Style Archives - Page 5 of 38 - CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

Words by Charlie Britton

It’s clear that the fashion industry in particular is renowned for being a throw-away one, with fast fashion and high street retailers turning out new ranges of clothing every fortnight or so. This comes from the ever-increasing consumer demand for new product, particularly as clothing and accessories can now cost less than your daily coffee.

To our relief, brands are starting to turn a corner and follow in the footsteps of those who create beautifully manufactured, timeless goods that’ll last a lifetime if you take good care of them. Good craftsmanship should always be at the forefront of product design and it’s here, we’re thrilled to introduce Campbell Cole.

It’s true that we develop a connection with pieces we use each and every day and this is something designers and co-founders, Ian and Felicity understand phenomenally well and represent through their products. Inspired by simple timeless design, Campbell Cole produces a fantastic range of leather goods, which are of course intended to be used every day. From key wraps and card wallets, to pouches, bags and belts, Campbell Cole design and create beautiful everyday essentials for both men and women.

The craftsmanship in these products is immediately evident, with the design, construction and raw material being well considered at every respective stage of development. The result is a strong and beautiful end product and each new collection clearly represents the growth this brand continues to make.

We wanted to know a little more about Campbell Cole, so we spoke with Ian and Felicity and went through a handful of questions we had. It was a great opportunity to get to know the brains behind Campbell Cole a little better and understand the brand from their point of view;

Q : When did Campbell Cole start and what was the foundation for the brand?

Felicity and I started Campbell Cole in 2011.

After a number of years working as designers for other people, we wanted to create something meaningful for ourselves that represented our personal values and beliefs. Neither of us are big consumers of stuff. We like beautiful things that have been made to be used and loved for a long time and believe completely in buying less but better. I know this sounds like a bit of a cliché but it’s super important to us – there’s so much stuff being made with so little care and consideration – it doesn’t seem sustainable to carry on producing rubbish that’s going to wind up in landfill within a matter of weeks. We are by no means perfect in everything we do, but as conscientious designers we feel it’s important to do the best we can.

Q: What inspires you when designing products and why?

We create products that we would like to own and use ourselves. The details, shapes, colours, patterns and so on are inspired by various different things that interest us.

The Simple Coin Pouch with lanyard is probably quite a good example of this – I wanted a small zip pouch for holding a few essentials when out on my bike – couple of cards, coins, folded notes and a house key. Carrying the pouch with a lanyard works really well if you don’t have secure pockets. A couple of years ago, Felicity and I got quite obsessed with watching films about climbing in Yosemite in the 60’s which led to our use of paracord and the knot details. Our colour palette and emboss details are inspired by the paintings of Le Corbusier.

Q: What are the biggest challenges you’ve tackled with Campbell Cole?

There’s been too many to mention! But probably starting a business with no experience of running a business. Everything we have learnt, from finding reliable factories and suppliers, through to doing our accounts, we have figured out from scratch. I think that’s also what makes it exciting – learning so much, and beginning to feel in control of it – particularly now as the business is growing. It’s all starting to make sense.

Q: How has Instagram had an impact on the brand?

Instagram has been great for Campbell Cole. We are not really big ones for words so using a platform that allows us to communicate our taste and aesthetic through images is perfect for us. I’m not sure where we’d be without it really – probably still trying to figure out the point of Twitter! Instagram has also been great for meeting people. There are so many like-minded people out there doing amazing things… many of the people we have met and become good friends with over these last few years have come through Instagram. I like how informal it is too – nice and friendly.

Q: What’s next for Campbell Cole?

Next up is our new Simple Zip Corner Wallet, which we are launching at Design Junction in September.

We’re attending Design Junction in September, so we’re excited for the new release and look forward to seeing what else Campbell Cole has to offer. One thing we know for sure is here at Clothes Make The Man, we’re in strong agreement that this is one of the best accessory and leather brands we’ve come across to date. If you’re looking for a new wallet or belt gents, head on over to Campbell Cole and check out their range. We guarantee you wont be disappointed.

Words by Keanu Adorable

Trainers have evolved from just being athletic gear that aims to improve performance in our active life, in fact, there are now an abundance of high-fashion kicks available these days than ever. But running on a shoe made from Italian suede isn’t the most practical choice when you’re trying to burn all your calories off in the gym.

However, that doesn’t mean that you should keep using your beaten up stinky pair of trainers that you’ve been hiding in your cupboard for the past decade. That’s why we here Clothes Make The Man has done the hard work and found 6 of the best trainers that can boost your performances and fitness, and will look great when you decide to rock them out in non-gym settings.

Adidas PureBoost DPR

Unlock your running potential in these men’s Pure Boost DPR trainers from Adidas. Equipped with energy-returning Boost tech for swifter, more efficient running, the knit upper contours to your foot, delivering adaptable, breathable comfort with every transition. Featuring a traditional tongue, the DPR has an 8mm heel-to-toe offset that brings you closer to the ground during your run.

Saucony Freedom ISO

The Saucony Freedom ISO trainers provide protection for long runs, maintain a light and responsive ride at fast paces, while still being a good choice for easy recovery runs. The Freedom ISO’s innovative full Everun midsole and ISO fit upper make this elusive experience possible. This shoe really does it all.

Nikelab Gyakusou Lunarepic Low Flyknit 2

Part of Nike x Undercover’s latest ‘Gyakusou’ collection, these sneakers are made from breathable Flyknit that has a snug, slip-on construction. The Flywire technology provides a flexible yet locked-in fit, while the foam Lunarlon mid-layers offer responsive cushioning and all-day comfort. Sectioned rubber outsoles are pressure-mapped to feet in motion, absorbing impact where you need it most.

APL Prism

Athletic Propulsion Labs’ ‘Prism’ sneakers are designed for maximum flexibility and comfort. Cleverly constructed to hold your foot in a natural position for safe and efficient running, this pair is set on a cushioning Propelium™ sole and has an internal mesh slip for ventilation. The reflective overlays enhance visibility during dusk or dawn jogs.

Reebok Print Smooth

The Print Smooth is the latest model in Reebok’s running stable, featuring a sleek outsole design with a stylish lifestyle-relevant silhouette. Aimed at the everyday runner who wants a versatile shoe with a striking visual aesthetic, these are ideal for light runs and run-led fitness training.

Asics MetaRun

This pair of trainers were designed for runners looking for high cushioning and stability, packed with new and advanced technology to deliver exactly that. The cushioning comes from the midsole – constructed from ASICS’ FlyteFoam which offers pillow-like cushioning that bounces back to its original shape to retain its plush feel and are 55% lighter than the industry standard.

Words by Charlie Britton
Photography by Keanu Adorable

It’s safe to say that Vans is one of the most renowned skate brands in the world to date. Since it’s birth in 1966, Vans has gone on to grow into a powerful and respected player in the menswear game and it isn’t stopping anytime soon. Collaborations, limited releases and reinventions of the classics are just a few things that Vans manages to do consistently well and it has proven that once again with its most recent collection.

To celebrate Vans’ success and in collaboration with Farfetch, here at Clothes Make The Man we’ve worked to put 3 outfits together that anyone can pull off with a pair of the classic skate shoes. As the great British summer is here in full hormonal force, it would only be right to work with the warmer weather and produce three summery’ outfits you can rock right now.

The Vans we chose are the Classic White Old Skool 36 DX shoes, made in the original Anaheim factory in California. They combine a modernised comfort with the UltraCush inner sole, original Old Skool design and throwback details including the original colour palette and heavy 10 oz. canvas to complete the shoe. White shoes or sneakers are so versatile when it comes to styling, so we couldn’t resist picking these ones out.

Outfit 1

The first outfit is definitely a casual one perfect for day-to-day wear. Combining soft colours such as this pale blue sweatshirt from COS, raw hem dirty blue wash jeans and a simple white tee to break the colours, we managed to achieve a flattering and simple look. Paired with the Old Skool Vans, it completes the fit and makes for some nice contrasting details. This is Charlie’s favourite fit for everyday wear as it’s stylish but simple and can be changed up easily with different coloured sweats and bottoms. If skinny jeans aren’t your style, throw on some slim-fit chinos or jeans and you’re good to go.

Outfit 2

It wouldn’t be summer appropriate if we didn’t feature an outfit featuring a good ol’ pair of shorts. Despite Charlie’s dislike towards knee length bottoms, this outfit definitely captures a sweet summers day. With this style, Charlie threw on a black hemp tee which allows heat to escape, perfect for the warm weather days and paired it with some smart cotton shorts from H&M. The Vans really complete this look and act as a subtle but statement piece for the fit.

We included some nice details with this outfit too by adding a black tote bag, some Classic 108 sunnies from YSL and a Simple Navy Key Wrap from Campbell Cole. This created some interesting touches and we’re thrilled with the final outcome from this fit. You can put your legs away now Charles.

Outfit 3

For our third and final fit, we wanted to include some smarter elements such as these cropped grey trousers from H&M. Slim fitting, perfectly tailored and well constructed, these trousers are ideal for the warmer weather as they give your legs some breathing space and look great whatever the occasion. To provide the best contrast to the Vans sneakers, we threw on a heavy cotton, oversized, drop shoulder t-shirt in white. This fit is really great as it can be mixed up for any occasion. If you’re going smart-casual, swap out the tee for a white oxford shirt. Formal event? Switch out the vans for some chunky derby shows or slip on loafers and you’re set for whatever the world is gonna throw your way.

So there you have it, three outfits perfect for the summer season whatever the weather. Vans have proven to be not only iconic but a hugely versatile sneaker and we can’t get enough of this white Old Skool pair here at Clothes Make The Man. Affordable, easy to style and an obvious essential every gent needs in their wardrobe this summer, so make sure you pick up a pair!

Words by Charlie Britton

Sunglasses are most definitely a seasonless accessory and here at Clothes Make The Man, we’re certain the warmer weather is a perfect excuse to update your eyewear armoury. From New York designers to Italian craftsmen, we’ve picked out 6 of the best design led, forward thinking sunglasses brands and ranges that should be on your essentials list this summer. Forget the norm and put down those Wayfarers gents, it’s time for an upgrade.

Bape

Otherwise known as ‘A Bathing Ape’, Japanese clothing brand Bape is most often associated with streetwear. As an ever-growing brand, Bape continues to produce iconic garments such as the ‘Shark Hoodie’ and designs such as ‘Bape Camo’ which can be seen in the streetwear scene across the world. Part of the Nowhere Co., Ltd company, Bape has now expanded its range to offer an edgy but contemporary collection of fashionable sunglasses and glasses frames, perfect for the summer season. Chunky silhouettes and round lensed frames make up part of the collection, with interesting textures and design details running throughout. It’s obvious that Bape has been very consistent as their clothing range is definitely reflected through their glasses design. If you fancy picking up a pair that’ll definitely turn heads this summer, you can shop their full range here.

Movitra

Created to keep up with your pace and lifestyle, Movitra is an Italian glasses brand that produces some truly unique glasses. Fitted with a 360 movement system, Movitra glasses bend and twist each and every way to help prevent breakages. The design itself is very unique, making use of both contrasting half and half frames and lenses, depending on the style, which brings quite an interesting finish to these glasses. If you’re looking for some shades that wont stand in the shade this summer, you can find Movitra’s engineered eyewear here.

Illesteva

Another Italian made brand that has made our top 6 is Illesteva. This sunglasses brand started in 2010 and aims to design and produce sunglasses using classic shapes and styles with contemporary materials. Made in family-run factories in Italy, these glasses are designed in New York, carry a high standard of excellence and are made with simplicity and practicality in mind. You can shop the Illesteva collections here.

Grey Ant

The brand name is as unique as the product with Grey Ant. A reinvention of the traditional style of glasses, Grey Ant reinterprets the shapes and silhouettes and produces some extremely interesting eyewear pieces for the modern man and woman. Hand made in Italy and Japan and produced in limited quantities, the brand lives up to their unique selling point of ensuring quality and individuality are paramount. You can view the whole range here.

Westward Leaning

Since its launch in 2012, Westward Leaning have grown to become one of the worlds leading independent sunglasses brands. Unisex, mirrored lenses and universally-flattering are the 3 things that best describe this brand as they create and produce some very well designed glasses that we really do love here at Clothes Make The Man.
Often recognised for their reflected lenses, Westward Leaning continues to develop and evolve into a remarkable eyewear brand and we cant wait to see what’s next. Check them out here for some serious sun-worthy sunnies.

Izipizi

The last to triumph in our top 6 is French eyewear brand Izipizi. Challenging the normal high pricing that sunglasses often carry, Izipizi is growing in popularity as they produce interesting, fashionable and good quality glasses at a price point to suit all. What’s more, all glasses from their reading, screen and sunglasses ranges are available to customise in regards to correctional lenses, so no more faffing down the local opticians replacing the stock lenses. Their current SS17 range has a huge variety of styles and shapes to chose from, so if you’re looking for an ‘easy-peasy’ pair of specs or glasses, Izipizi might just be the way to go. You can view the full range here.

On a final note, one of our editors recently collaborated with Farfetch on SS17 sunglasses piece where 6 bloggers and influencers picked out a pair of essential shades for the season. You can read all about it here.

WORDS BY CHARLIE BRITTON

The fashion industry has seen quite the rise in sportswear inspired garments in recent years with mega-trends such as ‘sports luxe’ and ‘Ath-leisure’ saturating the market. This sartorial mash-up of class and comfort expels the ‘fashion rule book’ as there simply are no boundaries. This summer really is no exception as brands release sportswear inspired collections, fit for occasion on and off the pitch and what a better time then just-in-time for good old Wimbledon.

Kent and Curwen

Creative director Daniel Kearns has clearly been quite busy in recent months. Working closely along side business partner and brand ambassador and the man himself, David Beckham, Kent and Curwen has produced a well liked and received SS18 collection, increased their brand awareness across the menswear fashion and retail scene and grown the brand’s strength from ageing and uncreative to well designed, expertly crafted and sought after.

Creative Director Daniel Kearns and David Beckham

As seen from the interesting presentation that received a well deserved mention in our top LFWM collections which you can see here, Kent and Curwen has focused on a ‘teams’ inspired collection. Bringing in design and detail from different sporting events such as tennis and cricket, the collection has created a nostalgic and very British aura, something rather refreshing and good to see on the menswear scene.

Although this is next Spring/Summers collection, Kent and Curwen’s current SS17 collection is still the perfect choice for today’s modern sportsman. From knitted striped tees to cotton cricket jumpers, the collection is bursting with British heritage and sportsmanship. What’s more, the collection is currently on sale, so make sure you check it out before its gone!

Australian L’Alpina

A name often associated with sports, Australian L’Alpina was founded in 1946 and quickly became a recognisable player on the tennis scene. The unique kangaroo motif may well be one of the more recognisable of heritage brand logos too and has continued to grow in popularity, both on and off the court.

This year, L’Alpina has teamed up with former British David Cup winner, James Ward, as the brand ambassador for this spring summer season. As James Ward steps back into the tennis scene, he has lead the latest collection of contemporary and timeless tennis garments perfect for a game on the grass or a drink at the pub.

Logo embroidered polo shirts with contrasting sleeves and heritage inspired track tops make up most of the collection, with L’Alpina sticking to their traditional style of design as they always have done best. Wearable for sporting occasions and causal occasions alike, this Summer17 collection defines Italian sportswear without the ridiculous price tag. The full Italian contemporary collection is available now on Australian L’Alpina.

Ellesse

Now a household name for the younger and older generation, Ellesse was started in 1959 and took pride in it’s Italian sportswear roots as it still very much does to this day. Initially starting with ski-wear, Ellesse quickly became an important name in the sporting world as it went on to sponsor the likes of Ferrari F1 and the New York marathon in the 1980’s.

Taking inspiration from Wimbledon itself, Ellesse has launched a tennis collection for men, with each garment appropriately named after a famous tennis sporting figure. The colourways of navy, blue and white keep the collection contemporary and up to date, whilst the Ellesse red and yellow logo stands out to create a nice finishing detail. At an extremely affordable price too, this is the perfect range to keep you on top of your game this summer, available now on Ellesse.

Redefining Craftsmanship – Campbell Cole