anthonymcgrath405 / 02/04/2014

Take a Walk on the Wild Side with Christopher Shannon for Dune Shoes

Christopher Shannon A/W14 Collection

After two great designer collaborations with Joanne Stoker and Kat Maconie for their Ladies range, it’s now the fellas’ turn and who better for Dune to turn to, then the rising star of British Contemporary Menswear, Christopher Shannon.

After showing a blinding collection for Autumn 2014 in January Christopher is firmly establishing himself as a name you really should look out for and in their infinite wisdom, Dune Shoes haven’t wasted any time and have had the foresight to work with Mr Shannon now.

Christopher’s AW14 collection explored his take on old school tracksuits with giant floral motifs on anoraks with sleek leather track trousers. Sleeves were sewn onto the back of short shorts or to the side of a track jacket, signalling a nod to the early years of Thatcherism and the post-punk era.

His collection for Dune is inspired by footwear shapes he would personally wear. With colours ranging from optic and sporty to more formal classic tones. Shannon has chosen a complementary mix of materials, with the shine of textured patent next to the richness of suede particularly standing out. Light- weight handcrafted sport inspired EVA soles feature heavily alongside hand stamped leathers for a high quality finish on the boots. Classic cup soles feature on the pumps and slip-on’s to give the collection a futuristic urban edge. Christopher has chosen to name each style after a town in his birthplace, Liverpool.

Christopher Shannon for Dune Shoes

The Sefton

The Caldies

The Allerton

The Garston

anthonymcgrath405 / 26/03/2014

WEAREFORE by Sarah Gilfilan

As soon as I arrived at London Collections Men earlier this year, I was excitedly taken to see the Wearfore brand by another menswear blogger who had becomean instant fan. I was pleased to discover that heading it up was Anne Marie (also known as NG) who was a blast from my past, and who’s casualwear brand in the 90’s had made it into many a shoot I’d styled.

Since I last saw her, Anne Marie has designed for two of the largest Savile Row brands – Kilgour – where she was Head Designer of Casualwear, and Gieves & Hawkes where she was Global Head of Design.

Introducing me to a small capsule collection of contemporary and beautifully made shirts called The Blue Hour – in, yes you’ve guessed it – varying shades of blue plus some crisp ice whites, Anne Marie told me how it’s inspired by the time of day known as The Blue Hour and the song Blue Moon.

The fabrics are sourced from the very best mills, and the shirts are designed in London and crafted in Europe by top manufacturers. You really need to get up and close and personal with these shirts to appreciate the quality and detailing -washed Japanese selvedge fabrics, Egyptian cotton denims, indigo pique (my favourite!), brushed checks, 100/2 cottons and Swiss organic Royal Oxford.

I challenge you not to find a shirt here that you fall in love with, and put together with a collection of super soft merino crewnecks from Scotland and an accessory or two featuring their exclusive house print, you’ll stand out from the crowd – not by drawing attention to what you’re wearing, just by being the best dressed man in the room.

I can see that this brand will go far with it’s modern, contemporary but subtle designs, and one that I’ll be looking forward to introducing my clients to in the very near future.

Sarah Gilfillan is founder of Sartoria Lab – Personal Styling and Shopping Consultancy for Men.

anthonymcgrath405 / 12/03/2014

California Dreamin – California Collection by Banana Republic

Ahhhhh the weather is improving, please don’t let me be speaking too soon and what a different it makes, people smiling, laughing, why even bus drivers are being friendlier !!!! For Spring 14 BananaRepublic have taken inspiration from the Golden State of American, California. Inspired by the brand’s heritage and the pioneering spirit of its San Francisco roots, the campaign celebrates authenticity with style and the California state of mind.

The California Collection reflects an effortless blend of laid back comfort and easy chic that includes iconic pieces to the brand, such as chinos, trenches and utility jackets that have been reinterpreted into relevant and modern sportswear.

To accompany this collection, the brand have unveiled a new look campaign – a heartfelt nod to the modern day adventurer who appreciates the journey, not just the destination. The campaign champions true relationships, true style and true emotions, under the heading, “TRUE OUTFITTERS”, illustrating life’s precious lil moments shared between ones soul mate and loved ones, ahhhhh. Real-life couples and families were cast in the campaign, including New York based partners and interior designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, Argentinian model and chic hotelier Nicolas Malleville and his family, Nashville natives and longtime sweethearts Cory Bond and Bekah Jenkins, and up and coming European models Sara Blomqvist and Jeremy Young.

“Banana Republic represents an approach to style, living and a state of mind that continues to define the modern wardrobe,” says Banana Republic global chief marketing officer, Catherine Sadler.

anthonymcgrath405 / 06/03/2014

Bags of Talent – Oppermann London by Sarah Gilfillan

I had the pleasure of meeting Niklas Oppermann – one half of the Swedish born German brothers who form Oppermann London – at London Collections:Men recently.

The brothers are based in London and set up their accessories company in late 2012. The collection consists of a small but beautifully formed selection of bags, briefcases and tech accessories, which are of premium leather made through a natural tanning process without the use of toxic chemicals. The lining is made from recycled materials, and the leather cutting is optimized to reduce waste, making it clear that it’s a top priority for the brothers to keep their environmental impact to a minimum.

The clean, utilitarian & minimalistic lines reflect their Scandinavian roots, and are inspired by modernist architecture and design with an emphasis on clean lines and geometric shapes. This results in some stunning products, I’m sure you’ll agree? They’re available in a range of colours – black, cognac, navy, burgundy and racing green which will make a classy, subtle addition to your outfits.

Their flagship item is the “25 Hour Palissy Bag” – described as ” a large variation of a day-to-day bag. It has the sleek appearance of a briefcase, yet is spacious enough to fit all the things needed for overnight adventures.” It can also be used as a work and gym bag combined or taken as hand luggage as it complies with airlines’ cabin bag restrictions.

Well I rather like the sound of a 25 hour adventure and I definitely like the look of the bag that comes with it, don’t you?

Sarah Gilfillan is found of personal shopping and style consultancy for men – Sartoria Lab

anthonymcgrath405 / 04/03/2014

It’s all about the Red wings – Red wing Heritage

Red Wing Shoes was built on America’s great promise; if one worked hard enough, one could achieve anything. Since 1905, that work ethic has been carefully placed into every cut and stitch that crafts a red Wing boot. From the first boot to leave the factory floor, Red Wing has prided itself on not only getting the job done, but getting it done right. By combining the finest leathers and quality materials with unique craftsmanship, Red Wing’s Heritage collection continues to build upon a legacy of being born in the USA.

So for this season Red Wing have a number of stories to tell us. Firstly, we have the 5 new postman shoes, inspired by style no.101, red Wing’s original postman shoe. Designed to meet postal Service requirements, the 101 is sturdy, sleek and simplistic and these characteristics served America’s mailmen well. First introduced in 1954, Red Wing is now expanding on this style with five more casual variations. The new postman comes in 5 colors. Three oil-tanned leathers; Original, Charcoal rough & Tough, Amber Harness and two Suede roughout leathers; Olive mohave and Blueberry muleskinner.

Now if that wasn’t enough, as part of an ongoing video series, Red Wing’s Heritage division is partnering with independent characters who wear Red Wing boots to give a glimpse into each of their lives. The first video highlights Grammy Award-winning musician Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and Volcano Choir.

A lifelong resident of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and longtime wearer of Red Wing Heritage shoes, Vernon is no stranger to the Midwestern value of hard work. He has an appreciation for well made goods and understands that it’s worth taking the time to create something that will last forever.

Made in the Land of Wheat and Maize | Justin Vernon from Red Wing Heritage on Vimeo.

Christopher Shannon for Dune Shoes

Categories