We are the Champions my Friend – HERSCHEL X CHAMPION for Urban Outfitters

imageOK so the Summer of Sport isn’t going quite the way we may have planned, we’ve still got Wimbledon and the start of the premiership is only round the corner plus we still have the Chess Boxing Championships to look forward to, honestly it exists. Now to mark the not so magnificent Sports led Summer Urban Outfitters have brought together two brands to produce one sterling range.

Herschel Supply Co, Founded in 2009 by brothers Jamie and Lyndon Cormack in their hometown of Vancouver, Canada and manufactures the finest backpacks, bags, travel goods and accessories. Now Champion, an American Sportswear brand with over 100 years of heritage are probably best known for inventing the Hooded & Full Zipper front Sweatshirts known as the “Side-line Sweatshirt, a hooded version of the original crewneck garment, targeting American Football players.

imageAfter that short educational lesson, we get to the crux of this post, in that Urban Outfitters had the foresight to bring these two brands together, to produce a range of backpacks and duffle bags exclusively for the retailer. Herschel Supply’s classic Heritage and Sutton silhouettes are infused with Champion’s athletic spin, making for a unique collection of bags that display both brand’s key materials. Herschel Supply detailing includes coloured pebbled leather zipper pulls and diamonds, internal red and white striped liner and 8-point plastic zippers. Complimenting these features are the application of Champion’s eponymous fleece to the front pockets and sportswear mesh to the bags internal pockets. The exterior of the Heritage and the Sutton feature both brand’s woven logos side by side, with an additional co-branded label on the interior. Five colour combinations are available, each designed with classic sportswear hues of red, navy, grey, black and white.

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London Collections:Men – Show Review – Spring/Summer 2015 – Part II

So after yesterday’s instalment of LC:M for Spring Summer 2015 we conclude it with highlights from such illustrious brand as Burberry, Tom Ford and MOSCHINO !

As in past seasons, I like, for both of our sakes, to ask the opinion of leading figures within this industry, in fact the third largest in the country, if statistics are to be believed, and this season is no different. Let’s start with Mr David Heyes, leading freelance Fashion Writer, who had to say the following regarding Christopher Bailey’s Burberry show.

image“Christopher Bailey has got the Burberry formula down to a fine art. Put up a tent in the middle of one of London’s Royal parks, have your fingers crossed for sun, but don’t be too disappointed if it pours down – this is Britain’s heritage rainwear brand after all – and send of out loads of quite nice coats whatever the season. Spring/summer 2015 stuck to the script (no rain, just iPhone melting sunshine) but added a few surprises by way of off-beat colour – think poisonous greens and purples – and a mix of rich fabrics such as tonic suiting, plush velvet and superfine ‘ombre’ knits. Oh and some pretty cool rainbow hued trainers. The take away ideas for next season? Denim jackets buttoned to the top as a key layer under coats, duffle coats and cardigans yet again (surely timed to coincide with the new Paddington Bear movie?) and cute typographical prints that went someway to explain the show’s ‘Book covers and Bruce Chatwin’ title. What best to leave back in Burberry HQ? Those floppy felt hats of course.”

imageSo from a British Power House to a Italian one, who we welcome with open arms, Moschino, and we asked the opinion of one of the rising stars of the publishing industry, in Ms Mandy Pang, grooming Editor of none other then Shortlist Magazine.

“Jeremy Scott has brought back the best of Moschino and the 90’s with bold logos and branding. His take on “counterfeits” of other major designer brands such a Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Armani as inspiration for the prints and designs were fun, in your face and made the whole show very tongue in cheek. The incorporation of power cut suits, netted vest tops, oversized print, a generous splattering of pop colour and a nod to popular cultural references meant that the collection also stayed true to it’s Moschino identity. It’s loud branding at it’s best!”

imageKeeping on that international tip and welcoming another new face to LC:M is Tiger of Sweden, we caught up with Neil Thornton, leading menswear blogger with The Science of Appearance, informed us .

“If there’s one thing that Tiger of Sweden do, and do very well, it’s the skinny suit. They totally own it and they know. For SS15, Tiger of Sweden showcase their best and most signature styles with seasonal updates. While not groundbreaking, which I don’t think it ever intends to be, Tiger of Sweden’s offering is slick and undeniably cool. Their staple palette of blacks and greys, that show the trends that will crossover into mainstream fashion, were interspersed with rust hues and leaf prints as well as the now synonymous baseball jerseys while trouser lengths stayed above the ankle. The collection is effortless and above all, totally wearable.”

imageBack to a Brit, well a Scotsman, in the form of Patrick Grant for his Savile Row Brand E.Tautz, for this I sort the opinion of  UK’s leading men the world of Blogging, Simon Glazin of The Very Simon G who described the show as.

“I did actually love the school boy stripes from E Tautz and the big belt buckles on the trousers. It was clearly inspired by the 70s but without just throwing in flared trousers and psychedelic prints and we saw denim introduced for the first time which was fresh, minimal and wearable.”

imageNow last up but by no means least, is the Texan who every man in the know wants to be and every woman has a secret crush on Mr Tom Ford, for this man I had to turn to one of the biggest names in British men’s blogging, Marcus Jaye of The Chic Geek.  Jaye summed up Tom’s Spring 2015 offering as.

“The big news from Tom Ford was the introduction of jeans. Made in USA, all 3 styles are fitted and made the whole look much younger.”

London Collections:Men Designer Profile – Jeremy Hackett

imageJeremy Hackett is a name which has become synonymous with British Style and the best of British tailoring.  After set up his Business in 1983 with the first store bearing the Hackett name, on the Kings Road. Selling vintage men’s clothes and accessories, discovered in house clearances and antique markets, Hackett soon gained cult status amongst London’s sartorially inclined. Word quickly spread abroad and soon Americans and Japanese, as well as French, Italians and other Europeans, were making the journey to the “wrong end” of the King’s Road in search of “le style Anglais”. It soon became apparent, however, that market demand would always exceed the supply of vintage men’s clothes and accessories, so Hackett and decided that the answer was to reproduce new clothes made from natural fibres in traditional English styles.

Today, Hackett has continued its expansion with Galeries Lafayette in Paris being added to the prestigious list of department stores alongside Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Hackett franchises have opened stores in Geneva, Zurich, Kuwait City, Johannesburg Airport, Cape Town, Amsterdam, Pozuelo (Madrid), Knokke (Belgium), Brussels, Delhi, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Shanghai, Shenyang and Kuala Lumpur.

As well as the development of the stores’ look and feel, the Hackett clothing and accessories collections were refreshed by taking inspiration from the early DNA of the brand and the new slogan “Essential British Kit”. Key additions to the collection included the “Hackett Mayfair”, “Aston Martin Racing” and “Little Britons” ranges.

The Hackett Mayfair collection embodies the lifestyle of the late 1950s and early 1960s gentleman. Inspired by the iconic photography of Bailey, O’Neill, Donovan and Duffy, the signature streamlined tailoring takes London’s legendary Savile Row as its starting point. What began as a single suit has now evolved into a full range of formalwear and gentlemen’s club-style accessories: all presented under its own exclusive Hackett Mayfair logo of bowler hat and crossed umbrellas.

2012 proved to be a very successful year for Hackett. In June 2012, Hackett was one of the pioneers of the British Fashion Council’s new men’s fashion week – London Collections:Men. Launched to showcase the UK’s wealth of menswear talent, the Hackett London collection was successfully premiered to international buyers and press. Now in its fifth season, the Hackett show is one of the most anticipated during the biannual event and an established fixture on the LC:M schedule.

For it’s Autumn 2014 show Hackett experienced perfect serendipity, the right location, at the right time, with the right collection. It celebrated the age of stylish travel, a global traveller, the collection styled the different characters of ‘The Leading Man’ on his global travels.

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In our exclusive insight Jeremy he describes his Spring/Summer 2015 collection as, “We are well recognised for our sporting sponsorships so we have built the collection around Spectator Kit, what to wear for instance to the polo or Henley or to watch Aston Martin Racing or what would be perfect to wear to a tennis tournament ( coincidentally I am writing this between watching the tennis at Queens our latest sponsorship )”. Anyway enough of me.

If you could have invented anything what would it be ?
Although I am not personally on Facebook I wouldn’t have minded inventing it.

If you had one day to live what would be your biggest regret ?
That I never learnt any foreign languages, to be honest I still struggle with English.

Favourite hotel in the world ?
Over the years I have been to New York quite regularly and I stay at The Carlyle where the service is perfect and the cocktail bar even better.

If you could collaborate with one brand who would it be and why ?
I really like watches because it is one of the few accessories men can wear so I would like the opportunity to collaborate with say, IWC. The Mark 15 Pilots watch was the first that I owned.

If you could give your teenage self advice, what would it be ?
Believe in yourself because if you don’t why should others. Also have a good financial partner.

How did you get into the industry, what was your big break ?
My father once said to me ” If you don’t pull your socks up you will end up working in a shop”. Fortunately that is exactly what happened. Clothes at the time were one of the few things that I had an aptitude for. When I opened Hackett in 1983 it was more as a bit of fun and a way to sell some second hand kit, and when I started to make new clothes it was the birth of the brand and I haven’t looked back since.

If you could only wear one brand/Designer for the rest of your life who would it be ?
Being able to have my clothes made by a good tailor would be my ideal as I could determine the outcome.

Who is your style icon ?
David Hockney who dresses as well as he paints.

What piece of clothing should everyman have in his wardrobe ?
At the risk of repeating myself I would consider the navy blazer to be a vital part of any man’s wardrobe. It can be dressed up or down.

Who would do you ideal diner guests and why ?
Stephen Fry, he is so engaging and would make any dinner party swing and the fact that we dress him for the BAFTA’s is by the way. Sorry that’s it,back to the tennis.

 HACKETT MAYFAIR COLLECTION FOR AUTUMN 2014

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London Collections:Men – Show Review – Spring/Summer 2015 – Part I

The wise scholar, and sometime fashion raconteur, Mr Kanye West OBE, once said, ” Work it harder, make it better,
do it faster, makes us stronger”. 
Which sums up the latest  instalment of London Collections:Men for Spring/Summer 2015, I know Summer 2014 has barely shown us it’s beautiful face and I’m talking about 2015, well that’s Fashion for ya. Anyway, we are back in London and it’s a packed schedule from YMC to KTZ to DKNY, this gives Anthony very little TLC and it’s down to work. We give you the best overview, of what is becoming THE Fashion eventing the calendar. With international name like MOSCHINO, Tiger of Sweden and of course DKNY throwing that very sartorial hat into the ring, London’s becoming a Cosmopolitan hotbed of talent.

imageHowever, first up we have, the irrepressible but more importantly lovely Lou Dalton. For this season Ms Dalton has taken a bit of a risky change in direction, but boy did it pay off ! We saw a more mature, confident and stylish collection. The tailoring, Sportwear fusion was still present but everything felt, tighter (not physical), sharper and generally more impressive. Keep up the good work Dalton A*.

imageNext up, the first of many zig zagging around the capital, to Kent and Curwen, the second season for the brand to be showing as part of LC:M. It has come a long way since launching as a modest collection of ties and cricket sweaters and has grown into one of the most sought after sporting brands in the country. The Brand further fused their take on English dress codes with that juxtaposition of graphic patterns, which mixed with their casting gave a feeling of David Bowie’s thin white Duke.

imageHardy Amies, (above) like its Savile Row neighbour, Gieves & Hawkes (below) showed a blinder of a Masterclass in Great British Tailoring, cool, contemporary but above all wearable. Exquisite ! Plus with the likes of Richard James, E.Tautz and Hackett. It doesn’t take a genius to see why the UK, and London has regained it’s crown for being THE destination for suiting.

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imageFrom some of the oldest names in British style to one of the more newer ones in, Christopher Raeburn, who gave his very unique take on Military. Working with a traditional regimental colour palette, Raeburn worked in Fighter jets and missile prints and showed he improves and builds season upon season.

imageNot only was Jonathan Saunders showing us his signature collection but in the exhibition space we saw his GREAT Second season collaboration with Lyle & Scott,  which was based on the Shane Meadow’s film of the Stone Roses Reunion, Made of Stone. Additionally to this they also showed their other sterling collaborative effort with Universal Works. Plus to Cap off the collaboration craziness area was the BEAUITFUL  range by Barbour X White Mountaineering, (above) one to definitely keep an eye out for.

Oliver Spencer, continues with his successful formula of producing wearable, timeless, pieces that form part an impeccable wardrobe. Last season we had Idris Elba providing the entertainment on the decks. This season Olie followed suit and as the eyes of the world focuses of Brazil he had the UK’s foremost Brazilian percussion group supply the entertainment, complete with Carnival dancing girls ! Somewhat a highlight of the day.image

Hot and Polished – Liz Earle Naturally Active Men’s Skincare

imageWe’re lovin’ the range of men’s skin care from Liz Earle – easy-to-use men’s grooming essentials that harness the power of naturally active botanical ingredients – that’s plants!
This no-nonsense skincare range is an easy route to clean, smooth, healthy looking skin. Specially formulated to suit the needs of male skin, the products work hard so you don’t need too, and make a real difference to your skin’s look and feel.

Start with Men’s Cleanse & Polish which cleans away dirt and excess oils that can block pores, helping to reduce impurities. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and even eczema prone skin. Smooth on to remove all traces of daily grime and polish off the cream using the muslin cloths to help gently dislodge dead skin cells and keep skin in great condition. Naturally active ingredients include cooling eucalyptus essential oil, rosemary extract to invigorate and moisturising cocoa butter.

Ensure a clean, close and smooth shave with the Sensitive Shave Cream which helps to prevent razor burn. It’s specially formulated using naturally gentle foaming agents and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Packed with naturally active ingredients including shave grass for soothing properties and clary sage and eucalyptus to help calm and protect skin.

Most men recognise the tight, uncomfortable feeling of dry skin. Lifestyle factors and environmental causes such as sun, wind and central heating can cause that tight feeling and accompanying redness. Men’s skin is particularly sensitive and in need of extra protection just after shaving, as the top layer of dead skin cells are removed during the shave. Slap on this on Liz Earle for Men After-Shaving Moisturiser to cool, soothe and moisturise.
Keep bump free by twice weekly buffing with the invigorating Face Scrub. Great after cleansing or shaving once or twice a week, it contains eucalyptus essential oil, plus exfoliating pumice and jojoba beads to slough away dead skin cells for healthier-looking, smooth skin

Finish off in the shower with Liz Earle for Men Face and Body Wash gentle enough to use on your face and body, leaving skin feeling clean without drying it out. It contains no nasties and active ingredients include aloe vera, patchouli, bergamot and vetiver means you’ll smell good.
The Liz Earle for Men range is available from Liz Earle stores, lizearle.com and selected counters at John Lewis and Boots.