CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

anthonymcgrath405 / 12/09/2014

Turn the world upside down with SWATCH’s sistem51

Thirty years ago Swatch, honestly revolutionised the watch industry by introduced a simplified, Swiss made quartz wristwatch with only 51 parts, so ? Whats the big deal ? Well, it was the world’s first plastic watch made not by hand in the traditional Swiss manner, but on a fully automated assembly line. The small number of parts and automated assembly made quality Swiss watches accessible, for the first time, to millions of people. Thirty years later, Swatch has done it again: sustained investment in research and development, innovative thinking, advanced engineering and simple creativity have turned the watch world on its head yet again. The “lucky number” of Swatch – 51 – being not only, the point of reference, but creativity.

The protagonist of the story this time is an automatic (self-winding) mechanical movement made from a total of 51 parts. The parts form five separate modules, which are welded into a single unit centered on a single screw. Conventional mechanical watch movements have at least twice as many parts; some of the more complicated, high-end models have more than six hundred, assembled by hand over weeks or months by master watchmakers in their ateliers.

SISTEM51 is the first and only mechanical movement with fully automated assembly. The high-tech escapement has no regulator; the rate is set at the factory with a laser, making the manual rate adjustments normally required by a mechanical watch unnecessary. The movement, which features a 90 hour power reserve, is made of ARCAP, an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc with exceptional anti-magnetic qualities. All parts are hermetically sealed within the case: no moisture, dust or foreign elements can interfere with performance, assuring a very long life and sustained accuracy over time, well maybe by 10seconds give or take.

For a fraction of the price of traditional luxury mechanical watches, a SISTEM51 Swatch opens up the fascinating world of mechanical movements to millions who could not previously afford a Swiss made mechanical watch. It is a luxury, an accessible point of entry to high-end mechanical watchmaking—for everyone.

The whole look of the Sistem51, has been completely thought through. The dial side reveals six of the movement’s 19 rubies, and from the back one gazes through a transparent oscillating weight into the heart of this fascinating microcosm. Design is a key part of the Swatch DNA, and SISTEM51 extends its reach into the innovative depths of the movement itself. Coming in four different Sistem51 colour ways of White, Black, Blue and Red to finish the overall aesthetic of this latest creation.

anthonymcgrath405 / 11/09/2014

WHISTLES down the wind – the Launch of Whistles Menswear

Whistles has long been a go to and firm favourite with style conscious females consumers, well now it’s out turn lads ! The brand’s debut men’s collection for autumn 2014 built on the foundations of contemporary design and modern utility is here. The long wait is finally over for a Whistles menswear range to rival the inspiring and intelligent reputation of our female counterparts, delivering the building blocks of an edited wardrobe, refined to be both accessible and timeless, with an emphasis on newness guaranteed to keep you returning each season for wearable directional looks.

The launch collection balances classic outerwear with high-end knits, versatile tailoring and accessories highlighting, not only everything a modern man could possible need but, the relevance of updating well-loved, familiar pieces with a functional modern edge. Overcoats emerge oversized, and signature bikers are reworked, as we know from Friday’s Post, in black shearling. Trousers tick off both tapered volume and slimmed-down silhouettes. And shirting explores smartened-up staples, ranging from crisp Oxfords to check flannels and textured overshirts.

Jersey feels smart and unfussy. Cashmere upgrades the tracksuit, taking lounge sportswear to a more luxury level. Chunky hand-knitted sweaters sit alongside roll-necks in relaxed mohair blends, or smart fine gauge wools, to define the season’s knitwear. While denim is stripped-back to the essentials, emerging raw and slim with subtle detailing.

Jane Shepherdson, Chief Executive at Whistles, explained to us the concept behind the launch the collection which positions itself firmly in the dynamic men’s contemporary market, making Whistles a new destination for us, the discerning male customer focusing on quality, creativity and yet anonymous style.

“At Whistles we value the power of understatement and believe that sharpness, quality and function are what really resonate today. Menswear is built around a tightly edited core of familiar pieces, so making it feel relevant comes down to perfecting the details and subtly updating them. If the simple things don’t look brilliant, how can you expect customers to fall for the more standout pieces?”

anthonymcgrath405 / 09/09/2014

It sure ain’t gonna be all Test tubes & Lab Coats with Camper Lab

Following the recent appointment of Romain Kremer as Creative Director to the Spanish Footwear brand, Camper, its just unveiled its newest retail experience worldwide with their CamperLab stores.

An experimental platform where new concepts are introduced, the CamperLab stores represent the essence of Kremer’s vision and are a window into a new era at Camper.

Comprised of 8 key existing locations including London, Paris, New York and Berlin, the CamperLab establishes the tone for Camper shops worldwide.

The Lab also features a more definitive choice of the new proposal edited by Kremer himself along with icons revisited, introducing a redefinition of Camper’s aesthetic directed towards a more contemporary and youthful audience.

In conjunction with the Lab stores Camper has also launched two new social media platforms. The content and news feeding these platforms will be directly connected to the latest at CamperLab helping to introduce its new attitude and facilitate a dialogue with a new and wider following.

anthonymcgrath405 / 08/09/2014

It’s all about the Aramis – Aramis Adventurer

Aramis as a scent celebrates its golden anniversary this year, 50 years ago it burst on the scene with a splash of handsome energy as one of the first luxury fragrance and skin care lines for men. It was the first-ever men’s scent to be sold in department stores and was immediately classified as a masterpiece. Fifty years later, Aramis remains a timeless classic representing individuality and sophistication. To mark this milestone the brand are launched an exclusive limited edition exclusive to Harrods later this year.

But, Aramis Adventurer is a new scent for the new generation of Aramis gentlemen, Aramis 2.0, one could say. Still, of course, sophisticated yet sporty. Well travelled, athletic, strong and secure. He is active – pushing the boundaries and taking chances while looking sharp, feeling confident and emulating young sophistication, sounds like you ?

This is a unique blend of uplifting freshness, mysterious aromatics and seductive wood aromas.The fragrance opens with a unique blend of freshness led by crisp citron and exquisite bergamot, while a burst of black pepper introduces a modern spicy sense. The aromatic heart is a charismatic fusion of geranium, lavender and absinthe, reinforcing the fragrance’s charm. The modern elegance of rich patchouli and cedarwood is softened with salted marine sea moss notes.

anthonymcgrath405 / 05/09/2014

Ask the experts – Top Autumn buys

It’s all good and well, me spouting on about how great this is or how wonderful that is, but sometimes you need to hear from the proverbial horse’s mouth. So as Autumn is pretty much upon us, no point in denying its onset any longer, we seek the counsel of 5 of our favourite brands, creative genii to offer us their favourite piece from Autumn 2014.

For today’s post, our learned panel consists of – Frances Walker, Jigsaw Menswear Design Director, who chose this beautiful Prince of Wales Check Suit, saying, “Jigsaws Prince of Wales suit is a great buy, a heritage fabric that never dates produced by esteemed UK mill Abraham Moon known for their unsurpassed quality. This 100% wool suit comes with an unstructured jacket giving the shoulder a more natural line making the jacket perfect as both formal attire and more casual cardigan style in line with the seasons norm core trend.”

Next up we have Michael Anderson, Vice President, Men’s Product and Design, Banana Republic, “My must have for the season is our super luxe slim knit jogger pant in grey. Worn with a soft unconstructed blazer, waffle crew neck sweater and our suede sneakers is both easy comfort and cool. Its a great alternative when you want to give denim a rest but still want to look pulled together.”

Alex Field, Head of Menswear Design for Reiss has selected, “My essential piece for AW14 is the Sanders shearling aviator jacket. It’s incredibly versatile thanks to its peerless ability to combine luxury with comfort while feeling just at home as part of a casual outfit as it does as part of a formal outfit.”

Up next is Gordon Richardson, Creative Director of TOPMAN, who has gone with, “My absolute must have would have to be a drop shouldered textured coat.”

Last but by no means least, we have a new kid on the menswear block, but this brand is one you will be hearing an awful lot more of over the coming, weeks, months, years. Whistles is about to launch it’s menswear offering, more about that later, but we asked their CEO, Jane Shepherdson to select their fave piece and it was, “The biker jacket is an iconic, timeless piece, that adds a harder, tougher edge to sophisticated minimalism. This jacket is a piece you can keep for years and the leather only gets better.”

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