Haute Links

• Comme des Garçons x KAWS equal a funky collaboration of wallets .

• Trovata sues Forever 21…which seems to be the new trend.

 

• Foolproof guide to matching a shirt and tie.

• Cop the retro Shutter Shades that Kanye West has been wearing…everywhere.

The Barbershop Salon Grooming Mecca

As more men continue to enjoy the finer aspects of life, more and more of us are looking for higher-end enjoyable treatments. One example of this is the emergence of high-end “barbershop salons” that was recently featured in the New York Times.

This new breed of barbershop is a hybrid of neighborhood barbershop and high-end salon. They show “SportsCenter” on plasma screens Read more

The Art Of Shaving & Gillette ‘Fusion Chrome Collection’ POWER RAZOR…with Spotlight

The Art of Shaving has collabo’ed with Gillette to present a dual branded product, as we reported earlier. The result is now available and quite interesting as it sports a headlight!

The collaboration, which has been named the Fusion Chrome Collection, is a luxury assortment of shaving and razor tools. One product from the collection is the power razor pictured above which retails for $150. It includes a matte black thermo-resin grip, spotlight, polished chrome, 5 blade shaving surface and on/off switch for power micro-pulses and spotlight.

Other products available from the collection include a manual razor, shaving brush and shaving stands.

Both companies are hoping that male consumers will pick up on the premium razor offering and it’s obviously no coincidence that this product was released in time for the holiday shopping season.

Wishlist!

Fusion Chrome Collection POWER RAZOR [website]
Earlier

Bespoke Custom Made Eyewear

We recently learned of the uber-luxe of eye-wear from Manhattan based CustomEyes.

CustomEyes is an eye-wear atelier that creates vintage and bespoke eye-wear. Conceived by Nader Zadi in 1995 because of, “his frustration over the use of technology and mass production that had abandoned craftsmanship for a robotic approach to eyeglass manufacturing” according to the company website.

Glasses are made by hand for each unique client. With a variety of unique frames, each is individual with some frames dating back 200 years. These classic frames are fitted with modern eye-wear using prescription or tinted lenses.

With such care and attention to the tiniest detail, this eyewear is for the tailor-made man. And with prices to reflect it.

CustomEyes [website]

“Pushing Five O’Clock Shadow Back a Few Hours”

The New York Times recently featured an article about the daily regimen for many males across the globe.

Shaving is a rite of passage that boys look forward to yet grown men wish could be alleviated. With a slew of new products available the process of delaying the need to shave may be getting closer. This article focuses on hair retardants which “promise to slow beard growth and improve skin texture”. These products have been doing well with increased sales as more men embrace skin care product.

Products featured in the article include:

• Clarins Men Skin Difference
• Origins for Men Fire Fighter Plus aftershave
• Clinique Skin Supplies for Men Post-Shave Soother Beard Control Formula
• Lab Series for Men Triple Benefit Post-Shave Remedy

The article is worth a read and will be of particular interest to those men who shave in the morning and have a five o’clock shadow by noon.
Pushing Five O’Clock Shadow Back a Few Hours [NYT]

Roberto Cavalli For H&M Collection Photos

Roberto Cavalli for H&M will hit stores Nov. 7 as we previously reported. The collaboration will feature a menswear line with looks to take one from day to night.

This collaboration stands out because the current trend of high profile designers teaming up with the high street has largely been for those of the fairer sex.  But now men will have a chance to fetch items this merchandise.

Items included in the collection will be:

• suit
• tuxedo
• trench-coat
• cardigan
• jeans
• several shirts (including tee’s)
• underwear
• accessories

H&M has been writing a blog following the collaboration and pictures of the upcoming collection with Roberto Cavalli are now available.

[source]

Earlier

Fashion Bullies In Middle School?!!?

An article in the Wall Street Journal talks about the increased pressure put on kids to wear trendy fashion conscious labels.

The increase of so-called “fashion bullies” is in sync with the increase of major design houses expanding to kids labels and collections.

While we can all remember our days of school and how kids can sometimes be cruel, the style today seems more label-conscious across the board than I remember about two decades ago.

While there may be many factors contributing to the increased awareness of brands, one major one is obviously the industry itself.

Fashion is based on planned obsolescence and what better way to get more money out of the consumer than with designer kids clothing. Regular clothing can be costly enough for children who may only get a few uses out of clothing before literally growing out of it. Now with this kids segment, designers can charge high prices and know that the consumer will be back in a few months for larger sizes. It’s almost genius if you’re the one reaping the benefits.

All in all the article is an interesting read into the way people in general view labels and clothing of others.

Fashion Bullies Attack- In Middle School [WSJ]

How Wearable Is Thom Browne’s Clothing?

So the other day we were in Bergdorf Goodman and found ourselves in the Thom Browne department. After seeing his recent shows the past few seasons we wanted to see how Browne translates his aesthetic for the retail level, where artistic expression must translate into monetary value. Much has been said and felt over the man who is on a mission to save the suit from going the way of the dodo. And he’s employing his own method to do so. It pretty much boils down to two camps:

1. Those who vehemently hate his clothing.
2. Those who fervidly love his clothing.

There’s little room in between. Thom Browne’s aesthetic is so extreme that it strikes a chord with people whether good or bad. You either love the cropped pants or you hate them. You dig the shrunken jacket or you despise it.

Browne pushes the envelope in his runway shows in terms of what men can and can’t wear. He presents stories and ideas on his runway which are filtered and toned down on the retail floor.

Love him or hate him he is one of the most influential menswear designers right now. His unconventional cuts and signature style of narrow jacket and fitted pants are much talked about. And his rules (i.e.-no ironing oxford shirts after washing and no socks with shoes) are just as much against the grain.

So how do Thom Browne’s clothes translate into the wardrobe of the average male?

Well surprisingly the collection is wearable. Granted not everything will suit everyone but there are a good amount of sweaters, coats and accessories that are wearable and covetous. Take note that many men are surprised how flattering the suits actually are when they get inside one.
What you see on the runway is usually very filtered by time it gets to the store. Even Browne himself admits most guys won’t embrace the floods which is why he sells them unhemmed. He lets the customer choose how much or how little to embrace the trend.

He is a directional label and his artistic expression comes through on the runway. Even his collection for Brooks Brothers was outlandish on the runway. But the actual Black Fleece in Brooks Brothers stores is wearable.

While his full aesthetic may not be a hit with many men, his influence can be seen across the retail landscape as suits move toward a slimmer fit in general.

What do you think?

The 50 Most Stylish Men of the Past 50 Years

Style isn’t necessarily expensive clothing.  Its something more that is distinct and different for each person who has it.  High priced labels and luxury products does not instantly make one stylish.  In the words of Edna Woolman Chase, “Fashion can be bought.  Style one must possess.”

To that end GQ.com gives us their list of “The 50 Most Stylish Men of the Past 50 Years“.  This list perfectly sums that statement up.  Just as money doesn’t buy class, it can’t buy style either.

Each of these men are unique and come from different walks of life.   But they all have a defined sense of style that they project to the world.  We can all learn some pointers from this group of men.

Full list after the jump. Read more

How To Fix Your Favorite, Old, Beloved Denim Jeans

Lets face it.

Jeans are an undeniable part of our wardrobe. They have the power to be worn in any season and for a variety of activities. All that wear and tear will take it’s toll on our go to denim which may need….treatment.

Some holes in jeans may add character. Other holes, particularly when said holes appear in the…crotch area are in need of therapy.

That’s where Denim Therapy comes to the rescue. In their words Denim Therapy will make, “a veritable resurrection of your old jeans. The denim thread is re-sewn into the existing jean to mimic the original grain, colour, and feel.” This beats the local dry cleaners who would put a patch over the holes.

Denim Therapy will treat any denim from jeans to jackets, low end to high end.

 

 

Denim Therapy [website]

 

Costume National Signs Eyewear License

“Costume National said Wednesday that it has inked a licensing deal for eyewear with niche Italian manufacturer Cult. The new line of sunglasses and prescription frames will bow in January 2008. Prior to the agreement, Costume National licensed its eyewear production to Italy’s Marcolin SpA. Costume National declined to provide sales forecasts. Cult, based in Padua, is a start-up company. It recently inked a licensing deal for eyewear with Thakoon.”  [DNR]

NIKE AIR OASIS MID PREMIUM

This pair of footwear is perfect for this season when the season demands browns the the times demand overtures to the classics.

A brown plaid is incorporated into a classic Nike shoe. Details such as the maroon on the back of the shoe distinguish it.

These shoes should fit into a variety of wardrobes and stand apart from typical runners. They can be dressed up or down.

[source]

 

 

How To Fold A Pocket Square

Details magazine always keeps us up to date with the latest additions to their informative site…and we love them for it.

This video on how to fold a pocket square simply and easily in under 60 seconds should be downloaded into the minds of all men.

This video shows how it’s not necessary to take a course in oragami when you simply want to don a classy accessory.

Suit Yourself! A Quick Primer on Different Suit Styles & Cuts

Details gives us a quick rundown of distinguishing aspects of worldly suits.  While all similar, there are differences which distinguish American, British, Italian and French suits.  Each style has certain defining characteristics.

American

“The all-American suit—with an unostentatious lapel and lean pants—has its roots in the Ivy League style of the fifties. Thom Browne’s 21st-century, charcoal wool version, with a slim body and soft, sloping shoulders, could easily stand up to the rigors of Yale.”
Thom Browne ($4,140)

British

“The classic British suit takes its inspiration from the uniforms of the royal armed forces—the high shoulders and slanted pockets of which are a hallmark of Savile Row’s Spencer Hart. Other homages to tradition: a nipped waist and pants that are tapered, but not tight.”
Spencer Hart (custom starts at $4,100)

 

Italian

“The Italians aren’t restrained about much, and the country’s signature suits—with broad, slightly padded shoulders and wide cuts—are no exception. Neapolitan clothier Kiton produces an inimitable version whose long jacket is offset by pants that fall higher on the ankle.”
Kiton ($7,585)

 

French

“With their high, notched lapels and angular cuts, French suits have the artistic gravitas of an installation at the Centre Pompidou. The double-breasted, slate-gray incarnation made by Yves Saint Laurent—with fabric that has a subtle sheen—should be considered the country’s sartorial ambassador.”
Yves Saint Laurent ($2,295)

[source]

Eye Alert!!!

Skin care may be uncharted territories for some men but it is an extremely important facet of style. Skin is the bodies largest organ and has to be tended too. Kiehl’s is a skin care line that can be your best friend.

One product that we recently purchased was Kiehl’s Eye Alert. It’s the perfect solution if you stayed out too late last night and have in be in the office early the next day.

The eye area is thinner, more delicate skin that has to be taken care of properly. Eye Alert has an energy booster to combat puffiness and dark circles. A blend of Vitamin E and caffeine fights eye-area fatigue after a long flight or a long night. The creme also contains cucumber and alfalfa extracts to cool and soothe the skin.
By using this creme regularly skin appears strengthened and the look of fine dehydration lines can be reduced. And we can say it is GREAT for a hangover. You may feel like death but you won’t look like it!

Check it

Haute Thought of the Day

“Fashions are the only induced epidemics, proving that epidemics can be induced by tradesmen.”
–George Bernard Shaw

Sometimes fashion crazes affect many individuals who hop on the bandwagon. This creates enormous profits for the fashion industry. Sometimes crazes get so built up so quickly and pass just as quickly as with fads. This can be seen with the craze of Crocs or even Uggs a few seasons ago.

The fashion industry is built on creating these epidemics that lead people to belevie that they MUST HAVE a certain item.  For the most part its a bigger problem in women’s wear but menswear experiences it too.

It’s for this reason we try to not splurge on trendy items that are in today, out tomorrow.  That’s what H&M, Uniqlo and other fast-fashion retailers are there for.

However, we firmly believe in classic items that last through the ebbs and flows of the often times fickle industry.  Sometimes it’s worth it to pay a premium for these items that will become mainstays in your ever-evolving wardrobe.

Finally Fall!

Even though fall began last month, it has just arrived here in New York City last week.

It actually came last Tuesday. One day it was summer and then fall. The change was noticeable to all residents and could most clearly be seen on the streets. All over the city stylish NY-ers were embracing the fall wardrobes that many of us have been WAITING to pull out.

We’re glad that fall is here as it one of our favorite seasons for dressing. After the sticky hot days of summer (when we don’t want to don our best couture for fear of sweat stains mixed with the fact that is just too hot for anything more than swim trunks) we eagerly embrace the chill in the air. And we love this time between summer and winter when it’s perfect sweater weather. The sartorial options are many from cardigans to v-necks to jackets. Layering is a key factor and the options are many.

So enjoy the weather and have fun with the autumn options for dress.

Skull Wing Tip Shoes From Barker Black Limited

 

Since the whole skull trend just won’t go away at least these shoes do it in an interesting way. These hand finished leather wing tips subtly feature skull and crossbone broguing on the toe.

Appearing again on the arch of the leather sole, the skull and crossbone logo is painstakingly tacked into the sole by hand signature crowned in 139 brass tacks during an hour-long process. All Barker Black shoes are finished by hand and made in England. At $750 these shoes aren’t for the feint of heart.

 

Available here.

The Return of the Necktie

The Styles section of the Times recently had this article about the current trend of neckties amongst the 18 to 34 year old demographic. The article discusses the return of the tie to being a key accessory with many young men opting to wear a tie even when not mandatory.

We think the return of the tie is being ushered in by the return of dressing up and tailored clothing that is happening in menswear in general. With the current success of designers Thom Browne and Hedi Slimane the past few years mixed with men’s renewed interest in dressing up and paying more attention to their style, the tie fits right in with men who want to express themselves through dress. And as the NYT points out this modern tie is different from the power ties of years past.

“A far cry from the storied “power ties” in aggressively colored and printed silk twill that defined the power corridors of the 1980s, the defiantly low-key tie of today is destined for dress-up Thursday as well as casual Friday. It may be made of wool, cashmere, silk knit or glove leather; cut a pointedly skinny two-and-a-half inches wide; woven in plaid or printed with an unorthodox pattern of skulls with bunny ears. It may boast a trendy label like Alexander Olch or Band of Outsiders. Slightly offbeat in a laid-back way — the Wes Anderson of the accessory world — the youthful tie is giving the old dress code a much-needed shot in the neck.”

We see this change as a markedly different shift from even last decade when the tie was seen as the mark of corporate submission to many hipsters and other young people.

The look is a great look that easily fits in with a man’s current wardrobe being easily mixed with sweaters, vests or cardigans.

After Years of Being Out, the Necktie Is In [NYT]

 

How Climate Change Impacts Fashion; Shift Toward Season-less Dressing

The past few weeks has had New Yorkers in a conundrum about how to dress.

The Indian summer that is taking place allows people to keep their warm season gear in their current wardrobe and extend it’s use.

Walking the streets of NY this past weekend one would hardly notice we are in Autumn. It was in the 80’s when the ice skating rink opened in Rockefeller Center this past Saturday. All across the city shorts and tee’s ruled the sidewalks. It’s virtually ridiculous to wear any truly fall garments.

The best things to wear now are lightweight garments. My cashmere knits (always in) have been getting alot of miles recently. A lightweight cashmere v-neck or cardigan can be layered up with button-ups or T-shirts. Or if it’s a warm night nothing beats the feel of cashmere against the skin.

An article in Australia’s The Age illustrates this shift in fashion.

“There’s really no such thing as defined autumn/winter and spring/summer collections any more…It’s all about lightweight garments that you can wear all year round and layering now… and it’s something I think we are only going to see more of.” says Margaret Porritt, of Melbourne fashion label Feathers.

This shift in the way we dress will impact fashion at all levels from manufacturing to collection presentations to the retail level. Since their are no strict boundaries between Fall/Winter or Spring/Summer clothing, with the exception of heavy woolen coats or hot pants. Savvy consumers are realizing this buying clothing that they can get more mileage out of.

“The whole fashion system will have to change,” Beppe Modenese, founder of Milan Fashion Week, told The New York Times last week. “The fashion system must adapt to the reality that there is no strong difference between summer and winter any more… You can’t have everyone showing four times a year to present the same thing. People are not prepared to invest in these clothes that, from one season to the other, use the same fabrics at the same weight.”

It’s great for consumers since we no longer have to pack up and move to storage our entire wardrobe until next season. By mixing and layering different looks our clothing purchases become more valuable.

[earlier]

Fashion warms to the reality of climate change [The Age]

Thom Browne Suits Up the Average Male

Esquire magazine takes a look at what happens when a average American male embraces the fashion forward suits of Thom Browne. The designer is known for his extreme silhouettes and slim cut suits that most men may find difficulty in pulling off.

David Katz goes into the sartorial world of Thom Browne in his report. The article details the fittings as well as the responses of people passing-by in various locations and times. The cut of a Thom Browne suit can be unforgiving with it’s shrunken jackets and ankle-baring cropped pants.

Katz tests his new look on friends and colleagues and well as strangers to see if he can pull off the look.

The Man in the Tiny Suit [Esquire]

Everyone’s a Critic

With the advent of blogs and social media everyone is now free to express their opinions on fashion and fashion criticism.

What used to be the domain of select editors is now open to anyone with an opinion.

NYT discusses this growing trend for everyone to be an expert in a article in the style section.

Sometimes it seems as if the “experts” aren’t really qualified for their self appointed positions as the article points out at times, from over-the-top dress to mispronouncing certain terms. (i.e.- “rouging” instead of “rouching”).

The article also discusses another problem of the trade where one has to play into certain stereotypes by being either cutting and vitriolic or flamboyantly excessive.

Everyone’s a Critic [NYT]

Karl Lagerfeld Eyewear Coming Soon

 

Karl Lagerfeld has teamed up with Marchon Eyewear, Inc., to create KARL LAGERFELD men’s and women’s eyewear starting with the 2008 collection.

The agreement will give Marchon, one of the most prominent eyewear companies, the exclusive worldwide license to design, manufacture and distribute both the sun and ophthalmic collections for the KARL LAGERFELD eyewear line.

“Dark glasses are like portable eye shadow and the world looks more beautiful through tinted glasses. Everybody looks 10 years younger,” states Karl Lagerfeld. “That is why I wear dark glasses always.”

“It is with great pleasure that we announce the launch of the eyewear collection by legendary designer, Karl Lagerfeld. His influential style and distinctive designs will be offered in both sun and optical frames,” said Al Berg, President and CEO, Marchon Eyewear, Inc. “The exclusive KARL LAGERFELD brand will complement Marchon’s expanding global portfolio.”

The new collection has been developed in collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld and the design duo Christian Roth and Eric Domege, who are supporting Marchon on this exciting launch. The design and palette will reflect the spirit and sophistication of the KARL LAGERFELD brand. The sunwear collection will debut at retail in January 2008 and the eyewear collection in April 2008.

Both collections will be sold worldwide in select department stores and specialty stores.

[source]