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
Featured on GQ Stylehunt!
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
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
One of the most inspiring events that took place during the last edition of Pitti, was definitely Angelo Flaccavento’s curated exhibit “Vestirse da Uomo” (Dress Like a Man), where Angelo himself selected 20 essential pieces every man should have in his wardrobe. The event then hosted a panel of renowned menswear icons including Angelo, Wooster and Gianluca Cantaro.
I got a chance to meet my friend Martin from Guaizine and go through the selection with him. Luckily he’s a really great photographer, so my thanks to him!
Details: herringbone wool blazer by Gentleman, houndstooth elbow patched v-neck cashmere sweater by Annapurna 5+1, MTO herringbone flanel spread collar shirt, cords by H&M, double monks by Meermin, glasses by Prada, tie by Carolina Herrera, scarf by Èpice, pocket square by Add On and gloves by H&M.
Source: guaizine
