The Modern Man: Why Traditional Barbershops are Making a Comeback

It always seems that what's old is new again. Popular fashions tend to recycle over time, as though style is not linear but rather a revolving door. Of course, refurbished styles and fashions are updated with a bit of a modern edge, but the inspirations are still that of yore. Prime example - the traditional male looks of the 1920s and 1930s are back in full bloom with military cuts, thick rimmed glasses and Great Gatsby-esque fashions. I've especially noticed a lot more buzz about traditional male barbershops recently, and felt inclined to delve into this a bit deeper. I spoke with Jesse Alberto from House of Barons on Sussex to shed some light on what's in for the gents.

I've noticed a resurgence of traditional male barbershops in the city over the past couple of years. Why do you think that is?

Men are recognizing that taking care of there looks can not only benefit how they look, but also how they feel on a day too day basis.  By taking care of themselves  and having a proper cut or shave in a traditional atmosphere is reminding men that mens grooming is not a lost art.  

What spectrum of services do you offer?

We try to keep things as simple and traditional as we can, we have a cut, a shave, and a clean up.  We  wanted to stay away from having a large menu of options.  Simplicity without over complicating things allows us to ensure that our quality will never suffer

What is the most popular style you are seeing requests for?

As I mentioned in my earlier response men are really back in touch with the traditional, we are seeing lots of the clean professional side parts,  pompadours evolve but never go out of style, recently we have been playing with some really detailed fades, the military cut.  Its all been done so its just finding a new way to break down the traditional and modernizing it in a new way. 

What do you think will be the popular hair styles for spring and summer? What about facial hair?

The warmer weather always brings shorter cuts, higher fades, more drastic lines, but i think we will be moving into more playful flows, a controlled mess I like to call it. Beards are in right now, I'm seeing them on all my clients, but i think men are going to me learning more and more how to groom them and how to make there facial hair match there whole look, if I had to guess I would say its going to be all about the details this year.

What are the benefits of getting a professional straight razor shave as opposed to shaving at home?

A single blade for sure, leaves less room for irritation, having the hot towel service is great  for the skin as well as the man.  A barber shop shave is a treat as well as a service, its a great once a week thing for men to do!

What styling and skin care products do you recommend for men?

That is really a case by case question, what people don't realize is how many skin and hair types there are.  We really took a lot time and testing in selecting the brands we carry to make sure that we cover the entire spectrum. We use the Crown shaving co.  for all of our shaves, they are a great company out of Toronto, we have a local beard oil from right here in Ottawa called Dapper, for the hair products we work mostly with TIGI and Layrite.  We also have a mens grooming corner that we bring in all kinds of unique, artisan brands and products, that also has a good portion of the Baxter of California line.

HOUSE OF BARONS

• 481 Sussex Dr
• Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6Z5
• (613) 241-2427
  http://www.houseofbarons.ca/

Berlin Fashion Week, F/W'13 RTW

Sprechen sie Deutch? Well, little did we know but the Germans sure speak the sartorial language of fine craftsmanship. Berlin, the land of the culturally forgotten, has reemerged as a serious player amongst the other European fashion capitals. Sponsored by Mercedes Benz, the Berlin tents have been showcasing fashion worth noticing over this past week. It’s difficult to tell what it is that sets German apparel apart from others, but there is undeniably a unique vibe in the nation.

            Sharp lines and a minimalistic palate prevailed at North American-loved Hugo by Hugo Boss. Favourites were stark white sheath dresses with colour-blocked panels, architecturally designed coats to keep out the cool Eastern wind, and long, A-line black vests with bandeaus concealing the bust.

Hugo by Hugo Boss

Hugo by Hugo Boss

Hugo by Hugo Boss

Hugo by Hugo Boss

Hugo by Hugo Boss

Augustin Teboul

Augustin Teboul

            A sharp contrast to the simplistic charm found at Boss, Augustin Teboul sent out a host of gothic vixens in black-on-black-on-black ensembles. Webbed laces and black netting served as textiles and the menswear inspired garments were seductive enough to make Liza Minnelli’s Cabaret character blush. Large brimmed hats sat atop long horsehair wigs, eyebrows were bleached, features were sharply defined, and long fringe fell across layered looks.

Augustin Teboul

Liza Minnelli in Cabaret

The Lena Hoschek show first evoked admiration, then dislike, and ultimately confusion in me. The show began with a slew of models with elegant braided updos and cat-eye liner wearing feminine gowns in beautiful laces and brocades. The dainty heels paired with these dresses were eventually replaced with chucky combat boots and ripped stockings. This quirky juxtaposition was appreciated, but as the show progressed models began to appear donning Southwestern inspired embroidery and detailing, and at this point Hoschek had lost me, and the collection seemed incohesive as well as disorienting. Nevertheless, the evening gowns were made with impeccable precision, and the draping of the soft fabrics evoked the mood of a romantic fairytale.

Lena Hoschek

Lena Hoschek

Lena Hoschek

            Dietrich Emter enchanted me with sharp tailoring and soft feminine hues. Ladylike skirt-suits and fur-collared-coats in dust pinks, blacks, and beiges were flattering and current. While maintaining classic silhouettes, Emter produced garments that are sure to be retail favourites.

Dietrich Emter

Dietrich Emter

Dietrich Emter

            Dorothea Schumacher of Schumacher Designs was truly the Berlin belle-of-the-ball. Beautiful monochromatic work-appropriate apparel graced the runways in whites, mustards, wines, and blacks. Blazers were sharply cut and cropped trousers were flattering with delicate heels. The peplum resurfaced once again, and capes and coats were rampant. Schumaher’s aesthetic had a certain Russian appeal, and models donned fur hats that would make Anna Karenina envious.

Schumacher

Schumacher

Schumacher

Schumacher

Schumacher

-Sienna Vittoria

@SiennaVittoria

siennavittoria.tumblr.com

Angels and Diamonds: Victoria Secret's Couture Show

by Sienna Vittoria

Million dollar diamonds, lace, skilled craftsmanship and live acrobats. Contrary to the belief of many, the Victoria's Secret annual couture show is not merely a succession of scantily clad ladies prancing down the runway for the pleasure of preadolescent boys watching from their couches at home. The amount of work that is spent creating the intricately jeweled and laced couture lingerie is enormous, and is admirable to anyone who is familiar with the patience required to even thread a needle.

Veering towards more of a theatrical production than simply a runway show, this year viewers were audience to a spectacle of Carnival-themed lights, with background trapeze artists suspended in the air. Proceeding this, models walked in sweet blushtones and baby blues, donning bows and butterfly wings. Viewers were then taken on a trip through time, as each model that emerged on the runway was fashioned to embody a designated month of the year. Sparkles and tinsel sprinkled out as we were then transported to the time of classic Hollywood glamour, with models in diamonds, satins and velvets. Concluding the show was “Angels in Bloom”, featuring flower blossomed wings, and bright greens and pinks, reminiscent of Tinker Bell. This years honoured Angel, Alessandra Ambrosio, confidently sauntered down the runway in the legendary 2.5 million dollar "fantasy bra", sparkling from the stage with a 20-carot diamond as the centrepiece.

Alessandra Abrosio, "Fantasy Bra"

“As soon as the glitter settles on the runway [at the end], we’re thinking of next years show,” sighed Monica Mitro, Victoria's Secret’s agent. “It’s a year long process.”

The procedure begins with conceptual brainstorming, and according to Sophie Neophitou, the infamous Creative Director of Victoria Secret, “the inspiration comes from films, music, and a lot of the time from the [retail] V.S. collections.” May is when the sketches begin to emerge, illustrating that years' mood and aesthetic. The lingerie then begins to materialize, slowly and meticulously. “We work with some of the best artisans in the world…the jewelers, the drapers, the patternmakers,” Collection Designer Todd Thomas stated proudly. “Each piece might have to pass through ten different hands.” Upon the arrival of September, fittings begin, and the team “really works out the nitty gritty.”

Candace Swanepoel, Victoria's Secret Angel

Candice Swanepoel, Victoria's Secret’s current “it girl” has come a long way from where she began. Raised in a large rural farm in South Africa, she “was shy, and in [her] own world.” One day, while shopping with her mother at the local flea market, she was scouted and flown off to New York City where her modeling career began. “I was in awe,”commented Swanepoel, “it was like another planet.” First featured in Victoria's Secret runway shows, she caught the intrigue of fashions toughest critics. “I don’t think I would be anywhere without Victoria's Secret,” she stated truthfully. Her portfolio has since developed to catalogue collaborations with the industry's best, including Testino, Lagerfeld and Prada. She has graced the covers of leading publications such as Vogue Italia and Elle Magazine, becoming known as “the most glamorous model of the decade,” expressed Neophitou.

 ~ Sienna Vittoria 

sienna.vittoria@hotmail.com

@SiennaVittoria

Style Child: Mallory Richards

This week I sit down with Mallory Richards for a short chat about her personal style. Mallory is an up and coming model from Ottawa, often described as having strong features, sulky-sultry expressions, one of Canada’s best exports in modeling, and a “Tim Burton creature.”

David: Tell me a bit about your personal style and its evolution. Does it match up to your modeling brand?

Mallory: Style evolution? Well it came pretty suddenly after a couple phases. I used to be the kind of girl that would fall back on a pair of jeans and a comfy hoodie, but that was before I started modeling (a few years ago). Once I was exposed to the world of fashion I let myself make bolder choices and I found that I liked a Parisian look. That was the epitome of style to me. And then I became a bit rebellious and started incorporating some grungy elements and pieces, like a lot of chunky boots and obnoxious studded jewelry, into outfits that were mostly skinny jeans and band tees. I think one of my comp cards features a shot of me in my ACDC shirt, actually, so that part of my style is comparable to how the industry brands me. I kind of did a 180 after that and became obsessed with florals, lace, dusty pinks, beige, pastels and anything super feminine. I feel like a flower child.




David: You mentioned your affinity to grungy pieces and obnoxious jewelry during your more rebellious phase. How do you think personality and style come together? Is there a connection?

Mallory: When it comes to personality and style, I think your personality definitely plays a big role. Your style is supposed to be an expression of your personality, right? I don’t consciously try to pick out anything flowery and feminine, but I guess most people would call me sweet and kind (she laughs). I wouldn’t call myself a wallflower, but I’m a bit shy at times, and I think that makes me avoid those stand-out colours. The pale, earthy neutrals are for me. Maybe when I’m feeling a bit more daring or energetic, let’s say for a night out, that’s when I like to be a bit more experimental with colour. Bright reds and shocking violets, stuff like that. I even feel like sometimes my inner rebel is taking over when I throw on combat boots and studded jackets!


David: You’re still very young and I think it shows in how you’ve changed your style and how it continues to grow. Am I right in saying that? Where do you pull your inspiration from? Are there certain style icons you look up to and try to emulate?

Mallory: Definitely! I’ve been all over the place with my personal style, but I feel like that’s okay. I’m a style chameleon in that way. That’s the right term, isn’t it? As for my inspirations, I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from Katy Perry specifically in her music video “The One That Got Away”, and then Elizabeth Banks, Taylor Swift, and Selena Gomez. I know, it’s not very consistent.


David: I know you’re only a model, but you seem like you really know what you’re talking about. Are you a fashion victim? Do you have any fave designers? And what about Canadian and local designers and brands? Tell me where you shop!

Mallory: I wouldn't call myself a fashion victim but I definitely love fashion! I do follow some of my favourite designers and watch a few runways but I don't do anything beyond that. My favourite designers would have to be Jil Sander. It my favourite runway show for Fall. Something about the collection just resonated with me. As for local and Canadian designers? Pink Tartan, Sid Neigum, Jeremy Laing-

*brief interruption as I share my love for Sid Neigum with Mallory*

and I think that's about it. As for shopping, it isn't too great in Ottawa, but you have to love Zara for having everything, and I guess I'm guilty of shopping at Forever 21. I also love Aritzia. I was even fortunate to do their look book one time! I mostly do online shopping; Etsy, Nastygal, really random websites, eBay has everything anyone could ever need, etc.

* Mallory's Aritzia lookbook (link is currently down for site maintenance): http://www.aritzia.com/blog/raw-style#467 *

David: I love Zara! Everyone has to love Zara. I affectionately call it the reigning queen of reinterpretations, AKA knockoffs. Its great for trends. Would you call yourself a trendy person? Do you have a favourite purchase from there? And just because I'm dying to know, what's your favourite item of clothing ever?

Mallory: Haha! I don't actually follow trends! I go with the flow, but I'm not trying to be pretentious or anything about not following trends. I'll maybe go for one if it catches my interest, but otherwise I'll wear anything, trendy or out as long as I'm loving it and it feels like ME. My favourite purchase from Zara is my favourite purchase so far. I generally intensely love my clothes for a short amount of time before I move on to new things to love. It's a dusty pink cable knit cardigan, and I love it because the colour is great, it's warm, and so comfortable! I could sleep in it!


David: Thanks for sharing so much with me today Mallory! I learned a lot about you in 10 minutes! Before you go, I challenge you to create a Polyvore collage in under 3 minutes to share with Fave blog readers!

Mallory: No problem!

*and voila! Her 3 minute style collage: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=63685341 *