It appears that the sudden surge of denim for Spring 2010 has bitten some industry notables in the butt--most recently, Jean-Paul Gaultier. The haute couture designer has made a collaborative effort with trusted denim maker Levi's for a small range of denim jackets and jeans, both equally representing their signature aesthetics in a bold statement. L’Officiel Homme presented a preview of what came to past when the designer teamed with Levi's in their editorial pages; and although the execution is a bit strong for a spring release where everything is usually more relaxed and easy, the collection is an attractive yet acquired taste. The quality that Levi's has built a brand on is obvious through the construction, and Gaultier screams through the pages. Some might interpret the range as a overbearing, perhaps even overwhelming, take on springwear. However, when dissected it's quite obvious that such a collaboration would--and could--only results in a smorgasbord of statement pieces that deserve sole attention. Paired in contrast with the usual spring offerings, a denim jacket or blue jean from Jean-Paul Gaultier for Levi's would make a wonderful addition to any spring ensemble. And I'm willing to bet my ass on that. Expect to see pieces popping up online and in select retailers and sporadic Levi's locations worldwide.

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In conjunction with their role as the official outfitter for the U.S.A 2010 Winter Olympic team, Ralph Lauren has introduced a new scent to accompany their prestigious post. "Red, White, and Blue" is a wintry mix that succeeds Polo Blue in a contemporary Ralph Lauren way.
“A cooler variation of Polo Blue, this crisp tonic exudes pure strength, instant vibrancy and freshness.” And it's more than just a handsome bottle. Red, White, and Blue is a perfect possession of all the luxuries that Ralph Lauren has become synonymous with, with ingredients that include: “Red apple,cucumber, clary sage, lavender tonic, creamy white woods and white musks.”
Available are a 2.5 oz bottle for $52 and 4.2 oz for $69; but in coordination with Ralph Lauren, two District Cut readers can bypass swiping their credit card and instead, have the chance to win a 4.2 oz bottle of Red, White, and Blue. Simply head to twitter and retweet: @DistrictCut win a free bottle of Ralph Lauren's "Red, White, and Blue" fragrance http://tinyurl.com/yjojp89.
You'll instantly be placed in a drawing to win a 4.2 oz bottle of Ralph Lauren "Red, White, and Blue." Two winner will be picked randomly. If you don't have a Twitter account, join here. And if you aren't following District Cut on twitter, what are you waiting for? The giveaway ends February 12, 2010. Good luck!

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There are few things that remain consistent when leaving the colder of the months for the spring season. Of the few are the bare essentials: tops, bottoms, and footwear. Lets start with top of the barrel--shirting. While the general structure may abide to the same overall tactics regardless of the season, plus or minus some sleeve-length, the material and designs seems to get lighter and brighter for spring. Gitman Vintage offers a strong collection of shirts for the upcoming season that hold true to the lighter and brighter nature of shirting. And they touch on a whole smorgasbord of necessary patterns, colors, and selections that will easily see their way into your life.

Although their only on their third season since debuting early last year, their Spring 2010 collection pays homage to 1984 with such cult favorites including "antique seersucker, cotton madras, bright cabana stripes, short sleeve formal in double-washed denim and some decidedly fun patch work madras.” There is obviously something in it for everyone.

Their reach hasn't come into contact with any DC retailers as of yet but given their ever-expanding grasp on menswear, its only a matter of time. Don't let that minor setback deter you; they retail at Barneys New York online store and I'm confident that a call to their New York showroom would garner the same results [Ive ordered straight from their New York showroom multiple times]. Gitman Vintage: 212-581-6968
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This dilemma isn't strictly isolated, but rather takes it's entirety in the form of an invite to the G-Star runway show during the upcoming New York Fashion Week. To decline or not decline...that is the question. Time and money are its only competitor, and it just became that much more complicated thanks to the G-Star PR people who emailed a wonderfully crafted statement explaining the inspiration for their Fall 2010 collection. And here you are:
“The G-Star Fall/Winter 2010 NY RAW Men’s and Women’s Collections demonstrates the fusion of denim craftsmanship, elegant tailoring and sophisticated silhouettes in vibrant colors. Eye-catching metallic washes and treatments further enhance the collections, highlighting the inventive and truly original aesthetic that is distinctively G-Star.
From the camels mouth itself. The statement may be flaked with PR language, but more interesting is the clear effort to point out metallic washes and treatments. Sounds rather glorious, if you ask me. Then there is the elegant tailoring and sophisticated silhouettes; a completely different tone from Spring 2010 where relaxed and loose reigned supreme. I can't wait to see what will actually come into fruition, and where I will be seeing the metallic washed, sophisticated silhouettes: from the tents or from the screen. Only time will tell. Until then, I will continue to dissect the PR language and decide whether attendance would be worth it--even though I already know the answer.
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Needless to say, Mark Ronson is one of the front-runners of this generation when it comes style. He is perhaps the sole personage who epitomizes men's fashion, or what it should be, to perfection; and without fault or error. So it's understandable, then, that after the sight of Philipp Bierbaum in the pages of Elle [left], Ronson [right] was the first person that came to mind. The elegance of the suiting of the Elle snapshot is every bit parallel to the sartorial customs that seem innate to the guitarist/producer/artist. He has the unique ability to possess utopian juxtaposition with modernity and nostalgia while coming off completely normal and contemporary. Odd, right? And responsibility obviously belongs in the hands of genes; his siblings are designer Charlotte Ronson and tabloid magnet Samantha Ronson, and his mother is the uncompilable Ann Dexter-Jones. In other words, it's quite apprehensive that style and talent just exudes through his veins. And beyond that, accessibility. The guy globe-trots between London Town, New York City, and Los Angeles. You would be on point to sense I bit of jealousy in my tone...by legitimately, I have nothing but inspiration in my heart for Mark Ronson--style icon.

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Tired of cardigans? Understandable, given they all seem to mesh after a while; I mean really, how many different colored cardigans can one own? But then again, if you stick with Jil Sanders, the possibilities are endless. Take this paneled cardigan from the Uniqlo +J Spring 2010 collection, for instance. It's conservative in a flashy, over-the-top way, and quite unlike anything Ive ever seen before. A perfect example of how a DC politico can make a fashion statement in the most subdued manner. And at the expense of being fiscally responsible, who wouldn't jump at this--only £30. Available now via Uniqlo.
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