The History of Chinos

“Chinos” or “Khakis”, like many popular items of clothing, have their origins in the military.

During the 1840s, British soldiers fighting in the Punjab realized their white and scarlet uniforms made them easy targets, and they decided to dye them to blend in with the local terrain. The color became known as khaki, from the Urdu word for “dust”. As armies around the world came to realize the strategic advantage of neutral and camouflage clothing, khaki cotton uniforms became standard issue.

Throughout the twentieth century khaki became an all too familiar sight due to the First and Second World Wars. They came to be associated with bravery and patriotism, and between the wars were worn by explorers, hunters and those wealthy enough to visit far-flung countries on safari. During and following the Second World War there was a strong connection with Hollywood, with many stars signing up for military service. The Hollywood Canteen, a glamorous nightclub for GIs, was established and manned by many film and TV stars of the day. Female stars such as Katherine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich wore khaki outfits, and fashion designers created collections entirely in khaki.

Khaki trousers (known as Chinos because they were mainly manufactured in China) became a part of mainstream youth fashion when American soldiers returning from World War II wore their uniform khakis to university. During this period chinos became a staple of college and high school life, particularly as it was a time when jeans were not permitted to be worn on campus. Teamed with button-down shirts and loafers they became the original preppy look.

Chinos have had a dual role throughout the latter part of the twentieth century, worn by the wealthy and privileged during their leisure hours, and also periodically adopted by youth groups, worn loose or low slung as a symbol of rebellion and an alternative to jeans.

Chinos for men are somewhat similar to the normal trousers you see people wearing but their material is a little different. Chinos for men are more comfortable and have more pockets in them than the normal khakis. Moreover, chinos for men are not specified for a particular event. With a little effort, a person can pull the look off no matter what the nature of the event is; either formal or informal. They can be worn all year round, but are ideal for Spring and Autumn. They come in many colors other than khaki, green,blue,red or yellow. You can dress them with a t-shirt and trainers for a relaxed look, or for a more smart-casual outfit you could adopt the preppy look (currently championed by designers such as Ralph Lauren) by teaming your chinos with a shirt or smart polo shirt and loafers or some of the latest deck shoes

Diesel+Edun — A Denim Collection Born in Africa

Diesel + Edun prepare for the launch of their capsule collection of fair-trade denims (entirely sourced and produced in Africa) with their Studio Africa concept: a creative hub following the inspirational prowess of nine young African talents.

In November last year, Diesel announced their exciting collaboration between eco fashion brand Edun (created by Bono and his wife Ali Hewson) for a new fair-trade denim collection. The partnership was born in January 2012 when Diesel founder Renzo Rosso and Edun founders traveled to Uganda and Maili, where they shared their love of the continent and toured each others programs — Diesel’s Only The Brave Foundation in Dioro, Mali and Edun’s Conservative Cotton Initiative (CCI) in Uganda. The experience encouraged them to join forces to create a collection that has never been done before: a denim line entirely sourced and produced in Africa and distributed worldwide under the name DIESEL + EDUN. Their mission is simple: “Raise awareness of the creative opportunities in Africa and build sustainable trade with the African continent through fashion.”

With the launch of the S/S 13 program just hitting stores worldwide (February 27), they begin to roll out there multi-media campaign concept, Studio Africa, where they have teamed up with a selection of contemporary African rising stars in film, music, poetry and fashion to front the debut collection. The collaboration features nine artists from across the continent with both talent and a deep commitment to their respective countries and people. 

For the next three weeks they will be celebrating this African creativity with a range of inspiring and forward-thinking events across London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin. Included within the schedule is a party in collaboration with Boiler Room, a digital art exhibition See-Saw with the brilliant Margot Bowman, in association with Dazed Digital; the Diesel’s pop-up store, Diesel Village will also play host to African art and music as well as a pop-up restaurant from Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen. Additionally, bringing the collection to life, they have also launched the Studio Africa Tumblr, which acts as a virtual loudspeaker for the campaign.

Inspired by the African creative spirit, the capsule collection was built around a reinterpretation of a four-pocket jean that was popular on the streets of South Africa during the 1970s. The range is produced from raw, untreated denim in both natural indigo and unbleached colorways and includes a biker-inspired denim jacket, two four-pocket jean shorts, as well as a range of complimentary jersey T-shirts. Each of the items features a number of design details like Malian textile prints in the denim lining, embroidery details that reference traditional Zulu weaving patterns, as well as Kenyan 

Here is a close view what's in the collection.

Top 10 men's 2013 Spring&Summer trends

Although some parts of the country are covered in snow outside and the only thing you can think of wearing is a winter coat, in the fashion world if you’re not learning about the spring trends and figuring out what new items to add to your wardrobe you’re already late.Now is the time to decide what new trends work for you and what spring colors will best compliment your skin tone.

Here are the top 10 men’s spring fashion trends:

1. Stripes: Stripes are always popular around the fourth of July for a nautical feel but this spring stripes will be more prevalent.

2. Blazers and shorts: This look is not loved by every man at first but once they try it they are instant fans.

3. Bright colors: Dusk blue, poppy red, lemon zest and nectarine (this year’s tangerine) are some of the top color trends for spring.

4. Bold patterns: Bold patterns have been seen all over the runways for spring. The bolder the better and if you’re really daring mix two different patterns in the same color family.

5. Navy suits: The typical black suit or tux has been replaced with navy, courtesy of Tom Ford. It still provides the sophistication you want just with an updated color.

6. Brown: You need a color to offset all the bright colors you’ll be wearing this spring and various shades of brown is the perfect choice.

7. Military: The military trend was huge for women and now it found its place in men’s fashion. Balmain has amazing military inspired jackets that are right on trend.

8. Colored trench coats: Colored trench coats are one of the most exciting spring trends. Try a blue or green trench to add a special pop to your outfit.

9. Slippers: Better known as smoking slippers or the shoes Hugh Hefner wears. Del Toro Shoes makes amazing slippers as well as other shoes in fun colors, textures, and prints.

10. White: White has been and always will be a spring fashion trend for men. Clean and crisp in all white will win every time.