Part Two: Of Blogging and Negativity

I realise that I have not shared an outfit post in rather a while, so here is what I have been wearing today. Apologies for a somewhat mundane outfit, however not to worry, I have a few more summer appropriate and colourful outfits to come.

I am not usually one to pair a t-shirt with a cardigan, however I wanted to create a nice balance between the white and black, so chose something with a deeper cut than a simple v-neck sweater. With these I wore a pair of slim raw denim jeans, with the bottoms rolled back slightly for a more summery feel. Given the lovely warm weather, I also opted for my espadrilles, rather than any heavyweight footwear. As I went out for a short walk this morning, I wore my single breasted trench and flat cap, just to cover up slightly.

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What made you start up a blog?
Why did you start your blog?

I think that blogging is about personal expression and sharing thoughts. Once a blog loses these aspects, it is at risk of becoming merely another information based site. I suppose the simplest answer is that I started a blog in order to share my thoughts and ideas on fashion. I have a number of female friends with whom I am able to talk to with regards to women's fashion, however there has never really been anyone with whom I am able to do the same about menswear. As such I decided to create a blog in order to express that interest, in a way where I was free to indulge in what detail I found to be relevant.

I guess I wanted to create a space in which I could express myself, in particular, the part of myself that may not otherwise be expressed to the fullest. I did not want a space where I would only simply scratch the surface of a thought lightly, highlighting its nature, but being far from understanding its conception and existence. I wanted a platform through which I could truly plunge into those thoughts and ideas, describing in detail my fascination with a collection, or garment or indeed my own daily outfits.

My blog allows me the chance to fully realise my thoughts and consider my initial reactions in more detail, whilst also cataloguing that process. One of the wonderful things about blogging is in essence the idea itself. One slowly builds a collection of posts, in which are contained thoughts, ideas, inspirations and indeed experiences. The very evolution of a blog is an interesting concept, for one can truly chart the change in one's aesthetic tastes and ideas.

I always feel that blogging about a certain subject, allows one the freedom to truly explore that subject, whilst essentially keeping a thought diary as one progresses. Even the most impersonal blogs manage to reveal something about the writer, even if only by the content they choose to post. A blog is somewhat of a public diary, for one chooses what to share, however it still acts as an arena to share you.

Indeed I have always sought to share the things that excite and interest me. I try to only ever post about things, which I am personally interested and fascinated by. I do not like the idea of a blog where one criticises others, for indeed I do not believe that any of us are in a position to do so.

If our blogs are the gardens of our minds, make them not ugly with the weeds of criticism, rather make them beautiful with the passions of our expression.

How would you like your blog to be perceived by others?

I am not really sure how others perceive my blog, and in a way I would like to leave it up to the reader to feel about it how they wish. However that being said, I would naturally like those who visit to enjoy my blog. I would like them to be interested by what I have to say, but also to share what they think. I would like to think that my blog allows one to get an idea of who I am - that my blog is truly an expression of me.

What is it like being one of very few male fashion bloggers in a sea of female bloggers?

I try not think of fashion blogging as being divided between male and female bloggers to be honest, I am more interested in the content and personality of a blog. However there certainly are a far greater number of female bloggers in respects to fashion than male.

I suppose that as being one of the relatively few male fashion bloggers, there is an added impetus to maintain a higher quality blog. I do not mean that in terms of being better than the female-run blogs, or indeed other male-run fashion blogs, but rather in terms of trying to do my best. I think that regardless of which activity one applies oneself to, it should be done to best of one's abilities. I try to make sure that I run the best blog that I can.

I blog for the love of blogging. The moment that I feel that I am blogging for another reason, I think that I would have to reevaluate my decision. I try not to compare myself to other bloggers, otherwise one runs the risk of blogging for the wrong reasons.

What is your favourite blog?

My favourite blogs are those which I can read or view, and truly gain an understanding of the person behind it. They are not necessarily fashion blogs, for to confine oneself to a singular subject does not allow one to truly grow as a person.

What have you learned or gained from reading other peoples' fashion blogs?

In the initial stages of creating a blog, I think that reading other blogs allows one to understand the more casual nuances of maintaining a blog. Whilst there is no correct or incorrect way to blog, I found that finding my own way of blogging required not only developing a form that complimented me, but also seeing what worked for others. So reading other blogs initially helped me to form my own.

The main strength of blogging is the community experience behind it. One can connect with others who share the same interests, or indeed others with whom one shares no common ground. The immense diversity within the world that blogs, means that one is truly open to a wealth of ideas and interests. As such, I find that I enjoy other blogs for the same reason one enjoys the company of other people. I am able to read the blogs of people with whom I may share interests, yet their individual views open a new way of thinking about a topic, which I may have never otherwise thought about. Indeed other blogs will inevitably influence my own thoughts and tastes, and that is what I enjoy about the experience.

Does anyone of your friends or family know about your blog?
Have you told anyone about your blog?

In a word - no. I did not really announce the creation of my blog to anyone who I know, although some do now know about it. I do not really think that my family would be interested by my blog, although they may have seen it passing. With regards to my friends, I think the only real announcements I made, were either mentioning it in passing or placing a link to my blog on my Facebook page. I would like to think that those who are interested by what I write about, read my blog.

How do you deal with negative comments?

I do not use a security word box and allow anonymous commenting simply to allow those who may be interested to comment. I invite those who disagree with what I have to say to comment, provided it is polite and constructive. Indeed if we all shared the same views, the world would not be as exciting a place as it is. If somebody wishes to leave an abusive comment, I ignore it, and in the case of profanities, delete it.

I feel that life is too short to have anger in your life. I do not get angered by abusive comments, nor do I give them any real thought. I think that those people who choose to hide behind the anonymity of the internet to leave such comments, are cowardly. I feel that they are simply at a bad place within their lives.

They do not leave abusive comments because they dislike a person as such, but rather because it makes them feel better about themselves. They are at a point in their lives where they may feel alone or angry at themselves for not being where they would like to be, and so they lash out so that they may concentrate their anger somewhere. Far from getting angry at them, I hope that they can find happiness within their lives and smile once again.

Currently playing: Starstruck - Santogold

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In the sun.

An extra special thanks to The Seeker of Searching the Inner Me... for passing the Valued Follower Award my way. I value each and everyone of you who follow my blog, so I pass it out to all.

Currently playing: Decisions ft. Neyo - Brandy

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Even clothes enjoy the sun.

Thank you all as always for the exceptionally lovely comments, I shall try to get around to all of your wonderful blogs as soon as possible.

Currently playing: Droplets - Colbie Caillat & Jason Reeves

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A Projected Beauty

The enchanted garden
Vogue Italia
November 2008
Photographer: Solve Sundsbo
Model: Jessica Stam
via Foto Decadent

Solve Sundsbo is one of those photographers whose use of colour I have always admired. I think that rather than choosing a location or background designs merely for the purpose of acting as a setting, he truly puts thought into creating an artistic image as a whole.

In Sundsbo's fashion photography, the clothing serves only part of the message. Even though it is the most important part of the shot, it is always the shot as a whole that helps to exemplify the beauty of the fashions contained therein. I find that the inherent danger of shooting fashion, is that one looks to make the clothing the main focus of a shot. Whilst I do enjoy shoots with minimalist settings, where the eye is allowed to appreciate the clothing without distraction, there is also a joy to be found in more conceptual shoots. A shoot where one finds a story being told, or a fantasy being painted is one which can be admired, not solely for the fashion, but also the art that is photography.

I remember first coming across this shoot and being mesmerised by the techniques employed by Sundsbo. He is a true magician in the way he produces his photographs, and I loved the concept of the projected backgrounds. There is an uncertainty of depth within many of shots, where Stam is posing in front a studio backdrop, yet the projection of the florals creates a beautiful painting of light over and behind her. Indeed this helps to create a certain dreamlike quality to the shots, with the softly diffused light and colours. Comparatively the shots with the highly saturated colours of the budding flowers are simply exquisite in the way in which they strike with such a vivid and playful quality.

I was also fascinated by the fact that Sundsbo uses what one would assume to be a spring setting, with the luscious use of blooming flowers and bright colours, for winter clothing. The juxtaposition of those two elements, for me, only adds to the wonderful sense of magic and fantasy. Indeed I have always felt that even on the darkest and most dreary of winter days, one needs to carry the thought and beauty of summer within themselves. It is far too simple to wrap up and forget style in the light of harsher weather. However I would argue that the layering required for colder weather, allows one far more flexibility and chance for experimentation when considered alongside the relatively minimal clothing required of summer.

Currently playing: Superstition - Stevie Wonder

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Part One: Of Clothing, Fashion and Tea

First of all, I would like to thank everyone so very much for the kind words regarding my blog's first ever birthday - thank you! I received a number of questions, in fact far more than I had anticipated. So, rather than trying to answer them all in a single post, I thought I would split them up into parts. Quite a few of the questions really did make me think, and I felt that brief answers would be unable to do the wonderful questions justice. Here are my first set of answers, expect more soon...

Have you always lived in London?

Yes. I was born in St. Thomas' Hospital, which lies just opposite the Houses of Parliament, and I have lived South of the River ever since.


How long have you been interested in fashion?
How old were you when you first became interested in style and fashion?

From the very moment we are aware of ourselves, we have an interest in clothing. In that very moment of self realisation, we will inherently seek to fulfil our desire to be unique, to stand out, to be me.

The fulfilment of this most basic of human desires is easiest done through how we choose to look. Whilst we may have limited choices in the way we wear our hair, and indeed no real choice in how we wear our body parts, we have complete control in how we choose to dress ourselves. Our daily outfit therefore acts as the material extension of our unique selves. However, it is not only an expression of self, but also an expression of how we wish the world to perceive us. As such, I shall say that my interest in clothing started the moment that I was first aware of the concept.

However, my interest in fashion, by which I mean the emergence of trends and the artistically produced styles that influence the way society dresses, probably started in my early teens. My fascination stemmed from two different aspects. The first was the artistic side, the appreciation for beautifully crafted and executed pieces and looks. I suppose I have always had a sentimental appreciation of beauty, whether this be in the form of a colourful sunset or a crushed flower floating in a puddle.

Fashion is more than simply clothing, it is an artistic expression. Indeed, it is one of the most relevant art forms to our daily lives, in that we spend the majority of our time clothed. A daily outfit comes to life only once we wear it, and in essence, the moment we wear a piece we give the clothing a meaning, even if it is only a fleeting one.

I was also fascinated by the cycle of clothing in stores. I seldom buy clothing, however I love window shopping and the joy found in the appreciation of a beautiful piece of clothing. With my frequent window shopping sessions, I became interested in fashion in its more social aspect. I noticed the way new clothing entered the stock in a store, and how the older, yet equally appealing clothing, was reduced in price. They were often thrown unceremoniously into a bargain bucket, deemed as being no longer fashionable. The way that cheap high street fashion works in today's market, is that clothing is made to serve a momentary trend and then become easily disposable. I suppose it was from that point that I began to take an interest in the influences for this behaviour from the fashion world.


What is your plan for your future career?

Although as children we are encouraged to have a dream job, and taught to try and achieve that goal, I have never really had a clear idea of what career I would like to have. When I think of what I want to be when I am older, the only real answer I can come up with is 'happy'. I would like to work for the love of what I do, not simply work as a means to support my family. Provided I am happy with what I am doing, and doing it to the best of my abilities, the other details are not so important.

However I suppose my ideal career would be one in which I am able to write. I think I would be happy if I was able to write, and people were able to take something away from my writing, whether it be factual or simply a different way of thinking. Indeed, I have a certain love of teaching, and I suppose if I could teach through writing it would be enjoyable. As one may be able to tell from this blog, I would certainly love to work in a fashion related field, perhaps in fashion journalism? Regardless, I would love to write books in the future - whether this be in the form of novels or something fashion related? I would like to think both.

What is the story behind the name dapper kid?

To be entirely honest, it was a rather an impulsive decision. I did not really know what to call my blog, and had not actually given any potential names much thought. However, as I was filling out the details on Blogger, I received an email from Facebook, saying that a friend of mine had commented on an old photograph of me. The comment read 'dapper!', and I thought it would make part of a nice name. I did not want a name that was taking the blog too seriously, nor did I want something overly gimmicky, so I ended up with dapper kid.

What is your favourite tea?

As some of you may know, I am somewhat of a tea obsessive, so this is quite a hard question to answer. I suppose I am meant to answer Darjeeling and extol my love for its lightly floral and muscatel experience. However whilst it is true that I adore Darjeeling, I must admit that one of my favourites is actually Flowery Orange Pekoe grade (that being, the whole leaf including tips from a later flush, and fully twisted), black Ceylon tea.

Ceylon tea actually began being grown and cultivated in Sri Lanka after the destruction of the coffee crops by a fungal disease in the the middle to late nineteenth century. It was introduced as a way to fill the void, as it were, created by the lack of coffee for exportation and sale. The full bodied, ambery brew, with its deep and slight caramel flavour, accompanied by the lightest hint of citrus notes, was thankfully to stay and become one of the most important crops grown on the island.

That being said however, my tastes are always changing, and it really does depend on the time of year, the weather that day and my personal feelings. Indeed something such as an Assam is a more comforting a brew on a winter's evening, when one is curled up indoors, with the accompanying rhythm of rain drops pattering against the window. I suppose it comes in as my second favourite currently, although during the colder months it probably takes the first place.

Have you ever visited Norway?

Unfortunately I can not say that I have, but hopefully one day. I have always wanted to take some time out to leave home and just travel to wherever my fancies took me. To be free to explore and meet people whose lives I have never even imagined, and to see beautiful places I have only ever half dreamed of. I would travel to experience the world, not so much to see the tourist spots, but to see and experience everday life. To go to the local markets, to eat at the local cafes, to relax with the local past times, to talk to the local people - to live, even if just for a moment, how they live.

Currently playing: Walkin' - Miles Davis

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Leaf and Metal.

Currently playing: You Rock My World - Michael Jackson

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Back To College

Images via Selectism

One of the things I find so interesting about the global fashion market is the inevitable reconceptualisation of foreign fashion staples. A designer can take a look that ostensibly defines an entire location, a certain group of people, or an age, and carefully translate it via the personal visual language of their own aesthetic. It is the redefinition of looks by a designer, and the discovery of its contemporary self, that I find deeply fascinating.

Indeed London based designer, Dexter Wong did exactly that for his latest Fall '09 collection for People's Market. The collection was a visually complex array of more classically American styles redefined for a more European look. Indeed whilst I have a love for the traditional designs and the staple classics of American fashion history, obviously seen from an British viewpoint, I have always felt that to wear certain looks without adaptation would constitute almost as costume.

There is an allure to the more traditional outfits, that I would assume go by vastly unnoticed in their setting, that I find would be exciting as a display on London streets. The important distinction between costume and a ready to wear look however, is the adaption of its style to make it relevant. Taking a raw product and moulding it to one's own style and aesthetic inherently allows it to look better in its outcome. As such I feel a clear appeal from the People's Market collection, in that the outfits have been reworked to a more contemporary look.

The obvious question here would be one of how the collection manages to feel more modern, and indeed more European, if you will. The answer is, as seems to be the case for most fashions, a case of the fit. Creating a far more slimline and fitted silhouette, allowed the looks a certain contemporary appeal. I found it interesting to see that the top layering, with pieces such as the shearling jacket and fur-lined cardigan, managed to remain looking fitted and far from bulky in their silhouette. Indeed, the finer, more high end fabric choices, in actuality allowed for a far more fitted construction.

I was also interested by the styling of pieces such as the buffalo plaid jacket, with the fine stripe cotton shirt and thin red bow. Indeed the bow ties found in this collection were far from the formal norm, being casual and yet classic in their interpretation. Not only does the collection feature these smaller pieces of visual flair, there is also a richness and visual depth to each of the looks. One notes the Fair Isle patterning adorning some of the looks, or the depth and almost tactile quality to the pairing of lighter weight fabrics alongside the shearling and furs.

The looks are also decidedly modern in their employment of more youthful garment designs. The full zip hoodie provided a more streetwear feel, the slimmer baseball jacket gave a clear youthful nature, whilst the slimmer cut jeans and trousers spoke for themselves. I must admit that I am myself rather drawn towards the outerwear pieces, in particular the baseball jacket. I suppose it is a British allure of rarely seeing that type of garment in person.

The collection as a whole had a definite appeal, in its modern and more youthful interpretation of classic design pieces. I found that the mix of international designs within the collection, from the American baseball jacket to the Scottish Fair Isle print, fit well together and that Wong managed to give a clear and concise message throughout. The fitted constructions and the visual richness of the patterns and textures made for an interesting collection.

Currently playing: Love And Happiness - Al Green

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Iron Works

An extra special thanks to no less than three lovely bloggers - Ashita of Les Nymphs, Lucille of cute as well, and Rebecca of Style with Benefits, for passing the One Lovely Blog award my way. I shall be passing it on to these wonderful people (do be sure to check out their blogs):

- Mimi of A caged bird dreams!
- Lenaa of Bambi Brown
- Laura of blorange dice
- DaniB of CiaoBella
- Irene of irene
- Karla of karlathatsme
- Seeker of Seaching the Inner Me...
- Shawn of SWANEESINGER
- Elizabeth Marie of It's Unbeweavable!

Currently playing: Sensual Seduction - Snoop Dogg

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Modern Gothic Romanticism

Gothic fiction, with its fascinating blend of romance and horror, was to reach its peak during the Victorian era. During the first half of the 19th century, works were widespread in the form of cheap Penny books for the working classes. Towards the late 19th century, works such as the Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Dracula, would come to define the dark yet beautiful genre.

Indeed the imagery evoked by the Victorian realisation of Gothic Romanticism shall always appeal to me, in the very juxtaposition of its ideals, and effortlessly beautiful vision. Of course contemporary Pop culture frequently sees a ressurgence in the popularity of the Victorian vision, from Interview With The Vampire to the most recent novels of the Twilight series. Although admittedly realised with varying degrees of quality, these are nevertheless interesting enough.

The European imaginings of Gothic Romanticism have always differed in nature to the American vision in a number of ways. And as such, when I think of German-born, Robert Geller, who is now considered as an American designer, I always feel a sense of European charm to his work. Indeed with his latest Fall '09 collection, his modern take on the Late Victorian Gothic had a wonderful appeal for me. The clothing had a romance and elegance that I always imagine of the period, yet his vision was clearly tempered with a contemporary eye, making it far more relevant to the wearers of today.

What struck me first was the beautifully considered colour palette, especially when presented on the canvas of the dark wooden runway, accessorised with hanging, dried autumnal foliage. The blacks were coupled with equally dark shades of plum and midnight blue, with the occasional pop of bright gold or indeed in the case of the dip-dyed shirt, pinks. These subtle colourings allowed for a wonderful sense of visual depth and interest, without being overly brash or loud. Indeed, it was, not what I would like to call restraint, but rather the fine measure that Geller used in both colouring and styling that I appreciated greatly.

The interesting combination of fabrics were also something that added a beautiful subtle contrast to the collection. The use of denim for the grey jacket, or the employment of leather jeans, gave the looks a decidedly contemporary feel. And it was this choice that helped the collection to look more accessible and wearable, than say, an equally beautiful, yet far more conceptual Alexander McQueen show. The use of leathers, denims, mohair, and other heavier weight fabrics gave the collection a suitably autumnal feel, that was underpinned by the darker colour choices.

The overall style of the looks was however my main attraction to the collection. From the use of the wing collars, to the elaborate bows, to the cutaway jackets and waistcoats, there was a clear sense of the period inspiration. And yet, once again, the fine measure employed by Geller, gave the looks a far more subtle finish, with the more fitted cuts, and only slightly looser shirts, giving a clear wearability.

I was therefore excited to see the LookBook for the Fall '09 collection, where this wearability factor was emphasised. Removed from its setting on the catwalk, the pieces felt far more modern and the subtle quality of the pieces truly did show through. In that matter, I feel the decision to shoot against a plain studio backdrop was a good one. I was also drawn to the interesting poses of the model, allowing the fit and shape of the garments to be displayed in a creative, and yet suitable fashion. I am rather tempted to now go and experiment with a few scarf tying techniques...


Currently playing: Para Tu Amor - Juanes

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Colours.

Thank you all greatly for the kind words and questions!

Currently playing: Grace Kelly - Mika

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Blogging Birthday

(yikes, what a creepy looking still)

dapper kid is officially one year old today.

Thank you all so very much for reading, commenting or even just visiting. It means more than you could possibly imagine.

Thank you!

Given the number of lovely new readers and blogging friends, I thought I would take this opportunity for a little question and answer post. So feel free to ask questions either by leaving a comment or via email. I shall hopefully be posting my answers sometime during the upcoming week.

Lots of love,
dapper kid
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P.S. With regards to the upcoming project, I am just finalising a few of the rules, however I shall hopefully be announcing it in full soon.

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Waking from a dream.

Apologies for the delay in getting back to all of your wonderful comments and reading your blogs, the last few days have been somewhat hectic. However I shall definitely be getting around to you all as soon as possible.

Currently playing: Touch - Omarion

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a private world...

a private world
Vogue Italia
November 2008
Photographer: Tim Walker
via TFS

...where the dark secrets of the modern fairy tale come alive.

We are forced to grow up far too soon, and we quickly forget the innocence and wonder of our days of childhood fantasy. But what happens to these seemingly immortal fairy tales as we forget day by day?

Perhaps their world falls slowly into ruin, decaying as our memory of its beauty is erased callously by age. They grow decrepit, silently wishing and hoping we would just remember. They cling on helplessly, clawing away at their cramped niches in the deepest and darkest recesses of our minds. They dare not even let out a whisper, lest we take notice and violently shrug them off in our ostensible maturity. They wish we would bring even the smallest of lights into their world and, even if only for moment, allow them to be beautiful again.

I was reading a story to my nephew today, and it was odd that although I knew the story from childhood, I had not thought of it for what seemed like an entire lifetime. I wondered whether the fairy tale had been left to age in mind, long forgotten like Sleeping Beauty's castle - the kingdom reclaimed by nature. Yet for my nephew it was as new and exciting as any other story he had yet to hear. For while I was there to narrate to him the tale, it would stay forever young and perfect.

Currently playing: Pistolero - Juno Reactor

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