Its fair to say Rene Lacoste was somewhat of a renaissance man, after having invented the polo shirt and the tennis-ball machine, who knew that, see you learn so much from coming on here, he decided to patent two racket models that would revolutionize the world of tennis. In 1961, the former champion unveils one of his most brilliant inventions: the metal racket that deeply transforms the game by improving strikes and increasing their elasticity. In 1988, René Lacoste invents the Equijet. This new style of racket combines the best of smaller and larger string beds. Like its predecessor, the steel racket, the high-performance Equijet contributes to the evolution of tennis. René Lacoste explains his intention with the Equijet: “I wanted to give back to tennis what it had given me”. It was a beautiful tribute paid to the sport to which he devoted his whole life. In 2015, animated by the same quest for innovation, LACOSTE launches the LT12, a hybrid racket born from the combination of wood and graphite.

Three years of research were necessary for the development of this unique object. By combining craftsmanship and sophisticated manufacturing, LACOSTE managed a technical prowess by assem- bling two completely opposite materials: the LT12 is 70% wood and 30% graphite.

To accompany the launch of the LT12, LACOSTE has designed an innovative capsule range combining tradition and technology. Petit piqué, color blocking, piping, patterns… the well-known features of the brand DNA are revisited and modernized for a timeless elegance collection. Inspired by tennis’ primary aesthetics: the prevalence of white, clean lines and sleek shapes. The iconic LACOSTE green and blue come in for energy and movement. Lightness, functionality and comfort are the key words in the design of this range that combines tradition and innovation. The abstract print of the T-shirts is reminiscent of tennis courts, which is a reference to the 1970s and 1980s color blocking. Piping highlights polo shirts, tracksuits, shorts and caps. A “Game Set and Match” sweatshirt rounds out this sports wardrobe.

Accessories form an integral part of this project, where they form a similar technical features seen on the garments. A tennis bag, a backpack, and footwear that can be Used for everyday life off the court, and the Tonga watch in steel and silicon with glasses in acetate encompasses the aesthetics of the collection.

Now I have to say I’m not big on Mens jewellery, I love a good watch and am lucky enough to possess a couple. I wear my wedding ring with pride and I cherish my late Father’s signet ring above my own life. Occasionally, I might wear a bracelet if I’m drawn to it, in a bit of a Magpie moment, now this is where Miansai came in.

Miansai, pronounced my-ahn-sigh, has a great back story to it, basically, founder, former Model, Michael Saiger was watching his girlfriend make a necklace one night, when things started to get a little too competitive. Picture the scene, Micheal:”What you doin ?” Girlfriend:”Making a necklace, leave me alone.”  Micheal: “That’s Horrible!” Girlfriend: “Well lets see you do better!?!” We’ve all been there, yes things get out of hand and it gets far too competitive.

Well, who’ve have known it Michael was right his resulting bracelet, an empty bullet case strung on a leather cord went down a storm at the University of Miami, where he was studying. Well that was 2008, since then Micheal has managed to turn his vision into a timeless and tasteful lifestyle brand that is sought after across the globe by style conscious men and women alike. With a healthy retail presence in over 36 countries, and the recent opening of its’ retail flagship in New York’s esteemed Soho neighbourhood.

The brand have invested in their own machinery and tools which allow them to produce on a consistent basis with care and craftsmanship. From drawing sketches to creating molds, melting metals and final assembly, every piece of jewelry the brand releases is conceptualised and created in-house. The brand has over 30 skilled craftsman and artisans on staff who are fixated on quality and perfection who work on their now established nautical aesthetic,

Britain can boast being responsible for many things, Fish & Chips, the Computer, the telephone, the light bulb, the Television the list literally goes on and on. But one which might not automatically spring to mind is Waterproof fabrics and yet how essentially to our lives, particularly at this time of year is it ? OK then, starter for ten, What was the name of the inventor of Waterproof Fabrics ????

The answer is Thomas Hancock, who was an English inventor who founded the British rubber industry. He trained as a cabinet-maker and in 1815 Hancock is recorded as being in partnership with his brother Walter in London as a coach-builder. Hancock’s interest in rubber seems to have originated from a desire to make waterproof fabrics to protect the passengers on his coaches.

Hancock experimented with rubber solutions and in 1825 patented a process of making artificial leather using rubber solution and a variety of fibres. His choice of solvents, coal oil and turpentine was probably influenced by Charles Macintosh’s 1823 patent. In the same year he began working with Macintosh to manufacture his “double textured” fabric. So on 21 November 1843, Hancock took out a patent for the vulcanisation of rubber using sulphur, 8 weeks before Charles Goodyear in the US (30 January 1844).

Jump foward nearly two hundred years, give or take and Daniel Dunko, who previously owned Mackintosh, until he sold it to a Japanese firm in 2007, and was then looking for a new challenge to inspire him. Dunko in 2012, joined forces with Gary Bott, who he had worked with in turning the fortunes around on Mackintosh. Together they created the Hancock brand through historical research and discovery of a Personal Narrative written by Thomas Hancock in 1856.

In June 2012, Hancock launched to a global audience and international markets were opened with stockists including Barneys New York, Beams, United Arrows, Tomorrowland,La Rinascente and Mr Porter. Following this official launch, Hancock began discussions with Converse regarding a new partnership.

The fruits of this labour,  are the all-new Converse Jack Purcell x Hancock Wetland sneaker. With a water-repellent galosh-inspired upper, the Shoe provides a sleek and stylish way to protect your feet from all-weather wear.

Built with weather protection in mind, the Converse Jack Purcell x Hancock Wetland sneaker’s upper is partially covered in Hancock’s signature Mastic Grey rubber to ensure water-repellence. With the added benefit of a dual layer vulcanized textile for added warmth, the weatherized sneaker is designed to brave the elements. The sneaker’s upper, inspired by Thomas Hancock’s original patent, also features a subtle zipper closure that allows for customizable wear.

New Balance Football has officially launched its Blackout Squad competition in association with prodirectsoccer.com , offering amateur players around the UK the chance to become part of a select group to trial New Balance Football boots, just as the brand’s global professional player ambassadors do. The sign-up stage begining NOW and closing on 6th April 2015.

Inspired by the practice of pro-footballers trialling blacked out boots when testing new product, 60 competition winners will be the first members of public in the UK to get their hands on the highly sought-after New Balance boots.
To earn a place on the Blackout Squad applicants will be simply asked to share their views on everything New Balance Football through their social networks. Those chosen as part of the squad will receive new product drops throughout the 2015/16 season in the latest colourways before they hit the shelves.
New Balance’s squad of professional players is backing the scheme, encouraging amateur players around the UK to enter. New Balance sponsored player and Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany added, “This is a really unique chance for players around the world who are passionate about football to be part of something very different. The competition is for players who believe they can stand out from the rest and are ready to become leaders amongst their teammates. I have never seen this sort of competition before where so many amateur players get the chance to trial boots before they are even on sale! It’s a fantastic opportunity and really is a ‘money can’t buy’ prize.”

We here at Clothes-Make-the-Man don’t make any bones about our love for British design, aestheitc and good round great craftsmanship. Two great advocates if this ethos are David Keyte’s Universal Works and Norman Walsh of, well, Walsh Trainers.

These two Great British brands have reworking and refining their archive Ensign running trainer, to create a sneaker for contemporary urban life.

Norman Walsh footwear, can boast that it is the only British owned sports trainer manufacturer that still makes the footwear entirely in the UK, in the same factory started by Norman Walsh in 1961. Norman Walsh originally produced footwear for track and field, road running, rugby and football and then later began producing shoes for fell running which they continue to manufacture to this day. Walsh Casuals is their contemporary range that takes directly from original archive models, using much of the same methods and technology used in the early years of production. For the City Runner, Universal Works constructed the upper in luxe-materials; leather, suede and pigskin linings, simplifying the design and adding a soft comfortable midsole to create a clean and luxurious take on the Walsh staple.

The three colourways were made for three of the cities that have become integral to their businesses and are a continual sources of inspiration. Black is for London, a more mature style referencing our recent presentation at London Collections: Men. Navy is for Tokyo, the awe-inspiring capital of Japan, known for indigo, a colour and integral to Universal Works design and thinking. The Stone/ Tan is for Paris and more specifically the stone of the classically Parisian Haussmann buildings.