CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

anthonymcgrath405 / 07/08/2015

5 Buyers and their Favorite brand for Autumn 2015

As the long shadow of Autumn looms in the distance, we decided to embrace the forthcoming season and welcome it with open arms. We here at Clothes-Make-the-Man, laugh in the face of the colder, darker nights which necessitate us to wrap up warm and pile on those layers.

With this in the forefront of our minds we sort out expert opinion from a complete cross section of the mens retail market. From the most exclusive of department stores, in the grand form of Harrods to an up and coming e-tailer, the rising star of TheIdleMan and from not one, but two of the leading established independent brick and clicks stores, Steranko and TheHipStore and finally to the nation’s largest and most loved department store chain, of course House of Fraser. We asked our representatives what was their favorite brand for the next season and as to why they loved them so much for the fall of Autumn. First of learned panel is

“My big brand for Autumn is WOODWOOD, you can really see the progression from a cool Scandinavian Street Brand to a really credible contemporary label without losing its original identity. I know everyone is banging on about the 70’s but it’s a radical look for anyone to fully obtain especially in Menswear, WOODWOOD have referenced it in all the right places and kept the collection really wearable. Beautiful suede jackets in camels and navy wool meltons with shearling collars are stand out pieces and the knits with a nod to sportswear keep the collection young and balanced. Its still achingly minimal which is what you want from the Scandi Set.” Thom Scherdel, TheIdle Man.

“My favourite brand for Autumn is Portuguese Flannel..expertly woven shirts, made in er, Portugal. The craftsmanship of these shirts when considering the price is quite fantastic. Every check is a delight, every colour a joy. The tightly woven fabric gives the softest most luxurious finish. A great, great new brand.” Pete Parry, Steranko.

“One of my favourite brands arriving at the Hip Store this season will be Freemans Sporting Club we are looking forward to receiving our first selection of ‘ Formal Sportswear ‘ from Freemans.
Based in New Yorks Lower East Side Freemans are bridging the vanishing art of American hand made quality durable goods inherent in something made by skilled artisans .
Every garment is made in New York from a new generation of tailors and sewers .
The first. collection and store idea grew out of a group of friends in 2005 who made bespoke suits to order, they played pool ( Sports) above the Freemans restaurant which continues to serve today excellent haute comfort cuisine in a assuming space at the end of a graffiti walled alley just off the Bowery.
Expect to see Cord and cotton Oxford shirting , moleskin, camouflage a and wax cotton outerwear.” Everton Campbell of TheHiPStore

We are always really excited to attend Neil Barrett’s shows, and having just opened his largest shop-in-shop in Europe, this season was certainly no exception. We saw his trademark military influences and statement pieces combined with much more classic items, such as simple tactile knits and tailored coats, which will work brilliantly for Winter. Jo Harris, General Merchandise Manager for Menswear, Harrods.

“The brand of choice for me for Autumn is Barbour – this is a key brand for us and growing year on year. What’s exciting is that they are really focusing on growing as a true lifestyle brand and offering layering pieces such as shirts, polo shirts and knitwear rather than just being known for the familiar quilted and wax coat, “Barbour International” , the motorcycle inspired branch of the brand, has even introduced an extensive denim range in our stores.
It’s great to partner up with an equally iconic British brand which has remained true to its authentic heritage and the importance of quality but also recognised the important of staying current, trend driven and reinventing itself over the years.” Paul Hayes, Senior Menswear Buyer at House of Fraser

anthonymcgrath405 / 05/08/2015

Understated Elegance – Puma, Made in Italy

Trainers or Sneakers, if you so prefer, have come along way from there original running track origins. No longer just confined to the sports arena, trainers are now as versatile as a pair of denim jeans, in fact some would argue even more so. We now see designer collaborations, formal trainers, designer brands launching their own interpretations of classic designs and certain styles of trainers are swaping hands for designer price tags.

PUMA continue to be a leader the market when it comes to innovation and creativity with regard to design and aesthetic. For this season they have continued to work with some of the finest factories in Italy this year with the PUMA States hand crafted Made in Italy pack.
Basing the collection on the concept of texture and surface interest, PUMA have explored different ways of treating the surface of the materials through embossed effects and the use of natural dyes and dye techniques.

Strong attention to detail and quality in manufacturing is what really seperates this pack, using some of the finest factories in Italy where the designs are anti-machine and pro-perfection.
Using the classic States silhouette, the pack consists of three models: States in black/white and natural/whisper white and States Mid in peacoat/white, all transformed into fresh icons, unrivalled in every sense of the word.

anthonymcgrath405 / 03/08/2015

Bridging the Travel Gap – The Bridge

Thinking about booking a little city break, there is a bank holiday coming up, a cheeky weekend away or you may have more of a HOLIDAY approaching on the horizon ? Whatever you choice of getaway, urban, restful, hedonistic or all action, one thing you definitely need to consider is the vessel you will be using to carry your carefully selected choice of apparel during this aforementioned jaunt.

The luggage you carry whilst awaiting its arrival at the carousel says a lot about you. So ensure you look the biz at this all important time with carefully selected bag/case/hold up/trunk.

One such brand in question that will always have you standing out from the crowd is the Italian Luggage brand, The Bridge, who offer luxury products at a far more sensible price point. Founded in

1969, in Scandicci on the outskirts of Florence, originating from an idea of 5 artisans that got together and started the company. In 1975 “The Bridge” brand was born, originally the headquarters was located near a bridge called “Ponte a Greve”, and this is why the brand took this name.

The Bridge was selected among others because it represents the strong link of the company to the local community and to its geographical origins.

The Brand Identity’s revolves around three main values: style, multi-function usage and durability. The Bridge is a brand that follows its clients during the most important moments in an individual life, becoming part of his/her history. A history made of meetings, work, travels and free time. The Bridge’s very own artisans are extremely skilful in their work, they place great care in crafting these products, making them unique pieces. Time, usage and baggage handlers do the rest, increasing the appearance of the product over time. The Bridge products are designed with the same care and the same love for simple things that are well made and last a very long time.

The offering from the brand is split into two very distinct categories, Running Products and Seasonal Products. Running Products, are the hardy perennial items, design classics that represent the true DNA and design principles of the Bridge. Whereas Seasonal Products, are as the name suggests, closer to fashion trends and seasonal market requests. Commencing this season Eduardo Wongvalle, ex Art Director of Bottega Veneta and Dior, who has had formally collaborated with Armani and Bulgari, undertook the creative direction of the brand.

The Bridge products are present all over the world, placed in some of the most important cities such as Milan, London, Zurich, Shanghai, Beijing and New York.

anthonymcgrath405 / 30/07/2015

10 Essential Sunglasses for Summerttime

It’s the middle of summer, and the temperature is still creeping up, whilst sunshine is beaming down upon us. Now wearing sunglasses is important, not just to look cool, but to also offer protection to our eyes from the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.

So whether lounging by the pool, dancing in the festival sun or just waiting to catch a glimpse of the sunrise (or sunset), we’ve got ten of the best pairs around for you to choose from.

Diesel – £99

Gant – £105

Guess – £65

Mont Blanc – £218

Roberto Cavalli – £252

Zegna – £153

Cubitts Herbrand – £125

Cubitts Winford – £125

Rayban Aviators – £125

Rayban Clubmaster – £135

anthonymcgrath405 / 28/07/2015

The sweet smell of success – 6 of the best Premium Shower Gels

There’s nothing better than when someone, you admire, want to impress, are attracted to, complements you on how well you smell, that they think you smell good. However, it isn’t as easy as to Splash it all over, as good old Henry Cooper once put it, yes that antidote, is lost on anyone born past 1975. Wearing a fragrance and simply pinning all your hopes on the fact that you think it will last all day is being rather naive, to put it mildly. One of the main reasons why fragrance house and designer brands launch complete grooming ranges is to give you more of a uniform scent. So by using one particular scent’s accompanying grooming products with their flagship fragrance will give you much more of a presence in the pleasing odour departments. One of the more key products in achieving this nirvana is the shower gel and as always we do the hard work so you don’t have to.

Acqua di Parma, a highly aspirational brand which achieves that impressive desired effect, when people see this brands products in your Bathroom.

Hugo Red by Hugo Boss, is a versatile and approachable fragrance, fresh and refreshing.

A genuine classic, often copied never bettered. Creed Grooming products elevate anyone’s Bathroom and Grren Irish Tweed is a particular favorite of Clothes-Make-the-Man, well us and HRH Prince Charles and the late Cary Grant, so not bad company.

Ahhh the Amercian Designer Micheal Kors, increasingly a favourite not only with his clothing and accessories but gaining favour with his fragrance lines.

The King of sexiness’s reign doesn’t just stretch to Apparel, Tom Ford is very much the King of great smelling fragrance, well worth checking out.

Jean Paul Gaultier‘s Le Male, an amazing scent, a memorable Ad campaign, an amazing bottle, OK granted the shower gel’s bottle isn’t quite as iconic. Sweep whoever it is you are trying to impressive off their feet with this number.

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