Bags of Talent – Oppermann London by Sarah Gilfillan

imageI had the pleasure of meeting Niklas Oppermann – one half of the Swedish born German brothers who form Oppermann London – at London Collections:Men recently.

The brothers are based in London and set up their accessories company in late 2012. The collection consists of a small but beautifully formed selection of bags, briefcases and tech accessories, which are of premium leather made through a natural tanning process without the use of toxic chemicals. The lining is made from recycled materials, and the leather cutting is optimized to reduce waste, making it clear that it’s a top priority for the brothers to keep their environmental impact to a minimum.

The clean, utilitarian & minimalistic lines reflect their Scandinavian roots, and are inspired by modernist architecture and design with an emphasis on clean lines and geometric shapes. This results in some stunning products, I’m sure you’ll agree? They’re available in a range of colours – black, cognac, navy, burgundy and racing green which will make a classy, subtle addition to your outfits.

Their flagship item is the “25 Hour Palissy Bag” – described as ” a large variation of a day-to-day bag. It has the sleek appearance of a briefcase, yet is spacious enough to fit all the things needed for overnight adventures.” It can also be used as a work and gym bag combined or taken as hand luggage as it complies with airlines’ cabin bag restrictions.

Well I rather like the sound of a 25 hour adventure and I definitely like the look of the bag that comes with it, don’t you?

Sarah Gilfillan is found of personal shopping and style consultancy for men –  Sartoria Lab

It’s all about the Red wings – Red wing Heritage

imageRed Wing Shoes was built on America’s great promise; if one worked hard enough, one could achieve anything. Since 1905, that work ethic has been carefully placed into every cut and stitch that crafts a red Wing boot. From the first boot to leave the factory floor, Red Wing has prided itself on not only getting the job done, but getting it done right. By combining the finest leathers and quality materials with unique craftsmanship, Red Wing’s Heritage collection continues to build upon a legacy of being born in the USA.

So for this season Red Wing have a number of stories to tell us. Firstly, we have the 5 new postman shoes, inspired by style no.101, red Wing’s original postman shoe. Designed to meet postal Service requirements, the 101 is sturdy, sleek and simplistic and these characteristics served America’s mailmen well. First introduced in 1954, Red Wing is now expanding on this style with five more casual variations. The new postman comes in 5 colors. Three oil-tanned leathers; Original, Charcoal rough & Tough, Amber Harness and two Suede roughout leathers; Olive mohave and Blueberry muleskinner.

Now if that wasn’t enough, as part of an ongoing video series, Red Wing’s Heritage division is partnering with independent characters who wear Red Wing boots to give a glimpse into each of their lives. The first video highlights Grammy Award-winning musician Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and Volcano Choir.

A lifelong resident of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and longtime wearer of Red Wing Heritage shoes, Vernon is no stranger to the Midwestern value of hard work. He has an appreciation for well made goods and understands that it’s worth taking the time to create something that will last forever.

 

Made in the Land of Wheat and Maize | Justin Vernon from Red Wing Heritage on Vimeo.

A Scent of Victory -The new Tour de Ted range by Ted Baker

imageGentlemen, it’s time to step up a gear as Ted Baker launch their new Tour de Ted body Maintence kit. Pedalling a unique dash of tradition with contemporary scents technology, this timely new collection offers a (be)spoke, get it, selection of body wear fragrances which promise to keep you as fresh from the start to passing the finish line.

For the modern man about town who’s not afraid to up his game or multi-task, there is the Orange range. The fresh and invigorating top notes of eucalyptus, geranium and Patchouli will leave you totally revitalised and ready to take on the day.

But if your more of a Old School kinda fella, who prefers to never break a bead of sweat, then try the warm sensory tones of the Green range which boasts bergamot, Sandalwood, cedarwood and musk.

Each of the fragrance ranges contains a hair and body wash, deodorant antiperspirant and body spray, so whatever life throws at you, you’ll be guaranteed to both look and smell on top form.

Oliver Spencer X Vulpine, These Clothes make the Man

imageBritish menswear designer Oliver Spencer has teamed up with cycling apparel specialists Vulpine to launch a limited edition tailored cycling blazer. Designed with the urban cyclist in mind, the piece perfectly combines the style and aesthetic of Oliver Spencer with the technicality and cycling expertise of Vulpine.

The first ever performance wear collaboration from Spencer, the partnership came about by an introduction through a mutual friend of Oliver’s and Vulpine founder, Nick Hussey. Nick had long been an admirer of Oliver’s ethos and design and with Spencer being a keen cyclist himself who wanted something to wear on the road and in the office; their friendship grew to become a collaborative venture.

Oliver led the overall design with his knowledge of fit, Great British style and manufacturing whilst Vulpine advised on performance specific cuts along with subtle, practical features, making the ideal jacket for the modern cyclist.

Launching this month, the navy jacket features water resistant coPon fabric in a classic crisp cut with added breathability and technicality to withstand the elements. Detailing such as reflective neck lining, reverse cuffs and rear vent allow the wearer to be easily visible on the road. Similarly, the arms and back of the jacket have been cut slightly longer than traditional outerwear to suit the riding position, whilst still maintaining the style and fit synonymous with the Oliver Spencer brand.

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Gaolhouse Rock – Gaolhouse Denim

imageTalk about a Rollacoaster ride, I first became aware of Gaolhouse Denim over a year ago when they started following Clothes Make the Man via Twitter. The name and concept stood out to me and I started to converse with their founder Will Unwin via this social media medium. Now I call it a Rollacoaster ride because, back in June last year, after speaking to Will on a number of occasions and everything being on course, like a bolt outta the blue I receive an email from him. He informed me that after blood, sweat and tears, plus more importantly Will’ s time  and savings the ministers over at the Home Office no longer wanted to produce clothes and have them branded as ‘made in prison’. Nonetheless, like a Phoenix from the ashes, Will has won the big wigs over and as you can see the first line from Gaolhouse is finally here.

imageThe brand started to work with the British Prison Service and the National Offender Management Service to create our first line of premium denim back in 2012. Working hand in hand with prisoners to design and develop their debut line. Together they have been able to support prison industries and provide invaluable work to those looking to take part in the rehabilitating and rewarding process of the prison work scheme.

The first pair of jean in the range are a slim cut, classic 5 pocket jean. It’s made from an 11.5oz unwashed denim, sourced from one of the best mills in the world. Its design is beautifully simple, reflecting the very methodical and practical way in which prisoners are taught to sew. Having been developed by prisoners, the jeans are then crafted right here in the UK. They are produced in small wonderfully batches so that a close eye can be kept on quality and detail.

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