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It really seems like spring/summer 2011 is all about the collaboration. The latest comes from Supreme and Liberty. The two super brands have teamed up to create this long-sleeve shirt, which features a classic capel floral pattern, a button-down collar and single chest pocket. The shirt will be available in both red and navy colorways.
Over coffee the other day, I was talking to a friend who suffers from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder.) Listening to the misery of days spent not knowing what to wear each morning (friends will know of how immense the impact of fashion is upon my life!) I decided to go on the lookout for a designer who can deliver trans-seasonal clothes that will carry us males throughout the year.
b Store London is edging towards the avant-garde and I wasn’t at all expecting to find my SAD solution on its site. Its b Clothing range is full of really wearable, all-year pieces and I would be proud to don this shirt-come rain or shine.
‘Belushi’ shirt, b Store, £115, Size S-XL
Paul Hamill describes himself as “student, stylist, blogger, writer and retail assistant”, we invited him to give us his picks for this summer and he came good with a selection of staples that will make a good addition to any man’s wardrobe:
Summer in Glasgow is always a risky affair. Thankfully I met my American flat mate who invited me to stay at her family home in Seattle for a few weeks this summer. My saviour! And with this blissful invite comes the summer wardrobe shop.
I know, I know; Topman has become a bit of a regular feature on Brandish but when I noticed this look on the label’s website during my regular internet trawl, I couldn’t resist commenting.
While I’m not too sure about the rather peculiar Alice Dellal haircut (as highlighted in a previous Brandish post.) I think he gets off with it due to his incredible look- brash patter shirt, acid-washed jeans and skinny belt…but messy enough to avoid the overly-manicured style of the 80s fashionisto.
More to come on Topman’s ‘Motel Arizona’ look soon!
(Shirt, £25 on topman.com)
Acne Outlet store, where have you been all my life? Selling prime pieces from the beloved label at discount prices Acne Outlet instantly made onto my bookmarks.
Take their classic Wide Dots shirt reduced to £96, the Liberty print is distinctive without being twattish and it makes a good alternative to ubiquitous check. The fabric is fairly lightweight and it’s so summery it may as well come pre-stained with blobs of Twister and Calippo ice lollies. Wear now with jeans and a blazer as they’ve styled it on the site, and come summer roll the sleeves and team it with a pair of pale chinos. Top it off with some oxblood loafers or coral deck shoes to provide a satisfying focal point.
If you’re dateless for Valentine’s Day the you should just take some tips from Rufus Thomas on this video of Stax Record’s music festival in 1972. Just don a pair of pink shorts, matching pink shirt with ruffles and do the funky chicken, it worked for him and the crowd of 40,000 people and I’m sure it will work for you.
I wouldn’t recommend doing this anywhere except your front room or bedroom, but it will definitely beat sobbing against a rainy window to the Smiths.
Who’d a thunk this video was nearly 20 years old? Yellow Magic Orchestra do their thing, which is ambient eletropop, in the Budokan centre in Tokyo in 1980.
Check out the super-puffed shirts, a marked contrast to the slim-fit we’ve grown accustomed to recently. Hopefully it’ll serve as some kind of sartorial inspiration if you going out somewhere nice this weekend!
Giles Deacon‘s first ever menswear collection hit the shops yesterday, the 25-piece collection is made up of wearable wardrobe basics. T-shirts, jeans, jackets and shirts are all given the Giles touch with neon detailing and gold chains. This is good news for men’s fashion as it seems that every designer/high street collab now has a menswear range, and not a minute too soon.
We’ve picked out a selection from the collection which is available to buy in New Look stores or online. I think my favourite piece is the grey striped shirt with coral-lined cuffs, what’s yours?
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During a recent spate of illness (whaddya mean you didn’t notice my absence??!) I watched A LOT of Arrested Development and something struck me, sartorially.
Michael Cera who plays George Michael in the show appears in an array of eye-wateringly good/bad (I haven’t made my mind up yet) outfits mainly composed of chinos, faded ’80s patterned shirts, webbing and leather belts and deck shoes. It’s a look which is incredibly self-effacing but like a Magic Eye if you stare long enough it begins to pop out and assault you with its complexity.
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[Images: 20thC.Fox/Everett/Rex Features]
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Buffalo check is all over the high street, but as we saw yesterday with the Winter Scarves pick a simple change of colour can make it seem more unexpected.
River Island‘s lumberjack shirt (£29.99) is an inspired way to bring a little vim to a workwear outfit. Purple is a great hue for menswear, teamed with a little grey it loses its Sweet Valley High connotations and looks smart and adventurous. Perhaps the most desirable adjectives when describing someone’s dress?
Twenty-two year old Josh Hartnett lookalike Tommi has put together a cracking outfit using some quite simple pieces. I like the tie tucked into the shirt to show off the new buttons he added.
The colour of the khakis is quite crucial to the look, in a more beige tone the outfit wouldn’t be as effective but the greenish hue of the trousers add interest. Note the rolled-up trouser legs, a quick and easy way to update your look. A word of warning though, don’t go too high or you’ll resemble London gig promoter Josh Weller (nice hair, shame about the trews).
[Source]
Click image to enlarge, full product details after the jump
Check has undeniable appeal but right now it’s a little overexposed so stick to something with a little more longevity. Make like James Franco and go for gingham, it’s a little more dressed up than indie plaid and has classic appeal. Trust Franco, he appeared on the cover of the last issue of Man About Town; although I’m not so sure I’d follow his footwear having seen long shoes in this picture.
That’s right Ed McFarlane of Friendly Fires, pump your fist! For you are wearing a wonderful grey shirt and you’re on Jools Holland singing your new songs. Now off you go on your world tour and spread the word about your new album, but don’t forget to tell people about the shirt!
Andre Csillag/Rex Features
I wrote about Farfetch last week on Catwalk Queen but proportionally speaking it’s far bigger news for menswear. There aren’t many online stores that can boast designers like Jil Sander, YSL as well as newer names like Surface 2 Air all under one roof and when you consider the dearth of options on the high street a site like this is even more vital.
Here are a few of my picks from the site, a really satisfying pair of trainers, a witty patterned scarf and the Helmut Lang shirt is the most perfect shade of grey I’ve ever seen. Full product details after the cut.
Plaid runs through my veins and into my soul, for me there is little better in life than a good plaid shirt and a good plaid shirt means a cowboy shirt. Design Oberserver have ran a piece by Adam Levy on the inventor of the cowboy shirt (gasp!) Jack A. Weil. The piece is a good insight into both the cowboy shirt and the great late Jack A. Weil, possibly my new hero and is worth a read whether you rock the plaid or not.
Check the article here.
[Image: David Zalubowski]
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