SPLURGE - Valextra iPad Case - $740

It was only a matter of time before luxury houses started rolling out iPad cases. Judging by most of the style shots that have been coming back from Milan, the iPad is the hottest accessory in Italy, so it is only fitting that the Italian houses capitalize on it.

Valextra is a quality leather goods manufacturer that produces everything from bags to passport holders and is stocked in a collection of high end department stores including Barney's New York. Knowing Valextra, I'm sure the iPad case will come in variety of different colors so start saving for spring 2011 when it hits stores. (Get ready to...) Splurge.

UPDATE: The price was listed on style.com as $740. Yikes!

Backstage Photos - Milan - Spring 2011

And so concludes the men's spring 2011 collections in Milan. Here are a few backstage shots from my favorite collections, courtesy of WWD.com. See you in Paris!

Dsquared² - Spring 2011 - Review

Three words to describe the Dsquared² spring 2011 menswear runway show: Cool, colorful, casual. The first looks were mostly blue, white, and khaki, but soon the palette shifted into high gear with all sorts of garments in neons. Dean and Dan Caten have mastered the outdoorsy man's wardrobe, switching their focus to a preppier customer while still keeping the laid back and light hearted attitude that is at the core of their brand.

In true Dsquared² fashion, a leather jacket is produced in bright yellow and its suede counterpart in bright blue. Though not something I would ever be caught dead wearing, these are pieces I could see their customer going ga-ga over. The Dsquared² man never takes himself too seriously, but cares about the quality and design of his clothes. Though their clothing may look a little odd at times, Dean and Dan are all about the meeting of drama and comedy in fashion.

On the other hand, there were definitely pieces in the collection that were wearable. My favorites were the navy fisherman's sweater, the rolled up white shorts, and the khaki double breasted blazer. High waited, pleated jeans were the dressiest garments in the collection with the exception of an oddly placed tuxedo and a shirt and tie (sans jacket) combination, both of which felt out of place in black at the end of a colorful, sportswear laden collection.

Dean and Dan Caten have designed a wonderful collection of mostly wearable looks mixed with just enough show pieces to entertain.

Alexander McQueen - Spring 2011 - Review

Sarah Burton's first official collection for the Alexander McQueen label does not disappoint. Though there is a gloomy shadow that hangs over the 21 looks compiled mostly of blacks and greys, probably as a result of the late designers suicide just weeks ago, a burgundy blazer and bright red coat shoot just the right amount of color into the collection.

In true McQueen style, Ms. Burton has taken classic menswear tailored pieces and turned them on their heads. A two-button blazer is closed off center, fitted pants are given utility pockets on the side, and a button down is adorned with oversized pockets over the chest. An eastern influence is somewhat present as well in a black and gold printed knee-length coat and a red and gold printed pair of baggy pants. I am especially fond of a black waxed cotton belted coat that resembles an updated version of the classic Belstaff jacket.

Ms. Burton had done an excellent job in her first collection for the Alexander McQueen label, and that is no easy feat. Mr. McQueen created a legacy of avant-garde garments and shocking runway shows for her to follow. Though some may be disappointed in Ms. Burton's decision to opt for a simple presentation without a runway or fancy spectacle, I applaud her for having the courage to let the clothes speak for themselves. The collection may be small, but it is thoughtful and wearable. Though the Alexander McQueen label may not have necessarily stood for all that was wearable in the past, that is just one of the things Ms. Burton seems to be changing for the house, one in a series of changes I think can only be for the better.

Gucci - Spring 2011 - Review

Gucci has always been sexy. Tom Ford solidified Gucci's place in the market as the sexiest brand going years ago, but now Frida Giannini has officially rolled up the sleeves (pun intended), and taken the menswear back to its roots in 60's sex appeal. Suede and leather add to the rock star appeal of the clothing glamorous enough for any Rolling Stone's band member and tailored enough for any pretty young thing with a large bank account.

Who can resist the double breasted blazers in dark stones, knee length cardigans in off white, and thick pea coats in cream, all paired with the iconic Gucci loafer. Though some may argue that the Gucci man never left the spotlight, the spring 2011 rockstar-chic trend will most certainly make him center stage in a market where every designer will try to embody his effortlessly badass style. Ms. Giannini has certainly nailed this mode down and spun a 42 look collection that is 100% rock n' roll.

Ermenegildo Zegna - Spring 2011 - Review

The Ermenegildo Zegna spring 2011 menswear collection is a parade of fitted jackets over roomy trousers in a mélange of neutrals with pops or bright color. All off the looks are wearable and fitting for the life of a wealthy Italian both at work and on holiday. All of the suits look spectacular, and the sportswear is luxurious. An off beige waffle-knit sweater with leather trimmed pockets is especially attractive worn with a pink striped shirt and orange ascot for the man with a true sense of personal style and confidence.

Marni - Spring 2011 - Review

The brooding Italian artist in search of the perfect cardigan, rain jacket, or cropped pant need look no further than Consuelo Castiglioni's spring 2011 menswear offerings for Marni. What more can be said about the perfect collection. Clothes that feel expensive, yet inviting. Stylish, but not scary.

The jeans alone are a standout with their dip-dyed bottoms serving as a pop of color to a palette that most would consider dreary but emerges thoughtful. The Marni man stands out, and not because he wears neon or skirts, but because his clothes fit correctly, and are designed with a clear customer in mind, causing them to work flawlessly together. A waxed raincoat in a deep navy boasts the perfect utility pockets, while a shorter version in grey adds intrigue to a slim suit silhouette.

While the clothes speak for themselves, Ms. Castiglioni's accessories only aid the Marni man's story. Every look is paired with the perfect pair of lace-up ankle height boots in brown and black with thick contrasting white soles, while a few of the styles are accompanied by large sack bags in navy and yellow.

While I'm happy that there are no man leggings in the collection (a trend that has officially been declared for spring 2011 so get ready), I am confident that whatever Ms. Castiglioni designed would look stunning.

Neil Barrett - Spring 2011 - Review

Were one just judging from the color palette alone, one would not know that Neil Barrett had produced a collection for spring/summer. Blacks dominate Mr. Barrett's 45 look collection that is chalk full of wearable pieces styled with more fashion forward garments to create a truly unique man for the runway.

A doubled-breasted blazer worn as a shirt is an interesting idea for those warm summer days when formal wear is required, a leather vest looks rugged and urban, and a military jacket is cut slim and modern over black leather leggings. It appears that wrinkled clothing is in as well, both in casual wear and dress wear, ultimately creating a relaxed feel. Cargo pants also serve to dress down blazers and add to the militaristic and sporty feel. "Mandals" accompany all of the looks and look acceptable enough, at least on the runway.

Mr. Barrett cuts everything slim and form fitting creating a man that is dapper and stylish while still retaining his masculinity, a quality that would seem hard to possess on a high fashion runway but is happily present throughout the entire presentation.

Gianfranco Ferré - Spring 2011 - Review

Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi's spring 2011 menswear collection for Gianfranco Ferré is comprised of oversized suits, mostly double-breasted, and light linen and cotton separates made for days gardening in the sun (hence the tan bucket hats accompanying many of the looks) or lounging by the pool.

The prints on the pants and blazers are extremely interesting but most definitely designed with a more forward man in mind. The Gianfranco Ferré customer will surley be pleased with Aquilano and Rimondi's offerings for next spring.

Prada - Spring 2011 - Review

Another season, another brand spanking new silhouette from Miuccia Prada. For Spring 2011, Ms. Prada has elongated her man in fitted three button suits and slim trousers, then shortened him in shorts so baggy and wide that they almost appear to be skirts! Has Marc Jacobs man-skirt trend finally caught on? This is probably about as masculine as the skirt will get, and that isn't saying much.

While the suits that start the show seem fairly elementary, at least for Ms. Prada, things quickly take a turn for the wacky. Neck holes on sweaters are elongated (almost touching the shoulders), white form-fitting long sleeve shirts paired with wide-legged royal blue trousers are accessorized with oversized matching pouches strapped around the hip, almost like a large coin purse-meet fanny pack. At that point it has only begun. Soon doctor's scrub-like shirts in denim and cotton begin to appear in blues, and reds on top of shorts. Color blocked sweaters and button downs (untucked) follow. Every look was paired with a streamlined pair of platform brogues in either black or brown, shoes that I expect will be popular among editors and the street style chic group come next spring.

Though the clothes presented are most definitely futuristic, I did not feel they would look out of place on a modern man (with the exception of the scrub shirts and short-skirts). A three button suit or slim sweater is hardly too outlandish for the sartorial gentleman of means that invents in Ms. Prada's looks, yet her styling makes the clothes seem far off and scary on the runway. Though the Prada silhouette may not be 100% accessible for the everyday, the majority of the collection is without a doubt wearable, no matter how intimidating it feels on the backs of the slender models in Milan.

Moncler Gamme Bleu - Spring 2011 - Review

Inspired by cyclists, Thom Browne took to the track for his spring 2011 menswear outing for Moncler Gamme Bleu. Each model was outfitted in a layered look comprised of everything the modern and fashionable cyclist would need for a biking trip across Italy. Thick ribbed sweaters of different lengths (one even extends to the knees), tailored sports jackets, windbreakers and rain jackets were chic and extravagant.

The show began with the first 4 models riding out in matching outfits comprised of Moncler-spriped caps, bike-printed ponchos, pink cycling shirts, blue mini-shorts, and matching sneakers. The bike print continued, pooping up again in leggings layered underneath shorts, on the shoulders of a khaki jacket, and again on a knee length man-dress. While all of the looks were unique, some seemed to echo a certain creative director of Chanel with their biker gloves, leather jackets, and cardigans over button downs and tight pants. While I can't imagine Karl Lagerfeld biking anywhere (despite the fact that he did design a special addition Chanel bike), I could guess that if he did, he would probably choose Mr. Browne's designs to get him from A to B.

Mr. Browne always puts on a good show, and this collection was no exception. While the collection will most likely look more wearable one it is divided into separates, the styling was impeccable and perfect for a runway presentation of such a magnitude. Though Mr. Browne's proportions are sometimes wacky, he has most definitely created some desirable pieces for the Moncler man come next spring.

Bottega Veneta - Spring 2011 - Review

Cool, comfortable, easy dressing is at the core of the Bottega Veneta collection by Tomas Maier for spring 2011. His man begins the show in lightweight suits that are relaxed and refined all at once, travels in utilitarian chic, and eventually reaches his destination vacation in relaxed sportswear.

White, black, maroon, navy, and various shades of green are the colors of choice for Mr. Maier in a palette that can only be described as mesmerizing, rounding out the perfect wardrobe for the affluent Italian jet setter.

Short-shorts shrink into speedos and eventually billow out into magnificently relaxed pants that would be perfect loungewear for any beach or resort. The one gripe I have with Mr. Maier, or maybe his stylist rather, is the pairing of sandals (which accompany every last look in the collection) with socks for some of the more casual looks. Aren't sandals with socks the ultimate fashion no-no for anyone that is trying not to look like a tourist from the Midwest? Either way, it looks chic on the runway.

In one of my favorite looks from the collection Mr. Maier pairs the most luxurious sweatpants I have every seen with the perfect T-shirt and a shiny forrest green leather jacket. This is the definition of new luxury: blatantly not luxurious garments made with luxurious fabrics and fitted to perfection. Paired with sandals you would think I was describing a beach-goer at the Jersey Shore, but with Mr. Maier at the helm, it walks the runway looking like a million bucks (which is probably close to the look's cost).

The Bottega Veneta man cannot help but be the best dressed in the room. He is not a trend setter because he does not care about trends, yet everyone wants to dress exactly like him because he is comfortable and chic. If only I had a couple grand lying around I would make Bottega Veneta my first stop for my spring/summer wardrobe.

Salvatore Ferragamo - Spring 2011 - Review

Salvatore Ferragamo has always been known for their luxe and glamorous Italian vibe, but for spring 2011 though Massimiliano Giornetti has chosen to take a step back from the Park Avenue cowboy that was the focus of his fall/winter collection, and produce garments that are fit for the Italian heir taking a relaxing vacation in Cap Antibes.

Loosely fitted, pleated pants and shorts are paired with rich sweaters, tight tees, or a button down and a slim blazer. Some great toggle coats and double breasted trenches (in various lengths) are present in a few looks, suggesting that the Ferragamo man will probably be traveling to various climates during his 2011 spring/summer season.

Mr. Giornetti restricts his color palette to creamy beiges, browns, and whites, with a slew of darker looks mixed in. Neon does make an appearance in the form of sandals and scarves, but is controlled and serves only as a compliment to the outfit. I am particularly fond of a chunky knit towards the end of the collection in an off-white with what seems like a Native-American inspired pattern on the breast. Piping is also present in many of the looks, weather it is prominently displayed on a blazer or peeking out from the collar of a button down. In the case of the latter it seems to hint at a sort of pajama dressing where a blazer was thrown over a sleeping set for a night out. This idea of designer sleepwear becoming ready-to-wear has been a trend in some of the other collections seen in Milan for spring.

With the blazer sleeves rolled up and shirts untucked, oversized sweaters, and at times, even a knit tank top or two, it seems that the Ferragamo man is letting it all hang out this coming spring, but always in style.