Just as bags, scarves and other accessories are no longer the sole preserve of the ladies, and cosmetics are starting to become more accessible to men, men’s jewellery is no different and several trends which began to emerge at the beginning of the summer season are setting in.

Indeed, more than ever this season, the street is inspiring fashion and vice versa, undeniably so; just like in the collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Pharrell, the street is becoming gentrified and is taking to flirting with glamour, a sort of bling bling chic is starting to show its face.

And Hoon Paris, created in 2005 by Adrien Haddad, has understood the phenomenon well; it specialises in top-of-the-range streetwear and has already been selling luxury pendants and rings for three years, with just the right ghetto twist: stylish and virile, and whether in gold or silver, it all works rather well!

The only problem is the price: you need to spend at least €300 to have the privilege of wear the aforementioned pendants or rings, so they’re only for those who haven’t yet been hit by the credit crunch…but we can all dream! (Adrien, should you happen to read these words…)

Founded in 2003 by Stefan, Gregor and Patrick, WeMoto is not the t-shirt subsidiary of Motorola, but a German streetwear label worthy of being more well-known.

You know, our German friends don’t just make great cars but they also do great fashion, the t-shirts they sell are really unusual and have fun motifs.

More subtle and and graphically well thought-out than the usual “vintage” t-shirts, the spring/summer 2008 collection is particularly successful. Something to make you stand out, style-wise, this summer!

I like the unusual, fresh feel to their clothes. The artwork is very detailed too. A label for fashion lovers to watch out for! Only available from their online store from €32

Founded by a certain Mr Farah in the depths of Texas, this brand started making its first creations in denim in 1920.

It was a slow start, but the brand persisted and continued manufacturing even during the war period. Fifty years later, in 1970, the brand arrived in Britain under the direction of Farah Junior. Young Brits quickly adopted the brand. For mods, skins and other punks it was a must-have. This was a turning point.

From its tumultuous past, Farah is now a classic brand in Britain. Stylish & casual, these slacks embody English class, remaining distinguished but not strict, they can be worn like a pair of jeans.

Recognizable by the famous orange tab on the back of each pair, they are now available in France from €65 from Citadium, RoyalCheese and Noir Kennedy in the Marais.

The name probably won’t mean much to you, and that’s not surprising, because before becoming an independent stylist, Bérengère Claire, from Lorraine, worked in TV and cinema. She decided to embark on a solo adventure during a year spent in New York.

She created her first collection, drawing inspiration from her surroundings and the eclectic New York style. Her concept is to bring together the two different sides of America, the puritanical and good-thinking on one hand, country and a bit rough and ready on the other. A bit of a risk, but it works quite well!

Checkered patterns are at the heart of her designs, and the new 2008 collection is no exception to the rule. Her logo is a nod to American universities and her roots. Personally, I find the results good and consistent with what seems to be quite a British twist.

It’s available from €125 from Aimecube Paris or direct from her site. Also, if you’re looking for a gift for your loved one, have a look at the dresses and tops, they’re pretty sexy…

So, are checks IN or OUT?

Here is the next and last instalment in our range of hoodies. Some might criticise me for a lack of originality, but talking about hoodies without mentioning BAPE is a bit like talking about hip-hop without mentioning Biggie! But stop right there! Let’s not get distracted, let’s get back to the question in hand.

Founded by Nigo in 1993 in Tokyo, it’s one of Pharrell’s favourite brands. Globally known and respected in hip-hop circles, each piece is deliberately made in limited numbers to keep them desirable and rare. They used to sell for high prices, and weren’t always worth the money, but fashion isn’t about being rational, is it?

BAPE positions itself as top-of-the-range and fun streetwear, their hoodies are unusual to the point of being a bit weird: bright colours and all-over bling are key (you either love it or hate it!). You can, however, find some more discreet styles, that concentrate a bit more on detail…

The production is detailed and the materials are chosen with care. You pay a premium for unusual styles, so don’t bother trying to find them for less than €300 in stores! The distribution is highly limited, and it is difficult to predict new arrivals, but it’s always worth checking Colette in Paris.

(There are many sites offering BAPE at really low prices, but I’ve not tried them out and can’t guarantee the authenticity of products… You’ve been warned! ;) )

As spring has been slow to arrive, how do you fancy a hoodie? I will show you a selection of a few good brands so you don’t catch a cold during this rather temperamental end-of-season weather. The first in the series is from American Apparel.

They’re well known for their basics and their premium quality, and American Apparel offer a wide range of products, from t-shirts to jeans, ladies’ tights and mens’ underwear. They offer a wide choice of quality stuff. Another unique point, not to be scoffed at either, is that all their products are made and produced in Los Angeles. A little slice of American class! As recognition of this, each garment is labelled “Made in downtown Los Angeles”!

As for their hoodies, there’s nothing too unusual, they’re a little thin, they’re neither too bling or too cheap looking, with a good balance of the subtle and the simple, using block colours and well-finished styles. Now all you need to do is to choose the right colour…from €45! Available from their stores or online.

More coming in the next few days… Stay tuned!

You probably see it at least once a day, it’s now a familiar shape. Comfortable, solid and stylish when required, the DUNK has become more than just a pair of shoes.

Cult and legendary, it was launched in 1985, transcending eras and styles, loved by basketball players, hip-hop masters or skaters… Whether Hi, Mid or Low, it is worn by the good and the great. Timeless and on-trend, it has become a reference point for all sneaker addicts.

Beside its status as a fashion accessory, the DUNK has become a symbol of a chilled lifestyle.

Once commonplace, but now idolised, the DUNK is back with a vintage edge and a range of colours paying hommage to American university basketball teams. This new range, called “Be true to your school” is available in Paris from Colette and Shinzo from €115. So you can have stylish feet this summer. Get moving!