Accessory Spotlight: Allen Edmond

Allen Edmond is a US-based shoe company that has been making superior quality shoes since 1922. We were immediately attracted to their distinctive designs and quality which maintain elegance through their reserved appearance. Their attention to detail allows for superior comfort through techniques like shankless contruction, which eliminates break-in time, allowing shoes to move naturally with your feet from the initial use. The shoes are offered in an exhaustive selection of size and width combinations. Materials are meticulously selected using the highest grade leathers even for the lining, which allow the shoe to breathe better than synthetic materials. High-quality touches like cork insulation between the insole and outsole allow the shoe to mold to the individuals feet.

However, the point that sealed the deal for us is the unique “Recrafting” process offered by the them. The shoes are made so well, the company boasts that they can actually restore them to a near-new condition, if need be. It was the actual process that piqued our interest. According to their website, when you send your shoes in for “Recrafting”, their experts will first free the uppers from worn soles. Stretched over the proper last, the original uppers become shoes again through their unique manufacturing process. After your shoes are re-welted, soled and heeled, old finishes are carefully removed from the leather and new polishes and waxes applied. In about four weeks, shoes that look surprisingly new are returned to you. A great way to reinvest in a prized possesion, according to them.

They also offer a wide selection of belts for dress and casual wear, that complement their shoes well. And, of course, a collection of shoe-care products.

Dior replaces it’s Menswear Designer

The New York Times has reported that French fashion house Christian Dior has chosen to not renew Hedi Slimane’s contract as designer of it’s men’s wear line, Dior Homme. According to the Times,

“Mr. Slimane, the designer of Dior Homme since 2000, had been involved in contract negotiations since last July and had made no secret of his ambitions to exact greater creative control at Dior and design women’s collections under his own name.”

Apparently, the design house wanted Mr. Slimane’s forthcoming signature line to be operated under the Dior name, which would also mean control of the creative process. Dior has chosen Kris Van Assche to replace Slimane as artistic director for men’s ready-to-wear and accessories. Dior has become a formidable presence in menswear under Hedi Slimane’s watch. Slimane is known for his trademark slim fitting suits which have revolutionized menswear the past decade. This is part of the reason Dior has chosen Mr. Assche, as he was a former assistant of Hedi Slimane at Dior and previously at Yves Saint Larent. [source]

Photo credit: Jennifer Graylock/Associated Press

Designer Kim Jones’ Spring/Summer Must Have’s

Kim Jones is a British menswear designer, who since graduating from Central St Martins MA menswear has developed a cult following for his refined, casual clothing. His Spring/Summer 07 collection sticks to this refined elegance. His shirt designs in particular stand out for their distinct style.

These shirts create an interesting sihloette on the models. The cut used is extremely flattering and adds an element of style to the look. More looks can be found on his website.

Collection Spotlight: Burberry Spring/Summer 2007

The Spring/Summer Collection from Burberry Prorsum gave a casual, laid-back, hip look. Encompassing knit hats with small brims were nearly ubiquitous on the loose-fitted silhouettes. The presentation was typical Burberry with well-cut, clean lines and silhouettes but adding twists to classics as with one particular turquoise trench. Browns, cremes and tans ruled the runway with douses of blue, yellow, fusha and red. Bold color statements were combined esp. for trenches. Low-cut (mid chest) v-necks and u-necks of thin cashmere were layered with suits and shirts. Overall, a great look for breezy spring days.

Photo credits: FirstView for NY Magazine

Collection Spotlight: Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2007

The Spring 2007 Collection from Dolce & Gabbana is pure sporty chic. A slim but loose silhouette was seen throughout the collection. Numerous looks were featured, from ties paired with jeans to shiny satin-like suits and jackets.

The trend in menswear of pairing shorts with suit tops was also prominent at Dolce and Gabbana. In many cases the shorts being above the knee, some even mid-thigh looking like hot-pants. Suits were kept casual being paired with tennis shoes and pinstripe trousers being paired with short-sleeve button ups. The color palette was many whites and tans with strong silvers and blacks. Touches of blue and purple were well dispersed to complement the palette. Some stand-out looks are below.

Photo credits: NY Magazine

Fashion’s Growing Appeal For Men…

Australian newspaper The Age, has reported on the phenomenon of fashion conscious male. It’s not just in New York or American that men are getting more serious about the fashion choices. As source tell The Age:

“Men’s fashion…has evolved quite dramatically in recent years simply because it’s a lot more acceptable to be interested in fashion these days…Even the more blokey guys, like your footballers, are talking about fashion or involved in fashion, and I think that makes it a lot easier for more masculine guys to be able to go into a store and have a fair idea about what they’re after.”

[source]

Collection Spotlight: Missoni

Missoni

spring/summer 07

Missoni’s collection uses bold, eye-grabbing prints splashed with a pastel color palette. The pattern graphics mixed with the colors gains attention without blinding. Missoni effortlessly weave outfits together by pairing a bold print with more subdued one-color articles. The result is eye-catching without being over the top.

Photo credit: FirstView for NY Magazine

UNIQLO Comes To SoHo…

UNIQLO, the stylish Japanese brand has found a home in SoHo.

“UNIQLO’s SoHo global flagship will be the brand’s largest retail store anywhere in the world, featuring unique products and styles that will only be found there and a dynamic, cutting-edge store environment to make the shopping experience personal and fun. To ensure its success UNIQLO has recruited many of the industry’s top talents, stars and arbiters of style to design and manage the huge SoHo flagship.”

[source]

 

Jeans as a luxury…

Business Week, provides an article on the phenomenon of premium denim companies. The article discusses the reach of denim makers to other levels of the market, such as accessories and cosmetics.  The focus of these companies is to become lifestyle brands with loyal customers.

[source]

The New Suit…

The New York Times takes a look at the increasingly popular slim, fitted silholette that is taking place among suits. The trend is toward a lean, tight look that flatters the physique. And it is happening all through the fashion community as pointed out in the article:

“But the fact of a single silhouette coming into focus at so many diverse clothiers represents a rare consensus in the world of men’s wear.”

Not to mention that some men will have to hit the gym. The silohette is a drastic change from the previous shape-less look of mens fashion.

“You get to show off your physique more,” said Michael Chan, 30, an equities trader in New York who in the last year bought two slim, two-button suits from Seize sur Vingt, a custom suit maker in NoLIta. “It’s a more fitted look, not so baggy or amorphous, so you can see the body shape.”

 

[source]

Bald is Beautiful…

The Times’ features an article on the new shift of guys shaving their head. The article goes on to explain the impact of beauty companies who are now courting the male segment of the market:

“The response is a booming market of products being developed and sold specifically to the unhirsute — a new front in the nearly $5 billion onslaught of male grooming products in the United States.”

[source]