KC Star FYI / Living
Here's what to do about David Cook's clothes
David Cook of Blue Springs is running up high performance scores on "American Idol."
But as for his sartorial ratings? They are not as terrific.
How would the experts help him? We asked a couple of Kansas City stylists.
Add a little polish. Lose the sloppy style for a long and lean look.
We're not suggesting that he be transformed into Ralph Lauren. But our experts have the right idea.
Christian Micheal Shuster, who designs ties under the label Christian Micheal, suggests form-fitting tailored suits in a mix-and-match color plan. He likes combining textures, such as a black corduroy jacket and black pinstripe pants.
"When I think of a rock star, I think of black and lots of neutrals," he says.
We asked him to sketch some possibilities, and in addition to the tight, tailored pieces he added a crisp military style jacket with double pockets and epaulettes.
California transplant Matt Baldwin, menswear buyer and co-owner of Standard Style Boutique in Kansas City, says Cook's look should be cleaned up and modernized.
He likes the skinny, modern and tailored vested suit from Theory. Other favorites include a soft blazer and preppy plaid shirt, a smart idea this season.
These are young men's clothes with snug fits. The clothes are also light in spirit if not in color.
Are you listening David?
KC Star FYI / Living
Fashion: Crosstown Station event joins bands and designers
Music and fashion have had a long, strong marriage. Whether it involves a tribal beat or '80s rock, the soundtrack sets the mood for stylish shows everywhere. What's more, music and performers consistently inspire designers.
Talent manager Clay Perkins brought them together Friday night with the Rock N Fashion Show at the Crosstown Station venue at 1522 McGee St. in Kansas City.
Perkins showcased six local clothing designers and three live bands. The eyelashes and curling irons were in full swing. Makeup artists and hairstylists were hard at work.
Among the designers, Christian Micheal Shuster for Christian Micheal, who makes unique neckties, teamed with Envolve, a new downtown boutique. Shuster, a talented stylist, gave the ties a twist by pairing them with shirts and leggings, vests, half jackets and dresses from Envolve. He wanted to frame ties as "the new best accessory" for women.
Christian Micheal Shuster paired his original Christian Micheal ties with dresses from new Kansas City boutique Envolve. The Rock N Fashion Show drew about 500 people, said talent manager Clay Perkins.
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A Strong Week for Fashin in KC
Most creative runway styling: Christian Michael makes wide ties ranging from traditional striped to quirkier square patterns. How do you make them look interesting on a runway full of edgy designs? Use both male and female models. He cast males in lumberjack boots and rolled trousers — and a tie. He paired ties with peacoats and velvet jackets. A female model looked sexy in colored tights, an oversized man's shirt and loosely tied tie. Background music "Puttin' on the Ritz" set a whimsical mood.
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Men at work
Designer ties transcend age, gender
No skinny ties for this up-and-coming local designer.
"Neckties are a centerpiece. It allows men to express their personal style and show a level of confidence," says Kansas Citian Christian Shuster. "I like a thick tie with a big knot. A skinny tie takes away from the designer's statement."
Shuster, 27, launched christianMICHEAL designer neckties three months ago. The label is available at Imagery, 4117 Pennsylvania Ave. in Westport, a fine men's retail store and online at www.christianmicheal.com.
The idea for a necktie label was born from personal experience and frustration. At 19, when Shuster landed his first professional job in advertising at Pitch Weekly, he went tie shopping.
"There was nothing of quality in my price range," he says. "I was disappointed in options for young men to buy an affordable, fashion necktie."
Shuster said options ranged from cheap-looking $19.99 ties to high-end designer ties for $79.99.
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