Congolese Fashion Hits the Paris Scene

Even though hip hop and causal wear have taken over fashion over the past decade, there's always room for classic men's styles to return. The Gentlemen of Bakongo, Brazzaville found a new way to be fashion-forward, but still remain classic.

Known in their home country as "sapeurs" -- a play on the French word for "well dressed" -- Congolese luxury fans have perfected the art of matching candy-colored suits, crocodile shoes and cocked hats in a tribute to male vanity.

"We came here, and we brought our history with us," said Armel, who designs all the clothes for his label, "Connivences", and produces them in Italy. Nicknamed "Le Bachelor",

Now, Europeans are discovering the style. French magazine L'Express has just published a fashion shoot about the "sapeurs", featuring handsome black men in sharp suits and loud colors. There are photo exhibitions on the trend at Paris's Dapper Museum and Amsterdam's Prince Claus Gallery.

These very elegant, Cohiba cigar smoking men spend any money they have to look and abide by strict moral codes.

"We display colors to show people that elegance doesn't just belong to Paris, London, Milan," -Jocelyn Armel

http://www.urbanlife.se/en/life/men/161-fashion/366-gentlemen-of-bakongo-brazzaville

Skin Care for Men

Contrary to popular belief, skin care for men is important. It doesn't take much time out of your morning and it's not at all that complicated! A good skin care regimen promotes healthy skin and healthy skin is an essential part of creating a gentleman's swagger.

Washing your face is the first and most important step to healthy skin.
Wash your face with cold water and odorless soap. Know your skin type (normal, dry, oily) so shop accordingly. The link below shows the best cleansers for each skin type.
http://beauty.about.com/od/productstop10lists/tp/best_cleansers.htm
At least once a week, wash your face with a deep-clean cleanser. It cleanses your pores and leaves your face feeling smooth and clean.

Shaving properly is the next step in having healthy skin.
Please shave the RIGHT way.
-Hot water first, then add the shaving cream to your facial area. Be patient and let it settle for about a minute then use a sharp razor to avoid razor burn. Rinse with cold water and PAT DRY.

Moisturize. Enough said.
Dry skin is not attractive or comfortable to have. Buy a good moisturizer and stick with it. If it has SPF 15, all the better.


Take care of your skin gentlemen this shows that you take pride in your appearance!

The Oscar's Red Carpet Recap!

This past weekend marked the 82nd annual Academy Awards.  Red Carpet events such as this are the perfect opportunity to see what is in for the season and to decided what you like as an individual by critiquing the celebrities.  Here are a few examples of Red Carpet fashion for the true gentleman!

Robert Downey Jr.

Rico Rodriguez

Samuel L Jackson

Qinton Aaron

Morgan Freeman

Mario Lopez

Jake Gyllenhaal

Geoffrey Fletcher

Anthony Mackie

Tyler Perry

If nothing else it is clear that the Oscar's Red Carpet is a very formal suit and tie affair.  Most stars do not stray away form this template although you may catch a pair of tennis shoes or ties with a little color.  Keep it simple and dapper when trying to attain the formal look.  Find your signature accessory (i.e. Smaual Jackson and his hat) and keep the rest traditional. 

Award Season Ready For Men With J Lawrence! 












This past month I was interviewed by Fashion Designer Terri Stevens form Lifetime Televisions Project Runway.  She is doing a blog series on being "awards Season.  She I hope these fashion tips are helping to ease the stress of completing your red carpet look! If you have any specific concerns or personal dilemmas, post them! Let me know what you think or what you need to know!

I thought it would be a fabulous idea to step back and find some expert advice catered to our men! And who better to ask than celebrity fashion consultantJermaine L Anderson? Jermaine Anderson is a Chicago-based Fashion Consultant who is very established and well-known in the Chi. His services are in demand from business professionals to minsters and anyone in between wishing to take their image to the next level. 
Jermaine works by the philosophy of "Less is More" He tells all of his clients, "find that one signature item and let that [be what makes the outfit pop]!" So men don't go overboard and make a statement with everything you put on. Let your outfit be simple so that your signature piece can show off your swagger.

If we are talking informal, Jermaine suggests "...a nice button up or zippered sweater, a simple button up shirt, some basic fitted jeans (washed or dark rinse) or a straight leg pant and some classic long toe shoes." 


If we are talking formal or the after 5 scene, "keep it simple with some Sean Jean swag. [You can't go wrong with] a simple black tux, cuff links, a bow tie and some simple jewelry (platinum or stainless steel band or bracelet)." 
Jermaine also had some general tips to stand by this season: Don't be afraid to throw in some flavor! Black is not always the best way to go. It is a little too safe for this season. Venture out and find some rich earth tones. Maybe a nice rust, charcoal or chocolate. 

Properly Accessorize! "Less is more," he says. "Find your number one signature item. For me, it's funny, one day a friend of mine mentioned me in conversation with someone else. When the other person remembered me they said, 'oh yeah, the guy who wears the bow ties'. People know my [signature piece]." Your signature item could be a tie, bow tie, hat, glasses, belt, shoes, etc... If you have a hard time stepping out of the box and figuring this out, Jermaine's the one to call!



Also when accessorizing, your tie should match your socks. "If you have on a nice, rich, rust color tie, make sure your socks are the same. Also, I always tell my clients 'make sure your shoes are shined'. That is important." 




Make Sure Your Breath Is Fresh!
"People don't think that fresh breath is a part of fashion, but it is! It really is." Jermaine is right! Don't think people won't notice if you breath is kickin'! He suggests you carry Listerine strips or mouthwash as well as a small bottle of cologne to help keep it tight and keep it right all night long. 

Moisturize your skin! "Make sure you keep your skin moist. I recommend Black and White Skin Soap." Come on Fellas, this is not so much to ask. You don't have to go through the task of makeup and getting all dolled up. Just have a clean and soft, touchable face! Jermaine also suggest you use an astringent on your face. This will help cleanse the oil out of your pores and shrink them to give you a fresh smooth look. You can find the one that works best for you in your local drugstore. 


No Man Bags! Jermain mentioned, "a lot of guys are into the man bag trend. We Do Not Like That!".
Well sorry guys, Jermaine says no! Personally this doesn't bother me, but just make sure it is actually a bag! These man purses (and they do exist) are out of line! 

Use this quick list to remember what's hot this season: Bow Ties
Colorful Shoes (red, orange, rust, painted look)

Peacoats (Wool, belts)

Low hair cuts or shave it bald

Hats with brims for the older crowd (30+) and caps for the younger crowd

Ascots (quick and easy way to go from casual to high fashion swag)


If you need help tailoring your specific look this season you know where to go! Neck Appeal Jermaine L Anderson (773) 531-7719 http://www.yourneckappeal.com/