Brandish

Lusting after McQueen S/S10: time machine, please?

cchapman — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:44:32 PDT

It seems in fashion we always want to be at the next destination, now. So it is that we haven't even hit August yet and some of us are already thinking ahead to what to wear in the fall. Of course, the fact that collections are shown out of sync with actual seasons doesn't help. An extreme example I'm faced with is wanting ALL of the McQueen shoe collection from S/S10 right now. Selectism.com have been giving sneak previews of the McQueen S/S10 shoe collection, those paint splattered lovelies, which will apparently also be available as trainers. Picking up on the folk-art patchwork and paint splattering seen in his recent film-presentation-as-show in Milan, the trainers seen here feature both of these themes as gorgeous detailing. Patience is, I guess, a virtue but in the wicked world of fashion it is sorely tested. Source: Selectism.com

Poll: ASOS tasselled loafer

Isabelle_ocarroll — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:09:47 PDT

Tasselled loafers have been on our radar for yonks now, and this summer saw deck shoes really break into mainstream menswear but are we ready for a hybrid?

John Malkovich, transcending fashion

jsmith — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:33:32 PDT

Does cool transcend fashion? In John Malkovich's case yep it certainly does. Malkovich belongs to a band of bus pass eligible actors that every young man should aspire to when becoming an old man. This motley crew of old geezers romp around southern Europe spreading their own brand of style and finesse and even when they drop a sartorial clanger like Malkovich's off white suit at the 44th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (yeah me neither) they still come out looking Ex Lax smooth. There is a certain substance to Malkovich's style that over powers the clothes that he wears, meaning this suit takes on a casual style embodied by the wearer and creates a look that only a lifetime of Being John Malkovich can buy.

When You're a Boy: Simon Foxton exhibition opens Friday

cchapman — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:14:55 PDT

This is officially: A Very Big Deal. Not only is uber-stylist Simon Foxton one of the most influential people in menswear but this exhibition is also one of the first to focus on the role of the stylist as opposed to the photographer. And it's about mens fashion: double whammy! As if our readers needed any reminding, menswear is like the new womenswear. And its only taken several millenia of social evolution to focus ourselves on the fact that men are peacocks obsessed with our appearance. Anway, enough with the sociology lecture.

Yay or Nay: Will you Gilet it this Winter?

wreid — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 04:12:23 PDT

Winter is often a season of necessity versus beauty. Unless one has enough in his wallet to buy a piece like this Alexander McQueen (a cool £1,095,) fashionistos are left to settle for cheap and not always stylish alternatives. The gilet (or body-warmer) is a fickle fashion item and this season it has been made-up in enticing chambray by label Wings + Horns. Gilets often look awful; after all, the Michelin Man-look has never suited anyone. However, when worn over-sized and unzipped with skinny jeans and leather brogues, your padded-tube of fabric becomes the key component of a high-fashion look. I would say 'Yay' to the idea of a gilet- simply follow Brandish's style advice and you'll be looking awesome anyway!

Military watch straps: its the details that count

cchapman — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:17:29 PDT

Sometimes, its the small details that make an outfit look particularly polished and well thought out. And whilst 80s digital watches are nice, they have become a bit ubiquitous. Striped, military style watch straps - particularly when paired with a vintage watch face - can make a statement. Actually part of the preppy uniform (those bold colours and stripes) and available at stores like Rugby Ralph Lauren in the States, the striped military watch strap can also be found here on grooming site, Carter and Bond.

Affordable expression: custom T's

jsmith — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:13:36 PDT

You can't get a tattoo anymore, everyone has them. Everyone has t-shirts too but t-shirts cost, hurt and infect less.

Film related fashion: Public Enemies

cchapman — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:13:36 PDT

On first impressions, current gangster blockbuster Public Enemies starring messrs Depp and Bale may seem to offer little in the way of fashion inspiration. Being so familiar, the gangster genre is not one that can shed a light on looks we may have forgotten about or didn't know before. But, as ever with menswear, its all about the detail. And with this film its the hats - fedoras to be precise. Wonderful New York blog all plaid out gives a fascinating view of Optimo, the classic brand who created the said fedoras for the movie. One of those brand insights that leaves you yearning for bygone eras of quality and craftsmanship. I particularly love the detail about the oxblood hat that Depp wears being a colour that "In certain lights looks black in others dark brown". With fashion for autumn being largely about a certain restrained luxury, details like these should be treasured as inspiration for the coming months.

The Serpentine Summer Party: Pharrell, Gareth Pugh & Will Young

Isabelle O'Carroll — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:24:58 PDT

Over at Catwalk Queen we're swooning over the women at the Serpentine Gallery Summer Party, but for once the guys were holding their own even if you discount Grayson Perry and his dress! Ron Arad sported a colourful jacket, Gareth Pugh was obviously all in black and the wonderful Bill Nighy showed that blue and grey is great. Surprise of the evening came from Pharell, who sported a pair of knee high boots, still top marks for effort.

Stabo Bivvy Trousers: lets go tenting

cchapman — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:45:10 PDT

Rugged, outdoor clothing is becoming a theme, at least this week. My new favourite site/e-newsletter the fabulously-named Urban Daddy has turned up perhaps the ultimate in outdoor clothing: trousers made from old tents. Military WWII tents to be precise, so as well as protecting you from the elements you'll be wearing a piece of history. With a relaxed fit, the trousers are cut long so you can roll them to fit and each pair comes with unique marks, flaws and patched holes as evidence of their authenticity. They also come as shorts! The waxed cagoules are rather gorgeous too, modeled on a real fisherman and all.

Filippa K Pre Fall 09

Isabelle O'Carroll — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:13:50 PDT

The delicate interplay between the different colours in the Filippa K pre-Fall collection really make it. A brick shirt, cornflower trousers and a pale dove bow tie, the colours are bright but slightly faded suggesting that high summer haze and intense heat. We particularly love the pleated trousers, rolled up they make looking smart a doddle.

Acting like a big kid: yellow raincoats

cchapman — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:21:09 PDT

Its raining its pouring, and if you'd forgotten about the need to cover up you may be considering a new rainwear purchase. With outdoor gear like mountaineering boots already looking hot for autumn, embrace your inner fisherman now and head into the deluge in a traditional yellow rain mac. Topman have a lightweight zip-up version availalable, perfect for staying visible in a wet festival. For something longer lasting that will see you through to autumn's downfalls there's this beauty from ASOS or the most authentic of the lot (courtesy of Valet) is this shiny, yellow raincoat by L.L Bean. Avoid brightly coloured wellingtons to fend off the worst Paddington Bear comments.

Spot the Difference: Nike revamp the Air Max

Isabelle O'Carroll — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:43:47 PDT

On the left, you have the original Air Max 1 which dates back from 1987 and on the right, the revamped Air Maxim. Tinker Hatfield, the original Air Max designer entrusted Jesse Leyve with the revamp who said: "We took the original Air Max 1 design brief and ran it through a present-day filter" It's amazing how something over 20 years old looks as fresh as it did back in 1987, but we're currently torn between the old version and the new one.

Head to toe: cool summer pick for hot nights

cchapman — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:08:35 PDT

With sales in full swing and the heat here to stay, now is the time to put together an outfit for those balmy evenings when you want to turn heads during your evening 'paseo'. A mix of high street and simple staples can pull together current menswear trends without trying too hard. First up, this very fun sailor hat from Topman, with authentic braiding detail. With such quirky headgear best to keep the rest simple, hence the simple tank (buy a size up) and black cuffed shorts. The mix of brown shoes with black clothing is very 2009 and these battered-looking Oxfords would look great matched with cotton socks in a soft pastel shade, like a cream or lemon.

Wireless: Daniel Merriweather vs Tinchy Stryder

Isabelle_ocarroll — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:13:27 PDT

Displaying two very different menswear styles Daniel Merriweather and Tinchy Stryder put on their best togs for their appearances onstage at Wireless. Daniel Merriweather, best known for his vocals on the Mark Ronson version of The Smiths' 'Stop Me' opted for a tweedy jacket, shirt and tambourine, accessorised with a pair of aviator shades.

5 beach totes: pack up and go in style

cchapman — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:54:17 PDT

With beach time and festivals ongoing, a pick of the best totes is timely. Topman continue to have some bang on-trend totes, this lion playing card print would look great with a foppish English garden party ensemble. Or try the acid Aztec print for a MGMT/summer festival psychedelic spin. Speaking of Williamsburg, the Brooklyn idyll's other favourite sons, Yeasayer, have this lovely hand print denim tote available from their merchandise site. Prefer back straps to shouldering a flimsy tote bag? This steel wire backpack from Manufactum is from an original Bauhaus design and will make you look arty (just make sure your reading material is suitably highbrow - Grazia just won't do). If you really need to lug a load of stuff around with you, Uniqlo have very affordable cute backpacks in some perky colours.

Giles Deacon's second range for New Look hits stores on the 15th

Isabelle_ocarroll — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 03:39:25 PDT

Giles Deacon for New Look, one of the few designer X high street collaborations for men returns next week with another collection, featuring a selection of shirts, t-shirts, jeans and knits. We like that the New Look collections are a chance to see Deacon's lighter take on fashion with witty t-shirt prints and bright colours. Hopefully we'll see see pieces which push boundaries a little more in future collections but as always it's baby steps for menswear.

Psychedelic shorts: the next step for short trousers

cchapman — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:31:34 PDT

Shorts have definitely become the fashion story of the summer, a trend that kicked off last year but is still gathering momentum. At MACHO CITY last night bare calves were definitely the norm, with pleated chino shorts and cut off denims (worn by the likes of Henry Holland) vying for top spot. In the on-going search for the wildest shorts of the summer, pattern and colour have stepped into the fray. In New York, where a steamy summer is to be expected, Debonair reports that the psychedelic Batik-print shorts by Nolita store Unis are stealing the limelight. Cut high on the thigh and light enough to be worn as swimming shorts, I can see them working here too allowing for an easy transition from lido to London Fields picnicking. For an Anglo take on the trend, seek out wild prints from Liberty, Paul Smith florals or run up a pair in toile de jouy! Eyes and minds will boggle.

Don't sweat like the rest. Rock a vest!

jsmith — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:15:24 PDT

Being on public transport in the glorious-but-annoyingly-timed-to-coincide-with-the-working-week heat wave is pretty grim. Buses, trains and especially the Tube are hotter than Bin Laden's pager number, if you were naked you would still be wearing to much. Clearly you can't rock out with your cock out on public transport, however you can compromise with Granddad's favourite, a vest.

Alexander McQueen Menswear SS 10

Isabelle O'Carroll — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:32:35 PDT

Alexander McQueen's menswear collections get more and more interesting by the season. This latest show was a clear departure in mood from his last show, 'The Queensberry Rules'. There was still a menacing undercurrent, with vibes of tortured artist coming through, but the overall atmosphere was that of a more feminine creativity. McQueen's traditional rustic tailoring the look reminded me of some of the Italian workmen that the Sartorialist sometimes snaps.

Alexander McQueen Menswear SS 10

Isabelle O'Carroll — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:16:45 PDT

Get the look: Sea of Shoes' slouchy Japanese androgyne

cchapman — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:04:21 PDT

Perhaps best know for making us all sick with her seemingly inexhaustible spending power and ability to travel the world at will, teen blogger Sea of Shoes occasionally turns up a stunning male fashion image on her way. I love this image of the young Japanese hipster, something about the worn insouciance of his outfit which looks designer but is probably a collection of vintage/well loved items. Of course, his girly frame might not be what one can aspire to/or desire but the mix of slouchy, slightly faded jersey and killer boots is one that could translate well into something more rugged.

Menswear summer picks from Lee Douros, head buyer at my-wardrobe pt2

Isabelle O'Carroll — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:11:28 PDT

The second instalment of our summer picks from menswear buyer Lee Douros. There are some beautiful items that will take you stylishly into autumn including a wonderful pair of cornflower blue deck shoes. Having made their first foray into menswear my-wardrobe have got some exciting brands on board for Autumn, can't wait for their A/W picks!

Paris Menswear: Lanvin SS10 Catwalk Show

Isabelle O'Carroll — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:27:15 PDT

You can rely on Alber Elbaz and Lucas Ossendrijver to deliver a great collection and they did. This collection for Lanvin was typically elegant affair, with the très chic suits and kimono-style jackets. Irreverent touches like trousers and suits made from tie silk reinforce Elbaz's gentle sense of humour and sandals worn with socks gave a geeky twist to the look.

New label obsession: Burkman Brothers

cchapman — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:45:49 PDT

Regular readers will know I have a thing for American, brands like Rugby Ralph Lauren and BBlessing as well as Stateside blogs such as Mister Mort and Secret Forts. So it's with great pleasure that I (hopefully) introduce to you Burkman Brothers. Stumbling across them on the blogosphere it seems that New York has been alight with talk of them this year. Super-handsome, real life brothers, Doug and Ben create American clothing with genuine love of detail and finish - their madras fabrics for example are all woven in South India. With a history that includes designing for Gap this isn't edgy stuff but the attention to detail and consistent aesthetic are really refreshing. Check out the gorgeous current Spring/Summer collection lookbook here - great use of colour and the Indian setting is a perfect foil.