Justin O'Shea outside Chloe, Paris

Disclaimer: I have never personally met Justin O'Shea neither am I implying he is a "Gatsby" - I just think he looks great in this photo :)) (shot by me for Wonderzine at Paris Fashion Week in September this year).

The Gatsby Man

I am aware that I'm no Carrie Bradshaw and I am most definitely not writing a sex column and I am no expert when it comes to men HOWEVER when you and your girlfriends identify a potential new breed of male over a bottle of wine on a Monday night, it would be a shame not to share it…right? 

After careful analysis of our acquaintances and former (and current) lovers we have decided that these guys are becoming increasingly active in the dating community. Arguably, the Gatsby man has evolved from your "metrosexualis normalis" and into what we would propose to label "the Gatsby man".

Basically, Gatsby's raison d'être revolves around the idea of self-improvement… continuous self-improvement. If you have read the novel you would remember Gatsby's self-improvement schedule…

Your typical Gatsby man can be characterised by the following (but not limited to) behaviours:

- Gatsby always has a cool hobby - he generally would not take it up if its not cool. The hobby could be creative (photography) or sporty (kitesurfing) but invariably it would very cool.

- Gatsby is interested in everything and is very hungry for information… the scope is extremely broad and can include anything from the US foreign policy to the up-and-coming swedish band to the economic benefits of solar panels. 

- He is always up to date on the current affairs, latest gigs, exhibitions, movies and festivals - in a lot of cases he would also have tickets to the aforementioned gigs, exhibitions etc etc... "just in case"

- He loves everything new, hip and cool and he prides himself on being one of the first to find and embrace the aforementioned coolness

- He is very into his fitness but mostly for vanity reasons and for a very defined six-pack (which he would NEVER put on instagram but rather wait for your gasp when things get a little…ahem…serious)

- He is hyperactive on Spotify, or alternatively he plays a musical instrument (a guitar or a piano and you will probably get enjoy his musical talent straight after you get to enjoy the elaborate 3 course meal that he has cooked for you and which was inspired by his latest trip to Spain, Peru, China etc etc)

- He is immaculately groomed and dressed, interested in fashion and is aware of the latest fashion trends (in some cases womenswear trends too but it does not mean he is gay at all… he just likes to know that the girl that he is dating is "with it" in terms of her fashion choices)

- He is visual and his house is probably just as immaculate as he is - it is carefully decorated and the pictures have been sourced from the coolest market in town…from an up and coming artist… biensûr)

- He probably has a well-paid job, probably owns his house and possibly a car (the car would be an extension of him so it will also be very nice..dont you worry). He knows that financial stability is important and he works hard for his money. He has a career. He is successful. He probably reads pshycology books on team management and/or world domination

- He knows he is a catch… he has a list of his own positive attributes in his head that he consciously compares to the list of your attributes when he meets you

- If he had a quarter/midlife crisis you would never know - he would just take up another cool hobby and read more psychology books

- He takes himself seriously at all times and he is never the class clown. He is in control. You wouldn't see him drunk very often if at all.

So once you have identified this particular breed of a man…you have to decide if you are really interested in giving this creature a home… the thing is - the jury is still out on whether this breed makes for good mating partners. There is no evidence to suggest otherwise however, since they take their relationships seriously and generally are not looking for a one night stand. But the biggest challenge lies in being even considered for the gf status. Basically, getting the Gatsby Girlfriend status is akin to getting a job at LVMH - you will have to go through at least 8 interviews to even be considered for the job. 

If you have decided to take on the challenge of proving your worthiness to a Gatsby then you will have to do some serious prep work in order to keep his attention:

- READ. A LOT. ABOUT EVERYTHING.

- You have to be well dressed - they appreciate a sense of style, use of colour blocking and the shape of your heel - because they know what's "in". Money well spent on a new season statement piece. 

- You have to be into your fitness because he appreciates the chat about the latest protein diet and running in Regent's park vs Hyde Park. Within a few months you may or may not find yourself training for a half-marathon. Of course he is very supportive!

- You have to thank your lucky stars if you don't listen to Britney Spears or Miley Cyrus because that would make it easier to appreciate the latest up and coming band from Iceland. Fact.

- Above everything - you have to recognise and complement on all the things that make him a superior male to his peers because he puts a lot of work into it! A complement will go a long way because it will yet again reassure him that he's made the right choice in dating you. He is a good judge of character. Naturally.

- Additional perks include (but not limited to) make-up removing wipes in his bathroom (no, he is not cheating…he is just considerate); possibility of using his moisturiser if you have forgotten yours; ability to trust him with the task of booking your next holiday - he will do a stellar job and think of every last little detail; enjoyment in knowing that all the girls in the room wish they were you :))   

xx

Streetstyle for Look At Me

Check out my street style shots for Look At Me that I shot on Days 2 and 3 of London Fashion Week. My favourite shot of Day 2 - the ever so stylish Matthew Zorpas. Absolutely love this suit on him - well tailored with amazing detailing. Bravo!

xx

Simone Marchetti - Before Viktor & Rolf, Paris

And the award for best on [fashion] field goes to..... Simone Marchetti!

I find that generally, men don't like to be photographed all that much (or at least the ones that you want to photograph don't), which is a shame really because with all the countless street style blogs out there, there is still a tangible void in the blogosphere when it comes to men's style. I don't know whether it has anything to do with the overpowering machismo which still underpins so many cultures. What I do know however, is that men around the world, though some in secret, are hungry for style direction. In today's world where fashion is no longer a measure of status but rather a way of self-expression, both men and women are craving style rather than actual fashion. A few may judge me when I say that, as a gross generalisation, women are a little more intuitive when it comes to colour. Which is why I think style inspiration from street style blogs is so valuable. And which is why I am surprised that there not that many good gentlemen style blogs. It's like a cheat sheet on how to combine colours and put together non conventional looks (well that's certainly how I tend to use them :)).

Anyway, I digress... The point of this post was to share my newfound love for the man in the picture above (who thankfully, doesn't mind being photographed). I spotted Simone both at Milan and Paris fashion weeks and every time I saw him, he made my day a little brighter. I love seeing wearable style. And that is exactly what Simone is about - every outfit he wore at fashion week you could put on any more or less respectable gentleman on the street and he would wear it proudly without feeling inadequate.

For me that's what real fashion is about - when anyone, fashion savvy or not, can recognise that THIS is beautiful, tasteful and aesthetically stimulating.

Oh and did I mention that Simone also happens to be an exceptionally nice, friendly and generally lovely to everyone kinda person?! Well, he is!

p.s. you can also see Simone's look from Milano here    

xx

Simone Marchetti - Outside Bottega Veneta, Milan

If you have been following my blog for a while, you would know that I rarely post pictures of stylish gentlemen. I'm not sure why that is but I guess I feel that I understand ladies' style a bit better. However, this time whilst in Milan, the penny finally dropped and I was overwhelmed by the amazingly dressed Italian men. No peacocking, just elegance combined with practicality and great tailoring.  

Gentlemen Style, Paris

Un nouveau ideal - Matthew Zorpas

And then there are times when you eat your words... as I was sifting through numerous and numerous street style shots I took at LFW 2011, I came across a photo of Matthew (contributor to Un Nouveau Ideal and the voice behind PR Wonderland) and my immediate thought (which often crosses my mind when I see him) is "how on earth does he do it?!"

Matthew is the polar opposite of what I was trying to explain in my Gentlemen of Style post. He does not dress up casual outfits to add an oomph. In fact, I doubt he even owns any casual outfits. His forte is taking the oomph and making it look wearable and stylish. He pulls off his outfits with such ease.. as if saying "what do you mean I look cool today?!.. this is how I always look"

Anyway, enough talking - you be the judge. I guess David is right - the jury is still out on the London vs NYC style debate!

p.s. Matthew is wearing some super funky pieces by Harald Lunde Helgesen (HLH), a London-based menswear fashion label with distinctly Norwegian roots.

p.p.s. I always hate how these collages take away from the quality of the photo but I do feel these two shots belong together

NYC - Gentlemen of Style

I know that what I am about to say will result in a few enemies amongst the London "fashionistos"* but I will say it anyway - New York gentlemen are better dressed than their London counterparts! I guess when I say "better" I mean their ability to wear everyday outfits so well.. they are stylish without being too over the top. They will turn heads but for all the right reasons. And of course, I am the first to admit that when it comes to menswear I have EXTREMELY limited expertise, almost handicapped really (you've probably noticed that I didnt even bother writing a review for James Long). Yet, style is style and one does not need to be fashion savvy to recognise it.

Edixon Valdez - NYC based fashion designer 

*plural, masculine of fashionista (yes, I am now so fabulous that I feel entitled to create new fashion terms :))

James Long AW2011 - London Fashion Week

NYFW - Mr Swagger

Mr Swagger 360  is not only an amazing dresser but would also have to be one of the nicest and friendliest  bloggers of the fash pack (click on the image to enlarge).

Another stylish gentleman...

Wow! I dont know why I have been posting so much men style lately but anyway.. Here is another one for you! Does anyone know who he is???

Mr Nyanzi..

David from the Nyanzi Report was a consistent high achiever at LFW2010. His outfits were creative, colourful and of course ever so stylish. He is one of those people (of whom I am not one of) who manages to combine 'dressing to shoot' and 'dressing to be shot' so well!

Matthew...

Matthew Zorpas from PR Wonderland, in my humble opinion, was one of the best dressed men at LFW2010

Stylish gentlemen...