The history of Western fashion has shown how the apparel of men and women in Western Europe and all the countries under its influence has changed all throughout its course. One of the most influential periods in the fashion world is the Medieval ages where a wide array of styles, designs, hemlines, colors, fabrics and needlework was born. The Medieval designs have seen continual revivals in the past years and these have also influenced the works of some of the world’s greatest fashion designers.

At present, New York is the leading fashion hub in the entire planet. But due to the relative “inaccessibility” and a more exciting quality of the European fashion scene, European fashion is getting more buzz among fashion elites as well as the fashion-savvy. This is perhaps because European fashion is well-known for its directional and theatrical presentations of clothes and accessories. Etro, Dries Van Noten, Gucci and Temperley London had showcased a myriad of rich fabrics, gold, beads, feathers, emerald greens, fringes, sequins, Art Deco and even geometric designs. Add the rapidly rising drop waists to those and you’ve got yourself a winner. European-designed clothes are fluid on the runway, enticing each viewer with their gold embellishments, dazzling fringe accents and ornate beadworks.

Valentino Haute Couture

The Spring 2012 Collection of Valentino is composed of things that appears so delicate, you will hesitate to touch it. The haute couture label welcomes spring with sheer fabrics and lace gloves sheathing the arms and hands of models—so fine they appear almost invisible. Gowns with intricate hand embellishments can also be spotted on Valentino’s runway, making the entire place look like heaven because of the feminine and ethereal elegance played down by loafers that are created slipper-style.

Elie Saab Couture

If there is something that you could associate with Elie Saab’s haute couture Spring 2012 collection, it is definitely “candy”. This breed of elegance can also be associated with that of the 1950s up to 1960s, when icon Grace Kelly’s fashion taste influenced many women all over the world. Delicacy and power—two words that sum up the label’s collection. The palette used by Saab was that of candies and cupcake frostings ranging from fairy floss pink to peppermint.

European fashion has indeed posed a great challenge to the American fashion with its unique influences and styles originating from the ancient times. New York no longer has the monopoly when it comes to fashion trends, and it is exciting to anticipate how the industry would evolve with the rise of another fashion center in Europe.

In the olden days, fashion focused more on women’s apparel, cosmetics, accessories, shoes and bags. Most of the time, men are just confined to the same old style which has been bestowed on them from the ancient times—with some significant modifications, of course. In the new century, however, trends have been constantly changing. Men’s fashion is now sharing the limelight with that of the women’s. For 2012, here is the fearless forecast of what’s going to be “in” and sizzling hot in the fashion world for men.

1. It’s bright or white - The fashion industry loves contrasts, and this will be evident for the coming year. White remains one of the hottest colors, alongside bright and bold hues which are making a huge comeback on the runway in 2012.
2. Doublebreasted jackets - Every man must have a smoking jacket inside his closet because this item will be among the most popular this year. Prada, Gucci, Roberto Cavalli and other designer labels will all go strong on this trend.
3. Short is in - For 2012, it has been predicted that men fashion will include short clothing articles. This means that shorter jackets and cropped pants will hit the runway and fashion stores. Although not everyone can wear short trousers, there are other options by which the “short” apparel pieces can be worn in a pleasant and trendy way, particularly amongst guys.
4. Check-ing your style - Plain solids are out, prints are in. Plaids are getting hotter this year as well as specialized checks. Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Jean Paul Gaultier and other fashion industry giants are creating apparels in big and small plaids.
5. The Gray Shirt - For formal or casual occasions, men can never go wrong with a gray shirt. Now available in more textures, patterns and shades, you can find the perfect match for your tie and coats or for your shorts and shades.
6. The all blue suit - Over the last few years, tailoring has been through a mini-renaissance. Once again, the suit has regained supremacy in men’s fashion today. Every man should have a navy blue suit—an essential and timeless piece. Alongside this staple piece, you can also stock up on a shade or two lighter than navy blue to complete the all-blue look. Pastel shirts and accessories can be easily incorporated.

Watch out for the trendiest pieces which will hit the boutiques and stores all around the world. Who said men’s fashion needs to be plain and boring? That’s certainly not the case for 2012.