Archive for the ‘features’ Category

Designer Spotlight, features, Gallery, News

London Fashion Week – Acne Fall 2011 collection

By Laura on February 23rd, 2011
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When Acne creative director Jonny Johansson was asked about the Men’s Fall 2011 collection he shrugged and stated “All the tailoring—I thought that was in the moment, something fresh. I’m tired of all this heritage, the older models or whatever. It’s time for something young.” Here at Brandish we completely agree!

The collection includes a series of overcoats paired with suit pants, as well as very sartorial two-piecers. With TV influences like Mad Men the suit is becoming increasingly popular amongst younger generations and it’s labels like Acne that they’ll turn to.

The collection over all is very youthful with slightly cropped pants and low-buttoning jackets in different styles all in Italian bonded wool. The pallet sees accents of raspberry, royal blue, or teal. Johansson stated that the clothing was made for “that moment when you’re not grown up and at the same time, not a kid. The kind of sexual energy that brings.”

See pictures from the star studded Acne Autumn 2011 show in the gallery below.

Mr. Hudson

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Mr. Hudson
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Brand Spotlight, Designer Spotlight, features, News

London Fashion Week – Paul Costelloe

By Laura on February 18th, 2011
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Paul Costelloe

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Paul Costelloe
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This morning for the 10th consecutive season Irish designer, Paul Costelloe, kicked off London Fashion week with his very sophisticated yet colorful collection for Fall/Winter 2011.

Costelloe cites ‘home grown fashion’ as the inspiration for the collection. From Harris tweed from Scotland, luxury plaids and herringbones from Ireland, and beautiful bright cashmere wool from England, this collection is truly reflective of UK style.

The menswear collection saw a lot of round collared shirts, suave velvet burgundy blazers and a smattering of olive and khaki. Overall both the men’s and women’s collection has a simple yet chic 60/70s feel that is very wearable.

The Paul Costelloe collection was the perfect way to kick off fashion week. I can’t wait to see more!



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features, photography

Bill Cunningham New York: the original street style photographer

By Laura on February 17th, 2011
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Bill Cunningham, the 81 year old New York Times photographer is arguably the greatest contemporary street photographer. For decades, this Schwinn-riding cultural anthropologist has been obsessively and inventively chronicling fashion trends and high society charity soirées for the Times Style section in his columns “On the Street” and “Evening Hours.” Documenting uptown fixtures (Wintour, Tom Wolfe, Brooke Astor, David Rockefeller—who all appear in the film out of their love for Bill), downtown eccentrics and everyone in between.
The film Bill Cunningham New York is set to come out next month and honors the streetstyle visionary offering a poignant portrait of a dedicated artist whose only wealth is his own humanity and unassuming grace.
Bill Cunningham New York opens in New York on March 16th. A UK theatrical release is imminent.



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Brand Spotlight, Clothing, features

Get the Topman Spring Utility look

By Laura on February 13th, 2011
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Topman has launched their Spring Utility collection, which offers a modern take on causal work wear.
The collection as it name suggest, draws upon utility styling and heritage influences to modernize classic shapes such as the mac, chino and shirt. The colour pallet is composed of rich tones of tobacco, burgundy and khaki, which gives the pieces a sophisticated feel. I love all the little details of this collection such as the geo-print smart scarf, which really dresses up an otherwise causal look. Check out some of my favourite pieces from the collection below.

Topman Spring Utility collection

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Topman Spring Utility collection
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features, Grooming

Men Are Useless Review

By Laura on February 5th, 2011
4 comments

This month one of our reviewers, Joe, kindly tested out the monthly box scheme for male grooming essentials – “Men Are Useless.” For about the same price as you would pay at the shops, Men are Useless will do all your essential toiletry shopping for you, box it up and deliver it through your letter box.
Read Joe’s full review of the service below:

My box came with:
1 x KoS Razor (w/ 2 heads)
1 x KoS Face balm
1 x KoS Shave Gel
1 x Moose Head Grime Blasting Face Wash
1 x Original Source Hair & Body Wash
2 x OrganicHomme active fix Repair Serum sachets
Menareuseless mints and selection of sweets

Overall I was extremely impressed with the packaging and layout of the products within the box. It felt like getting a treat, despite the fact that it’s full of things you’d normally just get at the supermarket/chemist. That said, its a great idea as these are the kinds of things I tend to forget to buy, so this service would ensure I’m not having to steal from my flatmates. Oh and the sweets were a nice touch too!

It arrived quickly and fit through the letter box with no problems. My favourite product from the box is probably the shower gel. The shaving products were all great too. I would definitely buy Kings of Shaves as opposed to Gillette now.

I would definitely consider this option for myself each month, especially because the pricing is so reasonable. However, I am not sure I would buy it as a gift as there are no luxury brands included, but as a monthly service its great.

Overall we thought that this was an excellent service and would definitely recommend it to our readers.

Joe received “The Works” Box available for £16.99. They also offer an “Essentials” box for £14.99.

*Disclaimer Brandish was given The Works Box by Men Are Useless to demo. This however in no way influenced our review.



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bags, features

Get Outdoors With The Epperson Mountaineering Backpack

By Laura on February 5th, 2011
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We love this latest backpack from Epperson Mountaineering.
Constructed in their Libby, Montana workshop, they have been making functional, yet stylish backpacks for over 30 years. The ballistic nylon combined with a more progressive color-blocked design makes this bag look good on or off the mountain. We particularly love the tribal patterned straps.
The bag is available for € 169.86 at Oi Polloi.



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bags, features

Nudie Jeans Denim Bag

By Laura on January 27th, 2011
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Tonight I had the chance to go to an exclusive acoustic set by Justin Townes Earle an exclusive acoustic set at Liberty department store in London’s west end, to celebrate the opening of the new Nudie Jeans shop.

While there I caught a glimpse of this amazing over sized bag. Made from 10 oz Turkish denim with a black coating, it would make an absolutely perfect weekend bag. The Handles, sides and bottom are made of leather, and the bottom is reinforced with six bag feet. This bag also features the jeans pocket embroidery made with an indigo thread and a customized gunmetal zip puller.

Unfortunately it was quite busy so I wasn’t able to check out some of the other bags Nudie had on offer. However, if this bag is anything to go off of, it will definitely be worth the trip back to take a look.



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Brand Spotlight, Clothing, features

Introducing Blanc & Noir

By Laura on January 26th, 2011
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While back in Canada over the holidays I discovered this amazing Vancouver-based label, Blanc & Noir. The brain child of Saskatoon-raised Jean Claude LeBlanc, the label focuses on creating timeless looks with a dedication to high-quality production. In fact with the exception of the Italian-made footwear and Japanese selvedge denim, the collection is made almost entirely in Canada.
Their debut collection will be out Fall/Winter 2011so make sure to keep an eye out for it.

Blanc & Noir

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Blanc & Noir
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Collaborations, Designer Spotlight, features

Kris Van Assche for Eastpak

By Laura on January 25th, 2011
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Over the past year Eastpak has collaborated with the likes of Raf Simons, Rick Owens, Christopher Shannon and Gaspard Yurkievich. The latest of these high end collaborations, sees the backpack maker working with Kris Van Assche.

The Belgian designer first established himself in the fashion world as Hedi Slimane’s assistant on the Rive Gauche Homme line for Yves Saint Laurent. He continued to collaborate with Slimane at Christian Dior for the launch and development of the Dior Homme collection. In January 2005, Assche presented his own men’s collection for the first time in Paris during Men’s Fashion Week. Today he heads his own label, KRIS VAN ASSCHE, and is the artistic director for Dior Homme

The collaboration with Eastpak see’s Assche bringing his expertise to the line of bags set for release in June. Based on early promo shots we can expect backpacks and oversized shoulder bags in materials such as parachute cloth, leather and rough cotton.



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Accessories, bags, features

The Brooks Barbican Bag

By Laura on January 24th, 2011
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As any cyclist will know it is important to have a durable bag to carry your things around with you. In recent years the Barbican bag has certainly lead the trend, becoming a familiar sight on the shoulders of cyclists everywhere. The bag was made popular because of its tough materials, and large storage capacities.

Now Brooks, the English saddle maker, have released their version to the masses. Made from their saddle-grade leather, the Barbican is made with immaculate quality as you’d expect from the English company.

No release date yet, but it should be announced soon through their website Brooks England



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Designer Spotlight, features

3.1 Phillip Lim 2011 Fall Collection

By Laura on January 24th, 2011
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The upcoming Fall 2011 collection from New York’s 3.1 Phillip Lim, was revealed last week. Over all the collection is full of slick and refined tailored looks, although can appear to be a bit boxy at times. That said however, the collection is sure to appeal to any fashionistos out there.

3.1 Phillip Lim 2011 Fall Collection

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3.1 Phillip Lim 2011 Fall Collection
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Brand Spotlight, features, Gallery

Junya Watanabe 2011 Fall Collection

By Laura on January 24th, 2011
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I am absolutely obsessed with the new fall 2011 Juyan Watanabe collection! From the fabrics to the detailed stitching the Japanese designer has certainly out done himself this time.

Watanabe was originally the protege of Comme des Garçons designer Rei Kawakubo. Born in Fukushima, Japan in 1961, he attend Bunka Fashion College in Tokyo, graduating in 1984. It was around this time that he began his apprenticeship at Comme des Garçons as a patternmaker. Eventually he was promoted to chief designer of Tricot knitwear line and then quickly moved on to design for the Comme Des Garçons Homme line. In 1992 he began to work under his own name as part of Comme des Garçons.

This season sees Watanabe steering towards a more contemporary aesthetic seasons, Japanese fashion designer Junya Wathetic than we have seen from him in the past. He builds off basic Americana styles, giving them a more romantic spin. The collection features items such as duffel coats, sport coats, knit sweaters, all with modern tailoring.
Take a look at collection below. What do you think of it?

Junya Watanabe 2011 Fall Collection

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Junya Watanabe 2011 Fall Collection
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features, Footwear

Style Watch: The Desert Boot

By Laura on January 21st, 2011
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The Desert Boot was first made popular in the 1940’s and has since has been revived, replicated and reinterpreted so many times by so many different people over the years it has never really fallen out of style. The first ever Desert Boot was created by Nathan Clark, whilst serving in a Burmese military outpost with the West African Brigade, and the Clarks shoe brand still lists them as one of their most popular shoes today.

So how should you wear them this season? The Desert Boot typically comes in two different materials, leather and suede, making them easy to wear with just about everything. Although that said, do NOT wear them with a suit. Generally I prefer to see them paired with dark wash denim jeans and plain shirt.

However, as we head towards spring, another great way to wear the look is with a relaxed chino. The desert boot are generally low to mid-cut, meaning they can work great as a sort of modified deck shoe.

The Desert Boot is a cult classic, and is definitely a must have for your spring wardrobe.



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Brand Spotlight, features

H&M Spring/Summer 2011 lookbook

By Laura on January 17th, 2011
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H&M’s Spring/Summer 2011 lookbook video gives us a sneak peak at what to expect this spring. Andreas Löwenstam, menswear designer at H&M commented on the new collection saying: “Styling makes all the difference this spring. The blazer looks new worn with cargo shorts, and a hooded jacket is dressed up with a shirt and tailored trousers. The combination of black and khaki green is super elegant”,

Key items in the Spring/Summer collection include the blazer, white 5-pocket jeans, uniform-inspired styles, shorts, desert boots, leather belt, briefcase and rucksack. While I like some of the more tailored looks, I think they may have missed the boat with a few items. For example, I really dislike the coverall inspired jumpsuit. What do you think of the collection? Will you be picking up any pieces?



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Brand Spotlight, Clothing, features

Topman: Get The U-Bahn Look

By Laura on January 17th, 2011
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Topman has really upped their game this season, starting with the recent release of the U-Bahn collection. This look sees catwalk trends inspired by Berlin’s edgy underground scene and pays homage to post-punk. Built on tough sculpted shapes, it is all about creating a fresh silhouette littered with antiqued military detail.

Check out the gallery below, where I have chosen a few pieces that best represent this trend.

The Navy Quilted Hooded Boundry Jacket

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The Navy Quilted Hooded Boundry Jacket
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The quilted jacket is everywhere at the moment, but I liked that fact that this one features a hood, perfect for rainy days. It is available for £50



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