CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN
The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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The Force is strong in this one – #VansxSTARWARS range

Literally the buzz around the new Episode VII of the Star Wars franchise is palatable, even bordering on insane, every film magazine and website are running features on the most minute and insignificant detail. Whether it be Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and Harrison Ford (Han Solo) both being in the UK at the same time or a piece of at AT-AT walker being spotted in Abu Dhabi.

Now I could include such puns as, Out of the World Collaboration, Interstellar collection, taking off to a galaxy far, far away for an out-of-this-world range, but I won’t, as hard as it is. Simply, the Vans x Star Wars collection introduces a six-piece collection from Classics. Aligning with the Dark Side, Vans introduces two colorways of the Authentic featuring Boba Fett and Stormtrooper characters. The Boba Fett camo color-up compliments the bounty hunter’s disguise alongside the Death Star, Darth Vader and the Stormtrooper to paint a dark scene of the evil Empire. The second style surfaces in the Stormtrooper bandana print that mashes up one of Vans’ archived patterns with the Galactic Empire’s henchmen for a discreet, all-over arrangement. Yoda brings balance to the Force with his special takes on the Authentic and Sk8-Hi Reissue. Blended with Vans’ Hawaiian pattern and images of Yoda, the peaceful aloha motif covers the uppers of the low top and hits each quarter panel of the high top. As a tribute to the original film, Vans pairs the Classic Slip-On with the 1977 poster artwork from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope and showcases the Era in comic-book style graphics from vintage Star Wars merchandise. Young Padawans and small Sith lords, sorry a lease in the force,  can enjoy the collection as well with kid and toddler-sized shoes featuring the Yoda-inspired art and comic-book graphics as well as two kids-specific Stormtrooper and Darth Vader prints.

The men’s range highlights the Yoda aloha and Stormtrooper bandana prints across a selection of tees, with an addition of a cap, backpack and sock pack dedicated to Yoda’s special pattern.

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Suitably turned out for the World Cup – Marks & Spencer launch the new England Football Team suit

imageWith the FIFA 2014 World Cup little more then a month after, it’s fair to say anticipation is starting to reach fever pitch. The national treasure that is Marks & Spencer have been entrusted again to supply the official suit for the England Football Team to be worn in Brasil this Summer. Created in house by the M&S design team, Marks & Spencer has worked with The FA to develop this exclusive suit. Sourcing the finest British fabrics as well as tailor-making each suit to perfectly fit every player, the suit is designed to be lightweight and comfortable to wear in the hot temperatures in Brazil.

The grey Autograph suit is cut from light and breathable English wool and mohair fabric and features special details; an embroidered World Cup Winners star on the inside envelope pocket, the England crest on the Autograph label and a patriotic red, white and blue sleeve and pocket lining.

Celebrating six years as Official Tailor to the England Team, M&S has been supplying their formalwear wardrobe since 2007. Club England Managing Director Adrian Bevington says, “With qualification secured to the World Cup, one of the most exciting parts of planning for the tournament is always the team suit and this has been no exception. We are delighted with what has been created for the team and staff to wear.”

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It’s Magic -Stone Island Marina

imageRemember the Hypercolour T-Shirts of the 1980’s, they started off one colour then as you warmed up, or simply with body heat they changed to a different one, yeah they were all the rage. That was until it was you wore it and the first area to change colour was you armpits, which just highlighted something, which really didn’t need a big colour changing  arrow to point it out.

Anywho, the technology behind this has moved on in leaps and bounds and luxury Sportswear brand Stone Island are implementing it in a whole new way within their new Stone Island Marina range. It’s described as, “A meeting point between the Sports look and total relaxation.”

The technology used with this range on waistcoats in fine cotton muslin changes colour according to the temperature. The molecules of the micro coloured pigments encapsulated in the fabric changes colour gradually as the temperature rises, changing the shade of the jackets. Plus to make this a little more technical and a ravers delight, glow in the dark details have been used on the detailing, piping and print.

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Orla & John, a match made in Collaboration heaven – John Lewis X Orla Kiely

imageAs part of the landmark celebrations around John Lewis’ 150th birthday this year, You surely can’t have missed that TV Ad by now ? The department store is collaborating with world-renowned designer Orla Kiely on her debut menswear collection. The monumental celebrations, which will see exclusive collaborations by the likes of Barbour, Levi’s and Hackett, amongst others across the retailer and will cement 150 years for John Lewis at the pinnacle of British ‘shopkeeping’.

Internationally lauded for her striking prints and use of unique motifs and textures, the 19 piece range takes inspiration from the 1950’s Mediterranean styling from film, The Talented Mr Ripley. Featuring printed shirts, cotton poplin shorts, swim shorts, pigment washed jersey sweatshirts and a range of accessories including caps, belts and canvas beach bags, the collection features colourways from the designer’s signature ‘Stem Print’ palette in mustard, brick red and elephant grey. Anchoring the collection are two classic prints from the designer’s archive – ‘Sea Sketch’ in navy blue and ‘Ditsy Regatta’ in grey and brown – each in an illustrated, hand drawn style.

“For my debut menswear line I wanted to create something true to my established design signature – versatile matching sets that achieve a clean, confident and contemporary look. Working closely with the John Lewis team from start to finish has made the process an absolute joy. Happy Birthday John Lewis!” Says Orla Kiely

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I’ve got a Golden Ticket ! – Tumi’s AMAZING Competition to mark the launch of their new flagship store

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TUMI, the leading international brand of premium travel, business and lifestyle accessories has just opened its flagship store in London’s Regent Street, the centre of the city’s shopping district.  The 223 square metre store boasts state-of-the-art LED lighting and three distinct product touch-points are implemented into the floor plan: ground for travel cases, wall for men’s and women’s day bags, and special tables for small accessories. A monogramming station will provide on-the-spot product personalization. Clean, white platforms present a line-up of wheeled travel cases, reminiscent of a runway. A stainless steel rectangular counter within the travel area serves as a demonstration table to test products.

imageNow here’s the REALLY exciting part, to mark the launch of this illustrious flagship store, in a city known only to well to countless millions of tourists and Londoners alike. Tumi are launching one hell of a great social media competition to send two incredibly lucky winners on an incredible luxury trip of a lifetime!

On the morning of 1st May, five American Airlines flight attendants from their elite transatlantic service will hide five golden Tumi suitcases across the capital. To enter the competition, simply follow the movie clues which can be found on TumiGoldenTicket.com locate one of the golden cases, take a picture and post on social media featuring #TumiGoldenTicket. Each case found, photographed and posted will count, up to the maximum of five, so the more suitcases discovered the higher the chances of winning!

OK so what’s all the fuss about, tell us what the prize is ???? Well, only flipping travelling to Los Angeles with American Airlines in Business Class on their sleek new 777 offering a new level of comfort across the Atlantic. You will be sipping champagne and enjoying a gourmet dining experience before slipping into the newly designed lie-flat seats for a blissful night’s sleep. Landing in sunny California you will be whisked away to the 5 star ‘London West Hollywood’ hotel, a combination of the best in cosmopolitan chic and California cool and home to Gordon Ramsey’s über hip Boxwood Cafe! Situated in the heart of happening Hollywood, this is the perfect hub from which to explore the sites and sounds of the ‘city of dreams’, from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre to Universal Studios and The Getty Museum – and top it off with supper amongst the Hol- lywood celebrity glitterati at the Soho House Private Members Club courtesy of Tumi!

After three days, and once your glamour quota has reached its limit, American Airlines will fly you off in Business Class on their new A321 Transcontinental service to New York City, the home town of Tumi, and the hottest new hotel in Manhattan; ‘The Surrey’. Nestled opposite Central Park on the Upper East Side , this is a luxury home from home with views to die for and a majestic roof terrace on which to sip a Whisky Sour and observe the Big Apple light up at dusk! Fill 3 days with the finest art (you are staying opposite the Metropolitan Museum!), shopping, sightseeing and your nights on Broadway, cheering on the New York Yankees or enjoying dinner á deux at the coveted ‘chefs table’ at a Michelin starred restaurant courtesy of your hosts!

Then it’s time to leave behind the roar and bustle of the city and tuck yourself into the sanctuary of American Airlines First Class, enjoy a superb lunch and gaze over the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea as you fly to your final destination, the British Virgin Islands!!! and the luxury resort of Rosewood Little Dix Bay. Created by Laurance Rockefeller in 1964, this 500 acre garden paradise is situated along the crystal clear waters of a crescent-shaped bay, protected by a coral reef. This exclusive boutique resort is in an idyllic setting and features extensive water sports, a 47-foot luxury catamaran, nature trails, fitness centre, restaurants, bars and beach-front swimming pool overlooking the ocean. Elegant and sophisticated this is the perfect way to spend your second week, relaxing and being pampered on an all-inclusive island paradise! All flights, hotels, transfers, feature meals and the all-inclusive stay at Little Dix Bay, plus a generous spending allowance will be met by Tumi and its promotional partners!

*-Terms and conditions apply, so check out the website.