CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN
The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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Introducing Louis Vuitton’s first Smartwatch – The Tambour Horizon

Words by Charlie Britton

It’s safe to say that Louis Vuitton is one of the worlds most renowned and recognisable brands to date. An international leading design house and household name that was founded in 1854, Louis Vuitton produces an extensive range of luxury products including trunks and leather goods, ready-to-wear, shoes, watches jewellery and an extensive list of accessories.

In it’s latest release, Louis Vuitton has proven that it can keep up with the times by producing it’s very first smartwatch, the Tambour Horizon. Following the likes of other brands such as TAG Heuer and Montblanc, LV has launched a pricey £1,905 Android Wear-powered smartwatch to compete in the luxury smartwatch market. Aside from even higher priced finishes, there is also a variety of luxury straps on offer that are priced additionally, so you can expect a hefty number to show up at checkout.

tambour horizon

Working closely with Google and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., LV has worked relentlessly to produce a smartwatch worthy of it’s label and price tag, combining all the technical capabilities of a smart watch with the elegance and beauty of a Tambour, the iconic watch that began Louis Vuitton’s watch making journey in 2002. Branded as the ideal watch for the contemporary traveller, the Tabour Horizon delivers the very best technology, expertise and design with a Switzerland-made watch that will remain functional across the globe, including China.

With technologies developed in California’s famous Silicon Valley, you can guarantee that this smartwatch is packed full of useful and technologically advanced features. Aside from the obvious mobile phone functions, the Tambour Horizon promises as intelligent platform that will enhance your experience wherever you might go.

tambour horizon

An exclusive ‘My Flight’ function emphasizes the contemporary traveller element as it acts as your personal assistant when at the airport, monitoring departure and arrival times, delays and cancellations, gate numbers and information and time remaining until landing. Louis Vuitton’s smartwatch also connects to digital versions of the famous LV city guides, making use of an intelligent geolocation function to connect the wearer to cities, local restaurants, hotels and spots of interest.
The Tambour Horizon is also waterproof up to 30 meters and promises a 22 hour battery life, ample to get you through a long haul flight and every day-to-day life.

In regards to the hefty price tag, the Tambour Horizon is definitely a step up when it comes to the line-up of luxury smartwatches. It doesn’t seem that any form of consensus on the pricing of luxury goods such as smartwatches is being thrown into the mix any time soon, so for the time being, this product will remain a luxury for those who have the disposable income to indulge.

Here at Clothes Make The Man, we’re in agreement that this is probably one of the nicest smartwatches to date. We cant promise that the technology is a cut above the rest as it does carry the same Android Wear platform as other smartwatches in the same league, however the sleek design and exclusive performance features and apps might be enough to take this little guy to the top.

tambour horizon

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Here boy, good boy – Jack Russell London Accessories Brand

Not only is Jack Russell the name of one of our favourite dog breads, it’s now one of our favourite accessory brands too ! Jack Russell, the accessories brand of course, evolved from the union of leather bag and accessory specialists, Jack Russell Malletier Paris. The brand’s approach was to create a range of bags and accessories that made it easier for the urban man to live and work exactly how they want to. Each item is finished with Jack Russell’s signature logo. Inspired by the concept of travel without borders and referencing Morse code – the shortest and most far reaching method of communication – the logo’s graphic, minimalist design reflects Jack Russell’s bold outlook and straightforward design aesthetic.

Geographic coordinates are a recurring characteristic of the brand. Each range is inspired by a global location. Borough, Jack Russell London’s signature range, for example, is named after the site of its London headquarters.

So for example the 51°30’ LEATHER collection, comprises of premium full grain embossed goat leather, the 51°30’ Leather collection is available in three colour ways – black, burgundy and lava – most feature Jack Russell’s signature contrasting burgundy lining and palladium or pale gold hardware. The range consists of three products, including a backpack and briefcase, with dedicated areas to hold documents and office essentials. The 24-hour bag has been designed specifically with the urban commuter in mind. The two zips allow separation of office essentials and workout kit. With multi-functionality in mind, the 24-hour bag can be used for an overnight stay or as a carry-on bag for a long haul flight.

Then we have the 51°30’ NYLON collection constructed in Black and Khaki Korean nylon, Jack Russell’s nylon range features a contrasting lining and palladium hardware for a contemporary urban look. With a style to suit every taste, the line comprises of a Camera Bag, Backpack, Slim Briefcase and 24-hour bag.

Lastly we have the 51°30’ SLG collection, similarly to the mainline leather collection, the wallet and cardholder range is manufactured using full grain embossed goat leather. In addition, Jack Russell has also introduced smooth calf leather into this collection. The accessories line features a contrasting lining and pale gold hardware to perfectly complement the leather and nylon collections.

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A Stylist, a Footballer and a Photographer walked into a bar. HAMPTON & BAKER

What do you get if put a photographer, a footballer and a stylist together, no I promise this isn’t some antiquated, offensive joke for a bygone era. The answer is infact Hampton & Baker, the brainchild of Warren Baker, a fashion stylist living in Los Angeles but originally from the UK. Who has styled red-carpet looks, television shows & fashion editorials. Professional football, sorry, soccer player for the Los Angeles Galaxy, and accomplished author of the best-selling “Coming Out to Play”,Robbie Rogers. Last part of this creative consortium is Nathan Poekert, a Photographer and Creative Director born in Seoul, raised in Florida and currently living in New York. Poekert has cut his creative teeth consulting with several startup fashion brands as well as launching and co-founding his own brand, Proper Assembly, in 2014.

Hampton & Baker came about from a simply innocent conversation between Robbie and Warren regarding fashion and style, over coffee in West Hollywood. A quick text to Nate in NYC shortly after that said “hey, what do you think about this?” and hey presto the brand was born.

This is an LA based casual menswear brand making good vibrations far from their native California. The origins of the brand lie in a deep motivation to create a collection that is both sophisticated and comfortable. They have just shared their second collection which the trio have nicknamed Chapter 2.0. The focus this season was to expand on the foundations they laid during their debut collection, a bit like that all important second album for a recording artist. Again, they’ve created their collective versions of the “American Classics” and remained focused on high quality fabrics, craftsmanship, and a modern silhouette. Inspired by the effortlessly cool of style icons of the past, the likes of Steve McQueen and Mick Jagger, each jacket was designed for a specific well dressed male in mind. The collection features colours and tones inspired by LA’s vibrant landscape. Each piece is handmade in Los Angeles with the highest quality materials that the guys can get their hands on.

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Lamler – A classic British Brand with that all important fashion twist

Lamler is a new luxury heritage brand equally at home in the urban city environment or at ease in the country, founded by Helen Plummer who prided herself on creating silhouettes that function as active wear pieces with a classic with that all important fashion twist. A combination of traditional British craftsmanship and relaxed luxury style, Lamler coats fuse understated individuality, with a work horse like durability. Influenced by contemporary art, street style sportswear, classic British luxury and a love of the ocean. All coats are hand made in England including the brands signature waxed cotton prints.

In its debut season Lamler makes a real statement and concentrates on a study of print patterns across one silhouette – the trench. As the ultimate multi-functional piece, the trench coat is the centrepiece for the brands future collections. Lamler makes it clear from the beginning what it cares about. The trench. The print. The quality. To make coats that men feel comfortable in. Coats that take you from a life in the city, to sitting on the beach in the sand. Contemporary print patterns that are unique and yet don’t wear you. Colour that is flattering and can be worn day after day. And last but not least, a fit that makes you feel confident, free and relaxed.

The tried and tested coats will allow you to carry your life in them and the trench is built to be used, loved and lived in. The graphic prints start life as hand painted designs which give the soft textured appearance to the fabric. Fitted with Lamler horn buttons and a soft cotton lining the coats are built to age well. The Atlantic Trench takes careful consideration of the male form through meticulous research and posture work, creating a relaxed masculine silhouette with perfect pocket placement. A little bit of swing has been added to the body for extra freedom of movement and a back vent to allow you to sprint and jump if you need to! Internally the coats have 3 large pockets, one extra-large that will fit an iPad and wallet and two smaller, one for your phone and one for your charger, all with built in connecting holes to hide all your tangled wires.

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First World Problem, but Problem nonetheless – Tapp Tees

You tell me someone who doesn’t like T-shirts? Whether it’s slung on with a pair of jeans, paired with a suit to give a more casually contemporary feel, or your much loved favourite vintage T-shirt. Every man needs a few plain t-shirts in their wardrobe. They can be styled up in the office, down for the beach and even for that all important date night. Now the problem is, like finding the perfect pair of jeans for YOU, finding your best fit, fabric, wash, colour, it goes on and on. See isn’t as simple as your humble t-shirt.

Well Chris Faulkner, thinks he may jolly well have cracked it and come up with the solution to your apparel problem. Falkner is the head of design at Bulldog Skincare For Men and also consulted for P&G, Mars, Disney and Sony, so he knows a thing or two about branding and design. Now his solution to the T-shirt issue is Tapp Tees is the UK’s first subscription service for men’s plain T-shirts. By offering a subscription service, Tapp Tees will not only save money (£15 a month), but also time and effort- Finding a staple t-shirt is as difficult as finding your perfect pair of jeans. It will also provide you with three Premium 100% ringspun cotton t-shirts (in the staple black, white and grey) every month.