Ray Vincente 2011 Autumn/Winter Concept Shoot

Designing since 1983, Ray Brown launched his menswear collection called “Ray Vincente Eclectic” in 2009.


I met Ray for the first time a year ago at Washington DC Fashion Week, and I have been following his collections ever since.


For autumn/winter 2011, Ray Vincente lives up to its name—Eclectic!

The collection is rich in plaids and throws a 1970’s twist.

See the collection here.

Photos Copyright Ray Vincente.

Kent Denim Spring/Summer 2011

For spring/summer 2011, Kent Denim has prepared a casual collection of denim shorts and pants with accompanying tops for a cool, laidback look.

Plaid shirts span a range of colors, sporting contrasting collars and cuffs and fun ways of buttoning up like Norman Rockwell, Robert Frost, and Astros.

For the more casual guy, black enzyme-wash hoodies and tanks with gold logos or basic cotton tees complete the collection.

What’s great about the jeans is that they don’t wear out fast. Choose from Japanese Kuroki denim in assorted vintage washes, raw cone white oak denim in your choice of fit: boot cut fits, relaxed fits, and slim leg fits.

View the collection here.

Photos Copyright Kent Denim.

Rick Owens' Anthem Men’s Collection Spring/Summer 2011

When Rick Owens designed his Anthem Men’s Collction for spring/summer 2011, he was thinking of austerity and severity.

He envisions uniforms and functional work apparel that mix the shapes of a slave’s skirt from an Egyptian tomb, combined with a vionnet draped t-shirt and a leather jacket made from an old eileen grey chair.

Rick Owens suggests a commitment to an idealistic higher purpose with the veils, but he admits that he himself does not believe in one—at least not now.

Now, Rick is attracted to the ceremony, the pageantry, and the sacrifice that spiritual devotion implies.


Born 1962 in California, Rick Owens studied Fashion at the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles.

See the collection here.

Photos Copyright Rick Owens.

Native Son: The Track. The Train. The Traveller.

Inspired by the infinite triptych of past, present, and future.

Specifically looking at the United States, the collection answers the question of what a man may look like if he had to exist in yester, today, and future America.

See the entire 2011 autumn/winter collection here.

Native Son - The Track, The Train, The Traveler (dir. Isaac Rentz) from More Media on Vimeo.

Photos & text Copyright Native Son.

Raun Larose Speaks from the Heart

My inspiration for the collection came from a book I had read titled “Time Traveler” by Dr Ronald Mallet, published in 2007.

I was fascinated by the author’s vision of creating a time machine that could visit both past and future.

After reading the book I formed this character in my mind, the young man who is a risk taker and wants to lead his generation into the future that is before us.

Although he sometimes looks to the past his mind is focused on the future and what it has in store.

As a Designer I want to represent progression. I don't want to go backwards. I think fashion is and should always be about moving forward.

I love and admire the past in which many great designers paved the way, but I want to speak to a new generation of men.

I have a passion for tailored clothing but I also like to leave room for question. I want to take people on a journey through my collections, let them explore a different side of life or even take them on an imaginative journey.

As a designer growing up in Brooklyn I was heavily surrounded by street fashion and that genre of fashion. I began sewing at age sixteen and decided to attend school at age twenty.

My mom, who was a seamstress, would sew gowns for a few high end clients. High end was her specialty. She taught me about the quality of luxury and design. I didn't realize until this collection how much of an impact she had made on me.

I enrolled in the Art institute of NY where I was majoring in Women's wear. After about a year of school I decided that Menswear was my true passion. I withdrew from Art institute and Enrolled in FIT, where I took menswear design courses as well as tailoring. Shortly after I started the label and have been working on it ever since.

I wasn't inspired by any designer in particular, but some designers that I find inspiring are Ricardo Tisci (Givenchy), Phillip Lim, Vintage Yves Saint Laurent (Women's), and Raf Simon's. I feel that they represent the future of Menswear.

As a menswear designer I want men to see the beauty within themselves. I want them to look and feel masculine, but still exude a certain type of confidence than cannot be defined. I want to represent quality fit and originality.

My collection is being produced here in NY. I work very carefully and closely with my sample makers to make sure that the attention to specific detail meets my standard and to also ensure that the fit is just right.

Have a look at the 2011 autumn/winter collection here.

Photos & Text Raun Larose.

Michael Bastian: the Man, the Designer

Michael Bastian was born in Lyons, New York, a small Upstate town near Lake Ontario.

After graduating from Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, he moved to New York City, where his first job was as an Assistant Buyer at Abraham & Strauss.

This was followed by positions within Sotheby’s, Tiffany & Co., Polo Ralph Lauren, and most recently, Bergdorf Goodman, where he was the men’s fashion director for five years. It was this experience that led Bastian to launch his own menswear line, MICHAEL BASTIAN.

“Through the process of setting the men’s fashion direction for Bergdorf Goodman, it became increasingly clear to me that there was a real need for a new American voice in the men’s designer world—something modern and luxurious, but also a little broken down and familiar.

I start with something perfectly designed and executed, then spend a lot of time knocking the edge off of that perfection.” Now in its ninth season, MICHAEL BASTIAN is carried in over 50 retail locations in America, Canada, Japan, Europe and the Middle East.

Fall 2010 [saw] the launch of a new special collaboration, GANT by Michael Bastian….

This collection will be widely distributed in over 60 countries worldwide, in both GANT stores and independent specialty retailers. He is a resident of New York City.

Photos & text Copyright Gant.

Gant & Michael Bastian Spring/Summer 2011

The spring 2011 season, featuring both men’s and women’s sportswear and accessories, is inspired by the unlikely combination of the sports nerd and the bombshell finding each other and falling in love.

The curious pair embarks on a yesteryear affair, further inspired by the honeymoon destination of mid-century Niagara Falls.

Michael Bastian explained: “We all know the GANT guy – pretty straightforward, athletic, and healthy.

The men’s collection is clean and refined with colorful classics and easy warm-weather washed-out signature pieces, including lightweight patchwork button downs, shorts and rousers, featherweight corduroy suit separates and the perfect swimsuit.

About Gant
GANT is a lifestyle brand with an American sportswear heritage, offering modern high quality casual wear with a European touch.

The company’s values are based on its authentic American East Coast heritage, dating back to the launch of the brand in 1949.

Since then the brand has been further developed, taking inspiration from Europe in terms of fabrics, designs, and lifestyle influences.

Today GANT is a truly global lifestyle brand offering a full range of clothing for men, women, and children.

In addition GANT branded timewear, footwear, eyewear, fragrances and home furnishings are designed and marketed by licensees.

GANT’s history began when Bernard Gant started making shirts in New Haven, Connecticut.
He quickly turned his passion for quality and design into the business of making casual sportswear.

His sons, Marty and Elliot, later joined the company and maintained their father’s dedication to garment craftsmanship and attention to detail. Now, it is a Swiss-owned company.

Everything GANT does originates from the shirt. It is the very foundation upon which the
GANT brand was built.

GANT has a history of strong international growth, and is today established in over 60 countries through 600 GANT stores and a large number of selected premium retailers.

See the entire look book here here.

Photos & text Copyright Gant.

Rochambeau & the Travelling Solder

The inspiration for spring/summer 2011 was taken from the traveling soldier, as Rochambeau fuses a conservative silhouette to military structure.

The vibrant colors are an expression of the soldier that travels the globe to assorted cultures. Accentuating this theme of differences are hyperbolic cuts and exaggerated patterns.

Makeup and hairstyles play on the notion of travelling throughout the desert to the point of wind- and sunburn.

It’s military expressionism a la Rochambeau!

See the look book here.

Photos Copyright Rochambeau.

Rochambeau: from the Streets of New York to the Hills of the Hmong

Designers Michael Venker, Joshua Cooper, and Laurence Chandler met at Parsons’ senior thesis show in 2007, afterwards launching the label Rochambeau, which is Egyptian for the popular game of rock-paper-scissors.

For spring/summer 2011, the Rochambeau collection takes us to the Far Eastern hills of Asia where the Hmong people dwell.

I first became acquainted with the Hmong in university when I was teaching refugees fleeing Laos, many of whom were Hmong. I then lived amidst the Hmong in China where they are readily called Miao.

The dress of the Hmong depends on the tribe, but what is pervasive among most Hmong tribes are colorfully embroidered garments and batik, which is fabric dyed with wax-drawn motifs.

Rochambeau incorporates the colors and other isolated garments into the 2011 spring/summer collection with draping, panels, and vesting.

Check out the entire collection here.

Photos Copyright Rochambeau.

Mik Cire: Exclusive Interview with Eric Kim

The following interview was conducted between Eric Kim and Francesco backstage at Mercedes Fashion Week in New York, just prior to the Mik Cire runway show, Saturday, February 12, 2011.

Eric, it is great to see you again! The last time we met, you told me that you wanted to return to the basics. Have you accomplished this goal within this past year since your debut collection?
Yeah, to a certain degree. With the economic climate, it puts a lot of pressure on the business side of things, in the fact that I do run the operations. It makes it a little different than just being a designer where all I have to think about is design.

But, yeah, I am still going with the same theory. I still believe in the same things. You know, I want to do what I want to do. Regardless to whatever the industry is doing, I want to do what I want to do.

Last year you mentioned that the inspiration of your debut collection was the WWI Dough Boy. Your 2011 spring/summer collection seemed like a deconstructed version of that... Could you elaborate on that collection?
It’s all about comfort in that season. You know, I’m definitely a form and function guy, coming from a big active wear collection. Spring/summer for me was just a lot of form and function.

How about the 2011 autumn/winter collection tonight?
Once again, tailoring is my roots, so I like everything to fit extremely well, extremely fitted. But coming across that issue is the function of everything. You know, you are very restricted to what you can do, movement, and so forth.

So we created what we call the “flex seam” and we put in elastic inside the seaming, which allows everything to give so that you could have a much tailored look but still be able to move.

Especially when you are using cashmeres and high-end fabrics, you can’t add stretch in the actual weaving of the fabric, unless it is manufactured that way. To compensate for that, we put it in the seams.

Where have you found the best reception of your new label?
It’s definitely more on the East Coast; it’s definitely more overseas—they’re a little bit more forward. Obviously the West Coast is more cookie cut. The East Coast is more pushing the threshold.

I’m curious, where overseas…Europe…like London?
You got it!

You told me that you are an adrenaline junkie… So, what has given you your adrenaline rush within the last year?
You know, I used to race downhill mountain bikes. I got back into that this year. So, getting back into my cardio, getting back physically fit—I think are the biggest things for me.

Any closing words for the readers of my magazine in Egypt?
Nothing is going to power up to what has just gone on… The fact that the regime, that he stepped down, is a good thing…as long as the people are happy, I guess.

As far as fashion is concerned, it is truly—I always believe—that it is your own identity. Don’t let anyone dictate that for you. It’s whatever you feel comfortable wearing. You know, if you don’t feel comfortable wearing it, probably you shouldn’t be wearing it.

I don’t ever really tell anyone they should look a certain way. That’s your personal identity. So, just be yourself, whatever you feel comfortable wearing.

Eric, thank you…it has been great!

Have a look at the entire 2011 autumn/winter runway collection here.

Photos Copyright Mik Cire.

Mik Cire at Merceds Benz Fashion Week in New York

Yesterday I attended the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City, primarily to interview Eric Kim of Mik Cire and preview the Mik Cire 2011 autumn/winter collection.

Founder and former designer of Monarchy, Eric Kim launched his new line of menswear last year with the aim of leaving any sort of commercialization and returning back to the basics.

His debut collection for autumn/winter 2010 drew inspiration from the WWI Dough Boy, whereas his 2011 spring/summer collection featured a deconstructed military look that emphasized ‘relax’.

On the runway yesterday, the Mik Cire 2011 autumn/winter collection continued the theme of a relaxed deconstructed Dough Boy.

The collection consisted of hooded cardigans, double breasted trenches, bandage boots with lots of asymmetry, layering, and assorted furs and leathers.

In a nutshell, the collection was exactly what Eric Kim would wear!

Stay tuned for the exclusive interview with Eric and many more photos of the complete runway show!

See a few preliminary shots here.

Photos 1-4 by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz, Courtesy Image.net.
Additional photos Copyright Men’s Fashion by Francesco.

Nicholas K Kicks Off Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC

On Thursday, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Fall 2011 kicked off at the Lincoln Center in New York.
Reportedly more than 100 designers will be presenting their collections from 10-17 February.

I am very excited that I will be attending the event today. Meanwhile, I have a few shots from Nicholas K, courtesy of Image.net.

Nicholas K is the brainchild of siblings Nicholas and Christopher Kunz, who founded the label in 2003.

For the 2011 autumn/winter collection, Nicholas K presents a creative mix of textures, draping, oversizing, and asymmetry.

The designers drew their inspiration from the woodlands.

See the show on YouTube, courtesy of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week or click here to see the photos.

Photos by Randy Brooke, Courtesy People's Revolution.

Burkman Brothers & Illustrated Prints by Michael Sanderson

For spring 2011, designers Doug and Ben Burkman fuse their distinctly utilitarian take on classic American menswear and a well-traveled point of view.

Referencing the duality of the relaxed mood of lounging at the beach and the traditional dress and style of fishermen in Sri Lanka, Burkman Bros continue to craft casual, but tailored menswear for comfort and ease.

The collection is now available at Barneys CO-OP nationwide and Barneys CO-OP online as well as Odin New York, Bergdorf Goodman's, Bloomingdales, and Ron Herman Melrose.

To commemorate the collection, Doug and Ben collaborated with artist Michael Sanderson on an exclusive range of illustrated prints inspired by the collection.

There are more fun illustrations here.

Photos Copyright Michael Sanderson, Courtesy Maguire Steele.

At the Beach in Sri Lankan with the Burkman Brothers

The spring 2011 Burkman Bros collection from designers Doug and Ben Burkman references the duality of the relaxed mood of lounging at the beach and the traditional dress and style of fishermen in Sri Lanka.

The lush beach landscapes in Sri Lanka are not only a tropical destination but also serve as a hub for a thriving fishing trade.

Fusing their distinctly utilitarian take on classic American menswear and their well-traveled point of view, for spring 2011 Burkman Bros continue to craft casual, but tailored menswear for comfort and ease.

From the laid-back villagers perched atop wooden stilts far out into the surf around Galle to the busy fisherman manning the stalls of the seafood markets in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s coasts teem with culture.

The lines and colors of the nets, ropes, bamboo poles, baskets, and the style of open shirts on the fisherman were points of reference when creating the collection.

The vibrant patterns on the Lungi, a traditional sarong-style garment worn by Sri Lankans, influenced the usage of color and prints on the cotton shorts. Handmade shirting in madras and linen chambray add to this relaxed attitude.

Integrating engineered placement yarn dyes and textured dobby fabrics, the collection’s textural component demonstrates the technical complexity of Burkman Bros designs.

Befitting men of the sea, the collection also features bespoke patterns and prints in the shirting and lightweight slub jersey polo shirts and tanks.

Partnering with Miansai on a range of bracelets, which bear an ethnic touch, complements the collection as a whole.

Blending an Eastern influence with masculine American sportswear, the collection is meant to be worn and provide a sense of ease.

For spring 2011, that intersection is the classic Burkman Bros representation of their love of travel and crafting the essentials of a man’s wardrobe.

Check out the collection here.

Photos & text Copyright Burkman Bros, Courtesy Maguire Steele.

Ex-Marine Models for Timoteo

Tom Cullis shot some new photos for the underwear label, Timoteo. Modeling the sexy Timoteo briefs is a new face for the brand—Shawn M.

Shawn is young US Marine, recently returning home from Iraq. Good luck, Shawn, in your new endeavors as a model!

Have a peek at some more shots here.

Photos Copyright Timoteo.

Let Ben Sherman Keep Time for You!

Know what time it is…

Ben Sherman take classic military silhouettes and pepper them with prep ... take ivy? Take cover ? TAKE NOTICE!

Ben Sherman was founded in 1963 by Arthur Bernard Sugarman (1925-1987), who was born in Brighton.

He emigrated to the United States in 1946 via Canada and changed his nationality to American.

He married the daughter of a Californian clothes producer and went back to Brighton later where he bought a concourse shirt factory.

The brand became famous for being sported by several well-known musicians and singers. It was the first company to produce the famous Oxford button-down shirt.

The Ben Sherman brand has since been the fourth largest men's casual wear brand in the United Kingdom.

Photos & text Copyright Ben Sherman, Courtesy Sane Communicatons.

Creative Recreation Boots

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you have probably been slammed by several blizzards or hurricanes, and the winter is not nearly over yet!

If you need water resistant boots to help you hike through the rain, sleet, ice, and snow—consider Creative Recreation boots!

Satoro is you water resistant boot for deeper puddles or greater snow accumulation.
Dio Mid is the basic grey or black boot for the milder climatic days.

Definitely check out the website for many more models and collections, ranging from casual to formal.

Creative Recreation was founded by Robert Nand and Rich Cofinco in 2001 out of a desire to shoes that would make them proud.

See a few more models here or check out the Creative Recreation website.

Photos Copyright Creative Recreation.

Sexy in the Summer—Ryan Lewis in Timoteo

Photographer Allen Zaki shoots US model, Ryan Lewis, at Santa Monica Beach for a foretaste of what Timoteo is bringing us this summer!

He jogs, rides a bike, performs on rings, does a few pull-ups, and spikes a mean volleyball.

Oh, yeah! He’s an amazingly sexy model too…or is it it what he’s wearing?!

I definitely need to hang out on the beach this summer in some of Timoteo’s sportswear!

Check out more sexy shots here.



Photos Copyright Timoteo.

Wrangler Spring Summer 2011: Retro Graphic T-shirts

For spring /summer 2011, Wrangler introduces a range of retro graphic t-shirts using archive campaign imagery.

Inspired by Jack Kerouac’s infamous “On the Road”, the spring/summer collection takes you to a journey through America and Wrangler’s colorful history with these retro print T-shirts.

Reflecting on the brand’s True American spirit, and its roots in Rodeo; these T - shirts are perfect for the all Americana look.

About Wrangler
We all may know of the name Wrangler, but do we know this much?

A wrangler in North America normally refers to someone who herds or handles animals.

The word wrangler seems to come from the Low German “wrangeln,” which means ‘to wrestle’. For this reason, the term has also been applied to people who debate.

As for jeans, well, Wrangler dates back to the 1890’s when a 20-year-old man from Tennessee by the name of C.C. Hudson left his state in search for work.

After the closure of the textile factory in which he worked, C.C. Hudson launched an overall-manufacturing company right about the beginning of the 20th century.

By 1943, the name of Hudson’s company became Wrangler, which produced good ole’ fashioned western jeans!

From that point onward, the history of Wrangler has been a bronco-busting, rodeo-riding journey that has lassoed nearly the world!

Check out the tees here.

Photos Copyright Wrangler, Courtesy Surgery PR.

“Garage Esk Wash” with PRPS

Prps was conceived in 2003 by Donwan Harrell, founder and creative director of the label.

Each pair of jeans is designed for function and, then, they are manufactured by a family of artisans in Japan that strives for perfection in ever pair!

For autumn/winter 2011-12, one model that makes up the new eco-collection is the Garage Esk Wash.

First, the pure cotton is cultivated biologically in Africa. Then, Garage Esk Wash is rigorously washed by the hand, by the Japanese artisans.

An organic color is brushed on each pair by hand and, finally, it is dried in the sun, giving the jean a natural brown tint.

The result—each pair is unique!

Photos Copyright Prps, Courtesy Claudio Leoni Public Relations.