Cashmere is luxurious, no arguments there, and it isn’t something that can be scrimped upon, its a product that if treated well will, literally, last you a lifetime, and in doing so will look after you and treat you well. But please don’t be under any preconception that if you pay £30-40 for a cashmere knit from a Supermarket, this will natural be the case.

Working with Cashmere is a real art and requires skilled craftsmen and women to create the optimum products that this fabric can produce. One such and noted house is nestled deep in the Scottish countryside, perched on the banks of the river Lossie, sits a majestic mill; one of the best kept secrets in Scottish textiles. Known the world-over as the experts in cashmere and fine woollens; Johnstons of Elgin has stood strong for over two centuries. This is a brand that searches far and wide to source only the finest and most luxurious fibres the world has to offer, and it is it’s extraordinary quality that gives its cashmere its enduring and unique appeal.

From dyeing to blending, carding to spinning, winding to weaving, knitting to scouring, milling to teaselling, cutting to folding; it all happens in their own mills on Scottish soil. Whether it’s a glove, scarf, jumper or cloth; every piece is made to last. From accessories to fabrics, their product defines luxury & quality.

For Winter 2013 the brand references British eccentricity and Scottish heritage. It offers a contemporary take, using heritage trims such as soft suede and tweed inserts for both style and practicality. The juxtaposition of contrasting fabrics in a single garment is a signature look for Johnstons of Elgin, who turned to their own archive to find fantastic 1970’s Glen checks and Houndstooth tweeds.

These outstanding principles are what attracted the Grand Dame of British Fashion, Dame Vivienne Westwood to collaborate with Johnstons. That shared passion for traditional production techniques and the preservation of skills already passed down through generations. The brand was approached as they epitomise Westwood’s ‘Quality over Quantity- buy less, choose well, make it last’ ethos.

Where do they put it ? Is a question I often ask when I find myself in the Internationally renowned Temple of Consumerism, Selfridges. It literally seems to be like some sort of TARDIS which is able to squeeze in more and more interesting collaborations, brands, themes and what-have-you. Last week it was the AMAZING Louis Vuitton Townhouse, this week its the turn of Mallorcan Footwear and accessories brand Camper to exclusively showcase its Camper Together collections on its world leading men’s shoe floor.

The area will include Camper’s innovative and unexpected collaborations with Kvadrat, the Scandinavian upholstery manufacturer, Bernhard Willhelm, whose unconventional style developed the hugely popular Himalayan sneaker(see below), yes you read that correctly, and Romain Kremer’s conceptual hybrid shoe. These will sit beside Camper’s signature range of men’s shoes in Selfridges Oxford Street flagship store, one of the most recognisable department stores in the World. The history of the two retailers is almost parallel – Camper’s Spanish heritage begins in 1877 and Selfridges, (as fans of the popular ITV period drama will know) in 1909. Both established by pioneering fearless visionaries, Antonio Fluxa and Gordon Selfridge respectively.

I first came across the brand Joules, whilst away with the Outlaws a couple of years ago in Padstow in Cornwall and was completely unaware that they even produced Menswear until a few years later when I attended aPress day for them and was completely bowled over to see their Mens Apparel. This is a family run business in EVERY sense of the word and there is some family, or friend, connection with pretty much everyone who works for Joules.This comes across so very clearly whenever you meet someone from the brand and they discuss it with such passion and understanding.

Joules was literally established in the fields of Great Britain or more specifically in Leicestershire and it today still has strong roots in the small rural town of Market Harborough, where the very first shop and head office are based. Following in his father’s footsteps, Tom Joule began selling country clobber at equestrian and country events across Britain, more than three decades ago. Quality was a foundation element in the formation of the brand and is never compromised and its promised that it will never be sacrificed for price. The feel of the fabric, the detail, linings and fit have all been given a huge amount of attention to deliver the best product. Bringing that countryside state of mind to the City.

For Winter 13, Joules have clearly takes inspiration from the Prince of Wales, Edward VIII and his iconic wardrobe; focusing on the traditional and regal styling of a British Heritage wardrobe whilst bringing them to life with an injection of rich and royal colours. Multi fabrication and reinforcement detailing on outerwear and brushed- wool shirting in over checks give this story the traditional country twist.

COMPETITION TIME

If you fancy channeling your inner Country Gent without looking out of place on the City streets, then now’s you chance, as we have teamed up with Joules to offer one lucky winner the chance to win the following key outfit from the Joules Winter 2013 Collection !!!! We are offering the Windsted French navy jacket, Whitfield Navy stripe shirt and the Stretton French navy Chinos and all you have to do is sign up to Clothes-Make-the-Man.com from now until midnight (GMT) on 1st November 2013, YES IT’S THAT EASY, I PROMISE

*PLEASE NOTE the above items are available in sizes 30, 32, 34, 36,38 or small-XXL

Well, its been quite a week for the French Fashion house, of Louis Vuitton, firstly they announce, former Balenciaga creative visionaire, Nicholas Ghesquière as Artistic Director of its women’s collections, with immediate effect. Ghesquière commented at the briefing: “Louis Vuitton has always incarnated for me the symbol of ultimate luxury, innovation and exploration. I am very honored of the mission that I am entrusted with, and proud to join the history of this great Maison. We share common values and a vision. I can’t wait to join the team. Together we will build the future of the brand while preserving its precious heritage.”

Now if that wasn’t enough, today, the gallic luxury uber-brand will inaugurate a new store, the Louis Vuitton Townhouse, located in the renowned department store, Selfridges. Built over 3 inter-connecting floors, the Townhouse follows a new architectural concept by the French-born and internationally acclaimed designer and former RCA student, Gwenaël Nicolas, whose past clients have included Issey Miyake and Lexus.

Through this unique space the brand promise their clientele a unique journey of surprise and discovery, a real dialogue between modernity and tradition inside the largest European department store-based destination. This is achieved by such features as the symbolic spiral structure which rises through the historical building. The ground floor will showcase the new collections of leather goods, accessories and travel items, with a dedicated and interactive digital platform of personalisation – a worldwide first for Louis Vuitton. Crafted glass art pieces become a striking background for the Vuitton leather collections including city bags, luggage and hard-sided pieces as well as the Maison’s iconic special orders and Mon Monogram.

Further into the store, a state-of-the-art circular elevator is revealed, which connects the upper floors. The short journey inside the elevator reveals a head-turning surprise as the glass structure gently spins inside a glass tube, following the movement of the spiral construction and offering an experience like no other. The amber brown patterns which are designed to evoking memories of sunset lights, are the prefect setting, for the first floor presents, for the first time the full Mens ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories collections presented by the in-house mens designer, Kim Jones, and is contrasted by strong patinated glass elements.

Surely one of the greatest Mo Bros that ever lived ?

I don’t think anyone could deny the AMAZING job Movember do and have been doing since their launch in 2004. Through their great work in encouraging men across the globe including countries such as Ireland, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Spain, the United Kingdom, Israel, South Africa, Taiwan and the United States to grow all sorts of Facial hair variations. They’ve highlighted the incredibly serious issue of Men living with prostate or testicular cancer and raising awareness and understanding of the health risks men face. In doing so, in an innovative, fun and engaging manner, raising much needed funds for men’s health programme investment.

This year, people are not just investing money in the project but equally important, their time. Brands from all sorts of differing spheres have produced creative and worthwhile concepts all in the name of Movember and brining attention to this BRILLIANT cause. So Clothes Make the Man thought we would inform our good readers of some of the innovative ways they can get involved and make a difference.

In support of Movember, International Tire Company, Bridgestone is sending its dynamic duo, also known as the Bridgestone Bros, on an epic road trip in search of the biggest, bushiest and most brilliant moustaches in Europe. Their hair-raising journey will all be captured as a documentary to be shown on Bridgestone’s www.beeneverywhere.eu website during Movember.

The Bridgestone Bros will travel in their vintage VW campervan – complete with giant moustache – from the Handlebar Club in London to the World Beard & Moustache Championships in Stuttgart, stopping off at moustache clubs in Antwerp, Strasbourg and Berlin along the way. Bridgestone is calling for men around the UK to get involved and join the Bridgestone Movember page to help raise money for this notable global men’s health charity.

Now then, you’d have thought a company famous for their closer then close shaves, wouldn’t be so keen on discouraging you to ditch the blade for the month, but as part of their ongoing support for Movember, thats exactly what Gillette are condoning (kinda). The Gillette Fusion ProGlide Styler, is Gillette’s first 3-in-1 precision grooming tool, perfect for Mo Bros wanting to style their facial hair. Combining Braun engineering and Gillette Fusion ProGlide technology, it trims your Mo evenly, shaves closely and edges accurately with a Precision Edging Blade. Plus, Gillette is on a mission to turn sportsmen into gentlemen through the power of the MO!

Movember is all about bringing real men together to raise awareness for real issues and what better way to bring men together than through sporting spirit and through sporting a Mo? Gillette is encouraging menfolk to sign up to its team, Mo Gents United, for fundraising fixtures and shenanigans. And if that wasn’t enough to tickle the top lip, there will also be a barbershop in central London where MO Bros and gents alike can come together to discuss facial hair, sport and a whole manner of manly things!

This year we see a new partnership with leading luxury watch specialist Maurice Lacroix supporting the Mo-vement with a campaign on a global scale. To Mark this exciting partnership Maurice Lacroix have created 11 Limited edition versions of the Pontos S watch, engraved with the 2013 Movember Moustache – one of which will be given as a prize to Movember’s international Man of Movember 2013, the ultimate accolade for any Mo bro.

Each year one Man, chosen from the combined List of winners all over the world, is crowned international Man of Movember becoming the face of the campaign. Each national Man of Movember winner is voted for at that particular country’s main gala parté, held at the end of november, by the world-renowned handlebar Moustache club.

Next up we have the fine English fragrance house Penhaligon, founded in 1870 by William Penhaligon. Their passion is to continue his incredible legacy of creative and innovative perfumery, challenging the traditions of the art and seeking new ways to interpret this art form. Their scents are still made in England using the finest rare ingredients. Penhaligon’s holds two long-standing Royal Warrants; from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh (granted 1956) and from HRH The Prince of Wales (granted 1988). So whether you are looking to add shape or body to your Mo, a tin of wax is the must-have accessory for any respectable Mo Bro wanting to keep it neat this Movember. And with Penhaligon’s moustache wax, created exclusively for Movember! Available online or in Penhaligon’s stores this lightly scented wax will keep your Mo in fine fettle. And, as the wax is lightly scented with Sartorial(Sartorial is a contemporary interpretation of a classic Fougère; the traditional notes of oakmoss, tonka bean and lavender have been exquisitely stitched together with woods, ozonic and metallic effects, leather, violet leaf, honey and spices to create the perfect illusion of a tailor’s workroom, didn’t you know ?), it provides the added bonus of keeping your Mo smelling as good as it looks.

If that wasn’t giving you enough ways to do your bit, Links of London are thrilled to extend their collaboration and team up with Movember for a third year, to create a range of limited edition accessories for Mo Bros and Sistas to wear as a talisman of support and provide a memento of their Mo Growing journey. The ever popular cufflinks and charms return again this year to complete the collection, each featuring a sterling silver moustache in honour of the men of Movember and raising funds for Men’s Health issues. For 2012 the collection expanded to include a black leather cord and silver Moustache bracelet to extend the collection and made it available exclusively on www.linksoflondon.com and in a selection of standalone stores. 2013 sees this iconic item reworked and range of Mo coloured cord bracelets in black, brown, grey, blonde and ginger and finished with our sterling silver Mo motif!

TOMS is known as the One for One brand, in that donates a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair they sell. But once again as part of their ongoing partnership between these two likeminded brands, have teamed up to produced a limited edition collection of footwear. This year we see the signature moustache appear embossed onto grey Suede Classics for ladies and Gents and the Paseo’s. So its a double whammy of do something good !

Lastly, but by no means least, we have the Movember App. It’s not meant to replace growing a real moustache. Instead it is another angle for those of you who want to get involved and raise awareness for the cause but maybe can’t physically grow a tache, or want a quick way to send a picture on Facebook that will make people think “What is this Movember ting all about?”. It uses facial recognition to quickly and easily add a moustache to anyone’s face. You can also place moustaches, beards, glasses and other items manually before sharing the photo through your favourite social media channel, or email, or just save to your device.

Taking the High Road – Johnstons of Elgin

Setting up Camp in Selfridges – Camper Pop up

The Crown Joules – Joules

COMPETITION TIME

Home is where the LV heart is – The new Louis Vuitton Townhouse at Selfridges

Remember, Remember the month of Movember !

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