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Jakarta Post

Modern masculinity

If nice wrapping sells candy — a good suit sells the man

The Jakarta Post
Sun, February 24, 2013

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Modern masculinity

If nice wrapping sells candy — a good suit sells the man.

While unabashed primping and preening is a  woman’s prerogative, a man needs the subterfuge of quality designer threads to pull off that coveted “effortless” — yet precisely engineered — look.   

Outerwear asserts its prowess as the “icing on the cake” of a man’s look this season.

V-necked knitwear accented with bold stripes seen on the Tommy Hilfiger runway proved that scholastic and sexy can mix, while the windowpane pattern adorned everything from trench coats to double-breasted blazers at New York Fashion Week.

Tired of suiting up? Kick stiff collars to the curb and sport a leather baseball jacket from Emporio Armani, still sophisticated enough — courtesy of the material — to warrant a tie.

Speaking of ties, this season’s predilection is printed, floral ties (masculine floral, of course) that “top off” a look.

Set off by suits in brown, khaki and pale gray, as seen in the Calvin Klein Spring/Summer 2013 collection, finding a tie that connotes character against a bland black suit is no longer a challenge.

Tri Handoko, co-founder of local brand 3D, said some people will wear anything from a designer brand to upgrade their look. “But, if they cannot carry off that look, then it’s going to be a waste. So I believe [pulling off a look] comes from the inside,” he said.

Bearing that in mind, accessorizing is the one true means by which you can truly “own” your look.

Johnny Depp popularized the wearing of multiple chains around the neck for that brooding artist look; Michael Jackson wore a rhinestone glove as a symbol of holding the world in the palm of one’s hand.

A lack of them isn’t fatal, but anybody who’s somebody wears a trademark trinket — be it side-swept bangs, a family heirloom signet ring or a signature scent. What sartorial trail will you blaze?

And the truth is: A man needs a bag. Regardless of your testosterone levels, your pants pockets simply cannot stretch to fit a laptop or iPad.

If you have previously warmed to the idea of carrying a bag, embrace the Spring/Summer 2013 trend and upgrade your leather to foil-laminated leather as seen on the runways of Burberry and Versace. Men who are more inured to bag-carrying can take baby steps with a signature Louis Vuitton briefcase in black-on-black.

Now that your essentials are squared away in a stylish carrier (for strictly functional purposes, of course), bling is in order.

A hint of silver glint at a man’s throat accords status: Here is a man who is so confident in his masculinity, he is brazen enough to accessorize.

Mont Blanc’s strictly black-and-silver pieces with rubber detailing are the perfect accent for a polo shirt, while
Gucci’s latest dog tag necklaces befit swankier occasions.

Accessories don’t make a man — but a well-groomed man is naturally more esteemed and accessories bespeak attention to detail.

If the color-splashed get-ups at Indonesia Fashion Week were any indication, men are enjoying increasing leeway in fashion without running the risk of ridicule.

“The lines are blurring,” said fashion designer M.A. Nirmanda regarding gender stereotypes in fashion.

“Because of it, what used to be distinctions between men and women have become individual differences. Now it’s okay for [men] to wear — maybe not a sundress — but a sarong. We’re seeing a shift in our culture. Here in Indonesia, especially in big cities, people are becoming more daring.”

— Kindra Cooper

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