style

HandMade 

Some of the lovely checked cloth hand loomed on site by Cad & the Dandy for their launch party. click through the photo for more pics of the party.

FridayChallenge 

This week StyleForums Friday challenge is set by last weeks winner Orgetorix aka The Thrifty Gent.

Big O. says - ‘Beppe wants to know: Do you have the confidence to wear a BOLD tie? Do you have the ability to pull it off?  The challenge is to see how bold a neck-tie you can tastefully incorporate into your fit. Bright colors and bold patterns are encouraged. Solids are out, and soporifics will get you no points.’

Join in HERE

Have you ever considered search engine optimization for your business website? If not, then it is highly advisable that you begin seeking an SEO service provider. This has become a booming business over the years and there are numerous firms that offer expert advice on the best promotional strategies that will not only increase the visibility of your website but will also increase the profit margins of your business. By increasing the number of quality visitors, that one gets for their website, the higher the chances that you can convert them into existing clients. This goes a long way in expanding your business. So what are some of the different benefits of hiring an SEO service provider?

1. Reduces the gestational amount of time. By opting for efficient marketing strategies, you not only get the chance to promote your business but you will be doing so while promoting the products and services that you offer. Most SEO service providers make use of social media optimization. This has become necessary with the increasing popularity of social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook. By using this strategy, your brand is promoted to the masses on a personal level. This reduces the gestational period that is experienced by only making use organic traffic that is derived from the popular search engines.

2. It is a cheaper marketing option. When it comes to conventional marketing methods, you will find that most of them tend to be quite expensive. Especially if you would like to make an impact. Paying for advertising on television or radio promotions are effective but the rates may not be realistic for small business owners. If you would like to embark on an effective marketing strategy that will not exhaust your budget, then you should consider an SEO service provider. Not only do you get to target your specific audience but you can also rest assured that the methods are designed for long-term success.

3. Immediate results. This is one of the reasons why more and more websites are seeking search engine optimization for their businesses. If this process is done effectively, you can start seeing the results in a short period of time. In addition to this, the results of the optimization can be tracked by the SEO service provider and a report handed to you. This makes it a tangible method for online marketing as you can now have an idea if the strategies are working for your business or not. However, be wary of firms that will guarantee you first page rankings if you opt for your business. As much as the results can be tacked, nobody can tell whether they can achieve first place results due to the ever-changing algorithms of search engines.

By Nick Grant

I need help guys (and gals). I don’t know which of the incredible details on this Monitaly Patch Pocket Blazer to feature. Do I talk about the unique ripstop cotton outer fabric and partial chambray lining, which makes the jacket a nicely breathable option for summer? Or, do I talk about the unstructured body, that’s good for both formal and casual wear? Made in the USA, and on sale for $279, this jacket deserves more decisiveness from me, and I’m sorry.

For price and purchase info, visit Need Supply.

Oh, you don't have a huge budget for a music video? Well, hire a DP who understands angles and light, throw in some knives and stuffed animals and shoot it under beautiful forest canopy light. Goes to shot you don't need car chases, helicopters and pyrotechnics to make a memorable video. Watch it after the jump.

It’s safe to say, traveling isn’t what it was.  In years past, one in ten would visit foreign soil during peace time.  And those were the lucky.  Families were raised local, and stayed local.  Sure, there were exceptions, but they tended to be the brave old few who wandered over from the old country.

Insert James A. Fitzpatrick.  A native son of Ohio, Fitzpatrick is the envy of anyone who appreciates being forced to shut down their electronic device.  For those unfamiliar, Fitzpatrick would spend the better part of 25-years circling the globe, sharing his experiences with the unlucky.  Pre-frequent flyer miles and private lounges.  During his tenure, an 18-hour ride to Schiphol was a fast one, and probably had three or four connections.  That too was luck.

Fitzpatrick’s infamous narration would later be known as The voice of the Globe.  And during his career as a writer, producer and narrator he produced over 250 travel documentaries, visiting the world’s great cities.  Lasting only a few minutes, his films take people to places far away; unknown, foreign, intimidating.  And if his voice or witty narration doesn’t win you over, the impressive Technicolor should.  Saying these are good or worth your time would be selling them short.

Turning a passion into a career isn’t for the weary, yet Fitzpatrick managed to pull it off during a time when many thought his passion was crazy.  Stretching his borders, he wandered into the unknown and brought home a story.  These are two of my favorite visits, each carrying its own basis and offering a great look into the past.

 

 

Thanks for the tip, V.

Filed under: American, Around the World, Chicago, Standards, Travel

Following the return of the Burberry womenswear show to London in 2009, the menswear collection was shown as part of London Collections: Men. The showing took place at London’s Kensington Gardens. Here’s what Burberry Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey had to say about bringing Burberry’s shows back home to London.

London is the creative heart of Burberry and our global headquarters, so we are incredibly excited to be showing our next men’s collection here. The country’s proud menswear heritage and outstanding contemporary talent give it a unique and powerful energy. It is a wonderful time to be bringing our menswear show home.

The label’s put together a short video which you can check out below.

Johan Ringdal founded SWIMS back in 2005 and has seen tremendous success over the years. With the release of the Norwegian brand’s Spring/Summer 2013 offerings, we had the opportunity to connect with the Creative Director to talk SWIMS and S/S ’13. Check out the Q&A below and flip through the Spring/Summer 2013 lookbook.

How did SWIMS come about?

I was a student attending Parson’s in New York when I came up with the idea of redesigning the overshoe. I was wearing my grandfather’s old galoshes, and wanted to make this classic and very practical item contemporary again. After graduating, I created the first SWIMS product: the SWIMS Classic overshoe. Most people viewed the galosh as an odd and old-fashioned product, but I firmly believed that by making the design more modern and elegant, adding colors and a sense of fun to the product, the galosh would become relevant again. We even launched a special galosh for sneakers – the SWIMS City Duck – for all the sneaker freaks out there.

Why “SWIMS”?

Seeing that the galosh protects your fine leather shoes from getting damaged in inclement weather, I wanted the brand to be associated with water. In addition, I wanted to include an element of playfulness, which is why we include such bright and fun colors. I spent quite some time coming up with the name, but once I did, it was the perfect fit for what we were trying to accomplish.

Talk to us about the current Spring/Summer 2013 collection. What was your inspiration for the collection?

In order to stay true to our concept at SWIMS of “reinventing classics”, I decided to develop a summer shoe based on another timeless classic: the loafer. The SWIMS loafer is classic in its design but its composition is new. Our version is made out of rubber and nylon, making it the perfect shoe to wear on a boat or by the sea. For Spring/Summer 2013, I got inspired by Miami’s Art Deco scene and included a wide range of these vibrant colors into the collection. We wanted to pay tribute to this wonderful and exciting city!

Your favorite item from the collection?

Personally, I love the wave front loafers.

What are some key retailers in the US?

We have so many amazing retailers in the US such as Neiman Marcus, Brooks Brothers, Saks Fifth Avenue, Scoop, Allen Edmonds, amongst others.

What can we expect for fall?

The Fall/Winter 2013 collection is (as always) inspired by classic silhouettes and highlighted by bold rubber details. Our boots were designed by incorporating the DNA of our brand, the SWIMS classic overshoe, into the design and shape. We have also developed a new deck shoe for those living in warmer climates and to extend our loafer family.

What do Norwegians do best?

There’s a saying that “all Norwegians are born with skis on their feet “, meaning that we are very into sports and staying fit. Nevertheless, Norwegians are also good at throwing a great party!

One doesn’t age, he just refines his style.

Samuelsohn NYC Showroom, Topcon Super RE w/ Fugi Pro 400H

 

Fashion East is always one of the most anticipated shows of the London fashion week purely because of the element of excitement. The various collections are presented by up and coming designers or, as put by LCM, “the next generation of menswear heavyweights”, and staged as installations rather than following the standard runway formula.

Written by Robin Reetz

Aside from making this a treat for the viewers, it allows the designers to express their vision more completely by creating the atmosphere in which their pieces will live.

This year’s designers featured Craig Green, whose abstract creations from the Sunday MAN show, were housed in wooden structures. The geometric headpieces were coupled with matching footwear from Purified, and sat in the middle of Mercer Street Studios. This felt closer to an installation rather than a standard presentation set-up and allowed for intimate viewing of the Green’s complex structures.

Marques ’ Almeida’s menswear showed a four-piece capsule collection which focused on relaxed-fit trousers and denim camouflage in oversized shapes. A patchwork suede biker jacket looked sharp, but overall this collection – made exclusively for Opening Ceremony – kept things, in their words, “cool, effortless, and raw”.

 Tom Ryling showed four looks with military undertones. Bleached denim, medicinal white cotton shirts and trousers, and shapeless burlap shirts were topped off with black berets. An olive green jersey was prominent and played counterpart to the red sneakers and socks that accompanied each look.

A collection garnering lots of attention at Fashion East was designed by Joseph Turvey. Bright, Rothko-esque color blocking was beautifully done in navy, pink, and turquoise. Rose prints mingled throughout, and the Adidas sneakers shown on each model completed the look, giving it a clean, tropical, but sophisticated vibe.  A beautiful and well-received collection.

Liam Hodges brought the party – literally. His presentation consisted of six looks in what was made out to be a hungover rec room. Paint splattered black denim was coupled with knits. A colorful green patterned jersey and it’s trouser counterpart provided interest, but the secret in this collection really seemed to be the styling.

One of the most sought-after presentations at Fashion East was Kit Neale. Set in a separate room from the rest, the collection was bright, patterned, and tailored. According to Neale, the collection – know as Whammy!  – is about “exploring the age of adolescence and adventure…the message is in exploration of childhood escapades.” The punchy patterns were reminiscent of a childhood bedroom and mixed nicely with neon coloring. A favorite was a graphic jersey paired with a tailored suit patterned in a mini city roadmap scene.

Kit Neale will be showcasing her SS14 collection at Capsule in both Paris and New York.

Robin Reetz is writer based in England. You can find more of her work here on her blog, Second Floor Flat.

This week really starts the summer at The Sartorialist.

 

London, as usual, was a quick dip in an icy pool, but as I write this, I’m baking under the Tuscan sun. The images are coming fast, so be ready for lots of posts over the next few weeks.

 

This trip will literally take me around the world.  London, Florence, Milan, Paris, Madrid, Bali and Sydney.  If you have 5 minutes a day and a computer, you can come with me!

Words by Gino Delmas

Is the North Marais (“NoMa” for insiders) becoming the next hot Parisian area? A few new cafés and restaurants have opened (The Broken Arm, Noma bar, Wait, Le Parisien), but now it’s time for a new boutique to open here. Beaubien is a tiny store that popped up in one of the former wholesaler boutiques.

Julien Bouzereau, founder and buyer explains : “I wanted to introduce fresh international brands that you can’t find in Paris”. The result is a well curated selection- Il Bussetto leather accessories, Ebbets Field Flannel caps, Battenwear, Dana Lee, Japanese brands Orslow and Bag ’n’ Noun, and Danish brands Libertine-Libertine and Andersen-Andersen. The store is very welcoming with vintage but discrete furnishing and white walls. “For me, the products have to be at the center of the store, and nothing else”, says Bouzereau. Mission accomplished. Beaubien is yet another store to add to your Parisian shopping tour.

Beaubien
21 rue Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth, 75003 Paris, France +33 9 80 36 00 72 www.facebook.com/beaubienparis

Budget Fatigues

Following on Pete’s post yesterday, Mister Crew mentioned that Earl’s Apparel fatigue pants are a good option for someone on a budget (they’re apparently only $40). I’ve never tried them, but Mister Crew really knows his stuff, so I trust his recommendations. 

Earl’s Apparel fatigues can be had through Independence and Hickoree’s. There are also some at All Seasons Uniform for $27.50, though I don’t know what the difference between those and the others may be. 

Written by Robin Reetz

The second day of London Collections: Men showcased another large grouping of presentations and shows throughout London – 19 collections were shown on Tuesday alone. Here’s a round-up of our favorites:

Always popular, always provocative JW Anderson kicked off the second day of LCM. And for anyone who was still sleeping after Sunday night’s parties (and after-parties) was jolted awake by Anderson’s sculptured, geometric tops and fluid black trousers. Halfway through we were treated to a variety of chiffon floral-printed halter tops – yes, on the men – which served in stark contrast to the sharply cut leather and knit pieces that ruled the rest of the collection.

The Hunter Gather presentation showed both of the SS14 menswear collection as well as the womenswear debut. Shades of khakis and tans were found throughout the menswear line, and were complimented by white pieces covered in black or red graphic patterns. Hunter Gather’s first take on womenswear contained pleated silk skirts and knits in graphic, but familiar, prints of lipsticks and eyes patterns. The collection veered of course with the incorporation of dyed lace layered amongst the pretty patterned pieces and well-made shirtdresses. The brand labeled it as “feminine camouflage” but it missed the mark. You can read our full review of the Hunter Gather SS14 collection here. 

 

When it comes to British menswear, Margaret Howell is a veteran. The label launched in London in 1972 – years before some of her peers at LCM were born  – and her experience shines through in every collection. Her latest, shown Monday morning in Marylebone, was chic, wearable, simple. Outwear of all shapes was paired with small neck scarves and wide-brimmed hats, which perfectly accompanied the dressed-up dress shirts and trousers and the dressed-down khaki shorts and casual knitwear. The entire line could be mixed and matched, which gave it the feel of a truly coordinated collection. This was the real man’s wardrobe to be worn in a real man’s life.

KTZ opened its show with chanting and continued from there to provoke and interest with their multi-layered, multi-part looks. What appears to be layers of fabric at first glance is carefully fitted, constructed, and full of detail. Pattern played a key role – some pieces were entirely composed of one pattern while others toyed with solid coloring or mixed prints.  Accessories were abundant, with face scarves, hats, flashy silver jewelry, and bags incorporated into each look. This was a show that promised political messages – both the implied and the very literal: phrases such as Terror and Poison appeared on some pieces.

Fun and games were had at Sibling with a collection that was an ode to the East London greaser. Cropped denim pants and jackets, plenty of pastels, leopard and star prints, and the knits they’re well known for – paired with smiling models – were a treat for all. Oh happy days!

All of London is wishing it were beach-bound after Orlebar Brown’s swimwear presentation. In addition to his signature well-cut swimming trunks– a favorite pair featured a poolside scene – Brown also showed an impressive array of full trousers, jackets, and knit separates. All of which are versatile enough to look right at home in Monaco or at the neighborhood pool.

Christopher Kane showed a mix of sharply-tailored checkered short suits, akin to the fit of the 1950’s, paired with similarly-cut styles covered in circular, Spirograph prints. A standout was a yellow and black short suit, with matching button-up, and a coat cut to mid-thigh. Another favorite was a plain white shirt with button detailing arching over the chest and onto the sleeves. The similarities and differences of these two pieces are a perfect representation of Chris Kane’s SS14 collection – one as beautiful in color and print as shape and cut.

Perfect, polite summer suits were shown at Richard James – pale pastels in trousers, shorts, and lightweight blazers mixed with shirts and ties of stripes and polka dots. Finishing off the looks were appropriately bright (and oft embroidered) espadrilles that went well with wide-brimmed straw hats and had the crowd ready to jet off to Monaco. These pieces were lightweight, colorful, and begging to be worn – summer has arrived.

Menswear It girl, Katie Eary, labeled her SS14 collection “Flamingo Masscare” and the name soon revealed its origin. Reds and pinks dominated: men focused on constructed red and black leopard – one black overcoat was particularly sophisticated – while the ladies gravitated towards flowy, dreamy pinks – some even donned cotton candy colored-wigs.  This was the skateboarder and his beachside gypsy girlfriend, having their fun without losing site of reality.

Oliver Spencer is always a highlight, and this season he didn’t disappoint. Colors were abundant – the designer himself claims the yellow suit to be his favorite piece – and ranged from olive greens to yellows to reds and navys. We saw bleached denim and a double-breasted floral suit, but overall this was for the sophisticated man who plays with color and pattern, but gets serious with solids.

C.P. Company’s philosophy is Function and Use, and the SS14 collection shown Monday was just that. This was space-age outerwear done right. A nylon blazer was both fashionable and functional while anoraks were multi-layered and included C.P. Company’s signature hood goggles – useful in a city like London where the rain (somehow) managed to stay away on this second day of LCM.

Robin Reetz is writer based in England. You can find more of her work here on her blog, Second Floor Flat.