What To Wear In Menswear: Invest In a Vest

One of the must-have items of menswear this season, and into the fall season is the vest.

Vests, or waistcoats (as they are referred to across the pond), have come back into style in a mandatory way.

They are featured in the collections of Tom Ford and right down to fast fashion retailers.

Vests are the perfect way to add tailoring and style without resorting to the over-played blazer or sportsjacket (a classic, which needs a serious rest after everyone hopped on that bandwagon).

Vests have to ability to be worn in summer with a tee shirt or more layered up for the winter.

This is the piece to use in order to differentiate this season, keeping a current vibe, while letting the detail of a fine shirt come through.

Duckie Brown F/W 07

Giorgio Armani F/W 07

John Varvatos F/W 07

Rag & Bone F/W 07

A Warming Trend Creates Season-less Looks

As the season begins to change from summer to fall, many of us begin thinking of wardrobe changes as well.

Traditionally one would go through their closet and separate the fall/winter clothing from the spring/summer clothing. This closet cleaning ritual used to be a staple of ringing in the new season.

But as global warming continues to put temperatures in constant flux we can experience a variety of “seasons” in any particular month.

This is creating a need of season-less wardrobes which not only make for easier wardrobe building, but also allow your wallet to breathe easier by getting more longer use out of clothing.

Wall Street Journal reporter Teri Agins dissects this phenomenon in an article in today’s paper. The read will let consumers understand that the boundaries of fashion are fluid and different for each person depending on their geography and preference.

“The casual movement of recent years has also helped drive the trend, as jeans, a year-round fashion item that can be dressed up or down, have emerged as the workhorses in most people’s wardrobes. Turning a spring look into a fall outfit is as simple as layering on a sweater or heavier jacket.”

When shopping rather than getting stuck on seasonal looks go for what best fits into your existing wardrobe. Choose fabrics that can be worn year round and you will truly get the most out of your wardrobe.

Warming Trend: White Jeans Year Round [WSJ]

Haute Thought of the Day

“None of us will ever accomplish anything excellent or commanding except when he listens to this whisper which is heard by him alone.”

–Ralph Waldo Emerson

Faded Denim Is In

Men.Style.com has a spotlight on faded denim as the chic wash to wear now.  The popularity of dark denim is still strong but these light hue provide a contrast to those who want to stand out.

The modern fit is what keeps the new pairs updated.

Lighten Up [men.style.com]

Haute Thought of the Day

“It is impossible to underrate human intelligence–beginning with one’s own.”

–Henry Brooks Adams

Eleksen To Bring iApparel to the Masses

Eleksen is planning on bringing “iApparel” to the masses.

The manufacturer of digitally enhanced clothing wants to lower the traditionally costly prices of this futuristic technological clothing. The company intends, “to court mass appeal for a market that is estimated to grow to $1 billion in revenue by 2010″ according to an article in DNR.

The iApparel has been little known amongst consumers which the brand also wants to change. They are hoping that lower prices will appeal to consumers many of whom own digital products such as iPods.

“At MAGIC this week in Las Vegas, Eleksen is unveiling its “eSystem” program, targeting items that will retail below $100, including hoodies in the $69 to $79 range.”

With more and more people buying digital music products the iApparel clothing stands a chance of doing well especially among the youth market who are quick to embrace such products into their lifestyle.

Eleksen Bring iApparel to Mass Market [DNR]

Inside the World Of François-Henri Pinault and P.P.R.

Portfolio magazine has an interview article with François-Henri Pinault, C.E.O. of PPR, which owns Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta and most recently Puma, among other brands.

Pinault is in the midst of restructuring the company to focus on the brands rather than star power designers thereby, “challenging the fashion industry’s most fundamental beliefs.” This can most recently be seen throught the very public dismissal of Tom Ford as head designer of Gucci in 2004.

François-Henri Pinault is trying to build the cache of the luxury brands so that they speak for themselves. He wants the brands to be immune from the whims of famous designers. Whether the strategy works remains to be fully seen. But as seen in the article Gucci is doing well 3 years after the ouster of Tom Ford.

Gucci Unzipped [Portfolio Magazine]

Jam Home Made Fall/Winter 2007 Revelations Collection

Jam Home Made is a Japanese jewelry and accessories maker who have started shipping their Fall/Winter 2007 collection.

The collection entitled Revelations, includes items such as key chains and necklaces, some including popular military themes.

Available now at Re In Force.

via Hypebeast

One Mans Journey Into the World of Bespoke

NY Magazine has an article describing the process of on man’s foray into the mysterious world of bespoke.

The ultimate in tailoring bespoke is true custum with prices starting a $3,000 and going up.

The process is known only to few who have experienced the process for themselves but author Michael Idov details the process for us.

Me, My Suit and I- One Man’s Unintended Detour Into The Cult of Bespoke [NY Magazine]

Haute Thought of the Day

“The arts are an even better barometer of what is happening in our world than the stock market or the debates in congress.”

-Hendrik Willem Van Loon

Details On How to Save Your Skin

As we get older skin care is important in maintaining. If you’re scared to embrace then just keep using soap and water and see what happens. If you want to learn how to stay young and youthful looking, then follow these tips from Details.

Save Your Skin [Details]

The Hundreds Fall 2007

The Hundreds has their Fall 07 line which includes hoodies and tees.

The Hundreds is a streetwear brand is inspired by”Los Angeles Lifestyle / California Culture” with ties to ties to skateboarding, hip-hop and punk subcultures.

The F/W 07 line follows the current trend of retro inspired colors.

(more pics after the jump)

Read more

Are $300 Socks a Bit Much?

When is luxury too much?

Fast Company looks at why prices get out of control with consumers. From jeans to watches the luxury sector is selling a wider range of products that people are buying.

“Luxury goods are no longer a sign of status; they’re the mark of connoisseurship.”

The Inevitability of $300 Socks [Fast Company]

Mishka Fall/Winter 2007 Preview

This is a preview of Mishka’s F/W ‘07 product.

The collection includes an 80’s looking “Spetsnaz” all-weather jacket. There’s also denim jeans made with raw Japanese selvedge denim. The collection will be available very soon.

Mishka [website]

via mashKULTURE

Haute Thought of the Day

“Style, is like a frog: you can dissect the thing, but it somehow dies in the process.”
-Arthur Quinn

10 Essential Keys To Style From Tim Hamilton

 Designer Tim Hamilton gives his 10 fashion essentials on what he needs to live life.  These are different for everyone however we may find that some things are the same for everyone.

Tim’s fasion essentials include all-weather journals, Comme Des Garcons “Kyoto” candle and spray, and his own Tim Hamilton Shearling-Lined Snorkel Coat, a luxury over the top outercoat.

Also he lists i-d magazine which is a foreign title.  As Hamilton says, it reminds him, “not to take yourself too seriously, especially in the fashion business.”

Find all of Tim Hamiltons 10 fashion essentials at men.style.com.

Advanced Shaving Techniques

Grooming tips are always welcome and necessary in the realm of men’s style. This video thoroughly explains the techniques involved in shaving and secrets that professionals use for a great shave.

Haute Thought of the Day

 “People think that I can teach them style.  What stuff it all is.  Have something to say and say it as clearly as you can.  That is the only secret of style.”

–Matthew Arnold

Barneys New York Colloborates with Greedy Genius “Crock Star”

Greedy Genius, is a footwear that has been making a statement recently with eye grabbing designs.

This sneaker is the fourth collaboration between Barnely’s New York and Greed Genius.

We love the fact that Barney’s New York is collaborating with this streetwear brand. Streetwear, especially high-end kicks like these are a big part of modern guys wardrobe particularly for the younger generation. This collaboration proves how easily streetwear brands co-mingle with high-end boutique brands.

This “Croc Star” shoe is made of premium leather, white gel bottoms and graphic star power print.

Starting the first week of September, these kicks will be available exclusively at Barney’s New York.

via Hypebeast

Schwipe Fall/Winter 2007 “The Eyes Don’t Lies”

The new Schwipe Fall/Winter 07 line called “The Eyes Don’t Lies” has been released.

The Australian streetwear label features graphic prints and cut-and-sew products that differentiate them. This current line is tees, hoodies and cardigans, but look out as the brand extends to pants, women’s wear and knitwear.

 

 

 

 

 

via Highsnobiety

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video Short with Carlo Brandelli

Carlo Brandelli the creative director of Kilgour explains his connection between designing and the solo sport of “keepie-uppie”.

Hecklewood, a Streetwear Label Out of Portland

Hecklewood, is a streetwear label out of Portland, Oregon.

The brand will debut at the Pool Tradeshow in Las Vegas August 27-29. The brand will be showing a range from cut-and-sew items, to new tees and hoodies to accessories.

Hecklewood T-Shirts [Coolhunting]

Haute Thought of the Day

“A fashion is nothing but an induced epidemic.”

–George Bernard Shaw

The Art of Dumpster Diving?

Philip Crangi men’s jewelry designer and collector of discarded treasures shares his take on collecting nice pieces on a serious budget.

The Lux-end Jet Set Bag of Choice

Valextra, the choice luggage for the current jet-set generation, has introduced a duo that will fit any man for at least a week at vay-cay.

The duo luggage gracefully blends functionality with a sleek form. Each bag is ‘more than meets the eye’ in true transformation form:

“A sleek, 2.3-inch-deep garment bag can be folded and carried like a suitcase and features a lengthy side zipper for easy access. Even smarter is the soft trunk (available in two sizes), which contains, Voltron-style, up to nine freestanding compartments for shoes, grooming products, and clothes. (The outer bag can be unzipped and packed away.)”

Valextra / Frers Design garment bag, $2,950; small trunk, $3,480; and large trunk, $4,790; available at Barneys New York, 660 Madison Ave., NYC, (212) 826-8900, www.barneys.com; and Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Ave., NYC, (877) 551-7257, www.saks.com.

via Men.style.com

Kilgour, the Savile Row Institution, Plans to Grow

Kilgour, a Savile Row classic which can trace it’s roots to 1882, has dreams of moving gracefully downmarket.

The high-tailored sartorial brand is already known amongst purveyors of fine tailored suits through it’s Savile Row base.

The label has surpassed time, being wore by icons from Fred Astaire and Cary Grant to modern day Hollywood icons like Jude Law and Daniel Craig.

Now, designer Carlo Brandelli wants to move the brand beyond it’s exclusive roots to a wider base, but with the same sartorial tradition.

Instead of producing a watered down version of the high-end brother, Brandelli is on a task to make a sibling that includes the DNA of the family.

Brandelli is acclaimed critically, but remains out of the mainstream of the larger consumer market, a condition which he wants to change.

The designer plans to bring unstructured jackets without lining, to market while keeping the sartorial appeal. A tough challenge to say the least, yet one that we are salivating for.

The prices of the sibling range will stay in accordance with the old brand, which means high. But if Brandelli keeps the heritage of the Kilgour brand, it should be well worth the cost.

Kilgour: From Savile Row to the Runway [DNR]

Wolf Rayet Shirts

James Jurney is known to stylish professionals for his label Seize sur Vingt.

He is now going after a younger, hipper generation with his newest label, Wolf-Rayet. These shirts were made for “the world of nighttime clothing” and will come out when the sun goes down.

Attention to detail will be obvious from the above pics. Fine tailoring techniques have been incorporated in the construction of the shirts.

Metallic painted buttons are paired with finely stitched button-holes. The fit is snug and the fabrics, “are ultrasupple and Swiss-made.”

These shirts are sure to let one stand out in the lime-light.

Available for $260 at www.Group1620.com and Groupe Seize Sur Vingt, 267 Elizabeth St., NYC, (212) 343-0007

Via Men.style.com

Samsonite Strives To Move Into the Thriving Luxury Market

Luggage maker Samsonite is seeking upward mobility to worldwide global brand.

The maker of sturdy luggage is trying to reestablish itself as a luxury brand and move into the fashion sector as well, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.

The luxury market has been thriving recently and the 97-year old luggage maker wants in. To do so is going to be a struggle since most people equate the brand with it’s sturdy luggage bags and not luxury items. However the brand is hoping to woe shoppers through an aggressive multi-tiered strategy.

Chief Executive Marcello Bottoli signed on with Samsonite in 2004 from Louis Vuitton is steering the re-brand strategy. He is the man to do it and Louis Vuitton has successfully made the jump from luggage maker to global luxury behemoth selling clothing, shoes, and must-have accessories.

Bottoli admits, “The companies I admire are Burberry, (and) Coach”, two brands that have also made the jump into the fashion industry successfully.

Samsonite is going to have to carefully replicate what made Burberry, Coach and Louis Vuitton successful.

They seem to be getting of to a good foot. They have wisely hopped on the guest designer bandwagon by hiring star designer Alexander McQueen for a new collection of stylish and sexy bags.

In addition they have signed on Christina Ricci for spokeswoman, the first time they chose a Hollywood actress. Ads for the company have been using Richard Branson, Danica Patrick and Isabella Rossellini in chic magazines like Vogue.

The rebranding has also hit the retail level with the rollout of “Samsonite Black Label” a new upscale retail concept.

The company hopes that all of these efforts will push the brand upmarket. Only time will tell in consumers are buying it or not.

Social-Climbing Samsonite Seeks More Elegant Image [WSJ-subs. req.]

Gap’s Factory Conditions Improve

The Gap hasn’t exactly had an easy past few years. They were basically sinking in quicksand in a market of fresh fast fashion retailers like Zara and H&M which continues to this day.

However they have brought in new management and creative direction in an attempt to restructure the brand.

The reworkings appear to be starting to work as DNR reports that The Gap’s factory conditions are improving.

In a company issued report the company reported that, “5 percent of its factories globally required urgent attention at the end of its fiscal year ended in January, down from 6 percent for the previous year. However, the percent of factories with a rating of “excellent” jumped to 30 percent from 23 percent.”

Gap’s Factory Conditions Improve [DNR]

Haute Thought of the Day

“I think we are progressing in a real sort of way. We’re conscious to be individual, but we want to be experimental. What we want to do is push the boundaries.”

–Carlo Brandelli