Morning loyal readers, as many of you will know, design duo, Baartmans & Siegel or Wouter and Amber as they are known by their Mothers, are becoming not only regular subjects of high praise here at Clothes-Make-the-Man, but they have been making real positive ground as part of London Collections:Men.

Synonymous with an impressive attention to detail matched with unwavering masculinity, Baartmans and Siegel, are renowned for their use of interactive texture and razor sharp tailoring. Self described modern-traditionalists, Wouter Baartmans and Amber Siegel’s work focuses on beautiful fabrics that seduce and shapes that are accessible yet distinctive.

They are the latest subject of River Island’s inspired, Design Forum, the inspiration for this 12 piece collection centres on a strong masculine protagonist, drawing dark cinematic elements from the dystopian works of Phillip K. Dick and the stark synthesizer noir of Director Michael Mann. Outerwear and tailoring are among the hero pieces in the range, including a structured double breasted blazer in a high quality wool mix fabrication and a versatile goose down puffa with reverse feature. Slick accessories and statement footwear accent the collection. Complete with a petrol-effect snow boots, a further reference to a signature style of the designers.

The duo said of this partnership, “When working on the concept for the collection we felt it was important for us to carry through our identity of indulgent masculinity with our signature fabrics and refined classic silhouettes. River Island’s responsiveness and huge industry network has allowed us to maintain our high level of craftsmanship which has been most refreshing. We have also been able to explore new technical aspects that we have wished to create for some time, which has been key in helping to create an accessible wardrobe with effortless style.”

A couple of months ago we brought you the news of a brilliant new event that was coming to Ole London Town, that was specially created just for us good fellas. Off The Rails is London’s brand new event dedicated to men’s style, retail & grooming, taking place from 30th October –2nd November.

Making its home in the iconic Old Truman Brewery, OTR presents a collection of over 70 classic and contemporary menswear brands including Oliver Sweeney, Realm & Empire, Shore Projects, Kent & Curwen and Natural Selection plus many more to keep every stylish gent fixed up and looking sharp for autumn/winter. Shop from exclusive collections just for OTR, special discounted products & meet directly with the brands themselves.

Add to that; Complimentary expert styling sessions in the Topman Personal Shopping Lounge, DJs, a pop up Murdock London barbershop, A Mr Hyde Bar, Patty & Bun burgers, an on-site tailoring service, and the opportunity to buy affordable contemporary art at specially curated Future Art 10 exhibition.

OTR really is London’s freshest fashion retail and style destination for the discerning modern man and we want you to be there with us.

Clothes-Make-the-Man is a proud style partner of OTR and we are offering our wonderful readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the event on any of the four days. We have 25 x pairs of tickets to give away so Follow us & Retweet NOW to enter #menswear #OTR to be in with a chance of winning.

If you want to buy a ticket please check out www.offtherailsldn.com for more details….

You now how it is, its still sunny and bright but you don’t want to appear a dick by wearing your sunglassees you don’t wanna have to keep on swapping over from regular glasses to sunglasses and back again, well by Gove, I think I’ve found the answer to your problems.

Transitions Optical, the world leader in pioneering light- adaptive lens technology and is the market leader in the advancement of photochromic lens technology, with over 100 worldwide researchers focused on the innovation of new technology. Transitions have developed over 4,500 different photochromic dyes, and over 115 US patents and 330 worldwide patents protect the technology. Transitions Optical goes beyond traditional vision correction by offering superior technology that surpasses clear prescription lenses and outperforms traditional sunwear. The lenses adapt their tint to changing light conditions, wherever you are.

For Autumn they have collaborated with Eyewear specialists, Eye Respect, where all their frames are designed by hand in England and manufactured by hand in Italy. The brand was born out of a desire to pay homage to the long and distinguished histories of English and Italian culture, and the effortless combination of style, standards of craftsmanship and attention to detail that are inherent in both cultures.

The partnership is announced as Transitions unveils a great new colour to add to its Signature lens offering, Graphite Green. A green sunglasses colour had been originally developed in the 1950’s because research showed that the human eyes do not respond equally to all colours in the visual spectrum. Based on this insight, Transitions Optical and Essilor International jointly developed the new grey-green colour using a unique patented colour science technology to provide an enhanced colour and contrast experience. The new colour is a contemporary addition to Transitions Optical’s family of coloured light-adaptive lenses.

Although the name Scarlett of Soho  conjurers up images of dim lit drinking dens and ladies of the night, nothing could be further from the actuality of this stylish, contemporary and incredibly convenient optical brand.

The brand pays homage to 18th century British eyewear innovator Edward Scarlett, a Royal Optician who revolutionised eyewear culture in his time. At his Soho store, on Dean Street, he popularised the usage of temples on frames for ease of wear and comfort, creating functional, fashionable eyewear. Inspired by his legacy, Scarlett of Soho represents timelessly classic yet modern eyewear, crafted with the finer details in mind. Its debut collection features 32 Unisex models, lovingly designed optical styles from a baseline of 9 fundamental designs inspired by generations of makers and crafters. The frames are hand finished using the highest quality Italian Mazuchelli acetate, undergoing a staggering 16-stage production process. The brand also offers a unique complimentary Home Try-On service, allowing customers to easily pick four frames to try over five days, with free shipping both ways. A great additional touch is each frame is inscribed with a thought provoking quote, for example ‘Embody Grace’, ‘Soldier On’ and ‘Designs Matters’, just for that lil added extra.