Sunglasses – Retrosuperfuture | T-shirt – American Apparel | Chino – Topman | Denim Shirt – Tommy Hilfiger | Sneakers – All Star Converse | iPad Case (Possible man clutch) – Marc by Marc Jacobs

images | michael alexander

images | fashiongonerogue, tumblr, modedimitri.com, tommy ton for style.com, streetetiquette in brazil

I’ve always been a believer in ‘naked’ technology from the time I first got a smartphone. But now, I think that having a cool case for your gadgets is always a good buy, especially one that’s stylish. I got this taupe Marc by Marc Jacobs neoprene sleeve for my white iPad 2, during a little splurge on MR PORTER; which is probably my second favorite online store after SSENSE. Like most things Marc Jacobs, I think it’s the perfect mix of quirk, style and class. And even though I was quite unsure as to what I’d want my iPad to be wearing this season, I think I made a good choice. What do you guys think?

I wanted to understand why I felt the way I did, but there was absolutely no explanation. Questions began to race through my mind, as to why this feeling of a rapid decline, would have come after such an incredible month of March. However, the answers to these questions, were never there. I tried my best to make myself feel better. I thought getting out the house at times would help, but that rarely ever happened, since for me being in bed is one of the most amazing feelings in the world! In all honesty though, I began to feel like a lost boy. One who didn’t know what was coming ahead, or couldn’t find his way through the series of mazes that life could occasionally throw at you. It was almost as if all my previous success had flown through the window, and all that was to come, was blurred, and at times, felt non-existent. I was beginning to feel inspired by a need for freedom, stylistic rebellion even. The likes of Givenchy, Balenciaga, religious elements, spikes, studs and anything with grunge.

About a week or two after, my worries quickly changed to an “I just don’t care” attitude. That’s when I began to get comfortable with the fact that I was doing no more blog posts, but I still couldn’t get over the constant emails, and questions from my friends and family, who wondered what my problem was. Facebook messages regarding my “missing in action” state kept on coming, but truthfully, I felt great being alone. Away from friends, shut away from family, and in my mind reinforcing the lie that I needed neither, to be happy.

I guess you could say I went through a minor stage of depression, but like most of the little things we can take for granted, I am grateful knowing that I have friends around me, who all care and are there to lend support. At this point, I can say that the only thing that needed to change, was my mindset. It’s beyond true that in the mind comes a great battlefield, and being such a powerful force, it can usual create shifts in the way we feel about certain things and towards people. Happiness and success could really be classed as state of minds… Ones where you believe in yourself, and regardless of what you go through, you are happy with who you truly are, what you’ve already achieved, and what you aspire to achieve.

One thing I can say I feel great about, is my blog’s incredible growth, and it’s much more personalized state. Retaining the usual exclusive content like interviews of models and style icons; runway reviews and street style compilations; it gives you a dose of my personal life and style, which was always one of my biggest goals relating to La Mode Dimitri. From my relaunch in September 2011 with modedimitri.com to this very moment, I’ve really seen that dream to fruition. I feel as though my blog is becoming what I always wanted it to be. A place filled with the fashion that I love, and not what anyone or anything dictates it to be. This time around, the images for my story come a few varying magazine spreads, that all seem to translate my story visually.

Anyway, I got the opportunity to talk to someone whom I first discovered on the Daily Duo of Models.com. Graham Scaife is his name, and his perfect looks were more than recognizable. Standing 6 feet tall, the New Moston, Manchester native is certainly off to a good start in the industry. At a shocking age of 17, Graham has been so far signed to Boss Model Management, as well as Nevs Models London. Apart from me almost passing out when he mentioned his age, I was glad to see that at such a young age, he had his goals as his focus, especially his education at Hopwood Hall College.

How old are you, and where are you from?

I am 17 and I’m from New Moston, Manchester.

17? Okay, now I feel old! Haha. How did your career as a model begin?

Haha! I started my career walking through Manchester. I got asked to model for MIX-D modeling competition, which is a competition for mix-race people. I felt a bit silly in front of my friends, but I took a few pictures anyway and I ended up making it to the top 10 boys! I went on to win the competition which got me a contract with Boss Model Management.

Did you always want to become a model?

NO! Not at all! I’m not big-headed, I never looked in the mirror and thought that I was fit and should become a model. I actually took the pictures thinking nothing would come out of it, but I’m the type of person to take opportunities when they come my way and modeling is a fantastic opportunity.

What do you consider so far as your biggest life achievement?

Oooo this is a hard one… I would say modeling at London Fashion week was my biggest achievement so far. That was the first time I really got noticed in modeling and the feeling I got from seeing myself in newspapers was truly AMAZING!

What about your challenges? Have you had any in the industry?

My biggest challenge in the industry is trying to balance college and modeling together. This year it’s been really hard because only a few months ago I was not earning any money from modeling, since I didn’t have many pictures in my portfolio, so I had to go back and forth from London on the coach while I was in college three days a week. That was horrible! I was spending 13 hours on the coach in one day, and that was every time I went up. But I enjoy the experience of London and I got great pictures back.

I for one think that you would be a great Givenchy model. Are you interested in working with any particular designer labels or magazines?

I would love to model for Givenchy! I have high ambitions in modeling, so I aim to work for all the top designers and magazines. I don’t see the point in doing something if you’re not going to try to make the most of it.

How did you feel about your appearance in GQ Style?

When I first found out, I didn’t even know what GQ was. I wasn’t much of a magazine guy, but when I got told how big it was, I was in shock and at the same time, honored. I just thought I better not do anything stupid to mess it up.

How do you feel about London’s upcoming menswear fashion week Spring/Summer 13?

I can’t wait for it! I’m going down to London to cast so I will hopefully get a few shows.

Great! I know you will get some for sure! So my last question: what are a few things you enjoy doing, and things you treasure the most?

I really enjoy playing football. I represented Manchester for 2 years playing against other cities around England and now I just play for fun with a local team of friends. If I had to say what I treasure most it would have to be my money. I’m really tight with it. I organize how to spend every penny and make it last as long as possible. I even try to con my mum to get more money out of her, but it doesn’t work, because she’s worse than me. Opps! I hope she doesn’t see this. Haha!

I had no initial plans on doing the usual MET Gala ‘Best Dressed’ list, but after sharing my favorite looks with Junior last night just after we watched the live red carpet stream on Vogue.com, I reconsidered. Unfortunately, I feel as though there were more bad looks than good, and I’m not one to call names, but what happened to Kanye West & Beyoncé?  Kanye usually comes to stun, but I don’t think that happened last night with his simple black tux, with a bigger than usual blazer. Beyoncé seemingly tried her best, but tried a little too hard and appeared in Givenchy Haute Couture, which didn’t move me one bit, but left some in awe at it’s edgy see-through fabric and its fur trail. M.I.A looked amazing in a Stella McCartney printed skirt-suit, but I didn’t find any good pictures of her from last night’s event.

Camilla Bell in Ralph Lauren | Solange Knowles in Rachel Roy

Liu Wen in Michael Kors | Chanel Iman in Tom Ford

Rihanna in Tom Ford | Karolína Kurková in Rachel Zoe

Carey Mulligan in Prada | Paula Patton in Vera Wang

Both Gisele Bündchen and Rooney Mara looked stunning in Givenchy

Anna Wintour in a Schiaparelli-inspired Prada dress with a Lobster motif | Joan Smalls & Olivier Rousteing in Balmain

• Almost any style works for oval faces. It is suggested that one should experiment with the latest looks, such as wraparounds or shields, and even square shaped frames with gently rounded edges. 
• Frames should make the face appear longer and thinner. So for round faces, look for frames equal to, or slightly wider than the broadest part of the face. Minimize the curves and add definition with soft, angular, rectangular styles or double brow styles. Higher temples will create a longer profile. Sunglasses with brow bars also pull the eye upward, making the face appear longer. 
• The diamond type face shape has wide or high cheekbones with a narrow forehead and chin. Oval sunglasses will soften the contour of the face, although softly curved square frames will work as well. Make sure the styles are no wider than the top of the cheekbones. 
• A Square type face shape consists of a strong jaw line, a broad forehead and wide cheekbones. Reduce the angles with soft, curvy styles that will give the face some definition such as cat-eye styles. Classic ovals also work well for this face shape. 
• For an ‘oblong’ face, widen and shorten the face with sunglass styles that do not extend beyond the widest part of the face. Round or square shapes will look great on this face. Frames with short horizontal and long vertical lines also work. Decorative or contrasting temples add width to the face. 
• Triangular facial structures have narrow jaws and wide foreheads. Soften the lower portion of the face by accenting the eye area. Styles such as cat-eyes should angle outward at the top corner and be wide enough to balance the jaw line. You can also try metal frames with rimless bottom.

At the end of our little trip Junior was happy with these Persol Sunglasses, and I with Tom Ford!

images | michael alexander & barrio dimitri