bluuuue VELVET, and grey and brown and red...

When in search for that touch that will transform your outfit into the ultimate winter ensemble velvet is the key. Specially amongst men collections blazers and trousers can be found velvety both in traditional colours and in more fashionable hues. This might not be a fabric easily found when reaching into your wardrobes, but it proves itself most versatile and suggestive when it comes to texture. Velvet introduces light and different shades of a colour into an outfit, making it easier to put together hues of the same palette avoiding looking uninteresting. Let's have a look at the best proposals from the most relevant runway shows.

Since Frida Giannini entered Gucci the house has seen itself influenced by the designer's colourful soul which was instantly injected into the dark brand's past, not making it any less chic. This is why, once more, I have to crown Gucci one of the best collections of the season. In addition, just as it happened with the womenswear line, there is a sort of boho and hippy vibe which includes playful patterns to make it all even more eye-catchy.

Velvet, however, seems to require high levels of confidence. This is why I have collected some more traditional and classic velvet options as well as the daring new ones. There is a velvet choice for every kind of man. Black and brown are always a safe pick for the traditional men, but go velvet for a bit of an edgy feel. J. Lindeberg, Hermès and Giorgio Armani offer full suits and separate pieces in both colours so you can choose. It is YSL, nonetheless, that offers the most beautifully tailored blazer in black.

Now, for those of you reading and realizing you should spring life into your wardrobe, look closely. There is no need to go overboard with colouring. You can start by trying velvet on a weekend to get the hang of it. Grey (Giorgio Armani), brown (Junya Watanabe) or dark green (Rykiel Homme) are perfect hues that will match anything from your winter closet. Find other items from within the same palette and you're on business. Blue velvet (Dolce & Gabbana) might be harder in the winter but is a very stylish option when mixed with grey.

Olive green and different shades of "mustardy" beige seem to be the most original and stylish pick when trying to bring colour into darker combinations of clothes. If you are past confidence issues and black and brown are a little "blah", this is your colour range. Again, YSL produced perfection in the shape of a blazer. Junya Watanabe's innovative collection included trousers and blazer in some of this colours throughout the entire runway show, which makes it a good designer to resort to. D&G's brown velvet suit is perfect for elegance and edginess in the appropriate dose.

Lastly, for the brave he-fashionista, a range of bold bright hues that will surely make you the centre of any party. Have it bright green (3.1 Phillip Lim), pearl grey (Kris Van Assche), fuchsia (Dries Van Noten), or simply mix it up clearing your mind of any fashion preconceptions (Yunja Watanabe).

Has anyone seen the light after reading about the suggestive powers of velvet?

[Pictures credit: Men.Style.com]

I'm off.

look at the BOTTOM

Once again, it's time to talk about menswear on soVIPzone. I have to admit I may have a problem concerning clothing, it is what I think about a worrying percentage of the day. For one part I guess it is normal taking I will some day make my living in this industry, but on the other hand, thinking about trousers, shirts, scarves, hats and shoes for the most part of the day is probably not a good sign. Anyway, a few weeks ago one of my friends brought me to uni the H&M magazine, something I didn't know even existed. Although, truth to be told, it's nothing very special, there was a shoot in it about English style making a comeback for menswear. Ever since I laid eyes on those photos I haven't managed to stop thinking about tailored pants. Well, I submerged for the bizillion time in the Summer collections and found the greatest variety of trousers and, most importantly, bottom-do's.

From left: Perry Ellis Signature, Kris Van Assche, Fendi, Hermès, Costume National.

Tailored pants may sound like such a bore and old-fashioned, but they actually come in all colours and fabrics and have been added details to get adapted to current fashion.

From left: Fendi, Rag & Bone, last two: Paul Smith.

If tailored trousers are in, even more in are cropped pants. Get ready for some wacky sock displaying.

From left: first two: J. Lindeberg and Band of Outsiders.

If you already own the trendiest of trousers for the season, get them updated by rolling up their bottoms, just as you do with your blazers' sleeves.

All Gucci.

Cuffed bottoms are back too! There is nothing more English-like and elegantly classic as cuffed suit pants. Try wearing them just as casual trousers too.

From left: Duckie Brown, Kris Van Assche, Rag & Bone, Perry Ellis Signature.

Shorts come tailored too. And, of course, you'll find them cuffed and rolled-up as well. Try getting these effects with the pants you already own.

Something is clear: pants are not to touch your shoes. Get yourself a good assortment of colourful crazy socks and rock the look!

[Picture credit: Men.Style.com & HM.com]

I'm off.