Beyond Fabric • Posts Tagged ‘Steve Mcqueen’

Barbour x Steve McQueen

Store Info: WP, Rome

If you ask for shopping advice or read any of the numerous guides on Rome, your search will most likely be narrowed to Via Condotti and its surrounding area, where the amount of high end labels flagship stores is uncanny. Mind you, I’m not complaining…how could I when you run into Kiton, Prada, Brioni, Hermès, Cucinelli and more in a 300m radius?

However, after cruising those overwhelming luxury filled streets it was refreshing to come across a multi-brand shop where several personal favourites came together: Beams+, Barbour and Woolrich among others. WP suddenly felt like home: upon arrival you’re greeted by its super friendly staff members, ready to lend you hand while you lose yourself within the uniquely designed environment. On the right, an indoor tent solely devoted to Beams+ stood proud showcasing the Japanese brand latest offerings, while the opposite side hosted Barbour’s classics along with Steve McQueen’s limited edition, perfectly framed by a worn in leather sofa. Further in, Woolrich Bros. presented a wide array of garments and accessories, complemented by those of Reigning Champ, Smart Turnout and Brooks.

This eclectic mix of garments/design is what makes WP into a shopping experience of its own, bringing together top garments and a comfortable feeling of belonging to all its customers. If you’re ever in the Italian capital and want to get your hands on some great ready to wear alternatives while waiting for your bespoke suits, do yourself a favor and head over to WP.

WP Store, Rome

Salita San Sebastianello, near Piazza di Spagna

Source: beyondfabric

The Visual Appeal of Smoking

For those who instantly had a visceral response to the title, let me start by saying this is not a smoking symphatetic post. In this time and age, we’re all perfectly aware of the hazards smoking poses for one’s health and although I do smoke, the focus of this post is to present an unbiased opinion on the impact this action may have in visual representations.

Ever since cigarettes became mainstream, they were immediately associated with a glamorous lifestyle. In the early years when tobacco companies where the only ones aware of the associated dangers, smoking was seen as something reserved for successful gentleman who had it all: career, house, car and wife (remember the advertising campaigns?). Movie stars, singers and society’s most respectful were constantly spotted puffing and to an extent, it became a trademark for some.

So much so, that some of the most iconic pictures of these renowned personalities featured them enjoying a smoke. Odor and hazards aside, if you focus solely on the aesthetic aspect of these pictures there’s an undeniable sexiness associated with that eerie layer of smoke overlapping the human silhouette. It’s such a powerful statement that up to this day photographers and movie directors make the most of it to capture unique frames or depict certain personality traits. Although sex appeal is inherent to the person itself, in these pics smokes are outstanding allies…