My Style Vista: Oh Mr Porter!

With much appreciation from style concious men, the 19th century English Dandy cultivated the image-conscious male and solidified that fashion wasn't just a females realm. Men too have remained in pursuit of sartorial perfection. Eighty's icons such as David Bowie and Boy George ushered in a love for flamboyancy which defied the status quo and set the wheels of men's fashion in motion.

Designers such as Giorgio Armani, Jean Paul Gautier and Burberry are a mere few who have since fulfilled a man's desire to embrace fashion in all guises.
Then came Becks/Beckham/Goldenballs/Purveyor of all things metro-sexual and a modern man's fashion messiah. His unique style evolution has been a press perennial and proof that men are no longer the dowdy female counterpart.

Which brings me to the exciting revelation that Net-a-Porter, the online luxury fashion retailer, will be launching its first menswear site in Spring/Summer 2011 called Mr Porter. As an avid Net-a-Porter surfer chick, I am ever so slightly glad that men can now be fashionably informed through such an inspirational site. Natalie Messenet, founder of Net-a-Porter.com predicted a flourishing market for an internet shopping site just for men - a service that only women have had the privilege of enjoying. "We are now ready to create a dedicated men’s shopping destination entirely conceived with the stylish man in mind," she reported to the Telegraph. Great news for the menswear industry.

With its engaging visuals and informative product descriptions Net-a-Porter has remained my definitive source for inspiration. It's weekly magazine never fails to thoroughly educate on the latest trends, must-have items and styling know-how. What a refreshing tonic for all decadent dandies wanting some advice on how to rid themselves of their samey style.

I once struggled to recognise the appeal of men's fashion - or lack of it. A mundane trousers/shirt/shoes ensemble could never elicit the same affect as the myriad apparel options available to us women. But then that was many moons ago.

GIORGIO ARMANI FALL 2010

Today I'm happy to see that the men's fashion arena is one hell of a fashion bonanza. Replete with varied silhouettes, shapes and styles all exuding a vast spectrum of shades and patterns from pastels to pinstripes and neons to nautical stripes. Oh and florals in abundance - such modernity, so little machismo. I am thrilled that men have been granted so much variety, although I do have to bite my lip for sniggering at, wait for it - wedges? skirts? gladiator sandals...?

Never expect conventionality in men's attire again. Come on Mr Porter show us what you're made of...