Hermès Fall Winter 2012/13
(Keep it..) Simple. (Get some…) Confidence. That’s really all that one needs to look good.
Link: Hermès
(Keep it..) Simple. (Get some…) Confidence. That’s really all that one needs to look good.
Link: Hermès
Thom Browne fashion shows are never boring. Theatrics aside, the guy knows how to cut a jacket. Slim sleeves and really high arm holes.
Link: Thom Browne
I really like this jacket from Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2012; the colors are rich, the fabric luxurious, and the craftsmanship is evident. It’s unabashedly flashy and in your face.
Link: Dolce&Gabbana
For me, Prada has always been an “intellectual” brand. I imagine their clientele (both women and men) to be bookish and worldly; the types to be sitting at cafes, drinking espresso, smoking cigarettes, and having lively conversations on art and politics.
In any case, at Prada, I’ve always found the cuts to be smart, the fabrics luxurious, and the construction built with quality. It reasons, then, that I’m always interested when Milan Fashion Week rolls around. And, scanning the photos from Prada’s Fall/Winter 2012 collection, this is definitely my favorite look.
I really like the contrast in pinstripe thickness between the pants and jacket. The accoutrements in the chest pocket are spot-on as well, adding color to an otherwise, somber palette.
Link: Prada (You can watch the show on their website)
As I mentioned in a previous post, I’m trying to get serious about caring for my shoes. I researched and found many menswear blogs and forums praising the offerings by Saphir, a French company specializing in shoe care products. So, I gave it a whirl and purchased a “minimal” amount of stuff to take care of my black and other colored shoes. Namely, Rénovateur (Cleaner and Conditioner), Créme (Shoe Cream) in black and in light brown, and Pate de Luxe (Shoe Wax) in black and in neutral.
Up until now, I haven’t given my collection of shoes the care that they deserve. So, the other day, I invested an afternoon to research what is involved to properly shine shoes — I Google searched “best luxury shoe polish,” watched countless Youtube clips of people polishing shoes, and read a bunch of Menswear blogs and forums on the topic. And you know what? I learned a lot, from the proper tools of the trade to what to look for in a quality shoe polish. Armed with information and intending to make shoe shining part of my quarterly routine, I decided to splurge on this well-crafted cedar shoe valet from Brooks Brothers. It’s essentially just a cool-looking and fine-smelling box to hold shoe polishing gear.
Another cool-looking (albeit uncomfortable!) velvet loafer.
Link: Arfango
According to the Art of Manliness…
In the 19th and early 20th century, social interaction was a richly cultivated, well-mannered affair. The tool that facilitated these interactions was the calling card. Calling cards streamlined introductions and helped remind people of new acquaintances and needed visits. The calling card also served as a way to brand your social identity. The way your card looked and felt or the way you handed it to someone communicated your standing and relationship with the receiver.
… and it’s much easier and less awkward than having to write down info on a scrap of paper, or input digits in the mobile phone on the spot. I’d much rather hand out a card.
I kept mine simple, using the standard American business card size of 3.5″ x 2,” with 3 lines – name, phone number, and email. To add a touch of elegance, I had my info Letterpressed in black ink, using Neutraface font, on Crane Lettra 220lb stock – love the heft and thickness. It feels solid in the hand. I kept one side blank for hand-written notes and messages. Finally, I had the edges colored in gold.
Picked up a few lapel flowers from The Knottery’s online shop. They’re simply made and reasonably priced. My current favorite is the pink one with the Mother of Pearl center that they call the Scoundrel (really like their product names, as well).
They are an attention grabber, for sure.
Link: Vivienne Westwood