[wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite]
The German powerhouse of fashion is looking to cut a slice of the multi-billion menswear market.
Mytheresa is in a good place, posting profits of +25% ending June 2019. This within a competitive but healthy luxury sector. E-commerce brand purchases and investments over the past few years of the likes of Matches Fashion and Net-a-porter are evidence of this buoyancy.
Luxury menswear is also proving fruitful for a lot of retailers. Notably due to streetwear brands that have seamlessly nestled themselves alongside the stalwarts of designer fashion on sites like Matches and Mr Porter. This has created a surge in demand that has boosted overall luxury menswear sales.
Now with streetwear ascendency in the space starting to slow, Mytheresa sees this as an opportunity to stake their claim. Their key approach is with brand exclusives. They have partnered with the likes of Prada, Thom Browne and Valentino on exclusive ranges. Hopefully, this gives customers a reason to come to the site.
We can give our customers access to something special they can only find at Mytheresa, and this makes us a unique luxury experience destination for them.
President and CEO of Mytheresa, Michael Kilger
They don't expect a quick-win with menswear though. The womenswear proposition has taken time to hone in on 250 focused designers (compared to 1,000 on Net-a-porter), and build customer loyalty. Data is key to business growth, and marketing spends are built on analysing the life cycles of their core customer base. The same will apply with menswear but it will need to take time to develop.
It will be interesting to see how Mytheresa positions itself within the menswear ecosystem. Whether they go more classic like Mr Porter or push towards catwalk fashion like Matches. Time will tell.
Visit mytheresa.com
Every man wants a fluid and interchangeable wardrobe. Being able to mix and match clothing seamlessly will not only keep your daily outfits looking fresh but also prolong the life of your garments. Thus, getting more bang for your buck. But, it isn't always that simple. Playing with textures and colours can become a minefield for men. So, we hope to guide you through one of the best combinations, navy and grey.
These colours are a timeless partnership but have also remained relative within the world of menswear. Just think of David Beckham at Harry and Megan's wedding. I'm sure many men were copying his navy suit with a double-breasted grey waistcoat at their next formal event after that.
With its consistent use among some of the most stylish men, why not try it as an office suit refresh or a formal wedding outfit.
We rave about fit, and we might as well have it tattooed on us. It is because, without fit, any outfit will immediately lose style points. You could have the nailed colourways, but, if that waistcoat is too loose or the shoulders of the jacket are sitting slightly off, then it will bring down the whole ensemble.
The fit of the waistcoat should be snug but not have tension pulling on the buttons. The length will sit about an inch below the waistline of the trousers, and show absolutely no shirt material even when the bottom button of the waistcoat is undone — a rule of thumb used for both a single or double-breasted vest. Like with suit jackets, we always advocate that the bottom button is never fastened. It allows for more movement, and overall you will feel more relaxed when wearing it.
On the rear of the waistcoat, you don't want too much excess material bunching, just a nominal amount. Too much means it might feel irritable when wearing, and it could also affect the drape of the suit jacket worn over the top.
A waistcoat is excellent for men that want to create a slimming silhouette. If that is important to you, then the fit becomes even more imperative.
Choosing between a single or double-breasted waistcoat depends mainly on your taste but also your surroundings. A double-breasted vest is much more formal than a single one. When worn with contrasting colours, it is evocative of the top and tails that are worn on a wedding day. So, if you are not attending a wedding, then we would suggest opting for a single-breasted version.
For confident men, they might opt for a houndstooth waistcoat with a plain navy jacket. Others might prefer to keep both without a pattern to avoid difficulties. We stress there is no right or wrong way for this. Light or dark grey can be an excellent contrast to the navy. But, if you are unsure or approaching with a little trepidation, then look for similar tones. Both navy and grey are great for absorbing colours and textures. Some brands already style these colours together on their websites or in-store, taking away the hard work.
Editors Note
If you choose a waistcoat with your outfit, then avoid a belt. Purchase trousers with a side adjuster or wear braces. If a belt is worn, it can crowd the waistline ruining the overall silhouette.
The airport can often be a soulless and hauntingly clinical way for men to relax before a flight. You are shuffled through a polished tiled mausoleum clutching your passport, desperately hoping your trip isn't delayed and you might remain in travel limbo for even longer. Looking for refreshments and chairs that aren't designed for a doctor's waiting room hardly raises spirits. In front of you, you are faced with bland chain shops and bars/pubs offering travellers the chance to drink a pint at 6.00 am.
Unfortunately, when it comes to airports, men often can't avoid the inevitable. But, that doesn't mean you should become a product of your environment. Like in any other situation, we would expect our readers to be keen on looking their best. Regarding travel, the most important thing to remember is that your outfit should be as comfortable as it is stylish.
Focus on the end game, and the destination you are heading to. Once you step off the plane, maximise your trip and be ready to relax. No man wants to be weighed down with excessive clothing as it's 20 degrees hotter than where you came from — heading to colder climes? You don't want to be rummaging around your suitcase looking for an elusive jumper you packed.
Much like when building a wardrobe of menswear staples, practicality is essential — investing in clothing that can interchange and be the foundation of many outfits. When flying, you want practical clothing that helps you overcome any unexpected hiccups -from cold air-con on the plane to a delayed flight leaving you stranded in an unfamiliar airport. That means utilising a lightweight, comfortable jacket that will keep the chill at bay. Any footwear needs to be able to take some walking because it always seems like your gate number is on the other side of the airport.
As we alluded to previously, travelling can always throw you some curveballs. Be prepared and ensure you have a jacket that prevents you from getting cold but can also be easily removed and stored.
You might love wearing your trench coat, but realistically, folding it and putting it in your bag will be a pain. We would opt for a men's workers jacket, an overshirt or a lightweight cotton jacket. It can be easily taken off and stored in a carry-on bag should you need it. Then when the air-con is blasting on the plane, it's accessible again.
Yes, you might be inclined to wear an Oxford shirt on a short-haul flight. But, with any shirt, you also run the risk of it becoming crinkled. So, if in doubt, stick with a t-shirt for longer journeys.
Personality can shine through by opting for a printed tee (a nod to Ryan Gosling) or stick with a faithful plain white or Breton stripe. All would be the right choice. As with the jacket, soft cotton will help your skin breathe, and avoid sweat patches. Look for something like 100% Supima cotton from Uniqlo, and avoid polyester.
The key here is to stay comfortable.
After a 10-hour flight next to a screaming baby, you want something to hide those dark eyes. Sunglasses are ideal for this, plus they have the bonus of being an absolute fundamental piece of men's holiday kit. Before you arrive at your destination, you might want to hook them onto your t-shirt collar or workers' jacket top pocket. It means they are accessible but not in the way. You belt up around the waist on a plane, unlike crossbody in a car. So, breakages shouldn't be an issue.
With long-haul flights, you can leave the sartorial world of men's formalwear at the door. We always say look your best, but we don't see a suit as the ideal travel companion. Men should opt for fluid trousers. Many brands now offer a drawstring or elasticated waist on a chino which will give the impression of smart casual but allow more movement around the waistline. Not only will this provide more in-flight comfort - but it will also remove the need for a belt.
Unless this is a business flight, we recommend trainers as your go-to footwear. They offer the underfoot support you need for walking and also allow your feet to breathe more than they would with leather.
You might like to choose trainers like a white canvas Superga for your flight. They deliver comfort and style, but also don't take up much room in luggage should you wear something else on the return flight.
Editors Note
Minimise wearing as much metal as possible. Nobody wants to be the man holding up a queue of angry travellers as he removes his entire outfit to stop the detectors beeping.
Instagram can be a treasure trove of inspiration for men if you know where to look. But, it seems like everyone these days is an influencer, looking for a quick buck hawking their feed in exchange for free clothes. Too often though we get stuck endlessly scrolling mundane posts that offer no value to our lives.
We are here to show you where the real content is. Start ridding yourself of the waste and fill your Instagram feed with great style content. These menswear style kings deliver great imagery and looks to inspire your wardrobe on a daily basis.
Former Suitsupply employee now global fashion influencer, Frank Galluci has an enviable Italian flair. His ability to make his style look effortlessly chic has seen him amass a large following.
Luca is part of the Rubinacci family. A Neapolitan stalwart of tailoring that was established in the 1930s by Gennaro Rubinacci. Now Luca offers an insight into the life of the business whilst delivering style advice along the way.
A man who has a penchant for fine watches, cigars and suits. Check out his Youtube videos for fantastic content delivering menswear style tips and outfit inspiration.
Founder of The Bespoke Dudes and co-founder TBD Eyewear, he oozes Italian style. His looks always have a nod to formality, but he brings in his own Naples twist to suiting.
Creative Director of High Fashion Living, Timothy is not afraid to embrace colour and patterns. Originally from Texas, but now living in New York, his feed can inspire you to be bolder.
The German is a mainstay of Fashion Weeks, and a quick peek through his feed, shows there is a reason why. Johannes (helped by his model looks), can easily switch from smart to casual whilst maintaining his swagger.
Brian's versatility is what makes his Instagram feed so interesting. He isn't afraid to mix patterns, materials and styles to show a unique take on modern menswear.
Managing editor of Manolo Sweden and editor of King Mag Sweden, Andreas has his finger on the pulse of menswear. Mixing street style and lookbook content, his feed is a must for any style enthusiast.
Author and journalist Simon spends his days shining the light on the world of luxury tailoring and accessories. For example, his site Permanent Style is a goldmine of information on how to shop, maintain and alter suits.
Former model, Chris resides in NYC. His style is what you would call American masculine. Smart casual outfits are a mainstay, with a strong mix of denim and plaid with nods to the 50s and 60s.
With your skin, a facial can have a immediate improvement on the look. But, regular maintenance and routine can ensure you look better for longer. It is the same with your footwear.
The fairer sex judge a man by his shoes twice as much as a men judge women's footwear. So, it pays to keep your shoes looking in tip-top condition.
The act of shining shoes is not purely about making the shoes look as sharp as possible. Regular shining and polishing helps to protect the leather from deteriorating over time, ensuring your shoes last longer. As men should be investing good money in their footwear, it is imperative to make that money go further and extend the life of your shoes.
Remember, if you get a crack in the leather of your shoes, then it is game over, as they will become unwearable.
For the majority of men, you will probably be looking for quick upkeep of your shoes to make them look nicer. In this case, a regular shine should be taking you around 5-15 minutes. If you are looking for something more like a mirror finish, then this will take far longer as it needs longer drying time in-between stages of shining.
This is where I need you to take the lead. There are lots of different factors that might have an effect on your shoes. How often you use them, the weather, and what you might be doing when wearing. Giving your shoes a once-over every week can mean you spot signs of distress to the leather, and prevent any deterioration by not polishing. So, we would always recommend a weekly shine. Now you might be a fortunate man and have an arsenal of shoes to wear. In this case, if they aren't being worn as much, you can leave it longer between polishes.
Why use a horse hair brush and not just a cloth? A horse hair brush creates an ideal foundation to polishing. As they are sturdy, but not too abrasive, they rid the shoe of excess cream or wax, but also raise the fibres in the leather. By raising these fibres, it enables you to get a better shine. That's why we always recommend using the horse hair brush after each step when polishing.
If you have shoes in different colours, say tan and black. Then we would advise having two separate horse brushes and welt applicator brushes. It will make sure you don't make the mistake of darkening lighter coloured shoes by using the same brush for both colours.
When it comes to an oil or wax polish, you may have been unsure which to use, so have always opted for old faithful, the wax polish. To highlight the critical difference, think of the oil as nourishment for the leather and wax polish as a top-level finish. Without the nourishment, the leather will show cracks and wear, and no matter how much wax you use, you won't be able to paper over these. On the other hand, using just oil won't give you that shiny expert finish expected when polishing.
The colour of your polish will come from the cream, not the wax. It is tough to get an exact match, but try and get as close as you can. Most brands will have a variety of options to choose from. As with the wax, use it sparingly, a small amount goes a long way.
As the name suggests, the applicators core function is to clean out the welt of the shoes. This is the area where the sole is fused with the leather uppers. But, it also helps the cream penetrate the leather better than just with a normal cloth. Without it, the cream can soak into the cloth and make an even application difficult. Not to mention, it can stain your fingers during use.
Where a cream penetrates the leather, the wax polish will work the top layer of the leather. It has a high concentration of hard waxes, creating a barrier to water, and any light scuffs. As mentioned previously, remember, the colour comes from the cream, not the wax.
The wax you should be looking out for should use natural products like pine, and have a high concentration of beeswax. It will be almost clear, hence why it is just for added protection not for delivering colour. To reinforce this, look for a product that has a lower pigmentation as you don't want it to alter the original colour of the shoe. Avoid ingredients like petroleum which can end up damaging the leather.
Application to the leather should be made with a clean cloth. You should try not to use too much on the vamp of the shoe. This is the area beneath the eyelet (laces piece), to the side and front of the shoe. If you apply too much here, the wax will harden. Then, as this area bends a lot with use, it will crack the wax and will give a bad finish.
Step 1: Clean the shoes with a cloth
Step 2: Buff with a horsehair brush
Step 3: Apply cream with welt applicator
Step 4: Buff with a horsehair brush
Step 5: Leave to dry
Step 6: Apply wax polish
Step 7: Buff with a horsehair brush
Step 8: Leave to dry (ideally overnight) before use
To protect the leather further, a shoe tree will help maintain the shape of your shoes when they are not being worn. Shoe trees will also absorb moisture which if left, can have an adverse effect on the leather. Of course, in an ideal world, you would have a shoe tree for all your smart shoes, but that isn't always possible. Buy one and rotate as best as possible.
With every James Bond film, there is always a host of endorsements thrust in the face of the viewer. Some, like Heineken, push the boundaries when it comes to our expectations of the suave secret agent. But, Omega has always maintained a synergy with 007.
Daniel Craig himself worked with Omega on the development of the new Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition. As a man who has played James Bond in five films (including the new one), he is astute to know the inner workings of the spies mind and his taste in watches.
The partnership of Bond and the Omega Seamaster range is a nod to the characters naval past in the Ian Fleming books. It has been on the wrist of the spy since Goldeneye way back in 1995, but this has more of a military feel to it. The brown hue to the dial is somewhat tropical and is no doubt a reference to the palm trees of Jamaica. The Caribbean island features heavily in the new film and is where Ian Fleming wrote the books.
Daniel Craig said of his involvement in the new timepiece:
When working with Omega, we decided that a lightweight watch would be key for a military man like 007. I also suggested some vintage touches and colours to give the watch a unique edge. The final piece looks incredible.
Unlike some of the previous Omega watches associated with the films, this will not be a limited edition. It will join the full Seamaster collection.
Ahead of the film's release in April, you can now pre-order the stunning new Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition. With the full release scheduled for February.
£6,520 pre-order available now from Goldsmiths
