F: Is for Focusing on Men!

I've been solely focused on fashion for women and have excluded the men. This column is dedicated to the masculine set or those who buy for them. I have concentrated on new designers to keep your eyes on. First up is a designer who grows his own organic cotton in the Peruvian jungle, uses recycle wool, has offices in three different countries and doesn’t use computers! John Patrick has mastered the art of turning old bed sheets into chic shirts, using harmless and natural dyes. He travels around the world, training his factory workers to mill the organic crop into fibers, to maintain sustainable, local cottage hand-production industries. His menswear casual rustic looks from the recycled wool herringbone pants and recycled alpaca, storm-dust gray, short-tie to the organic cotton and recycled-wool, kelp-green vest are perfect for a New York look. His clothes reflect a lifestyle. These garments are not just for a new generation of people who really care about where their clothes come from but who also care about their own personal style. He is also one of ten finalists for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards. This prestigious award includes financial support (up to $200,000 for the winner, $50,000 each for two runners-up) and business mentorship. Good news girls, they have a whole line for us as well.

I saw Adam Spagnolo modern designs at Projects a trade show for medium sized design houses. Architectural rigid horizontal and vertical lines with strong grids apply to each of his pieces. Thin light weight material elegantly draped and reminiscent of fine Italian suits make them even more appealing. Even the leather jackets and vests are lightweight. Detail orientated with an air of style Spagnolo small silver chains added to the the bottom of the vest weight it down so it doesn't open unexpectedly. These pieces have a edgy rock-and-roll feel. Shirts are slim with black lines that resemble ties. His pants in leather and black denim are sexy as hell and the tuxedo inspired jackets in brushed Italian wool are a look that has been seen before but the combination allows the urban male to go from event to event.

British invader Andrew Buckler formerly of Emanuel Ungaro is making a splash. His collections are a refreshing take on the classics and reminiscent of John Galliano. Cropped suits, tailored topcoats, draped shirts and plunging necklines. Buckle is reinventing today’s modern man to a vision women will want to stare at. Mixing British and American sense, darkened hues contrasted with reflective bronzes and coppers. Buckler challenges the conventional wisdom with a gritty vibe and paired with a bowtie. Ribbed sweaters layered with vests, vests worn on top of overcoats which combine with Rescued Vintage Animal Furs (recycled). Buckler is a designer that makes us swoon with the mixture of the collegiate who has a bad boy exterior.

Men's fashion is coming into its own. Men and women will both reap the rewards and that is a F.A.C.T