Here at Brandish, we are always on the look out for new up and coming designers. One that recently caught our attention was Common Sons. Their inaugural AW/11 collection, carried by both selfridges and ASOS, and is best described as British made knitwear for the modern gent. They draw inspiration from traditional sherman knits, while bringing giving it a contemporary twist and a little humor.
All the knitwear is made in the UK, in family run factories and printed with organic dyes. Knits range from £65-95 and are available here
Get set for the autumnal weather with these Knitted Fair Isle Gloves from Moncler.
Made from 100% Lambswool, the mitten-style gloves comes in beige with a traditional Fair Isle knitted pattern and tricolor detailing branding along the rubbed wrist cuff.
Summer seems to have escaped this year with a chilling 14 degrees this morning when I left the house. But as much as I love sun and park life, I can’t help but to love the colder months when you get to wrap up warm in wonderful clothes – my growing up in the Arctic could also be a reason for this… and my love for ‘look-at-me’ knitwear.
If you’re looking to invest in your winter wardrobe but want to do it in a green way, Edun is the place to look. The brand of Ali Hewson and Bono – yes that Bono – has an amazing collection out for this autumn/winter that will make you look dashing.
Using layers and dimension to create a well-travelled feel that is juxtaposed with modern silhouettes, Edun offers unique styles with added pockets, stitching and darting details, and the sweaters and knits span the spectrum, from lightweight layering to a fresh twist on vintage Fair Isles patterns.
Trousers range from clean, slim and straight tailored to tapered leg and drop crotch. Something for everyone! The denim is work wear influenced and most of it is made from recycled fabrics in Africa, with an organic wash to finish.
The seasons’ colour choices are inspired by natural elements such as stone and ash accented with petrol and ice, whereas red brick and cranberry wine play off sediment black and dark neutrals, like storm and tar, are accented with raisin, mulberry and peacock.
The past few weeks have seen snow shut down half the country, and unfortunately it is only the beginning of the cold weather. As you know, if you are going to keep warm at this time of year, its all about the layers. From thermals to snoods, they keep you staying warm and staying fashionable. A big trend so far this winter has undeniably been chunky knitwear. Whether it is a jumper or cardigan, some thick knitwear is a great addition to any winter wardrobe. However, there is one style in particular that has lead the trend with both high street stores and premium designers – The Fair Isle knit.
The Fair Isle knitting is technique named after the tiny island of Fair Isle, north of Scotland, between the Shetland and Orkney islands. Traditional Fair Isle refers to any colour work knitting using 2 alternating colours and utilises the traditional patterns of the Shetlands. The technique in recent years has been adapted by designers mixing traditional items and techniques with current trends and themes. However, they still remain true to the vintage and country inspired styles.
Fair Isle knits are a simple and classic way to bring colour and warmth to your winter wardrobe. Whats more, it is a trend that is sure to be around for at least another season, fitting well with the Urban Bohemian trend.
Rock the Fair Isle knits with dark washed jeans, military boots, a chunky scarf and camel trench coat to be right on trend. As things warm up in the spring, pair your sweater with rolled up chinos and boat shoes.
With winter upon us, we have been checking out the best of this years knitwear. From textured cable to Scandinavian inspired patterns, it is without a doubt the must have staple for every guys wardrobe.
To help you navigate your way through the best of this season we have compiled a list of our top 10 jumpers, cardigans and other knitwear sure to raise your sartorial status.
In the past couple of winters Fairisle knits have become a staple item to keep you warm in our cold winters. The trend also seems to be holding it’s ground with yet more garish patterns lined up for you to wear in the coming months. Alongside all of the styles below, I suggest you check out charity shops as you can get some real finds, but the problem is, first of all, you never quite get rid of the smell no matter how much you wash it, and secondly, the vintage styles tend to have very baggy arms which looks cute on women, but less desirable on men. The selections below are all available at Hip.
This classic aran patterned cardigan comes a ‘flame’ colour. It’s loose fitting and features leather elbow patches. This is the second wave of the Folk SS collection, and all of it is avialable either on the Folk website or at oki-ni. At the beginning of In January, Folk released a video of their SS collection and it’s available to view below.
This is the point in the year when layering becomes essential. With your peacoat professionally cleaned and (hopefully) being relegated to the wardrobe until autumn, what you need now is some flexible options. One of my perennials is a Sea Island cotton cardigan by John Smedley. Heavier than the usually slinky Sea Island fare, this cardigan will keep the breeze at bay whilst allowing you to breathe comfortably during those sweaty Tube moments. I’ve literally had a black version of this cardie for years, actually re-dyeing it black when it starts to fade. It’s a great shape – short on the waist – with chunky, retro-looking buttons.
The version here is in a very now shade of blue that is cropping up everywhere – most notably at Jil Sander – and looks just perfect for summer. I had to pretty much line up to try on this blue version at Selfridges recently, with all who spotted it cooing over the gorgeous blue shade – fetchingly named BlueEyedBoy.
Teamed with a cotton scarf in an ethnic print, you’re all set to react to our unpredictible weather like an expert.
Right I found it really tough to come up with something to suggest as my hot tip for the summer because my wardrobe changes very little for the summer months I simply wear less of it, so in that vein I’ve gone for AW09 favorite- the cable / heavy weight knit wear.
If you, like me, have stocked up on this stuff through the cooler months there is no need to moth ball it for the warmer ones, yes when layered wool is hot as hell but if you throw this over a vest or a t-shirt and shorts then it breathes enough to keep you cool in the day time but holds it’s warmth to keep the chill off when the sun finally sets. Luckily for those who have been staying clear of the knitwear the last few season -though I’m not sure why you would have- picking up a few pieces doesn’t have to break the bank, the featured piece below from Topman comes in at a cool £40, so you have no excuse.
Pete Versus Toby are an Australian label and they are easily one of the coolest new menswear labels out there. From the incredible hair of their model to the vintage-feel of their prints, I am fast falling in love with this great label!
For their latest collection “designer Marco Zirov has collaborated with Byron Bay artsists Lex Williams and Raina Hede to develop an in house winter range that juxtaposes the falling Roman Empire (USA) with Rothschild family inspired sketches. Through developing the diverse range, a study of drug use and its effects on an artist was also important.”
The collection will be in shops soon!
(Image: The Fashionisto)
Living up to the Brit reputation of talking about the weather this post is all about how ruddy freezing cold it is! With temperatures so low some offices are abandoning their dress codes and allowing staff to come in casual clothes Will Smith shows us how to stylishly do formal in winter.
Standing in front of the Brandenburger Tor in snowy Berlin for his latest film ‘Seven Pounds’ Will looks smart in a tweed jacket, checked knit and patterned tie. See after the jump for where you can pick up the look in the shops.
A while ago when Silas pulled out of the UK I was pretty gutted because at the time they were my favorite brand due to the fact that their T-Shirts fit so damn well, the actual design of the T’s were less important to me but to be fair these were just as great. Silas has returned to the UK (though the brand still concentrates on its much larger following in Japan) and has grown up a wee bit with some smarter pieces to their range such as the awesome knitwear and coats featured in this winter 08 lookbook put together by Unbar.
Dot Dash; it’s the name of a great song by Wire (listen to the song against a montage of Star Trek clips here) and it’s also the name of this hat by Junk De Luxe from Asos (£35).
A satisfyingly handknit look hat it mixes demure grey with an earthy brick red and has a jaunty little bobble on the top. Forget pseudo-sporty or military looks this beanie will keep you warm and magically instill a boyish urge to start kicking leaves in the park. Miles better than pretending you’re on manoeuvres or in Chamonix.
Love him or lothe him, Pharrell Williams is a style force to be reckoned with, as is his clothing line Billionaire Boys Club. As part of their A/W 2008 line BBC has collaborated with the artist Rockin’ Jelly Bean on this pair of crew neck sweaters, available in white and grey and costing a recession ignoring $190 they are a really nice piece and a potential collectors item.
From:Another Winter For Fairisle?