CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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Here Comes Summer – Tumi X Orlebar Brown

This Summer two bastion brands of the Sunny, warm Months have come together to create a must have collaboration. Combining Orlebar Brown, the British luxury swimwear brand known for its modern, tailored swim shorts and photographic prints, collaborate for the first time to bring innovative and playful weekend totes to their consumers worldwide,
with TUMI’s reputation for high quality and performance lifestyle collections, the outcome displays contemporary travel at its best. Drawing constant inspiration from Slim Aarons’ iconic pictures of Riviera and Palm Beach life during the decade, Orlebar Brown and TUMI have reinterpreted the 1960s poolside utopia into an aptly energetic weekend travel assortment.

This exclusive four-piece tote collection reflects both brands’ approach to summer dressing in navy, khaki, and printed canvas with a coordinating navy interior. Each tote has a waterproof rubber base, making it a perfect companion for a day spent poolside or a weekend at the beach. Additional features include leather carry handles, a strap tuck lock closure, a back slip pocket for the last minute essentials, a hanging luggage tag that has the ability to be monogrammed, and the TUMI owned Add-a-Bag strap on back.

“It’s easy to draw parallels between OB and TUMI and the quality we produce. We both strive to be best in class with a genuine attention to detail. Our ethos is around celebrating travel and TUMI are experts in this field with a clear commitment to innovation.  It has been a wonderful project,” says Adam Brown, Founder of Orlebar Brown.

 

 

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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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Louis Vuitton x Fragment Design Collaboration Harrods Pop Up

by Keanu Adorable

Louis Vuitton will present an exclusive preview of their collaboration with Japanese creative Hiroshi Fujiwara’s acclaimed label Fragment Design, with a pop-up boutique located inside Harrod’s department store in London.

Centred around on a fictional band, Louis V and The Fragments the collaboration reflects their stage wardrobe and merchandise.“Hiroshi is an influencer in the trust sense of the work – he is a true icon of mine,” said Louis Vuitton’s Artistic Director Kim Jones. “With this collaboration, I wanted to do something quite unexpected, something perhaps more youthful than we usually do.” The two first met over twenty years ago and, with this collaboration, their shared passions for pop culture, graphic motifs, sportswear history and the icons of menswear design merge, uniting references from Paris to Tokyo.

The collection revolves around varsity items, and fresh bold embroideries and prints. An F for Fragment patch and motif decorate outerwear and knitwear. Accessories are playful; Boy Scout patches, rainbow metallic pins and varsity patches that draw on icons from the Louis Vuitton archive. Headwear encompasses a ranger hat and, in a nod to the eccentric styles of the 1980’s Paris-Tokyo beret. The pop-up at Harrods will offer a variety of items from the collection including leather goods, ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories, as well as exclusive items offered only in the pop-up.

 

The pop-up will be located on the lower ground floor in Harrod’s department store and unveiled to the public on April 27th for three weeks.

Take a look at the collection online at Louis Vuitton’s website uk.louisvuitton.com

 

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It’s good to Talk – The Lions Barber Collective

Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 years old and it is estimated that in the U.K. 1 in 8 men are diagnosed with a mental health illness at some point in their lives plus, in 2014, 74% of all suicide victims in the UK were male. In light of these terrifying statistics , the younger members of the British Royal Family, particularly Prince Harry’s recent comments have attracted praise from mental health experts after his interview with the Daily Telegraph’s Bryony Gordon in which he revealed how he sought counselling after coming close to a mental breakdown following the death of his mother.

Somebody who is determined to make a difference and do something positive about this problem is Tom Chapman, an inspirational barber who has set up his own men’s mental health awareness and suicide prevention movement, named The Lions Barber Collective.

Tom’s Lions Barber Collective is turning barbershops into safe spaces for men using the opportunity of a regular haircut to start conversations about mental health. The group is having an enormous impact with men who traditional mental health services can struggle to reach.

Tom organises a professionally run training programme, which is teaching barbers to ‘recognise, talk, listen and advise’ clients and works with the Samaritans charity – signposting the services they offer to clients in need.

In recognition of the impact the group is making, Tom has just been awarded a ‘Point of Light’ Award by Prime Minister Theresa May. This award recognises outstanding individual volunteers, who are making a change in their community.

Recent research suggests that barbers are in a very unique position to help men in their battle with depression. A survey commissioned by the Lions Barber Collective and The Bluebeards Revenge male grooming brand revealed that more than half of the men in Britain now feel more comfortable discussing sensitive mental health issues such as depression with their barbers/hairdressers than their doctors.
So please remember lads it’s good to talk and let’s encourage one and other to do so.

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Global Essence – Acqua Di Parma new Colonias

Acqua di Parma is quite literally finding inspiration in its travels. The pleasure of travelling, of taking the time to savour the environment you find yourself in and to experience the spirit of a place, is unique. It’s Colonia collection explores other worlds and traditions and with each new departure is a discovery. A sensory journey in search of the most rare and original essences, of ingredients that tell the story of an atmosphere, a vision of beauty, a way of life. The result is a collection of sophisticated and evocative fragrances. Ingredient Collection. Essentially a travel diary of aromas, always open to new discoveries and fascinating combinations.

So far Colonia traces its map along the route, from its trip to the Middle East, Colonia captures the sensory opulence of Agarwood oil, giving life to the mysterious and sensual notes of Colonia Oud. Then along the Silk Road, where the personality of Colonia joins the refined sensuality of ambergris to create Colonia Ambra.

For its latest incantations the brand has looked both near and far for its inspiration. Firstly, we have the Colonia Mirra, which through the deserts and mountains a slow and tireless crossing, from Muscat, where the streets and windows are dotted with small coloured lanterns where incense and myrrh unleash their vibrant aromas. Through the kingdom of Saba, to Jordan and the mythical road of the Wise Men. To then reach the Mediterranean until arriving in Rome, where the highly prized resins were in great demand, burnt during religious ceremonies. A long journey on the Via Sacra of perfumes which Colonia Mirra was born.

Colonia Ebano is sourced much closer to its spiritual home in the artisan workshops of the Milanese master cabinetmakers. Where for centuries the art of cabinetmaking has been cultivated at its highest levels. First there is the scent of beeswax with which the cabinetmaker caresses the wood until it gleams. In the subtle and penetrating aromas of ebony and other precious woods that are skilfully inlaid with each other. This scent is a faceted, sumptuous fragrance, but at the same time fresh and luminous.