Spring Showers
One of the most versatile essentials you can add to your wardrobe is undoubtedly a classic belted trenchcoat. While this year is all about bold colorful parkas, the timeless panache and unique silhouette portrayed by the trench is, in my opinion, unmatched. It’s just one of those pieces that will endure for eternity as a staple of menswear elegance, so it’s worth splurging on a model that will likely last you for life.
This version by Paul Smith in a trademark khaki shade, has been with me for about 6 years and is definitely one of the most heavily rotated garments throughout the year. Besides the impeccable fit and exquisite details, it features a detachable wool inner lining perfect for colder months, which easily gives place to a lightweight version come Spring time. The muted lighter shade is perfect to contrast with darker bottoms such as charcoal wool slacks, while allowing to go bold on other pieces or accessories for extra flare. Here, burgundy was used to brighten things up and bring visual coherence to the look, with the pale pink shirt providing a clean background.
Details: belted trenchcoat by Paul Smith, cardigan by H&M, dress shirt by Hugo Boss, 110s worsted wool slacks by Gentleman tailors, leather boots by Buttero, tortoise shades by Linda Farrow Luxe, silk tie by Vicri and watch by Rolex (GMT Master II).
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
Harry Stedman 2013 Lookbook
Beyond Fabric x Purificacion Garcia #2
The second look I put together for Purificacion Garcia revolved around one of the Spring/Summer essentials: white denim. Although I’m often seen sporting them during Winter as well, there’s something that just feels right about throwing on a pair of white jeans on a sunshiny day. Being neutral you can pretty much pair pair them with anything you want (just be careful with going full white), so here I went with a variation on the navy blazer in a beautiful lighter shade of blue. The summery pale blue gingham shirt sets the perfect background for a bold striped tie, bringing pattern into the mix, while lightweight micro-sole taupe suede longwings pick on the caramel shades of the jacket buttons and go perfect “sans socks”.
Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Turtleneck x Spread Collar
This is one of those love or hate combinations, especially since turtlenecks aren’t for everyone let alone paired with a popping collar. This unlikely combo basically breaks down the very essence of the turtleneck, meant to be the last visual element on the neck and usually sported with a tee underneath; in a typical italian fashion it’s just a matter of trading in the tee for a spread collar shirt. Although it’s possible to pull it off with several types of turtlenecks and shirt collars, I find this to be the more effective should you take two main “rules” into account. First, avoid sweaters which are too tight on the neck, not only will they make you feel uncomfortable but there will hardly be any space left for the shirt to show; second, pick a shirt with a soft interlining on the collar as this will allow it to gently drape over the sweater and create a curvy effect.
This looser heavy knit turtleneck sweater with ribbed detailings from CAMO has become one of my cold weather essentials and is perfect to throw on top of a dress shirt. The intricate weaving detail adds texture while the shades perfectly complement a pair of dark denim and the double breasted camel peacoat. Cognac leather boots with tweaked laces give the outfit some extra kick.
Details: double breasted wool peacoat by Our Legacy, heavy knit turtleneck by CAMO, MTO spread collar dress shirt by AGVA, jeans by H&M, cognac leather boots by Purificacion Garcia, bracelets by Viola Milano.
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Brioni SS13 Lookbook - Part II
Brioni SS13 Lookbook - Part 1
United Arrows SS13 Lookbook
Denim Bowtie
My love for accessories has led me to a point where I almost feel naked without neckwear, and although ties are my go to choice, bows are a great way to give your outfit a different twist. I recently came across Federico Bateli’s bowties while searching for a different take on this quintessential piece of gentlemanly attire, and I must say his interpretations are quite unique and the perfect way to pack a punch. As I’ve mentioned before I like to break them down, so when I saw this faded denim version by Untitled it immediately caught my eye: light washed denim with an uneven distressed effect at the ends, superb. This time around, I decided to carry on the washed effect theme and simply pair it with stonewashed jeans, an oxford button down and blazer. By the way, a nice tip for when you grow tired of dark jeans: have them stonewashed, but be sure to specify the end result you’re looking for…this pair was falling into oblivion and has now become one of my favourites.
Details: cotton patch pocket blazer by Massimo Dutti, cotton cardigan by H&M, oxford button down by Ralph Lauren, jeans by Our Legacy (stonewashed), suede boat shoes by Buttero, denim bowtie by Untitled, MTO tartan pocket square, vintage braided leather belt, watch by Gucci, bracelets by Viola Milano and polka dot socks by H&M.
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
Olive and Brown
Judging by the gloomy last couple of weeks, it seems Spring is postponing its arrival. Apart from rain, I must say I’m not as fed up with the weather as most of my fellow countrymen who by now, can only picture themselves lying in the sun. I see it as a few more opportunities to play around with garments, layering and mixing them to create unique looks; let’s face it: cold weather attires allow for much more intricate and appealing combinations, in a way, than summery ones.
Although I like to bend the rules of “what to wear when”, especially when it comes to the color palette, sometimes it’s nice to go with the flow and address seasonal shades. These twill CAMO trousers in a beautiful olive shade were one of the most surprising items of the season: high waisted, long crotch, slim fitting and featuring and array of details such as inner buttons for suspenders and button patch pockets, they provide an extremely flattering silhouette. The waxed denim trucker was one of those unexpected finds at Zara, a unique piece that fits perfectly as a layering element under a blazer. A classic white oxford button down to brighten the mood, houndstooth tie picking up on the brown and olive shades and waxed suede derby shoes embodying that usual Buttero roughness.
Details: herringbone wool blazer by Gentleman, waxed denim trucker jacket by Zara, oxford button down by Our Legacy, twill pants by CAMO, waxed wool lined suede shoes by Buttero, cashmere houndstooth tie by Massimo Dutti, houndstooth pocket square by Tie Rack, vintage braided leather belt and wool socks by H&M.
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
