CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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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.

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150 years in the making – Grenson’s new luggage collection

Better known as one of the best British, heritage Footwear brands, Grenson have been producing quality shoes in the U.K. since 1866. So after over 150 years they’ve decided to expand their produce range, no not in footwear but luxury, aspirational and yet surprisingly affordable luggage. So for the first time ever Grenson are launching their first bags collection, featuring classic bag styles from the past, all made in specially commissioned British Millerain durable waxed cotton twill canvas.

The bags include a 1960’s flight bag, inspired by the classic airline branded flight bags from the jet era, reminiscent of the PanAm classic, a Holdall is inspired by the classic branded sports bag of the 1970s but given a modern overhaul inside to carry and protect our everyday tech accessories. , two sizes of backpack which take inspiration from the “The Pattern 42 Bergen Rucksack” which was commissioned in June of 1940, for the British Commandos, this multi pocket style rucksack has proved to be a timeless classic. Then we have another second world war reference in two sizes of Messenger bag which draws on a bag that gained popularity during WWII when troops would use them to carry their personal belongings, leaving hands free for weapons or tools and finally a simple Tote which was popularized in the 1940s after the release of L.L Bean’s Boat Bag. During the 1960s tote bags then went from being simply functional to stylish fashion accessories. The main canvas material for all of the bags was created to unique Grenson specifications by the famous weatherproofing textiles manufacturer, British Millerain.

Grenson’s New Bag Collection

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Let Paul be your new Best Friend – Vagabond’s ethical new Trainer

Swedish Footwear brand Vagabond are proudly presenting their latest, and some would say greatest, innovation in stylish shoes. Paul, yeah I’m not quite sure why, is made entirely in a recyclable cherry wood Ligneah material where all components are from vegetable origin. The men’s shoe is part of Vagabond’s Atelier: a forum for innovation and creation, where the company dares itself in the aim of more sustainable production.

Not only for Vagabond, but the wider shoe industry producing non-animal options is an important step towards less strain on the eco-system. However, they aren’t just stopping there. Technical innovation and the development of materials that are not only non-animal, but also more environmentally friendly, are now made available for shoes. In the manufacturing process, thin sheets of wood are attached to a cotton base, using a technique where resistance and durability is assured. To make the wood material soft and “leather-like”, the surface is then micro laser etched.

Marie Nilsson Peterzén, co- founder and creative director at Vagabond Shoemakers, had this to say on the worthy project. “This project is a follow up on the successful launch of the rst Atelier project with the non-animal collec- tion. We see each season as a challenge and opportunity and are always inspired by sustainability work. It is also where we can work with product development outside the company’s general collections”.

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Men’s Holiday Shop – Whistles Men

Words by Charlie Britton

With the Summer holidays swiftly approaching, the temptation to update your warm weather wardrobe becomes increasingly difficult to resist. Quite rightly, there’s no reason as to why you shouldn’t treat yourself and thankfully, Whistles has got you covered.

Whitles holiday edit

Simples tees, everyday sweats and timeless sunnies make for the perfect summer wardrobe in the latest holiday edit from Whistles Mens. Collaborations with both Boardies and Dock and Bay have revealed exciting pieces including Whistles very first menswear swim collection, featuring a stunning and contemporary design from artist Rory McCartney, and two exclusive colourways from towel experts, Dock and Bay.

Whistles x Boardies

Designed in collaboration with the Boardies team, the bold collection features three great designs; the Rory McCartney green ‘Palm Dot’ print, a bold and contrasting three colour striped print and a simple but stylish blue block print pair featuring a special Boardies feature where the pattern only appears when wet. The collaboration is refreshingly stylish, providing a trendy and smart alternative to the awfully overdone ibiza themed short. The ‘Palm Dot’ print can also be found on a relaxed everyday tee and short sleeved shirt, with other clean essential tops to chose from.

Whistles x boardies swim shorts for men

Whistles x Dock and Bay

Something not seen all too often, Whistles has collaborated with towel brand and experts Dock and Bay to produce two very appealing quick drying towels, perfect for the Summer season. Two bold colourways, one being blue and the other green, provide excellent microfibre technology, with the best bit being sand won’t stick to them at the beach!!!

Whistles x Dock and Bay towels

New to Whistles Men

Aside from the exciting collaborations Whistles has in store for the holiday season, they have also introduced two fantastic brands to their collection. Good News is a British contemporary footwear brand recently founded here in London. Ethical production, fair trade sourcing and great design are the three key elements to this exciting new brand, as they aim to make a positive change in the fashion industry, engaging with their audience and community to raise awareness on important issues. Whistles have also introduced skincare brand, Filmore, bringing Scottish crafted natural grooming products and nordic-inspired minimal design together to create a simple but effective skincare range.

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6 Of The Best – Striped Pieces

WORDS KEANU ADORABLE 

Stripes are a classic and versatile pattern that can add interest to your whole outfit, and we at Clothes Make The Man want you embrace this look, especially this season. Here are our top 6 pieces that would make a great addition to your summer wardrobe.

 

FOLK Striped Cotton-Jersey Longsleeve T-Shirt

“Stripes are a fail-safe way to introduce pattern into your smart-casual capsule, and this T-shirt from Folk is an effortless choice. Cut from soft cotton-jersey that feels as good as it looks, it’s rendered in versatile charcoal and white for easy pairing with any colour trousers.”

PS BY PAUL SMITH Slim-Fit Striped Cotton T-Shirt

“Unexpected flourishes of colour are a PS by Paul Smith signature. Designed with royal-blue tipping at the collar, this striped T-shirt is made from lightweight cotton and cut comfortably slim.”

ZARA Plain Oxford Shirt

“Zara continues to keep up with the latest trends with this clean, plain Oxford shirt. The sleeve with contrasting stripe is the key point of the design. This can be worn on a casual day/night out, the versatility of this piece means you could rock it with different combos – jeans with trainers or trousers with smart shoes”

NEIL BARRETT Panelled Cotton-Blend Poplin Shirt

“With a palette based in brown and tan, Neil Barrett‘s Spring ’17 collection is inspired by the American TV shows the designer watched as a child in the UK. This cotton-blend poplin shirt is designed with stacked panels at the sleeves – a recurring detail that references military uniforms.”

3.1 PHILLIP LIM Striped Shirt

“This multicoloured striped shirt from 3.1 Phillip Lim is one of the most trendiest pieces that you can rock this summer, this shirt features peaked lapels, a front button fastening, a chest pocket and short sleeves that gives that casual but luxurious vibe”

PRADA Stripe-Trimmed Cotton-Poplin Shirt

“Prada’s retro-inspired short-sleeved shirt has been made in Italy from smooth cotton-poplin. It’s tailored in a boxy profile, enhanced by the neat box pleat at the back and side slits, and is trimmed with a contrasting mustard hem.”