CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN
The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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Be the apple of your Father’s eye – Father’s day gift guide

Which images best captures your Father/Son relationship ?

I’m sorry, I forgot there’s no need to sulk, jeez, it’s not the end of the world !

Some day dad I’m gonna be just like you !

Ahhhh someone to look up to

June 17th, yes that date’s marked in your diary but why, why ? %$£& It’s Father’s Day ! So to save you the hassle of running round like a demented lun in and out of every store from here to Timbuktu, Clothes-make-the-man.com has come to your rescue, yet again. Ohh and please don’t leave it til the last minute and have to settle for whatever they’ve got left at the service station, no one wants a day glo travel neck pillow, particularly not your dad !

So here’s all you need to know to keep your ole Pa happy and keep in his good books for a couple of more months.

1) Whether young or young at heart, any Dad is gonna be over the moon with this lil blinder of a gift and if my daughter is reading this, your Daddy would be very happy with a personalised Polo Shirt from Ralph Lauren. Take advantage of the Design Your Own service at Selfridges Manchester, Trafford and London, Oxford St from where you can have up to three initials embroidered onto the classic sleeved custom fit polo. With endless combinations, choose the colour of your shirt and monogram to create a truly bespoke gift, presented in a luxury box.

2) Old reliable and always a winner, Alcohol in its many different formats, OK I’m not suggesting a six pack of Kestrel Super Strength, but something a little more on the classy side. How about a descent bottle of whiskey, personally I’m a fan of a touch of the Irish variety, OK that was another personal hint again, sorry. But how about a wee dram of Macallan. The famed luxury single malt whisky from Elgin, has worked with photographic legend Annie Leibovitz and the Elgin native and star of Trainspotting & Grey’s Anatomy, Kevin McKidd on a unique project which will be available in Septemeber, more to follow on that at a later date.

Now if whisky isn’t your Dad’s poison of choice how about a case of Real ale ? God bless them over at Marks & Spencer, because there’s no better way telling your Dad how great he is than a Great British Ale selection. They are offering a mixed case of 20 bottles featuring the very best from across the UK with five bottles of each… Sussex Golden Ale, Cambridgeshire Summer Ale, Norfolk Bitter and Cornish Ale.

3) Now if you’re looking for something a little different from norm how about this Poker set from Thomas Lyte, now I’m not condoning gamble or for your Dad to squander your inheritance but, this set is packaged in a beautiful way and could start a new form of Father son bonding over a traditional Poker nite.

4) Now if sophistication is what your after for Father’s day, look no further then Derek Rose, the Rose family have been designing and making luxury men’s pyjamas since the 1920’s and we remain as passionate about these wonderful pieces today as they were all those years ago. The cut and style used in the pattern to make their pyjamas is a question of balancing form and function – Rose wants the pyjamas to look good but also understands they need them to be as comfortable as possible. Naturally the cut is a generous fit so that when one sleeps in a pair of Derek Rose pyjamas they are not restrictive.

5) Like Alcohol, you really can’t go wrong with After Shave, which actually does contain a fair amount of alcohol come to think if it, but seriously don’t try and drink it, it not good and it’s not clever. Now there are two routes you can take here, first, the traditional, retro, cheeky, ironic and slightly tounge in cheeky, but offering a truly masculine scent and available in gift sets literally everywhere, go for Brut. Then the second, is for a Dad who likes to look his best, look no further than the Lab Series Skincare for Men gift set. This set includes a selection of bestselling, essential products. Multi Action Face Wash, Maximum Shave Comfort Cream and Daily Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 15.

6) Now for this option, I always think there’s a golden rule to adhere to, keep it simple and keep it classic and you can’t go wrong, when it comes to cufflinks. Like novelty socks & underwear, the same is with cufflinks, there is NEVER a good time for them or for them to be given as a gift. These chic pair from Hackett are so versatile and would literally go with anything.

7) For the gift that keeps on giving, no not book vouchers, but a wallet, you can’t do much wrong if you go for this great understated number from Burberry available at MRPORTER.com. This piece has a low-key yet luxurious design that is ideal for everyday use. The two note pouches and eight card slots provide ample space for any daily requirements you may need.

8) When it comes to technological gifts for Father’s Day, there’s one gadget that has to be on pretty much every Dad’s wish list and that is of course, the iPad. Now in these tight times, not everyone is as flush as we would like and as much as we’d love to splash out on dear ole Pop, there is a way to wet his appetite and give you some breathing space to save up and to recruit other family members to chip in for a group Christmas iPad. There are some brilliant iPad cases out on the market, in, well, one size but lots of colours. One of my favourite comes from Mulberry, although it ain’t cheap it’s seriously impressive and will make Dad the envy of the office, when he whips it out in a meeting.

9) OK then next up is the matter of wanting to get Dad something that looks like you’ve spent countless hours of thought on a gift without it costing you a small fortune, well I’ve got just what you need. Symthsons of Bond Street has been producing some of the best stationery supply, no not bics & staplers, but beautiful note pads, diaries & address books since 1887. Smythson was granted a Royal Warrant to Her Majesty the Queen in 1964. Other warrants followed: HRH The Prince of Wales in 1980, HM The Queen Mother in 1987, and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in 2002. While holding the Queen Mother’s Warrant, Smythson was one of only eight companies in the world to hold all four Royal Warrants at the same time. Their note pads have to be seen to be believed, Wine notes, Little black book and Director’s notes all come in equally vibrant colours. For Father’s day I’ve chosen the rather apt, “Daddy Cool” note book.

10) Finally, every Dad, no matter what his age, quite fancies himself and loves to dress himself up, whether that be for a drink down the pub or a swanky dinner in an impressive eating establishment. Now whatever your budget may dictate you can supply him with something, that he can boast is a gift from his offspring, it can be a tie, a shirt, socks, but I would suggest taking a look at the footwear range from one of the most respected stylish retailers, Ted Baker, which has an added bonus of, it won’t break the bank either. Psst, carry on reading for an added bonus, that’ll be to good to refuse, promise !

So, if that hasn’t given you food for though than nothing will, but we at Clothes-make-the-man.com can only help you if you help yourself, don’t leave it to the last minute. Now, if you ignore our words of wisdom and fancy getting your hands on a rather impressive Father’s day gift we have the above to offer you lucky, lucky, lucky chaps. Yes we have 3 pairs of the Ted Baker Abcak boat shoes, for your delectation. All you need to do is click on the Follow button on your screen, input your email address and confirm the email sent to you or Follow @Clothesmakethem on TWITTER between now and 9am (GMT) on Wednesday 13th and you could be making your Dad a very happy chappie with this gift winging its way to you in time for Father’s Day on Sunday. Good Luck fellas !

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T-shirt as a canvas

For summer 2012 the British casual wear brand Supremebeing have worked with three contemporary photographers and let them use their new generation Supremebeing Tee as a canvas for their work. The photographers Peter Holm, Andrew Kuykendall & Jason Pachos all worked to this season’s themes Faded Future and The Wash.

 

Peter Holm travelled extensively through Asia, Australia and North America, chronicling his stories along the way using vintage equipment and old-school photographic techniques to create a series of images which capture urban exteriors shot from the hip, produced in LOMO vibrant colours, with burn out techniques reminiscent of 1970’s Polaroids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew Kuykendall lives in Los Angeles,but hopes to someday live in a trailer in the Desert, OK each to their own. He is inspired by the ability of using the medium of imagery to tell stories, whether that be of his journeys or through his professional work which has appeared in numerous international Fashion magazines. Ohhh and he’s learning to play the accordion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jason Pachos studied photography in Cambridge, but now resides in Sao Paulo working for visual ventures and freelance photography. Pachos likes photography to be allured in every aspect of it, the theme, style, trend or aesthetic. He believes, “If it’s good, I’ll like it, It’ll inspire me”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They’ve just dropped at the Supremebeing website… here

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More then a club, a legend, The Haçienda.

There was a time that if you mentioned that you were from Manchester, wherever you were in the World, and I literally mean anywhere, take my word for this, the other person no matter their nationality would smile at you and say, “ahhhh Manchester United, the Haçienda” and maybe, “Coronation Street”. The world renounced Superclub paved the way for the likes of Cream, The Ministry of Sound, plus countless Ibizan club night running to this day and even earned the accolade of, “the most famous club in the World”, by Newsweek Magazine.

It was far more then a nightclub, owned by the late music Svengali, sometime TV Presenter and all round Mancunian legend Anthony (or Tony) H Wilson with the groundbreaking group New Order. Much has been documented about the unique way the Haçienda or Haç, as it was universally known was managed, its gangland violence and drug troubles, its legendary Nights, DJ’s and musical acts including, Beautiful 2000, Flesh, Nude, Graeme Park, Mike Pickering, Dave Haslam, The Smiths and someone called Madonna’s first UK performance.

This year marks, what would or should have been, the club’s 30th Anniversary and as part of a series of cultural events to celebrate this, the Haçienda team have worked with the Sports heritage brand Ellesse on a bespoke collection to commemorate three decades of the legendary club.

This anniversary tribute honours the spirit and history of The Haçienda and the style influences which evolved from the iconic club, the collection being themed as “Label, Location, Legacy”.

This unique and limited edition collaboration will be previewed at a launch event  in Manchester’s Harvey Nichols store on Thursday 17th May, four days prior to The Hacienda’s actual anniversary, 21st May 2012. The in-store event will also see a Q&A session with Peter Hook, Graeme Park and other characters from FAC 51’s, the Haçienda individual number, which was given to every project undertaken my Wilson’s Factory Records, plus DJ sets and the first chance to order the highly limited numbers of the commemorative Haçienda shirts.

A point of interest for all you memorabilia geeks, sorry I mean collectors is, the metal buttons on this limited capsule collection sourced from the legendary venue itself, offering each purchase a true piece of Haçienda history. With three designs, coming individually numbered in runs of only 51 shirts, each signed by The Haçienda’s Peter Hook. Each shirt in the collection is individually named and comes with bespoke design elements and packaging, which ensures these pieces are sure to become much sought after collectors items for the many Haçienda and Factory devotees.

Alongside the limited edition product launch, there is set to be a trio of Manchester events(X1, X2 & X3, get it), details of which can be found at fac51thehacienda.com and also at facebook.com/fac51thehacienda.

The anniversary will also see an exhibition at Manchester Photographic Gallery running throughout May, which will feature a specially constructed model of The Haçienda and a whole host of unseen Haçienda material and original photography from the archives.

www.facebook.com/fac51thehacienda

http://www.ellesseheritage.com/ 

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The 16 Nations – Lacoste goes flagtastic

Lacoste have been dressing the great and the good, around the world for nearly 80 years, due to celebrate their milestone birthday next year. Where would we be if it hadn’t been for Monsieur Renee Lacostedreaming up the revolutionary tennis shirt, later to be commonly known as the polo shirt and producing it in every colour of the spectrum ?

USA, USA, USA

For summer 2012, otherwise known as the summer of sport, Lacoste have gone truly global and are playing on the competitive and patriotic spirits of their customers. Having transformed their emblematic crocodile logo to become the standard bearer for 16 nations with special and limited edition capsule collection. The Croco flag Polo shirts sees their iconic little green mascot swapping his scales for the colours of one of the chosen countries and is further highlighted against a backdrop of their white polo shirts. The countries is question (see below image) are South Africa, Germany, Argentina, Australia, Brasil, China, Canada, Korea, Spain, USA, Frances (of Course), GB, Italy, Japan, Russia & Switzerland. Then in turn for the more, how can I put this, adventurous and patriotic amongst you, you can really show your national pride and flaunt your support with the Flag Polo Shirt, which interprets the 16 nations flags onto the canvas of a polo shirt. Finally you have the Limited Edition polo shirtwhich is presented in an engraved Plexjglas transparent display case. The specially selected countries’ colourful pennants are highlighted by the shirt’s black & white printed patchwork of world flags. Whatever your take, show off your national colours and strike up a chorus of the national anthem, wearing this international piece of apparel.

Lacoste polo avec le drapeau Français

Rule Britania

南アフリカ共和国の旗とラコステポロシャツ

Lacoste polo-hemp met die Suid-Afrikaanse vlag

If in doubt wear all the flags and support everyone

www.lacoste.com

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Mamma mia, you better not forget ! – Mother’s day Gift Guide

We’ve all got one so remember 18th March is Mother’s Day this year, that’s not just me reminding myself, that the Clothes-make-the-man.com offering what it does best, an essential service for you, it’s good readers. So to save you the trouble of running round your local high street late on Saturday 17th looking for something to buy the good lady that gave you life. Here is all you need to know in one place, a selection of the best gifts to buy your lovely mammy.

1) Direct from Sir Paul Smith, a gift that you just can’t go wrong with, offered in his signature candy stripe

Paul Smith Scarf £99

Paul Smith Scarf Silk Scarf £99

2) Next up is the old faithful, Flowers from, you guessed it Next.You can’t go wrong with Roses and at £18 it won’t break the bank, but we’ll keep that to ourselves. Plus you can add chocolates for the grand price of £22.

A bouquet of Rose from Next £18

3) If you’re looking for something a little special for your Momma, as always we save you the trouble of searching and you can’t ask for specialerer then Dame Vivienne Westwood. These delicate pieces crafted in the shape of a golden sheaf to celebrate her British heritage.

Vivienne Westwood Harvest Earrings £155

4) If you can’t decide what to get mummy dearest this year why not go with a selection of goodies in a hamper format from that Great British institution Marks & Spencer, with Prosecco, chocolates, and Rose Flutes,amongst the treats, plus already wrapped so you don’t have to, what more do you want.

M&S Indulgent Collection £45

5) If you’re feeling particularly flush this year, splash out and make your mum feel special. The Effie bag from Mulberry is a new classic, and can be used either everyday or kept for those special occasions.

The Mulberry Effie Satchel £495

6) Wanna look you like you choose a present with your mum in mind, go for this exclusive to Selfridges Diptyque Mimosa Candle.

Diptyque’s Mimosa candle £40 exclusive to Selfridges

7) If you want to play it safe this Mothering Sunday you can’t go wrong with Tolietries and those good people over at Burt’s Bees have thought of everything with these Head to toe or Tips to toes Starter kit Gift Set. It includes some of their best selling products including Fabulously Fresh Peppermint & Rosemary Body Wash (1.8 fl oz), Coconut Foot Cream (0.75oz), Beeswax Lip Balm (0.15oz) and is available from selected stores Nationwide.

Burts Bees Head to toe Starter kit £14.99

But, after all that if you still can’t decide what to buy your mum let Clothes-make-the-man.com take the stress out of it for you. We have a bumper bag crammed full of wonderful products from Burts Bees all you need to do is click on the Follow me button above or Follow me on TWITTER between now and 6am (GMT) on Thursday 15th March and you could  be making you Mum a very happy lady with this goody bag winging its way to you in time for Mother’s Day on Sunday. Good Luck lads !