The Milan Menswear Collections is certainly the most esteemed men's fashion show in the world. We spoke to an inspired Neil Doveton, Fashion Director of Men’s Health and Best Life magazine, live from Milano... iafrica.com: What’s the hot gossip? Tell us what the fashionistas are talking about this year at the Milan Menswear Collections…
Neil: Apparently — and it's eavesdropped gossip — King Giorgio is tad upset with the American Vogue... but I am certainly not going into details!
iafrica.com: Apparently accessories for men featured quite strongly at the Menswear Collections in Milan this year. What kind of accessories are in vogue?
Neil: You have to carry a bag — or don't bother hoping to be noticed. Leather carryalls in every possible size and shape and finish — leather, patent leather, nylon, as long as its big and obvious.
Hats too are another way to finish your look in style, everything from straw hats to caps, poorboys and trilby's.
iafrica.com: Describe the most fantastic outfit of the week…
Neil: Aw come on that's not fair! Only one? Well seeing as it the year of the Golden Boys with gold being the new black, the old black, the every black I would say it has to be Burberry Prorsum's gleaming Gold Alligator trench coat belted in the waist and worn over deeply scooped black summer knit slim silhouette trousers and neoprene boots — Christopher Bailey's brilliant fusion of technical sport and glitzy glamour.
iafrica.com: What are the new key fashion items and colours for next summer…
Neil: Its a mixture of glamour and sport. The tuxedo features strongly in many variations from sophisticated and traditional to worn casually over a Henley T-shirt... the other total must-have is the waistcoat, layered, worn under jackets or simply as a shirt... it's great to see this classic piece make such a strong comeback. Colours... everything and anything that shimmers or shines.. every possible metallic, gold being supreme and contrasted against either an icy palette of summer whites, sandy desert hues or the deepest ebonies and charcoals.
iafrica.com: What are you specifically looking forward to wearing next season?
Neil: My waistcoat and mandarin collared shirt I bought in Milan! Oh and sneakers in patent shimmering metallic silver. And of course a Henley T-shirt under a satin lapelled Tuxedo jacket, skinny fit black jeans and sandals.
iafrica.com: Which male model is the most sought after right now?
Neil: It must be Marlon Brando's grandson, Tuki Brando, the new face of Versace... not only famous but gorgeous too.
iafrica.com: Did you get to meet any interesting fashionistas or celebrities?
Neil: To be honest I really keep my focus on the trends but did hobnob a bit with the fashionistas and fashion directors of UK GQ, Vogue and Italian Homme and Arena.
iafrica.com: Which show was your favourite and why…
Neil: You cant ask me that — they are all so brilliant and each so different, It's an enchanting experience that whisks one away to different places and sensations.
I mean D&G is always so sexy, DSQAURED2 real man, Burberry Prorsum stylish and British , Valentino put on such an unusual show with no runway, merely a raised semi-circular stage where models posed in amused manner as fashionista and photographer could gather up close for an extraordinarily tangible experience and even entice a glimpse of a smile from the models... a great new concept.
However it's Miss Vivienne Westwood who never fails to steal my heart, make me go all goose-bumpy and to be honest a little tearful as she brings such delight to the world of fashion, but we also love King Giorgio and the ever young Donatella (however does she do it?).
iafrica.com: Did you go shopping in Milan? What did you buy?
Neil: Well a can of coke is about 30 bucks if you know what I mean — nonetheless I always invest in classic white shirts in Milan, lets face it the Italians know how to make a good shirt, and the collars, mmm the collars are always just right!
iafrica.com: Drawing from your international fashion experience, is there any advice that you can give the local fashion industry?
Neil: I never like to give advice to our local industry — we have enormous talent back home and most of the outfits I wore to the collections are from our very own designers and retailers and guess what had my picture taken almost every day. I say only "keep it up, go for the glimmer and shine and most importantly — just love what you do, don't take it too seriously — fashion should be enjoyed and never a burden."
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