CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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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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Start the Premiership in Style but more importantly on time with @RotaryWatches COMPETITION TIME !

imageTensions are already rising, you can feel the heat, the nails are started to be chewed, cussing under the breathe it can only be one thing, yes tomorrow sees the start of the new season of the Premiership ! Now to mark this significant date in the calendar  Timepiece company Rotary, the fourth generation Swiss watch brand, famous worldwide for exceptional quality timepieces, embarks on its second season as the Global Official Timekeeper of Chelsea FC.

In honour of the second season of the partnership, Rotary has proudly developed a unique sport inspired timepiece, Aquaspeed. This contemporary sport watch is perfect for those looking for a robust yet stylish timepiece to match their pace and performance.

Rotary are known for their durability and timekeeping qualities, why in 1950, three tests confirmed the quality and reliability of the Rotary brand: a watch was towed behind the QE2 as it crossed the Atlantic and remained in perfect working order; another was strapped to the Flying Scotsman and arrived intact; the third, dropped from the top of Big Ben, survived undamaged, not a bad testament.

Features of their limited Edition Aquaspeed timepiece include; Chelsea FC embossed case back, blue lion crest upon a textured blue dial and mineral glass. Date window at 6 and 40mm case with a blue bezel. Stylish stainless steel bracelet with a Z clasp. This watch is waterproof and is accompanied by a Rotary lifetime guarantee. A perfect symbol of sport fusion and innovation, paying tribute to one of London and the Premiership’s most famous football clubs.

COMPETITION TIME 

Fancy getting your hand on one of these beauties, well it’s easy. All you need to do is follow us at Twitter @Clothesmakeman OR Facebook @facebook.com/ClothesMakeTheMan OR Instagram @Clothesmakeman

Do this by Sunday 31st August and hey presto a few days later you will receive a gift from us and Rotary Watches to you. It’s that simple ! Good luck.