Total look means dressing up from head to toe in just one brand or style. It’s a difficult and dangerous option, it’s best to choose carefully because it’s a damn fine line between  glamour and grotesque. In this specific case we have a total look Versace which is now available in stores: colorful floral patterns on white and the neo-classical greek freet , a common decorative element in greek and roman art which has become the symbol of the maison since the beginning. For this shot the stylist choose golden metal chains and bracialets adding opulence to the picture and that is the point: if it has to be “total” then it better be exasperated to the nth degree with no hesitations. The outfit is not enough though, it’s the typology of men that counts. To wear such an exceptional and “scenographic” look one should be an incarnation of celebrity beauty standards:  outstanding beauty,  height and  body structure, worthy of the name Versace. Perhaps it’s better to opt for a  classic total look, all fashion designers including Versace want the fashion show to represent their own world but looking  through their boutique clothes and accessories it’s definitely possible to find plenty of more traditional choices.

Ho chiesto una dedica per Max ai maggiori esponenti italiani del menswear (ma in corso d’opera si sono perfino aggiunti spontaneamente un paio di designer che disegnano solo abbigliamento femminile!!). Perchè una dedica a Max? Perché è un giornale storico che racconta l’Italia da 28 anni, e almeno la metà delle pagine che sono state pubblicate in tutto questo tempo, sono dedicate alla moda. Il 7 maggio “compio” dieci anni di Rizzoli, dove ho imparato a dare valore a molte cose, che prima snobbavo. Tra tutte quelle che ho appreso, la più importante è il rispetto per i lettori, per il loro gusto e per le loro esigenze: e ogni giorno, continuo a imparare qualcosa di nuovo, che aumenta il mio entusiasmo per questo straordinario lavoro che ho avuto la fortuna di fare. Grazie a tutti voi, amici della moda, e al tempo che avete dedicato a Max.

I have been asking to the major italian  designers of menswear a dedication for Max (and they have been joined by a few womenswear designers as well!!). Why a dedication for Max? Because it’s an historic magazine, which have been narrating Italy since 28 years ago. At least half of its pages are all about fashion.The 7th of may I will be celebrating ten years with Rizzoli, where I have learned the true value of many things I have been snobbing before. First of all consideration for our readers, their taste and their demands. Every day I keep learning something new, increasing my enthusiasm for this marvellous job which I am so lucky to have. Thank you everyone, friends of fashion and thanks for the time you have spent reading Max.

A.C.

The military inspired fashion trend keeps coming and going. It’s persistent more than any other cyclical trend and an evergreen since the 80s. At the time designers used to “steal” details and ideas for reinterpretation, as the military badges Ferre’ has been sewing on the shoulders of his paletots. Became very popular to look around for unique vintage pieces at flea markets and snap up military coats, shirts and bermudas  with name, surname and rank of the soldier they once belonged to. In the 90s brands like Prada, Costume National Homme Jil Sander and Dolce & Gabbana, have been creating entire collections based on the sensuality and pragmatism of military clothing. The fabrics at first were hard and harsh but with the help of finishing treatments later on they became softer, blue and camouflage printed, just like combat uniforms. Personally I think it’s a style that suits everyone, when worn with confidence and without overdoing it (no to a total look uniform and combat boots). Generally I prefer to see it on young people. In any case the key word (sticking to the point) is “lightness”: of shapes, volumes and most importantly of approach. Picture by Massimo Pamparana for Max. Jacket by Burberry Prorsum.