Tailoring his own path – James Sleater – Textual Conversations

Screen Shot 2015-03-26 at 10.48.24There are certain companies, individuals, brands that shun the rule books and constraints of traditional thinking, Apple, Dyson, Virgin the list goes on and a new name to add to that list is Savile Row tailors Cad & the Dandy. Who have establish themselves on dismissing the premiss that quality comes at a heavy price. They have broke with tradition and operate with the conviction that high end bespoke tailoring should be accessible to all.

Their suits offer a modern British cut, are made using age old hand tailoring techniques and are delivered with a personal touch. They don’t over complicate things, operating from intimate premises in Savile Row and The City, with our trained Savile Row tailors, cutters and finishers, offering a friendly and welcoming approach and not a whiff of a Ooo Suits your sir carry on. All of their suits start with pattern creation, done by hand and retained for all future orders.

We caught up with one half of the dynamic duo in James Sleater to put the world to rights;

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Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Always put other people at ease.

If you could Dress anyone who would it be ?

Steve McQueen – he was fortunate in that he always looked effortlessly cool

What’s your Favourite movie ever ?

Zulu – It’s a combination of Great military clothing and empire and its bravado

What would be the name of your autobiography ?

Stitch it bitch.

Screen Shot 2015-03-26 at 10.50.31If you could collaborate with one brand who would it be ?

LandRover – to design new defender coming out in 2yrs – replacement of iconic british vehicle.

Favourite hotel in the world ?

The Savoy because of the amazing bar and rooms with incredible London river views.

If you could give your teenage self advice, what would it be ?

Work harder.

Who would do you ideal diner guests ?

Churchill, Thatcher, Bush Jnr, Berlosconi – Just to sit back and watch the magic happen.

What piece of clothing best describes you ?

Bespoke 3 piece suit – the finest British craftsmanship to give the ultimate silhouette and first impression.

What piece of clothing would you relegate to Room 101 ?

Rucksack – kills a suit and looks shit.

What piece of style advise do you live by ?

Always polish your shoes. The small details matter.

If you had one day to live what would be your biggest regret ?

Not having another day to live.

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Boys in the Hood-ies – Quemondo

imageOnce considered just sportswear, hooded tops can now be found in the chicest of wardrobes and the most cutting-edge of retailers – the ‘hoodie’ as it’s more crudely known is more ubiquitous than ever, reinforcing and re-defining the return of street culture as a fashion influencer in off-duty style.image

You can now embrace your inner hoodie with Quemondo, who have appropriated sportswear fabrics and silhouettes to create a new collection which channels the sartorial spirit of the street, while remaining true to a Swedish fashion heritage.

Quemondo like to compare their approach to the humble hooded tops to what Mercedes is to cars or what Apple is to MP3s.

Quality, comfort and detail is at the core of their signature, incorporating the key elements of Scandinavian design, focusing on versatility, fit and fabric, to offer a range of fashion, sports and casual hoodies which combine functionality with modern clean lines, and a stylish urban aesthetic.

Selling exclusively online, the brand has directly engaged with the fashion revolution in digital e-commerce, operating without any intermediary or middle retailer, which results in reducing operating costs and offering savings to the customer, that’s you.

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Don’t leave it too late – Lacoste LT12 Collection

imageIts fair to say Rene Lacoste was somewhat of a renaissance man, after having invented the polo shirt and the tennis-ball machine, who knew that, see you learn so much from coming on here, he decided to patent two racket models that would revolutionize the world of tennis. In 1961, the former champion unveils one of his most brilliant inventions: the metal racket that deeply transforms the game by improving strikes and increasing their elasticity. In 1988, René Lacoste invents the Equijet. This new style of racket combines the best of smaller and larger string beds. Like its predecessor, the steel racket, the high-performance Equijet contributes to the evolution of tennis. René Lacoste explains his intention with the Equijet: “I wanted to give back to tennis what it had given me”. It was a beautiful tribute paid to the sport to which he devoted his whole life. In 2015, animated by the same quest for innovation, LACOSTE launches the LT12, a hybrid racket born from the combination of wood and graphite.

imageThree years of research were necessary for the development of this unique object. By combining craftsmanship and sophisticated manufacturing, LACOSTE managed a technical prowess by assem- bling two completely opposite materials: the LT12 is 70% wood and 30% graphite.

To accompany the launch of the LT12, LACOSTE has designed an innovative capsule range combining tradition and technology. Petit piqué, color blocking, piping, patterns… the well-known features of the brand DNA are revisited and modernized for a timeless elegance collection. Inspired by tennis’ primary aesthetics: the prevalence of white, clean lines and sleek shapes. The iconic LACOSTE green and blue come in for energy and movement. Lightness, functionality and comfort are the key words in the design of this range that combines tradition and innovation. The abstract print of the T-shirts is reminiscent of tennis courts, which is a reference to the 1970s and 1980s color blocking. Piping highlights polo shirts, tracksuits, shorts and caps. A “Game Set and Match” sweatshirt rounds out this sports wardrobe.

Accessories form an integral part of this project, where they form a similar technical features seen on the garments. A tennis bag, a backpack, and footwear that can be Used for everyday life off the court, and the Tonga watch in steel and silicon with glasses in acetate encompasses the aesthetics of the collection.

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All White – 6 of the best White retro Trainers by K Adorable & Elliot Parsons

For the modern man, trainers are an indispensable part of their wardrobe, it can be an essential part of an outfit in ensuring you make a statement for all the right reasons. With ‘Old Skool’ trainers having recently had a resurgence in the style stakes, whether it be the Stan Smith’s from Adidas or the Reebok Classics Sneakers, these pieces are timeless and can make any outfit have that classic/retro feel. Below we have compiled 6 of the best ‘Old Skool ‘ sneaker styles that would look great with any outfits for this upcoming Spring:

Trainers 1

Converse – Jack Purcell Signature

Trainers 2

Reebok – Men’s NPC Vintage Sneakers

Trainers 3

Asics – Gel Kayano

 

Trainers 4
Adidas Originals x Mark Gonzales Men’s Superstar 80s Sneakers
Trainers 5
New Balance – 1400 ‘Made in USA’
Trainers 6
Puma – Men’s R698 ‘Perf’ Sneakers

I couldn’t say it any other way – Miansai

imageNow I have to say I’m not big on Mens jewellery, I love a good watch and am lucky enough to possess a couple. I wear my wedding ring with pride and I cherish my late Father’s signet ring above my own life. Occasionally, I might wear a bracelet if I’m drawn to it, in a bit of a Magpie moment, now this is where Miansai came in.

Miansai, pronounced my-ahn-sigh, has a great back story to it, basically, founder, former Model, Michael Saiger was watching his girlfriend make a necklace one night, when things started to get a little too competitive. Picture the scene, Micheal:”What you doin ?” Girlfriend:”Making a necklace, leave me alone.”  Micheal: “That’s Horrible!” Girlfriend: “Well lets see you do better!?!” We’ve all been there, yes things get out of hand and it gets far too competitive.

Well, who’ve have known it Michael was right his resulting bracelet, an empty bullet case strung on a leather cord went down a storm at the University of Miami, where he was studying. Well that was 2008, since then Micheal has managed to turn his vision into a timeless and tasteful lifestyle brand that is sought after across the globe by style conscious men and women alike. With a healthy retail presence in over 36 countries, and the recent opening of its’ retail flagship in New York’s esteemed Soho neighbourhood.

The brand have invested in their own machinery and tools which allow them to produce on a consistent basis with care and craftsmanship. From drawing sketches to creating molds, melting metals and final assembly, every piece of jewelry the brand releases is conceptualised and created in-house. The brand has over 30 skilled craftsman and artisans on staff who are fixated on quality and perfection who work on their now established nautical aesthetic,