CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

anthonymcgrath405 / 14/10/2014

Always TIME for Barbour – Barbour Launch Timepieces

When a brand that you love and cherish announces they are expanding into a new product category you can’t help but, slightly, worry, in the back of your mind you know this can go one of two ways. One, wonderfully, real synergy, works so well and only strengthens your appreciation for what they produce. Or, how can I put this, NOT.

Thankfully, with the topic of today’s post the prior is very definitely the case. British lifestyle brand Barbour has just launched its first range of watches, aptly named ‘Barbour Timepieces’, which blends the Barbour unique take on British style into watch form, all the while with a very individual and stylish look.

The Barbour collection is inspired by the values of the British countryside whilst the Barbour International collection references the brand’s motorcycling heritage, with both collections featuring some of the iconic elements found in the clothing ranges.

Designed in Britain, the Barbour Timepieces collections all house Swiss movements and feature the best Italian leathers, British tweeds and tartans.

In the Barbour collection, the Beacon Chrono (image above) is a visual embodiment of Barbour’s design heritage – functional yet timelessly sophisticated – available with either Italian leather straps or in a three link stainless steel bracelet. The simplicity and clean lines found in the design of the Glysdale also represents the versatility that the Barbour brand is known for, with a choice of straps in Barbour’s classic tartan, British herringbone tweed, or luxurious Italian leather.

In the Barbour International collection, the motorcycle jackets that the brand has been producing since 1936 are the core inspiration. The Halstead sits at the heart of motorcycle fashion with hand-stitched padded straps that are reminiscent of riding leathers. The Fowler (image below) features an industrial case inspired by the headlights of vintage motorcycles, a dial based on vintage speedometers and soft leather straps that make this watch effortlessly wearable.

anthonymcgrath405 / 10/10/2014

Is it a boot or is it a Trainer ??? – Nike’s new SneakerBoots

Well, unless you are literally living on the other side of the world, you will have noticed a distinct change, for the worse, in the weather and the news is telling us, that all folks for Summer, for another 6-8 months, what a thought. Now, Part and parcel of being human is adapting to change and having the right tools can smooth the process. As the daytime diminishes and the weather becomes increasingly grim, the Holiday(never understand this term, what is holiday about freezing cold, awful weather ? A beach is Holiday) 2014 Nike SneakerBoot Collection provides the tools to combat the changing conditions. The collection introduces new styles and transforms iconic masterpieces of running, basketball and training design into weatherised powerhouses ! This season the Nike SneakerBoots collection emphasizes three benefits – warmth, visibility, and dryness – for unprecedented defense in unpredictable elements. We are talking, Marty McFly has nothing on these bad boys !

Basketball and running favorites from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s are bolstered and re-imagined, with features ranging from rugged interpretations of original outsoles to internal linings that make them as comfortable as their classic counterparts. For this season, time-honored styles and a few new introductions leave the fields, tracks and gyms for which they were originally designed and join the battle against wintry weather.

One such interpretation is the iconic Nike Air Max of 1990, built around the idea that “more is more,” ups the ante. This arbiter of air is re-mastered into a highly visible, high-traction, cold weather weapon of choice.

Another is, the Nike Air Trainer SC was designed to endure punishment put forth by the strongest, most powerful athletes of its time. Inspired by the original versionʼs multi- sport functionality, the Air Trainer SC SneakerBoot’s water-repellant leather upper, sticky rubber outsole and reflective Swoosh logo make winter terrain look like another day in paradise.

anthonymcgrath405 / 08/10/2014

Anerkjendt – No other way of saying it

I recently attended a really useful press event held by House of Fraser where they took a chosen few key UK Bloggers through a selection of their key news Stories, trends and great brands they have for this coming season. One of which, was this little beauty, Anerkjendt.

Originating from Denmark, contemporary menswear brand Anerkjendt focuses on crafting easy-going clothes for laid-back guys. With an unmistakably Scandinavian style, the brand’s designs are always created with functionality and unique details in-mind, drawing inspiration from nature in print and colours. The result is an original collection of relaxed jackets, printed shirts and t-shirts which are comfortable and easy to wear.

For this season the brand looks to both the past and is forward looking to gain inspiration. The first angle of the collection is a 90’s grunge sort of rock and roll theme with only black, white, grey and red colours. Very clean style with sharp graphics.Whereas the second story has its roots in looking back in time and bring that look to new levels, still with a good sense of humour and classics. It using the idea of Cowboys and Indians as its narrative, the colour palette you find blue, green, burgundy and greys mixed with indigo and denims.

The last part of this collection is a playful mix of patterns and colours. With inspiration from Russian patterns and Scandinavian street style you get an interesting look. You will find a combination of flowers, stripes and graphics in a more outgoing colour palette.

anthonymcgrath405 / 07/10/2014

Straight from the Horse’s mouth – Fred Perry x Lavenham

The Autumnal Collaboration under investigation today, is between two great British Heritage brands that have both got great back stories behind them, one a little more well known then the other. Fred Perry is a brand which needs to such introduction a sartorial authority on the polo shirt, amongst other things, made famous, by the brand’s name sake, until recently the last British man to win Wimbledon. They have worked in partnership on ranges with individuals as diverse as the late Amy Winehouse, Sir Bradley Wiggins and super brands including Comme Des Garcon and Raf Simons. The latest to join this illustrious roll call, is Lavenham.

Lavenham is the home of British quilting, they first manufactured quilted horse rugs quickly followed by diamond quilted jackets, quilted waistcoats and a whole host of quilted accessories. They pride themselves on sticking to the two innate attributes of Quality and Durability that have taken the brand so far since its inception in 1969. The two aforementioned vital components have allowed the brand to form an invaluable rock solid grounding to then set about venturing into a more fashion forward direction that sets it apart from the competition.

Its proud to boast of its heritage in equestrian and country lifestyle and continues to use traditional British designs which incorporate a contemporary twist.

This has laid to the “Blank Canvas” capsule collection in conjunction with Fred Perry, it features unique takes on both the classic bomber jacket and gilet style outerwear, encompasses signature aspects from both brands to create an on trend range perfect for entering the colder seasons.

anthonymcgrath405 / 02/10/2014

Supremely Stone Island – Stone Island x Supreme

Back in 1994 Supreme opened its doors on Lafayette Street in downtown Manhattan and became the home of New York City skate culture. At its core was the gang of rebellious young New York skaters and artists who became the store’s staff, crew and customers.

Supreme grew to be the embodiment of the downtown culture, playing an integral part in its constant regeneration. Skaters, punks, hip-hop heads – the young counter culture at large – all gravitated towards Supreme.While it grew into a downtown institution, Supreme established itself as a brand known for its quality, style and authenticity.

Over its twenty years history, Supreme has worked with some of our generation’s most groundbreaking designers, artists, photographers and musicians – all who have helped continue to define its unique identity and attitude.

This season, Supreme adds to its illustrious roster the unique and highly creative Italian casual wear brand Stone Island. The pieces the brands have collaborated on are the Raso Gommato Cover Nero Jacket, an updated version of a Stone Island archive piece of ‘988, carrying the signature removable eye mask on the stow away hood. It is made in the iconic Stone Island Raso Gommato, a garment dyed, wind and water-resistant cotton satin bonded to a polyurethane coating, featuring a removable garment dyed down liner. Also within the range are a hooded sweatshirt, crewneck sweatshirt and sweatpant feature a garment dyed cotton fleece carrying the Supreme print.

All items have been made by Stone Island for Supreme and the camp cap is made by Supreme in Raso Gommato, keeping it in the family, so to say.

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