Reviewing the Runway - Rick Owens Fall/Winter 2012-13 Mountain Men

Label: Rick Owens

Designer: Rick Owens

Fashion Week: Paris, France

Runway Show: Thursday, January 19

Not having heard of Rick Owens prior to this year, I was not sure what to expect when viewing his runway collection. However, upon seeing the first look to come marching down the catwalk, I knew I was going to see some unique clothing, for better (left, the first look of the show) or for worse (right) (All pictures were screencapped from www.gq.com.).

The look to the left was a high-waist drop crotch pants paired with a poplin shirt with enclosed buttons and a scarf, bib-like fold of the fabric. High-waist trousers are recently making a comeback, but the drop-crotch look still has yet to take footing. The architectural nature of the shirt is something unique, at least in American menswear. This was a look with an unexpected touch.

However, the look to the right, was just as unexpected in a, "Is that even wearable way?" The look above is, as www.gq.com notes, an "oversized, NASA-esque puffer coat" paired with a skirt with a sheen to it. With the unique proportions of the puffer jacket (proportions that practically swallow the model), paired with a man-skirt (an article of clothing that I never thought existed except as part of a costume or stage performance), that was without a doubt, an eyebrow-raising moment that definitely set the tone for my first contact with the clothes of Mr. Owens.

As the editors at the online retailer Mr. Porter notes, Rick Owens is a "top designer known for his rebellious look." True to the quote, Mr. Owens followed suit by delivering a collection that was a mix of tailored pieces with drapy skirts and dresses in his seemingly signature colors of black, white, and gray. An example of this rebellious look is the vest below.

Instead of being a traditional flat front tailored vest, it is a vest that had ruching, not typically seen in street wear. Even the high-waist pants with a drop-crotch are rebellious in-and-of itself. Only men that emanate a rough and tough, "I don't give a damn!" swagger can successfully wear those pants.

Although some of his pieces are unique, the portion of the show that had me salivating were the leather jackets! This was the first jacket that appeared:

Staying true to form, this jacket is as rebellious as the rest of his aesthetic: the cropped proportions, the asymmetric zipper, the scarf-like detail around the neck! It is unique and most definitely worth the hefty price one could expect to pay.

Here are other standout racer/leather jackets:

For those jackets, it was all about the details. The contrast-colored piping on the jackets added visual dimension, sleekness, and interest. What the two middle jackets lack in piping, they make up for with personality and uniqueness by having what I will call a built-in scarf. This is a detail rarely seen, if at all, in most leather jackets that are currently in retail!

As much as I laud Mr. Owens for being creative, unique, and rebellious, speaking as a shopper, there are several pieces that would make customers only shop for the jackets. When this look came down the runway, my gut reaction was, "undertaker."

The solid black with a faint glimmer of white was too depressing. The skirt did not help as well. Not many men would buy a skirt at a high-end price, unless they were a performer of some sort, or needed a costume. Expecting men to wear a skirt or dress is currently unrealistic, until gender-specific clothing are redefined.

If the objective of a runway presentation is to sell clothes, with these looks, I'm not sold.

One obvious fault with the picture on the left is the skirt. As for the middle and right looks, I am not as sold as a customer when even the model is lost through the coats. A fault that all three looks share, which lost me as a shopper, is the fact that the models walked like penguins when going down the catwalk. It is a pity when even the models themselves cannot walk in the clothes!

In the end, as much as I love a rebellious and edgy aesthetic, I am also grounded in reality. If I had all the money in the world and I could splurge, I would buy several of the shirts and vests with the ruching from Mr. Owens' collection. However, until that happens, I will stick with the worthwhile investments, the leather and racer jackets.

Reviewing the Runway - Kris Van Assche Men's Fall/Winter 2012-13

Label: Kris Van Assche

Designer: Kris Van Assche

Fashion Week: Paris, France

Runway Show: Friday, January 20

For the Autumn/Winter 2012-13 collection, Mr. Van Assche focused on the theme of "Work." Staying true to his inspiration wall, the collection was filled with traditional "work uniform" pieces for all ranks of society, from the manual laborer to the corporate executive (mostly leaning towards the latter).

This season, Mr. Van Assche channeled the labor wear of a 1940s Eastern European and injected it with hints of punk and industrial elements (dark colors with only accents of color, buckling details, military boots). The result was a collection perfect for academic professionals or educators. There were, as www.gq.com noted, professorial staples like long cardigans (all images are from Kris Van Assche's website)...,

...and suited looks with blazers.

Although these are pieces that one might often see a faculty member on a university campus wear, Mr. Van Assche ensured to add edge to the looks. The long cardigans were belted with leather, not only to give some shape to the wearer, but to toughen the look. Some of the suited looks were paired, not with sleek black pants, but with wide-legged pants in blue or black to give a very relaxed look.

If I was still working as a teacher, hence making enough money to purchase items, I would add several pieces from this collection to my closet. It is not because they are office-appropriate staples, but it is because several of the pieces have details that add uniqueness to the clothes.

I would buy this striped dress shirt:

Although it might seem like any other dress shirt, the built-in tie bar is a functional twist to the piece.

Another piece I would purchase is this blazer:

It is the kimono wrap detail that makes this suit jacket unlike any other jacket! It is a unique way to add an accent of color and show some personality.

I have always been a fan of belted, cinched-waisted looks. This jacket would be worth the price:

What makes this piece edgier than most is that the traditional double-button closures are replaced with double belts. It is a non-conventional modernization to a classic staple.

Although, the collection was overall strong, there was one misstep that could have been edited out of the collection, as exemplified by this look:

In concurrence with the opinion from Women's Wear Daily, the dungaree was over-the-top. Although it is an item common in the blue collar work sphere, it is impractical in the retail world. Considering the prices that Mr. Van Assche's clothing retail for, it is almost unrealistic to sell the dungaree because not only might the price be steep, but it could easily be ruined if used for some form of contracting, construction, or carpentry job. For making a stylish statement in public, I would wear the piece, if it were fitted and tailored. However, in the context of the collection, it stands out.

My general sentiments for the entire collection can be summarized by the following: If the price is relatively right, my closet might have some Kris Van Assche pieces in July when this collection becomes available for purchase. Translation: It is a solid collection with several pieces worth buying!

Reviewing the Runway - Yves Saint Laurent Men's Fall/Winter 2012-13

Label: Yves Saint Laurent

Designer: Stefano Pilati

Fashion Week: Paris, France

Runway Show: Friday, January 20

This was the first look to strut down a walkway of Sarbonne University in Paris.

At first glance, it would seem just like any other well-tailored black suit paired with a black leather shoe with metal strip. However, look closely, especially at the lapel. To the fashionistos and fashionistas, they will notice that the peak lapel is not made of the same material as the rest of the suit. It is leather. This was a very edgy and racy twist that set the tone for what was to follow.

What was to follow was a wide range of tailored looks appropriate for the man with a jetset lifestyle. There were suits - both single and double-breasted, shirts, ties, vests, sweaters vests - for the days he is in the office. There were jackets, straight coats, "casual" shirts for the days that he has to schmooze with the wealthy and powerful in the casinos of the French and Italian Riviera.

However, as with the opening look, Mr. Pilati delivered a collection full of twists and turns, where the good jetsetter has decisively turned bold and bad. The suits were not just plain black suits. Some were trimmed with leather, or incorporated leather patches. The same applies to the pants, as with these looks:

Some had extravagant touches, as with this straight coat with a fur collar:

Other looks amped the level of sexuality to the traditional work wear by having turtlenecks in pure leather, as with this outfit:

Or even adding straps to vests:

The jetsetter has gone truly bad when he has the bravado to walk the streets in head-to-toe leather.

Although some of the all-leather are potentially louche, the sharp and clean tailoring keeps it more luxurious.

All-in-all, this is a perfect collection for those who can afford such extravagance!

Recreating the Runway Part 03 - Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2012

First, it was all about the work wear. Then it was the looks that would make people do a double-take. In this last installment of "Recreating the Runway: Paris Fashion Week" edition, it is about going out to special events or parties. Paris, not only being one of the fashion capitals, but also one of the meccas of the art world, delivers some of the more innovative and artistic clothes and stylings (while maintaining semblances of sophistication and class) suitable for a fun night out or for the clubs. Here are some of the memorable outfits and stylings that are worth adding to your closet or recreating.

Part 03: The Night Outs

When I first saw this look by Acne, I immediately thought this was the perfect outfit for a night out with friends, especially on a cold winter night.

The layering of the black sweater over the crisp white shirt is enough to keep one warm. The belt with the denim trim creates a unique drop-waist silhouette and it adds edginess and a pop of color to an otherwise monochromatic look. Because there is additional volume due to the drop-waist, the proportion is balanced out by the fitted cropped pants.

For those who like to make a statement and are adventurous on their nights out, this outfit is for you:

The bold print and bright colors on these pants by Dries Van Noten will undoubtedly call attention to you. However, what I love about this outfit is the white shirt with what I like to call the built-in tie-pocket. There is an extra set of plackets that can be buttoned or unbuttoned to conceal or reveal the necktie. This would be one of the pieces that I would cherry-pick from the whole look.

If you are like me and would rather not attract as much stares and/or glares as the outfit above, this Agnes B look is for you.

Instead of a wild print for pants, it is instead a black relaxed-fit one. The look is made chic and sophisticated by pairing it with an eye-turning, electric red leather jacket that will get women to do a double-take.

If you would rather go simple, this Yves Saint Laurent outfit is perfect.

The high-collared sleeveless sweater with leather paneling is a fun and edgy accent to an otherwise understated look.

If clubbing is your type of scene, try this look by John Galliano:

The vest has enough sparkle to make you stand out on the dance floor.

As mentioned earlier, the looks in Paris tend to be more artistic, which often translates to exaggerated. Here are three looks that would be perfect for a night out, if there were tweaks done (Top: Both looks are by Thom Browne; Bottom: Rick Owens):

As over-the-top the styling of Thom Browne's looks are (mohawk, dark eyeshadow), those two looks are very fitting for a night out at a rock concert or an industrial party, with all the plaid and military details. (Commercially, if I was a buyer for a retailer, I would negotiate to have the two topcoats lose the spikes before I would consider selling it in a store.)

The bottom outfit by Rick Owens has it right with the futuristic, sleek, black, white, and gray motorcycle jacket. It is perfect for the night out as is. However, I would replace the billowy pants with a more slim-fitted denim. It would make the look more cohesive and less "What was he thinking wearing something that almost looks like a drapy skirt!?"

All-in-all, as is evident by the different types of looks, Parisian fashion houses are more daring and unconventional. Although there were some wearable looks, before becoming marketable, several pieces would need to be edited.

Next time, it will all be about menswear from New York fashion week, the heart of American fashion! In the meantime, stay tuned for my reviews of some of the runway shows worth watching...

Recreating the Runway Part 02 - Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2012

Yesterday, it was about the looks that would be appropriate for work. Today being Valentine's day, it is even more important to dress to impress whether or not you are searching for that special someone, or are already taken. Either way, here are two looks from the Parisian runways that will earn you points on your date's list!

Part 02: Date Night

When going out on a date, it is important to look polished and put together. I do not think it is always necessary to wear a suit. However, it is critical that at least you give your potential love interest the impression that you took the time and effort to coordinate an outfit in an attempt to impress. More important is that in your attempts to impress, you actually used a mirror. Here are two of my favorite date night looks from the Parisian runway.

If you are daring, unafraid, and extremely indulgent enough to own and wear something made of 100% crocodile leather, this look by Hermes is a racy, yet sophisticated look to show that you have an edge to your personality. (And if your date has an eye for luxurious things as you are, they will most likely guess you are also loaded. Pure crocodile leather can retail for up to $15,000, while pure alligator leather can set you back by as much as $40,000!)

If exotic animal skins or leather are not your thing, or you just cannot afford them, then here is a chic, unique, and on-trend outfit by Lanvin.

(Personally, I would buy the entire outfit, especially the cropped jacket and the high-waisted pants, even though it has a flare leg!)

The last installment tomorrow are the looks that are suitable for a night out, be it with your date or your friends!

Recreating the Runway Part 01 - Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2012

Last week, I shared with you my favorite outfits that went down the runway from the designers in Milan. This week, I present the most wearable looks from the Fall/Winter 2012-13 collections at Paris fashion week!

There is a stark contrast between the looks that can be seen at both fashion capitals. GQ's creative director, Jim Moore, and deputy editor, Michael Hainey, summarize the difference in terms of craftsmanship of suits, and the "business of style," as they were, in Milan, and the "artistry... a little more exuberance, and difference" of Paris. As Mr. Hainey and Mr. Moore expected, the Parisian designers were creative and artistic, either through their bold use of prints, uniqueness, or just more relaxed looks.

As much as I laud Parisian designers for thinking outside the proverbial box, fashion is still a business. Personally, as a shopper, I would not purchase complete outfits from several of the fashion houses. Consequently, it made it that much more difficult to pick outfits that would be wearable directly off the runway. For some of the looks, I had to cherry-pick individual pieces because what it was paired with would stand out in public, and not in a good way. Even so, here is part one of some of my favorite looks, or pieces that I would add to my closet, if I could afford them, that were sent down the runway and where I would wear them to.

Part 01: A Day At Work

When I think of Parisian menswear, two fashion houses that immediately come to mind are Yves Saint Laurent, and Hermes. Let us put it this way, I have luxurious and expensive taste, and I gravitate towards the more conservative, classy, and chic outfits. The two aforementioned designers fit all five points. Their collection for this Fall/Winter 2012-13 collection have more structured, traditional looks that are appropriate for the business office, such as suits, slim-fit trousers, sweaters and sweater vests, and clothes in more subdued color palettes (burgundy, black, white, gray). Here are my three favorite from them (Top: Both looks are by Hermes; Bottom: Yves Saint Laurent)

In particular, there were two pieces that I would add to my closet. The first is the sweater with the zipper and off-the side cut by Hermes that has leather patchwork and trimmings. That piece is still conservative, but it has those accents that make that sweater edgier than most pullovers.

The other piece is the sweater vest by Yves Saint Laurent. What makes this item innovative is that it has the buckle details on the sides. I always thought that sweater vests were not the most form-fitting. Those buckles resolve that.

Considering the majority of the looks that marched down the Jean Paul Gaultier runway presentation, this outfit stood out because it was one of the more tamed looks among a sea of over-the-top, statement pieces.

Black trousers, white shirt, necktie, sweater. All those items are staples in the traditional office uniform. If a suit jacket were used, this would have been meeting appropriate. By replacing it with a sweater, it transforms the look from formal to casual. If I was a model in this runway show, I would have asked the designer if I could have the sweater. Again, I loved how the traditional sweater was made edgy by replacing the v-neck with leather jacket details (the metal pelts, the zipper, the off-the-side seams, the notch lapels). I would wear this sweater over most anything!

As I mentioned earlier, not all outfits were completely wearable off the runway, as is the case with this Kris Van Assche look:

For one, I cannot stand wide-legged pants. In an era where most men are going for the tight-fitted pants, these types look baggy and add volume. Also, my personal preference is for the more tailored looks and these pants are too flowing for my taste. However, from this outfit, I would cherry-pick the striped shirt because of the innovative built-in tie belt. Again, I hate having the necktie sway from side-to-side whenever I walk and this shirt would finally keep it in place without having to pay for an expensive metal one. For me, that button-down is a must-have since I love neckties!

Stayed tuned tomorrow, Valentine's day, for it is about what would scream "Sexy!" and "My Soulmate!" on your date nights with that special someone!

Reviewing the Runway - Prada Fall/Winter 2012 Menswear Show - "Il Palazzo"

Label: Prada

Designer: Miuccia Prada

Fashion Week: Milan, Italy

Runway Show: Sunday, January 15

Stately! Majestic! Grandiose! This runway show, "Il Palazzo", by Prada was a spectacle that should not be missed by anyone! The 1920's Eastern European, military-inspired clothes characteristic of the powerful and wealthy, the setting, the models, and the A-list Hollywood actors (Willem Defoe, Tim Roth, Oscar winner Adrien Brody, and Oscar nominee Gary Oldman) were candy for the eyes! The fortissimo of the grand piano to cue the start of the show and carrying the main theme that played throughout, the two note "dun dun" from the synthesizers creating a jarring transition, and the electric shock-like sound effects were music to the ears. The soundtrack was enough to invoke the wide spectrum of emotions from rapture to despair to anger! It was cinematic and theatrical!

Although there were celebrities strutting down the opulent, red carpet catwalk, the main stars were the clothes! (Let's put it this way, I was too busy salivating at the outfits to even notice the celebrities that were wearing them!) Ms. Prada created a collection that are staples of the wealthy and powerful! There were luxurious outerwear, double-breasted pieces, suits, cummerbunds (now I want to own one), shorts. Although visually the vibe is 1920s, the fitted, tailored silhouettes bring the looks to 2012. For those with elitist tendencies, like me, or at least want to feel like you are part of the upper crust, these clothes are for you! This runway show video is for you!

With all the drama, excitement, and surprises on the catwalk, there was a reason why, according to Women's Wear Daily, this show was the talk of Milan Fashion Week! This video is a must see! Period!

Reviewing the Runway - Ermenegildo Zegna Autumn/Winter 2012-13 Menswear

Label: Ermenegildo Zegna

Designer: Gildo, Paolo, and Anna Zegna

Fashion Week: Milan, Italy

Runway Show: Saturday, January 14

If there is one thing that I've learned from watching many final runway presentations by the finalist designers on "Project Runway", one of the major critiques I frequently hear is whether or not the collection presented told a cohesive story through the different fabrics and looks. While watching the Autumn/Winter 2012-13 catwalk presentation by Ermenegildo Zegna, the first thing that came to mind was: "Corporate executive spending most of the week at meetings in Aspen before ending the trip with a vacation at a posh ski resort!"

After watching the presentation, I was inspired to tell the following, albeit underdeveloped, story:

"There once was a CEO who had a business meeting at a posh ski/conference resort in Aspen. From Monday to Thursday, his agenda was cluttered with business meetings. Showing that he was there for work and not a trip down the slopes, he wore slim-fitted, three-piece business suits in different patterns of plaid tailored from heavy fabrics. He even took along with him three-piece denim suits on the off-chance that he had enough break time to dine at one of the fine-dining restaurants.

To protect him from the bone-chilling cold, he wore a variety of outerwear, such as chunky knits, Fair Isle sweaters, even puffer jackets lined with cashmere details to add a luxurious texture and to make a statement that he is not just an average, non-self-indulgent vacationer!

At the end of the week, he wanted to relax in front of the fireplace and finally catch up on his style magazine readings, before heading home. He packed away his neck ties into one of his many weekend bags, and pulled out his high-necked shirts and turtlenecks and wore them under dress shirts and camel coats and boots. Instead of dark colors, they were in lighter shades of blue and white. The end."

All that came just by watching the various outfits walk down the hardwood catwalk. Of course, the set design (the projected snow-capped trees and fireplace), and the soundtrack of serene music mixed in with the occasional nature sounds consisting of gusting winds and the cracklings of burning embers, helped formulate the generic synopsis. But the bottom line is that if a person can immediately imagine a scenario, that could only mean that the clothes had a distinct point of view, and more important, all wearable!

If ever I made enough money and the necessity to shop for a fine-tailored Italian suit, my first stop would be an Ermenegildo Zegna boutique!

Reviewing the Runway - Dsquared2 Men Fall/Winter 2012-13

Label: Dsquared2

Designers: Dean and Dan Caten

Fashion Week: Milan, Italy

Runway Show: Tuesday, January 17

The bell rings! A man dressed in a fitted suit marches up the runway to Pink Floyd's rebel anthem, "Another Brick in the Wall"! As he reaches the start of the runway, two men in suits throw the curtains open to reveal a classroom! The man in the suit, who we can now presume is a teacher, takes his place at the front of the classroom replete with typical antics that one can expect from a rebellious group: Throwing wads of paper and planes at the teacher and across the room. Before the teacher can try to control the class, a rebellious student defiantly stands and begins strutting down the runway. We are treated to the first look of the collection and everything falls into place: the set, the music, the attitude! It is school all over again, but contrary to common misconceptions that school is drab and boring, this show was pure entertainment!

For anyone who has been in a classroom as a teacher, student, administrator, what was presented is, for some educators, an accurate representation of what actually goes on during instructional time: Paper plane throwing both at the teacher and across the room and, yes, even the students smoking. Many people would be able to relate to this show. Although I do not support smoking, especially since there were models smoking during the actual runway presentation, it just added to the entertainment factor!

In terms of the clothes, if I was still in the classroom and was making enough money to afford Dsquared2 clothes, I would be a new client! Mr. Dean and Mr. Dan Caten's collection exuded a collegiate vibe. If I were to summarize the collection, it would be the "24-Hour College Student Wardrobe!" There were jackets, sweats, parkas, mohair sweaters, backpacks, many a skinny jeans that a college student can put on for lecture. There were super skinny ties, argyle prints, blue, white, khaki pants, checked print shirts, cardigans, crew neck sweaters, essentially professorial staples that a student could put together to wear for their internships. Then there were the sharp-suited looks, the denim jacket, skinny black pants, that is perfect for a party! These were clothes that hip, cool, artsy students would have in their closet! In short, the outfits shown on the runway were looks that I would wear as a teacher in the classroom! These were clothes that caught my attention the minute the first official look came down the catwalk!

Overall, from the antics on the runway, to the clothes that were presented, it was a very entertaining show! How I could have seen it in person!

Patience... Saves Money!

Recently, I blogged about how I was shopping for a new messenger bag. It would be the perfect accessory to complement my new style. Because this was going to be my everyday work bag, I did extensive research and comparison shopping online before I came to a decision. Eventually, after weeks eyeing, browsing, and reading reviews, I was sold on this Leather Work Bag by Banana Republic:

Besides being forced to pare down the non-essential clutter from my nylon Targus backpack, I love this bag because it has enough storage space to house my notebooks, pens, wallet, calculator, cell phone, earphones, mouse, laptop adapters, etc. It also has a separate padded laptop compartment. When I first used this bag, I felt like a professional carrying this around instead of a backpack. It also did not hurt that it was made of pure leather!

However, what I loved most about this wish list item purchase was the amount of savings I made just by being patient.

When I need something, I usually just go ahead and make a purchase without much consideration for savings. This messenger bag retails for $228. Even though this item was a necessity, I was reluctant because I would be spending a large amount of money for just one item. I was able to postpone making the purchase until I could see the item for myself and try out the compartments in store.

The opportunity came when my friend Justin invited me on a shopping trip to South Coast Plaza. I had no intention to shop. However, on that particular weekend, Banana Republic was having a 25% off sale! In addition, because I lived relatively far away from Costa Mesa, I got a passport where select stores offer gifts and/or discounts for certain purchases. Banana Republic had a 10% off any regular priced item. With those discounts in mind, I relented! I knew I had to shop, and I did!

The resulting savings were considerable! The breakdown:

Original price: $228.00

Banana Republic Sale: $57.00

South Coast Plaza Passport Discount: $17.10

Final Sale Price with Tax: $165.83

Total Savings: $62.17

If I was impulsive and purchased my bag right away, I would have had to pay, including tax: $245.68!

By being patient and not immediately purchasing the bag, I saved myself $79.84! Now I know, when I make hefty purchases, I will take my time!

Simulating The Trending High-Waist

Ever since I grew accustomed to low-rise pants, I slowly tucked away to the inner recesses of my closets my regular-rise pants. However, today, I gave a black regular-rise, straight-leg cotton trouser by H&M another chance. I paired it with a skinny black tie, my grape woven button-down also by H&M, and my black skinny suspenders by Levis. The rationale for the revival: To simulate a high-waist look, which was "in" at at the Parisian runways (see the Fall/Winter 2012 Menswear collections of Lanvin, Rick Owens, Dior Homme) without actual high-waist pants.

Suspender looks tend to work better with elongated silhouettes created by cinched torsos resulting from high-waist trousers. Using low-rise pants makes creating this look difficult. On the other hand, regular-rise pants is a happy medium. The suspenders can pull the pants up enough above the natural waistline to create the high-waist figure without causing too much discomfort in the crotch area.

The result is the look above with compliments such as, "Fresh", "Professional", "Dapper" and "I like the outfit" being provided!

Recreating the Runway - Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2012

Prior to watching "Project Runway", or my style evolution, I knew nothing about so-called "Fashion Weeks." For an outsider in the fashion world, it would seem like an entertaining live-action theatrical performance where the models and the clothes they showcase take center stage. For the fashion industry insiders, the buyers from the retail chains, the designers from the fashion houses, the fashion journalists, it is more than just a show. It is, as portfolio.com describes, a high-stakes "business meeting."

What fashion outsiders do not know about fashion week is that this is when fashion houses and designers can get industry recognition. This important week is really a fashion house's sales pitch to try to get buyers from the retailers to purchase pieces from their collection to sell in stores. If the designer only sells in their own showroom, exposure is limited. By having items at major retail stores like Nordstrom or Bloomingdales, brand labels have more marketability and increased potential for sales.

Fashion week is also a way to get noticed. For the rookie designers, this week is where they can show their moxie for the media. By being published, their names and looks have the potential to be printed in major influential fashion and style magazines, thereby increasing their selling and brand power, which in the long-run affects their negotiating power in the board room with a major buyer.

Long story, short, fashion week is a big deal. It is an institution in its own right.

What I find fascinating about some runway shows is that there is a wide range of looks. Some shows tend to be dramatic, fanciful, avant-garde; other shows tend to have more prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear) pieces. With the Fall/Winter 2012 Fashion Weeks in Milan and Paris occurring earlier last month, I culled through the GQ website's up-to-date reporting on the different catwalk shows in the two aforementioned fashion capitals. Because for us industry outsiders what really matters are the clothes that we can actually wear to different occasions without sticking out like a sore thumb, I screencapped the outfits that were the most wearable and organized them by when they would be appropriate to don on.

For this first installment, I focus on the tailoring and luxe taste that can be expected from Italian fashion. Here are the most wearable looks from Milan Fashion Week.

Important Occasion 01: The Business Meeting

When going to work and you are meeting with bosses, potential clients, or even an interview, it is important to look sharp and put together. It is important to look confident. What better way to exude that by a wearing tailored suit. Here are two looks, one single-breasted suit (Bottega Veneta, left), and one double-breasted (Burberry Prorsum, right) that will command attention in the conference room.

Important Occasion 02: A Casual Day At Work

When one thinks business casual, versions of this look by Costume National comes to mind:

It loses the tie and blazer that screams, "I'm an administrator," and replaces it with a crew neck sweater. What I love about this look is the subtle colorblocked details that adds hint of personality to the look.

If however you decide to do something different and come in just a little more dressed up, here is a casual work day outfit by Salvatore Ferragamo in which the pin-striped, double-breasted suit amps the level of professionalism.

The above two looks are appropriate for a casual work day in a corporate setting. Here is a look by Dsquared2 that would be fitting for a more artistic or laid-back work environment.

For those who like pieces that are recognizably winter (and those who dare to be casually stylish and luxe), here is a layered look, again by Costume National, consisting of double-breasted peacoat, two turtlenecks, and boots.

As for me, if I had the finances to recreate any business casual look from the Milan runway, it would be this look by Prada:

The turtleneck underneath the pinstriped dress shirt and the pinstriped pleated pants are nice tailored pieces by themselves. But what makes this look is the double-breasted vest and the cummerbund detail. It takes the look to a whole new level of sophistication not often seen in public. And being how cummerbunds are rarely seen in the workplace, it would be an accessory that would match my "conservative with an edge" style.

Important Occasion 03: The Weekend

It is the end of the work week, and it is your time to relax and go for the casual looks. Because these are the fall/winter collections, it is almost obligatory that the outfits contain seasonal staples such as long pants, denim, turtle necks, outerwear with shearling (real or faux) or leather (real or faux) to help protect you from the cold. Here are five stylish looks worth having:

(Top Row: John Varvatos, John Varvatos, Costume National; Bottom Row: Both looks are by Ermenegildo Zegna)

Important Occasion 04: The Collegiate Look

For those who are either in school or are going back to school, the Dsquared2 fashion show would have been for you. Their looks for this fall/winter season, catered to the hip and preppy. They had looks that are stylish, but with an academic vibe apropos for the college campus. Here are two standout looks:

Important Occasion 05: Date Night

When going out on a date, it is important to make a great first impression. One of the best ways to do that is to dress up and look your best. Here is a racy (leather pants), yet stylish suit by Bottega Veneta that will certainly make your date think that you might be a potential mate:

If you would rather be conservative, but stylish, here is a subdued look by Salvatore Ferragamo that is more luxe and classy:

Important Occasion 06: A Night Out With Friends

If you are going clubbing or having a night out with your friends, here are three stylish looks by Bottega Veneta, Costume National (top row, respectively), and Dsquared2 (bottom row), that are equal parts fun, tough, but fashionable.

Stay tuned next week when I blog about the wearable looks from Paris Fashion Week and where you can wear them at!