#TopSwag: CSquared’s Style Icon Search 2013 Launched

So the CSquared #TOPSWAG Style Icon Search 2013 powered by L’Oreal Paris Men Expert has launched and people are doing their thing of uploading their entries and getting peeps to vote for them and the judges to love them.

Essentially the search is looking for a group of young men who represent a spectrum of fashion conscious and stylish individuals who look the part without replicating each other. The challenge is somewhat simple enough but when you take into consideration the lack of courage when it comes to clothes from South African men, it’s going to be interesting to see if we have any individuals with original identities entering the competition.

The mechanics are simple: Take a selfie of yourself and upload via CSquared’s Facebook Page. There’s going to be a shortlist of 30 contestants, and there after voting from the public will begin and a final group of dapper gents will be selected. The ultimate winner will walk away amongst other things a year’s supply of grooming products from L’Oréal Men Expert Paris. Which we might add, is amazing.

The campaign this time around is blinged up with five archetypes to further encourage a range of men with an even larger range of fashion tastes to enter. There’s Danile Acquisto who represents the Celeb Next Door kind of guy. Formalwear that’s super dapper with great personality put together in a tailored manner. Whether you’re more prep or more geek, his look is universal and everyday in a kitted way. Snakes Dunywa is the Cool Guy on the Block with good looks, super masculine lines, casual to smart casual likes, his style is chilled in a bespoke way. The other archetypes in the campaign include our very own editor, Monde Mtsi’s #Fashionisto, Dene Botha as the Global Man and DJ Lloyd as The Showman.

See below for further information and entry details.

So if you feel like you fit the above and you have #TOPSWAG then make sure to enter the competition and get your entourage to spread the word.

#EVENT: Men’s Health Menswear Collections 2013 presented by Mont Blanc Legend Fragrance

This Thursday sees the sixth annual Men’s Health Menswear Collection fashion show take place at the exquisite Melrose Arch Piazza. Lined up with labels and retailers such as Topman, Lyle & Scott, Mr Price, Levi’s and even Diesel, the show promises to bring on the flames in the form of summer’s hottest styles and trends for every dapper gent must have.

Men’s Health Fashion Editor, Azeez Jacobs, comments: “This season’s looks are all about clean lines and bold new colours, textures and prints. There are three or four clear themes for summer and it’s exciting to see how each brand has interpreted them. For us, the Menswear Collection is an opportunity to bring the fashion pages to life and we are thrilled to present a show that reflects a variety of looks and key items that every man should own”.

If you’re in Johannesburg, make sure you make your way to the event. As for us, well, we can’t make it but we’re giving you an opportunity to be there. If you’re Joburg based and would love to attend the show, visit our Facebook page and enter the competition to win 2 VIP tickets for yourself and a guest to the fashion show this week!

Judging from the past two years, it’s going to be tons of fun, great volumes of fashion and quintessential styles you want to be exposed to. Plus, consider this an opportunity to rub shoulders with some of fashion’s and media’s most delicious who’s who.

Follow Men’s Health on Twitter via @MensHealthZA

FASHION STORY: 1 Suit 5 Ways

NEWS: A New Kind Of Old Arrives At Markham

Spring has managed to creep its way into our lives and a slight update of wardrobe is definitely required. The festivities will slowly be back on the calendars while work continues as normal. You’re going to need an upgrade that can truly melt into every possible situation without disintegrating your wallet.

One solution to this tricky challenge of less being definitely more is Markham’s short suit. A kind of new old; bringing the tradition of tailoring back to every day clothes with refined pieces in traditional styles updated for modern men. This affordable update is versatile and classical; making it wearable in almost any situation without losing its class or street cred.

Using cotton blends in varies colours and some relaxed prints, you can piece together nautical looks for the weekend by combining the traditional blazer with print shorts and a polo in your favourite colour. Boat shoes are a to-go item for the weekenders. And should you be like our editor, Monde Mtsi, and decide the short suit is your every day work uniform, then pair a traditional navy shorts suit with day shorts in a array of colours from salmon to ox blood red; and you can close the look of with leather loafers or patent leather shoes and a sturdy vintage briefcase.

This spring the shorts suit is a definite wardrobe staple that will probably be your saviour next year too as we can definitely foresee this trend sticking around for a lengthy period of time (again). So get back your sophistication with this modern update and be the hero.

Get short, smart and suited. Right now, with Markham.

FASHION STORY: Fashion Forward - The Future of Menswear

After checking out fashion week and trying to survive the best of what can only be described as a style tornado, we took some time out to pin point the menswear pieces you (Gents) need to go and buy immediately. From sports luxe to super everyday-luxe, we take only the best of crop to feed your fashion hungry wardrobes. All Cape Town-based brands, it once again goes to show that the mother city is where it's really at.

Download the spread > Here < !