It seems like everyone is about to jet off – be it fashion week in Milan, partying in Mykonos, nuptuals in Italy, or checking out the Big Apple. Being the avid beauty and grooming geek that I am, I thought that I best sort out what products are essential for my travel. And thought I would share my Top 5…

1) Dermalogica Skin Kit – 5 Dermalogica products in one pack – face wash, toner, moisturiser, exfoliator and eye creme – all small enough to suit your luggage allowance but contain enough product to last a couple of weeks away. The toner is perfect for a long flight – spray your face every few hours to refresh. The packs are skin type specific – normal/dry/oily.

2) Prada Amber pour Homme Eau de Toilette Travel Spray – the really cool thing about this is the stainless steel refillable vaporiser which unscrews at the bottom to refill. The fragrance itself has really grown on me and I find it quite unusual. It is clean, subtle and sophisticated yet very complex – saffron, vanilla, cardamom, leather, musk – pure Prada in a bottle. If you smell it once and it doesn’t resonate with you, put some on and smell it again in an hour. I’m a HUGE fan. The 10mL bottles are small enough that airport security won’t even notice.

3) Kiehl’s Facial Fuel No Shine Lip Balm – my lips really don’t agree with long haul flights. They need hydration. I like how this option from Kiehls is non-shine and in a stick aka ‘man-friendly’.

4) Evo Coalition for the Groomed Men’s Survival Kit – the concept alone had me intrigued: “this is a grooming kit that won’t let you down in a crisis, it’s a condom to pain, an aspirin to discomfort, the rosary bead of anxiety… the accent to your attitude“. This kit contains all the essential grooming products – shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, shaving cream and moisturiser. All fantastic products.

5) Clarins Men Fatigue Fighter – who lands after a 22-hour flight looking like they just had a 12 hour sleep and a hot shower? No one. This light gel fatigue fighter gives your skin an instant refreshing boost. It also comes in handy for those mornings when rushing to work a little under the weather.

Also check out our Roadtest: Clinique Anti-Fatigue Cooling Eye Gel.

Posted by Andrew Housden. 0 Comments

Category: Lifestyle Tags: Clains Men, Clinique, Dermalogica, Evo, Kiehl’s, Mens Fragrance, Prada, Travel

GUCCI ARTISAN: Gucci is offering a unique experience this week- welcome to the Artisan Corner. The Italian powerhouse will station a team of its most skilled artisans (flown dircetly from Florence) in their Sydney and Melbourne stores. Customers will be able to watch their handbag being constructed- and the boys will be able to have wallets and bags embossed with initials.

I got to check it out earlier this week, and it is definitely worth a look. The team will be in the Sydney Flagship store from May 15- 17, Gucci at The Star from 22-23 May and Melbourne Chadstone from May 29-31…

Posted by Liam McKessar. 1 Comment

Category: Lifestyle, Style Tags: Gucci, Gucci Artisan Sydney

EMMA MULHOLLAND: I was lucky enough to get behind the scenes with Emma Mulholland while she shot her latest Spring Summer 2012 look book- The collection is entitled ‘As bad as I Guana be’ and features a fresh batch of her signature eye catching prints. Shot by Byron Spencer, with styling from Paul Bui, the capsule menswear collection is looking bold and bright… Check out her website.

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Category: Style Tags: Byron Spencer, Emma MulHolland, Paul Bui

Christopher Esber was not only a stand out performance from an otherwise disappointing fashion week, but also a new entrant into the menswear market. Presenting a capsule collection of suits and shirting, his tailored aesthetic translates perfectly into menswear. Loving the muted tones, and focus on fabric, I look forward to what else he has in the pipeline!

Posted by Liam McKessar. 0 Comments

Category: Style Tags: Christopher Esber, MBFWA, Summer 2012

Loving this editorial from Euroman. Shot by Jonas Bie and styled by Fred Erik Andersen- skater style merges with sportswear- models effortlessly riding the skate bowl in style. I threw in Illesteva sunglasses, New Balance sneakers and Balenciaga bomber jacket all from Mr Porter.

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Category: Style Tags: Balenciaga, Euroman, Illesteva, Jonas Bie, Mr Porter, New Balance

SO much went on at this party- I cant even talk about it… See you next year Fashion Week.

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Category: Social, Style Tags: Fernando Frisoni, MBFWA

Although we only saw a handful of menswear during Fashion Week, the direction on hair was fairly strong. Taking a look backstage, the Redken style team had the mens shows completely covered.

Shorter styles have been given a sculptured and architectural look, often with fringing around the face. Strong hold was also key, adding texture and direction. I also noticed a re-emergence of the semi wet look- in keeping with the obvious sportswear trend seen on the runway.

From what I can gather, and under the advice of the Redken stye team- the best way to get this look is two products… Redken For Men Work Hard maximum control moulding paste and Redken For Men Outplay maximum control texture putty. DO try this at home.

Posted by Liam McKessar. 1 Comment

Category: Style Tags: MBFWA, Mens Hair, Mens Hair Styles, Redken, Redken for Men

Overnight, New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art hosted its annual Costume Institute Gala.. also known as the Met Ball. Famous for its fashionable following, and heavyweight guest list- this is the event to turn heads. Here are our pick of the boys… Tom Brady can really do no wrong.. and what is going on with the Jonas brothers?

Posted by Liam McKessar. 1 Comment

Category: Social, Style Tags: Chace Crawford, Ed Westwick, Jonas Brothers, Met Ball, Met Gala, Tom Brady

YSL LA NUIT DE L’HOMME: Spicey. Winter. Lavendar. Cedar. Virile. Cumin. Vetiver. This is one of my favourite incarnations of the L’Homme range and a great winter scent.

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Category: Lifestyle Tags: La Nuit de l’Homme, Mens Fragrance, YSL

Posted by Liam McKessar. 0 Comments

Category: Social, Style Tags: MBFWA, Men’s Street Style, Sydney Street Style

Posted by Liam McKessar. 0 Comments

Category: Style Tags: Ksubi, MBFWA, Spring Summer 2012

Posted by Liam McKessar. 2Comments

Category: Social, Style Tags: MBFWA, Men’s Street Style

DAY ONE: The girls will always outnumber the boys at Fashion Week, but the boys did not disappoint… Off to a flying start!

For live updates throughout the week…. Follow me on Twitter

Posted by Liam McKessar. 2Comments

Category: Social, Style Tags: Australian Fashion Week, MBFWA, Men’s Street Style

GET READY TO ROLL: Mercedes Benz Australian Fashion Week is upon us. I will be posting daily street style from the front line- keeping you up to date on what the industry boys are wearing. In the meantime… here are a few snaps I took this week during off schedule shows. PS… Loving Byron Spencer in that Givenchy Tee.

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Category: Social, Style Tags: Byron Spencer, James Dykes, MBAFW, Men’s Street Style, Sydney Street Style

Fashion Week can be a challenging time for all involved… Here are my five top tips to surviving the week with your ego intact- But above all things; be yourself and never take it too seriously!

1) Do not take longer than an hour to get ready. Anyone who takes longer than an hour is either a tragic socialite, fame hungry blogger or Television personality – the crowd of editors at fashion week tend to be allergic to all three. Use your time more productively!

2) Do not change your outfit more than once on any given day (unless you need to add a jacket for warmth). This is a serious no brainer- don’t assume others are taking note of your every move- the majority are there for work. Show ponies frowned upon!

3) Do accessorise with a bag. Lets be honest, everyone has had the craving to carry a man bag at some stage. Fashion Week is the perfect opportunity- the ultimate place to put pens, pad and phone without bulging your pockets.

4) Do not attempt to sleaze/come onto the models, male or female. Models are there to work, often horrendously long hours, hence the last thing they need is a drunk guy offering them a glass of free sparkling wine.

5) Drink alcohol with caution. Enjoying a drink or two with your peers is perfectly acceptable, stumbling to your seat or slurring show critique is not. On top of that, nobody wants to be seated next to your white wine breath. Keep it in check!

For live updates during the coming week… Follow me on Twitter @FrontRowSuit.

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Category: Business, Lifestyle, Social, Style Tags: Five Fashion Week Tips, Five Tips Fashion Week Tips for Boys

PUMA CLYDE x UNDFTD: Without doubt, sneakers are where its at right now. PUMA have teamed up with culture brand, Undefeated, releasing a collaboration on the labels most iconic shoe: the Puma Clyde. Decked in suede with matching leather lining, the PUMA Clyde x UNDFTD has street cred. Check out the PUMA homepage for more deets…

Posted by Liam McKessar. 1 Comment

Category: Style Tags: Men’s Sneakers, Puma Clyde x UNDFTD, Sneakers

Patrick Johnson is a fixture on the international street style set, not only is he young and dapper- he is also one of Sydney’s best tailors. Having graduated from Central St Martins in London, he now resides in Sydney. He gave us a few words after seeing his latest offering…

Name, Age, Place of birth.

Patrick Johnson, 30ish , Adelaide

How long have you been a tailor?

Ten years

What were your reference points for the collection… what was your inspiration?

I wanted something fresh, playful and vibrant, to offer something new rather than borrowing from the past. I respect the past but to lean on it all the time is lazy. I looked at Luis Barragan’s architectural work and his use of color and textures in buildings and gardens. I love the way he played with colour. I then worked a lot on new construction techniques. For instance we have now introduced a soft Neapolitan style, with lots of handwork for character. To perfect this I took many trips to Naples, and from these trips comes more inspiration.

If the collection had a sound track… What is its theme song?

Some good 90′s hip hop. You can’t take the boy out of Adelaide.

What type of guy do you see wearing the range?

I always have certain clients in mind for different suits. But perhaps in an ideal world we could say Lapo Elkann and Prince Charles? I would love to make both of them suits.

For more from Patrick check out his homepage…

Posted by Liam McKessar. 0 Comments

Category: Lifestyle, Social, Style Tags: Men’s Tailors Sydney, P Johnson Tailors, Patrick Johnson, Patrick Johnson Tailors

Short. Long. Shaggy. Curly. They all need some texture and some need some volume too and today I’m looking at products from KMS California.

Hair Play Texture Shampoo – a cool guy shampoo ideal for short hair. Adds texture and bulk – especially good if your thinning out up there. A sweet and subtle unisex apple scent.

Add Volume – a spray on, leave in conditioner perfect for guys with slightly longer hair. Great for reducing the time you spend maintaining your longer locks. All you do is spray it in after towel drying you hair. No residue. Instant volume.

Hair Play Moulding Paste – I have used this product on and off for years. For short hair. Great all day hold but your hair will keep its flex – you can restyle during the day. Very sweet on the nose.

Posted by Andrew Housden. 0 Comments

Category: Lifestyle Tags: KMS California, Mens Hair Styles

AMERICANO: Another awesome editorial from the latest Hercules Magazine… Shot by Parker Gregory with styling from Miguel- its Californian cool to a tee. I threw in Rag & Bone shirt and Jil Sander loafers all from Mr Porter. 

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Category: Style Tags: Hercules Magazine, Jil Sander, Mr Porter, Rag & Bone

I GOT CHILLS: As the days get shorter and the temperature drops… How will you beat the chills this winter? The boys at New York Fashion Week opted for the tough approach. Masculinity was key, with sports like puffer jackets and rugged outerwear ruling the looks on the street. I look forward to rocking my puffer jacket! Photography courtesy of Tommy Ton for GQ USA.

Want more street style? Try STREET WALKING

Posted by Liam McKessar. 1 Comment

Category: Social, Style Tags: Men’s Street Style, New York Fashion Week, Tommy Ton