Mark Ronson was snapped recently out and about in London looking particularly colourful in a bright cobalt jacket.
Brandish Watch + WISHLIST: ‘Priceless’ S/S 09- Topman Tailoring by Antony Price
Topman is great for its designer collaborations and its ‘Priceless’ range, designed by celebrated fashion designer and tailor Antony Price, delivers every season. The range has just gone up on Topman.com and with its wonderful waistcoats, brilliant blazers and perfectly pleated pants (in the American sense of the word,) I can’t wait to get a piece of the action!
Brandish Poll: The Met, the Models, the Mess! Keifer Sutherland and Jack McCullough Brawl?
In the aftermath of the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Gala, fashionistos/as across the world have been gorging over that turban, Madonna’s wackiness, Rihanna’s brilliant tux and Naomi’s beautiful boycott. However, it emerged today that off the red carpet a fight was on and statements are being made across the fashion universe in response to reports that Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCullough was headbutt by 24′s Keifer Sutherland after McCullough supposedly knocked Brooke Shields over.
Get the Look: Marlon Brando in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’
When my English teacher announced we would be studying ‘A Streetcar Named Desire,’ I have to admit to a light leap of the heart as I reminisced on John Galliano‘s ‘Blanche DuBois’ collection of 1988 and Marlon Brando in all his retro glory; oozing sex appeal and hard-edged fashion prowess. With these thoughts in mind, and a bit of time spent re-watching the iconic film made in 1951, I set about creating an outfit based on the look of Stanley Kowalski.
Love The Look: Topman’s ‘Motel Arizona’ Trailer-Trash Cool!
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.
Topman Reveal New Look- ‘Chelsea Arts Club’
Topman have a new mini-collection on their online shop and the look is ‘Chelsea Arts Club.’ The high street label (beloved by the Brandish team,) tells that “this smart trend is influenced by a sophisticated age where actors, artists and sartorialists mixed in exclusive members clubs…the overall look is quirky.”
Just Do It: DIY Project #1- Cartoon Trousers
With a month long holiday in India coming up, I knew I had to get some stand-out holiday wear. I thought about the different eras of recreational wear and began racking the (fashion) history books for inspiration- jumpsuits, capri pants, high-waisted slacks, kaftans, tunics, dungarees…the list goes on. But then, as with all moments of fashion genius, America’s Next Top Model came on the telly and I was reminded of the genius that is Jeremy Scott.
Dress me up before you go-go
Off to a sunny climes for an Easter break? Here’s a head to toe look to get the locals talking and keep you cool. The seersucker blazer from Topman makes a change from the blue or grey fine stripe associated with this fabric. The pink of the blazer sets off nicely the deeper red of this colour-banded vest by Jil Sander. I love these wide-legged shorts (also by Jil Sander), which will definitely air you to the best advantage if you’re heading somewhere steamy but equally look classic enough to wear in town as well as at the beach. Finally, some classic espadrilles grounding the look with a touch of Mediterranean tradition in black .
Smith’s hot summer tip!
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.
Topman’s White Tee project with Philip Lim, JW Anderson and Henry Holland
With a roster of designers which includes big names Henry Holland, Philip Lim, as well as Richard Chai, Juun J Topman are really keeping on their toes as far as getting new design talent in is concerned. They’ve also got LFW MAN designers JW Anderson and Christopher Shannon in on the act as well as the Topman Design team so we’re looking forward to seeing it instore on May 28th.
Thrifty looks: Summer lightweight jackets
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We looked at some wonderful summer jackets yesterday featuring labels like Rene Gurskov and Moncler but for the more budget conscious among you here is a pick of summer jackets from the high street.
Topman Sale now on, get your spring look down pat
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Canny shoppers take note, the Topman sale is now on which means that if you do some careful shopping you can pick up some pieces that will take you through Spring into summer.
A Waste of Money or An Investment Piece? Dr. Martens 1461 Shoe
Last week I was in search for a pair of school shoes. Beginning with classic brogues, I sampled a pair of black loafers and sneakily tried on a pair of Paul Smith Jermyns (with glorious plum laces) before ending up with a pair of not-so-exciting pointed Topman lace-ups. Inspired by this bout of school-shoe shopping I ventured onto Oki-Ni and came across their Doc Martens. Floral. Striped. Coloured. Neon. But then I came across their 1461 shoe and couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
A shoe, in simple black leather, that was more than double the price but half as nice as many of the shoes I had seen the previous day. These Dr. Martens did not look worth their £70 price tag, especially in comparison to my £35 Topman shoes. Granted, the Dr. Martens are probably better quality and might last longer but, are they even that easy on the eye? I, for one, wouldn’t want to be seen in them.
Fashion is fickle, even in times of economic recession. See after the jump for my Top 5 Best on a Budget Smart Shoes.
Summer Totes: only for the lighthearted
There’s something very liberating about the tote bag for guys. Clearly ‘recreational’ in outlook – its very simplicity makes it clear that you’re not lugging a laptop and however Boho your leatherware is there’s nothing quite so carefree as a simple cotton tote.
LFW menswear preview: James Long, Carolyn Massey, Tim Soar
From left: James Long, Carolyn Massey, Tim Soar
The dedicated menswear day at LFW is definitely cause for excitement, the names might not be as big as on the womenswear schedule but in terms of creativity and variety it’s hard to beat. Here’s a preview of some of our fave designers from the line-up, stay tuned for more.
Gallery: Topman’s Spring Break Collection
Topman’s Spring Break collection is about to hit the stores and it’s a poetically downbeat affair. Set against a backdrop of blustery coastline and caravans there’s more than a touch of ’80s era Morrissey going on here.
Topman Latest Trend: ‘Berlin Wall’
Topman has revealed their latest ‘trend’ (read: mini theme-based collection) and with a name like ‘Berlin Wall,’ I was expecting rough skinny jeans and a fusion of This Is England skin-head with a kind-of Soviet, military cool. As always, the high-street label has delivered…
Duffle coats pick from Schott, Topman and Peter Werth
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A quick Wiki of ‘duffle coat’ offers a great backstory and an explanation of why I was spelling it ‘duffel’. The name refers to the Belgian town of Duffel, where the thick woollen fabric used in making the coats originated. Marvellous fact!
Real men wear denim shirts
The latest Buck magazine hit the stands last Friday and amongst its Gallic-themed pages is a great piece on the importance of denim this S/S. Highlighting the same Acne/Lanvin collaboration I’ve been talking about here recently it seems that there’s nothing to stop a full on indigo revolution once the sun finally breaks out.
Outfit Pick: NYE Sophisticated Style
As we endure the last week of 2008 and look back upon a year of fashion extremes, we still have the sartorial challenge of New Year’s Eve (NYE) ahead of us. While many opt for a loud, proud and (often) garish get-up, I am aiming to attempt a subtle luxury with the help of muted colours but opulent fabrics (velvet, silk, corduroy etc.)…c