The Cologne Diaries - Bottega Veneta Pour Homme Review

19 March 2014

One of the most exciting higher end fragrances for guys, BV (with exclusive availability at David Jones) is a great scent as a gift. Although some reviews out there say that it is overstated, I disagree and I like it much more than some other 'higher end' alternatives. It's more of a day/morning fragrance in winter (a little musky).

As the first fragrance for men, Bottega Veneta looked towards creating a sensual, raw and sophisticated scent with COTY Prestige. The top note is the most refreshing, with pine and juniper, but I do think that it is an 'acquired taste' in that it would grow on you much more the more you use it. The cologne is a little adventurous like you're in the woods or mountain climbing. The longevity of the scent is hampered by the dormant spicy mid note.

The base note of leather is of course such a key piece for the brand. The leathery note was one of the best among many fragrances in this game.

I loved the marketing for this and the 'specialness' of 'your bottle' because there's a decorative piece of leather on the neck of the bottle. Naturally, every piece of leather has its own distinct patterns and creases - so to use this as a tool is quite ingenious.

PFW | The Parisian Air - agnès b. Menswear FW14 Review

Dramatic and theatrical, the AW14 collection from agnès b. at Paris Fashion Week showcased the eternal quirkiness of Parisian style. Black and white and berets as recurring motifs, complemented with splashes of colour here and there - the label did an excellent job with prints too. There was so much diversity in the garments (wide pants, skinny ones, large coats, small jackets) and it was great to see so many pairs of shoes. Even though some pieces were really bold, the looks were mainly quite timid and gentle - I guess it's agnès b.'s style of importing elements of womenswear into mens.

Although the make-up was initially too distracting, the show's adventure between dressy and casual styles created a really satisfying mix.

PFW | Fashion of Proportions - Cerruti Menswear FW14 Review

With heritage in luxury designs and accessories, Cerruti's ready-to-wear menswear at Paris Fashion Week for the AW14 season drew inspiration from muted dark hues. The show's highlight was in the creative approach to proportions in a look. Long and draped-over coats paired with cropped pants transformed the ideas of Spring into Autumn. I really enjoyed the drop crotch pants together with a fitted jumper - the contrast in the look is so understatedly cool. Sophistication in the collection lies in the prints and cutting. Timeless big checks and houndstooth in a classy brown blanketed the models on the runway.

Layering was definitely an important theme in the show. The play with proportions and lengths continue - some of the jackets over long coats were interesting but impractical and somewhat nonsensical.

PFW | Leather and Luxe - Hermès Menswear FW14 Review

I don't always find Hermès particularly interesting - more so in their shoes and accessories - but the approach to all things luxe and contemporary in the AW14 collection at Paris Fashion Week was so undoubtedly strong. Understated and modest, the label created these pieces with luxurious materials - as you'd expect no less.

The runway showcased very sellable and safe pieces (as they're classic styles), as well as the creative use of materials. It's beautiful when menswear is so modest and effortless - it's really a way of sophistication transcending the garments.

PFW | 5 Trends at Paris Fashion Week Mens - Wrap up for Menswear FW14

Arguably the biggest menswear event of every season, Paris Fashion Week Autumn Winter 2014 welcomes a few quite utilitarian trends. The best thing about PFW really is in menswear, namely in avant-garde menswear. Daring labels like Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto from the East come to showcase their most interesting ideas. Moreover, the surreal Thom Browne show was really a stand out.

Looking more to prêt-à-porter, many classic labels like Hermes and Cerruti pushed out strong and timeless pieces. And for more contemporary style, the best came from agnes b., 3.1 Phillip Lim and John Galliano. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed the collections from Dior Homme, Valentino, Lanvin and Bill Tornade. View the pictures of Paris Fashion Week Menswear here.

Check out the highlights  after the jump.

LCM | Wardrobe Chameleon - Oliver Spencer FW14 Review

Last one... so sorry (to myself) that this almost spanned over two months. Everything got a bit hectic and I was too distracted to come back and didn't want to commit. Anyway the great thing about Oliver Spencer's designs is his approach to tailoring which is inherently British but his pieces have influences from America and the East. Another great aspect about this show and fashion shows in general is the persistence and mentality that the show must go on. Although there was misadventure with a burst pipe, the show returned to showcase some of the best match ups this AW14 season at the London Collections: Men.

So very into the quilted jacket and floral bomber.

LCM | Fade into Fashion - Lou Dalton FW14 Review

A stand out in the London Collections Men for AW14 was definitely Lou Dalton's ensemble. The show showed the versatility of different materials with injections of modern elements. The creativity and clashes of ideals in the collection between farm life and contemporary style was surprisingly wearable. Lou Dalton's pieces worked with faded colours, heavy duty corduroy, sophisticated suedes and luxurious cashmere.