Gucci Silk Printed Tie

THE ASKMEN TAKE

This item appears in our Fall Fashion Preview 2009.
In a season when everything from printed knits to pleats is being resurrected from the fashion graveyard, it is no surprise thatGucci would jump on the bandwagon. Fall ‘09 has reversed the clock by about a quarter century and revived ‘80s designs with a contemporary twist. Under the skillful watch of creative directorFrida Giannini, who previously oversaw the design of men’s accessories for Gucci, comes this black and silver silk tie. Interestingly, rummaging through the Miami Vice costume closet mixes nicely with the classic feel of greasy Gucci -- in the best way possible.

UNIQUENESS

What prevents this tie from becoming the cheesy banker variety is the width. Instead of the gargantuan 3.5 inches of a standard power tie, Gucci shrunk this one down to a sleek two inches. The dark color also sets it apart from the kind of kitschy ‘80s neon palette your eyes are still adjusting from seeing 20 years ago. This tie is undoubtedly more punk than prep. It’s the ideal addition to a done-up denim look with a blazer. Just make sure that the blazer is tailored and doesn’t include a set of shoulder pads. We’re not quite there yet.

DURABILITY

The austerity of color and styling in this Gucci silk printed tie may resonate during difficult days, but the price says otherwise. At $180, it is definitely not your starter tie. However, like anything that comes from the grips of Gucci, you get what you pay for: an immaculately crafted tie that will practically last forever. It’s handmade in Italy and woven from the highest quality printed silk. Needless to say, it retains shape and ties effortlessly. And no matter what decade is prancing down the runway, the vicious V of a great knot is always in style.

Men Summer Fashion 2011 Trends

Usually, it rarely happens that the trends are similar when it comes to fashion for women and men. Similarities will always be small, but usually they are separate entities. However spring-summer season 2011 is very different in this regard.

This season brings a new vision of fashion and trends for women and men are disturbingly similar and they seem to have mixed to create an androgynous twist.

Season spring-summer 2011 trends for men borrow most of present trends from feminine fashion. Thus, here we meet the brilliance and optimism of the ’70s, ’60s silhouettes, masculine biker look, punk and Asian influences, colors, prints and electrical, transparencies and lace, stripes and navy style.

Blazers
It is one of the key elements of this season and adapted by all the great designers. Combined to create a more casual or more formal look, with pants or long shorts, jeans, blazer is present everywhere.

Shorts
Designers propose knee shorts or a little above the knees shorts. Choose the right shoes for your feet and make your outfit look good and be chic.

Sweaters
They are always a very important element and must be present in each of your wardrobe. Invest in sweaters made of cashmere and cotton which are very high quality.

Biker look
Trends are constantly evolving, so if a few seasons ago the military look was in vogue for the season, today’s line is replaced with the biker look. Specific elements of motorcycles, redesigned and stylized are brought to a new level. The centerpiece is the surviving biker jacket, in particular made of leather and different colors from silver to black or even more vivid colors.

Transparent and lace
Considering different sources of inspiration and different styles, great designers aim for 2011 hot season transparent garments.(Clavin Klein, Raf Simon, Rick Owens, Tim Hamilton)

Jeans
An article in constant change with cutting, colors and materials.(Giorgio Armani, D & G, John Galliano, Moschino)

Bright colors
Neon shades, very strong, can be worn with success this season. We expect a spring and a summer full of color and vitality, as revealed on colors and trends for this season. The green, pink, navy blue, red, orange, honeysuckle (color of 2011) and yellow are the colors used in the collections of most designers. These color combinations will take your outfit out of a routine and will be very versatile. (Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton, Bottega, Salvatore Ferragamo)

Tights
It may seem surprising, but tights are present in male fashion trends of this 2011 season.

Prints
Color prints (classic, floral, ethnic or animal) could not miss the hot season trends chart. It relies on contrasts, creativity, and various combinations of prints and colors.

Stripes
Fashion designers prepared a surprise for. They continue to promote horizontal stripes, but they reinvented them. It is no longer just the marine blue stripes, this time it’s a game of color and size. Strong and vivid colors this season are celebrated. Whether it’s for blouses, shirts, jackets and other clothing, stripes should not miss from your wardrobe.

Navy
A current fashion in trend since last year, the navy style is a trend to follow, and today’s suggested marine style, has a specific color palette: shades of blue, yellow, beige, striped prints and keeps a certain rigidity by cuts and specific tailoring. This style is sweetened by the choice of lighter materials, specific for warm season.

Sleeveless
T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, sleeveless jackets, such combinations are many and can give you a classic or a sportier look. (Z Zegna, Versace, Prada)