Vaja slim messenger bag – the NikeID of manbags

We’re getting to the point where most of the men who might care about that sort of thing (i.e. you) have already got their manbags. But for those in the market for a second/weekend bag, Vaja’s slim ‘classic messenger’ might be worthy option. Handcrafted from premium Argentinian leather and customisable in 38 colours, you couldn’t get more personalisation if you made one yourself. They even offer an etching service so you can add or text an image of your choice. Prices start at £125.

Pick of the blogs: Gossip Girl, upside down stores and stupid haricuts

Gossip Girl is here, did you catch the first episode last night? If not Male Mode have given the men’s outfits the once over.
Style Salvage’s Steve is pondering where spend his suit fund, and tentatively opting for Kilgour, who features in the latest Fantastic Man.
I Luw Fashion try to make sense of Viktor & Rolf’s Milan store (pictured); no matter how long I look it’s still blowing my mind!
Another store, more conventional but nontheless inspiring, Refinery29 talk to Acne’s creative director Jonny Johannsson about their New York store.
And finally…stupid football haircuts might be getting the chop (sorry!), Manolo for the Men investigates.

Jude Law cavorts at Sleuth première, becomes the face of Dunhill,

Jude Law has been the face of Dunhill in Asia for the last two years and is now the international face for the brand. The campaign will launch offically during Pitti Uomo, the city’s menswear fashion week.

I must admit the blank faced actor looks pretty dapper in these images, as does the dog next to him. Law has reportedly signed a seven-figure deal for the deal, is it to pay for imminent hair plug treatment? I know that’s an unbelievably bitchy thing to say but check out his new close crop that he sported at the Sleuth première last night after the jump… The head tilt pose ain’t fooling anyone Jude!

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Alice Cooper fronts John Varvatos ad campaign

Ageing rocker Alice Cooper is the new face of the John Varvatos autumn/winter campaign and he looks suitably rock’n'roll.

The ‘School’s Out’ was photographed by Danny Clinch in Hollywood’s Casa della Vista all covered in snakes, Clinch has snapped U2, Bruce Springsteen and Tupac. John Varvatos like to keep strong ties with a music-based image has used Iggy Pop and supergroup Velvet Revolver in past campaigns.

Topman white trim jumper

Summer is officially dead to me now, for me it’s all about ‘back to school and this two-time Topman jumper (£30) fits the bill exactly. In a nice scholarly grey with a neat white trim it takes academic chic to a whole new level. Wear it with indigo denim for a minimalist look or for extra warmth under a suit and it’s sure to give you an air of studied chic.

Topman cotton bomber jacket

It’s kind of cool that just when the shops have their end of season sale summer decides to pop in for a bit. So it might be a good time to treat yourself to anything that’s been lurking on your summer wishlist and also make some judicious autumn purchases, like this lightweight cotton bomber from Topman.

Perfect for summery beer garden evenings when the sun goes down and everyone starts shivering and thanks to the aforementioned sales it’s reduced to £14.

Annie Liebovitz snaps Gorbachev for latest Louis Vuitton campaign

When I first heard about this story I thought it was a joke; but it seems the joke’s on me because yes, Mikhail Gorbachev is modelling for Louis Vuitton. Obviously modelling is a bit of an exaggeration but there he is, looking tense in the back of a car with the all-important bag nestling at his side. Annie Liebovitz is responsible for the image which is part of campaign to promote the brand’s heritage and history which is a definite move to attract the new wealthy elite in Russia and China. As well as Gorby Liebovitz also snapped Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf snuggling up in a hotel, LV bags unpacked and Catherine Deneuve resting on a trunk in front of a steaming locomotive.

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Topshop pinstripe trench

Topshop’s fine stripe trench is £70 and a great next step up from a hoodie if you want a more grown-up, smart look. Trench coats might seem a bit too faddish or trendy for most but they can look really stylish if you keep things simple; we’re not into style fascism at Brandish but a few tips will keep you looking good. Trousers should be slim cut and dark denim or a complementary colour to the coat; shoes should be either plain canvas pumps or brogue-type lace-ups.

If you keep broadly within these parameters there’s no danger you’ll look overdressed or fashion victim-y, but you can guarantee there’s always going to be some young whippersnapper rocking up in a trench, ridic sunnies, slimfit neon jeans and hi-tops who’s going to out-mojo your mojo. Meh, he’ll be working in a call centre in three years, don’t let it bother you.