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"HOW DO I APPLY CHEETAH SKIN SPANDEX PANTS, GOOSE FEATHER LINED COATS AND GOTHIC UNDERGROUND TO MY VIETNAM WARDROBE" THE ANSWER IS QUITE SIMPLE: YOU DON’T. a safari chic cargo shirt jacket, cargo chino shorts, a white voile shirt paired with a white canvas sneaker to tie the whole look in. This style bodes well for city dwellers in Vietnam: it is conservative in taste, however, there is just enough style to claim it as fashionable for 2011. Designers such as Ralph Lauren Blue Label, Woolen of Canterbury and Burberry are all selling these looks in various colours and fabrics for spring. These basic items can also be paired with denim jeans, and other basic tropical woolen trousers for more versatility. So, take the commando out of the military and simplify it. After all, less is always more. I have also seen this trend transcend beyond ready to wear, into apparel lines, i.e. accessories like hand bags and footwear. Milanese local trends are all about the messenger bag, and the soft leather satchels one can use for all occasions. The messenger by Orobianco Italy is a perfect example of what is happening in the market in regards to a man’s must have accessory. Looking further down the runways, Hermes created a lovely spin on military chic this spring. I personally love the light weight suede military green pants, the silk printed shirt, and the silk scarf to tie the look together. Quite simply, the styles of each of the items are quite basic but a man can cherish these for many future seasons. An important point to remember about military style is that the colour palette must have the right amount of subtleness and match your skin tone accordingly. Light tones work well with lighter skin and dark tones excellent with dark skin. When wanting to wear military chic, stay away from trendy colourway camo prints in off beat colours. These are an example of the "here today, gone tomorrow" trend. However, tea green, brown, chocolate, and tobacco all work throughout the four seasons not to mention on the budget. These tones will work beautifully in our Southeast Asian climate and can be used season after season Let's talk about the night crawler crowd for whom everything seen on the runway is even more exciting than the military chic ensembles I have just discussed. This coming summer, there is an array of styles available in eveningwear. I personally lean towards the classic shawl collar one-button tuxedo jacket paired with lovely indigo denim jeans, a crisp white open collar shirt and a Black Berlutti loafer. This look, embodies uber taste, confidence and sophistication. Most men dare not attempt this look for fear of looking like a fish out of water, or, resembling the old guy who’s trying too hard to look young and trendy. Frankly, whichever suits your tastes: a white double breasted dinner jacket, a shawl collar tux jacket or even a black on black seersucker summer tux—all these items were hits on all the major houses and independent lines. The image of the double breasted tuxedo jacket by DSquared, a white poplin open shirt and black tapered trousers is refreshing, young and something that works well with Saigon's climate. What is of utmost importance when planning a look or contemplating a change in wardrobe, is that fashion and taste is what we make of it. I'm not suggesting you follow the look of a fashion photo down to the T; instead take your cue from it. I believe many men have a tuxedo in their closet but it's been relegated to black tie events, weddings or to be worn with a white tie. It is time to dust off that tux, wear it with a great pair of jeans, a white shirt and loafers—and take your wife out for a night on the town. I am confident this look will turn heads—and it's a double bonus that it is fresh off the spring runways. Here's another example of what tasteful evening wear can look like: A great two-tone shirt with rounded club collar and collar bar, a classic navy blazer with brass buttons paired with classic indigo jeans. This is totally amazing and chic. This can easily be adapted for Saigon evening wear. In conclusion, one should look at runway looks to ascertain what is most easy to emulate for themselves. All the examples I've quoted prove that you will have no problem pulling these looks off right here in Vietnam. If you have any questions or are in need of expert wardrobe advice, please feel free to email me. I will address them in my column, Sartorial Conundrums. a.torres@massimoferrari.com.vn asialife HCMC 37