CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN
The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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Raindrops keep falling on my shoes – SWIMS

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SWIMS take on a Loafer

April, famous for its inclement weather and of course those pesky lil showers that so often catch you out, is only days away, plus, almost as a bonus, this year winter’s hanging around like a Pepper Pig sticker stuck to your fridge door, doesn’t seem to be budging ! What we need is some sort of device that allows us not to be restricted to carrying around a pair of Wellington boots with us no matter where we go and in constant fear of ruining a great and beloved pair of formal shoes that cost us a pretty penny !?!

Fear not dear reader, our good friends in the Scandinavian region, yes up there, no further, have come across a solution to ease our poor stressed out minds. SWIMS, originally established in 2005 by Johan Ringdal in Norway. The re-launch of the classic galosh with a modern twist proved to be a big success and is now found in over 25 countries in more than 650 high end stores such as Neiman Marcus, Scoop and Brooks Brothers in the US, Isetan in Japan,Trunk, Harvey Nichols, Orlebar Brown in the UK and Merci, L’Eclaireur and Le Bon Marché in France. The SWIMS collection includes galoshes, jackets, loafers, shoes, umbrellas and bags – all based on classic, nostalgic styles made with modern and unexpected materials, don’t worry, paper isn’t one of them.

The SWIMS loafer is made of water resistant rubber with nylon upper and a molded foot bed offering complete support. Some models have the velvet flocking that gives that extra luxurious finish.

 

The SWIMS for John Lobb

The SWIMS for John Lobb

The sole is non-marking with a ribbed pattern designed to maximize traction on slippery surfaces and the ventilation gills on the sides ensure great breathability and ultimate comfort. Unlike traditional loafers, water will not damage the SWIMS loafer making them the perfect all round shoe come rain or shine and the SWIMS loafer is machine washable up to 30 C°.

In fact, growing love of this ingenious solution is such, that designer brands as diverse as Giorgio Armani, John Lobb and Agi & Sam have all collaborated with SWIMS in their own very individual manner.

SWIMS for Armani

SWIMS for Armani

The product is best summed up by Mr Ringdal, himself;

“A stylish solution, embodying the essence of practicality: Wear your favorite shoes, slip on SWIMS when the weather is rough, slip’em off when you arrive at your destination. Enhanced comfort is assured and your shoes are guaranteed to stay shiny.”

 

SWIMS for Agi & Sam AW13 collection

SWIMS for Agi & Sam AW13 collection

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A winning combination – Bradley Wiggins for Fred Perry

IMG_6102-Edit2012 was an amazing year for a lot of people for a lot of different reasons, both Mrs Mc and Mrs Beyonce Carter gave birth to beautiful children, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated 60 years on the throne, the predicted end of the world didn’t happen, Francois Hollande was elected President of France, Manchester City won the Premiership (OK this didn’t make everyone happy), the two Biggest nations in the world elected leaders, one a returning (Barack Obama) and one new (Xi Jinping), a blog called Clothes-Make-the-man.com launched and a guy called Bradley Wiggins had a VERY good year. Not only did Wiggins win the Tour de France, he also picked up Gold at The Olympics Games and finished the year in the Guiness book of records and was knighted by the aforementioned Monarch.
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Now, some might say Wiggo’s biggest achievement of last year was not given enough coverage and may have even gone unnoticed by a number of you. Well did you know that Sir Bradley Marc Wiggins collaborated with legendary casual wear brand Fred Perry ? For this collection he has followed a clear brief to create an authentic, non- technical range of off-cycle wear. The collection is not high-tech performance sportswear or track memorabilia, it is a single-minded collection that can be worn every day. British to the core with a typically clean, lean Fred Perry aesthetic refreshed with iconic cycling details such as extended hems and rear patch pockets.

The Spring 2013 Bradley Wiggins x Fred Perry collection is a collaboration that genuinely reflects Bradley’s personality. The understated but distinctly retro-Mod personality is epitomised by a ‘vintage’ palette inspired by colour cards from the Fred Perry archive. Wiggins’ passion for his country are reflected in the GB red, white and blue, particularly in multi-stripe trims and tipping.

Key pieces include the zip neck short sleeve cycling shirt, a more sporty panelled cycling shirt, a vintage track jacket that harks back to the days of Reg Harris and Tommy Simpson and a stretch twill city short and a drop hem Harrington.

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Something to shout about – Ben Sherman & Teenage Cancer Trust

JANETTE_BECKMA001BThere is no disputing the fact that Teenage Cancer Trust not only do an amazing job but also is such a worthwhile cause to get behind and support. Which is just what the subject brand of today’s post have just gone and blinking done !!! Ben Sherman in conjunction with the amazing celebrated music photographer, Janette Beckman, have produced 5 different t-shirts to celebrate their 50th anniversary and 5 decade of music and style.

Janette started out photographing the emerging Punk scene of the 1970s, and later moved from her native London to New York to continue her documentation of the various music led movements of the times. In the years since, she has shot album covers for some of the biggest names in music, photographed film stars and captured iconic images, contributing to some of the most influential magazines across music and fashion.

JANETTE_BECKMA005This unique collaboration introduces a collection of five limited edition t-shirts featuring a selection of archival images, some instantly recognisable whilst others are lesser-known works. Continuing our association with the Teenage Cancer Trust, Janette Beckman and Ben Sherman are happy to be donating 25% from the sale of every t-shirt to this noble cause.

Now this isn’t the only project Ben Sherman and Teenage Cancer trust are working on at the minute, this very week, there are a series of concerts being held at none other then the Royal Albert Hall and curated by none other then Mr Noel Gallagher !!!!! (deserved winner of NME’s God Like Genius Award). Noel recently said of his association with TCT;

“Teenage Cancer Trust do a brilliant job, and I’ve always been more than pleased to lend my support over the years. It’s an honour to have the task of putting together the bills for next year’s series of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall.” 

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FULL LIST OF TEENAGE CANCER TRUST CONCERTS BELOW: MARCH 2013

TUESDAY 19 Ryan Adams – plus special guest Beth Orton

WEDNESDAY 20 An evening of comedy with Russell Brand, Noel Fielding and very special guests

THURSDAY 21 Primal Scream

FRIDAY 22 Kasabian

SATURDAY 23 Noel Gallagher | Damon Albarn & Graham Coxon plus special guests

SUNDAY 24 Rizzle Kicks | Labrinth

Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased from the following outlets:

 

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One for the Men – House of Fraser Menswear events

AJ479_121012_HOF 14 027_F3_RGBMen are often the second thought, forgotten party when it comes to Fashion and Style often losing out to their higher spending, fashionista female partners and counterparts. Events specifically for the female customer are common place making them feel pampered and cared for as a shopper. Well no more I tell you, no more ! House of Fraser have been aware of the neglect we feel as a consumer body and as a result are offering Menwear events up and down the country, see below for dates. Each of the participating stores are offering tailor made events for us, yes us humble male customers to partake and participate in. Staring this weekend, yes as of TODAY ! at their Oxford Street Flagship store in London where amongst other things you can;

  • Win a year’s supply of underwear from Superdry
  • Your chance to win £1000 to spend on Tommy Hilfiger
  • Enter the Tombola to win £200 of Label Lab Clothes
  • Receive EXCLUSIVE Gifts with purchases from Fred Perry, Lyle & Scott, replay, Penguin and Tommy Hilfiger, Barbour, Ted Baker and many more !
  • Customise your jeans with Replay Denim Campus
  • One for the ladies, see WE don’t forget you, you can meet the Calvin Klein Hunks in trunks, moving on.
  • Plus Drinks and DJ will be on hand to make the experience even more pleasurable !!!!

The dates for further events include ;

Bristol 21 – 24 March

Dundrum (Dublin) 28 – 30th March

Westfield 4th – 7th April

Reading 11-14th April

Birmingham 18-21 April

Manchester 2-5 May

Glasgow 9-12th May

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Every little thing they do is magic – POLICE Celebrate their 30th Anniversary

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The celebratory Special Edition POLICE sunglasses

 

2013 marks the anniversary of a number of brands within the world of style and fashion, the first being POLICE Sunglasses, the Italian eyewear brand celebrate their 30th anniversary. To mark the occasion POLICE are launching an exclusive special edition set of sunglasses and commemorative book, called Look Beyond, which features a collection of artistic photographs that looks back over the past 30 years of the brand.

Over the years POLICE have seen such iconic figures as Bruce Willis, Antonio Banderas, David Beckham, George Clooney and currently Welsh Actor Luke Evans all act as the face of the sunglasses range and as part of the celebrations, the brand will launch a Special Edition sunglasses using a signature Police Aviator style model with unique details. The classic pilot shape is given an exclusive edge with a special gold plated frame, leather detailing and the iconic winged Police logo. A classic and timeless frame the sunglasses will available in both silver and gold at Harvey Nichols in the UK & Ireland from April 2013.

Additionally, a book, Look Beyond, is based on the work of noted Italian photography, Giovanni Gastel. Through a collection of portraits of personalities from the world of film, music, sports and art. The photographer depicts what it means to look beyond, to overcome those boundaries that often prevent us from truly understanding our surroundings.

As well as celebrating 30 years of producing great sunglasses, the project has also been created to support the charity Doctors Without Boarders and the wonderful world they do across some of the most dangerous and stricken parts of the world. A proportion of the proceeds from the sale of the book and sunglasses will be donated to the charity to provide a complete cycle of treatment for malnourished children.

IMAGES FROM LOOK BEYOND

 

Model Alek Wek

Model Alek Wek

Actor - Luke Evans

Actor – Luke Evans

Footballer Clarence Seedorf

Footballer Clarence Seedorf