Skinny Suspenders

Just For The Record

2012-06-02T10:12:00.000-07:00

Summer is prime time for new music. With more time on your hands, you can search the nooks and crannies of the online music world and really discover some great stuff. And so I present you with just some of the stuff I'm currently listening. Don't be one of those youtubers who are obsessed with keep musicians a secret. Music is to be enjoyed. So share with myself and others. A Skinny Suspenders Soundtrack is needed. If you're interested in helping create this masterpiece...

Shoot me an email with music suggestions and what you're listening to:

skinnysuspenders@gmail.com

OR tweet me your suggestions with #skinnysoundtrack

Happy Listening!

Summer Under 100

2012-05-31T09:56:00.001-07:00

As the temperature this summer rises above 100, I wanted to provide a few summer options that are under $100. With many guys not wanting to overly commit to trends, updating your accessories can often be the way to go. Bright colors and nautical touches are popular in the summer, naturally, so below are my four favorite picks.

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Laptop Case - $58

2. Aubin & Wills Swim Shorts - $80

3. Beams Plus Socks - $25

4. Scotch & Soda - $52

The Importance of Good Taste

2012-05-30T10:08:00.002-07:00

Relatively soon I will be moving into my new Manhattan apartment which is a complete upgrade from a dorm and a meal plan. It's really a shame anyways having a meal plan with such distinct restaurants to eat in the city. And while I will be living closer to Hell's Kitchen, home of every type of food you could want in the city, I will still be cooking my own food on a regular basis. This means it's time to start investing in cookbooks - Recipes Every Man Should Know, if you will.

Even if everything in it isn't practical mark the ones that catch you eye. Mark the ones you want to cook one day in the future, or cook for someone else. Accumulate multiple cookbooks that each have things of your liking. It's important for a guy to know what he likes, and how to make it.

Cookbook for men found at Crate and Barrel.

Young men. Young business.

2012-05-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

In this world of young entrepreneurs, it's not uncommon for many young men to have their first business card made. If you don't have one, think about getting one; even if it just has your name, number and email. It shows you take yourself seriously and are well prepared, and it will feel less awkward when someone hands you their card.

Whenever you get a card, make sure you hold on to it. You never know when you may want to get in contact with that person. I recently found this Steven Alan business card holder and think it's a sleek way to store all of the cards you have accumulated over time. And remember, whenever you meet someone and exchange cards, try to email them the next day to remind them of who you are, and how it was a pleasure meeting them. Staying organized is a great way for young men to maintain their young business.

Steven Alan business card holder.

A Great Read

2012-05-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

Later this year The Great Gatsby film will be released, and chances our culture will grow a bit more nostalgic, with shows like Downton Abbey, Mad Men, and Boardwalk Empire all being a part of our obsession with past decades. With it being summer, I found this the perfect time to reread this classic. Refresh your mind and get lost in the glamorous, scandalous life of some of New York's finest.

Click on the book to purchase the hard copy, and the Kindle for the Kindle version of the book!

Steven Alan: Summer Picks

2012-05-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

While recently spending this past weekend meandering around Manhattan for a new spot to eat with friends, we stumbled in Steven Alan. Somehow the brand never came about on my radar, but I'm glad that it is now. The Meatpacking store was quaint and charming, and I found a great bathing suit that was bright orange and perfect for summer. The lady working was very happy to go through the different products with us and really seemed to care about what she was selling. I had to check out their website and was thrilled to see how many things they had to offer. I highly recommend checking out all of the products (I've included some of my favorite below). And for those interested we ended up eating at Bus Stop Cafe on Hudson. The Pasta Polo was great, and their hot chocolate is a cheap thrill to end the meal.

Interview with Kirk Von Heifner, of VBN

2012-05-24T10:03:00.000-07:00

Kirk Von Heifner, Design Director of VBN. As well as Eric Adams
Devon Craychee, who are Creative Directors of the brand.

Skinny Suspenders: VBN is a relatively new brand. Why and how was it created?
Kirk Von Heifner: Devon, Eric and I were just circle guys trying to fit into a square corporate holes, and it wasn't working. We hated the fact that a 9-5er job dictates our life and turning us into zombies, so creating a company of our own was our only choice and we had the most experience in fashion. We wanted to be part of something that is creative and fun but also benefits others. Through the brand we currently organize bi -monthly benefits, charities, environmental clean ups, etc. The end goal is to use the brand as a vehicle to really drive our social events while delivering utilitarian clothing. The bigger we get the more people we can impact and the better the line will evolve.

Skinny Suspenders: What is the brand's goal and mission?
KVH: As per above, We want to create and curate products for a man life as we see it, and through that improve the lifestyle of less fortunate and help preserve our natural environment.

Skinny Suspenders: What makes it different from the other brands out there?
KVH: The three of us are pretty different than most you meet in this industry. Besides that it's our brand's mission that sets us aside from most brands. We want to build a community. Unfortunately, we are trying to build a lifestyle brand and community from very little. Speaking from a indie brand stand point, a lot of brands are started by privileged kids and we are just hustling to make it. Hustling builds character and teaches you to run efficient, it's a good thing too.

Skinny Suspenders: Who do you see your customer being, and what are his needs as a consumer?
KVH: We translate to a lot of guys, yet we make clothes for a guy who surfs, grows his food, fishes, rock climbs, skis, gets his hands dirty and then brushes off and shows up at work in the city in the same outfit. Our clothing translates across multiple areas of a guys life, and that is what we design them for. Utilitarian clothing but pulls ascetics from the hot beds of our urban modern youth. (Venice, Silverlake, Williamsburg, Ballard, etc)

Skinny Suspenders: How difficult is it being an eco-friendly brand?
KVH: Everything is difficult about it. At first everything in the line was eco. Now only a portion of the line is eco, because we couldn't compete with the big brand's non eco lines. We had too many strikes against us so we needed to simplify our guidelines. Today it's more about supporting the work force in the USA when we can, using clean dye facilities, using fair factories over seas and ultimately using VBN to organize our socially responsible events. As we grow we will again push organics as a majority fiber.

Skinny Suspenders: What makes the products organic?
KVH: Cotton, using a cotton fibers from a plants 8 generations old grown within certified organic regulations (Organic Trade Association). The cotton plant must be grown with organic pesticides and fertilizers. It takes 2kg of fertilizer and pesticide to produce the cotton used in one t-shirt and in result there is a large amount of chemical run off and contamination of water supplies. If the farmer uses biodegradable substitutes then the run off is less destructive to the ecosystem. Other fibers such as recycled polyester is produced from soda bottles, or organic wool is sheered from open range sheep feeding mainly from their natural surroundings. Also, using dyes that do not contain heavy metals and/or are bio soluble. Producing goods locally to reduce carbon emissions. The list goes on and on.

Skinny Suspenders: What inspires the people behind the brand?
KVH: Living our lives around building this brand from nothing and doing the activities we love. You have to live a balanced life, and it's easier said than done.

Skinny Suspenders: Is there reasoning behind the constant use of neutral colors in all of the collections?
KVH: It's just the colors we love and the colors that most guys want to wear. We will be pushing more colors in the Spring'13 line. Check it out in July on the site!

Skinny Suspenders: What's a typical day for the creative team of VBN?
KVH: Answering e-mails, making tech packs, spec garments, designing trims, web site, color pallets, and maybe sketch some clothes. Too much to talk about. It's only really me in design and it's only Devon and Eric running the bulk of the company, sales, operations and helping with creative direction which keeps my area afloat. We obviously don't have 40 hr work weeks, it's a handful to say the least.

Skinny Suspenders: Where is VBN currently sold at?
KVH: Bloomingdales, Nordstroms, Urban,American Rag, Atrium, Gary's New Port and much more. You can go to the stockist link on our page and it should direct you to a retailer near you.

Skinny Suspenders: What's your favorite aspect of designing for men?
KVH: The classiness of it, there are rules and regulations to designing for a guy and it's not an easy task. Designing menswear is like car design. There's always 4 wheels, a chassis, motor, and body. It's within those guidelines based on history and trend you can create and design. It's somewhat calculated but without law set in stone and I like that aspect of it. If you are a well experienced designer you can move a lot creatively. Some people see menswear as too many restrictions and that's just not the case. You have to be an architect to be a menswear designer and a sculture to be a womenswear designer.

Skinny Suspenders: What's in store for the future of the brand?
KVH: Continue to grow company and build our social movement. The Spring'12 and Fall'13 are the renascence of VBN and it will only get much better so you need to watch for the new seasons.

Interview with Alexander Liang, of Kenton Magazine

2012-05-16T08:59:00.001-07:00

Alexander Liang, Editor-in-Chief of KENTON Magazine.

The growth of online magazines has often intrigued me, so needless to say I was excited when I had the recent opportunity to speak with Alexander Liang, Editor-in-Chief of KENTON Magazine. Below is my interview regarding his past experience at print publications, the future of the magazine, and his Favorite Fashion Five.

Skinny Suspenders: You attended Parsons School of Design. What did you study, and what did you take away from studying there?
Alexander: At Parsons, I studied Design & Management, which was a combination of both business and design. It was a great program and I use a lot of the knowledge and skills I learned at Parsons everyday.

Skinny Suspenders: From there you worked at various publications such as Details and T: The New York Times Style Magazine, as well as worked in PR. What made you decide to move forward to create Kenton Magazine?
Alexander: I always wanted to run my own company, so it was really just a question of when I would start it. I met a lot of amazing contacts throughout my work experiences and had the opportunity to observe the industry through the experts. Combined with my education at Parsons, I felt very prepared to take on the world of entrepreneurship. I also really had nothing to lose by starting a business, so I thought: why not?

Skinny Suspenders: What are the difference between an online magazine and a print?
Alexander: Online and print magazines have many similarities content-wise. However, the timing and angle of the content is what varies. Print magazines have to work well in advance to make deadlines for printing. Content always has to be checked for their relevancy after the magazine is printed. Online magazines are more up to the minute. Information can come in during the morning and be published online by the afternoon. Both print and online magazines plan content ahead of time, but I think there is more spontaneity with the web.

Skinny Suspenders: What is the daily routine of being an editor of an online magazine?
Alexander: Everyday is different, but the constant daily tasks include email, Twitter, Facebook and the like. I publish all of the stories on KENTON's site, so copy editing, formatting and design take up part of my days as well.

Skinny Suspenders: What's your favorite thing about your job?
Alexander: My favorite thing about my job is meeting and connecting with passionate, talented, hard-working people in the industry. And of course, I live for fashion week and the constant discovery of unique style.

Skinny Suspenders: Are there any misconceptions people have about online magazines?
Alexander: The number one misconception about online magazines is that they are blogs. I won't get into it, but there are definitely distinct differences. The second misconception is that working at magazine is all glamour. False. Yes, there is glamour, but there's also a lot of grease.

Skinny Suspenders: What would you say is the goal of the magazine?
Alexander: Our goal is to continually grow and develop as a magazine. We aim to connect with our readers and provide timely, engaging and evolving content.

Skinny Suspenders: Kenton Magazine offers fashion news for both men and women. Do you find it being double the work to please both audiences?
Alexander: We've never really seen it as double the work, but rather double the excitement, because we get to work with both men's and women's brands and topics. It can definitely be overwhelming at times, when news is coming in that's relevant for both sexes. However, we've heard from many of our readers that they often enjoy checking out stories geared to the opposite gender.

Skinny Suspenders: What's your hope for the future of Kenton?
Alexander: My hope is the KENTON continues to grow on an upward, exponential curve. I plan to be running the company for the rest of my career, so I definitely hope we can see consistent success!

Skinny Suspenders: Let's say you woke up and the Internet was nonexistent, where do you think you would end up within the fashion industry, if even the fashion industry?
Alexander: Interesting question. Easy answer would be that I'd be working at a print magazine. I might also be a stylist, since that is also part of my job as is. If I wasn't in the fashion industry, I think I might like to be a psychologist.

1. I'm currently plotting the purchase of this Joe Fresh blazer.

2. This Sperry Patent Boat Shoe.

3. Obsessed with Hermes Clic H bracelets and lusting after one.

4. Absolute favorite lunch spot is Bouchon Bakery in Columbus Circle, NYC. It's frequented so often that we joke at KENTON that it's our office.

5. Favorite new movie is The Avengers.

Revive Levi's in France

2012-05-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

With flagship stores in San Francisco, New York, and London, it only seems natural that Levi's opens their newest flagship store in France. Coming in at 7,000 square feet, the brand is opening the store this weekend where they plan to lure customers in with musical performances and three-stories of merchandise.
I quite like the brand personally as I seem to have really gotten into the American heritage vibe happening in menswear lately. My only thing is by looking at their other flagships stores I can't help but be slightly disappointed with the design aspect of the store. Levi's has been so creative lately, I expect something a little more grand from a flagship store. However, there's no doubt that the store will be well-received by the people of France.

Images Courtesy of WWD.

American Giant

2012-05-06T11:48:00.002-07:00

Tags on clothing with the words "Made in the U.S.A." is rare, but is gaining popularity and momentum with the help of brands like American Giant. The brand focuses on the importance of garments made in the United States, despite all of the talk about the expense of doing so. To some, this concept is important, to some it's not. The great thing about American Giant is the product stands up for itself in its quality craftsmanship.

I was recently gifted the snap button cardigan from American Giant and was impressed. The presentation was excellent. This idea of presentation is really important for all labels and stores to pay attention to. It sets the tone; you can make the customer feel like your product is that much more special. Creating an experience in a box that they will remember and keep them ordering products from you.

The cardigan fit very well, and I got a lot of compliments on it. It has a very baseball jacket / James Dean vibe to it which I really liked. Regardless of your stance on things, their products are well-made and will be something that will stay in your closet for years.

For more information on this product or purchase it, click here.

Legends and Legends in the Making

2012-05-03T17:37:00.000-07:00

You are bombarded with the sound of the music, by the sound of cheering, by the sound of clapping. They have waited for that moment for four years, and here they are laying it all out there for the industry to see.

Rewind. For four years the design students at the Fashion Institute of Technology have vigorously learned the ins and outs of designing and constructing a garment. As part of their senior year select students are chosen to show a look from their senior collection during the FIT Runway Show. This year marked the beginning of something special for these students. Calvin Klein has donated $2 million dollars to the production of this show and many to come. The models backstage were runway ready and fully dressed in all of the FIT garments, which were impeccably made. As I made my way back to the front, the lights dimmed and FIT President Joyce Brown came up to the podium to speak. She mentioned Diane von Furstenberg helping the students decide what to show, and how Joe Zee, Nanette Lepore, and Calvin Klein (all FIT alumni) were sitting front row to support the students.

I have to say, as an FIT student and as FIT's V.P. of Alumni Affairs, I felt so proud being a part of an institution who would be so supportive in launching the creative careers of its' students. You see the design students carry their bags of supplies around campus. You see them in the workrooms late into the night and early into the morning. Their faces ache with how much they believe in themselves and love what they do. In return, they are awarded a night like this. You are bombarded with the sound of the music, by the sound of cheering, by the sound of clapping. They have waited for that moment for four years, and here they are laying it all out there for the industry to see.

I've been to various designer shows over the last few years, but I never had the same reaction as I did with this show. To feel and know the harsh side of it, gives you all the more reason to enjoy the beautiful side of it. Congratulations to all of the students!

Joe Zee, Creative Director of Elle Magazine and myself.

Take Me Sailing

2012-05-02T09:25:00.001-07:00

I'm not exactly shy when it comes to my love for all things nautical, and this Aubin & Wills sweater satisfies my unconfined passion for sailing and sailboats. I'm not normally a big fan of graphics on tops for men, but don't tell me you wouldn't love to swaddle yourself in a blanket on a beach house with an old copy of Moby Dick in this sweater...

For more information or to purchase please click HERE.

Dior's New Mens SoHo Boutique

2012-04-24T16:56:00.002-07:00

It's always interesting when brands open new stores, mostly because the visual displays are in a way a self-reflecting mirror to see how the brand views themselves. Dior's new mens boutique in SoHo had a lot of input by designer Kris Van Assche and reflects his simplistic aesthetic. But I guess the only true way of experience the new store is to check it out in person - looks like I'm headed to SoHo soon!

Photo Courtesy of Kyle Ericksen

Slimmer and Brighter

2012-04-24T08:29:00.000-07:00

For some time now men have grown tired of the boxy shape that has existed in menswear. With the recent new shape and colors that tops are being made in, popularity has grown and men are going out more to purchase these items to update their wardrobe. Most men are only going to purchase new things when their old things are so dated that they stand out for the wrong reasons. Women's Wear Daily recently wrote about this, and featured some of the most popular brands in these photographs and I couldn't help but share them.

Images Courtesy of WWD

New love, New Balance

2012-04-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

How sick are these New Balance 576 Leather sneakers?

Summer Picks

2012-04-18T10:34:00.000-07:00

Summer is too often associated with the disappointment in the ability to layer clothing and the unsureness of what to wear to still feel stylish in the heat. The solution is accessories. Adding additional touches to outfits are always what sets well-dressed men apart. When you see a man who is put together nicely he will most likely have payed attention to the details. For summer I have made these particular selections from J.Crew for the simple fact that they have great simple accessories for men. I chose a nice pair of Ray-Bans, light brown watch, light colored tie with a fun repeat pattern, notebooks to stay organized, a tan belt, and a faded baseball cap. It doesn't get better than that.

ALL PICKS FROM JCREW.COM

VISIT THE MEN'S DIVISION HERE.

Click below on each to look at items individually.

Inspiration in Conversation

2012-04-14T09:54:00.000-07:00

If you want to talk about French style photography, then let's talk Robert Doisneau whose 100th birthday is today. The theme I always get from his photographs is conversation. Whether it's between man and his dog, two kids, two old men, two lovers, or just a man and his thoughts; there is always something brewing in the photographs. It all makes for great Saturday inspiration.

Color Forecasting: Spring 2013

2012-04-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

Just the other day I was sitting in my Creative Presentation class and the lecture was on color forecasting. I remember the days when I would sit behind my computer browsing through all of the collections in New York, Paris, and London wondering how all of these designs have various things that related to one another. How those common threads became trends, how those trends became knocked-off by retailers, and how people uninterested in fashion started looking the same. It's like that infamous scene in The Devil Wears Prada when Miranda Priestly, the editor of a fashion magazine in the film explains to Anne Hathaway's character the reality of how fashion effects so many.

As were going through the lecture my professor begins to explain the evolution of color in the fashion industry; how colors are not picked at random. Essentially the colors that are in this season, will gradually change and be used for the next season, and continue so down the road. For instance the ultra bright orange that is popular this season will be used next season but in a darker hue or value. Then for spring, it will be used once again but soften and lightened. From there it could turn into a yellow that turns into a green-yellow the next season, and a mustard the next. So I spent some time in the FIT color lab and found some colors I could see being used for Spring 2013, but I guess we will have to wait until September when the Spring '13 shows take place!

New Shirt. New shoes. New problem?

2012-04-09T07:42:00.001-07:00

There it is. My official Easter causal outfit from yesterday. The shirt and shoes are both new after catching my eye in H&M the other day. Besides just being into color lately, I always believe Easter should be a day of bright spring colors. I think I have finally adopted an addiction to color. New shirt. New shoes. New problem?

Sunday's Style of Desire

2012-04-08T06:39:00.000-07:00

J.Crew Old School Striped Silk-Blend Tie

For those of you who celebrate Easter, this is the choice of tie you should be wearing to celebrate. For those of you who do not, well then this is the tie you should be wearing because it is from J.Crew and it's perfect for spring, and really those are the only reasons you need. I am a little obsessed with the soft blue and white paired together, and by a little I mean I want to own everything in oxford blue, and I want curtains made out of the same Ralph Lauren washed-cotton blue oxford fabric used for their button-ups. How's that for Sunday's Style of Desire?

Trip to Elle Magazine

2012-04-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the opportunity to visit Hearst Tower, home to many of the most successful and famous magazines in the world. Upon entering the architecture alone sets the tone for how incredible this building is, and the amount of creativity that is produced here. There is a giant construction that has water trickling down, as you ride up the escalators to the third floor where the fabulous Hearst Cafeteria is located. Making your way to the elevator, you type in the floor your going to and the machine notifies you which elevator you're taking. Elevator P. 24th floor.

There they are, the giant white letters spelling out 'Elle' on a heavy glass door. Greeted by Joann Pailey, the Marketing Director of Elle; I'm given a tour around the Elle offices which is quiet and everyone is working at their desks. The editor's offices are all located against the wall with enormous windows allowing them to see all of New York. I meet briefly with Robbie Myers, Editor-in-Chief, and her assistant Seth Plattner. They continue working on her schedule for the upcoming weeks. Joe Zee, Creative Director, is in meetings in L.A. so he is absent from the office, but we stop to quickly chat with Paul Ritter, Design Director of Elle. What makes a good cover? His response: "A celebrity that people are currently talking about." We make our way meeting the guys who design the pages of the magazine, we even pass by Kate Lanphear, Style Director, who with a quick toss of blonde hair as she looks up greets us and says hello with a cheerful smile.

Elle Magazine's office is similar to their reader: a little quiet, but has something to say about fashion, forward-thinking, and well organized. It was a great experience to see a publication live and breathe, and I thank everyone at Elle for such a special day.

Sunday's Style of Desire

2012-04-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

Marc by Marc Jacobs Sweatshirt

I have collected so many images of clothing that I would like to buy, but none of them necessarily go well together as a post, so comes Sunday's Style of Desire. Each Sunday I will post something that I wish was in my closet, but instead it's on my blog. This week I've been eying this Marc by Marc Jacobs Americano sweatshirt. It looks to me like a vintage collegiate sweatshirt, and what better college than that of Marc Jacobs?

Nylon Magazine x Ralph Lauren Event

2012-03-31T10:45:00.001-07:00

Just a few days ago I headed over to Macy's on 34th street for the Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply event with Nylon Magazine. Coincidently I had been in Macy's a few weeks back and the Denim & Supply section had caught my eye. The clothes felt relevant to younger guy's sartorial taste, so it was great to see it come alive in collaboration with Nylon Magazine, who never seems to get it wrong when it comes to having a fun time. Waters, the band from San Francisco, performed a few songs. It's pretty hard not to have a good time when mixing fashion, drinks, and music.

This and That

2012-03-27T05:31:00.002-07:00

The year has been busy, but I guess it comes with its territory; being a full-time student/interning in Manhattan. To recap the last few months: I visited the Andrew Marc showroom to checkout the Marc Moto collection coming out this fall, attended the Robert Graham show at the Jimmy in SoHo, have had amazing food and drinks, spent a lot of time drinking bubble tea and visiting the High Line, going to a Leadership Workshop for the Fashion Institute of Technology, napped in the park alongside the Hudson River, adopted more color in my wardrobe, and have begun the process of shopping for an apartment in the city which is an exhausting process. 2012 - so far, so good.

Skinny Suspenders

Just For The Record

Summer Under 100

The Importance of Good Taste

Young men. Young business.

A Great Read

Steven Alan: Summer Picks

Interview with Kirk Von Heifner, of VBN

Interview with Alexander Liang, of Kenton Magazine

Revive Levi's in France

American Giant

Legends and Legends in the Making

Take Me Sailing

Dior's New Mens SoHo Boutique

Slimmer and Brighter

New love, New Balance

Summer Picks

Inspiration in Conversation

Color Forecasting: Spring 2013

New Shirt. New shoes. New problem?

Sunday's Style of Desire

Recommended Reading

Trip to Elle Magazine

Sunday's Style of Desire

Nylon Magazine x Ralph Lauren Event

This and That