11.07.2017

How to wear high fashion

The Way of Us styles Superbalist with six of our favourite local menswear designers

How to wear high fashion

Photography: Luke Kuisis | Words and styling: Akim Jardine

SA Menswear Week has positioned itself as the only major menswear show in the country. As well as being supportive of young designers, their runway allows local creators to achieve global recognition with fashion that ranges from streetwear to ready-to-wear, to high-concept and made-to-order design.

High fashion can easily seem alienating, but it shouldn't be – so we selected some of our favourite pieces from last weekend’s show and styled them using Superbalist to show how to mix high fashion statement pieces with your everyday items. 

men's runway fashion NICHOLAS COUTTS

How would you like to see men wearing these?

With a simple T-shirt and pleated shorts or tailored pants to complement the look.

How can the average guy incorporate more on-trend items into his every day style?

Incorporating a subtle trend item can add a certain style to his everyday look. Start off with just one item and then experiment with more.

How can conservative guys incorporate more texture and colour and print, exciting stuff, into the clothes they wear?

One garment has to be the hero piece of your look. Subtle experiments with prints, colour and texture can lead to a whole new look.

men's runway fashion nao serati

How can the average guy incorporate more on-trend items into his every day style?

I think don’t chase trends. Find things you love and it will be much easier to put those items with your jeans. It’s important to feel comfortable.

How can men put more effort into the way they dress?

If all the clothes in your closet are great it’s impossible to look basic. So filling your closet with awesome vibes will make it easy to put an effort into how you look.

How can conservative guys incorporate more texture and colour and print, exciting stuff, into the clothes they wear?

Start small and build your confidence. Eventually you’ll feel confident in top-to-bottom vibes.

men's runway fashion tsepho tsotetsi

What were the hero pieces from your show?

The white sporty mesh top, sheer black pants, rust T-shirt, deconstructed bomber and white mesh coat.

How can men put more effort into the way they dress?

Finding their personal style and finding out who they are and how they want to express themselves. Look at references, get inspired and go from there.

Is there a way to wear designer pieces in the workplace?

Yes. Pairing something designer with an understated piece is always the best way to achieve that. A clean T-shirt, a loud top/bottom and a great pair of shoes.

How to wear high fashion

What were the hero pieces from your show?

The standout piece for me was the orange and turquoise ‘Havdallah’ printed suit done in collaboration with Cape Town artist David Brits. The colours in this look really popped far better than I had expected and the story behind the design of the print is one that perfectly blends my Jewish heritage with a body of David’s artistic work that revolves around stained glass windows in places of worship. 

How to wear high fashion

Which items should every stylish man own?

Nice pair of kicks and shit load of tees, and a good jacket. A beanie?

How can men put more effort into the way they dress?

They shouldn’t put too much effort. Period.

How had menswear changed since last year’s show?

Guys are becoming more confident and not afraid to stunt.

How can conservative guys incorporate more texture and colour and print, exciting stuff, into the clothes they wear?

Conservative guys don’t like leaving their comfort zone and don’t really care about ‘fashion’. But I think guys in corporate should add colour slightly with smaller pieces rather than a big statement piece.

How to wear high fashion

What’s the most tragic thing you’ve seen a man wearing?

A baggy suit is a fashion no no.

Which item should every stylish man own?

A white shirt, a black shirt and a grey suit.

How can men put more effort into the way they dress?

By looking at the details and keeping it simple. Less is more.

Is there a way to wear designer pieces in the workplace?

Yes, just wear it and own it. It’s all about confidence.

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