CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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The coat that dressed a Nation – Gloverall’s 1951 Collection

imageWhen you think of Duffle Coats a couple of things spring to mind Paddington Bear, maybe, or Alan Bennett, maybe even Arctic explorers, but one brand epitomises the archetypal British, good old Duffle, Gloverall. Founded in 1951, literally, from the words Glove & Overall, Gloverall has gained iconic status as a design classic with their coats still being Made in England.
Playing a key role in style and culture through the last 60 years Gloverall has become one of the most respected and loved British outerwear brands.

imageThis season Gloverall underlines its celebrated sporting history and delves into its rich sports-led archive with the launch of the ’51 collection.

For Winter ’15, the launch collection makes a contemporary reevaluation of the monty duffle coat, updating the classic boiled wool style featuring appliqué racing-inspired motifs and pins. Additional outerwear pieces include a selection of all-weather raincoats, mid-length car coats, a wadded parka and the race-inspired Paddock jacket. The collection is completed with a range of casual utility shirts with faint echoes of the 1950’s alongside a handsome selection of aran and fair isle knits as well as a crew-neck cardigan emblazoned with the collection’s 1951 slogan.

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Now that’s what you call a close shave – Gillette for SPECTRE

imageFor over 110 years, Gillette has delivered precision technology and unrivaled product performance – improving the lives of over 750 million men around the world. From shaving and body grooming, to skin care and sweat protection, Gillette offers a wide variety of products including razors, shave gel (gels, foams and creams), skin care, after shaves, antiperspirants, deodorants and body wash. Click here for more info.

So as the world prepares for the release of SPECTRE, the 24th Bond film, Gillette celebrates the moments in every man’s life where he feels in control and confident. But these “Bond moments” don’t just happen – they come with precise preparation.

Just as James receives a cryptic message from the past which sends him on a rogue mission to Mexico and eventually Rome, where Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of the sinister organisation known as SPECTRE.

You too can experience “Bond Moments” inspired by the creator and author of James Bond, Ian Fleming. Fleming’s powerful and poetic words form the foundation of the campaign. His quotes describing the ultimate “Bond Moments” are present throughout the campaign across TV, print, online and in-store.

To celebrate the partnership, a SPECTRE/Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor with FlexBall Technology gift pack is available in stores now.

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25 years of making Shoes great – Oliver Sweeney’s Silver Anniversary

imageWho doesn’t know shoe Genuis Oliver Sweeney, a cobbler who shoes inspire lust and aspiration and who is all about taking the traditional and making it modern. Founded in Britain in 1989, they’ve been making shoes great for over 25 years. Taking inspiration from around the world and filtering it through a very British lens, the brand is known for sourcing the highest quality materials to craft shoes, clothing and accessories that reflect a customers’ individuality, flair and success.

I have to say I have great memories of the man himself and on more than one occasion during the late 90’s sharing a drink or six in the Mecca of 90’s twatness that was the Met Bar.

Fast forward to present day and the brand is celebrating its Silver Anniversary! From outfitting the 2003 England Rugby World Cup champion team Sweeney shoes have always been able to make a statement. They’ll be celebrating this milestone year in many different ways and with many different projects as the year progresses, but to kick things off they have started proceedings with the Silver Collection of four Limited Edition shoes.

The brand have developed a special leather treatment together with their dedicated team of Italian artisans based in their factory in the Marche. Using luxury metallic silver leather as a base, they apply a fine black composite skin over the top that can then be brushed off to reveal the silver underneath. Plus they’ve also introduced the Firewriter sole etching service exclusively on the 25th Anniversary Deliceto. Using a heated iron and an intricate template, these shoes can be finished with a bespoke design that’s limited only by your imagination. Then The shoes are finished with a hand-stitched ‘XXV’ on the heel counters, black leather inners with silver foil lettering, and strictly Limited to a numbered Edition of 250 pairs of each style.

To celebrate this anniversary in style, they’ve used this Anniversary leather on 4 different styles;

image• Falerone, a contemporary hi-top with a laser-etched crosshatching panel on the flank
image• Osimo, a classic low-top that features minimal detailing and a swooped stitching line
image• Cova, a slip-on trainer style that’s inspired by vintage skate shoes
image• Deliceto, a formal shoe that uses a striking last with a fin-like ridge along the toe

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Because you’re Werth it – Peter Werth’s 40th Anniversary Celebrations

imageAs part of its 40 year celebrations, Peter Werth are launching a limited edition collaboration with legendary Spanish jeans brand Lois. 

Worn by the stylish connoisseurs back in the 80’s and 90’s, Peter Werth original, long-sleeved knitted polo shirts were an early expression of the terrace casual look, when paired with Adidas Stan Smith trainers and burgundy or navy Lois cords. The was a statement look, a confidence builder and you knew you looked GOOD. This range is a celebration of this iconic look.

The limited edition range features the Lois X Peter Werth jumbo cord trucker jacket and Lois X Peter Werth denim jacket – contemporary versions of the denim Lois Torera jacket (or Monkey jacket as it became affectionately known after a manufacturing error meant that the sleeves were longer than they should have been). The original denim version was an icon of the 1970s and ’80s and was worn by the likes of Bjorn Borg and James Hunt.

Additional items in the 8 piece collection include jumbo cord jeans in burgundy and navy, t-shirts and knitted polo tops.

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Finisterre – A perfect Winter dish

imageFinisterre is a like a good Winter soup, you add all the ingredients into the pot and if you lucky and talented enough out comes the most delicious and warming of products you could have hoped for.

The brand was founded by Tom Kay from a flat above a shop in St Agnes in 2002, it prides itself on makes innovative product for cold water surfers and outdoor adventurers, whether of an U rural or urban nature. With a focus on craftsmanship, durability, and above all, longevity, Finisterre is an ethical brand committed to developing long-term relationships with their suppliers.

imageThe Bowmont Project is testament to Finisterre’s commitment to not only their suppliers but how they place wool at the heart of their fabric development. Finisterre are proud to be the only brand producing 100% UK sourced superfine British Merino wool, which compares with the quality of Merino produced by New Zealand and Australia. Since 2008 Finisterre have collaborated with Lesley Prior, the guardian of the last British Bowmont Merino, a fine fibre sheep bred to withstand the British climate.

For Winter 2015 Finisterre have not only extended their men’s Merino collection, designed a new limited edition Bowmont jacquard and pushed the limits of British wool production, to launch their first ever wool-backed stretch denim.

imageContinuing the brands pioneering approach to innovating wool production, Finisterre is launching a revolutionary 12oz wool-backed denim with enhanced warmth, breathability and anti- bacterial qualities. Once again quantifying their commitment to British production, the brand chose Manchester based manufacturer Cookson & Clegg to produce its wool jean. With a history of making leatherwear for coal delivery men in the late 1800’s and uniforms for the British army, this wealth of traditional manufacturing knowledge made the company the perfect denim production partner.

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