King of Shaves the Triple Crown of Shaving for Men

Over the past five years men have been treated to a vast selection of new skincare products, some great; some not so. The one thing men are in search of is ,the perfect shave which can be a daunting task sometimes leading to shaving twice or just not getting the close shave men desire so they can go on with their day.

Here at The Fashion Tribune we believe we have found the answer to this problem by way of King of Shaves a men's line out of The United Kingdom. The two products we road tested where the Kinexium shave gel and X-XF Face Scrub. The new Kinexium Shave Gel incorporates an advanced lubrication system, featuring LubrNyl-12 which eliminates friction while increasing razor glide. When we shaved with this product two factors stood out. First we did not have to use very much and (2)true to form our razor went across our face like skating on ice! As for the end result we got a very smooth shave.

The K-XF Face Scrub with a dual-active, non abrasive formula came out with a good thick consistency incorporating micro-particles and fruit extracts to gently exfoliate the skin. After using, our skin felt clean and refreshed.

We firmly believe this is hands down the best shaving system for men and what makes the product even more attractive is the price. All of the products in the line are under $10.00 and the line is vast and expansive showing men that King of Shaves is serious about men's skincare. More information can be found at www.shave.com

Dulce De Leche Resort 2009

With Miami being a year round warm climate destination we had the opportunity to to view the latest collection from designer Luis Torro's "Ducle De Leche" men's line. This being our first viewing, we had no idea what to expect but were treated to a vast selection of swimwear from this well established local designer. According to Mr. Torro's press release" The men's beachwear resort line for Spring 2009 is the most cohesive in a marriage of sexiness and elegance the we, as a label, have produced to date". Furthermore he adds "male beauty and masculinity are to be celebrated and there is an openness to the bold silhouettes in this line which show our vision".

As for what we saw there were well over forty looks with a very heavy lean on the swim trunks with a scant selection of separates which included some very nice t-shirt tops and pants. The color range is broad-based with enough selection for everybody. Overall this collection is "one for the boys" in South Beach and is sure to make heads turn. More information can be found at their site www.dulcedeleche.com

Sunkissed Glow by JLo

Jennifer Lopez is back yet again with another fragrance dubbed Sunkissed Glow. A tropical combination of ruby red grapefruit, pineapple juice and cassis sorbet infused along with orange flower, water lilly and passion flower. Jennifer has kept the bottle design the same but has made subtle changes in the color with shots of burt orange and sandy yellow to reflect this new summer scent. The new fragrance is available at Macy's and comes in a 3.4 oz for $59.50 and a 6.7 oz body lotion for $27.50.

Lancaster Self-Tanners Europe's #1

As we get out from the cold, the sun is waiting for us to warm things up, but one of the well known effects of sun exposure is skin damage which comes in many forms. Everybody looks better with a tan but you don't need to sacrifice your skin to the harmful rays thanks to Lancaster self-tanners. Touted as Europe's #1 self tanning system, Lancaster has incorporated a patented tan color system which simulates the natural tanning process. The RPF Complex is a antioxidant blend based on natural botanical extracts which help neutralize up to 80% of free radicals, limits the signs of aging and promotes a more even skin tone, resulting in a more natural looking tan.

The complete line consists of Ultra natural Bronze care SPF6, Deep Bronze Aqua gel, Essential Bronze Milk SPF 6, Easy Bronze Milky Spray SPF6, Satin Bronze Dry Oil Spray SPF 6, Shimmering Bronze Creamy Gel for Legs and Fast Dry Bronze Water Spray. Products and priced between $25 to $27. More information on Lancaster can be found at their website www.lancaster-beauty.com

Martial Vivot Salon for Men

Finding a great men's salon is like trying to find a needle in a haystack in New York City, but we found the needle on West 54Th street! A small space with a very personalized staff, owner Martial Vivot has created a sanctuary not only for a great haircut but also to retreat from the chaos of the city. A first for us was the stations which have the hair-washing built into the stylist's space, no more moving from wash station to stylist's chair, a concept we've never seen before. House products are Phyto which are natural and men's grooming accessories are Clarins for men. We have never been to a salon who uses such high quality products for men but attention to detail is what Martial Vivot has keyed in on.

The other stylists have extensive fashion editorial experience which can be viewed by the press book in house. The celebrity clientele which include Harrison Ford, Kevin Spacey and Liam Neeson should land this salon on your fashion/grooming radar screen. For more information please visitwww.martialvivot.com

Ports 1961 Fall 2009

First off we'd like to thank whomever yet again for giving us a seventh row seat (the last row) for this show. We got the same row and same seat last season, and when your in the last row you can't see anything at all, so we walked out of the show. But thanks to the wonder of images we can give comment on the Ports 1961 fall collection. According to our other editorial colleges this was a collection inspired by India and the color that celebrate the country and looks which where over 45 pieces, a little to much for our taste. But back at the showroom we would bet that there is well over one hundred.

The collection has it's strong points which are the solids and the slacks, this was the main focus years ago used to get fashion editor gaga over this line, their first show which was a presentation only showed fifteen pieces and made us wanting more, but that was years ago and this is 2009.

Designer Tia Cibani has the ability to produce wonderful clothing which we have seen time and time again over the years but at times we feel that she has faced intense pressure from the owners of Ports 1961. The Spring collection last season in total was 350 pieces, know any designers who crank out those numbers? In short we feel Tia Cibani tries to hard to drive her design direction and she does not need to. We feel the strongest pieces are in her solid fabrics and colorways, the prints might be your thing but in the final analysis a designer has to know their customer.

Photos: Dan Lecca for Mercedes~Benz

Venexiana Fall 2009

Venexiana was the last show for us after another packed day. Being grateful we acquired seats we caught our breath and chatted with friends waiting for the show to start. My partner pulled the run of show and said " Oh my god, it's 66 looks!" Our plan was to run out but as soon as this thought came to mind the lights went down and the show began. As the clothing came down the runway three thoughts came to mind; (1) who is the Venexiana customer,(2)does Kati Stern have deep pockets or a big financial backer and(3)could there have been a blowout sale at the fabric mills?

In all our years of going to shows which ranks up to over one thousand, the words of "the collection is all over the place" could never ring more true. To date we know of no free-standing shops or retail outlets which carry this line. As for the direction it's a display of self-indulgence via Kati Stern. We've seen better collections from Ms. Stern in the past and the vibe has leaned towards the night club scene, but this fall collection for 2009 is hard to pin down.

Photos: Dan Lecca for Mercedes~Benz

Oumlil Fall 2009

Designer Hisham Oumlil's fall mens collection had drawn inspiration from the movie "There Will Be Blood", but it seems this direction was dashed as we previewed the collection in Soho. Mr. Oumlil has been designing mens clothing for the past four years and has incorporated a couture aspect to his customers. There are no retail outlets that carry his line so if you want his clothing an appointment is required.

Since this is a fall collection his strength lies with his jackets and coats. Not being afraid of color in a poorly performing economy, Hisham has provided a vast selection of very distinctive pieces and many we love. Seeing a designer who is designing to his true passion and potential is few and far between in men's clothing.

The entire experience with Hisham and his house no doubt is a process akin to Paris couture and should appeal to men who seek the finest in fabrics and original pieces to add to their wardrobe. Prices range from $2,400 for jackets, Suits $3,100-$4,200 and coats $2,900-$5,000.

More information can be found at his site www.oumlil.com

Charlotte Ronson Fall 2009

It's was our first time attending a Charlotte Ronson fashion show, so we came with a open mind. It seems that the current trend of military and Armour are alive and well with her fall show. Items like "German Officer coat" and her "Army Green Jumpsuit" fall right in line to what our radar screen predicted for this season.

The majority of the collection is done in black and grey but we do love the shots of color she included with a few of her dresses. With the economy unstable Charlotte is willing to buck the safe trend and offer interesting color prints. Pieces we loved where The German officer coat and leather pant with fringe. The standout piece was her leather bustier pencil skirt.

Photos: Dan Lecca for Mercedes~Benz

Monarchy Collection Fall 2009

The Monarchy Collection for fall 2009 is straight forward with a big selection of outerwear for both men and women. We had never heard of this house before so it might be a first time starter on the New York runways. Staple pieces seems to be on the menu here with overcoats and jackets. The color choice is predominately black and white and the inspiration has a English equestrian feel to the line.

Photos: Dan Lecca for Mercedes~Benz

E.Y. Wada Fall 2009

New comer E.Y. Wada’s fall 2009 collection did not have much description in their run of show in regards to the fabrics they are using, so we had little to go off of except what they shows in the salon at Bryant Park. The Charmeuse bow dress and Alpaca cape did not wow us but their printed multi-colored silk twill pencil skirt and twill blouse showed there might be better things to come. Well good things come to those who wait! The crinkled satin trench coat and the flock-finished silk dress with geometric print impressed us. The editorial piece from this collection was their leather bomber jacket. For a first time showing their efforts should be noted and put on a watch list, just for pure curiosity.

photos: Dann Lecca for Mercedes~Benz

Douglas Hannant Fall 2009

Knowing your customer and giving them what they possibly desire is a vital component within the fashion industry. For Fall 2009 Douglas Hannant provided this flawlessly sending down a collection worthy of the society ladies he dresses. For a designer who as to date, has spent no money on advertising, has no free standing stores; Mr. Hannant has proven that great form fitting designs win out in the end, and his ladies come out in full force to support him as do we.

Knowing fully well his customer does not want to look like all the rest, Douglas send down a full range of color for fall with black,grey,raspberry and blue just name a few. As we viewed the collection we noted a number of editorial pieces we hope to see in the pages of major magazines come September issues. Our picks were his Black/White Prince of Wales suit, the deep forest leather Wrap coat with Silver Tip Raccoon Collar over Black/White Hounds tooth Stove Pipe pant. The Red Carpet looks include his Blue Metallic Lace Gown and his Brown Sequined/Silk Chiffon One Shoulder Gown. But the one that swept us away was the Peacock Feather Dress.