Alpha - The A-Z Guide of Menswear Style

VOLUME I

alpha a-z the a-z guide of contemporary menswear style.

In this issue; green lace herringbone tweed faux fur patent leather satchels and macs.

Produced by amanda nesbitt

HERE'S TO YOU by Amanda Nesbitt So it is a New Year, which supposedly means new me, right?

Having lost a big amount of faith throughout the journey of British menswear (and in fact the world in general) it is with no surprise that people are becoming increasingly underwhelmed in a world which is supposed to be overwhelming. Brexit, Trump, Honey G anyone? Following months of grievance had for the male fashion sector, which has seemed so lost and abandoned for a while, it has been refreshing to develop a new sense of passion and trepidation. By creating this publication we aim to revive British menswear and to reawaken a yearning in sharing the delicate beauty it exuberates.

In this issue of ALPHA, you will be guided through a journey of self-exploration, whilst hearing from industry professionals (both male and female) and shown a fully comprehensive A-Z guide of modern menswear dressing. We all know female fashion fronts the catwalk in London, Paris, Milan and New York, but it is now that is the moment for change. We will admit you guys have it hard, with an unimpressive amount of inspiring male role models to grasp hold of any vision in form and fashion, I mean, come on, Justin Beiber? It is time to neaten up the boundaries of what it is like to be a fashionable male living in Britain. Some would say it has developed. Others would suggest a stand still. We want it to change.

If you are bored of your characterless collaboration tee’s, trainers and tight denim, then this issue will allow you to build on your style. Mould yourself into your very own muse. Don’t settle with “the typical boy next door” look. Dedicate yourself to the future of alacrity.

Be inspired. Be the best version of yourself. Be the ALPHA-male.

A

A is for an ample-sized anorak.

Never underestimate the power of an ample sized anorak. It can prevent drowning in a puddle of your nonexistent future of hope and prosperity.

B

B is for a burly bow-tie.

The burly bow-tie is your new best friend. Creating false illusions of confidence allowing you to take power over your true trembling self.

C

C is for a cerise pink crew neck.

If you can find the strength, then a cerise crew neck goes from “myChihuahua-wearing-a-tutu-last-yearfor-Valentine’s-Day,” to the ultimate sign of a comfortable man.

D

D is for denim, almost as ripped as my boxers.

When has anything been at its best new? The type of denim that actually has more holes in than fabric content.

Don’t question their purpose. It’s fashion.

E

E is for an emerald green lace shirt.

Although it might sound vile, you can unleash your inner fashion demon with this ensemble.

F F is for faux fur.

Don’t be afraid of faux fur, it is your friend. It is almost as fabricated as your blood, a contradiction of being genuine in existence but apprehensive and hesitant.

G G is for Gingham check.

Gingham check dont wear it with pride. It resembles your old school underpants you will look like a picnic blanket.

H

H is for herringbone tweed.

If you can bear it, wear it. It can be a real asset to your wardrobe. But if it secretly irritates your skin, throw that red rash away, it’s no good for your ego.

I I is for indigo blue chinos.

Don’t be discouraged by the distant resemblance to a 49-year-old history teacher, make it work and bring back that slouchy 90s reggae aesthetic.

J

J is for jade green dressing gown.

Every guy should have his very own jade green dressing gown. The one which makes you question your sexuality, but as long as your wife’s the only one who knows about it, it’s so worth it.

K K is for Kanye west’s Yeezy collection.

The Yeezy collection which for me serves no purpose to fashion. Beige, mundane and irrelevant. Avoid it.

L

L is for lifelessly long lace ups.

If you’re struggling with your lifelessly long lace ups and have to tell your boss you’re bus was delayed every morning we say opt for a zip or Velcro.

M

M is for a mac. You know the ones.

If your mac doesn’t make you want to pretend you’re starring in Magic Mike XXL or The Full Monty it’s not the one for you.

ROB KNIGHTON by Amanda Nesbitt

As a (hopefully) successful fashion communication student, and a (definite) woman for that matter, I can vouch for many when I say how attractive it is seeing a male who can dress with particular style. And trust me, if you were to wear a smart tailored suit, perhaps in a shade of petrol blue, you would have a long line of ladies queuing up for you. If that doesn’t already have your heart racing and knees trembling, how about knowing there is nothing more satisfying that seeing a tall good looking man with the perfect fitting denim jeans. As I continue to write this I get more anticipated at the thought of meeting this potential fella. Sometimes finding inspiration is about delving into the minds of regular guys to gain an insight into a person’s creativity.

Whilst attending London Fashion Weekend as a backstage dresser last summer, I met new menswear model Rob Knighton, who describes himself as ‘just a regular guy.’ Twenty-one years of age and having previously wanted to pursue a career in engineering, Knighton is now exploring the world of fashion.

At the Sibling London’s Autumn/Winter 2016 show in the sultry confined space of the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea there were leopard prints, tweed (oh, and boxing gloves.) A style, which was both oversized and avant-garde, creating big silhouettes with capes and drapes. The show created an entire wave of enthusiastic energy and made me question the definition of fashion. The collection wasn’t perhaps that attractive or functional, but it made one hell of a statement. A statement of personal interpretation and individual design. Both of which is what fashion should be about.

Which three words would you use to describe British menswear fashion?

Quality, timeless and unique.

Do you think British menswear has changed in a positive or negative way over the last decade?

I think menswear has gained a lot more limelight in the past decade, guys are caring more about style, and there is a rise of new menswear designers and brands. It has progressed and improved massively over the years and most certainly in a positive way. There is now a lot more importance in menswear, with consumers and fashion designers a lot more focused into the sector.

What do you think has caused this change within the last decade?

There used to be this whole masculinity and dandy-ism culture, which would stop males truly becoming who they were in their fashion identity. This is probably due to the fact it has a much bigger and wider platform than it used to with ‘London Collections: Men’ which is still now continuing to expand and evolve into one day something hopefully as popular as female fashion seen at London Fashion Week.

What do you think needs to be done within the menswear sector to gain as much recognition as with womenswear?

I think for menswear to be as successful as womenswear, designers have to engage men to be more courageous and experimental in how they dress, thinking more about how guys think and want. They tend to want something stylish yes, but more so, functional, to take them throughout the day whatever the weather, wherever they are.

Any final words?

Fashion has always been a lot more female orientated so I don’t think it will ever be male dominant. No part of me thinks that will ever change! Which is a sad thought for me to really process as a menswear model. As with the last decade there have been many positive changes and formations made, so if this continues who knows what will happen within the menswear industry.

With nipple flower covers and compeeds being thrown over the top of my head over one side of the room, and the juxtaposing scent of masculine Lynx overpowering my nose like a wave echoing the same smell back and forth. Speaking to Knighton with the (literally) two minutes we had spare between changes in the overwhelming chaos around us, I realised that fashion is about being self-expressive.

Whilst getting his hair stroked and his face perfected (even though it already was) Knighton was a quiet character with no real amount of intensity to show. But when his body filled the heavily knitted tailored ensemble he erupted with eagerness down the runway. The clothes changed the way of his mannerisms. Fashion is one of the only things in life, which is non-confirmative or constrictive, and this should be celebrated, not ignored.

ROB KNIGHTON