CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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A Scent of Victory -The new Tour de Ted range by Ted Baker

imageGentlemen, it’s time to step up a gear as Ted Baker launch their new Tour de Ted body Maintence kit. Pedalling a unique dash of tradition with contemporary scents technology, this timely new collection offers a (be)spoke, get it, selection of body wear fragrances which promise to keep you as fresh from the start to passing the finish line.

For the modern man about town who’s not afraid to up his game or multi-task, there is the Orange range. The fresh and invigorating top notes of eucalyptus, geranium and Patchouli will leave you totally revitalised and ready to take on the day.

But if your more of a Old School kinda fella, who prefers to never break a bead of sweat, then try the warm sensory tones of the Green range which boasts bergamot, Sandalwood, cedarwood and musk.

Each of the fragrance ranges contains a hair and body wash, deodorant antiperspirant and body spray, so whatever life throws at you, you’ll be guaranteed to both look and smell on top form.

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Oliver Spencer X Vulpine, These Clothes make the Man

imageBritish menswear designer Oliver Spencer has teamed up with cycling apparel specialists Vulpine to launch a limited edition tailored cycling blazer. Designed with the urban cyclist in mind, the piece perfectly combines the style and aesthetic of Oliver Spencer with the technicality and cycling expertise of Vulpine.

The first ever performance wear collaboration from Spencer, the partnership came about by an introduction through a mutual friend of Oliver’s and Vulpine founder, Nick Hussey. Nick had long been an admirer of Oliver’s ethos and design and with Spencer being a keen cyclist himself who wanted something to wear on the road and in the office; their friendship grew to become a collaborative venture.

Oliver led the overall design with his knowledge of fit, Great British style and manufacturing whilst Vulpine advised on performance specific cuts along with subtle, practical features, making the ideal jacket for the modern cyclist.

Launching this month, the navy jacket features water resistant coPon fabric in a classic crisp cut with added breathability and technicality to withstand the elements. Detailing such as reflective neck lining, reverse cuffs and rear vent allow the wearer to be easily visible on the road. Similarly, the arms and back of the jacket have been cut slightly longer than traditional outerwear to suit the riding position, whilst still maintaining the style and fit synonymous with the Oliver Spencer brand.

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Gaolhouse Rock – Gaolhouse Denim

imageTalk about a Rollacoaster ride, I first became aware of Gaolhouse Denim over a year ago when they started following Clothes Make the Man via Twitter. The name and concept stood out to me and I started to converse with their founder Will Unwin via this social media medium. Now I call it a Rollacoaster ride because, back in June last year, after speaking to Will on a number of occasions and everything being on course, like a bolt outta the blue I receive an email from him. He informed me that after blood, sweat and tears, plus more importantly Will’ s time  and savings the ministers over at the Home Office no longer wanted to produce clothes and have them branded as ‘made in prison’. Nonetheless, like a Phoenix from the ashes, Will has won the big wigs over and as you can see the first line from Gaolhouse is finally here.

imageThe brand started to work with the British Prison Service and the National Offender Management Service to create our first line of premium denim back in 2012. Working hand in hand with prisoners to design and develop their debut line. Together they have been able to support prison industries and provide invaluable work to those looking to take part in the rehabilitating and rewarding process of the prison work scheme.

The first pair of jean in the range are a slim cut, classic 5 pocket jean. It’s made from an 11.5oz unwashed denim, sourced from one of the best mills in the world. Its design is beautifully simple, reflecting the very methodical and practical way in which prisoners are taught to sew. Having been developed by prisoners, the jeans are then crafted right here in the UK. They are produced in small wonderfully batches so that a close eye can be kept on quality and detail.

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Are you singing off the same HYMN Sheet – HYMN available at JOY stores

imageHYMN is a new menswear brand which promises to offer us a range committed to durability, wearability and simplicity  with that all important contemporary twist, ahhh that twist of course. But give this  menswear line it’s due, HYMN offers clothing that caters for pretty much, every facet of the modern man’s wardrobe. With an ease and simplicity to its design aesthetic, the collection carries classic chinos, shirts and knitwear: timeless in its approach but with visually interesting twists on traditional menswear pieces.

imageWith a promise to stay dedicated to fit and quality plus striking a real balance between wardrobe staples and statement pieces.  The brand is available through joythestore.com, the unisex store that offers a unique selection of mens, womenswear and lifestyle accessories all which an eclectic mix of fun, quirky and stylish tone.

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I wish it would Rain – Ideal wet weather attire

The Winter of 2013/14 will be pretty much remembered for its weather, not only did we see the town of Hell Freeze over in Michigan, USA , but it will also go down in history as the wettest season we’ve ever seen, since records began. At some point over the last few weeks/months, you must have got soaked to the skin and so it got us to thinking about ways we can help you beloved reader keeping that dapper exterior and keep the drowned rat look totally at bay.  So here are a couple of the better water resistant apparel money can buy.

imageSWIMS, the Norwegian waterproof specialists, have introduced the Luca Sneaker, a comfortable shoe, featuring a myriad of fabric technology to tackle any weather condition including waterfriendly materials and breathable nylon all with an unmistakeable SWIMS edge.

imageThis brilliant British Woodland Camouflage City Gent Umbrella with Malacca Wood handle and Beech Wood shaft by London Undercover, not only will keep you dry in the event of a downpour but will ensure your stylish stakes are maintained in the urban jungle.

imageThe story of K-Way began in Paris, 1965. Leon-Claude Duhamel observed, one rainy day, attentively as people rush about in soaking wet clothing.  It was this this very day that K-Way was born: a lightweight, completely waterproof jacket that can be folded away into a small hip bag.

imageThis great compact Gents Umbrella from Marks & Spencer is ideal for throwing into your bag and forgetting about it right until you really it. Plus at the price it is, if like me, during the recent London Collections:Men where I managed to lose three, yes three, umbrellas over three days, it isn’t the end of the world.

imageThere is nothing worse then having important stuff in your bag, you know vital documents, your mobile ohhh and maybe your lunch and you get caught out in a deluge ! No one like wet documents but even more nobody likes soggy sandwiches. Well Watershed have the answer for you, used by the likes of the US Military, their bags are completely  watertight, so ensuring soggy sandwiches are a thing of the past. Ohhh and your documents stay safe and dry.

imageWe couldn’t cover wet weather gear, without mentioning the next brand as Mackintosh and their ever essential raincoats are to rainy day what fish is to chips. The traditional Mackintosh or Mac as it’s commonly worked its way into our language as, celebrates it’s 190th anniversary this year. Wonder how many people can thank Mackintosh for keeping them dry over the years ?