Fashion Interview: m0851

This week sees the launch of the 14th edition of Montreal Fashion Week, an event that attracts 10,000 buyers, designers and other fashion industry reps from throughout the world. Yet for all its cosmopolitan appeal, some of the more interesting shows at Montreal Fashion Week are those that showcase the collections of the city’s native designers. Montreal enjoys a reputation as one of North America’s most stylish towns, so AskMen.com sat down with some of the city’s most stylish people to discuss their collections, current trends in menswear, and some timeless fashion tips.

Frdric Mamarbachi is the founder of Canadian label m0851.

About m0851

We’re 21 years old, and we started in Montreal. To this day, everything we make is made in Montreal and most of what we make is exported to Europe, the States and Japan.

We do our own fashion, which is not against what’s happening, but it’s so basic that we look at ourselves in the context of the larger fashion world and ask, “Are we sure we belong here?” Yet people from the outside do see us as fashion. If a product can last 20 years on the market, it can still be fashionable; it’s just a fashion that lasts and not a fashion that’s passé.

In our field most companies try to study the market and choose a branch in the market to take over or to serve. We do it differently. We do the finest product we can and we hope that people like it. We don’t really study markets, we just do the finest we can afford to do -- which is different than the rest of the industry and has given us an identity that people like. People come to us to discover what we’re showing and not to find the mainstream products that are on the market. It does differentiate us and gives us potential to be leaders in the field. This is why we’re here after 21 years -- and in fashion, 21 years is a very long period of time. I think we’ll be here another 20 years mainly because of our philosophy and the way we go about doing things.

2008 men’s fashion trends

I don’t know about the trends, but I can tell you about what we have. We do pieces that come from the past and we do them in a fresh way with a small edge, which shows a little bit of our personality and a little bit of what is happening today. We do hope that any piece we create today will be good 15 years from now. Even today, we still carry products we designed 15 years ago that are still best sellers.

Also, we count very much on the feeling of the product, on the touch -- we try to create soft feelings. Our fashion is not only visual, it also has a feeling that is transmitted to the person who wears the product. While fashion is usually based on the visual effect, we go for a bit more than that. Plus, our products are sold in our own spaces, which also create a feeling. Together both create a certain excitement that is probably unique to us in this market.

Male fashion mistakes

What are some common fashion mistakes that men make?

They try too hard. There’s nothing more beautiful than a man at ease with what he has on. The moment you dress a man in a certain scenario, he may look good, but you see a huge difference between the outside look and the man inside. The most charming is when a man is wearing something he feels good in.

Men’s fashion rules

Should men be bound to the fashion rules established by industry trendsetters?

Absolutely not. I mean, in fashion there are rules, but you can be in fashion without those rules. Ours is a company that does not have rules.

m0851 fall 2008 collection

Our style is to create classic products with an edge. I don’t know how to describe our edge; it’s more a feeling than anything else. We base most of our products on great quality and try not to cheapen the product, meaning it’s not about saving a dollar or two to make it more sellable. It’s about making the finest product we can afford to make, which is very different. In this industry, people usually try to aim for a certain price or market, but we just try to do the finest we can.

Our fall line is somewhat close to what’s happening now -- it’s quite classic in terms of fashion. You will see some military feelings… Fashion always repeats itself and we always go to a certain period in the past and we do it slightly different each time, so what’s happening next fall is a bit military. There is a lot of classicism in the products you’ll see next year. We’ve added a few things that you’ll see with other designers as well, but you’ll see things with an edge with us -- meaning: leather belts over coats, and beaver fur which is a very dark brown and is very short. The products themselves are still very classic: the raincoat, the military cut, or the Columbo, which is the everyday cut. So there’s nothing incredibly new in the product; it’s what you pair it with that makes it fresher.

Most important men's clothing item

What is one item of men’s clothing that is worth the investment?

One item is a cashmere sweater, so that a man feels softer. We do clothing that gives a good feeling instead of just decorating.

Soft fabrics are the most important because most men are fighters; they want to earn a living any way they can and tend to forget softness and niceness. Cashmere is a fabric that when you touch it you can’t help but have a certain feeling in your stomach. Imagine if you feel it all day long. Can this influence our mood? Of course.

Men’s accessories

What are the most important accessories men should wear?

Each person should wear whatever is closest to his personality, so if you feel you want to wear 5,000 gold bracelets on your arm, go for it. At least you’re living your own feeling. A guy who likes to wear a cashmere Tibetan pajama would not feel good in the bracelets. So, it’s not the product that’s important, it’s about choosing what’s closest to your personality.

Male fashion icon

Which public figure has the best fashion sense?

The male icon is the one who’s the most comfortable -- even if it means wearing your pajamas for 10 years. I think it’s about comfort and ease and really trying to show your colors through your comfort and not trying to be something that you’re not.

Nothing is pretend. So in asking someone who the fashion icon is, because fashion is such a fickle world, it’s very difficult to make a parallel with what one believes is the best icon; it can be the bus driver, the guy you saw on TV yesterday who wears a suit and tie… it doesn’t matter.

It’s feeling good and feeling the most like yourself. It’s an extension of your personality. Icons are those who feel comfortable in whatever they’re wearing.

Fashion Interview: Dubuc

Montreal-based designer Philippe Dubuc has been making men’s clothing since 1993. Dubuc’s collections, and his famous slim-fit suits in particular, have earned him international renown, a regular display spot at Paris Fashion Week, and a client list that includes David Bowie. Dubuc will be opening his first European boutique in Brussels in fall 2008.

AskMen.com sat down with Philippe Dubuc to discuss his upcoming collection and fashion tips for men.

Dubuc fall 2008 collection

I consider our collection to be ultra-modern. Nothing about it is retro; it’s very much modern and sleek. We’ve kept a silhouette that’s very thin and filiform, with lines that are very graphic but very refined. Our materials are very urban. The textures that we find in our materials are the textures that we find in the city landscape, textures that evoke rocks and minerals and excavated earth. I also work a lot on mixing my materials and working the fabrics -- twisting them, washing them so as to give them a worn-in feeling, without giving them the appearance of being used. There’s a way of working the material so as to make it look as if it has lived. And I think that lends a certain nonchalance to a style which is otherwise very precise.

2008 men's fashion

Even if I myself don’t work with a lot of color, I think that there are a lot of colors that are coming in the next season. We’re seeing a lot of it in women’s fashion right now, and often what happens in women’s fashion we can find recurring in men’s fashion. So I think there will be an explosion of color in men’s fashion coming.

I stay within a very neutral color palette, because working with neutral colors allows for a more creative style. You can’t style too creatively with wild colors because it gets to be too much. The creation of clothing is always a question of balance and proportion. You’re always asking yourself, “Is this enough?” or “Is this too much?”

In designing a collection, everything should blend together into a single look. If you look at our men’s collection, you’ll see a look that’s very urban and very architectural. If you look at another creator’s men’s collection, you’ll find a different spirit.

Another trend we see in men’s fashion is that there is a lot of creativity with materials. And there is a lot of cotton on the market now, and not just in sportswear. In the high-end, sophisticated collections we see cotton that moves with the body, that has its own life. These are clothes that we don’t just put on. They take our form -- like jeans.

We’re also seeing the infusion of sportswear into high-end, and that’s here to stay. That’s not going anywhere. Mixing suits and sportswear, like wearing a suit jacket with jeans, may be relatively new, but now it’s here to stay.

How about trends in suits specifically?

Suits have changed in the same way that men have changed. I don’t think that oversized suits will ever come back. Men today are proud to show their bodies; it wasn’t always like that. And when it comes to suits, that means ultra-slim. Of course, you have to be slim to wear an ultra-slim suit! And that’s a problem for some men.

There are two schools of thought regarding suits today, and two ensuing types of suits. There’s the very slick, graphic suit, and then there’s the slouchier suit. With the slouchier suits, the jackets are cut much longer, the materials are much more deconstructed and the pants are much more ample. This all lends the suit movement.

But in general, the new urban suit, the new “banker suit,” is a slim suit. It has narrow lapels, the pants are very slim, the shoulders are very cut with no padding, and a lot of attention has been paid to the details. It’s a very natural look, but one that follows a very straight line. And this is the silhouette that we favor at Dubuc.

Suits have come to be associated with a certain formality, but plenty of young men are now reacting against that. Today you’ll see guys going out directly from work for a cocktail in the evening without feeling the need to go home to change first.

Male fashion mistakes

What are the most common male fashion mistakes?

I think sometimes it’s just trying too hard. But this is a mistake that we see women making more than men -- trying too hard to be too fashionable. Women are very label-oriented.

For men, pants are worn much longer now, and too often I see men with pants hemmed too short. And that isn’t pretty to see; it has the effect of cutting the leg.

Another mistake that bigger men are guilty of is wearing oversized clothes in an attempt to camouflage their weight. I think this is a mistake. You shouldn’t try to augment the volume on you. Even if you’re big, you shouldn’t be scared of wearing a nice, fitted but relaxed suit.

Most important men's clothing item

What are the most important garments in a man’s wardrobe?

I’d say the most important garments for men to own are dark-denim jeans, a white shirt, a black suit, cuff links for the shirt, a black crewneck, and a black tie. This is my clothes package for the fashion beginner. And you need two pairs of shoes: a pair of slick, black leather shoes, and a running shoe.

This package will see you through a full week of travel, even business travel. Let’s say on day 1 you have a corporate meeting: You wear the black suit, the white shirt and the black tie. Day 2, you wear the white shirt, the jeans, and the running shoes. And that gives you a bit more of a contemporary look. Day 3, you’re going to wear the white shirt with the black shoes and the black pants. Day 4, you’re going to wear the jeans with the crewneck. Day 5, you can wear the white shirt with the jeans and the black suit jacket.

It’s OK to wear the shirt twice because you’re allowed to wear a white shirt twice. But after wearing it twice you have to have it cleaned.

Fashion resources

What are some resources that all guys can use to improve their fashion knowledge?

I think that designer stores and boutiques are important resources. For men who don’t know fashion well and aren’t very accustomed to shopping, I always suggest to go into a small, independent boutique store where they’ll find more specialized service. Going into a department store, you really need to know what you want. In department stores it’s more of an independent shopping experience because we’re usually left to ourselves. And sometimes this is fine; not all men want to go shopping in designer stores! But for those men who don’t know much about fashion, they can put trust in the professional salespeople that they’ll find in designer stores. The salespeople aren’t just there to sell or to hit a quota; they’re there to satisfy the customer.

Best fashion city

I think London is the best fashion city for men. Why London? Because I think the Savile Row look is a typically English one; because James Bond has been in men’s minds for a long time, and all men are a bit inspired by him; and because the British man has come to really represent elegance. London is also a very edgy city, and I think it’s easy to identify with the Brit pop look. I think everyone finds Brit pop cool.

Is there more variety in men’s fashion now?
Yes, there’s definitely more choice. We started Dubuc 12 years ago, and at that time, men’s fashion wasn’t at all what it is today. Today, men have much more choice. There has been a very recognizable evolution over the past 15 years, both in terms of the styles that men wear and in terms of a greater open-mindedness.

We see it often today, young men around 25 years of age who aren’t afraid of being very fashionable. There are more and more fashion ads for men and big cosmetics companies are really pushing masculine beauty. More men are going to the gym and more young men want to present a better appearance. It’s largely a question of rhythm. We become accustomed to seeing other men doing it, and we get more comfortable with it.

Best male fashion era

When was the best time for men’s fashion?

Today. I really like the influence of sportswear in today’s fashion. I really like today’s tendency to wear a classic garment in a nonchalant way. There is complete freedom of expression in today’s clothes. There’s no longer a single trend, like there was before, when there was one fashion trend that everybody followed. Today I think we are much more conscious of the idea that one’s style reflects their lifestyle.

Pillow Talk

It is a documented fact that couples who talk in bed have happier relationships. Pillow talk is a special time when you are lying down with the person you love in the intimate setting of your bed. Pillow talk may be before or after making love, or it doesn’t have to involve sex at all -- that’s the beauty of it.

Pillow talk is special to women because of the physical closeness and the words whispered. Women like pillow talk as much as any man because sharing intimacy and being close emotionally and physically to someone feels good. It always helps to have your ego stroked by someone who loves you and wants to be with you.

Read on to master the ins and outs of pillow talk.

What she wants to hear

Obviously this varies considerably from woman to woman, but overall she just wants your time and attention in a private environment. She wants you to tell her that she’s beautiful, that she is clever, that she is funny, that she is a wonderful partner, or whatever it is that you think and feel.

Surveys on pillow talk reveal that people like hearing their own name because it increases rapport and intimacy. Recall how in everyday life when someone says your name, you instantly feel more noticed, useful or special.

What she doesn’t want to hear

Whatever you do, don’t use this opportunity to say anything negative. Sharing the moment positively will always ensure that this time is special for you both. If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. Bedtime is for loving, relaxing and sleeping -- rejuvenating from your everyday lives. It is not a time for arguing or picking faults in your mate.

Don’t use pillow talk time to bring up issues in your relationship or to discuss chores, work, family or friends; keep it as “us” time.

What she wants to talk about

Intimate performance review
This topic is reasonably easy -- there must be something she does very well that you love, so tell her. Being appreciated feels good to everyone. Start off with something like, “It feels really good when you…”

Tomorrow's plan
Keep your plans romantic. The meals you may share, the time you will spend together, the sex you may have -- these are good topics because they are based on an expectation of the next day. Do not discuss household chores (unless you plan on making them romantic or sexy), work or other people.

Distant future planning
A holiday you are planning, a trip away, a weekend at home -- discuss whatever it is you are doing together in the future that will be enjoyable, in a romantic way of course. Dreaming about the future may include future sex, food, adventures or even having your own family. Don’t discuss controversial topics. This type of conversation is great because it is based on fantasy; the trip, sex or good-looking kids who excel at everything may be a long way off, but talking about the future connects you together.

How long she wants to talk for

Obviously, it is not convenient to have pillow talk every time you are in bed. There are a billion other things that always need doing -- like sleeping, having sex, eating, and working -- that spending the time being intimate is often left out. Sex is still on the agenda, but pillow talk is not about sex, it’s about love. If you find yourself lacking time but still want to get the brownie points for making the effort, think a little bit more about quality and not quantity.

You need to be present, and I don’t just mean be there in bed next to her. I mean, you have to be present emotionally. If you are not really there -- thinking about the sandwich or a football game that you are missing -- she will know. Choose your time carefully, and you will find it easy to fulfill both of your emotional pillow talk desires without causing conflict.

Pillow talk does not have to take a long time. In fact, it might be as little as a couple of minutes spent reliving a past memory you have together and how wonderful it was, daydreaming about your next adventure, or simply giving her a nice compliment. She will go to sleep with a smile on her face. Remember: You reap the benefits in numerous ways when you have a cheerful lover.

goodnight and good luck

Open, loving communication with your partner in the intimate setting of your bed is to be treasured. It is important to take the time -- despite the risk of being a bit tired the next day. Nurturing and loving relationships last longer, and are happier -- it’s a fact. And, yes, it will likely result in more frequent and better sex for you.

Sex Records

Have you ever wondered what other people get up to in their spare time? Why, competing in world sex records, of course. Here are some of the top guys and gals showing the rest of us how it can be done, should we care to try. There are also a selection of the weird and wonderful body parts and acts that have befallen our fellow men and women, and we've listed them all in our list of unusual sex records.

Most children fathered

Moulay Ismail Ibn Sharif, Morocco

Moulay Ismail Ibn Sharif set this sex record in the 17th century when he added a whopping 1,042 recorded offspring to his harem of about 500 wives. He had been a busy boy -- what with all those weddings, births and, no doubt, a few funerals. If you’re wondering who this guy is, he was the second ruler of the Moroccan Alaouite dynasty. He is known as a great figure in Moroccan history, but not only for his contribution to the birth statistics; he contributed to the lasting respect of Moroccan independence.

Amazingly, the woman to give birth to the most children was a peasant’s wife from Shuya (east of Moscow); in 27 births between 1725 and 1765, she expelled 16 pairs of twins, seven sets of triplets and four sets of quadruplets.

The biggest and smallest penises

Barnacle, The Ocean

Because measuring penises is often hard to do accurately -- yes, we know you exaggerate -- there isn’t much reliable data on this topic for the 21st century. The most impressive medically verified penis sets the sex record at 13.5 inches (34 cm) long and 6.25 inches (16 cm) wide, measured in the early 20th century by Dr. Robert L. Dickenson (seriously!).

The smallest penis ever recorded sets the sex record at 0.39 inches (1 cm). There are a couple of conditions that can leave a man lacking so dramatically in his nether region. One such condition is having a micropenis, where most of the penis actually resides inside the body. The other is a condition called congenital hypoplasia, where the glans of the penis is attached directly to the pubis, so the shaft of the penis doesn’t exist.

In the entire animal kingdom, the humble barnacle has the largest penis in proportion to its body size: A barnacle’s penis is 42 times its own body length. In second place, the Argentine Blue-bill duck has the longest penis relative to its body size. It has the added benefit of being shaped like a corkscrew, so it not only deposits sperm but helps to “screw” any other bird’s semen out. Considering most birds don’t even have penises, the Blue-bill is doing alright.

Whales win the biggest awards, with Rorqual whales sporting 10-foot (3 m) long schlongs, which can be up to 1 foot (30 cm) in diameter. Hippopotamuses and elephants come in at a far second, with penises of up to 2 feet (60 cm) long.

The woman with the largest vagina goes to a Scottish giant named Anna Swan. She and her giant husband had a giant baby together. The giant baby’s head was 19 inches (48 cm) in circumference. You do the math.

Farthest ejaculation

Horst Schultz, USA

The farthest male ejaculation ever recorded was 18 feet (6 m) and was achieved by Horst Schultz. The farthest a woman was recorded to ejaculate was 10 feet (3 m). The most ejaculations for a man in one hour is 16.

In other semen-related sex records, a woman, Michelle Monahan of L.A., swallowed 1.7 pints (almost 1 liter) of semen and had to get her stomach pumped -- she became the first person to have this recorded, and therefore wins the award for the woman to swallow the most semen.

The woman to set the world record for most sexual partners in one day shagged a whopping 620 men in 24 hours. A male porn star by the dubious name of Jon Dough was supposed to have sex with 101 women in one day, but only managed to do 52 -- he did the others two weeks later.

Biggest orgy

Volunteers, Japan
A recent achievement for Japan in the world of sex records was achieving the biggest orgy ever recorded, with 250 couples going at it in an extremely orderly fashion.

Youngest parents

Shaun Steard, England
Lina Medina, Peru

Shaun was 12 years old when he got the world record for being the youngest father, but it is believed that there are younger undocumented fathers out there.

The youngest girl to give birth was 5-year-old Lina Medina, born in Peru in 1933. Incredibly this girl began menstruating at age 3, and despite being impregnated in the “usual” way, has never revealed who the father is. Her father was arrested and imprisoned on suspicion of incest, but was later released due to lack of evidence. The baby was delivered by caesarean because Lina’s hips were too narrow.

Most penis removals

King Menephta, Egypt

In 1300 BC, King Menephta came home from battle after successfully beating the Libyans. To celebrate his success, he asked his men to chop off the penises of each member of the defeated army. He arrived home with 13,000 penises. His ancient monument at Karnak has a detail of which penis belonged to whom -- Libyan generals, Libyans, Sirculians, Etruscans, and Greeks.

breaking records

The world is never without weird, stupid or funny anecdotes and world records. Most of these sex records are unproven, but who cares; the fact that someone somewhere thought theirs was the biggest, longest, fattest, thinnest or ugliest brings a new dimension to the world of record-setting.

Masturbation Techniques

Men have been taking care of "business" since the dawn of time, and many have devised strategies to enhance the experience -- somewhat. Without discussing the basics -- the Basic Fist and Basic Thumb and Forefinger, which no doubt you are all well aware of -- let’s delve into some more "advanced" masturbation techniques.

It has to be noted that many men may find it easier, faster and more effective to masturbate instead of putting in the time and effort to enhance their sexual relationship with their lover. Masturbation, however, should not replace a healthy sex life with a partner -- to do so is to lose out on the intimacy of closeness, and the effort and reward of a mutually beneficial relationship.

Studies show that, chemically, masturbating is 400 times less effective at satisfying ones sexual appetite than sex with a partner. Nonetheless, masturbating is certainly a favorite and pleasant pastime of men and women alike, and is a great way to enjoy and learn about yourself.

There are many ways to get yourself off, and with Male Appreciation Day in mind, here are some masturbation techniques you may not have played around with just yet.

Pelvic thrust with wrist

This masturbation technique utilizes the wrist and hand simultaneously.

Self-love guide: Lubricate your hand and your wrist. With your fingers facing your perineum, grip your penis from the front (with your thumb in your pubic hair. Kneel on a bed or the floor and thrust into your hand and along the wrist so your wrist rubs against the underside head of your penis.

Deep scrotum massage

The testicles are often left out while masturbating, but this masturbation technique gives you the tools to maximize this sensitive and sensual zone.

Self-love guide: Lubricate your penis and scrotum. With your hand grasping your penis, point your index finger toward your scrotum. Your thumb and forefinger should be closest to your body. Allow your thumb and forefinger to slide down as far as they can go in a stroke toward the scrotum. Your other hand is now free to do what you will with your testicles -- be it a deep massage, tickle, etc.

Wringing

Don’t let the old washerwoman into your head. Squeeze a bit more fun out of your manhood with this stellar masturbation technique.

Self-love guide: Lubricate your penis. Using both hands, one at the bottom and one at the top of the penis, gently wring in opposite directions. Use the motion from bottom to top as if you were wringing out a cloth -- squeeze the semen out, not in.

Butt spread

This one sounds a bit weirder than it really is, so give us a chance here. This masturbation technique may not be for everyone, but it's worth giving it a shot just to find out if it does the trick for you.

Self-love guide: Lubrication is optional -- as you like. On a comfortable surface (bed), sit on your heels with each heel gently spreading your butt cheeks (comfortably, don't overstretch as you may cause yourself pain instead of pleasure). Masturbate as you wish, using any of the above techniques or with your usual method. When you are about to ejaculate, spread your cheeks and feel the deep orgasm stem from your perineum. (There is a pressure point in the center of your perineum that creates more intense orgasms). This masturbation technique can be quite intense.

Milking

Why did the cow wear a bell around her neck? Because her horn didn't work. Fortunately, yours does!

Self-love guide: Lubricate your penis. Sitting in a relaxed position, using both hands one at a time, squeeze and pull up the length of your penis and over the top. If you've got extra skin (read: uncircumcised) you can also pull the extra skin up and over the head of the penis when you pull up. Repeat as necessary, and as slowly or quickly as you like.

get the "hand" job done right

Making hot love to yourself is a wonderful experience, and new masturbation techniques should always be experimented with -- who knows, you may be missing out on some serious pleasure. Practice new techniques with care, and don’t forget that practice makes perfect -- not all of these will end brilliantly straight away.

Male Appreciation Day is a wonderful opportunity to love yourself and your inherent manliness by showing yourself all due respect, and trying out something new.

Male Pleasure Positions

In honor of Male Appreciation Day, we’d like thank our readers for their relentless pursuit of perfection in the bedroom. If not for your tireless efforts, many women would never have known how incredible an orgasm can be. Therefore, in appreciation of your never-ending attempts to satisfy the fairer sex, we’re taking a moment to encourage a bit of well-earned selfishness in the boudoir with a few male pleasure positions. While the following male pleasure positions can certainly drive a woman wild, their primary function is to provide maximal sexual pleasure for you.

Read on as we tell you how to get the most out of the best male pleasure positions.

Cowgirl

It’s no surprise that this classic male pleasure position has stood the test of time; maximum penetration for both partners allows for some of the best sex imaginable. It makes our list for one simple reason: She does all the work. You’re certainly welcome to help her along, but most of the physical work is carried out by her. This means you can lie back and enjoy the view as she bobs and jiggles her way (and yours) to orgasm. The cowgirl also provides maximum penetration, which equals maximum stimulation for you.

Tip: If she’s especially self-conscious about her body, try suggesting the reverse cowgirl instead: It’s the same idea, but facing the opposite direction. This position will feel just as good while alleviating any concerns she might have about feeling overexposed.

Around the bend

Deep thrusting is a primal sexual urge experienced by most men. Unfortunately, many traditional positions prevent thrusting to the hilt, which can leave a little something to be desired when it comes to sex. This male pleasure position, however, in which you bend her over the nearest piece of furniture, will satisfy that urge from the moment of penetration. With her legs spaced and her rump in the air, you’ll be able to thrust deeply without having to worry about injuring her during the act.

Tip: If she complains about the lack of intimacy, you can resolve this by simply leaning forward until your chest is touching her back; this will make her feel more like you’re having a shared experience, and less like she’s only there for your own pleasure.

Inverted rear

This is another male pleasure position that makes thrusting easy. Lie down on your back and have her lie on top of you while facing the ceiling. Grab her thighs and spread her legs apart until she’s in a reverse straddle. Due to her positioning, her mobility will be limited, but yours will be relatively unencumbered. Once she’s in position, you’ll be able to thrust as deeply as you like, for as long as you like -- preferably until she’s screaming your name.

Tip: Wild sex in this position can make it difficult for a woman to stay balanced; be sure to keep a firm hold of her thighs to help her stay on top.

Full mast

You’ll need a relatively limber woman for this male pleasure position. While she’s lying on her back, raise her legs until they’re positioned at a 90-degree angle in relation to her body. Kneel in front of her and place her legs against your chest while keeping them firmly held together. Not only will this position provide yet another means of deep thrusting, but the action is also likely going to be far tighter than usual, thanks to her thighs being drawn together.

Tip: Occasionally, when the thrusting really starts to get good, men have a tendency to raise a woman’s back further away from the mattress than comfort permits. Forceful thrusting can exert a significant amount of pressure, so make sure her back is getting enough support as you drive her to ecstasy.

The lotus

As with the cowgirl position, this male pleasure position requires her to do most, if not all, of the work. You’ll need to sit cross-legged on the bed (or floor, though that won’t be very comfortable after a few minutes, trust us) and pull her onto your lap. The idea is to have her straddle you via wrapping her legs around your waist, and then raise herself up and down until you’ve both collapsed in a heap of spent pleasure. If she’s having trouble moving up and down, rocking back and forth is just as fabulous and less stressful on the lower back.

Tip: Lean against a wall or headboard during this one. Not only will it support your back, but it will also give her something to hold onto, which will make it far easier for her to ride you.

Doggy style

Doggy style -- the staple of the porn industry. Perhaps one of the most animalistic scenarios when it comes to sex, this male pleasure position is all about getting one’s rocks off. A relatively easy position to deliver the goods from, doggy style gives you deep penetration at the pace of raw lust. Not only is this position straight to the point, it’s straight to orgasm with the least possible effort.

Tip: Many women complain about the lack of intimacy when it comes to doggy style. This is because men often go through the motions without any other type of contact. To make her feel more connected, try a bit of dirty talk, gentle hair tugging or even mild spanking.

male pleasure matters

Even though we’ve approached these positions from the angle of male satisfaction, most of you will still do your best to please your woman first, regardless. This is exactly why we’ve selected these male pleasure positions for you; they’re guaranteed to blow your mind even if you’re concentrated on pleasing your woman first. Add these male pleasure positions to your sexual repertoire, and don’t be afraid to be a little selfish every once in a while; your woman knows you’ve earned it.

Short-Cut Jackets

Montreal-based designer Philippe Dubuc has been making men’s clothing since 1993. Dubuc’s collections, and his famous slim-fit suits in particular, have earned him international renown, a regular display spot at Paris Fashion Week, and a client list that includes David Bowie. Dubuc will be opening his first European boutique in Brussels in fall 2008.

AskMen.com sat down with Philippe Dubuc to discuss his upcoming collection and fashion tips for men.
Dubuc fall 2008 collection
I consider our collection to be ultra-modern. Nothing about it is retro; it’s very much modern and sleek. We’ve kept a silhouette that’s very thin and filiform, with lines that are very graphic but very refined. Our materials are very urban. The textures that we find in our materials are the textures that we find in the city landscape, textures that evoke rocks and minerals and excavated earth. I also work a lot on mixing my materials and working the fabrics -- twisting them, washing them so as to give them a worn-in feeling, without giving them the appearance of being used. There’s a way of working the material so as to make it look as if it has lived. And I think that lends a certain nonchalance to a style which is otherwise very precise.
2008 men's fashion
Even if I myself don’t work with a lot of color, I think that there are a lot of colors that are coming in the next season. We’re seeing a lot of it in women’s fashion right now, and often what happens in women’s fashion we can find recurring in men’s fashion. So I think there will be an explosion of color in men’s fashion coming.

I stay within a very neutral color palette, because working with neutral colors allows for a more creative style. You can’t style too creatively with wild colors because it gets to be too much. The creation of clothing is always a question of balance and proportion. You’re always asking yourself, “Is this enough?” or “Is this too much?”

In designing a collection, everything should blend together into a single look. If you look at our men’s collection, you’ll see a look that’s very urban and very architectural. If you look at another creator’s men’s collection, you’ll find a different spirit.

Another trend we see in men’s fashion is that there is a lot of creativity with materials. And there is a lot of cotton on the market now, and not just in sportswear. In the high-end, sophisticated collections we see cotton that moves with the body, that has its own life. These are clothes that we don’t just put on. They take our form -- like jeans.

We’re also seeing the infusion of sportswear into high-end, and that’s here to stay. That’s not going anywhere. Mixing suits and sportswear, like wearing a suit jacket with jeans, may be relatively new, but now it’s here to stay.

How about trends in suits specifically?

Suits have changed in the same way that men have changed. I don’t think that oversized suits will ever come back. Men today are proud to show their bodies; it wasn’t always like that. And when it comes to suits, that means ultra-slim. Of course, you have to be slim to wear an ultra-slim suit! And that’s a problem for some men.

There are two schools of thought regarding suits today, and two ensuing types of suits. There’s the very slick, graphic suit, and then there’s the slouchier suit. With the slouchier suits, the jackets are cut much longer, the materials are much more deconstructed and the pants are much more ample. This all lends the suit movement.

But in general, the new urban suit, the new “banker suit,” is a slim suit. It has narrow lapels, the pants are very slim, the shoulders are very cut with no padding, and a lot of attention has been paid to the details. It’s a very natural look, but one that follows a very straight line. And this is the silhouette that we favor at Dubuc.

Suits have come to be associated with a certain formality, but plenty of young men are now reacting against that. Today you’ll see guys going out directly from work for a cocktail in the evening without feeling the need to go home to change first.
Male fashion mistakes
What are the most common male fashion mistakes?

I think sometimes it’s just trying too hard. But this is a mistake that we see women making more than men -- trying too hard to be too fashionable. Women are very label-oriented.

For men, pants are worn much longer now, and too often I see men with pants hemmed too short. And that isn’t pretty to see; it has the effect of cutting the leg.

Another mistake that bigger men are guilty of is wearing oversized clothes in an attempt to camouflage their weight. I think this is a mistake. You shouldn’t try to augment the volume on you. Even if you’re big, you shouldn’t be scared of wearing a nice, fitted but relaxed suit.

Most important men's clothing item

What are the most important garments in a man’s wardrobe?

I’d say the most important garments for men to own are dark-denim jeans, a white shirt, a black suit, cuff links for the shirt, a black crewneck, and a black tie. This is my clothes package for the fashion beginner. And you need two pairs of shoes: a pair of slick, black leather shoes, and a running shoe.

This package will see you through a full week of travel, even business travel. Let’s say on day 1 you have a corporate meeting: You wear the black suit, the white shirt and the black tie. Day 2, you wear the white shirt, the jeans, and the running shoes. And that gives you a bit more of a contemporary look. Day 3, you’re going to wear the white shirt with the black shoes and the black pants. Day 4, you’re going to wear the jeans with the crewneck. Day 5, you can wear the white shirt with the jeans and the black suit jacket.

It’s OK to wear the shirt twice because you’re allowed to wear a white shirt twice. But after wearing it twice you have to have it cleaned.

Fashion resources

What are some resources that all guys can use to improve their fashion knowledge?

I think that designer stores and boutiques are important resources. For men who don’t know fashion well and aren’t very accustomed to shopping, I always suggest to go into a small, independent boutique store where they’ll find more specialized service. Going into a department store, you really need to know what you want. In department stores it’s more of an independent shopping experience because we’re usually left to ourselves. And sometimes this is fine; not all men want to go shopping in designer stores! But for those men who don’t know much about fashion, they can put trust in the professional salespeople that they’ll find in designer stores. The salespeople aren’t just there to sell or to hit a quota; they’re there to satisfy the customer.

Best fashion city

I think London is the best fashion city for men. Why London? Because I think the Savile Row look is a typically English one; because James Bond has been in men’s minds for a long time, and all men are a bit inspired by him; and because the British man has come to really represent elegance. London is also a very edgy city, and I think it’s easy to identify with the Brit pop look. I think everyone finds Brit pop cool.

Is there more variety in men’s fashion now?
Yes, there’s definitely more choice. We started Dubuc 12 years ago, and at that time, men’s fashion wasn’t at all what it is today. Today, men have much more choice. There has been a very recognizable evolution over the past 15 years, both in terms of the styles that men wear and in terms of a greater open-mindedness.

We see it often today, young men around 25 years of age who aren’t afraid of being very fashionable. There are more and more fashion ads for men and big cosmetics companies are really pushing masculine beauty. More men are going to the gym and more young men want to present a better appearance. It’s largely a question of rhythm. We become accustomed to seeing other men doing it, and we get more comfortable with it.

Best male fashion era

When was the best time for men’s fashion?

Today. I really like the influence of sportswear in today’s fashion. I really like today’s tendency to wear a classic garment in a nonchalant way. There is complete freedom of expression in today’s clothes. There’s no longer a single trend, like there was before, when there was one fashion trend that everybody followed. Today I think we are much more conscious of the idea that one’s style reflects their lifestyle.

Gentlemen!!! Start Your Engines

Viagra is very effective and fast acting -- it typically boosts blood flow within 30 minutes to several hours -- but some people prefer non-drug alternatives. Is there an alternative to Viagra, something more "natural" like an herb or supplement? And are any of these safe? Not every man requires the magic touch of Viagra; sometimes all one needs is a healthy diet, exercise and a little of Mother Nature's touch. Several interesting supplements have recently come to light and may provide benefits within days to weeks:

1. Ginkgo Biloba: An herb that is commonly taken as a memory booster may provide benefits. It presumably acts by enhancing blood flow and seems relatively free of side effects. In a study conducted at the University of California, ginkgo reversed sexual problems in 84% of men who were taking antidepressant drugs such as Prozac. The ones who might benefit from it are men on Prozac or other antidepressants. The suggested dose is 80 mg three times a day, standardized to contain 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones.
2. Arginine: An amino acid that also enhances blood flow. In a study of 50 men at Tel Aviv University, 31% of those with impotence improved after six weeks of taking arginine. The ones who might benefit from it are men who have circulatory disorders that may be contributing to sexual problems. The suggested dose is 1 gram three times a day; sold as L-arginine. As with Viagra, you should avoid arginine if you are taking the heart medication nitroglycerin because the combination may cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. For the same reason, you should probably not take arginine with Viagra.
3. DHEA: This supplement may also provide benefits for men who have low levels of this hormone. DHEA helps our bodies make estrogen and testosterone, and a recent trial at the University of Vienna found it helped men with impotence. The suggested dose is 5 mg each morning for men.
4. Yohimbe: Some studies have shown that this herb may correct impotence. However, this herb can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure, as well as anxiety and other side effects. Many doctors prefer the purified form of the herb, the FDA-approved drug yohimbine, instead, because it has a guaranteed purity and potency. I suggest that you opt for the prescription drug yohimbine instead. See your doctor.
   

As for passion potions such as Super Sex and Biagra sold at health-food stores or pharmacies, there is no real evidence showing that they restore sex drive. These potions are made with blends of herbs such as those mentioned above and other questionable ingredients. Check the label to make sure the product contains an adequate dose of the herbs mentioned above. If it does not have the recommended dosages, then the product is not likely to be effective. Instead of a blend, you may be better off purchasing an individual ingredient tailored to your particular condition.