FRIDAYS MUSIC: DJANGO REINHARDT
Django Reinhardt was a pioneering virtuoso jazz guitarist and composer who lived from 1910 to 1953. He played all over Europe, particularly in Paris, and formed an influential group called the Quintette du Hot Club de France, described by music critics as “one of the (more…)
GETAWAYS: LAKE MUSKOKA CANADA
Just 90 minutes north of Toronto lies the district of Muskoka, a vast area with over 1,600 beautiful lakes, rivers and waterfalls. It’s as unspoiled and picturesque as you can get and the options for finding the perfect retreat are endless. It seems like everyone in Canada has a summer cottage, and with only 33 million people in a country that’s bigger than the U.S, it makes sense. Lake Muskoka is the chicest (more…)
CLARKS DESERT BOOTS
Many men struggle with their footwear choices, having no idea what to wear with certain trousers, jeans, sport jackets etc. They’ll wear a classic lace-up dress shoe during the week, and running shoes on the weekend, and that’s it. They’re missing the critical in-between shoes that will bring life back to their look. For the fall, make sure you have at least 1 or 2 pairs of great boots, one rugged, (more…)
THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN
Of all the comic book adaptations that have come our way over the past two years, none looks more promising than the launch of the upcoming Tintin franchise. If all goes well, and by the looks of trailers for “The Secret of the Unicorn,” it most definitely should, the first film will be the start of many. The movie release is set for December 23rd, 2011 and the marketing machine is just starting to roll. Steven Spielberg’s first-ever appearance at last week’s Comic Con to promote (more…)
EDDIE BAUERS NEW LOOK
Eddie Bauer’s website is looking pretty good these days. They’ve created mini, editorial-like stories that look fresh and are well designed. By putting key items together on one page and showing them in a aspirational setting (like cruising in a beautiful speed boat in the Pacific Northwest) the company is successfully selling a lifestyle, and not just another pair of jeans. This may seem obvious, but unfortunately most menswear retail websites get it wrong. We’ll do a follow up story within the next week on the best menswear retail websites. Who are your favorites?
SONY CUTS PROFIT OUTLOOK BY 25%
SONY CUTS PROFIT OUTLOOK BY 25%. Televisions have long been one of Sony’s best-known products, but in the flatscreen era the company has lost ground to Samsung and other low-cost Asian producers. [FINANCIALTIMES]
THEORYS ANDREW ROSEN TO BUY LARGE STAKE IN SCHOELER
THEORY’S ANDREW ROSEN TO BUY STAKE IN PROENZA SHOULER. 65 percent of the label will reportedly stay in the hands of the designers, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, who founded the label together in 2002. [NYMAG]
UNDER ARMOUR UPBEAT ON Q2 PROFIT HIKE
UNDER ARMOUR UPBEAT ON Q2 PROFIT HIKE. The company said continued strength in its men’s, women’s and youth apparel business helped apparel revenues to grow 36% in the three months to June 30. [MR]
DANNER 1932: TOP BOOTS FOR FALL
Danner is making a big push this fall and we couldn’t be more thrilled about it. The Portland, Oregon based company has been producing rugged, highly functional boots for the great outdoors since 1932. On August 18th they will be releasing the “Stumptown” series, a new product line that marries the past with the present and retails for $310 to $330. Danner tests and examines each piece of leather, six separate times and you can quickly grasp what goes into each boot by simply holding one in your hand (more…)
FALL PRIMER: THE TWEED SPORTCOAT
Although it’s still scorching outside, it’s not too early to start thinking about your fall wardrobe. Instead of trying to update your look all at once, try adding a few key pieces between now and September. A sharp, versatile tweed sportcoat is a great place to start. $278, available at J.Crew
TOMMY HILFIGER MAKES ASIA INROADS
TOMMY HILFIGER MAKES ASIA INROADS. The brand, known for its rugby shirts and loose jeans, hopes it can grow its sales in the region to one-third of global revenue, up from just over 10% now. [REUTERS]
CLOTHES THAT ARE PROUD TO BE BRITISH
CLOTHES THAT ARE PROUD TO BE BRITISH. A new wave of heritage brands are notching up big sales here and abroad. [TELEGRAPH]
HIT OR MISS?
Robert Downey Jr. is one of the few stars in Hollywood who can pull an outfit like this off. He’s looking very Tony Stark at last week’s Captain America premiere. Not sure who makes that wild shirt but it looks very similar to (more…)
MARK MCNAIRY TEE
A relaxed cotton v-neck tee with Swedish color contrasts from Mark McNairy New Amsterdam. Make sure your v-necks don’t plunge too low or you’ll risk looking like the Situation. $38, available at Mark McNairy.
UCLA SUMMER BASEBALL HAT
Baseball hats can vary dramatically, they’re either douchey or cool, this one is awesome. Worn and ready to go, California dreamin. $38, available at Kitson.
OLYMPUS TOUGH
According to the press release, the Olympus Tough is the “World’s Fiercest Shockproof, Waterproof, Crushproof, Freezeproof Cameras that Capture Your Life Even Better.” That’s a big promise, as long as it doesn’t bust when you drop it, count us in. A camera made for adventure. $250, available at Amazon.
LVMH SET TO DAZZLE
LVMH SET TO DAZZLE WITH FIRST-HALF FIGURES. The world’s biggest luxury group is expected to post results later on Tuesday in the latest indication the luxury sector has been shielded from global economic concerns. [REUTERS]
THE HISTORY OF SURFING
“The most comprehensive chronicle of surfing from 1000BC to modern day, written by the greatest surf journalist of our time.” – 495 pages featuring more that 250 rare photos. $50, available at Stag Austin.
ORLEBAR SWIMMING TRUNKS
Here’s a fresh robin’s egg blue swimsuit from British designer Orlebar Brown. You’ve most likely been wearing the same suit all summer so it’s not a bad idea to upgrade your beach look, especially if a trip to the south of France is planned. And here’s a tip to remember: buy lighter colored (more…)
VF CORPORATION’S PERFORMANCE SOARS
VF CORPORATION’S PERFORMANCE SOARS. Revenues rose 15% to $1,840.1 million from $1,594.1 million in 2010. All VF divisions achieved double-digit revenue increases in the quarter, with the strongest growth in Outdoor & Action Sports, where revenues increased 23% [MR]
