THEEDGE SINGAPORE | MARCH 15, 2010 • OP5

STYLE

The fashion world has not been spared the effects of the economic crisis. Designers in the midst of creating their

spring/summer 2010 collec-tions when it hit in 2008 were cautious, and the resulting showcases at all the major fashion shows last year were obviously pared down. Not just the women’s collections but also the men’s.

Refl ecting the uncertain times was Hugo Boss, which took its men’s ready-to-wear (RTW) line down a notch with a safe collection that consisted of classic lines and clean silhouettes in sub-dued palettes, from sky blue

to earth tones. Also showing off a sombre men’s RTW col-

lection was Jil Sander. Gone are the opulent suits with complicated stitching; instead, a minimalist col-

lection greeted the fashion audience at its runway show.

The theme that stitched the vari-ous fashion houses together was the suit collection. Men are encouraged to suit up this season and for this, Hermès does it best, as evidenced by the well-proportioned, well-tailored suits on the runway at the Convent des Cordeliers in Paris last year.

Designer Véronique Nichanian’s look is imbued with the Bohemian

spirit — the grey or chocolate-col-oured suits have accents of apple green and white. The suits feature uncomplicated two-button or double-breasted jackets, cardigans are given a contemporary twist with buttoned up collars, while tank tops are in for the well-toned man.

Shirts stay safe with small, round collars or are collarless, with top-stitched shirt fronts. The trou-sers are straight-cut and narrow

or wide with an elastic waist, while Bermudas make for a perfect week-end look.

Fabrics for the RTW spring/sum-mer 2010 are numerous, including linen, nubuck lambskin, leather, jersey, cashmere, silk and twill. Of course, your look will not be com-plete without accessories — have a peek at Hermès’ range of belts, scarves, ties, silver bracelets and leather necklaces for some ideas.

In search of the total look? Take your cue from hairstyles that are big this season and seen on most runway shows — the schoolboy look (think Harry Potter, the later years) or punk rocker (think Adam Lambert, runner-up of last year’s American Idol).

Season of elegance

If you are travelling to New York any time soon, make a pilgrimage to the Hermès Man Store on stylish 62nd Street and Madison Avenue in New York City. It is the fi rst Hermès store solely dedicated to men — all 2,450 sq ft of it.

Get excited about the four levels that meet every sartorial need. The fi rst fl oor showcases shirts, ties, perfumes and small leather goods. Taking pride of place on the mezzanine level are

the knitwear, sportswear, luggage, watches, belts and hats. The third fl oor is devoted to formal items — suits, shoes and briefcases — while the topmost fl oor is where you can order made-to-measure suits.

The store exudes a masculine charm, from the brown brick exterior to the cherry wood panelling inside. Plush furniture also makes this a welcoming place.

Audrey Simon loves the way pure designs with less fuss are making a big statement in men’s fashion

What men want

For a bit of zest, add some

apple green

Sleeveless cardigans look good on a well-

toned body

No granddad look here; cardigans come with a contemporary twist

The Bohemian spirit is captured in grey suits with dashes of colour

The Hermès Man Store

on 62nd Street and

Madison Avenue in New York

City

Cherry wood panelling and plush furniture make

this a welcoming place The first floor showcases shirts, ties, perfumes and small leather goods