Costin M.

Kid in a Candy Store | SARTO Made to Measure Showroom

2012-05-27T20:00:00.000+03:00

One essential tip I read in GQ and that I'll always remember is that "Suits are to women what lingerie is to men. Wear it right." Pretty accurate, don't you think?
This comes to mind right now because I happened to visit a new brand's showroom in Bucharest that creates wonderful menswear suits - SARTO made to measure. I was thrilled to sit down with Alex Moise, one of the two founders of SARTO and learn more about the company's background and their products, as well as get a walk-through the design process and some useful style tips.
What I like is that it's so much more that just getting a new suit; it's really about creating something that's not only custom designed for your body, but that's also perfectly tailored for your personality and lifestyle.
"Kid in a candy store" best describes the feeling of getting to play around with the great fabrics they use for these Italian made suits. The possibilities are endless really, and it's fantastic to see the wide range of directions you can go in: from a more casual, everyday look to a statement piece that you can be sure no one else will be wearing, they definitely have it all covered.
Take a look at some more photos from the SARTO showroom next:

Adam Senn for Express Summer 2012

2012-05-27T00:16:00.001+03:00

Leave it to Express to pull out some incredible looks for this amazing Summer '12 collection. Adam Senn models this great range of garments that'll fit in wonderfully in anyone's wardrobe. From a classic yet updated black & white look to somethin more daring with just the right pop of color, Express has it all covered!
Check out more photos from their campaign next:

Neiman Marcus | Pre-Fall 2012 Collections

2012-05-23T20:01:00.000+03:00

Summer may still be a few days away, but Neiman Marcus has already brought in some pretty amazing pre-fall collections from Rag and Bone, Versace, Etro, Ermenegildo Zegna & Zegna Sport. I for one am totally looking forward to Fall, since these designs are just great! Is perhaps paisley the new must-have for the season?
Check out more photos featuring Brazilian model Rafael Lazzini next:

Rag&Bone

Versace

Ermenegildo Zegna

Zegna Sport

Etro

images via rlazzini.blogspot.com

Outfit Post | Late Spring Afternoon

2012-05-21T20:12:00.000+03:00

Can you believe summer technically hasn't even started? I have a hard time with that, since for me, summer began a few months ago, when the temperature soared. I've always considered spring to be a great opportunity to wear whatever I want, as opposed to the summertime when even throwing on a t-shirt seems too much. What can I say, I like layering.
So, to celebrate the last few days of spring, here is a new outfit post. Check out more photos below!
PS: did I mention today was my name day?

New Contest | Win Invites to Avanpremiere Gala #10

2012-05-18T20:56:00.000+03:00

Looks like my Romanian readers are once again in for a treat! If you remember, a few months ago I attended the Avanpremiere Gala, one of the biggest fashion events in Romania. Several talented designers showcased their S/S 2012 collections - you can check out my photos right here.
Now, on May 22nd, nine Fall/Winter lines will hit the runway at MNAC in Bucharest. This is your chance to win one of two invites that my blog is giving away. If you're into fashion, this is one event you shouldn't miss out on!
Here's what you need to do:

1. Like Costin M. on Facebook.

2. Leave a comment on this post telling me what Avanpremiere Gala means to you.

3. Leave me your email so I can contact you if you win!

The winner will be picked on May 21st, at 20:00 Good luck everyone!

RO: Se pare ca cititorii mei romani au din nou parte de o surpriza! Daca va amintiti, acum cateva luni am participat la Gala Avanpremiere, unul din cele mai importante evenimente de moda din Romania. Mai multi designeri talentati si-au dezvaluit colectiile pentru primavara-vara 2012 - puteti vedea mai multe fotografii facute de mine aici.
Acum, pe 22 Mai, la ora 20:00 la Muzeul National de Arta Contemporana din Bucuresti, noua noi colectii de toamna-iarna vor pasi pe podium. Aceasta este sansa voastra sa castigati una din doua invitatii oferite de blogul meu. Daca va place moda, acesta este un eveniment pe care nu veti vrea sa-l ratati!
Iata ce aveti de facut:

1. Dati like paginii de facebook Costin M.

2. Lasati un comentariu la aceasta postare, spunand ce inseamna pentru voi Gala Avanpremiere.

3. Lasati-mi un email la care va pot contacta daca sunteti castigatori!

Castigatorul va fi anuntat pe 21 Mai, la ora 20:00 Mult succes tuturor!

Street Style | My Heart's in Italy

2012-05-17T21:24:00.000+03:00

Who doesn't love Italy? I know everytime I look at one of those wonderful campaigns shot there I'm simply blown away. For example the wonderful campaign that Sean O'Pry and Coco Rocha did together in Venice for Americana Manhasset will always have a special place in my heart.
So, speaking of hearts, here is Miki, who you've seen once before in one of my street style posts. She chose to walk the streets of Italy wearing a fun, playful outfit: a heart-print skirt, a lace top and just a dash of color.
Take a look at some more photos next:

Andrew Garfield by Inez & Vinoodh for VMAN

2012-05-16T23:13:00.000+03:00

While we're all still waiting for the Spiderman reboot to hit theaters this Summer, actor Andrew Garfield, who plays the title character covers VMan Magazine - shot by Inez & Vinoodh and styled by Nicola Formichetti in Gucci, Prada and Girogio Armani.
Oh, wait... wasn't Rihanna supposed to play the new Spiderman?

Exclusive | Inverview with Male Model Alexandru Costin

2012-05-15T21:00:00.000+03:00

Male model, pro skater and overall great guy - those are some of the words that come to mind when I'm thinking about Alexandru Costin. He's shot with photographers like Tibi Clenci and now he's about to take his modeling career further, while also focusing on the things he loves - like skating, which he has been into for almost a decade. I got to talk to him and find out more about him, so check out the exclusive interview next:

To kick things off, tell me a bit about yourself.
Hey! Alexandru Costin, 22 years old but I feel like I have 18, tryin' to keep it real and do what I love.

When did you first get into modeling and how did it happen?
I was at a party with my friends and then a cool lookin' guy came to me (Sava Ionut) and told me that I can do modeling and stuff like this. Sounded interesting, I had no idea what modeling was about. Then I did some kinda work with him and after 8 months I wanted to take things more seriously and signed with Allure Management.

The best thing about being a model is...
Besides traveling and meeting lots of new interesting people hmmm... let's say getting free drinks at parties hahah

... and the worst?
Sometimes it's hard when you are far from family and friends.

What's the one question you get asked the most?
"Aren't you afraid you'll fall when skating?"

How do you stay in shape?
Skateboarding keeps me in the "skinny shape". I don't have food problems, I can eat when ever I want, what I want.

Fitness tips?
I don't workout and stuff, I just do some abs after drinking beer because I feel guilty. Sport is kind of important, at least for me.

Runway or Photoshoot?
Photoshoot because you have a material result of your work and can show it to your kids I think. I'm gonna show them to mine... if I will ever have some of them little monkeys.

How would you describe your personal style?
Brain error. Sorry try again later. I find it hard to describe myself haha

What's on your ipod right now?
Full of The Cramps, The Meteors and the rest rockabilly music. I don't drink cofee so I need to get some energy from something.

And when it comes to free time, what are your favorite things to do?
Definetly skating. Usually crusing on the streets with my board late in the night when the city is empty and hangin out with friends.

Tell me a bit more about skating and "Skating The Fish". What's the deal?
Started to skate about 9 years ago, I was amazed and fell in love with it, there was no coach, rules and teams, just me and the board. Got sponsored by a local skateshop 2 years after started skateboarding, used to travel all around the country to skate at competitions and new spots with friends. Now we do the same things, Skating The Fish project began with skate trips in various cities from the fish shaped country Romania, and after returning from the trip we post the photos and videos from there. Mihai Tuhari and me started the project 1 year ago, and the movement contains as well as news, events, videos, spots with GPS coordinates and much more which can be found also on www.skatemap.ro the site we made and call it the Romanian skateboarding site.

I've seen a couple of videos, those moves seem impossible. How much practice does it take?
Hahaha for somebody who doesn't have any idea about skateboarding I am sure they look hard. I learn every day, I think this is one of the best parts, you can always do something new, there are infinite possibilities. You need a lot of practice, but how they say it "Sometimes landing a new trick is better than sex" :)) Don't forget the injuries, they are not so nice but they are part of the sport.

Any upcoming projects?
Skate as much as I can, taking modeling more seriously and travel more outside "The Fish".

Thank you for the interview! Any closing words for the readers?
The pleasure was mine! Thanks for supporting my sickness, try to find out what makes you happy and do it as much as you can. Peace and love.

To find more about Alexandru, check out his tumblr or check out skatemap.ro

New Reading Obsession

2012-05-15T00:00:00.000+03:00

In case you're wondering why posting has been a bit slower than usual, please send all hate mail to George R.R. Martin. Reading Game Of Thrones is so addicting, I can't remember the last time I read a book that was able to get me so captivated!
Almost finished the first volume, so today I went to my local English library and picked up the next three volumes. The thing is I find the story so captivating that I'm tempted to read slowly so that I can enjoy the story more.

However reading this great series wasn't the only thing I did lately, there are quite a few surprises in store, and I can't wait to tell you more about them!
Here's a sneak peek at one of the projects I worked on last week, where I got to put my photography skills to the test:

Simon Nessman | Acqua di Giò Essenza [Video]

2012-05-12T23:06:00.000+03:00

Photographed by Bruce Weber, Simon Nessman becomes the face of Giorgio Armani's new fragrance Acqua di Giò Essenza. Surely you know Acqua di Giò, which is a classic - I've used it and it's great!
On another note, I can't wait to get my hands on Spicebomb, which still hasn't appeared in my local stores.
Check out the video for the fragrance below:

Banana Republic S/S 2012 Presentation

2012-05-11T00:21:00.003+03:00

In case you don't already know Jamie Beck - you're missing out! A while ago I've talked about her amazing cinemagraphs, which are a special kind of GIFs; think about the moving images from Harry Potter, something like that. Well, I'm definitely a fan of Jamie's blog, so I just had to post these photos she took at a Banana Republic presentation. Among the models are of course Sean O'Pry and Garrett Neff. No need to say more, as she sums it up pretty good:

"At a presentation on Manhattan’s West Side, Banana Republic showcased their range of looks for spring and summer. From dapper mens suits and sweet summer dresses to safari looking day wear, they have us covered from date night to globe trotting…"

Lee Cooper Giveaway [Closed]

2012-05-10T20:00:00.000+03:00

Time for a new contest! As you've seen in my latest outfit post, a great pair of jeans is a great addition to anyone's wardrobe. Lee Cooper Romania is giving away an amazing pair of jeans to one lucky reader, so don't miss out and enter now!
The competition is open to anyone living in Romania for the next 48 hours (Thursday, May 10 - Saturday, May 12 at 8pm).

Here are the rules:

1. Like Lee Cooper Romania on Facebook.

2. Like Costin M on Facebook.

3. Leave a comment on this post, answering the following:

"What will you wear the Lee Cooper jeans with?", specify if you'd like mens or womens jeans (you can win them for yourself or as a gift for someone else) and your email.

The winner will be announced at the end of the 48 hour time period. He'll be able to pick up the jeans from a Lee Cooper store in Bucharest or receive them by courier. Good luck everybody!

RO: Este timpul pentru un nou concurs! Asa cum ati vazut in ultimul meu outfit post, o pereche grozava de jeans este un atu pentru garderoba oricui. Lee Cooper Romania ofera o minunata pereche de blugi unui cititor norocos (sau cititoare), asa ca nu ratati ocazia si inscrieti-va acum!

Concursul este deschis tuturor celor ce locuiesc in Romania, si va tine 48 de ore (de joi, 10 mai pana sambata, 12 mai - ora 8pm).

Iata regulile:

1. Dati like paginii facebook Lee Cooper Romania.

2. Dati like paginii facebook Costin M.

3. Lasati un comentariu la aceasta postare, continand urmatoarele:

raspunsul la intrebarea "Cu ce veti purta perechea de jeans Lee Cooper?"; specificati daca doriti jeans barbatesti sau pentru femei (ii puteti castiga sau oferi cuiva cadou), precum si email-ul dumneavoastra.

Castigatorul sau castigatoarea va fi anuntat(a) la sfarsitul celor 48 de ore. Premiul se poate ridica din magazin in Bucuresti, sau poate fi trimis prin curierat. Mult succes tuturor!

Update

EN: Congratulations Radu Zavate, you're the lucky winner of the Lee Cooper Giveaway!
RO: Felicitari Radu Zavate, esti norocosul castigator al giveaway-ului Lee Cooper!

Outfit Post: Lee Cooper X3

2012-05-09T20:00:00.000+03:00

It's time for a new outfit post, and this time things are quite different - it's sort of a triple outfit post! One of the things I always say is that when it comes to buying new items for my wardrobe, I always look for versatility. It's important to know that you can mix and match that one particular item so that you can wear it anytime, anywhere. And my new Lee Cooper jeans are are the perfect example.
What I wanted to do was show how you can wear the jeans by putting together these 3 different styles. Having a classic, regular fit pair of jeans is no doubt a good investment; as you can see, you can go from being casual to something more suitable for the office or perhaps a more urban look. Basically you can mix and match your clothes to get the vibe you want.
Also, if you're from Romania, here's some great news I know you'll love to hear:
Lee Cooper is giving away a pair of jeans right here on costinm.com to one lucky reader. The GIVEAWAY will start tomorrow (Thursday, May 10) and will be open for 48 hours. So make sure you check back soon and enter, because it's definitely worth it!

Which look do you like best?

Sebastian Brice and Camilla Babbington | Burberry Brit

2012-05-09T16:58:00.000+03:00

I fell in love with the Burberry Brit campaign photos as soon as I saw them. Now that a video has been released to go along with the shoot it wasn't a hard decision to share them. The clothes are modeled by Sebastian Brice and Camilla Babbington.
Time to go to my local Burberry store?

Weekend Project | Making the Dress

2012-05-08T22:56:00.000+03:00

The fun thing about being an architecture student is that you always get to take part in amazing projects - like last weekend for example. On Sunday I went to the studio and got to take a look at this awesome paper dress my colleagues are working on. I can assure you, you'll definitely see this dress again soon, and if you think it looks great now, wait till you see the colorful finished product!
Using different sizes of pyramids, this unconventional dress really manages to put forward an awesome silhouette. What do you think?

Art and Soul of America

2012-05-07T22:57:00.001+03:00

Experience America in a whole new way! Take a look at these amazing posters, featuring iconic cities from the United States, created by Anderson Design Group.
What I do like is the fact that while all of the posters stay true to the same retro aesthetic, they do manage to showcase beautifully the essence of each individual city.
Take a look at the awesome designs next:

Made in Cluj | Tom Tailor Casual S/S 2012 Campaign

2012-05-05T23:14:00.000+03:00

Models: Ficaa Balancan, Reider Szilard, Albu-Steiu Vlad
Photography: Gabriel Moisa
Styling & Production: Diana Enciu & Alina Tanasa ( Fabulous PR&Events)
Hair&Make-up: Carmen Burci

Having recently launched a new store in Cluj, Romania, the German brand Tom Tailor celebrated the occasion by releasing a fantastic campaign for their Spring/Summer 2012 Casual line. The fun, colorful shoot was lensed by Gabriel Moisa and features models Ficaa Balancan, Reider Szilard and Albu-Steiu Vlad with styling by the fabulous team Diana Enciu & Alina Tanasa.
Tom Tailor Casual focuses on elegant designs for men and women, while keeping in mind quality as well as design. As you can see, their line is definitely on trend for this season.
Check out all of the campaign photos next:

Anna Dello Russo for H&M

2012-05-03T19:19:00.000+03:00

Here's something to get excited about: fashion icon Anna Dello Russo is working on a collaboration with H&M for their Fall/Winter 2012 line, focusing on jewelry. Here's a fun video where you get to take a tour of Anna's home and find out more about the upcoming collection:

H&M is proud to announce a special collaboration with fashion icon and legendary Fashion Director Anna Dello Russo. An idol of the blogosphere whose flamboyant outfits are endlessly documented by style photographers and broadcasted globally through the web, Anna Dello Russo proved her unique sense of style creating a special collection of accessories for H&M. Unabashedly glamorous, precious and playful, the range is an expression of Dello Russo’s taste for ornamentation. Available from October 4, 2012, at the peak of the global fashion weeks tour, in around 140 stores worldwide and online. The collection features jewelry, sunglasses, shoes, bags and a trolley allowing H&M customers uniqueness at an affordable price.

It's Just a Game. A Game of Thrones

2012-04-22T22:58:00.000+03:00

Surely this isn't the first time you're hearing about Game of Thrones, is it? The first volume from George R.R. Martin's fantasy series "A Song of Ice and Fire" is the latest book i'm reading. About half-way through and I'm making plans to go to my nearest English Bookstore and purchase all of the other ones.
This is definitely one of those incredible books that once you start reading you can't put down and before you know it you've spent way more time than you initially planned to with this book in your hand.
What I really enjoy is the fact that the genre - fantasy, does not overpower the story, does not make it a cliche like so many others, but steers away from that and adds depth, painting a world that seems so real. Perhaps the character's moral ambiguity makes it so.
I know once I'm done writing this post I'll start reading some more, and once I'm finished I'll try to write a more in depth review.
I've found this amazing posters around Tumblr and I just had to share them: those who have read the books, or even watched HBO's series will recognize the major houses' sigils and mottos. Which one is your favorite?

Shades of Summer | Noah Mills for H&M

2012-04-13T22:19:00.000+03:00

H&M releases a new Spring/Summer 2012 campaign that is right on trend for this fun, colorful and carefree season. Modelling the clothes is none other than top model Noah Mills.
Light neutrals paired with soft pastels or a mix of bold colors. How will you match summer's style?
Check out all of the campaign photos below:

Summer Breeze | Nikola Jovanovic for Adolfo Dominguez S/S 2012

2012-04-12T23:36:00.001+03:00

Serbian model Nikola Jovanovic becomes the new face of Adolfo Dominguez.
The brand's Spring/Summer 2012 campaign brings forth designs that lean towards a more casual side, that are wearable yet extremely well put together.
Check out more of the campaign photos next:

Big Brother | Matt Bomer on Glee

2012-04-11T16:17:00.000+03:00

Missing White Collar and Matt Bomer? You're in luck, because this week the actor was a guest star on Glee. Matt played Blaine's older brother - Cooper Anderson.
While White Collar has it's fair share of funny moments, it was great to see Matt play a comedic role - he did a great job with his character as well as with the two songs he sang with Darren Criss - a mash-up between "Hungry Like the Wolf"/"Rio" and a cover of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know".
Check out more stills from "Big Brother" and listen to the two songs below:

Tom Ford's 15 Things Every Man Should Have

2012-04-10T20:14:00.000+03:00

Tom Ford is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry. His designs are always sharp and elegant, so it's nice to find out what he believes are the 15 things every man should have:

1. ‘A sense of humour.’
2. ‘A daily read of the newspaper.’
3. ‘A sport that you love and are good at.’
4. ‘Tweezers.’
5. ‘A good cologne that becomes a signature.’
6. ‘A well cut dark suit.’
7. ‘A pair of classic black lace-up shoes.’
8. ‘A smart blazer.’
9. ‘The perfect pair of dark denim jeans.’
10. ‘Lots of crisp white cotton shirts.’
11. ‘Always new socks and underwear (throw away the old ones every six months).’
12. ‘A classic tuxedo.’
13. ‘A beautiful day watch with a metal band.’
14. ‘The perfect sunglasses.’
15. ‘Perfect teeth - if you don’t have them, save up and have them fixed.’

via vogue.co.uk

Men of the Moment | Essential Homme Star-Studded Editorial

2012-04-07T23:30:00.001+03:00

The March/April 2012 issue of Essential Homme delivers one of the most memorable editorials lately - Men of the Moment. Twelve of the most sought after male models are photographed by Saverio Cardia wearing garments from the top fashion houses in the industry. Is that a recipe for success or what?

"The men of the moment are naturally beautiful, of course, but it's their self-assurance that makes them stand out. Combine confidence with innate style sense and you've got the making of new stars. Watch for these unique men as they make a splash on the runways."

Magazine: Essential Homme
Styling: Lucio Colapietro
Photography: Saverio Cardia
Models: Francisco Lachowski, Nils Butler, Patrick Kafka, Mark Cox, River Viiperi, Harry Goodwins, Jonathan Marquez, Sebastian Sauvé, James Smith, Jamie Wise, Vladimir Ivanov and Paul Boche.
Clothes: Burberry Prorsum, Costume National, Z. Zenga, Viktor & Rolf Monsieur, Versace, Paul Smith, Lanvin, Issey Miyake, Ermenegildo Zegna, Prada, Valentino, Ports 1961

Paloma Faith | Picking Up The Pieces (New Music)

2012-04-06T23:28:00.000+03:00

You know those songs that once you listen to, you just can't get them of your head, no matter what? Paloma Faith's new single "Picking Up The Pieces" is for sure one of those! The singer's upcoming album, "Fall to Grace" will be out May 28 and it's hard not to get all excited about it with such a great song to promote it!
Listen to Picking Up The Pieces next: