MEGGINS (LEGGINGS FOR MEN)... A YAY OR A NAY?

Jerry Purfz, a South African Fashion Designer, Stylist and Blogger takes an “African Look” at a rather taboo fashion trend for men... Meggings – that’s leggings for men.

Being trendy and fashionable is fun, add that esteem boost as well it equals SEXY. But what if your guy (ladies) rock up at your high-school-reunion party spotting meggings? Yes, “Leggings” for men. Would you still introduce him as your one and only? Quite a daunting thought isn’t it? Well I have heard the worst, my girlfriend didn’t hide her feelings about this either, she vowed to immediately disown me.

While I think of this as cutting edge fashion, I am equally not compromising my stance about this trend of course, I would not be caught wearing meggings. Not even if I was promised a night out with Paris Hilton.

So how and when do you wear them? Well visibly nowhere in South Africa but only in the army, except that they prefer to call them “long johns”.

HOW: Meggings can be worn with form-fitted short trousers, or shorts that come from above the knee to the mid-thigh. No ‘short shorts’ are allowed. You cannot wear capris, culottes, or long pants with leggings. Keep the colours simple, Wear basic colors – nothing bright or gauche, and keep patterns simple and clean – this means no flowers, hearts, or horizontal stripes.

WHEN: Men wear them year-round as a fun way to practice layering, mix up everyday proportions, and stay warm. Apparently meggings have been pouring into the streets of New York, Paris, London, and Tokyo since 2007. All kinds of meggings have been popular on the men's runways for seasons. Because whatever women fall in love with, men will inevitably fall in love with some years later, like SKINNY JEANS or SHORT SHORTS, to name a few.

Interestingly enough, there are rather mixed feelings amongst men about the trend. "I’m a 23 year old metrosexual male. I personally think leggings are a wonderful concept at that! I think females need to stop whining and feeling awkward about men who want to wear leggings! Gender is nothing more than a physical construct, says Adam Kassur. Ricky Green, a homosexual contest, “as a gay man, I’d NEVER date a man wearing Meggings! It’s totally gross!”

My word is, if you are a straight guy, feeling bold enough to rock those leopard printed meggings, why not?

Jerry Purfz.

COLOR BLOCKING FOR EVE... AND STEVE.

COLOR BLOCKING FOR EVE... AND STEVE.

Summer is in full swing and bright colours are popping out everywhere. One hot trend that is making a mark in fashion is “Colour Block” trend. It has been a trend in the 80s and early 90s, well it is back in style, with a bang and can be seen everywhere, in clothes, shoes, bags and accessories.

Colour blocking is the easiest and most affordable way to jazz up your even existing wardrobe. It transforms simple clothes into unique and fresh new look for summer. This trend is a fun way to play with colour and create a fashionable look all on your own, yet it is just as easy to make blunders. The wonder about colour blocking is that it allows you to feature your assets especially for women, as well as downplaying your flaws.

Colour blocking is all in the placement of the panels. Whether you use many graphic blocks or a few downplayed stripes, there is an option that works for everyone. Using stripes to your advantage allows you to draw the right kind of attention where you want it. Horizontal stripes will widen areas such as small shoulders and lend curves to boyish frames. Vertical stripes will lengthen the body and give it a leaner appearance, especially if the panels on the outside are dark. Diagonal lines and shapes are the most universally flattering and easiest to wear of all clothing items. Use dark or neutral panels around the waistline or stomach to camouflage unwanted curves. The same applies for minimizing a large chest and other problem areas.

Colour blocking is a great way to create vertical lines in an outfit. Vertical blocking will make you look slimmer and taller, but horizontal lines come into play as well. Sometimes, they can be negative, making you look shorter and broader, but in other cases, they can be a plus. An example would be using a belt or colour to define the waist!

Seen below is Rihanna, amongst other models in trendy "colour block":

Men should not be left out in this latest craze well. It actually gets even easier for men, this because men spot fewer items than their female counterparts. Calvin Klein and the recent  Louis Vuitton men’s collection by Kim Jones... compliments this trend rather well. Sometimes accessories also play a role in this trend, women can be spotted with bright nail polish, waist belts, head ban, earrings bangles, etc. While men can easily spot a very bright summer scarf, shoes or even a manly bag. For a right colour block effect, choose right colour combination. The rule of thumb for colour blocking trend is “the brighter, the better.” Try to select bright and vibrant colours for maximum style.  

Jerry Purfz for  JERRY PURFZ

Those who are afraid of bold colours can wear colour blocked pieces by using basic colour combinations to attract attention and make a bold statement. It will definitely give your wardrobe an instant update.

[Jerry Purfz]