Beyond Fabric

As I mentioned before, there are few websites I love as much as Close Up and Private. Sergey Sviatchenko single-handedly revolutionized menswear imagery by means of his unique take on photography and composition. This time around he embarked on a collaboration with Gant Rugger to showcase their Autumn/Winter collection. The result? Brilliant as usual….

One of the most discussed topics of the season has been the power of patterns and prints and how to make the most out of them. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone is always a risk and when it comes to pattern, few men are actually willing to try anything other than checks and stripes.

Leading the list of the most frightening variations are floral prints: men just can’t seem to dissociate the backward thinking that flowers are for women alone. Sure, they’re inherently related to a more feminine side, but as individual style continues to push boundaries which were once set in stone, the time has come to get in touch with your anima.

To help you on that difficult task, several designers have been offering all sorts of floral printed garments, but for those more reluctant to try it, Hill Side’s got you covered. Is there anything safer than sporting this print in one of the manliest staples around? Their cherry-blossom ties do just that…while incorporating the ultimate floral silhouette (love them on Japanese sleeves). Also, check the pocket squares, bandanas and scarves.

Super man McNairy just can’t seem to get enough of seeing his name all over the place, judging by the flow of collaborations and projects he’s been involved with lately. As I see it, the only downside is not being able to afford all the items on my wishlist, along with the fact that ideas are running out on what to call him by now…

This time around he joined forces with Engineered Garment’s Daiki Suzuki to bring us a batch of classic longwings with his usual dose of nastiness and wit. The twist here is that although being a pair, the left and right shoe present contrasting leather details, mainly regarding the type of leather used. They might not suit everyone out there, but then again, nor does the work of several other geniuses throughout history.

Source: Très Bien Shop

Por Vocação just released their looks for AW11, featuring items from the likes of Paul Smith, Martin Margiela, Our Legacy, Acne and Band of Outsiders, along with a healthy dose of irony as the shoot took place on a sunny beach scenario.

Canon EOS 550D + Canon EFS 18-55 IS 

I really love what the guys over @ Coisas d’Homem have been doing since they first opened their store in 2009. Their devotion to menswear accessories has placed them high up on the list of Porto’s men’s stores, becoming the place to go for original, one of a kind add-ons. If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll most likely have seen some of their pieces, as most of my bowties were purchased there:

I’ve been wanting to work with them for a while now, and I’m proud to announce that the results of our first collaboration are almost ready for the debut! Carrying on our mutual passion for bowties this exclusive line will feature 4 styles in different fabrics, all in their successfully functional pre-tied version, for added comfort and instant flamboyance. Although the fabric used in each style is the same, each bow is unique as different cuts of the fabric are used, resulting in singular patterns and textures.

Keep an eye out as the styles will soon be available for purchase here at the blog!!

Every now and then we’re faced with a few hard to explain, yet interesting phenomena. The widespread adaptation of items or objects originally design for different purposes is well known to us all. During last week’s road trip I got a chance to experience first hand one such case. 

As I laid back on the beach struggling to perfectly capture my friends from Driftwood Collective on camera, I couldn’t help but notice the pervaded use by the surfing community, of one of the most unexpected items to date: the Ikea Shopper. Yes, I’m referring to the one you may purchase for €0.50 coming out of any venue of this Swedish giant.

Although at first the vision of groups of sunburnt surfers carrying their boards under one arm and indigo plastic bags under the other may seem utterly ridiculous, the truth is that within the relaxed, beachy background, they blend in amazingly well. Actually, it would make one hell of a beachwear editorial (IKEA, if you’re reading this don’t forget to credit me later on). If you come to think of it, the choice makes almost perfect sense: cheap, resistant, durable, waterproof and lightweight, you can throw anything in it and it won’t let you down. Furthermore, seeing how much love blue’s been getting this year (Pitti anyone?), they’re pulling it off with quite a bit of fashion panache.

My take on style and simplicity was featured in this week’s Links à La Mode, from the IFB website. Here’s the list…

Whether we realize it or not, we are all influenced by something, whether it be celebrities, trends or designs of the past. This week’s links a la mode celebrates influencers and the voices we create from our inspiration. As fashion bloggers, we have each other to look for when we are feeling uninspired and this community is something we should never take for granted!

• 1972projects: WASTED
• a tout le monde: Simple & to the Point!
• Beyond Fabric: The Lost Art of Keeping it Simple
• Bespoke Baroque: The Challenge to Wear Less Black (and Grey and Beige)
• Bonnie Vie: Body Con(scious)
• Britt + Whit: Wall Art
• Chanel and Something Else: The Naked Back
• Dress With Courage: How do you define blogging success?
• Fashables: Forever 21 Dresses
• FASHSTASH: Redefining the Gender Boundaries in Fashion
• I Got Style and I’m Fab: A Reflection on Small-Town Fashion
• IFB: What Makes a Blogger Influential?
• Interrobangs Anonymous: Revolution Through Sweaty Apathy
• Kings Rule Together: A Kings Response: GQ 40 Worst-Dress Cities in America
• Lifestyles of the Thrifty and Shameless: Everybody, Everywear (again)
• Panache Offblast: Bring Out Your Inner Geek-Chic!
• Pretty Innovative: Geeked Out Over eCommerce
• Style Island: I’ll be on your side forever more..that’s what trends are for
• Styling You: 10 Ways to Dress for French Champagne on an Aussie Beer Budget
• The Loudmouth Lifestyle: Competing, Comparing Confessing

SPONSOR:

Alexander Wang Fall Sale at Shopbop: New Dresses , Jackets, Pants, Tee Shirts, Sweaters, Reviews, T by Alexander Wang, Wallets, Black Handbags, Shop Alexander Wang Bags

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE

If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

I’ve recently picked up the latest issue of Monocle and I’ve got to say: it’s packed with goodies. Among them, one that definitely caught my eye was this summer fashion editorial shot in good old students’ party haven - Benidorm. Besides the unquestionable styling, the most striking feature has to be the perfect match between look and background, resulting in a seamless blend of color and even pattern. Just goes to show how much an important role the surrounding environment plays on a photo. Truly inspiring….

Scans from Monocle issue 45

Photographer: Mark Sanders

Fashion Director: Takeharu Sato

The twin brothers’ SS12 collection has gone live and it’s igniting the blogsphere like a wildfire. Here’s a selection of my favourite looks but head over to Sartorially Inclined for the full spread. Also, be sure to check their online store as sale is now officially up. 

When you’re passionate about a subject, an overwhelming urge to know every little thing about it is likely to take over you. Although such a level of knowledge is ultimately unachievable, the search often proves valuable and fulfilling. I try to make the most of my virtually non-existent free time, reading and researching several menswear related topics; one of the things I often come across are new, emerging labels.

It’s always exciting to see the kind of fresh, original interpretations new labels have on fashion, even if I tend to stay loyal to the ones I have a special connection to. However, every now and then, I have to let my guard down and surrender to the offerings of some of the brands out there. One such case is Hixsept. 

Created by French duo Aurélien Arbet and Jérémie Egry, the brand reflects their rich background in arts and design, by combining elements of re-interpreted minimalism with color blocking and interesting use of fabric combinations. Although they’ve been around for a while now, their latest collections really put them on the radar, earning them much deserved recognition from media and peers alike. Aiming at reinventing themselves in each collection, they consistently present colorful, vibrant and refreshing items every season, combining great fit and craftsmanship with an affordable price tag. Moreover, they might just produce the best lookbooks out there…

For providing a unique approach to menswear, Hixsept receives Beyond Fabric’s Stamp of Approval.

Their SS11 Lookbook