Beyond Fabric

As I got older, one of the things I’ve gradually come to appreciate is my home. As the ultimate getaway and refuge from the fast pacing everyday life, its purpose is to make one feel utterly comfortable and relaxed. It’s important to set the distinction between house and home: as I see it, what turns the first into the latter, is your personal touch, your own individual stamp making it a reflection of your persona.

One of the easiest ways to modify a space is by adding decorative elements and experimenting with placement. Lighting also plays a crucial role, as do the elements which provide it. On this note, one of my favourite pieces has to be a limited edition white Melt Lamp my good friend and designer, Rui Pereira, made especially for me.  

The Melt Project was originally created by Rui at a workshop conducted by the renowned Campana brothers, aimed at imbuing everyday waste with new found life, by transforming it into design pieces. Through a unique process of heating and melting plastic waste to desired shapes, Rui is able to assemble original, exclusive and green pieces, which range from a variety of lamps, to chairs and other objects. The best part about them is that besides the strong ecological focus, they combine outstanding design with exclusivity, as the production process and materials used in their conception result in pieces with unique color, shape and texture. 

LIVING IN A PLASTIC ROOM - Melt Project 2010 from Work, Play & Work on Vimeo.

Finding a proper stylish way to carry around keys, rather than simply stashing them in the pocket of their slim denim, is a struggle for many men. A basic keychain is no longer enough for those to whom perfection is found on the small details. One of the accessories that made it onto the spotlight of recent streetstyle pictures are metal chains, in an assortment of shapes and sizes.

Although it may be a refreshing urban pop in an otherwise traditional attire, I can’t seem to dissociate them from the packs of 16 year-olds who usually sport them in baggy jeans. If choosing a differentiated keychain, I would favour a woven cotton lanyard. Providing an additional element to your look and introducing both texture and color, they’re the perfect way to keep your keys or other belongings safe, while looking more sophisticated than their metal counterparts. 

Picture 1 - Metal chains everywhere; Picture 2 - Spotted: off white lanyard. Source: Tommy Ton for GQ.

Folk Skynard Lanyard available @ End. 

My friends (and brother) over at Driftwood Collective are a creative bunch brought together by their mutual love for surf and all things related. In their own words: “a group of friends, craftsmen and artists that don’t take themselves too seriously and who, however lost in life they may be, are always easily found floating ashore. Surfers of dubious skill, who have decided to make something out of the idle hours languishing in between swells”. When not out at sea, they can be found skating and kissing the floor in the most unlikely places, embarking on several projects and, if time allows it… working =)

Street Surfing from pedro vieira on Vimeo.

When you hear the name “Boglioli” you immediately come up with an image in your mind of exquisitely tailored unstructured sports jackets: indeed, that’s their trademark. However, this often overlooked Italian label cannot, by any means, be summed up by jackets alone. I’ve been following their collections for quite some time now, and truth be told, the amazing craftsmanship, cut and fabrics are carried on to every item they produce.

For me, one of the pieces that definitely deserves some attention is their spread collar shirts, especially those of Spring/Summer collections. Usually made of a blend of cotton and linen, and combining some interesting plays on pattern and color, along with quality details, these make for the perfect Summer shirt: lightweight, breathable and exuding that rugged Italian feel. 

McNairy’s vision for W.W. Mills takes on the rugged, task oriented lines of previous designer Daiki Suzuki and mixes them with his own unique aesthetic, resulting in an inspiring, smart rendezvous between preppy and functional.

The SS12 collection presented in Milan had its share of hunting/safari inspired items, while maintaining an updated vibe through the use of fabrics such as chambray or mesh. The color palette revolves around earthy tones, with strong emphasis on khaki and greens, splashed by the occasional pop of color. Similarly to what happens in his footwear line, a fair dose of humor and wittiness are ever present in his creations, such as the chambray shirt with the New York Times print on the chest pocket. 

Overall it appears to be a well balanced collection, one that will easily dish out “must haves” for everyone’s wardrobes.  

Photos from Style.com

With the streak of highly praised fashion events happening this month (Pitti, Milan and Paris), one may easily delve into all the media reports and find himself stranded in the universe of next year’s SS12 creations. Although I’m always eager to catch a glimpse of future collections from my favourite designers and spot upcoming trends, I like to stay focused on the current moment and not obsess about what’s yet to come. 

Making use of the virtually non-existent hype low between Pitti and Milan, I decided to show my love for one of the season’s staple pieces: the sun faded polo shirt. Remember that special polo you’ve been wearing for the last few years? How it gained a certain patina, a washed out salt kissed color? Now, thanks to a special treatment which softens and draws just the right amount of color from the fabric, you’re able to get that same “sitting in the sun for years” look, right off the rack. Well, the look might be the same but it will always lack that unique personality of a piece that sticked with you throughout the years. 

Nonetheless, this is the next best thing and with the current amount of solid offerings, there’s no reason not to invest in a couple of washed red and indigo ones. Personally, I prefer the models with a chest pocket as it gives them a more retro feel…pair them with shorts or rolled up jeans or chinos and you’re ready to go!

Piquet cotton/linen polo shirts by Our Legacy

If doubts remained about the resurgence of the double breasted blazer…

Source: Tommy Ton for GQ

Even if Scott Sternberg wasn’t the guest fashion designer at Pitti, we could expect nothing shorter than perfection for Band of Outsiders SS12 collection. He might just be the only one who can make a DB suit work with bare ankles and bold colored boat shoes.

Source: Highsnobiety

Source: Dazed Digital