Firenze Day 3 - WIW Preview
Firenze Day 2 - WIW Preview
Firenze Day 1 - WIW Preview
Grey and Beige
Grey is a basic essential in every man’s wardrobe, being second only to navy, the epitome of menswear versatility and timelessness. A light grey or charcoal suit and slacks are the perfect example of pieces you’ll most likely end up wearing for years to come. The trick, so to speak, is finding new ways and combinations to sport them in order to keep a polished yet unique look: one that reflects your personality among the remaining thousands of guys wearing the “same” suit. Distinction can be achieved through a number of ways, be it fabric quality and fit, or subtle personal details such as linings, cuff length, etc. - basically you don’t need to reinvent those essentials in order to stand out.
This outfit is the result of a balanced mix between classic and edgier pieces, combining the elegance of grey slacks and beige shades on the sports jacket and derby shoes, with highlights of color and pattern on the accessories. The latter, along with the almost melodic color combination, are definitely what gives the whole outfit a new life: this unique button-down patchwork scarf works perfect both under a jacket (assuming a vest-like appearance) or on its own. The blend of different hues of grey and patterns such as checks, houndstooth and herringbone makes it a statement piece in its own right. A perfect fitting white dress shirt works as a blank canvas for the scarf and burgundy tie and pocket square…
Details: cotton piquet sports jacket by Massimo Dutti, MTO spread collar shirt by AGVA, 110s wool slacks (part of a 3 piece suit) by Purificacion Garcia, taupe suede derby shoes by Buttero, patchwork button-down scarf by Zara, polka dot tie by Vicri, vintage pocket square, tie bar by Tie Rack, watch by Daniel Wellington and shades by Ray-Ban.
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
Japanese Inspiration
I must say I always struggle when asked to describe my personal style: although it’s undoubtedly influenced by my European roots (most often leaning towards an Italian aesthetic), it is also heavily inspired by a multitude of surrounding stimuli. To sum up, I would have to say something along the lines of modern European with an eclectic twist - not the easiest definition for sure, but one that allows me to accommodate the wide array of attires I often sport.
Eclectic being the word here, I came across this overlapped checked shirt while cruising Zara women’s department with my girlfriend. The unique Japanese inspired crossover design with mao collar and longer length at the back, along with the outstanding color combination instantly caught my attention. Of course I hesitated for a while, after all it was womenswear, but then I thought… why the hell not? I could definitely picture it worn as a lightweight overshirt during Summer, so here’s the outcome.
Details: overlapped checked shirt by Zara, crewneck tee and jeans by Levi’s, suede boat shoes by Buttero, shades by Linda Farrow Luxe, bracelets by Viola Milano and watch by Rolex.
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
It took us a while but the 2nd entry of the Beyond Fabric movie series is now up! Shot once again at our hometown of Figueira da Foz, Portugal, the focus is on a polished yet relaxed Summery attire, with Driftwood Collective’s brand new shop as background. Two distinct universes come together through our mutual love of beautiful things and creative concepts, but overall our friendship and brotherhood.
Details: Adam Kimmel cotton/silk peak lapel blazer, Boglioli checked cotton/linen shirt, CAMO cargo pants, Buttero suede boat shoes, Rolex GMT Master II, Viola Milano bracelets and Linda Farrow Luxe tortoise shades.
Source: beyondfabric
The Strap Ankle Boot
There’s an underlying elegance in leather strap footwear: monks for instance, be they single or double convey a characteristic poise enhanced by the belt-like fastening and metal buckles. As in so many other pieces, those small details make a whole lot of difference…
While looking for a more classic boot, reminiscent of the Chelsea and versatile enough to sport with jeans, chinos or slacks, I came across this version from Carlos Santos. Perfect height sitting at the ankle, beautiful shade of brown leather, Goodyear welted soles and featuring a strap fastening that instantly caught my eye. The sleek silhouette is balanced by the metal buckles and leather straps making them appropriate for dressing up or down according to your mood or preference. The perfect allrounder that was missing from my footwear collection, these will be on heavy rotation to achieve that perfect worn in effect.
Details: herringbone cotton jacket by Boglioli, MTO Thomas Mason Bespoke shirt, white jeans by Massimo Dutti, ankle boots by Carlos Santos, vintage silk pocket square and braided leather belt and watch by Daniel Wellington.
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
Linen on Linen
What I believe to be one of the most underrated and misunderstood fabrics, is undoubtedly one of my personal favourites. I won’t deny I have a passion for heavier textured winter fabrics as well, but there’s something unique to linen that makes me passionate about it. The ultimate Summer choice, this lightweight crinkled fabric is perfect to pull off intricate looks in the blistering heat, due to its breathability and unique fibers: and here is where opinions divide… Linen will always have a characteristic feel and crinkled look after wearing, which many consider rough and too relaxed or sloppy - for me, that’s just the beauty of it.
The unique charisma of a slightly wrinkled linen suit perfectly paired with horsebit loafers and unbuttoned shirt, it’s a hard one to match. Especially since nowadays ecru has given place to brighter shades and bolder patterns, allowing for endless possibilities of (un)polished elegance… As with all fabrics, quality linen comes at a price but there are a few affordable alternatives out there worth taking a look at, especially Zara: the Spanish giant produces not only some of the most original pieces but also with quite surprising quality. Both the vest and trousers feature a soft feel with just the right amount of roughness and stiffness to ensure a great fit (with some minor adjustments and tailoring of course). The intricately detailed vest pairs beautifully with the camo boat shoes while the rest of the look is toned down by a white dress shirt and navy pants.
Details: linen vest and pants by Zara, v-neck by Purificacion Garcia, dress shirt by Paul Smith, camo boat shoes by Asos, vintage floral pocket square, shades by Ray-Ban and watch by Daniel Wellington.
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
The Belted Cardigan
A variation on the classic cardigan which follows a similar path to that of Macs and Trenches, the belted cardigan has been turning heads ever since its debut. Originally associated with heavy knit versions for the colder months, it has now evolved into lighter alternatives easily sported during Summertime. The simple introduction of the belt grants the cardigan a whole new feeling and fashionable aura, while portraying a slimmer silhouette capable of persuading the remaining few who still view it as something for their grandads.
This kimono inspired version from CAMO was probably my first purchase from the Italian brand and is also one of my favourites. Although one’s individual taste is bound to change and adapt, I think I’ve reached a point when I’m perfectly capable of defining the core elements of my individual style and its eclectic boundaries. When I first saw this cardigan I fell in love immediately, knowing however it would be closer to those boundaries…it proved me wrong. The elegant fit, superb weaving details and clean trimmings make it perfect to dress up or down, working as well over a tee as with a shirt and tie combo.
Details: navy/camel circus cardigan by CAMO, washed denim shirt by Hentsch Man, oxford cotton pants by Massimo Dutti, striped ring belt by Purificacion Garcia and crepe sole boat shoes by Buttero.
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
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
