SHOWIN’ OWENS Even as the economy takes a plunge, men’s fashion is on the rise. Among the new men’s shows this past season, Rick Owens’s was one of the best. His brand of aristocratic gloom has never been more relevant, and recently his men’s silhouette—with its mix of sharp structure and dramatic draping—has come to define the moment. “My men’s collection has taken on a life of its own and needs to fulfill its destiny,” Owens told WWD in December. We couldn’t agree more. Here’s to many seasons to come. JACOB BROWN W W W.OWEnscOrp. cOM

JUST THE ESSENTIALS

the fashion industry loves to describe anything and everything as “ essential,” but leave it to Louis Vuitton to remind us what the word really means. For the house’s creative team of Marc Jacobs and paul Helbers, the essentials are simple: a trench, a suit, a biker jacket, a polo, a pullover, and a bag to put them in. these basic pieces comprise Lv’s “perfect travel wardrobe for men,” a permanent capsule collection drawing on the spirit of adventure that infuses the label’s 150-year history. sure, the pieces will be updated occasionally, but this is all the stylish man on the go really needs. Well, that and reservations. DEREK BLASBERG

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BROWNE AND BLEU Thom Browne, the new york menswear designer whose suits have forever changed the way we look at the male ankle, has now turned his attention to another classic staple of the gentleman’s wardrobe: the quilted jacket. in the cFDA Award–winning designer’s second major collaboration (he partnered with Brooks Brothers in 2006), Browne teamed with venerable mountaineering brand Moncler to launch Gamme Bleu in Milan last January for the Fall/Winter season. combining their high-tech quilting with Browne’s own Americana geek chic, the jacket brings the old-fashioned country hunt to the big city. you heard it here first: quilts aren’t just for grandma anymore. DEREK BLASBERG