Bravado Living

With his uncanny ability to make mortal women appear like Greek Goddesses, Helmut Newton, was once the world’s most famous photographer. His ability to transform pictures into art, use common images to instill emotion, and his phenomenal marketing have all helped him reach international stardom before his death in 2004.

Creator of several photography books, SUMO, was one of his most famous endeavors. Named after the physical presence of the book, it was a gigantic piece weighing in at a healthy 77 pounds, you can’t blame Helmut for not trying to warn you.

Originally, limited to 10,000 copies, SUMO’s first copy holds the world record for the most expensive book published in the 20th century at $430,000. The rest of the series sold out immediately after at a list price of $15,000 and skyrocketed in price due to it’s rarity.

Well now, nearly a decade later, SUMO, is being re-printed for the masses. You get the same book, the same pictures, the same nudes which adorn thousands of millionaires and art-collectors’ living rooms across the world for $100 (More than 99% off the original price). Granted, the book is slightly smaller and lighter (thank heavens) than the behemoth of lore, you are essentially getting the same piece of art coveted the world over. It even comes with a special stand to showcase the art without having to wrestle with the bear of the book.

It’ll finally bring some class into your bachelor pad. Just lose that beer pong table. It’s not helping the cause.

BUY IT Helmut Newton’s Sumo $100

Popularity: 5% [?]

These shorts are just phenomenal. I love the color blue and I love the fact that YSL made these corduroy shorts such a bright blue. Blue is the type of color typically reserved for shirts, sweaters, and the rest of their ilk. You don’t see many people wearing pants done in bright colors. Well, I guess you could say you do, but I’m purposefully excluding every hipster douche and indie princess that haunt the downtown areas and thrift shops of our nation’s great cities.

Human refuse aside, I think these shorts are perfect for casual outings, especially to beach locales or out on the boat. I’m probably biased since I frequent South Beach all the time and many of my casual clothing purchases usually reflect on that choice of locale. Every man should really get a pair of corduroy shorts, they will outlast your denim ones stitch for stitch.

They go for $575

Jeffrey New York, 449 W. 14th St., New York, (212) 206-3928,
Get them here.

Popularity: 5% [?]

I usually try to have half a dozen or so different colognes on hand at any given time. Out of that half dozen, one or two are usually a new cologne I’m trying out in order how to gauge how much I like wearing it and at what times I like to wear it. It’s the intern out of my cologne rack. The rest of the rack is dedicated to five colognes that I try to keep on hand throughout the year. These are the olfactory champions who have never steered me wrong.

Aqua di gio by Giorgio Armani

Aqua di Gio is by far my favorite summertime cologne. It is very light and airy, almost ethereal. It is a wonderful balance of citrus, herbs, and wood scents. Everytime I smell it, I think of the beach, which is the place I wear it the most.

Dolce & Gabbana for Men

Dolce & Gabbana for Men is exquisite. The scent is fresh and sharp and very smoky. This is the type of cologne I like to wear at night, especially out at a restaurant or a good bar. It is very refined and nicely balances citrus notes with spicier scents.

Beyond Paradise for men by Estee Lauder

Beyond Paradise is another great cologne. It is woody and green, but still very mysterious. It’s mystique is probably due in part to the esoteric mixture of exotic fruits and woods. I find that it’s very versatile, appropriate for daylight and moonbeams. It is very masculine and sensual, so I love wearing it around the females.

L'eau d'Issey by Issey Miyaki

Another great warm weather scent, L’aeu d’Issey is very delicate and exhilaratingly light. The main component of the scent is the Yuzu fruit, making this cologne very japanese in more than just it’s manufacturers name. I also love the use of blue water lily, nutmeg, cinnamon bark, and saffron. The cologne comes off as very hip and modern, perfect for social outings.

Black Code by Giorgio Armani

This Armani’s first attempt at a masculine fragrance done in the Oriental-style and they really were on to something here. It is understated and very elegant, making this my obvious first choice for formal outings. It has a very confident feel and all the notes, especially the bergamot, lemon, and tonka bean, come together very nicely.If you haven’t heard of this cologne, it might be because Armani changed it’s name from Black Code to Armani Code. I still call it Black Code out of habit and I don’t plan on stopping, not even if Armani himself were to beat me with a sack of cologne bottles.

Popularity: 8% [?]

For years, discerning men of taste have carried handkerchiefs on their person. Now a silk handkerchief is a great way to not look like a repugnant degenerate when sneezing in public, wiping one’s sweaty face on a hot day, or blowing one’s nose. To all my neighborhood street pugilists, a handkerchief can easily substitute as a bandage for a minor injury. One could argue that handkerchiefs are unhygienic, but you can easily solve this problem by buying a few spares to account for laundry turnover; furthermore, handkerchiefs are more environmentally conscious than paper ones, making it a great conversation topic with an eco-loving hottie.

Not only are they a great way for a gentleman to handle his hygiene with style, a good looking silk hanky can add a little something extra to any ensemble. Put it in the breast pocket of your jacket or coat to put a finishing touch to a formal outfit, or in the breast pocket of a nice short-sleeve shirt to add some more presence to your person when at a casual gathering. I wouldn’t even worry so much about matching it with your clothes, you want eyes to wander to your breast pocket. I love this simple polka dot handkerchief, I find the white on blue droll as hell. The handkerchief is a timeless accessory for any man, be it for style or hygiene.
This hanky from Aspinal of London is only $20.
Get one here.

Popularity: 5% [?]

These chukka boots are vibrant and eye-catching. I really love this royal blue suede, it totally sells the shoe for me. This is some classy casual wear, something I would sport at a lunch at a nice restaurant or at party with at friends. Really, you can take these feet crowns pretty much anywhere.

I’d take them to the bar because they are sure to catch the attention of the women folk(they can spot shoes and color like an eagle spots injured rabbits.), but with my luck I know some douche is going to spill his drink on them. And then I’d stomp his face in and blood really does a number on royal blue suede.

They are really fresh take on chukka boots, a little modern and with an innovative use of color. These are a fresh way to add a little more color to your spring wardrobe. Your best bet is to pair them with cropped, cuffed khakis or slim/straight denim.

$495, Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Ave., NYC, (212) 753-4000

Or get them here.

Popularity: 7% [?]