Snap Shots: Peek-a-boo styling

Peek at the snap shots of this season’s trendiest accessories to decorate the body. From captivating red, white and black geometric flats by Christian Louboutin to a chic balloon bag by Loewe to the eye catching duo Wonder Woman statement rings by Atelier Swarovski. 

Snap Shots Peek-a-boo styling gafencu magazine loewe kate spade salvatore ferragami maryam keyhani

Houndstooth cape coat by Loewe; House cat flex cuff by  Kate Spade; Balloon bag by Loewe; Denim pants by  Salvatore Ferragamo; High-top loafer by Loewe; Hat by Maryam Keyhani 

Snap Shots Peek-a-boo styling gafencu salvatore ferragamo loewe

Ralf Mocassino shoes by Salvatore Ferragamo; Denim pants by  Salvatore Ferragamo; High-top loafer by Loewe

Snap Shots Peek-a-boo styling gafencu magazine bottega veneta atelier swarovski hermes salvatore ferragamo

Bracelet by Bottega  Veneta; Wonder Woman  statement rings by  atelier Swarovski; Turtle-neck sweater by  Hermès; 1927 sailing bag by  Salvatore Ferragamo

Snap Shots Peek-a-boo styling gafencu magazine roger vivier hermes christian louboutin hermes

Bag by Roger Vivier; Watch by Hermès; Dandelion flats by Christian  Louboutin; Pants by Hermès; Arceau 78 watch by Hermès

Snap Shots Peek-a-boo styling gafencu magazine prada gucci dunhill hermes

Leggings by Prada; Shoes by Gucci; Pants by Dunhill; Boots by Hermès; Pants and shoes by Prada; Earrings and rings by atelier Swarovski

Derby Toto black shoes by  Christian Louboutin christian louboutin givenchy

Pants by Givenchy; Derby Toto black shoes by  Christian Louboutin 

Snap Shots Peek-a-boo styling gafencu magazine christian louboutin givenchy roger vivier rene caovilla prada

 Satin pumps by Roger Vivier; Juliette sandal by Rene Caovilla; Veneziana lace sling by Rene  Caovilla; Fur jacket by Prada 

Earrings and rings by Atelier Swarovski

 

Photos: Jack Law

Art Direction: Jhoshwa Ledesma

Tips to style a man’s outfit with jewellery

Not every man is comfortable when wearing jewellery. Though jewellery are now part of men’s fashion accessories, wearing them can still be intimidating and uncomfortable to some. But a man need not limit himself to wearing just a wedding band and a wristwatch. Picking the most appropriate accessories can go a long way to boost an overall look and bolster his confidence in his style. Here are some styling tips for the stylish man when pairing an outfit with jewellery.

 

Tips to style your outfit with men's jewellery gafencu magazine men's fashion accessories Arrow ID Link 18-Karat Gold Bracelet luis morais
18-Karat Gold Bracelet by Luis Morais image from Mr Porter

Pairing colours:

Gold and silver tones are the most common colour profiles in men’s jewellery. Yellow metals, notably yellow gold, provide a warm colour that goes well with earthy and deep-coloured tones, such as brown, purple and dark green. Silver, white gold and platinum, on the other hand, are more neutral which can blend easily with any outfit and they pair well will sharp colours. Copper and bronze have a more orange tint which can clash with bold colours but they stand when matched with pale shades.

Tip: Jewellery are meant to be accessories and they accentuate a person’s features and outfit, not to overpower them. Keeping things simple is not only safe as it also serves as a great way to style with accessories. Stick to one metallic tone at a time to avoid clashes of colours.

Tips to style your outfit with men's jewellery gafencu magazine men's fashion accessories 14kt yellow gold Fancy Cut tourmaline diamond ring by O Thongthai
14k yellow gold Fancy Cut tourmaline diamond ring by O Thongthai. Image from Farfetch

Matching jewellery with skin tone:

An essential factor that is often left out when selecting accessories is the skin tone of a person. Men’s jewellery are typically made with metal, such as gold, silver and platinum. Light metals, such as white gold, platinum or silver, best suit cool skin tones, while yellow metals, such as yellow gold, rose gold and brass blend better with warmer skin tones. Neutral skin tones, however, are best highlighted with white and yellow metals. 

Tip: The easiest way to define a skin tone is by looking at the inner part of the wrist. While a cool skin tone will show blue or purple veins; green veins will be more visible under a warm skin tone. A neutral skin tone will show  veins with a little of both blue and green which can look either blue-green or purple.

Tips to style your outfit with men's jewellery gafencu magazine men's fashion accessories omega cufflinks (2)
Cuff links by Omega

Dress for the occasion

Dressing for appropriately for an occasion is an essential point to consider when using jewellery as accessories, especially when you are dressing up for work, funerals and formal events. Wearing something that is ostentatious can be misconstrued as disrespectful, while earrings at an office environment are inappropriate. Jewellery that are more appropriate for office and formal occasions comprise a shirt and suit accessories, such as cufflinks and tie clips, though you can get away with a silver or titanium bracelet. These jewelleries are small but will elevate a typically uniform outfit.

Tip: Customise a shirt with marbled, patterned or coloured cufflinks and buttons made with premium materials. These will give your otherwise plain outfit a stronger look that fits your style and taste more. 

Tips to style your outfit with men's jewellery gafencu magazine men's fashion accessories 18K white gold pavé diamond bracelet by shay from farfetch
18K white gold pavé diamond bracelet by Shay . Image from Farfetch

Choosing a jewellery: 

It’s been said that jewellery are the last items that one puts on, but they are among the first that are seen. Thus, wearing a set that reflects your style, personality and values is essential to accessorising an outfit. Jewelleries are a subtle representation of a person’s values, commitments and fashion sense, and though limited in range, men’s accessories can go beyond watches and wedding bands.

Tips to style your outfit with men's jewellery gafencu magazine men's fashion accessories stack style ring by ambush
Stack style ring by Ambush. Image from Farfetch

Religious pieces and heirlooms represent culture and status, and are great conversation starters, while ornamental jewelleries, such as titanium bangles, coloured stone rings, as well as silver and gold chain necklaces, have been gaining popularity in men’s fashion. An important point to factor in when dressing up with jewelleries is to keep things simple and avoid flashy blings. Accessories are meant to add colour and character to an outfit, not distract from them. 

Rings

It’s not uncommon to wear more than a couple of rings, but it’s best not to overdo it,  especially when wearing coloured stones. Keep things simple, and minimise mixing too many colours together. Also, it’s better to avoid big, chunky rings on slender fingers, though styling bigger hands with accessories that are too thin are easy to go unnoticed.

Tips to style your outfit with men's jewellery gafencu magazine men's fashion accessories david yurman
Chevron woven bracelet in titanium by David Yurman.

Bracelets

Bracelets are a great alternative to watches. If a shirt sleeve is too short, you can fill the space with a bracelet or a few. In contrast to women’s bracelets, a more masculine look would be to fashion a single bangle or a double-wrapped leather bracelet. It’s better to avoid charms, pendants and accents that are oversized and chunky. 

Tips to style your outfit with men's jewellery gafencu magazine men's fashion accessories omega cufflinks

Cufflinks, shirt studs and tie pins

Cufflinks and shirt studs are accessories that dress up a shirt where buttons would normally be. They can be customised with patterned, coloured or even rare materials. Tie pins, on the other hand, are worn to keep the tie tidily in place. Customise the outfit with cufflinks, shirt studs and tie pins. They serve as functional accessories that add some personality and style to the usual boring office or formal look.

Tips to style your outfit with men's jewellery gafencu magazine men's fashion accessories cross-pendant necklace by zancan from farfetch
Cross pendant necklace by Zancan. Image from Farfetch

Necklaces

Necklaces can be either decorative, religious or even functional. Either way, they can be great accessories that accentuate an outfit and are easy to hide, when needed. Style one to two necklaces together with similar to the same colour tones and leave the length six to eight inches above the navel to avoid looking gaudy. 

Tips to style your outfit with men's jewellery gafencu magazine men's fashion accessories silver and black onyx ring from glamira
Silver and black onyx ring from Glamira

Earring

They are a very common form of jewellery for the modern man. There are a variety of options for various face types. For instance, round earrings suit oblong-shaped faces, while heart-shaped faces can pull off a straight earring better than other types. Square faces highlight round or curved earrings nicely. On the other hand, square earrings look better on round faces. 

Must-have luxury sneakers in 2020

Trendy, stylish and luxury sneakers are perfect for any occasion. Producers of luxury goods, including Gucci, Balenciaga and Prada have redefined the image and stature of smart casual and upped the ante on comfortable and fashionable footwear. Made of premium fabrics and other top quality materials, designer sneakers are increasingly accepted in formal occasions, including business meetings, even as they elevate the stature of casual outfits.

For a business-casual attire

To stay atop fashion trends while being stylish and comfortable at the same time, go for elegant black and white sneakers, especially a pair with high standards of quality and craftsmanship. Balmain and Chanel both stripped down their sneakers offerings in a tasteful style that best suits a smartly-dressed gentleman and a heel-loving woman. The result of their initiative is the Balmain White & Black logo B-court and Chanel Leather, Nylon & Grosgrain Sneakers. Balmain’s sneakers are made of high-quality leather, with extra padding and a glossy rubber trip. Suede and calfskin are employed in Chanel’s chunky sneakers. Both lines of sneakers are made to provide users with a classy but comfortable look whether headed to a formal business meeting or a cocktails social event.  

For Him: Balmain White & Black logo B-court; For Her: Chanel Leather, Nylon & Grosgrain Sneakers

For a spark of glamour

Complete an ultra-modern outfit with a limited-edition golden high-cut kicks by luxury designer Céline or a new-in-style metallic rose gold sneakers by Valentino. These shoes exude a flashy accent that complements an ultra-hip and modern look that will certainly grab people’s attention. Both the Céline Triomphe and Valentino Bounce are made with calfskin leather and rubber outsoles that truly deliver comfort and luxury in one package. 

For Him: Celine Triomphe Gold High-Top; For Her: Valentino Bounce

For the trendsetter

The ultimate trendsetting sneakers released in Fall/Winter 2020 are a product of the much-anticipated collaboration between Adidas and Kanye West, as well as Prada. The Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Yecheil and the Prada Cloudbust Thunder in Yellow are deluxe accessories created for the fashionistas and are two of the most highly-anticipated pairs of kicks this season. 

For Him: Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Yecheil; For Her: Prada Cloudbust Thunder

For the vintage lover

Complete a vintage outfit with a pair of retro-inspired kicks made with top-of-the-line materials and designed by Gucci. The Italian luxury brand has toned down its eclectic style with a throwback to retro looks with its Gucci Screener and Gucci Ultrapace. The design, inspired by classic running and skate shoes from the 70s and 90s, fashions a deliberate down-at-heel look and the iconic GG logo that provides vintage lovers an accessory to complete their throwback vibe.

For Him: Gucci Screener; For Her: Gucci Ultrapace

For versatility

Every sneakers enthusiast must own a pair of pure white and all-black pairs of sneakers. They are the most versatile of colours when it comes to pairing with outfits. Finish your look with a clean and sleek appearance. A classic pure white pair beloved by both men and women is the Gavia Bianco by luxury Italian shoe producer, Koio. In the all-black footwear segment, high-end brands are leading the pack with their classic and comfortable accessories for all genders. While the Superstar Sneakers by Prada and Adidas are championed by athletes and musicians as among the most comfortable shoes in the market, the Balenciaga Black Speed is positioned and designed with a stretch knit high-top and features a Memory Sole for premium comfort. 

For pure white: Koio’s Gavia Bianco; For pure black: Balenciaga Black Speed or Prada x Adidas Superstar Sneakers

Hong Kong’s skilled leather cobblers and shoe repair shops

Throwing away a pair of well-crafted and reliable shoes isn’t easy although not everything is meant to last. There’s an excellent way to save a valued pair of designer shoes and save the cost of buying a new pair, thanks to veteran cobblers who are steadily fading away although they render solid repair services. These are among Hong Kong’s most skilled shoe repair shops that can breathe new life to your luxury footwear after months or years of wear and tear. 

The city's top skilled cobblers and shoe repair shop (2)

Shing Do Shoe Repair

Over two decades in the trade, veteran cobblers at Shing Do Shoe Repair  have worked their way from humble beginnings to become one of the most sought-after cobblers in the city. Though still situated in a small booth near  Landmark building in Central, their expertise can render repairs specific to a customer’s instructions and preferences at reasonable rates, an opportunity that most other shoe repair cobblers are unwilling to do. For just five to 10  minutes, repairs can be done in an impressive display of craftsmanship.

Price: HK$150 Up

Location: Central

Contact: +852 9310 8558

The city's top skilled cobblers and shoe repair shop

Andersen

This shop remains a beloved spot to both locals and expats alike when their luxury shoes need some fine tuning. Although this humble repair shop has witnessed several relocation and various adversities amid the shoe repair trade’s steady decline over the past 10 years, its commitment in the masterful repairs of fine leather shoes and bags remains unchanged and unwavering. Its services include shoe dying, sole replacements and refurbishment of broken leather.

Price: HK$600 up

Location: Sheung Wan

Contact: +852 28811326

The city's top skilled cobblers and shoe repair shop (3)

Better Skill Shoe Repair

This shop localises European techniques and technology inherited and provided by internationally known repair shop, Mister Minit. Experts at its three branches offer repair solutions to replace leather outsoles, not simply to employ the more common rubber counterparts. This service will certainly delight shoe lovers who want to maintain the authenticity and softness of leather soles though repairs can take at least two days.

Price: HK$700 Up

Location: Tsim Sha Tsui / Admiralty / Causeway Bay

Contact: +852 2317 5585

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Excellent Leather Repair

Turning seriously-damaged leather goods to an almost new condition is a feat that Excellent Leather Repair often renders. It is capable of saving all leather goods, notably shoes, bags and furnitures. Its services include replacing and cleaning leather goods for a fresh look or reviving luxury leather items and providing them with a brand new high-quality colour change. This shop in Kowloon serves as a one-stop solution for all things leather.

Price: HK$700 up

Location: Hung Hom

Contact: +852 9801 1115

 

The perfect fit: Bespoke luxury suit services

If any man is to put his money on a fine garment, it ought to be on a well-tailored bespoke suit that best fit his body and style.

Nothing is more unflattering than a suit that is too loose or too tight on the body, which is often the case with ready-to-wear suits. Fine craftsmanship that goes into a hand-sewn suit, made of the finest fabrics, guarantees a customised suit that is likely to last years and accentuate a man’s unique physique and highlights his best form. Investing in a well-tailored suit is one of the best treats that a man can give himself.

The right fit Top bespoke suit services gafencu magazine mens fashion ascot chang (3)
Image from Ascot Chang

Ascot Chang

From hand-sewn canvas to hand-rolled lapels, the most skilled tailors pay great attention to the slightest detail that offers a truly personalised suit to fit their customers’ unique style. 

Since 1953, Ascot Chan is one of the most well-known tailors in and outside of Hong Kong. It specialises in Shanghainese and Hong Kong bespoke tailoring. Although its style focuses on timeless classics, its designs remain relevant to modern men and this is evident in its handcrafted suits and shirts which are custom-made based on the thousands of world-class fabric samples available at its atelier.

Price: HK$14,000 Up

Location: Tsim Sha Tsui / Austin / Central

Contact: +852 2523 3663

The right fit Top bespoke suit services gafencu magazine mens fashion (3)

A-Man Hing Cheong

A suit looks superb not only with its best materials, but also with the meticulous care and attention of the artisan or tailor. From cutting to detailing, tailors create bespoke suits to custom-fit their customers’ specific measurements and preferences which best highlight the latter’s best features. 

A-Man Hing Cheong, is one of the longest-standing tailoring shops in the city. Located at the mezzanine level of the Mandarin Oriental, its tailoring experts specialise in bespoke English-style suits and shirts. Having been in the business since 1898,  its stock of over 1,000 premium fabrics has grown into an exclusively wide range of samples of every colour, pattern and detail imaginable. Tailors at the atelier need only two fittings and a week to fulfill an order, making its services one of the quickest — a reflection of its expertise and skill.

Price: HK$10,000 up.

Location: Central

Contact: +852 2522 3336

The right fit Top bespoke suit services gafencu magazine mens fashion wwchan and sons (3)
Image from W.W. Chan & Sons Tailor

W.W. Chan & Sons Tailor

Flawless craftsmanship and exclusive materials highlight the services of this tailoring shop which produces bespoke suits that last many years. The techniques that go into its suits ensure that every detail, from cutting and lining to the design of the lapel and buttons, is executed by skilled artisans in this trade. 

Since 1952, W.W. Chan & Sons has persisted to preserve the valuable knowledge of cutting and tailoring techniques, rooted in traditional Shanghainese craftsmanship passed down from generation to generation. Veteran W.W. Chan is one of the original “Red Gang” tailors known for fusing Russian, British, Japanese, and Chinese tailoring techniques.

Price: HK$11,500 Up

Location: Central

Contact: +852 2366 9738 / +852 2366 2634

The right fit Top bespoke suit services gafencu magazine mens fashion raja fashion luxe (2)
Image from Raja Luxe

Raja Luxe

The quality of atruly bespoke suit are evident in the details. Top-notch materials make for premium quality, while the distinctive patterns and colours reflect the style and personality of the person. 

A well-dressed gentleman knows better than anyone how he likes his suits. At Raja Fashions’ private showroom, Raja Luxe, customers lend a hand in personalising their own suits. From outlining the canvas, lapel and trouser pleats to handpicking buttons and materials for linings and under-collar, customers are in control of a custom-tailored suit that truly fits their needs and distinction. They stock over 5,000 luxury fabrics, patterns and colours to choose from, and platinum or gold pinstripes fit for a king. 

Price: HK$8,000 Up

Location: Tsim Sha Tsui

Contact: +852 23667624

Art Sartorialised: High art, high fashion

 

Fashion and art go hand-in-hand in birthing artistic creations from grand ideas. Captivating colours, shapes and textures dress November’s fashion feature of evening wears. Enthralled by a collection of highly artistic high-fashion, art is sartorialised. 

gafencu magazine fashion feature november (7)

Look 1

On Her:
Langley gown by Alex Perry, courtesy of NET-A-PORTER; Large folded clutch by Givenchy

On Him:
Blazer by Dunhill; Gecko brooch by Atelier Swarovski; Pants by Hermès

gafencu magazine fashion feature 1 november (2)

Look 2

Twist torc necklace by Givenchy; Gown by Maticevski Painterly, courtesy of NET-A-PORTER

gafencu magazine fashion feature 1 november (2)

Look 3:

On Her:
Repetto dress by Marni; Leggings and bag by Prada; Heels by Rene Caovilla

On Him: 
Suit set by Sandro; Wrap shirt by Dunhill; Ankle leather boots by Givenchy

gafencu magazine fashion feature 1 november (2)

Look 4:

On Her:
Gloves by Moncler; Dress and leggings by Moncler; Clear-beaded bag by Susan Fang, courtesy of NET-A-PORTER; Heels by Christian Louboutin

On Him:
Shirt, blazer, pants and shoes by Prada

gafencu magazine fashion feature 1 november (2)

Look 5:

Torque necklace by Atelier Swarovski; Long tight gloves by Givenchy; Dress by Moncler; Woven down coat and pants by Rick Owens; 
Side bag by Hermès

gafencu magazine fashion feature 1 november (2)

Look 6:

Woven down coat and pants by Rick Owens; Side bag by Hermès

gafencu magazine fashion feature 1 november (2)

Look 7:

On Her:
Earrings and rings by Atelier Swarovski; Small clutch by Hermès; Cape midi dress by Givenchy; Heels by Rene Caovilla

On Him:
Shirt, scarf, suit and shoes by Hermès

gafencu magazine fashion feature 1 november (2)

Look 8:

On Her:
Earrings by Atelier Swarovski; Sequin maxi dress by Bottega Veneta

On Him:
From up to down by Givenchy

gafencu magazine fashion feature 1 november (2)

Look 9:

On Her: 
Dress by Gucci; Tie-around ankle wedge heels by Givenchy

On Him:
Blazer and pants by Dunhill; Ankle leather boots by Hermès

 

Photos: Jack Law
Art Direction and Styling : Jhoshwa Ledesma
Models: Mei Yu & Jonathan Wong (@Model One)
Hair and Make-up: Margaret Wong and Hoby Wong

Symbols of success: must-have men’s accessories

A fine gentleman is defined not only by his well-manicured grooming and elegant attire, but also by  essential accessories that he uses. Though often miniature in sizes, accessories are subtle statements that reflect a lot about a man’s personality, fashion sense and even wealth, making them essential elements. Here’s a short list of must-have accessories of a successful gentleman.

Wristwatch

Any successful man knows that time well spent on productivity is a vital element of success. Watches have always been synonymous with style and wealth, but beyond the aesthetics of a fashionable watch, the vital importance of a quality timepiece lies in its reliability and functionality. The latest trend to hit the market are dive watches. 

Image: Rolex Submariner / Omega Seamaster / Tudor Pelagos / Breitling Endurance Pro / Panerai Submersible GoldtechT

Bracelet

At the moment, bracelets are among the most trendy men’s accessories. An elegant bracelet accentuates a debonaire gentleman whether he is in a casual or formal attire.  

Image: Dunhill / Versace / Le Gramme

Sunglasses

During sunny days, a pair of designer shades are essential. A pair that best suits the shape of a man is ideal. A pair of sunglasses not only protects the eyes from the harsh rays of the sun, but also helps a man project a cool and sassy image. Square sunglasses are the most popular in men’s style though vintage sunglasses offer a bolder and daring statement.

Image: Cartier / Gucci / Dunhill

essential accessories every successful man must have gafencu magazine men's style fashion dunhill biometric wallet
Image: Dunhill Biometric Wallet

Bluetooth Wallet

A man’s wallet not only reflects his wealth and style, it is also one of the most essential in daily life. A sharp departure from the usual practice of a wallet stacked with credit cards, paper bills and some business cards, high-tech Bluetooth wallets are now in vogue and displays affluence. This wallet type is also far more secure and high tech, often equipped with a fingerprint sensor and an alarm system activated it is several feet away from its owner’s mobile phone. Clearly, this high-tech feature avoids unwitting loss of vitally important items.

Image: Dunhill Biometric Wallet

Cologne

A man’s smell reflects directly his style and personality. Cologne is an invisible appendage of the overall presentation of a respectable and refined gentleman. It even carries some wellness benefits that aromatherapy is known to provide. 

Image: Jo Malone / Clive Christian / Creed / Tom Ford

Leather Belt

Whether donning a formal, business or casual attire, one the must-have accessories is a leather belt. This belt type is durable, versatile, and can easily elevate the overall look of a well-dressed man. 

Image: Hermes / Gucci / Valentino Garvani / Dunhill

 

Timeless shirts for every man

Fashion and style will always evolve with new trends that come and go. There are various things, though, that remain timeless. A top-notch quality shirt made of sound materials that are comfortable, breathable and functional will often stand the test of time. Whether it is to look sharp for a business meeting, to dress smartly for a party or simply to dress comfortably with style, these are must-have shirt types for every man. 

Must-have shirts for every man Gafencu Magazine men fashion dress shirt

Dress Shirt

Topping the list for its versatility, a dress shirt can be worn for casual or formal evenings, and it is definitely a must-have for any black tie event that requires a suit. Typically cut from pique, oxford or twill fabrics, a dress shirt is a sleek and comfortable garment to use when dressing up or down for any occasion.

Styling tip: Wear a white undershirt underneath to keep the dress shirt looking clean and crisp to avoid any stains or friction against the skin or body. 
(more…)

Prismatic: Bold, daring, attention grabbing fashion statements…

Embodying the fun and playful spirit of recent runway trends, this month’s looks feature bold and daring colour contrasts that pop and reshape a new normal. 

Prismatic Bold, daring, attention grabbing gafencu magazine fashion feature look book versace prada giuseppe zanotti

Look 1
Multicolour dress by Versace; Yellow clutch with gold Chain by Prada; Laila heels by Giuseppe Zanotti

Prismatic Bold, daring, attention grabbing gafencu magazine fashion feature look book H&M studio givenchy versace berluti

Look 2
On Her:
Turquoise suit set by H&M Studio; Antigona mini bag by Givenchy; Heels by Versace

On Him:
Multicolour shirt by Versace; Trousers by Berluti; Black shiny boots with metal detail by Givenchy

Prismatic Bold, daring, attention grabbing gafencu magazine fashion feature look book loewe

Look 3
Flower jacquard bib dress by Loewe

Prismatic Bold, daring, attention grabbing gafencu magazine fashion feature look book givenchy loewe

Look 4
On Her:
Belted midi dress with bonded pattern by Givenchy; Handbag by Prada; 

On Him:
Waistcoat by Givenchy; Trousers by Givenchy; Wave sunglasses by Loewe

Prismatic Bold, daring, attention grabbing gafencu magazine fashion feature look book berluti H&M studio prada berluti salvatore ferragamo giuseppe zanotti

Look 5
On Her:
Green turtleneck by Berluti; Green V-neck dress by H&M Studio; Green leggings by Prada; Dark green leather sandalettes by H&M Studio

On Him:
Leather jacket by Berluti; Leather pants by Salvatore Ferragamo; Blabber shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti

Prismatic Bold, daring, attention grabbing gafencu magazine fashion feature look book the kooples prada

Look 6
Mustard yellow suit set; by The Kooples; Yellow Galleria handbag by Prada

Prismatic Bold, daring, attention grabbing gafencu magazine fashion feature look book hermes prada giuseppe zanotti (2)

Look 7
On Her:
Cashmere knit sweater with Kelly choker by Hermès; High-waist pants by Hermès; Pink heels by Prada

On Him:
Turtleneck, jacket and pants by Prada; Blabber Shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti

Photos: Jack Law
Art Direction and Styling : Jhoshwa Ledesma
Models : Mariano M and Emma Tang (@Model One)
Hair and Make-up : Margaret Wong and Hoby Wong

9 tips to care for your designer clothes

Designer clothes often entail significant investments. From the quality of materials to craftsmanship of  garments, high-fashion outfits are often made to last for several years. But no matter the quality, garments are unlikely to last  several seasons unless they are properly cared for. The following tips will help you care very well for your prized designer clothes.

9 tips to care for your designer clothes gafencu magazine fashion delicate fabric

Avoid using wired hangers

Wired hangers are generally not great to use for storing clothes. Wired hangers are actually improper to use for hanging and storing heavy garments, such as gowns and silk, as they tend to bend even as they are also  flimsy. They are also prone to rust and their edges more often than not leave unflattering shoulder tips that are difficult to flatten out. Instead of wired hangers, use padded ones that keep light fabrics from slipping and which won’t leave any unwanted stains on the fabric.

9 tips to care for your designer clothes gafencu magazine fashion folded

Folding

A common mistake in organizing wardrobes is hanging all types of clothes. Although it is an admirable sight to open our closet doors to a spread of our best collection of designer clothes, materials such as knitted sweaters will cause delicate fibres to stretch over time if hung for extended periods. To avoid this, folding is a better alternative to keep designer clothes with heavy fabrics in top shape. Other materials on clothes that are better folded than hung are beads, lace, and sequins which tend to snag against other clothes when hung.

9 tips to care for your designer clothes gafencu magazine fashion storage

Storage

Always ensure clothes are clean storing them, and remove any plastic or vinyl dry-cleaning bags to avoid damaging delicate fabrics, such as wool, cashmere or silk. (More on this in the subsequent tip). An alternative is to store clothes in garment bags that are made of breathable materials, such as muslin, and to place them in cool and dry spaces away from windows to avoid fading of colours caused by UV exposure.

Dehumidifier

Investing in a dehumidifier for a closet is a great way to prolong the lifespan of your designer clothes as the air circulation from the device will negate humidity and heat that break down fabrics and cause them to mould. This is specially so when clothes are kept in vinyl or plastic clear bags, which trap moisture and dry cleaning chemicals.

9 tips to care for your designer clothes gafencu magazine fashion silk

Remove Stains Immediately

Stains are the bane of every piece of fashion garment. However, accidents happen from time to time. In case of any mishap, it is essential to treat stains immediately, especially before washing. Pouring white vinegar over stains before hand washing of the stained area will calm any panic from potential ruin of a designer piece.

Hand Wash

Always read carefully the label on the collar for washing instructions, like temperature and wash cycle. It is important to note that delicate fabrics, such as silk, must not be washed using a washing machine in spite of instructions on the label. A better alternative is to soak them in lukewarm water and gently rub soap to remove any unwanted stains or dirt.

9 tips to care for your designer clothes gafencu magazine fashion leather

Air Dry

Air drying garments in a natural fashion is a great way to avoid damages to fabrics caused by dryers. Dryers produce very high temperatures that can break down and shrink fabrics. They also reduce wrinkles caused by tumbling in a drum of a dryer. Additionally, in case leather — a fabric type that should never get wet — happens to get soaked, it must be dried naturally. Throwing them into the dryer will only alter the chemical structure of the item and cause it to stiffen.

9 tips to care for your designer clothes gafencu magazine fashion steam press

Steam Press

Let go of a clothes iron since steam pressing is the better way to go when removing wrinkles. Steam pressing doesn’t apply direct heat onto the fabrics as it uses steam to hover over unwanted wrinkles on the fabrics. Results are just as effective as an iron without the damaging effects of an iron on the garments.

9 tips to care for your designer clothes gafencu magazine fashion fur

Leave it to the professionals

Let’s face it, laundry is a tedious chore that cannot be avoided as it entails understanding the different modes of wash cycles to choosing the best laundry detergent for delicate fabrics. Laundry caused anxiety to any fashionista as even one tiny mistake can ruin a designer piece beyond repair. When it comes to ensuring a  delicate fabric or designer clothes are clean and properly cared for, it’s best to leave this matter to specialists who are experts in caring for top-notch quality outfits and delicate fabrics.

These speciality laundry services are available in the city:

Valet de Mode

Services: Suede, leather, fur and mink

Vogue Laundry

Services: Cashmere and wool 

Park Avenue

Services: Pashmina, Fur, Cheong Sam and more

Goodwins of London

Services: Silk, linen and designer items

Jeeves

Services: Dry cleaning, leather and suede restoration, antique garments cleaning, and other services