The Braidy Bunch

Here's the story of a man named Willie (Nelson) and he sings country music while he's stoned. But he grew up to be a cowboy with a hairstyle that's become to be all his own.

Willie's braids are his signature. And it inspires me. If my hair wasn't so curly, I'd consider doing the center part and twisting my hair into Pippi Longstocking braids. There's something rebellious about it. The same way that the mohawk in the early 80's and men with long hair in the mid-sixties represented a time in counter culture when men were saying F-U to the mainstream, men wearing braids could be a big statement about men and sexuality.

Women have long challenged the accepted concepts of femininity. They've made trousers their own and they've shed the need for long hair and made short hair their own.

What is it about men and their hair? It's either they're losing it or they're busy slicking it back the same way women flat iron theirs to flat pancake perfection.

I say let's take a step to challenge preconceptions about what it takes to look like a man. Granted, you won't be able to get away with this look in most businesses if you want to get a promotion. But if you're an entrepreneur, country music superstar or rapper, take a chance to be a modern day pioneer of the Braidy Bunch.


YES
If you've got it flaunt it. Part, twist and clip.

NO
A bald man with a wig made of braids isn't what I'm saying

MAYBE
You're Snoop Dogg and you've been rocking the braid because you are also a stoner and one badass motha....trucker. West coast baby!

It's All Greek to Me and You

What: Korres Yoghurt Cooling Gel
Where: Sephora.com
Price: $23.50 
Yes, No and Maybe: I'm an avid outdoor jogger especially in the summer. But even with sunscreen in the upper 80's protection range, I still manage to get a tan from prolonged sun exposure. This product has been my go-to face and body moisturizer that I apply after showering from a long run to save and sooth my skin. It's not overloaded with chemicals and made of active plant ingredients that immediately cools your skin on contact. The bonus of this product is that it's the only thing I need to pack on vacation along with a razor, shaving cream and deodorant. It does smell like what you think Greek yogurt should smell, but it's not nauseating. This product is an absolute summer essential. Just hide it from your girlfriend because she will steal it.

File under Technically Speaking 7/8/13.  

All Hail Haider

I've been trolling the web for inspiration on how I want to dress for the upcoming seasons ahead and I found it in Haider Ackermann's Spring 2014 menswear collection.

Look at this picture. Who doesn't want to be this guy? The tattoo sleeve, leather bomber jacket and silk fringed scarf says it all. He's one smooth-looking badass motha...!

Just because he looks good doesn't mean he won't lay on the hurt if he needs to. He's probably hiding a knuckle duster on his hand, which is hidden in his pocket. This guy looks like how a modern James Bond should. Screw fighting bad guys in well-tailored Saville Row suits, this is the new way to brawl with the enemy. He can still can get in to the best Meat Packing clubs or Las Vegas casinos (how American of me) without looking overdressed or uptight. Plus the scarf can be used as some kind of makeshift whip, lasso or tourniquet.

Beyond the 007 fantasies, this look is refreshing because it gives men a new way to dress without going too far out of reality. It pushes the envelope without pushing the man beyond his comfort zone. Because Haider has managed to transform rich fabrics into everyday street clothes without making it looking cheap. I've complained in the past about the $500 reinvented t-shirt that looks like it came from the Gap. There's no value in that for me in terms of money spent or even fashion. Why guys spend so much at James Perse or Abercrombie & Fitch for basics is a puzzle to me. Whereas in this case, I'm sure that Haider's pants are made of expensive raw Thai silk hand-woven by monks in an idyllic monastery. It's that kind of zen-like piece of mind that I want to be a part of...well at least until I see the price tag on those pants at Barneys. Then I'll have to wait for the sample sale or the trickle down knock-offs.

I'm waiting!

YES
The look is definitely Johnny Depp off duty but without the big ass hat or mouse whiskers.

NO
You don't need to have money to pull this off. You just need to act like you own the joint.

MAYBE
This is way too fancy for you. But if you take away the scarf, you still have a basic bomber and just shiny blue chinos. Doesn't hurt to try.

I'm Gonna Murse Around

Alber Elbaz told a reporter that his recent Lanvin spring 2014 menswear collection was inspired by a vacation he recently had with two friends. During his getaway, his friends were obsessively playing with their phones. That sparked the idea of creating a collection that questioned reality versus virtual reality.

The clothes are phenomenal with digitized prints contrasted with layers of textures. But I know that I'll never wear any of the pieces since Lanvin isn't cut for me. I'm too short so the tops are too long and too broad for me to wear. The pants are equally too wide in the leg. It just doesn't work for me  The only way I could pull off any of these pieces is if I have it custom made to fit me. Then again, what's the point? There's other brands to shop.

Plus, I can always shop the accessories. in this collection, I did notice the man-purse (aka murse). It's basically a boxy wristlet and I've been dying to get one. Alber is right. Men are just as obsessed as women with their technology. But packing all of your pockets with a wallet, keys, tablet, smartphone etc can be cumbersome. That's why it's time for guys to man up and accept the practicality of using a wristlet to hold all of your crap.

YES
This trend is not for the faint of heart. If you can't take the jokes your guy friends and most women will hurl at you for carrying this around, then you shouldn't do it. Its best suited for a metro or homo sexual.

NO
You don't need the rest of the Lanvin outfit to pull this off. It wouldn't hurt though.

MAYBE
You have no earthly possessions, live in a monastery and took a vow of silence. So you don't need technology. But you'll still need to carry your bird seeds in something. This is perfect for you.

The Long and Short of It

It's a trend that's finally arrived. But the long shirt look started a few seasons back with Rick Owens, who has made it a part of his goth uniform. Then Ann Demeulemeester and Dries Van Noten came out with their own refined Belgian versions. They gave it the air of a rich bohemian who picked up a few things on his worldly 1st class travels. But Damir Doma really showed the versatility of the long white dress shirt by pairing it with harem pants, suits and sweats worn over under and every which way.

Inspired by the long tunic shirts worn by most men in India and sub-Saharan Africa, the shirt does carry some political undertones with its close association with Muslim culture.

But in the world of fashion, everything is up for the fair game of exploitation. For Spring 2014, the men's Galliano collection moves the look forward by making the look completely wearable and surprisingly fresh.

I'm drawn to how they've given the basic suit a new dimension with a long tunic. Even the cropped black polka dot suit jacket didn't make me think clown. It made me think of Pagliacci at the Met! Sing it clown. Sing it.

YES
This is a trend that you need to try. I've already bought my Damir Doma and it's making the rounds.

NO
Wearing a tunic shirt won't make you look like a terrorist. But I wouldn't recommend wearing one at the airport if you have a beard or a darker shade of ivory.

MAYBE
You already wear tunics in your everyday life and it's so pase to you. Maybe you can try wearing a tunic in a print just to mix it up. You can put the New in New Delhi.