anthonymcgrath405 / 09/02/2015

Taking things to the Extreme – Tom Ford Noir Extreme

In a move forward from his Noir Fragrance, International man of mystery, Tom Ford is launching Noir Extreme. In his words it, “captures that exact moment when a man reaches extreme new heights: his sophistication becomes magnetic, transfixing the world at large.”

This fragrance opens with a rich blend of heat and glowing citrus. Charismatic brushstrokes of Mandarin oil and Neroli Oil North Africa Orpur provide sharp contrast to the vibrant, synergistic blend of saffron, cardamom and nutmeg. This scent is the ideal complement to the man who is accustomed to making an extraordinary impression, something Ford is used to.

Interesting fact, at the heart of this fragrance is the tantalizing Indian Kulfi—an accord inspired by the ancient royal concoction prepared for 16th century Mughal Emperors. This milky creation, which traditionally consists of Himalayan snow combined with hints of pistachio, is delivered unexpectedly into the core of the fragrance via lentisque resinoid, which is chosen for its crisp, cool, yet lactonic effect. This heart of the scent gives Noir Extreme its irresistible desirable, yet tantalizingly unknowable, attractiveness, once again characteristics Tom Ford is known for. A woody, amber-drenched impact defines the dry down, where an extreme amber dosage silhouettes the other background notes. This addictive amber cushion is studded with elegant sandalwood and a melting vanilla ember, enigmatically sustaining the gem-hard masculine fire.

Very much like Noir Extreme, to launch this unique scent, Ford hosted a cocktail party to round off London Collections:Men at IT restaurant Chiltern Firehouse, with Tenie Tempah, Paloma Faith, Alexa Chung and Douglas Booth all mixing it up like the exotic ingredients of this fragrance.

anthonymcgrath405 / 06/02/2015

Biker Grove – 6 of the Best Biker Jackets

No longer are leather Biker jackets the remit of old, Hairy, slightly podgy, Hell’s Angels types, in fact I’d go as far to say nothing could be further from the true. The Biker Jacket has become a modern day classic in the contemporary man’s wardrobe and the idea that it’s to be worn in a James Dean styleee, on your bike teamed with a tee and Denim jeans is totally outdated. Take a look at some of the images of celebs wearing the classic jacket below. It’s a totally versatile piece thats as at home being dressed up with a formal shirt and tie, like Channing Tatum, Ewan McGregor at the recent Mortdecai Premiere or Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy. As it is being thrown on and worn in a casual manner like the magic Daniel Readcliffe, Kanye West or Mr David Beckham.

Great examples of how to wear your Biker Jacket

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

First up we have a classic from the brand who seem to have struck gold in hitting the balance between Biker and style perfectly, Belstaff.

This one just goes to show it doesn’t have to be in leather to be Biker and is from Diesel.

A wonderful example of a traditional Biker style jacket from Label Lab at House of Fraser.

Once again a brand that manages to seamlessly fuse traditional Biker quality with true style is Burberry Brit at MRPORTER.com

On a budget, no worries this is great value and is totally on trend from River Island

If your after the authentic real deal look no further than this number from Schott at Asos

anthonymcgrath405 / 05/02/2015

The Buyer’s Guide to Spring 2015 – Thom Scherdel – TheIdleman.com

In the overcrowded and highly competitive world of e-commerce, there’s a new kid on the block, cutting their way through the slings and arrows of the internet. The Idle Man was launched last year by Ex-Asos head of Menswear, Oliver Tezcan, he gathered together a young team of writers, designers and buyers that all have a collectively passion for, music, food and of course style. They are focused solely on menswear and vow they will only ever stock the brands that they love at pocket friendly prices. No bootcut jeans, no string vests or anything else the team wouldn’t wear is their promise to us and have established a community that aims to entertain and educate, not patronise or intimidate, music to my ears.

Thom Scherdel the Buyer over at the site is a brilliant example of this sterling team Tezcan has put together. Scherdel moved down from Louth in Lincolnshire at the age of 17 to attend, at that time, the newly founded Fashion Retail Academy, after graduating with flying colours and picking up the M&S Award for Endeavour (No I have no idea either). It was at Selfridges as a buyers assistant he started his career, then moving to TOPMAN where he spent three years buying external brands for the retailer. He then join The Idle Man back in August of last year as their Buyer. So without any further ado let’s see Thom top buys for Spring 2015.

Imagine a white 501 with a modern tapered fit. The worlds favourite jean has been developed for a new generation and what better way to drive it home then in bright white. Its bold but looks fantastic how we’ve styled it with DM’s or a bright coloured pair of kicks.

We’ve worked tirelessly to try and master the best suit for our customers. Simple single breasted one button fitted jacket with slimmed down peak lapels. The full suit is £80. You wont find a better one for that price.

A great alternative to the more common sportswear offerings. Etonic have all the same heritage but a more simplistic in their delivery. This Trans Am Suede is a nice rework of a classic and the grey suede is perfect for the pending sunshiiiiiine.

Time to move on from black skinny jeans…These Dickies 873 ‘slim’ pants are from their work wear collection and will instantly update your look for Spring. Keep it simple, wear with a XXL printed t-shirt and embrace the comfort and space.

Nicce have managed to strike the right balance of being a logo brand and also having an amazing cut and sew collection. This sweat is a perfect example of the harmonious balance. Bit 90’s, bit contemporary, it’s a winner.

Fancy a project for the summer, buy this Nudie 12.07oz dry raw denim jacket and wear the f*ck out of it and you will be amazed at the brand new jacket you have by the end of it. Nudie is made to be worn out, trust me this is the gift that keeps on giving.

I don’t need to tell you what these are, you know what they are. I am merely telling you the time is now…bonus points if you can pair with some Karl Kani.

Eastpak have just delivered some great colour ways on their classic Padded Pak’r Backpacks. This charcoal and suede combo is my favourite, its been around since 1976 so they are doing something right.

I’m not trying to tell you check shirts are back, hopefully they’re not. But this one is a nice nod to our grungy inner selves. Wear open, closed or tied round your waste.

Fixies are a bit contrived lets be honest, the future is gears. We’ve teamed up with Foffa to offer you the best of their selection, This 7 Speed Black Nexus is a perfect city bike and if you buy it from us you get a £50 voucher to spend on clothes to wear whilst riding said bike. Sorted.

anthonymcgrath405 / 03/02/2015

There must be an Angel playing with my Heart – 10 Magazine’s 12 Victoria’s Secret Covers

Depending on what time you’re reading this post, your day might just get a hell of a lot more interesting, so put down that hot cup of coffee, if you’re eating a particularly messy meal and particularly if you are using heavy or dangerous equipment, STOP !

Ultra stylish Fashion Bible 10 Magazine and equally iconic Fashion Photographer Nick Knight have come together to produce 12 different heavenly covers using the Victoria’s Secret Angels as the Cover stars. We have Supermodels the like of Lily Aldridge, Jourdan Dunn, Lily Donaldson, Barbara Fialho and Candice Swanepoel to name but a few of these angelic creatures.

This project came about via founder and Editor in Chief of 10, Sophia Neophitou, who just so happens to work closely with Victoria’s Secret dreaming up these 12 scenarios with the brilliantly visionary Photographer Nick Knight OBE who has worked with the likes of Alexander McQueen, Bjork, Kate Moss, Lady G aga, Naomi Campbell etc, etc, for the “Sensuality” issue (Out February 5th).

THE 12 COVERS OF 10

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

anthonymcgrath405 / 02/02/2015

Going Cruzing – The Braun Cruzer5

For the last few years we’ve had the notion of this is, ‘The year of the Beard’ force fed to us and having to endure endless images of ultra cool hipsters, not just confined to select areas of East London either, displaying flowers in their facial hair or growing beards longer and bushy then Merlin’s grandfather. Well the end does, I’m glad to say, seem to be in sight, I’m not calling for all beard wearers to be ceremoniously rounded up and slaughtered in a King Herod styleee, one step too far. I mean some of my best friends possess some of the finest examples of facial hair this side of Hoxton Square and that’s just the girls(permission to laugh now, granted).

Those clever lil boffins over at Braun have come up with the CruZer5, with this wonderful gem of a gadget designed with a powerful triple action float system, making it the perfect choice for getting rid of unwanted facial hair at the touch of a button. The product also comes fitted with an integrated precision trimmer to create precise contours or add some sharp edges to help define your style, head-to-toe.

Braun Creative Director, Fabio Vivan, added:
‘Male grooming has developed into so much more than simply removing hair; it’s a means of expressing your overall style and identity. Braun’s grooming products are the perfect tools for every man to achieve their desired image.’

The three main attributes to the CruZer5 are that with its powerful triple action float system, the CruZer5 clean shave is ideal for getting rid of unwanted facial hair at the touch of a button. The twin foils and integrated middle trimmer shave progressively closer while at the same time are being kind and gentle on your skin.

Plus, if you don’t want to go totally clean shaven, it comes with an integrated precision trimmer to customise your style. Lastly, whether in or out of the shower, it’s up to you. The CruZer5 is completely washable and totally Waterproof.

CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN