Men's fashion has a history of being defined by cultural and economic influences. In the early 1980s, the film American Gigolo, which starred Richard Gere, set off the Giorgio Armani craze. Subsequently, no investment banker worth his salt would be caught dead without one of Armani's relaxed-fit suits. When hip-hop music began exerting a wider influence in the early 90s, it started a craze among men, mostly young (but some a bit past their prime), for baggy jeans, loud jewellery and oversized sports jerseys. And who can forget the Silicon Valley look that burgeoned in the late 90s, when chinos, New Balance trainers and polo tops replaced striped ties, Oxford shirts and polished shoes in the boardroom.
But no matter which way the fashion winds blow, there are elements that will always remain: details, quality and cut. For these principles will always be the foundations of fashion.
STYLE's first men's issue brings the focus back to the basics that work so well for the modern man. Ozwald Boateng, the former wunderkind of Savile Row tailoring and now artistic director of Givenchy's menswear division, opens his treasure trove of cufflinks to show us small details make a big difference. The Hit List is also about details - in sunglasses, wallets and accessories that make an impact. Edison Chen, one of Hong Kong's most bankable young actors, trades in his favourite jeans and T-shirt for a more edgy style courtesy of Dior Homme's extraordinary designer, Hedi Slimane.
Simon Yam Tat-wah, who recently received a best actor nomination at the Hong Kong Film Awards, also exemplifies our interpretation of good taste. As our subject for Evolution, it's clear that, beyond his chameleon-like fashion sense, details, quality and styling remain his guiding principles. Meanwhile, we explore a wardrobe staple for men - the dress shirt - to prove that, even with essentials we take for granted, there's much to discover.
Who knows what the next trend will be? But in the hierarchy of fashion, a man's trump card still lies in his personal sense of style.
Desiree Au