FOR MEN. FASHION INSPIRATION. THE COOLEST TRENDS OF SPRING-SUMMER 2019.

We have taken the coolest trends of Spring Summer and chosen three we think are particularly interesting. They are very different, just like men are different. Before getting down to the nitty gritty of “his” trends for this season, you may find it interesting to learn that – according to a survey carried out by Launchmetrics with Esquire Italia, leader in marketing platforms and data analytics for the fashion and luxury industries - menswear is becoming more and more important worldwide but is searching for a new identity. Put very simply, it appears the stumbling block is the fluctuation between the traditional system and new forms of communication and contact with clients. International Men’s Fashion Weeks and Pitti, as far as Italy is concerned, are the key moments – generating great media (and economic) impact – for bringing journalists, buyers, influencers and celebs together. And dictating the latest trends. But what about Spring Summer 2019 trends? Just like we did for womenswear, we have identified the most popular macro themes from the many ideas on offer: sport-inspired outfits for a more laid-back lifestyle free of constraints; the classic garment comeback but with a completely innovative vision; imaginative mixed prints that reinvent and brighten up shirts, T-shirts, trousers and jackets. And what about all those little details that will make Spring Summer 2019 so special? Like... sorry, we’re not giving anything away, you’ll have to keep reading... Suffice to say we’ve deliberately skirted the “short socks” issue. Although a favourite with many designers and featured on some of the most influential websites, let’s be totally honest: we still don’t like short socks, outside of the strictly sporting context. SPORTSWEAR Sports-inspired outfits, which have featured in previous collections, are now fully paid-up stars of the runway and cannot be ignored. Practically all designers worth their salt featured them in their shows, some showcasing more extreme versions, some including them in their general street style look and some expressing both these moods. Some even gave them deluxe appeal. Brightly coloured, but also total white or in bon ton shades, they are emerging as the real contemporary champions of free time menswear. For which man? We’re not falling into the trap of saying “just for youngsters” because it’s not true. While the more extreme versions may be intended for Millennials, there is so much choice that even forty-year-olds will be able to find the sporty look that suits them. And really pack a punch. Welcome back to MINIMALIS Welcome back to minimalism and welcome back to those classic garments that men thought had been relegated to the wardrobe for special occasions only. These two concepts meet and almost overlap for Miuccia Prada. And she’s not the only one. She is joined by other celebrated designers who gave prominence to (more or less) classic jackets, suits and even the double-breasted jacket: from Armani to Ermenegildo Zegna, Versace to Fendi, Pal Zileri to Dolce&Gabbana, to name but a few. Has new male sleekness triumphed? Yes, even though it is often worn with a touch of liberation, irony and even transgression. For which man? This is where the fun begins. Because not all men are tall, slim and brimming with self-confidence they can pull off an acid green suit or a damask jacket. But everyone can wear pinstripes (back in fashion once again!), a black overcoat or outfit and even the dark green jacket/jeans combo. You can’t go wrong with a bit of self-awareness (and self-criticism). FANTASY POWER A real explosion of printed fabrics took the Spring Summer runways in New York, Paris, London and Milan by storm. Up first was Dior Homme with its interpretation of pattern power, with each outfit very different from the others but all sharing one common element: the flower motif. Flowers were large, very light and ethereal or small and “engraved” on a black background. Versace also did flowers, but this time alternated with lavish arabesques, while Daks showcased round and rectangular Seventies-inspired geometric decorations in a very urban style. For which man? For optimists, soft-hearted men who understand women and don’t consider them (or think they are) half of heaven. They believe there is one heaven and it belongs to everyone. So why not take its colours and mix them with the colours of the sea, the sun, flowers, the never-ending shapes which nature - or man and his brilliance – give us?   MUST-HAVE DETAILS Essential style accessories that complete your look and make a bold statement. Our pick of accessories that have verve and can be worn with bags of nonchalance. Bum bag mania There were classic versions and hipper versions (coloured, designer or with the logo printed on them). Marcelo Burlon completed his runway look with a variety of bum bags created in partnership with Eastpak. Dsquared2’s offerings were in fluorescent plastic. Fendi’s (in these pics) were elegant: in pure white leather or showier patent red with allover logo, as well as models that looked like one shoulder backpacks and could be carried in one hand. Gilet mon amour One of this season’s coolest new entries is the gilet (or waistcoat) which was seen in a completely new guise in the collections of Marcelo Burlon and Sunnei, who showed its technical side, as well as Yohji Yamamoto and Roberto Cavalli. Our round-up of the most original and frivolous offerings. Short season They come in denim, traditional fabrics and even vinyl. Shorts, at times ultra-short, are this season’s obsession. You could even go as far as calling them the trendiest garment of Spring Summer 2019. Of the shorts we have selected for you, do you prefer Ermenegildo Zegna’s, Fendi’s or Prada’s?