CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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Water, water everywhere and you need every drop – Clinique for Men Maximum Hydrator Activated Water-Gel Concentrate

We are continuously being told we need to hydrate more, no matter how relaxed or hectic your lifestyle is or even the time of year, skin is constantly exposed to environmental aggressors such as pollution and UV rays, which can accelerate dehydration and lead to premature signs of aging. So whether that’s drinking more water,or moisturising our skin, particularly over the Summer months we are told of the dangers of dehydration. So it’s no wonder those clever boffins over at Clinique HQ are offering us a surge of hydration to quench thirsty skin.

They have come up with Clinique for Men Maximum Hydrator Activated Water-Gel Concentrate, delivering a turbo-boost of cool supercharged hydration to inccrease skin’s moisture reservoir with an immediate 179% moisture boost that is retained for 24 hours at 65%. This NEWproduct attracts and binds moisture to the skin for optimal moisture retention and a stronger moisture barrier. The breakthrough weightless formula transforms from a gel to a liquid, releasing a cooling burst of oil-free hydration that’s instantly absorbed by your skin leaving zero tacky residue. Skin is left feeling soothed, comfortable, and fresh and in doing so helps to break the cycle of dryness and oxidative damage, releasing vital antioxidant protection.

Basically it works with a Double technology innovation combining: Liquid Sphere Technology –

Firstly, encapsulated spheres of Vitamin E and Vitamin C burst instantly on application, to release potent antioxidants that protect against oxidative damage and fend off free radicals. Then, Moisture Holding Matrix Polymer Technology – Which works by interlocking moisture-magnet polymers seal and lock in hydration, helping to boost skin’s moisture retention. See simple !

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Want to invest in a little piece of history ? Vestiairecollective.com X Belstaff

Vestiaire Collective may not necessarily be a website you are that familiar with, just yet, but trust that is all about to change and in part thanks to this genius collaboration. Vestiairecollective.com is a global marketplace for premium and luxury pre-owned items of clothing and accessories. The platform houses 600,000 carefully curated pieces that once sold ​are expertly checked for 100% quality and authenticity. Launched in Paris in October 2009, Vestiairecollective.com has over 6 million fashion savvy members across 50 countries worldwide with offices in Paris, London, New York, Milan and Berlin. 30,000 new items are submitted by their community of sellers every week, which enables buyers to hunt amongst over 3,200 coveted and must have fashion pieces a day.

For the first time Belstaff is partnering with Vestiaire Collective on the exclusive sale of ten of its iconic wax cotton Trialmaster jackets from the Archive. This collaboration had taken 30 months of careful sourcing, Belstaff first revealed a selection of its 93 year leather archive during February’s London Fashion Week at the New Bond Street Flagship. Now sees the first reveal of the wax cotton Archive, in celebration of the current ‘Fit for Purpose’ campaign championing Belstaff’s technological advances in weather proofing garments since 1924, protecting you to venture free in all kinds of weather.

The current exhibition on show includes a 1930s vulcanized rubber motorcycle coat, yellow oilskin ‘Speedway’ capes made for spectators at the races in the 1940s, cotton gabardine mountain parkas from the 1940s and 1970s and a shell mountain parka co-designer by mountaineer Chris Bonnington, who worked with Belstaff from 1976 to 1978 on the ‘Great British Weatherproofs’ line of clothing. Also it showcases some of the first generation Trialmasters from the 1960s and 1970s including unique colour versions and an emerald waxed cotton two-piece, worn by legendary motorcyclist Sammy Miller to a number of victories. The now iconic wax four pocket jacket design was trademarked by Belstaff in 1969, as the style was adopted by more of the biking community, becoming as much a part of the bike scene as the bikes themselves.

The 10 Trialmaster wax cotton jackets are now on sale on the site and will be available to view at the Belstaff New Bond Street flagship. The jackets range from the 60s to the 70s, a specifically sought after era. Each jacket has an oily hand waxed patina giving them their waterproofing properties. The slanted pocket from the original 50’s design was adapted in the 70s to a horizontal design for a more modern interpretation. The jackets have the Belstaff check lining, with some still displaying vintage badges from Goodyear or BSA pins from their original owners, while two of the jackets are in hard to find rare red wax, all with individual wear and weathered distinctions on the fabrics. All proceeds from the sales will go towards future purchases to help grow and sustain the Archive.

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How to Make the Ultimate Sandwich


This week is British Sandwich Week so to celebrate this great British obsession we asked Head Chef Gary Durrant at top Hotel The Arch London to share his top tips on how to create the perfect sandwich.

Taking the same sandwiches for lunch each day can become dull. So if your cheese and pickle sandwiches are starting to go stale then these tips are guaranteed to help you improve your lunchtime routine.

Gary Durrant is the sandwich aficionado behind The Arch London’s signature Club Sandwich, as well as the sensational sandwiches on the Royal Afternoon Tea. These are both served with the Gary’s unique homemade crisps seasoned with salt, sage and peppercorn.

1) Add some flavour
You can make your sandwich really stand out with just one extra ingredient. Try adding fresh herbs, a sliced hard-boiled egg or make your own quick pickles – cucumber, vinegar, oil, brown sugar, salt and pepper.

2) Choose your bread wisely
The bread is the most important part of the whole sandwich. If you want to add very moist fillings then it is best to go for dry and dense bread or try flour tortillas. These will keep the ingredients fresh and moisture just right.

3) Add some moisture
For the right amount of moisture add your spread to both sides of the bread, this will also help lock in the flavour. Spread to every edge of the slice of bread to create a seal for the fillings. Use butter, mayo, mustard, cream cheese or experiment with pesto, jam, chutney or salsa.

4) Avoid a soggy sandwich
If you are adding lettuce to your sandwich, first dry it with kitchen roll to prevent the bread from getting soggy. Also place the lettuce at the top of the sandwich so that it remains crispy. Do not put wet ingredients directly on the bread, layer them with dry items. For a basic sandwich example, add your fillings in this order – lettuce, tomato, meat (or alterative filling) then cheese.

5) Time for seasoning
Salt, pepper and spices can change a whole sandwich, so experiment! Add a pinch of salt to your vegetables before adding them to the sandwich for that extra flavour. Adding too much dressing to the salad in your sandwich can also make it soggy so season it lightly.

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Running in style – ASICS X WOOD WOOD

As part of their ongoing 15th birthday celebrations, our increasingly favourite Scandic fashion brand, Wood Wood have teamed up, this time, with one of our favourite sneaker brands in uber stylish Japanese brand ASICS, to create a unique head-turning version of their iconic GEL–DS Trainer OG.

Previewed at the Wood Wood Autumn/Winter 2017 runway show during Milan Fashion Week. The Wood Wood GEL–DS Trainer OG is created in a characteristic ASICS look emphasising the 90s origins of the model.

The lightweight runner turned life-style shoe has received a super striking metallic make-over with pops of red and blue. The colour detailing is seen on the anodized eyelets, lace tips and the forefoot part of the outsole. The silver synthetic leather uppers feature black outlines as a nod to traditional running shoes and point to the fact that the model was originally designed for serious high mileage running action. Featuring ASICS GEL technology for perfect density, the GEL–DS Trainer OG has a DuoSole outsole for enhanced flexibility, durability and traction. Additional detailing includes stitched ASICS GEL logo on the heel, mesh toebox, oval laces and W.W. branding on the tongue.

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Spice up your life – ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA, ESSENZE SPICE

Italian luxury fashion and Grooming house ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA must know something we don’t about Summer 2017, because if they are to be believed we are in for a hot spicy season, with the introduction of their new ESSENZE SPICE collection. Indulge in the rich aromatics from three handcrafted, signature scents inspired by spice, vanilla and saffron. Crafted from prestigious spices, the Essenze Spice Collection is the perfect blend of complexity and finesse to balance mystery, strength and magnetism. The Zegna man whose sophistication, confidence and freshness make him a pillar of modern style.

The first of the trio is BOURBON VANILLA – Like your favourite nightcap, the warm, familiar aroma of Vanilla bean mixes with bold vetiver and ginger to create a full-bodied cocktail of temptation. Middle notes of Cassis, Cypriol and Turkish Rose add an alluring freshness to match the modernity of the Zegna man.

Next we have, INDIAN SPICE – Cardamom, coriander and star anise top notes create electrifying warmth in this unique gourmand blend, bringing to life the exoticism of Madurai and the beaches of Goa. The floral heart of the fragrance, resting on the masculine, woody base of cedarwood, oud and patchouli take your senses to new places of savory adventure.

Finally, let me introduce PERSIAN SAFFRON Dynastic, powerful, effervescent – let this piquant scent surround and consume you. Top notes of Zegna’s cultivated bergamot blend middle notes of the most valuable spice in the world, Saffron, to illuminate the senses.