CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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This will make you HAPPY ! – The new unisex Fragrance from Comme des Garçon & Pharrell

imageNow before we start I have to address a little matter regarding my household and a certain, undeniably talented Mr Williams. Recently the McG family returned from their Summer jaunt, where we were, what can only be described as tortured, by a certain track that the aforementioned Mr Williams, wrote, sung and produced. The track in question, of course, ‘HAPPY’, my son is obsessed with this song, whenever we got into the car, first thing in the morning, before he went to bed, ‘APPY, APPY, APPY’ incessantly. Upon our return, we soon discovered, it wasn’t just ‘APPY’ that was our son’s track du jour, but he had developed a liking for all things Pharrell, (just to note social services, we haven’t introduced, any of the mature material from Williams’ NERD period) , his collaborations with French robotic house duo Daft Punk, being particular favourites. The only solace I can take from this is from the wise beyond her years and patience of a Saint, Mrs Mc, who pointed out, “It could be so much worse, it have have been something like Barbie Girl.”

Anyway, enough of my rant and back to target to today’s subject matter. Pharrell Williams has been rather busy of late, recently picked up his 7th Grammy Award and was nominated for an Academy Award for his #1 hit single “appy”, sorry “Happy” from the animated film Despicable Me 2. Plus this year has seen him collaboration with both Adidas and Uniqlo on Clothing ranges. But for Autumn 2014 we see him diversify into another market, that being, Fragrances. This time round, he has chosen to work with cutting edge Fashion, fragrance and lifestyle house, Comme des Garçon.

G I R L by Pharrell Williams offers a woody scent of high-quality and complex construction, inspired by his Album of the same name, he manages to translate into liquid form his heady and infectious mix of music into scent format. Ingredients include, Neroli, Lavender, Iris, Styrax Cedarwood and Vetiver to offer to truly unisex fragrance equally appealing to men’s as women, a but like his music, you could say.

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Scarlett of Soho – Don’t worry it isn’t some 18th Century House of ill repute

imageAlthough the name Scarlett of Soho  conjurers up images of dim lit drinking dens and ladies of the night, nothing could be further from the actuality of this stylish, contemporary and incredibly convenient optical brand.

The brand pays homage to 18th century British eyewear innovator Edward Scarlett, a Royal Optician who revolutionised eyewear culture in his time. At his Soho store, on Dean Street, he popularised the usage of temples on frames for ease of wear and comfort, creating functional, fashionable eyewear. Inspired by his legacy, Scarlett of Soho represents timelessly classic yet modern eyewear, crafted with the finer details in mind. Its debut collection features 32 Unisex models, lovingly designed optical styles from a baseline of 9 fundamental designs inspired by generations of makers and crafters. The frames are hand finished using the highest quality Italian Mazuchelli acetate, undergoing a staggering 16-stage production process. The brand also offers a unique complimentary Home Try-On service, allowing customers to easily pick four frames to try over five days, with free shipping both ways. A great additional touch is each frame is inscribed with a thought provoking quote, for example ‘Embody Grace’, ‘Soldier On’ and ‘Designs Matters’, just for that lil added extra.

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Preview of the Best of the High Street for Autumn 2014

Ohhhhh the nights are drawing in, most of us are unluckily enough to have returned from our Summer holidays and yes we have that sick feeling in our stomachs, reminiscent of the ones we use to get at the thought of going back to school, Ohhhh God Autumn in here. Yep, September’s only round the corner and cold dark nights, just behind it, but let’s not get down about it, because with September and Autumn comes the best season for menswear ! I mean who wants to wear, shorts and flip flops and swimwear and sunglasses and t-shirts, I DON’T, honestly.

Anyway, all of those nice retailer type folks have gone to all the trouble of sourcing great coats, sweaters, boots and jackets so you can layer up and look cool as, my friend.

 

The guys over at Burton have stuck a great balance with wearable and trend driven for Autumn

The guys over at Burton have stuck a great balance with wearable and trend driven for Autumn

 

You'll be wanting to say Ciao to Sisley this Autumn, they've got some cracking pieces

You’ll be wanting to say Ciao to Sisley this Autumn, they’ve got some cracking pieces

 

 

Patrick Grant really is doing a great job with his Hammond & Son range for Debenhams. From formal to casual he's got it covered

Patrick Grant really is doing a great job with his Hammond & Co range for Debenhams. From formal to casual he’s got it covered


Matt Smith may no longer be the Doctor, but his effect on menswear is still very evident

Matt Smith may no longer be the Doctor, but his effect on menswear is still very evident, particularly at Ted Baker.


 

Stay as sharp as a pin with River Island this Autumn. Get a totally aspirational look, on a budget friendly price

Stay as sharp as a pin with River Island this Autumn. Get a totally aspirational look, on a budget friendly price

 

 

Adding a touch of sophistication to the season. Marks & Spencer

Adding a touch of sophistication to the season. Marks & Spencer

 

Offering us 40 Shades Of Grey for this Season Banana Republic is looking super suave

Offering us 40 Shades Of Grey for this Season Banana Republic is looking super suave

 

This a brand that seems to be improving, season after season. Well worth a look over at New Look

This a brand that seems to be improving, season after season. Well worth a look over at New Look

 

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See no Evil, Hear no Evil – MOSTLY HEARD RARELY SEEN (MHRS)

imageLiving up to its name, after long last, the highly sort after Streetwear brand, Mostly Heard Rarely Seen or MHRS as it’s widely known makes it’s European debut this month exclusively in Harvey Nichols. Inspired by his surrounds, the secretive and elusive designer Thomas ‘Tomakira’ Li, has created a collection that reflects the Eastern streetwear cultures of Japan and Hong Kong, where he grew up it focuses on design, quality and innovation. With an emphasis on not being seen, Li’s collection encourages customers to use their sense of touch to appreciate the collection. He uses complex fabric combinations, appliqued motifs and textures to excite the modern man looking for a twist on traditionalism.

imageTomakira champions the concept of producing something creative while shunning celebrity status. The ascendant designer wears a mask in public and never does interviews. His collection was conceived in part to inspire a generation of Japanese youth to stop focusing on superficial aspects of identity and to build a reputation based on one’s artistic creations. Tomakira’s signature motif, the nanoblock, is both an eternally popular childhood toy and a symbol of unbridled creativity.

Drawing on outdoor living and the eastern streets, MHRS makes reference to traditional 1970’s style hunting jackets, denim jackets and military surplus silhouettes adding a contemporary twist to iconic details. The result is a collection that showcases mixed media fabrics, cut and sew finishes and patchwork appliques. Although referencing the past, the construction of the garments and innovative styling techniques are fused with functionality, making for a wearable and unique collection.

 

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Raising the bar – Ted Baker’s new Cycling range

imageAs you’d know expect from Ted Baker, when you hear they are launching a new Cycling apparel range you know the last thing you’re going to see is tight fitting Lycra clad models and heavy duty functional, sporty attire and sure enough not so much as a Lycra cycling short to be seen, thank Holy God.

Based on classic Ted Baker fundamentals and innovative design details, the brand has, thankfully, swerved clear of performance-enhancing lycra to create Raising the Handlebars: a bespoke collection of stylish cycling gear that refuses to sacrifice appearance over functionality.

imageGeometric prints, bold colours and stitch eyelets put the aesthetic into athletic, whilst the collection’s style is matched by its substance found in reflective collars and cuffs, antibacterial finishes, and robust fabric trims which provide further support / protection where needed.

All this, together with other classic Ted details (such as a velcro tie to hold the trouser leg away from chain) all come together to deliver a decent dose of substantial style to your cycling proficiency.

Working in collaboration with, Cycling aficionados, Wiggle, they have created a range of clothing that will take you straight from bike to office and then onto the bar, taking away the need to change once you have cycled to your destination.

Shirts include a high percentage of Elastane for added stretch and comfort, as well as an anti-bacterial finish to keep odours at bay. Available in long and short sleeves, shirts feature special prints, which have been designed taking inspiration from the mechanics of a bicycle, using cogs and chains links.

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