anthonymcgrath405 / 10/04/2014

Universal Appeal – “Workshop Denim” by Universal Works

In the denim world, it is normally either about American or Japanese, and about trying to recreate a vintage look or capture an authentic feel. Universal Works however have approached things a little differently, sourcing vintage loom made 13oz denim from Portugal and making the jeans in the centre of England.

Universal Works, whose primary principle is to produce a well made, easy to wear and affordable collection for men who want contemporary clothes, but understand tradition and looking good without trying too hard.

Based around and understanding of classic working clothes, of the workshop and the office, but with a modern slant on fit and shape. The entire brand has the signature of the founder, David Keyte, throughout and shows his love of craft and a feeling that someone cared about making this piece of clothing.

Keyte’s says of his new denim dream, “We have decided to keep things simple; making a European Jean, from vintage narrow loomed denim, in two great fits that still take into account the needs of contemporary man, keeping them unwashed so you can make them your own, and selling them at the best possible price.”

Deliberately not branded on the outside, featuring unbranded rivets, a unique yet unassuming pocket shape and all finished with a ghost patch; Universal Works has created a range of good fitting, simple and honest garments, all made in England.

Are Your Jeans Handmade? from Universal Works on Vimeo.

anthonymcgrath405 / 08/04/2014

Games of Thrones, Farfetch, What are you talking about ? Joel Fry for Farfetch.com

Now dear readers if you like us, have been waiting for the fourth season of the HBO fanasty and frankly brilliant series, Games of Thrones like a Dothraki readying themselves to do battle against the Baratheons, sorry was that a little too Comic-con ? No offence to the geeks, please don’t put a cyber. Fatwa on the blog. Either way today’s post will either mean a fair bit to you, but please don’t worry it’s brilliance isn’t lost on your ignorance if you don’t !

British actor Joel Fry, probably best known for his roles in TV show Plebs and the film 10, 000 BC, will be seen in the NEW season of Games Of Thrones, playing Hizdahr zo Loraq, no I haven’t misspelled it! A slave-trader from the city of Meereen, on the coast of Slaver’s Bay, and a scion of the House of Loraq, an ancient and proud line of slavers. Now although this is Joel’s day job, I mean Acting, not trafficking, he’s been up to a spot of moonlighting as a model for the great e-commerce multi platform,farfetch.com Joel gives us an insight into his, frankly, incredible costumes from on set and tells us how he actually likes to dress outside the Kingdoms of Westeros and Essos, which I believe Farfetch aren’t currently delivering to, yet ?

anthonymcgrath405 / 07/04/2014

Earth Ethos – Aveda Earth Month by Amanda Lewis

Aveda is augmenting its Charitable credentials when Aveda stylists from around the globe each volunteer eight hours of their time to offer ‘Appointments for the Earth’ (including all salon services) in return for a donation to Earth Month. The Aveda Lifestyle Salon & Spa in London’s Covent Garden will be supporting this worthy global initiative by hosting a Cut-A-Thon and Beyond Salon Takeover on Monday 7th April

Aveda supports communities around the world with a commitment to raising $6 million for clean water in 2014. Aveda professionals in more than 30 countries have collectively raised more than $32 million in support of Earth Month since the campaign’s inception in 1999. To date more than $26 million has been directed to support hundreds of clean water projects on six continents.

Funds raised by Aveda UK will benefit local Earth Month partner WaterAid – a charity with a mission to transform lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world’s poorest communities. WaterAid is an international non-profit organisation established to helping the world’s poorest people gain access to safe water and sanitation in 27 countries across Africa, Asia, Central America and the Pacific region.

Did you know ?

768 million people still do not have access to clean and safe water.

768 million people do not access to safe water. This is roughly 1 in 10 of the world’s population

2.5 billion people still lack access to a toilet, with huge negative impacts on wider human development including health, education, gender equality and livelihoods.

Diarrhoea is the 2nd biggest killer of children under five years old globally. Nearly 9 out of 10 cases of diarrhoea can be prevented by safe water, sanitation and hygiene.

“Social responsibility has been a pillar of the Aveda ethos since the brand’s founding in 1978. Aveda professionals are living proof that beauty and environment are inextricably connected – their commitment to Earth Month is truly remarkable.” Darren Potter, Aveda General Manager

www.Justgiving.com/company/aveda

www.wateraid.org

www.avedainstitute.co.uk

www.aveda.co.uk

anthonymcgrath405 / 04/04/2014

Run for your life – 6 of the best Running shoes by Dominic Heron-Sturt

This Month we have included the top six best running trainers on the market with limited collaboration releases to some of our favourites we’ve been waiting months for! From classic sportswear brands rising back into fashion we have some very special pairs to share with you, like the BAU X Reebok Pump Fury to celebrate Reebok’s 20th anniversary to our favourite new arising brand Saucony with the shadow 6000 grey suede. All these pairs are perfect for running and for casual wear so don’t sleep on them and please read on, don’t feel afraid to refresh your trainer collection with one of the great pairs below!

New Balance 1600 ‘ Barber Shop Pack’

Nike Air Footscope Desert Woven Chukka

Saucony Shadow 6000 Grey Suede

BAU X Reebok Pump Fury

Asics Gel Lyte Aztec Pack

New Balance M1500BRT

anthonymcgrath405 / 02/04/2014

Take a Walk on the Wild Side with Christopher Shannon for Dune Shoes

Christopher Shannon A/W14 Collection

After two great designer collaborations with Joanne Stoker and Kat Maconie for their Ladies range, it’s now the fellas’ turn and who better for Dune to turn to, then the rising star of British Contemporary Menswear, Christopher Shannon.

After showing a blinding collection for Autumn 2014 in January Christopher is firmly establishing himself as a name you really should look out for and in their infinite wisdom, Dune Shoes haven’t wasted any time and have had the foresight to work with Mr Shannon now.

Christopher’s AW14 collection explored his take on old school tracksuits with giant floral motifs on anoraks with sleek leather track trousers. Sleeves were sewn onto the back of short shorts or to the side of a track jacket, signalling a nod to the early years of Thatcherism and the post-punk era.

His collection for Dune is inspired by footwear shapes he would personally wear. With colours ranging from optic and sporty to more formal classic tones. Shannon has chosen a complementary mix of materials, with the shine of textured patent next to the richness of suede particularly standing out. Light- weight handcrafted sport inspired EVA soles feature heavily alongside hand stamped leathers for a high quality finish on the boots. Classic cup soles feature on the pumps and slip-on’s to give the collection a futuristic urban edge. Christopher has chosen to name each style after a town in his birthplace, Liverpool.