Learn How to Tie a Tie - Jamaica Style

Check out the island style

Okay, let me immediately 'fess up to being completely bowled over by Daniel Craig, the new James Bond - ruggedly elegant, nicely chiselled and not giving a damn whether his martini is shaken or stirred.

Smart enough however, to know when to pull out all the dress stops, yet able to make a style statement when wearing jeans, a shirt and an Omega watch. Okay, there was that to-die-for Aston Martin, but seriously guys (and you ladies too who oftentimes prefer to suffer in silence) as we approach the festive season where 'dressing up' becomes as important as what's on the menu, here are a few style reminders and a few things to pick up at your favourite boutique.


The single-breasted suit carries 2-3 buttons. Leave either the last button or the top button open. Samuels in Hugo Boss (available at MAXBROWN UNLIMITED).

Boss faded jeans and great-looking shirts. pink with stripes, yellows, purples, florals, etc

. A cell phone is not a substitute for a watch. A gentleman needs a watch.
. Cotton handkerchiefs please, not wash rags.
. 100 per cent cotton shirts and yes, ladies love men in pink, blue, green and floral shirts as much as we love them in white and pinstripe.

. Tuck your shirt into your brief to eliminate creases.
. You need to know your neck size before attempting to purchase a shirt.
. Learn how to tie a tie (properly) and ensure that it kisses the belt.

. Cuff links make a formidable statement.
. No coloured t-shirts with holes under your shirts please.
. No t-shirts under shirts period. Wear a white, cotton, sleeveless merino if you must have a barrier between your shirt and your skin.
. White socks are still for sports. Black is the best option. Silk socks (black) are what you wear with your tuxedo.

. 'Black tie' on your invitation means just that. You cannot go if you don't have a tux. Lounge suit, although not as formal as 'black tie', requires a jacket and a tie.
. There's no such dress code as 'casually elegant' so you'll have to call up to find out what type of function you've been invited to.

. A business suit is a must. Buy a dark suit first before investing in a lighter coloured one. Remove the tag from the outside sleeve before wearing the suit. Wearing it (the tag) in public makes the worst possible kind of style statement.
. If you're short and fat, avoid the double-breasted suit. The double-breasted suit is closed (fully) when standing. Close the inside button first.

. The single-breasted suit carries 2-3 buttons. Leave either the last button or the top button open.
. Don't forget clean shoes, guys.

Marlon Samuels.

Pssst! We're taking secrets out of the crease but West Indies cricketer Marlon Samuels (part of the team that went to the finals) took the recently concluded Mumbai fashion week by storm (check him out on the runway at the Taraash show).

There are behind-the-scenes talk and the possibilities of contracts. "The contracts are in my lawyer's hands," shared Samuels in an exclusive interview with all woman. "I have to ensure that modelling doesn't interfere with my cricket so we have to look at it carefully."

How did it all happen?
I was approached at a function and asked if I'd be interested.

Why do you think you were approached?
I was wearing a long trench. I guess I made a statement.
No idle boast. he walked not once but twice during Asia's largest fashion week and got rave reviews.

What was the reaction like?
It was great, especially since most of the West Indies cricket team was in the front row applauding and lending moral support.

How did you do?
I was great.

No nerves?
Not really, I was just myself. More...