Oak NYC Square Collar Denim Jacket

image via oaknyc.com

Check out this sick jacket that I pre-ordered from OAK NYC from their Black Label Collection. It's sort of a combination of several different trends I've been lusting after for some time now. First, it reminded me of this Alexander Wang leather sleeved denim jacket from a couple seasons ago. I really loved the idea of combining two different materials on such a simple outerwear piece; it turned a basic denim jacket into a cool and chic must-have wardrobe staple. But after celebs by the likes of M.I.A, Lindsay Lohan, and Rihanna were spotted wearing the Wang jacket, not only did I feel it was too trendy and of-the-moment but it also became too feminine for me to pull off confidently. Then, last winter Obey came out with a similar version for men but I passed on it because It looked a bit, how do you say...cheap?

Another trend that I became instantly obsessed with as soon as it hit the runway was shearling (and after Burberry's breathtaking Fall 2010 collection, who wasn't?) But, I wasn't able to afford the $3,000+ price tag for a Prorsum piece and I was still nervous about incorporating such a strong womenswear trend into my wardrobe. Then along came Oak's F/W 2010 collection! I almost died when I saw this shearling collared denim jacket because it was literally everything I'd been dreaming of. The draped collar is perfection and the contrasting black jersey sleeve is just bold enough. Needless to say I ordered it immediately. Although the estimated ship date wasn't till mid-October, I got the jacket in the mail a few weeks ago. Now I just need the weather to cooperate so I can rock it.

Fall/ Winter 2010 Trend: Un-Originality?

This F/W 2010 Eryn Brinié look has an uncanny resemblance to S/S 2010 Alexander Wang (courtesy of Fashionista.com)

Well kids, New York Fashion Week is once again underway! In what I've dubbed "Bryant Park's Revenge", the fashion crowd has been subjected to everything from blizzards and fiery explosions to the death of a fashion legend (R.I.P. McQueen). However, it seems that another tragedy has struck and this one comes directly from the runways. Call it "inspiration" ou ça que vous voulez, but already we've been seeing looks come down the runway that appear to be blatant knock-offs of other designers work from past seasons. Earlier today, Fashionista.com pointed out the similarities between looks from the Fall/Winter 2010 Eryn Brinié presentation today and ones from the Alexander Wang Spring/Summer 2010 collection (from the side-braid to the silhouette, it's almost a dead ringer). Just now, as I was browsing through a few of the collections on Style.com, I happened to notice what I think are MAJOR similarities between the F/W 2010 Richard Chai Love collection and the S/S 2010 Marc Jacobs collection (judge for yourself). I'm just hoping that one of this season's biggest trends doesn't turn out to be a lack of originality.

Richard Chai Love Fall/Winter 2010 Collection:

Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2010 Collection:

Here's to You Patrik!

vcuStyle wants to give a HUUUUGGGGGEEEEEEE congratulatory shout out to one of our favorite designers, Patrik Ervell, who was selected 1st runner-up of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Prize at the 6th Annual CVFF awards in New York City earlier this week. The winner of the $200,000 award was French designer Sophie Théallet (last year's winner was American superstar Alexander Wang), but Patrik was still able to take home a cool $50,000. If his recent collections (gold oxidized suits, anyone?) are any indication, I know he'll put the money to good use. See you in the Spring, Patrik!

Patrik with Vogue's Hamish Bowles and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarté

The amazingly cool (and always fly) Mark Ronson rocking the oxidized S/S 2010 Ervell suit

Elizabeth and James + Alexander Wang "Launch" Menswear

Elizabeth and James

Two of this Fall's most anticipated menswear collections are also, to my dismay, two of the most disappointing. Back in February, Ashley Olsen announced that Elizabeth and James would be adding a men's line to their collection this upcoming Fall; after the huge success of both the Row and Elizabeth and James, I was looking forward to them finally branching into menswear. Another one of my favorite women's wear designers, Alexander Wang, also recently announced that he would be creating some basics for his "T" label, intended to be sold with the male consumer in mind. Well, apparently the males buying from this particular line aren't the same ones who inspire his women's collections, because the innovation and forward-thinking fashion perspective are seemingly (and shockingly) absent. Of course, the looks that have been released are only a mere glimpse into the rest of the collections, but to be frank...I think I've seen enough.

Elizabeth and James

"T" by Alexander Wang

"T" by Alexander Wang

Shots from the Scene: La Wintour & SJP @ Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang to do menswear!

Lately, it seems as though designers with a niche in either womenswear or menswear are now expanding their business and designing for both sexes. With the economy being so bleak and fashion companies being so hard up for cash these days, do you really blame them? CDFA nominated menswear designer Tim Hamilton recently announced that he would try his hand at designing for women. Rick Owens and wonderboy Gareth Pugh just showed their first menswear collections to rave reviews at Fashion Week in Paris last week. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen plan to add menswear to their high-end label, The Row. And, just today, Style.com is reporting that Alexander Wang (who just came into some extra cash as a CDFA/Vogue Fashion Fund award recipient) is planning to show a men's collection this Fall. Wang even says that he will be wearing the men's pieces himself, so keep your eyes peeled for a little preview. While I'm not usually a tee shirt kind of guy, best believe that I'll be breaking my neck to get my hands on one of his new pieces!

S/S 2009 Fashion Week is Approaching

Yes, folks, it's that time again. Before the Fall/Winter 2008 collections have even hit stores, designers are preparing to show for Spring/Summer 2009. The Mercedes Benz Fashion Week schedule has already been leaked online, and while many of the shows are guaranteed to be great (Marc Jacobs, BCBG, Chris Benz, Phillip Lim, and Peter Som), my favorite day so far looks to be Saturday, September 6 with showings by: Band of Outsiders, Alexander Wang, Obedient Sons, and more!