I don't know, maybe. But I do know this: menswear does not get enough attention in our blog. I'll take partial blame of course so to make things right I'm gonna talk a bit about the new huge trend for men that's been up-and-coming for the last 2 years or so. You've probably heard about it and if not, then you certainly know it when you see it. It's called Gothic Ninja. So sharpen your Samurai sword because we're about to have a crash course in this innovative and mysterious trend.No one really knows its origins. It wasn't started by any one designer and basically derived from a mash-up of Japanese streetwear and depressed label whores. I'm guessing it's called Gothic Ninja because well, as you can see, only Asian men are pulling this off right now. But I think it's high time for America to get in the groove with this one because I spotted this one dude in Paris suffocating himself with his chunky black scarf wrapped around his face so you know it's just a matter of time before you start seeing it on H&M mannequins.
The look consists of ALOT of layering up top and something extremely tight on the bottom. I've seen the gays running around in similar styles but they're all pink and colorful with the scarves and the fringe and it's just getting to be too much. Black is the only color palette working here. Well, maybe some white and smoky grays but that's all you're allowed.
To a non-observant passerby the look may appear as very underground with no labels showing (and maybe that's the way it should be) but we know better. If you have the yen, one look can set you back pretty far. You can start with your basic American Apparel tee. That's $40 right there. Layer on a top from Ann Demeulemeester and a Rick Owens knit (not the yeti coat!). Instead, opt for one from Undercover or Martin Margiela. Like I said, keep the bottom simple with ass cinching Dior Homme 17cm jeans or a slightly looser Comme Des Garçons drop crotch. Top it off with a Balenciaga 'The Day Bag' or a Louis Vuitton Shopper, some cheap silver accessories (for sniper style bling) and a pair of Number (N)ine worn leather boots and $10,000 later, there is your attempt at fitting in. I say screw the labels and just wrap yourself in all your black clothes. Have a tee shirt hanging off of your neck in scarf fashion and some fingerless fuzzy gloves and go. The key is to keep the look extremely modern yet controlled and masculine.
As of right now, the ninjas are remaining dormant in Japan, but I've already been getting updates of a few in the shadows of Paris and London. Keep a careful eye out for these guys because come Fall '09, you're not gonna know what hit you.
