulness. There were times when the collection took an odd, retro turn. High-waisted pants with flared legs and tight, open-chest shirts seemed more Saturday Night Fever than outdoorsy.Bartlett collaborated with a grant from Lexus to create this eco-chic collection, using only natural and recycled pieces. The leather fabrics were Ultrasuede and many of the materials came from recycled vintage pieces. Despite his hearty Midwestern roots, Bartlett has been a vegan himself for years, and he wanted that ethos to translate into the clothes. John Bartlett Talks His Fall/Winter Fashion Collection
Editor's Note: Like many male-centric publications, we place much emphasis on fashion and looking better. In an article we published, which featured Andre Benjamin as the lead image, we discovered a commenter whose views on (heterosexual) men and the epidemic of street-style blogs caught our attention. They're grabbing mostly because it's a perspective that's often overlooked: a woman's. Miriam Brown is the creator of Thirtythoughts, and here, she elaborates on what she thinks men should look like. Do you agree? Share your thoughts with us at fashion@askmem.com or in the comments field below. - Sachin BholaFashion EditorWhoever coined the phrase "be careful what you wish for because you just might get it" was wise beyond their years. For so long, women have been complaining about their man’s frumpy, unimaginative style, but little did we know that our demands for competency in assembling an outfit would bring about such a drastic and undesirable result. Guys, all we really ask is that you match, avoid skinny jeans and wear clothes that fit. Further, creativity, as evidenced by the men in blogs like The Sartorialist and Street Etiquette, could have you kicking rocks after the first date -- if you even get that far.Fashion, to the average Joe, has never consisted of anything more than jeans and a T-shirt. If he is required to dress up for work or play, slacks and a button-down shirt will do just fine. If he's really in touch with his style, he might even sport a tailored suit, but only on special occasions. Fashion has never really been a widely held interest among heterosexual men -- until now. Assuming the pioneers of this fashion-conscious era, like Andre Benjamin and the editors at Details, are in fact heterosexual, it's safe to say that a phenomenon has been born.
What a girl wants
I can't say that I am pleased with or excited about this phenomenon, as this flamboyant garb takes away from the ruggedness and simplicity that makes men, well, men. Women do appreciate a man who can dress himself properly, but let's not get carried away. Traipsing around in these overly exuberant colors and jewelry would definitely scare the average woman away, and maybe that's your intent. However, men who are looking to attract women should take the wardrobe suggestions from said blogs and media outlets with a grain of salt.Fortunately, it seems that this phenomenon has been confined primarily to the East Coast. Hopefully, it stays there. As a West Coast girl, I can't say that men dressing in this manner would do well for the dating scene here -- it's already in dire straits. Street Etiquette, a fashion-focused blog created by native New Yorkers Travis Gumbs and Joshua Kissi, was recently featured in a New York Times article titled Pushing the Boundaries of Black Style, and, I must say, they're pushing it all right. Enter the bloggers
In the article, their style is described as “prep with a twist,” but I think that's putting it lightly. Frankly, I found most of the clothing, in the manner it was assembled, to be loud and off-putting. The Sartorialist is no better, as the founder, Scott Schuman (who is actually dressed quite smartly in his bio picture), dares to call paisley pants and striped pants paired with patterned scarves fashionable, suggesting an appropriate way to present oneself. But to whom? The fairer sex?While there’s nothing wrong with making a statement with your clothing and showcasing your own personal style, I would not encourage men to emulate the looks displayed in these blogs, or to accept every look shown on celebrity fashionistas like Pharrell and Kanye West. This style of dress is great for a fashion spread (well, maybe not the paisley pants) and can even be pulled off by performers and entertainers (I don't even think Prince could pull off paisley), but much like runway fashions for women, heterosexual men would look ridiculous if they actually wore this stuff in public. I appreciate the effort, but floral-print shirts and pants for guys is a turnoff. If I'm rushing out of the house one day, and it's possible that, in haste, I might grab one of your shirts instead of mine, we definitely have a problem.What do women really want to see you in? That's next...
Click here to follow AskMen Fashion on Twitter.Arguably hip-hop’s most eclectic newcomer, Danny Brown is an individual in every sense. With asymmetrical hair, uber-skinny jeans and a penchant for high-end designers, he’s one guy who couldn't care less what the rap pack has to say about him. That devil-may-care attitude permeates every aspect of his critically acclaimed album XXX, combining the tart honesty of crime and drugs in Detroit with a unique panache. The very opinionated Brown got candid with us about his style.
Danny Brown On The Look
Sowmya Krishnamurthy (SK): Your own look is eclectic, to say the least. Where do you draw inspiration from?Danny Brown (DB): I just buy stuff I like. I don't have limitations. I don't think about what somebody else will think about how I look. A lot of people might like some sh*t or want to buy it, but they might be scared of what their friends might think or businesspeople might think. I just don't care [laughs]! As a kid, my parents would usually dress me so I didn't have any say over it until I got into high school when I was just being trendy and buying whatever kids thought was cool. I don't think I really got into fashion until I was selling drugs and shopping like every weekend and competing with the other guys who were shopping every weekend, too. How do you one-up them? From that, I learned about high-end fashion and sh*t. Then it got to a point where I felt that just 'cause you spend money on your clothes doesn't mean that sh*t fresh, so I got into thrifting and stuff like that. Now all of that's just coming into it's own, you know? SK: One of your signatures is your asymmetrical haircut. Why did you decide to get that? DB: At the end of the day, I wanted to cut my hair, but I didn't want to cut my hair off. So I figured it was something that was cool enough and something that was manageable. SK: Is it easy to maintain? Are you a "wash and go" kind of guy?DB: Yeah, pretty much. I just wash it and blow-dry it. I mean, if I got some special sh*t, I might get it flat-ironed or something, but other than that, I just wash it and blow-dry it and probably put a hat on.SK: Do you take credit for that look? Can fans start requesting the "Danny Brown"?DB: Nah, because I think white dudes have been rocking this look for a long time. I'm just a black guy -- that's about it. So I don't think I could really claim it. I guess not too many black guys have this cut, I guess. Danny Brown And Detroit
SK: We spoke to Big Sean, who attributes growing up in Detroit to his look. How does being from the D shape your aesthetic?DB: I think me leaving Detroit shaped my style. Me leaving, going to New York, going to L.A. and seeing what they were doing there. I think that inspired me more than what people were doing back home. SK: Is it crazy now being back home with your style and everyone else is so... Midwestern?DB: It's got to the point where I tone it down; I don't go out crazy like that. I just put a hood on and sh*t now, you know? I don't like talking to random people up there. I got stopped in Kmart today. Like, "Uhh, I'm in here returning some sh*t, and you're talking to me?" SK: So, what were you doing in Kmart?DB: I actually don't have cable -- I just have a TV -- so I was trying to watch the game [Super Bowl]. I had to go buy one of those converter box thingies or whatever, but I ended up not needing that sh*t, because I got a digital TV. I needed a digital antenna or some sh*t. So I bought the f*cking $60 converter to realize I don't need that sh*t. Me returning the damn antenna, I got stopped by some random dude. I thought I was hidden -- I had a scully on, I had a hood on -- but you can't escape the face. Danny Brown talks to us about men's fashion, next... 
Click here to follow AskMen Fashion on Twitter.Valentine's Day is around the corner and you're starting to feel the pressure. Often, in our pursuit to get that special someone in our life the perfect gift, we overlook the simple, powerful things we know she'd love -- like perfume. Of course, the meer thought of buying perfume is enough to make you think a card and flowers is good enough. This year, however, we believe that you can pull off purchasing the perfect scent. That's why we spoke to Victoria’s Secret Beauty’s VP of Fragrance, Mark Knitowski, for his expert advice.AskMen (AM): A lot of men don’t understand the relationship between the notes of a perfume and its place in a woman’s life. For example, what notes (like floral or leather) are best suited for day? For night? For Valentine's Day? Mark Knitowski (MK): Fragrance is very personal and transformative. It is very dependent on the person -- what she likes and how she likes to wear it. Fruity, floral, citrus, and fresh green notes are considered more for day -- they are more bright, wet, dewy, and crisp. Musks, woods (cedarwood, sandalwood), suede notes, and vanilla are usually considered more for evening -- they are large molecules that project longer due to the way they adhere and interact with the skin. I believe the notes aren’t the reason it is day or night; it is more about the person. Women who wear floral scents in the evening say they feel more seductive. Women who wear a vanilla- and wood-based scent during the day say it makes them feel good. It is really personal. It will help you tell how well you know your woman and where you are in your relationship if you pick a fragrance that is right for her. Go behind the scenes with your favorite VS models as they shoot the Victoria's Secret 2012 Valentine's Day campaign. AM: Will her body chemistry change the way the scent smells on her? If so, how should a man navigate this if he’s surprising her with perfume as a gift? MK: Certainly. Just because it smells good on a friend, it may not smell good on her. The warmth of the skin, what she eats, what beauty body products she uses all play a role in how a fragrance will smell on her skin. Some women may push green notes more, others the warmth. You really need to try it on your own skin. For men to navigate to the right scent for a gift, they need to be observant and in tune with their woman. What does she wear now? Ask her why, what is it about the fragrance that she loves? When she looks through magazines and smells, what does she like? When you go shopping and you go through the fragrance section, what does she try and what makes her smile? Get a few ideas of what she likes, and why she likes it. This should help guide you through the massive array of scents out there to find one that will connect with her. Plus, it is a gift from you. She may love it just because you gave it to her, regardless if it is a scent she normally would wear. AM: Is there a relationship between a woman’s age and what type of perfume she likes? MK: What I have seen is fruity floral fragrances seem to resonate more with younger women (say 18 to 25), and for woman over 40, it seems to be more about stronger floral scents or creamy, woody scents. It is very personal, and fragrance is connective to how you feel about yourself and what you want to project. AM: These days, I wonder if women are flattered when they receive a classic perfume, like Chanel No. 5, or do they think it’s unoriginal? MK: It depends how you define "a classic." It is getting harder and harder. A classic used to be something that was around and a top seller for 15 years. Now, with all the new launches, some fragrances that consistently do well for five-plus years are considered classics. But the classics are classics for a reason. Many have created an emotional tie with the women who wear them. They were launched at a time when there wasn’t over 50 fragrances launched in a year. Due to the vast array of scents that are launching every year (over 1,000), there is far less loyalty to a specific scent. For example, our Dream Angel Heavenly launched in 1999 and has been the No. 1 scent in the U.S. since 2005. We have women who just can’t live without that fragrance. I think it is about the person and where they are in their life. What they like to do (travel, exercise, etc.) defines the best fragrance for them. As stated, if you know her, you will know what to get her. If a classic scent works for her taste it certainly doesn’t hurt. What is the most common mistake men make when buying perfume for that special someone in their life? That's next...
How To Watch A Fashion Show: Sachin On Fashion Click here to follow AskMen Fashion on Twitter. Got a question for Sachin? Send it to fashion@askmen.com. While all questions are read, due to time constraints, only published questions will be answered.
how to watch a fashion show
In the upcoming week, you'll find the web taken over with obnoxious headlines like "Navy Is The New Black!", street-style photos of sharply dressed men (read: the fashion industry hangers-on) with whom you only have your genitals in common, and images of lifeless-looking models who, at best, prompt you to laugh. Yes, guys, it's New York Fashion Week. If you're thinking, "Sachin, who wears that sh*t?" you've read my mind. Hey, just because I'm a fashion editor doesn't mean I can't keep it real. The difference, however, is that I can look past what is presented on a runway and filter it for the takeaway value. That's what this is about. In fact, with enough know-how, you could even save a few bucks. Seriously. I'll get to that...Say What?
A few seasons ago, I remember watching a model wearing a fisherman's hat with a navy blazer, a transparent knit wifebeater, checked pants, and sneaks. It was one of my favorite shows (Richard Chai). WTF, right? Wrong. Of course, at face value, runway looks can be ridiculous if not costumey, but they're not meant to be taken at face value. The reason designers present such extreme statements is that, well, it's a show. Truth be told, I'd be pretty bored watching a fashion show with models wearing jeans and a T-shirt with a pair of Converse shoes (which is what most of us wear on the weekends). As our friend designer Simon Spurr says: "This is a designer’s biggest window each season to tell a story, send a message to the press and the public. Many designers (I hope, at least) don't intend their clothes to be worn exactly as they are shown on the runway."What To Look For
Now that you can get over your initial reaction to the image, focus on what's being said -- no matter how weird it may get. Here's what I'm jotting down in my Moleskine: Identify Themes: In the case of the aforementioned look, it's clear that fishing and beach themes are at play here. These outdoor and aquatic themes will work well for men in a sportswear or streetwear context. What guy doesn't want to feel like he's at the beach in the spring when he's actually pounding the city pavement? Identify Colors And Patterns: Forget the transparent knit wifebeater; mixing the solid navy blazer with a navy-and-gray cuffed checked pant that reveals a bit of ankle is a good way of breaking up the traditional suit. Identify Cuts: Who's sick of skinny jeans? It's nice to see that the silhouette has loosened up. The addition of the fisherman's hat and sneakers reinforces the "relaxed" take on men's suiting. What Doesn't Work: Even when you look past all of the craziness, sometimes there's still stuff that doesn't work. A few seasons ago, for example, designer sweatpants were "in." To our surprise, a few well-known men's magazines were supporting this trend. We, however, found it absurd to dish out $300 on sweatpants. And we called this out. Again, it's not our job to gush over every fashion show we see; it's our job to filter through them -- even the crap. More on how to watch a fashion show next... 
Click here to follow AskMen Fashion on Twitter.On a recent Tuesday evening, I dashed out of the office to attend a press event for the unveiling of a new men’s cologne. And since inaccessibility and coolness are directly related in Manhattan these days, I was forced to trek down to the Lower East Side’s uber-modern Thomson Hotel. The scene was typical: A cramped room, tuna tartare on taro chips and uncomfortable mingling with a motley crew of writers ranging from 20-something Williamsburg-y blogger girls to seasoned editors from Vogue and Elle. I was out of my element and aching to get home.
The Power Of A Blazer
Cocktail time couldn’t end soon enough, and I quickly planted myself behind said editors from Vogue and Elle to hear the marketing manager’s spiel. It wasn’t because I wanted to be with the cool kids but rather the seat was closest to the door for a quick exit should the tuna tartare become a problem. An hour or so later, the show was over, and I made a run for the gift bags. But before I could get my hands on an iPad case dripping in GGs, I found myself face-to-face with a seven-foot tall redhead from Elle Latin America. “All guys should dress like you,” she said. I was somewhat startled. I mean, I had barely given myself a glance before splitting from my cube. And despite my day job, I rarely think of myself as a fashion plate. “That’s a really great blazer,” she continued. Suddenly I was all ears for this unsolicited ego boost. But then, something more significant happened: I realized I was the only guy there who even bothered to toss on a blazer that brisk early winter evening. And in so doing, I had unknowingly unleashed its power. RELATED VIDEO: The Power Of The Blazer In the days following my stamp of approval from the Amazonian Elle girl, I got to thinking about where that power is derived from. Sure, when it comes to blazers, I’ve espoused the season’s best bets and dos and don’ts dozens of times. But why would a blazer get me a second look? Why You Need To Wear A Blazer
Reason No. 1: It’s masculineThe world’s most manly men (Tom Ford and David Beckham come to mind) are pretty much always in some sort of blazer, which is basically like an express ticket to Testosterone-ville. After all, the only reason people care about clothes in the first place is to attract other people so that they can take them off. Reason No. 2: It hides doughnuts and pizzaA formfitting blazer can create a completely new silhouette for your body -- even if you’ve been skipping the gym. Whether it's love handles, a spare tire or flabby forearms, the clean lines of a blazer will instantly lean you out. Reason No. 3: It plays well with othersThe blazer is one of the few items of clothing in a man’s wardrobe that can work with anything from black tie to a T-shirt. In short, the possibilities are endless. Of course, just any old blazer isn’t going to get you laid, drop 10 pounds or integrate seamlessly with a cummerbund. So, how can you find a blazer that will? That's next...
Click here to follow AskMen Fashion on Twitter.Leopard skinny jeans were only the beginning. Lil Wayne has now added "creative director" to his ever-growing status as a hip-hop hyphenate with TRUKFIT, a newly launched contemporary streetwear brand. An acronym for “The Reason You Kill For It,” TRUKFIT is inspired by Wayne’s childhood experiences in the Magnolia Projects of New Orleans, where, as a kid, he would snag gear from the back of a clothing booster truck (i.e. imposter clothes). When people would spot these knockoff duds, they’d often say, “You got on the truck fit." Wayne hopes to flip that negative memory into a positive with his new line and, thus, change the connotation of the word. TRUKFIT is aesthetically rooted in skater culture, and every piece of the collection is something Lil Wayne -- an avid skater himself -- would conceivably wear. Colorful fitted hats with a skateboarder avatar or tees emblazoned with messages like “Martians Truk The Wurl” and “Fear None/RSPCT Few” are the line’s current staples, but plans to expand into other apparel and accessories are on the horizon. Wayne’s artistic process as creative director, much like his rapping, is more freestyle than traditional, and he hatches ideas at will. His stylist, Marisa Flores, says that the rapper’s tastes aren’t inspired by typical trends but rather what’s going on in the streets around the world: “I feel like he just gets ideas and tells us about them!” Flores herself worked with skate brands prior to styling Wayne and introduced him to many of the definitive looks (tighter fits, hoodies, skate shoes) some three years ago, which he quickly embraced and then helped to popularize among other rappers. TRUKFIT tees are priced reasonably around $32, and hats are $28. Brand Executive Mike Morris stresses that democratizing the line was important to Wayne. “He wanted to have a line that everyone could afford. He didn’t want to out-price the product.” TRUKFIT will be sold at Zumiez stores, Zumiez.com and Karmaloop.com starting early February. Expect to see plenty of Wayne’s heavy-hitter friends from the worlds of music, sports and general celebrity rocking TRUKFIT in the coming year. The brand already plans to have presence at the upcoming Grammy Awards and the NBA All-Star Weekend Players Ball. Says Morris, “You’ll see it on everyone pretty soon.”
Click here to follow AskMen Fashion on Twitter.CP3 continues to show how smart he is on the court as the best point guard in the NBA, now in his seventh season. And when out of uniform he continues to impress with his style. Here are his tips for looking sharp on any occasion.Tip No. 1: Care about what you wear: “I like to look presentable, dress nice. I am no female or anything like that, but I do like clothes and I love watches.”Tip No. 2: Cardigans can be cool, so wear them: “I love cardigans, different sweaters and stuff like that.”Tip No. 3: Labels can be your best friends: “I am already a shoe fanatic, so I have every pair of Jordans that ever came out. I also love Polo by Ralph Lauren.”Tip No. 4: Own the essentials: “If you are just starting to get into clothes and dressing nice, you have to get your essentials together. You have to have your white shirts, your blacks, your grays, khaki colors, and denim. Then you can mix and match. Tip No. 5: Listen to your lady: “My wife is the head honcho when it comes to fashion. I just try and keep her away from the shoe store, but she is very fashion-forward, also.”
It's February 1st, and depending on whether you're a glass-half-full person, the winter is, well, half over. That means it's time to look forward to all the things spring promises: women coming out of hibernation and trolling the streets wearing less, springtime drinks (which often aren't much different than wintertime drinks but involve being drunk on a terrace) and ditching the heavy layers. What better way to get your spring wardrobe ready than with a little bit a guidance from us? We teamed up with JungleCents for this exclusive deal with French Connection: $99 gets you $200 to spend. And here's how to spend it.
Canvas Jacket
Get the $200 for $99 dealA cotton utility canvas jacket is a good alternative to that jean jacket you've been wearing forever. Pair it with your favorite graphic-print tee, a pair of dark-rinse jeans (roll the cuffs up) and your old-school sneakers to get you through the weekend in style.Jersey SweatshirtGet the $200 for $99 dealA lot of guys think that a button-down is always in order with a suit. We don't agree with that, unless you work in a super-formal setting. In that case, sucks to be you. Try pairing a thin sweatshirt, like this striped one, under your navy suit for something a little different. Hiking BootsGet the $200 for $99 dealOver the years, men have become a lot more comfortable wearing boots as a style statement. And if you're not sure how to pull that off, take these hiking boots as an example: Try wearing them with some olive-colored cords, a vintage varsity jacket and a snap-back hat the next time you hit that hipster bar you hate (but secretly love). V-Neck SweaterGet the $200 for $99 dealWhile there's nothing especially noteworthy about a V-neck sweater, color is what's worth paying attention to. Instead of reaching for the typical -- black, gray, black... black -- try something like purple. Don't be scurred, because layering it under a navy blazer will seriously tone it down. Web BeltGet the $200 for $99 dealSometimes all you need to hit the refresh button on your wardrobe is an accessory, like this belt. Team this with a pair of dark-blue jeans and a polo shirt for a sporty weekend look. 
Click here to follow AskMen Fashion on Twitter. Men's hairstyles continually evolve with new trends. Just like the shoes and clothes you wear, the way you style your hair says a lot about your sense of fashion and personality. However, before you decide on your next hairstyle, or if you simply want to change your current look, read on to find out what these hairstyling products can do for you. Each of these products form distinct textures and styles for various hair types. Discover which products can better help you achieve the hair you've always wanted.
Mousse
Mousse is great for any man's hairstyle and it can create practically any desired look. When used on wet hair, it will give you a sleek, wet look, with shine. When used on dry hair, it will help shape, mold and hold your hair in place with a more natural look. Mousse can also provide volume for men with thinner or fine hair. Wear mousse on a daily basis to create a natural and easy-to-manipulate hairstyle. How to use it Shake the bottle. Dispense a small amount in one hand and apply to your hair with both hands. Style your hair to your liking and blow dry for maximum hold. Main benefit Mousse allows you to restyle your hair throughout the day without the stickiness factor. Main drawbacks Quality hair mousse doesn't come cheap and it might lack holding strength for those who need more grip. Celebrities whose hairdos are perfect for mousse include Chris Hemsworth, James Franco and Lapo Elkann.Gel
Hair gel is the most efficient of hairstyling products for keeping your hair steady in its place. Gel works well on waved, curled, relaxed, textured, and virgin (uncolored or untreated) hair over extended time periods, and it can be used for styling techniques such as freezing, sculpting, molding, and scrunching. Good quality gels will also moisturize and condition your hair for many days. Make sure to avoid any gels or other hair products that contain alcohol because they will dry out and damage your hair. Cheap gels have a tendency to dry the scalp and generate flaking. How to use it Dispense a nickel-size amount of gel in one hand and use both hands to rub it into your towel-dried hair. Style the hair to your liking. Blow-dry if you want maximum hold or dry naturally for a shiny look. Main benefit It will cement your hairstyle for many hours, even in the face of heavy winds. Main drawbacks A large quantity of gel is needed for many looks and you will get your hands sticky if restyling is needed throughout the day. Celebrities whose hairdos are perfect for gel include Ed Westwick, Jon Hamm as Don Draper and Brad Pitt. Read on for more on the best hairstyling products for men...
Click here to follow AskMen Fashion on Twitter.We asked five of the world's most respected watch experts -- who also happen to be regular AskMen contributors -- to share their top pick from the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), a major Swiss trade show most men can only dream of attending. Here's what they had to say.
Benjamin Clymer's Pick: Tank Louis Cartier XL Slimline
There are so many watches out there, yet so few truly matter. Perhaps the watch that matters most is the Cartier Tank. After all, it was a tank that Alberto Santos-Dumont first strapped to his wrist, and in doing so launched the concept of the commercialized wristwatch. This year, Cartier released an absolutely stunning traditional tank in the Louis Cartier line (initially created in 1922 as "the ultimate watchmaker's manifesto of elegance and timelessness"). Dubbed the Tank Louis Cartier XL, this watch is modern in size, traditional in design and elegant in execution. It uses an ultra-thin manually wound movement borrowed from Richemont sister Piaget, and is actually now the thinnest piece in the Cartier wristwatch collection. It is available only in a pink-gold case for $14,200 -- a small price to pay for what is, in my opinion, the truest interpretation of the original Cartier tank, the watch that started it all.Timothy Barber's Pick: Montblanc TimeWriter II Bi-Frequence 1000
SIHH 2012 has been very much about the “superwatch” -- the kind of emblematic timepiece whose outrageously advanced engineering is matched by a suitably stratospheric price and extremely limited production run. Of these, the one that leapt out above the rest is Montblanc’s Timewriter II Bi-Frequence 1000 (and breathe). This is a chronograph that can measure to 1-1,000th of a second, something TAG Heuer achieved last year with its Mikrotimer, but with a chronograph power reserve of a couple of minutes. Montblanc’s chronograph will run for 45 minutes, and it’s production-ready. It’s also very snazzily styled, with on-trend skeletonization, bold red-on-black coloring and a dashboard-style indicator at 12 o’clock for reading those millennial microseconds.Frank Geelen's Pick: Montblanc TimeWalker TwinFly GreyTech
The new Montblanc TimeWalker TwinFly GreyTech might be one of those great finds that somehow flies under the radar. The GreyTech is the latest limited edition of the TimeWalker TwinFly, which has been finished in a monochrome gray color scheme. Since I have a website named Monochrome, this should, of course, be my pick from SIHH. No tourbillon, no minute repeater, but a great-looking chronograph with a magnificent in-house movement. It has two mainspring barrels, offering a power reserve of 72 hours, and a second time zone, which is great when traveling. The chronograph function is activated through a column wheel, which is considered to be the pinnacle by connoisseurs.Jason Heaton's Pick: Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph
Of all the great timepieces introduced at the 2012 SIHH, my favorite is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph. While this watch looks old, it’s not. In fact, it’s not even based on any historic chronograph from JLC. But it takes the 41-mm case from the famous 1950s Deep Sea Alarm and fills it with one of the finest chronograph movements made, Jaeger’s own dateless, two-register Calibre 751G. The creamy luminescent markers, elegant dial script and Plexiglas crystal lend such a vintage vibe, I’d be afraid to get this dive chronograph wet.Robert-Jan Broer's Pick: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak comes in a lot of flavors, especially the sporty Offshore. The stealthiest Royal Oak Offshore was -- till now -- its stainless steel Diver (ref.15703ST). During the SIHH 2012 exhibition in Geneva, Audemars Piguet introduced a new Offshore Diver that makes it even stealthier, as the case is made out of forged carbon and the bezel out of black ceramic. This means no more scratches on your Royal Oak Offshore (the stainless-steel versions tend to be real scratch magnets). The specifications of this watch remain the same as the stainless-steel version, except for the price. RELATED VIDEO: Check Out This Recap Of SIHH 2012 
Click here to follow AskMen Fashion on Twitter. A scarf tied with aplomb adds style and warmth to your winter wardrobe. A scarf, in its basic sense, works because it surrounds and protects your neck and keeps cold drafts of air from spiraling down your collar, leaving you susceptible to catching a chill. Once you know how to tie a scarf around your neck in different knots, you can leave that parka you shuffle around in at home and actually begin wearing the stylish winter clothes you’ve been reading about. So here’s our guide on how to pull it off, as well as our suggestions of the best jackets to rock each knot with.
Parisian Knot
The Parisian is the most popular knot. Here’s how to tie a scarf in a Parisian knot: Take the scarf in both hands and fold it over lengthwise; drape it around your neck; insert the loose ends through the loop hanging in front of you and pull them through. You can play with the tautness of the knot and the thickness of the scarf by doubling the scarf lengthwise, if you wish. This knot looks great on a short leather jacket with a notch collar left down. On a very cold day, you can tuck the scarf into the jacket and pull the zipper up.Once-Around Knot
The once-around knot is your entry-level knot for all those brisk days when you need a little extra comfort but don’t want to go with complete arctic readiness. Most men will use this knot for a quick commute to work or an evening out with a fitted blazer. The point of this knot is casual warmth. To learn how to tie a scarf in a once-around knot, drape the scarf around your neck allowing one end to be longer than the other. Take the long end and bring it around your neck and let it fall over your chest. If you have a long neck, overlap the scarf in back just a bit so that most of your neck between the jacket and the base of your skull is covered. You’re not done learning how to tie a scarf just yet…
Bond No. 9 New York Andy Warhol
$180, buy it hereIt might be commercial and kitsch, but it packs a punch. The bottom notes of musk, vanilla bean and sandalwood create an unbreakable platform for the white patchouli, jasmine and citrus to hold up the final top notes of bergamot and cypress leaves. How this is evocative of Andy Warhol is not clear, but it is one of the more complex and mercurial colognes this year.Formal Event
Cartier Declaration
$135, buy it hereSophisticated French elegance in a bottle is your first thought when you open Declaration. Cardamom and warm cedar highlight this modern scent that harkens back to the Belle Epoque era. Like a well-cut tuxedo, Cartier Declaration is sure to make you better-looking. Apply this one sparingly.Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot
$135, buy it hereThe name alone tells you that you’ll get plenty of bergamot along with cedar and woodsy floral tones that are surprisingly masculine. If your pal asks you to stand with him as his best man, then wear this cologne. It’ll do for you what Pippa’s dress did for her ass, and you’ll go home with a stack of phone numbers and a few stories to tell.Casual Sport
Ben Sherman
$55, buy it hereUnbelievably crisp and downright zesty is the only way to describe this sport scent. OK, so maybe you don’t wear cologne to the gym, but you should. Coffee, hay (yes, hay), vetiver, and musk prop up the middle notes of nutmeg and patchouli while lemon, tangerine and bergamot glide over the top. Victorinox Swiss Army Unlimited
$78, buy it hereOK, so it also makes pocket knives, watches and apparel, but this is not the typical cologne to accompany a lifestyle company. Someone actually thought about how a Swiss Army knife cologne should smell. Alpine fir trees provide the requisite wood notes while absinthe and genepi liquor add the necessary machismo we all think is part of the Swiss Army prerogative.Men's Colognes 2012
2012 is the year of the complex cologne, with unexpected pairings, like basil and mint with wood, to the bludgeoning effect of musk on every note. What is clear when you try these scents is that they take your personal grooming to a new level in which sophistication and style become indistinguishable. In past years you’d be lucky to find one cologne that could do this, but now you’ve got 10 to choose from.
Click here to follow AskMen Fashion on Twitter.It’s 2012, you’re on a diet, going to the gym -- it’s a new you! But there is an almost effortless way to instantly look smarter and impress the ladies. Gents, it’s time to turn your electric iron on. No, we haven’t been drinking starch. If you think ironing your shirts should be left to Mom or the laundry service down the road, perhaps it is time to get with the troops. A former British Royal Air Force radio technician who served in Iraq is supporting his family with one of the skills he learned in military training -- ironing. Er, hang on. They teach grown men how to iron? And this country won two world wars. How? With sharp trouser creases? Well, not exactly.“You get taught how to iron in the military so you can properly press your uniform the correct way,” explains David Merrick from Stourbridge, a historic market town in the West Midlands, a county in England. “Everyone maintains a standard, and it not only teaches you ironing but also discipline, as keeping up standards is very important. Man for man, we have the best air force in the world, and we have to look like we have the best in the world.”Given the economy, it’s about time everyone -- man and woman -- tried their best to look as good as they can both at work and in life, and a well-ironed shirt is a confidence booster. But most importantly, it could save you easily $600 a year from paying someone else to iron through your wrinkles. RELATED VIDEO: 3 Simple Ways To Improve Your Appearance
Ironing Your Shirts: What You Need To Start
So from Basra to blasting shirt wrinkles, how did this come about? “I left the RAF after seven years serving my country and then my wife became ill. Ironing seemed a good way of working from home and being able to help with the kids without any outlay.” So rather than rely on benefits -- a great British tradition -- Merrick is working through baskets of ironing he takes in. And far from being the butt of jokes from his "mates," he’s the toast of the local pub, having being featured on UK television and in The Times. And very kindly, he has agreed to share his top secret ironing intelligence with AskMen. But first things first: He maintains that you will need a good kit. A decent iron and full-sized ironing board will enable you to get the best results -- and by investing in good equipment, you are more likely to use it. Try Target's Essential Deluxe Ironing Board ($48.99). “I like to have my board covered with foil under the ironing board cover. That way all the steam and the heat gets reflected back; it is almost like ironing both sides at the same time and can help save time,” says the ironing guru.Investing in a cordless iron will make your experience tangle free. We recommend the Panasonic Steam Iron with Micro-Mist Spray ($59.09). “My iron has a self-clean system, so it takes any lime scale out of the water, and requires a minimal amount of effort to clean it.” How To Pull It Off
Also, a slightly damp shirt is easier to iron and achieves smoother results than one that is bone dry. So kit bought -- and Target delivers, so no excuses -- now where to start? “Start with the sleeves,” explains Merrick. “Flatten the first sleeve out and iron the seam from the cuff to the armpit first, then, if the sleeves are flat on the board, you can push your iron from the seam up across the body of the sleeve and create a nice crease at the top of the sleeve. Next, straighten the sleeve to get the crease running into a pleat from the cuff. Then move onto the body of the shirt, and finally once more over the sleeves.” You must take your time because if you rush, you'll make mistakes by putting creases into places that you don't want creases, and you'll have to re-iron things. But that's where the tips from Merrick end: “I am in the process of starting a website, and it will be used purely to promote my business rather than giving hints and tips to people. At the end of the day I want their custom [business] and can’t give away too many tips!”
If you’re trying to figure out how to improve the quality of your shave, the internet will just confuse you. Not only is the advice offered often conflicting, but the array of products that different sources recommend is hard to understand and not cheap to test out.All the same, I’ve tried virtually everything over the years. Like most guys, I started out with a can of Edge gel, then a can of Barbasol. As I got older, I tried branching out, first buying more expensive cans, then graduating to pricey tubs and tubes of ointment. The problem with all of these was that there was no discernible difference in the quality of my shave. That was, until I took the simplest advice anyone had given me: Use a bar of soap and a brush.
Shaving Basics
Before you shave, you need to know the basic rules of the game. They go like this:1. You need a good razor with a fresh, sharp blade. The multi-blade cartridge razors are great, but you can still get a great shave with a disposable if you do it right. 2. You need a shaving brush, preferably one made of badger’s hair, because that’s the only fiber that will carry water from the sink up to your face to give you the best lather. 3. You need hot water, which you apply to your face for some time before you start shaving. The best way to do this is to wash your face in the shower, then soak your face with a hot, moist facecloth for a minute or two before shaving. You also need a bowl of hot water to refresh your razor as you go. 4. You need to shave with the grain in short strokes of no more than an inch or two, between which you wet your razor in hot water. 5. You need to make sure to reduce friction between your razor and your face as much as you can. Even though you should never hold your razor hard against your face, the best shave will leave you feeling as though the razor is gliding effortlessly across your hair follicles -- like a Lawn-Boy rather than a push-mower. This last rule explains why we use shaving cream, but it also explains why most shaving creams, foams and ointments let us down. If you can feel the razor rubbing against your face, your shaving cream has failed in its singular task -- to lubricate your skin. The answer of how to get the best shave is, in my experience, counterintuitive. It’s the cheapest method, but has also remained for me the most reliable. Even as every year I experiment with a new cream or gel to see if I can improve upon it, nothing exceeds old reliable. My magic bullet? A bar of Ivory soap. Other soaps work well, too. In my experience, they each provide a superior shave, because soap, by nature, is slippery as hell, and if you want a quality shave, you need slippery skin.More essential shaving tips, next... RELATED VIDEO: The Benefits Of A Straight Razor Shave
Click here to follow AskMen Fashion on Twitter.Men's hairstyles in 2011 offered a lot of variety, but the start of the year means it's time to toss out the old and usher in the new. When it comes to your appearance, that means getting rid of anything that’s not helping you put your best face forward -- and your hairstyle is no exception. Here we present seven of the latest men’s hairstyles for 2012 and provide you with tips on how to make them work for you. We’ve also broken each style down by both the classic and trendy takes, for those looking for an alternative.
