Men's Second Style

I recently witnessed an impromptu fashion showdown where the victor assaulted her victim with an array of Paper Couture dresses in a valiant effort to “outclass” the competition. Though the PC weaponry was not the only ammunition in her arsenal they were definitely amongst the most distinct in the seven-round showdown. The display was an illustration of how the brand has become synonymous with haute couture of the highest order. For the line’s multifaceted designers – Ava, Cora, Mare, Mimi and Prue Lu – fashion may be art, but to its clientele their creative work represents glamour, innovation and is a reflection of a luxurious second lifestyle.

My introduction to the flexible, playful and elegant clothing was through a female friend who was so overwrought by the euphoria that she could barely contain herself. I found it all to be highly intriguing, though I must admit being disappointed that male selections were not then an option. Fortunately, my demoralization has been finite. For Spring 2007, Ava Lu has slipped seven men’s outfits into the collection, ranging in price from 200L to 350L. The new additions were brought to my attention by the fashion guerrilla who laid the smack down on her less fashionable counterpart.

Men who have been visually seduced by women wearing the Lu sisters’ couture creations now have the ability to make their own lasting impressions.

Electric Boogaloo (200L). Three words: pure unadulterated funk. If Michael Jackson’s Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough video married the Austin Powers movie franchise their love child would definitely be this suit (Sir Elton John would be the most likely candidate to serve as the godfather). Shimmy into the sparkly crushed velvet of your own supercharged suit and you just may give yourself enough glitz to paint the town red in a pair of Moopf roller skates. It’s obviously intended to be a fun and playful outfit – the flamboyance of which has been semi-grounded by the purple dress shirt with black-and-white striped undershirt (as opposed to – say – a ruffly white Liberace shirt). One of the striking characteristics of the ensemble is the play of light and dark used to highlight body topography across the suit’s plush surface. The complete jacket, shirt and undershirt are rendered as one in the the shirt layer.

European Stripes (350L). Casual meets chic half-way in this monochrome palette pant and vest set. Reminiscent of something you may seen worn along the Riviera, the powdery grey lightweight suit pants are paired with a freshly pressed black-and-white striped dress shirt. The top button has been loosed and the sleeves rolled up (à la prim cuffs) in an act of listlessness. The contrast created by the moderately spaced stripes frame the face and torso area when paired with the soft, napped surface of the black vest. Combined clothing elements make for a bold statement that is definitely not intended for the timid. The overall look a meticulous one. Pieces have a neat and tidy appearance, seeming to have been deliberately selected to ensure the visual impact is a striking one.

Mens White Dress Shirt / Mens Pink Dress Shirt (200L). Every well-rounded wardrobe needs a crisp dress shirt and a smart pair of pants. Such articles are “all occasion” pieces that can be worn to a variety of day and night functions that require a dress code beyond the casual approach. If you grew up with any breeding your mother would have carefully and consistently drilled such principles into your head. Knowing this importance, Ava has included two astute variations of this classic wardrobe essential. Sold individually, one outfit comes with a white dress shirt (right) and the other with a pink/tan one (pictured above) provided in the shirt layer. Both offer a pair of navy slacks with a slim brown leather belt. The beauty of the sets is that they are versatile and will good on just about everyone. The artful strokes of the texturing allows for a “creamy” look that adds an air of smooth sophistication.

If you are daring enough to stockpile your armory with an abundance of flair these and other flashy fashions for men and women can be found at the Paper Couture main store @ Tableau (160, 100, 25).

Note to readers: You can read more about Paper Couture’s men’s collection this week in a collaborative review by vogue virtuoso Ben Vanguard.

Model + Photographer: Sylar Boyd