William Brogue to celebrate Esquire’s 20th Anniversary

To celebrate Esquire’s 20th Birthday this month, my-wardrobe.com the UK’s leading online retailer of ‘everyday luxury’ designer fashion has joined forces with traditional English shoe makers Grenson to create an exclusive design of the William Brogue.

The ‘William Brogue’ already exists in the Grenson range as their classic unlined brogue. Lee Douros, my-wardrobe.com Menswear Buyer and Tim Little, Creative Director of Grenson, have taken this classic style and given it a modern reconstruction using two tone suede and contrasting eyelets in a tonal summer colour palette. Unlike a regular ‘Goodyear Welted’ shoe, the unlined brogue has no lining, making it light and easy to wear.

The shoes are made in 4 stages: clicking, closing, lasting and finishing. The first refers to cutting the leather, the second to creating the upper, the third to the moulding of the shape and the fourth to polishing; in all, taking around three weeks to manufacture a pair.

All Grenson shoes are ‘Goodyear Welted’, a process invented in 1800s England which involves the upper part of the shoe being stretched and moulded over the last – a plastic shape that simulates the foot shape – before being attached to the insole of the shoe.

The process is time consuming but the result means that the shoe will keep its shape for many years.

Grenson was founded in 1866 as William Green & Son and abbreviated its name in the 1930s.

It supplied British servicemen during WW2 and its shoes were worn by film stars such as Cary Grant, David Niven and Fred Astaire.

See a few more angles here.

Photos & text Copyright Grenson, Courtesy My Wardrobe.

Griffin Spring/Summer 2011: Core Items

Technology stands at the forefront of this collection which is best shown in the ‘Technical Bearskin’. This design originates from a style we became famed for in the mid 90’s, the Bearskin was a coat that featured side seam zips and when opened up and laid flat replicated the shape of the skin of a bear.

The development for the Technical Bearskin began over four years ago, but it is only now we have the appropriate technology to achieve the garment we wanted. Articulated to fit the body, this jacket is finished with waterproof taped zips along the side seams and underarms, which can be opened as pit zips for ventilation, or fully unzipped to open flat into the Griffin Bearskin shape.

On a technical note, this jacket is kitted out with all the essentials; including 4 front pockets with bonded waterproof zips, a double storm flap on the front with a stand collar and concealed hood, plus the sleeves and back panel are fitted with volume adjusters. This style is available in two Limited Edition colour options; all over black or Finnish Digi Camouflage, both featuring a 3 layer high tech waterproof fabric from Italian mill Limonta.

Although bonding technical man-made fabrics to each other is a technique used by many outdoorwear sports brands, what we have done is bonded a natural fiber cotton/poly mix with a synthetic 3 layer black Limonta fabric making the construction behind this piece really special.

The ‘Dartmouth jacket’ returns this season but with an entirely new look. Featured as part of the tradition meets technology range that combines traditional fabrics and heritage silhouettes, with new technologies and innovative techniques. The Dartmouth is a short jacket designed with front bellow pockets which have been bonded to give a modern take on the style’s vintage counterpart which was traditionally re-enforced with canvas, we have used a high-tec bonding technique which is a great example of the new technology applied to the making of this garment. Another example of this can be found in the design of the pit holes which are used for ventilation, instead of the tradtional eyeletting technique we have laser cut and bonded these holes, the front slant pockets have also received the same treatment, giving a sleek laser cut finish to the front of the jacket. This style is fully reversible and the pitched sleeves have been finished with adjustable reversible cuff tabs, a detail that came from an original reversible 1950’s snow smock. The style is available in two different greyscale colour options, black with white paper-like nylons from Italian mill Limonta and a black wax-like coated nylon with Grey B-Bridge coated Nylon.

The ‘Reversible Pocket Parka’ is a style that has evolved from the reversible Snow Bearskin coat from the Autumn/Winter 10 collection. The design was originally inspired by the U.S. Military Parka, a fantastic shape and Griffin Military favourite. Lengthened and finished with a true parka style fishtail hem, we have worked more volume into this A-line silhouette - even more than last season. This dramatic shaping adds a great swing to the back of the coat and the extra volume drops the shoulders into the uniquely constructed sleeves, featuring double tuck details either side of the elbow and articulated panelling to give volume to the sleeve whilst retaining an accurate fit, plus the cuffs are fully adjustable - featuring an elasticated and button-fastened, reversible adjuster. A lot of time has been spent perfecting the reversibility of this coat, ensuring either side offers a distinct look. As a result we have used the dominating palette of black and white and alternate pocket designs on either side. Working with paper like fabrics from Italian mill Limonta this style is available in luxurious white on one side and classic black on the other.

The ‘Imber’ is a semi-tailored jacket featuring hunting style pockets and two large flap pockets running from the front of the jacket around the side. The collar is styled with a military tab and all seams have been double stitched giving a clean finish on both the outside and inside of the jacket. This season we have stitched into the cotton fabric, leaving short loose threads on the surface giving the jacket a very distinct look. The distinctive plastic spray dyw effect has been applied to this garment, this spray paint technique is applied after the jacket has been manufactured so the back of the fabric and hidden areas, such as underneath the pocket flaps are left undyed. This hand applied technique not only introduces a new touch, it means every jacket is completely unique. The style is also available in plain black and white.

The ‘Technical Softshell’ jacket continues to merge the line between tradition and technology with three new fabrications including Finnish Digi Camouflage, White and Black all mixed with the technical softshell base fabric. This style offers a fitted yet flexibile fit and a clean, sleek finish as all the body panel seams are bonded together instead of stitched. The shape is ergonomically designed for plenty of movement with an off centre waterproof taped zip, featuring engineered sleeves with piped seams in camo. The softshell is fitted with a slanted laser cut chest pocket with a taped zip. The sculpted hood has piping details and features a rounded nose piece for smog protection. Manufactured in Italy to the highest quality - a true example of technology working with tradition.

Trousers & Shorts
The ‘Thai Pant’ was first re-introduced last season after it’s initial development over 10 years ago. Last season, like the first time around, the style was a sell out success for our Japanese stockists. The design is a unique cross between a snow pant and traditional Thai trouser, with a lot of room in the seat and a low slung crotch and gusset. The trouser has a banana seam detail running down the front of the leg for a greater shape and darted at the back to create a sculptured leg. A great silhouette with a lot of volume, this casual pant is available in a range of six colours overdyed on lightweight Italian Cotton fabric. The ‘Technical Thai Pant’ is the sister style and features front and back bonded, waterproof, zips adding a high tech finish to the overall look. The Technical Thai Pant is available in Finnish Digi Camouflage and Swedish Camouflage for the Spring/Summer 11 season. This pant looks fantastic teamed with our new range of sweats or the pocket parka coat.

The ‘USMC trouser’ is a style we have developed for a number of years and after a series of requests from customers and buyers we are reintroducing the pant. First developed from a 1945 boiler suit the USMC trouser is a wide leg pant with a low slung crotch. Fitted with large combat pockets and adjustable tabs at the hem these trousers offer a really comfortable fit. This season the USMC is available in all seasonal colours and two cotton fabric options. As a more commercial alternative the ‘Hanoi Pant’ is the sister style to this pant, designed with a slightly raised crotch and slimmer leg, this style is also available in a range of overdyed cottons.

The ‘Archback trouser’ is an iconic Griffin style and was originally developed from a vintage climbing trouser. With ergonomically designed legs and darted knees, the fit is slimmer this season with a low slung crotch. The archback panel is of course the pant’s most distinctive detail and a feature we can only achieve due to the flexibility of our great Italian factory. Traditionally a coat manufacturer, our factory has the ability to be more creative in the make than a traditional trouser manufacturer by using the finishes and detailing found in outerwear on our trouser range. The Archback style this season is available in the full seasonal range of colours overdyed in a great quality mid-weight cotton fabric.

The ‘Flying Pant’ is a heritage Griffin style developed from original military Para uniforms, the most distinctive styling detail being the darted knee patchs used originally to re-enforce the pant. This season Jeff wanted to rework this design as a track pant, working in a cotton instead of a sweat and adding the ribbed cuffs and a detailed, easticated waistband. The design is available in all 6 seasonal colours, the overdying affect has taken incredibly well to this fabric giving a really rich coverage.

The ’USMC Short’ offers all the great features that its long-legged brother has; combat pockets, low slung crotch and wide loose fit. This season we have developed two lengths, first the standard length finishing at the knee, this design is available in Finnish Digi Camo as well as 6 colour options in Italian cotton. The second design is the adequately named the USMC ‘big’ short which is designed in a longer leg as a three-quarter length that finishes mid-calf. This style is available in a selection of Camouflages including Wetland and Swedish as well as a range of colours from the seasonal colour palette.

Sweats & Jerseys
This season we bring you our most extensive range of sweats and jerseys yet. All produced in Italy, the range includes a selection of silk and cotton jerseys as well as 4 sweats including a ‘Technical crew sweat’ which features waterproof taped front zip pockets and diagonal front panelling. Offering a similar look, the ‘Bomb-Her Jacket’, a zip through track design features laser cut pockets finished with a black bonded trim and available in a selection of contrasting B & W and khaki colour combinations. The Jersey Parka is a new piece for the season made from a double jersey. Along with the the large oversized sleeves and adjustable hem, this high quality Italian cotton is super soft, making it a really easy piece to just throw on. The ‘Hooded Button Sweat’ returns this season, available in the same supersoft double jersey as the parka. Popular details such as the laser cut pocket and contrasting black cotton lining in the hood remain, however the hooded design has been refreshed for a superior fit.

Shirts
We have two new shirt designs for the Spring/Summer season. The first is the cowboy shirt which is a modern take on the traditional country shirt, featuring signature Griffin cotnrast paneling and laser cut pockets. The second design is the bellow shirt, this distinctive design features two gathered bellow pockets on the chest. The shirt is darted offering slim fit and features a traditional button fastening with a slim collar. The design is available in four fabric options including two silks and two cottons in a range of colours.

Manufacturing
Our passion for quality manufaturing keeps growing. For the past 17 years we have been manufacturing our collections in some of Italy’s finest factories, which has enabled us to work very closely with our manufacturer, investing time into innovation and experimentation of emerging garment technologies to fulfil their creative potential. We recognise the future for Griffin lies in Technology and how it can be applied or shaped in the context of clothing. Griffin still firmly supports Italian manufacturing because of the high quality and skills of the factories and fabric mills. Based in the valleys of the Alps, the factory and it’s employees carry a passion that is very Italian - they are great at what they do, and proud of the garments they produce. As well as the Griffin brand the factory also manufactures many luxury brands including Dries Van Notten, Missoni, Dior and Armani.

We still try to work as close to home as possible, maximising on the skills available in the UK to support our local industry. Self sufficiency is an important part of the Griffin family values which Jeff would eventually like to expand out through the collection by rearing our own sheep and eventually produce our own wool. Although price is important our ethical morals and beliefs come first, which is why we are asking our customers to invest in quality clothing.

See more core items here.

Photos & text Copyright Griffin.

Griffin Spring/Summer 11 Collection: Inspiration & Colour range

The spring/summer 11 collection looks back to 1985 and the Katherine Hamnett era of baggy, oversized silhouettes and plenty of military detailing as a major source of inspiration for this season’s collection. Whilst we continue our delve into the Griffin archive to reference our classic, heritage garments like the Dartmouth and Imber jackets, we have experiemented with new technologies and dyeing techniques to create fresh and innovative detailing. The mixing of bold and oversized features, laser cut welts and bonded faux leather seams has resulted in a performance meets fashion hybrid.

The colour palette is a mix of high contrast in black and white alongside a tonal DPM range of military green and sand, complimented with an electric blue as a highlight. Desert Finnish DPM returns as the dominant camouflage with Swedish camouflage featured in a couple of pant and short styles as well. Working closely with our Italian dye factory we have created a spray paint effect across a number of styles to give a worn, plastic look to the natural fabrics. The sprayed dye colours only the outer shell, leaving areas such as undersides of pocket flaps and cuffs undyed. The effect subtly draws together the two contrasting base fabrics which include a mix of rich cottons and luxurious silks through to 3 layer technical waterproofs.

Running alongside the dramatic sihouettes of spring/summer 11 is our integration of locally sourced high-quality materials and new technology, making this collection more functional and relevent to today’s lifestyle than ever before whilst aspring towards a sustainable future.

Photos & text Copyright Griffin.

Orlebar Brown Spring/Summer 2011 Sneak Preview

Orlebar Brown has just released a new video clip, which promotes the spring/summer collection.
The label has also launched a new home pattern called “Geometrics” and coming in is available in Bulldog, the classic beach short in black and white, and Dane, the longer board short in red.

Check out more shorts here.



Photos Copyright Orlebar Brown.

Theatre de la Mode: Olympian

On the 15th July 2010 Theatre de la Mode will premier a film by Camilla Robinson a vision of Olympian Gods and the capricious behavior of humans. Characters are draped in the Spring/Summer 2011 collection from Theatre de la Mode and as the Gods and Goddesses peer dreamily down upon us, the Olympian collection is brought to life in a visual spectacle.

The premier taking place at 203 Brompton Road, is the creative vision of Christopher Kelly. As Creative Director of Theatre de la Mode Christopher is known for innovative presentations of the Theatre de la Mode collections and S/S 11 is no exception.

The film will be projected onto the ceiling, reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel playing on the theme of Gods and Goddesses. Interrupting the grandeur of the Gods are black and white scenes of human destruction on Earth, images of the wrath of Gods in stormy skies and floods are mixed with archive footage of our own attempts at Olympian athletes, circa 1930’s.

Visions of Gods and humans are cut together in a surging finale.

The Olympian collection is the materialized Vision of Camilla Robinson’s film. Inspired by the Olympian deities, the collection is made using draping, silhouettes and quilted textures. Shapes are taken from the draping of the togas but retain a structured control. Prints are inspired by John Stezaker photography collages combined with Chinese porcelain repeats and colour blocks. Combined, this creates a refined collaboration of colour and shapes.

See the whole collection here.

T d l M :: Spring / Summer 2011 :: Olympian from Theatre de la Mode on Vimeo.

Photos & text Copyright Theatre de la Mode.

Snake and Dagger: Experts in Denim

Edgy London-based denim brand Snake and Dagger look to cement their place as innovators in the world of denim.

For autumn/winter 2011 they have pushed the boundaries in applying new wash and finishing techniques to the traditional material of Japanese Selvedge Denim.

One such piece is the beautiful garment dyed grey denim, which has also had the treatment of grey reflective paint which only becomes visible during night time.

The brand maintains it core principals of only selecting Japanese Selvedge Denim from small boutique mills.

With the denim being the start of all the design process and chosen to getter better with wear and age.

Autumn/winter 2011 continues with the theme of mixing the clean with heavily distressed denim. It also heralds the introduction of denim shorts in the Five Pacer fit plus a new fit specifically for Chinos the Fer De Lance.

The three core fits in jeans Rock Viper (Skinny), Five Pacer (Slim straight leg) and Blue Krait (Blue Krait) have been maintained and well received.

Brand History
Snake and Dagger is the brain child of Bayo Lasaki and Roy Westfield. Starting with the core of any contemporary man’s wardrobe, the two embarked on a two year journey of discovery, tracing the route to find the world’s best denim and jeans manufacturers.

Exploring many of the denim-producing countries around the world, the journey led them to Japan. It was here that they were shown the art of denim creation learning and working with masters.

Roy explains, “Spending time at the denim mills and wash houses gave us the ability to appreciate and understand the complexity of denim, you can’t learn that in a classroom”.

Equipped with the knowledge of Japanese denim production, the pair have set about creating a core denim line that represents their influence and style.

The name Snake and Dagger is derived from the historical symbol of a snake coiled around a dagger. An artistic symbol which has managed to transcend throughout time, signifying above all values of strength and honor.

Check out the 2011 autumn/winter collection here.

Photos & text Copyright Snake and Dagger.

Christopher Shannon & Lavenham at London Fashion Week, Fall 2011

To those who were unable to get down to London Fashion Week for the Fall 2011 shows here is a Christopher Shannon preview.

Christopher Shannon's collection is full of sporty influenced garments infused with the Lavenham quilt.

As originators of the quilted jacket, Lavenham show once again that they are as fashion forward as the market they serve!

Check out the entire collection here.

Photos & text Copyright Christopher Shannon, Courtesy Sane Communications.

Cassette Playa & Lavenham at London Fashion Week, Fall 2011

Here is a snapshot of the 2011 autumn/winter collection that Cassette Playa presented at London Fashion Week, Fall 2011.

Designer Carrie Mundane added her signature elements of hand-painted, leather biker jackets, digital print placement shirts, and tracksuits.

Quilted bombers and silk jackets by Lavenham graced the collection.

Carrie Mundane is known for her inspirations from the 90’s, African prints, rave, Japanese anime, and animals.

Photo Copyright Cassette Playa, Courtesy Sane Communications.

Oliver Spencer Autumn/Winter 2011

Oliver Spencer presents his debut runway event.

The London-based designer has created an AW11 collection that cuts straight to the heart of the stylish modern man.

Channeling his personal clothing obsessions, Oliver Spencer mixes beautiful English suiting with iconic American sportswear, filtered through a life-long love of just-so fabrics and practical details.

The catwalk show offers a first view of his new tailored line of English-made suits.

The Oliver Spencer AW11 collection is inspired by late-1970s ska music, the full-on confidence of its adherents, and the unmissable authority of their look.

Highlights include the big, belted Greatcoat; a revisionist take on the bomber jacket; quilts; macs; and elegantly offbeat knitwear. Footwear is powerfully masculine: rough, tough shoes and boots in shades of burgundy and peanut, some with brogue details or involving mixtures of leather and suede.

Colors favor the autumnal -red, orange, khaki and the mischievous use of camouflage. Fabrics lean towards naturals, with tweed, Shearling, herringbone wools, knits and pure cotton shirting.

See more images here.

Photos & text Copyright Oliver Spencer.

Jaeger London Spring/Summer 2011

Jaeger London’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection marries fine tailoring in a modern silhouette with new-season prints and bold shades. Inspirations include early Alain Delon films, Pop Art and Surrealism.

Elegant slim-line tailoring is cut from a new contemporary suit block. Shirts feature graphic patterns with a hint of Roy Lichtenstein.

The collection is infused with an interesting mix of textures and fabrics, from Aertex knits through to paperweight chino-style suiting.

Trompe-l’oeil effects feature throughout and engineered shirting and suiting see historic patterns grading into one another.

Colour Palette
Midnight, Rose, Porcelain, Cornflower, Smoke, Silver, Tan, Sunburst, Jade, Burgundy, Khaki.

See more shots here.

Photos & text Copyright Jaeger London.

Jaeger London Spring/Summer 2011 Accessories

A sharply edited range of pieces designed to complement the modern man’s wardrobe.

Jaeger’s established house-style bags are updated this season in various combinations, such as dark, unwashed denim with glossy leather, or cotton twill in honey with black leather trims and handles.

A new weekend bag shape, a duffle-style and an oversized shopper bag are all introduced to the range for spring. In addition, a new minimalist-look suit carrier comes in navy with zip compartments to house shirt and ties.

This season also sees Jaeger’s debut collection of men’s sunglasses. These are hand-finished and available in a classic gold metal-rimmed frame and a retro-inspired tortoiseshell resin frame.

Highlights

Drawstring duffle bag in heavy cotton drill and suede with tan leather handles and shoulder strap; available in khaki or midnight blue.

Suit carrier in navy with a leather bottom with zip compartments for shirt and tie.

New sunglasses range featuring two classic frame styles: gold and tortoiseshell. Italian leather belts including bridal leathers, canvas and leather combinations and suede.

Finest leather wallets with coloured leather internals, folio cases and iPad cases.

Grey suede or navy suede belts with white leather trim. Patterned socks in classic dots, vertical stripes and dashes.

Colour Palette

Denim, Honey, Navy, Black, Stone, Khaki, Burgundy, Gold, Papaya.

Have a look here at more photos.

Photos & text Copyright Jaeger London.

Theatre de la Mode: Arctic Contortion

For A/W 2011 Theatre de la Mode presents a collection that embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery. Inspired by heroic figures and classical illustrations, this season sees the reinvention of Theatre de la Mode’s signature draping, made more remarkable by the addition of slim line pieces and collaged hand crafted print.

The arctic explorer Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, a turn of the century British hero, provides the inspiration for the oversized, utilitarian cut of the collection. A statue of the explorer outside the London headquarters of the Royal Geographical Society, perfectly displays the voluminous silhouette with protective draping that epitomizes the look of Theatre de la Mode. The style invokes an adventurous spirit, while retaining the comfort and practicality of its utilitarian foundations.

Drawing further inspiration from times past, a pencil drawn study of British birds is transformed into an imaginative, geometric crest, which becomes the central motif in the collection. More traditional drawings of a taxidermied Eider appear printed on T-shirts. Featuring throughout the range are hand painted stripes that have been collaged into triangular patterns adding a textural element to jersey and sweat pieces.

Fabrics for the season include wax coated cotton, offering a layer of protection to casual separates. A Classic brushed cotton tartan and needle corduroy add to the authentically British feel of the collection. With a mused palette of rich navy, khaki, stone grey, maroon and olive, the utilitarian look is preserved.

Theatre de la Mode Creative Director Christopher Kelly has become known for his unique take on men’s ready to wear. His oversized silhouettes demand a relaxed attitude to sophisticated style and bring a refreshing challenge to contemporary menswear.

Take a look at the entire look book here.

Photos & text Copyright Theatre de la Mode.

The Darker Side of Simon Spurr

Five years after introducing his eponymous luxury menswear label, New York-based designer
Simon Spurr will reveal a darker side to his personality with his autumn/winter 2011 collection….

This will mark the 3rd season of the SIMON SPURR luxury main line since separating from the
SPURR label, a re-positioned and widely distributed collection that’s centered on premium denim and modern sportswear.

While the SIMON SPURR range will continue to reflect Simon’s clean and contemporary aesthetic, the new autumn/winter 2011 collection is more conceptual—custom-made fabrics
and materials are juxtaposed against one another to create movement—and sets a more serious tone in a darker color palette.

“I think the majority of people know the collection for its tailoring, clean lines, luxurious fabrics and sophisticated look,” Spurr said. “And whilst this runs through the collection, the reduction of the color palette allows the viewer’s eye to focus more towards the fit, texture and proportion of the product.”

By restricting color and primarily using black, white and grey, the collection also achieves a definitive, more dramatic point of view. Oversized, hooded cashmere knits are paired with formal suiting, while graduated stripes in custom-made suits are contrasted with coated fabrics, laser-cut plonge leather and outerwear, including a black wool and cashmere top coat with leather sleeves and a fawn-colored shearling trench coat.

“There is still a reality to how these clothes can be worn—this is a signature consideration to the brand – but I have just pushed the boundaries of sartorialism slightly,” Spurr said.
With the exception of the denim, SIMON SPURR is produced exclusively in Italy.

Have a look at the entire collection here.

Photos & text Copyright Simon Spurr, Courtesy Starworks Group.

New Wave Merc Spring/Summer ’11 Collection

The Merc spring/summer ’11 collection takes inspiration from early 1960’s British new wave cinema. Imagery is borrowed from cult classics such as Blow Up, Billy Liar, and the Italian Job. Influences are also drawn from characters played by Tom Courtenay and of course the brilliant Michael Caine. Here at Merc we can provide your key summer staples.

Summer is strong, classic and patented. Shirts remain slim and well detailed with micro button down and rounded Edwardian collars. The picture on the right, is a great example of shirting with a prominent print, topped off with a cream Pea Coat, also available in classic black.

A big S/S ’11 look is combining smart tailored sta press trousers, cropped to the ankle with smart brogues. This can be achieved with the Winston trouser combined with the core range Tassel Loafer. Keep the outfit slick and chic with the Smith Harrington jacket with a new style, the two button neck fastening.

Knitwear has a mod college twist, checked Harrington’s and smart shorts. The Selby pictured to the right, is a different take on the original polo shirt. It is a knitted version to the classic, available in both white and navelette, with vertical striped detail.

All this and more can be bought online, at Merc’s legendary store on 10 Carnaby Street in London, or at over 80 other outlets throughout the UK. Merc have also recently introduced a new classic line for women which can be seen in store on on-line.

About Merc
‘Merc’ was established in 1967, with Carnaby Street thriving and the swinging sixties taking over London. Youth orientated and youth driven, the boutiques of London set the tone and the world watched and followed. The 'Merc' name reflected razor sharp cut, attention to detail and an immaculate finish that was the signature 60s look. Building on these foundations Merc has continued to build and grow as a brand year on year.

Check out the collection here or watch the film:



Photos & text Copyright Merc, Courtesy Be Communications.

New Power Studio at Fashion East

New Power Studio is a young, spirited, London-based menswear label which offers wearable clothes with an edge.

The designs are inspired by pop culture, combining sportswear and tailoring references.

Since its launch in 2009, industry support has been substantial and enthusiastic. Coverage has included i–D, Arena Homme Plus, POP, British Vogue, New York Times, dazeddigital.com, GQstyle.com and Vice.

The label has shown at menswear day of London Fashion Week for the last four seasons, in the form of a Fashion East menswear installation, a film (whose images were simultaneously rendered into textile prints for the collection) and as part of the MAN runway show.

His presentations are invariably theatrical, visually arresting and humorous.

Check out the spring/summer 2011 collection here.

Photos & text Copyright New Power Studio, Courtesy Fashion East.

Martine Rose at Fashion East

This is the sixth season from Martine Rose’s self-titled label. Her previous collections which have included ambitious installations at Blacks members club and Somerset House have been well received by press and industry alike.

Last season saw her produce her first catwalk show entitled ‘love is…’ and she has since collaborated with Timberland and Wallpaper* on an outwear piece.

Rose’s new footwear designs for Caterpillar will be shown on the catwalk alongside her A/W collection which further explores her interest in contrasting textures and unexpected silhouettes.

Expect clothes which seamlessly marry street style trends with a high fashion sensibility from one of the coolest girls in London.

Have a look at the 2011 spring/summer collection here.

Photos & text Copyright Marine Rose, Courtesy Fashion East.

Aertex Spring/Summer 2011

When a company has been in business since 1888, they have done something right; and within the fashion industry, this is no small feat!

For spring/summer 2011, Aertex has prepared a retro look that takes us back to the 1960’s—well, some of us!

The collection abounds in checkered shirts and polos.

If you want to go Mod this summer, go Mod with Aertex!

See the entire look book here.

Photos Copyright Aertex.

ASOS Spring/Summer 2011

The Ivy League and preppy style saw itself worm its way back into the limelight and wardrobes of the high street to the avant-garde style conscious male in 2010 and doesn’t seem to be planning on going away again anytime soon.

For spring/summer 2011 the staple of any preppy look takes centre stage, the letterman jacket. A versatile piece of outerwear that has truly stood the test of time that can be adapted to any modern outfit.

For spring/summer 2011 Lavenham Jackets have produced a unique take on the Letterman jacket called the Hazel Jacket, a lighter quilted alternative take on a design classic.

Button through and contrast sleeves tick all the familiar boxes that make up the perfect letterman style jacket.

Lavenham have got their prep down to a tee.

About ASOS
Besides the ASOS line, ASOS carries over 800 brands!

Photos & text Copyright ASOS.

Kris Van Assche & Eastpak

Moving towards a new silhouette where the suit, symbol of maturity, makes the codes of cool its own.

A fusion between raw elegance and more sophisticated pieces.

The tailored sweat-shirt reigns supreme, revisited, cut in woolen sheets, knitwear is refined.

Excessive volume on top with oversized sleeves.

Legs are straight and loose.

The palette is dark, down to the essentials.

A few shafts of natural color on a thin belt or on the welt of a shoe create a crossroads where street meets luxury.

A finale of caramel marbled wool highlighting the importance of details and the work accomplished on raw edges and volume.

Created in association with Eastpak, the bags are the perfect blend between pragmatism, structure and elegance.

See the entire collection at Paris Fashion Week here.

Photo autumn/winter 2011 collection, Copyright Kris Van Assche.

Natural Selection Spring/Summer 2011

Groundbreaking British men’s denim brand Natural Selection invites you to visit them, behind the scenes on their latest campaign and look book shoot for Spring Summer 2011.

Having spent weeks scouting for the ideal location, the team went north, to find an immense timber yard in Yorkshire, with its endless trails of reclaimed timber from old schools, railways and churches. Machell’s timber yard was a memory for the Natural Selection team from childhood.

Revealing once more Natural Selection’s obsession with the heritage of denim and it’s industrial past, the new campaign stays true to their principals and in this behind the scenes preview, offers their growing fans a hint of new washes, ‘Pirate’& ‘Wave’ to come from Spring Summer 11.

About Natural Selection
Established in 2009…Natural Selection Denim draws inspiration from the spirit of competition and evolutionary progress. It is this essence of constant improvement that drives who we are, what we do and how we do it. We salute the denim pioneers before us and we respect the creators that surround us today.

See a few more shots here or go to the website.

Photos & text Copyright Natural Selection, Courtesy Starworks.