Starry Eyed: Forever 21

When Shakespeare said, "It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves" he actually meant to say, "wear stars".

Like, you know, on your shirt, collar and sweatshirt. Essentially it's about wearing your destiny, and as an avid Shakespeare reader how could I not heed The Bard's advice? Stars had a big moment back in 2008 (YSL, Chanel et al. got celestial). But that was then, this is now. And 'now' is all about a great crewneck. They're easy. They're classic. They also look great with anything, on anyone. So it's pretty clear the basic crewneck should be a staple in every wardrobe. What's more this Fall will be all about the crewneck sweatshirt. Only a print-heavy version. Let's call it 'the crewneck 2.0'.

Here's the real point; thank god for Forever 21. Accessible and on-trend, their star print crewneck and short-sleeved shirt mean serious intergalactic fun. Paired together they become a force to be reckoned with. It goes without saying they will both be a huge part of my Fall essentials. It's that simple. Beam me up Scotty.

- Alexander Atkins, wearing Forever 21's Slim Fit Star Shirt and Star Print Sweatshirt, photographed by Irene de Jong in Golden Gate Park, California.

Deconstructed Camouflage: LimoLand Edition

By now we could easily call camouflage the print that keeps on giving - it's so generous you guys! And we loove generous.
I don't want to sound like I'm beating a dead horse, but this horse is so not dead - not yet anyway. What's more, the proof is in the sartorial pudding. Over the past couple of seasons we've seen camouflage pop-up everywhere (Dries, Yohji, Comme des Garçons). It's no longer just about making obvious military statements - we're now talking tailored perfection and understated details - hints even. In terms of modern menswear camouflage has become a bona fide trend. A brief glance at style.com will demonstrate a recent history that arguably began at Dries van Noten, and now manifests itself everywhere including the genius (and impeccably curated) accessories, coats and trousers at Valentino. It was a thing, it is a thing and its going to remain, a thing. I mean, I've argued its case on so many occasions perhaps I should re-name this blog Mr Camouflage?

I suppose you either wear camouflage or you don't - kind of like the bow tie thing. Perhaps the focus should be, "are you a camouflage wearer" or rather, "what's the psyche of a camouflage(er)?". It just seems you're either so into it, or so completely and utterly against it. Who knows. But what I do know is this: NYC-based brand LimoLand makes one seriously good shirt. Essentially the deconstructed camo-print screams fun and remains fitted (a very hot commodity indeed). The whole thing is vibrant in an unoffensive way - all while retaining the potential to be completely sophisticated, especially when worn under a blazer or tucked. It also helps that LimoLand has named the print 'Fun Green'.   

Alexander Atkins, wearing a camouflage LimoLand shirt and Gucci sunglasses, photographed by Aleksander Tyszka in San Francisco.

Summer Essentials: The Mood

Some people are all about music or film, but for me it's all about that really great shot. A moment and mood captured.

I have always loved collecting and studying images that mean something to me, even if I wasn't quite sure what that something was (it's all about the unknown right?). Eventually I'll sift through my collection (either on Pinterest or Instagram), looking for common threads and themes I'm into. Here's what I'm thinking:

Shorts + Blazers: I dig the whole preppy-boarding-school-meets-grown-up thing, especially when vibrant prints are casually worn under perfectly tailored blazers, just to take the edge off - you know? I like how functional this type of look is to wear, and how easy (aka breezy) it can be, especially in summer. 

The Perfect Shirt: Nothing screams perfection more than a starched white shirt. The feeling of wearing a clean and crisp shirt, especially sans tie and buttoned all-the-way-up, is completely unparalleled. I have openly been coveting this Dior Homme 'collar stand' shirt for some time (and yes, dear reader, gifts are always welcome).

The Loafer: If I had to describe myself as a shoe, I would definitely be a loafer (what would you be? This game is FUN!). I still wear my very first pair, by Bally - my father's from the 80ies. Sure, I did the whole Tods and Car Shoe thing, but truthfully it's all about Gucci's Horsebit collection (get involved people, there is something to be said about timelessly elegant footwear).  

*Click the arrows above to browse the inspiration (and shop) the mood.

Breezy Living

A recent return to California has meant several things: 1.) better weather, 2.) delicious guacamole, and 3.) chill-dressing.

So your probably thinking - what on earth is chill-dressing? Well, it's not the same as dressing-down or being hyper-casual (which usually involves some type of cashmere sweat-suit) per se. For me it's all about wide-cut slouchy pants and loose-fitted jackets - potentially camouflage, probably boxy. The whole thing should convey a sense of ease, comfort and style.  

Chill-dressing is important, mainly because constricting clothes are the worst. Sure, there's a time and a place to feel sausaged by a suit and tie, or bound-in by skinny jeans. But on the flip-side there's also a time for loose breezy clothes - and that doesn't include linen kaftans or moo-moos (despite what André Leon Talley may say). For some extremely laid-back individuals, chill-time is most of the time. What's more, chillfits (aka chill-outfits) can provide some of the most inspiring street-style ever (think MK looking mildly homeless) and even better urban dictionary entries!. 

A recent pillage of ASOS left me with some great basics and these Vivienne Westwood Man drop-crotch chinos. They are ideal in that they manage to retain a level of tailored structure. Besides that (that being a big deal), they work well with a basic v-neck and a Camille K toggle bracelet - all thrown in for good measure.

*Wearing Vivienne Westwood Man drop-crotch chinos, Civilianaire camouflage jacket, Comme des Garçons Play x Converse shoes, and  Camille K toggle bracelet.

Prime Cut - Fur and Menswear

While spring is T-minus 16 days away, you can never really be too prepared for next winter. It's a matter of basic instinct.

Squirreling away your nuts, so to speak. Not unlike the nuts-thing, wearing fur is a primeval instinct too, and judging by Sharon Stone's infamous leg-cross I'd say I'm on to something (too naughty?). At this stage I think it best to mention this post is not intended for vegetarians, vegans, the upstairs crowd at the Wholefoods on Bowery, or anyone with PETA-esque tendencies (we can still be friends though - maybe). Still reading? Great! I love you.

For FW/13 men everywhere have something to look forward to, besides leather pants. Fur, fur, and more fur! Back-panelling at Marni, slivers of silver-fox at Fendi, perfect pops of snow leopard at Louis Vuitton, luxurious layered wraps at Maison Martin Margiela - I could easily go on. Simply put fur is unstoppable. Perhaps because there is nothing quite like it. Its look, its touch. Even my most ethical friends would agree the synthetic stuff is awful (not to mention a fire hazard and horrendously static). Essentially fur is the cat's meow, well - was the cat's meow. I mean how could you not all fall in love with Vuitton's leopard? 

My first true encounter with fur was a black Ushanka my father brought back for me from St. Petersburg when I was eight. I still have it - it's ideal for skiing (just FYI). But besides my own fur-donning sartorial history, what I'm trying to say is I'm excited. Not necessarily for next winter or another NEMO (dear god), but for fur and it's up-and-coming place in menswear. 

*Above (from left), back-panelling at Marni, silver fox at Fendi, snow leopard at Louis Vuitton. Top (from left) wrap at Maison Martin Margiela, Louis Vuitton's snow leopard coat.