SAN FRANCISCO RETAIL INTEL
Editors Note: Grant Taylor is a man-about-town in San Francisco who will be reporting in from time to time on all things west coast style. Here is his first post:
SAN FRANCISCO: A city with style, but not too concerned with fashion. The Northern California ideal of achieving cool without really trying defines the sartorial spirit of the city by the bay. While in many ways SF is the antithesis of LA, this is still California, and the blight of the hoodie lives on. Casual comfort is the theme, but SF does have an edge up: generic hipster has given way to a more thoughtful, vintage-loving and well-proportioned wardrobe (as evidenced by the only Freeman’s Sporting Club outside NYC, in the Mission District). It’s easy to dress in lace-up leather boots, hometown Levi’s, and a Pendleton jacket year round in fog city. (more…)
FERRAGAMO SHOWS RESILIENCE OF LUXURY SECTOR
FERRAGAMO SHOWS RESILIENCE OF LUXURY SECTOR. Up-market Italian shoemaker Salvatore Ferragamo posted first-half profits up by a third on Monday, adding to evidence that the luxury industry remains vigorous through the global financial turmoil.[REUTERS]
LANVIN FW 2011 VIDEO GOES OFF
Have you seen this video from Lanvin? It took off yesterday after Cathy Horyn of the New York Times gave it props via Twitter. I’m personally not a fan of Pitbull but this video is pretty damn good. The chorus is a rip off of one of my favorite songs growing up, when I first heard club music during a semester abroad in Paris in 1995 – “The Bomb” by the Bucketheads – a far (more…)
OLIVER SPENCER FALL/WINTER 2011
It’s become risky not to have a short film accompanying each collection if you’re a fashion designer. Expressing creativity and vision through clothing alone is a thing of the past as retail stores, websites, events, fashion presentations and now, short movies, define a complete, aspirational lifestyle. Take British designer Oliver Spencer’s latest video, a meandering (more…)
BEST OF: ZARA
I just returned from a two week trip to Italy and Spain and found it interesting to see the differences between Zara in Spain and here in the U.S. Despite the intimidating Euro, prices can still be cheaper in Europe, which was a surprise. Take the jacket above, my favorite item in the Zara store in the massive Madrid airport. It was priced at 99 euros, or $143 dollars based on today’s (more…)
PUTTING THE HOT BACK IN HOTEL
PUTTING THE HOT BACK IN HOTEL. A lobby full of trendsetters can make a hotel chic, but luring them in is easier said than done. W Hotels is looking to a fashion insider to help it recapture cutting-edge cachet. The company has created a new title it calls “fashion director.” [WSJ]
THE BUSINESS OF BLOGGING
THE BUSINESS OF BLOGGING. A smart look at the super successful Swedish blogger Elin Kling. [BOF]
GEORGE CLOONEY FOR OMEGA
I’d love to know how much George Clooney was paid to be the spokesman for Omega watches. This is a beautiful lifestyle shot, capturing him in his summer getaway destination, Lake Como, Italy. Just a short drive from Milan, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. I spent a week there in July years ago following the men’s fashion shows in Milan. For a hidden gem restaurant visit (more…)
FRIDAYS SONG: DON’T STOP
Today’s song is “Don’t Stop” by Gin Wigmore, a foxy 25 year old from New Zealand. Sounds a bit like Amy Winehouse.
TOP 5 FOR FALL: BARBOUR SWEATERS
It was difficult to narrow down the best sweaters from the Barbour website as there are so many fantastic options. The label makes some of the finest sweaters but because they are harder to find, might not get their proper due. When looking for a sweater with a little personality this fall make sure it’s not too over the top. Fair isle sweaters can look ridiculous as (more…)
THE NEXT BIG TREND?
THE BATTLE FOR HERMES
THE BATTLE FOR HERMES. A tour of the back rooms and ateliers of the celebrated French fashion house illustrates why Hermès is the coveted jewel that LVMH’s Bernard Arnault wants for his crown. [WSJ]
GUESS OUTLOOK DISAPPOINTS
GUESS OUTLOOK DISAPPOINTS. “This quarter’s performance is a testament to the strength and momentum of the Guess? brand around the world,” said CEO Paul Marciano. “Recently, though, global economic and market conditions have become increasingly volatile, which could erode consumer confidence and have an impact on our customers’ behavior.” [BARRONS]
TOM BRADY FOR UGG AUSTRALIA
Have you seen this ad yet? We first spotted it in Esquire UK. It’s not bad, considering the fact that UGG’s are widely regarded as a boot that only women wear. The shot is good, with Tom looking resolutely off camera. No longing model-like (more…)
HAIR STYLING: THE 1-2 PUNCH
Give these two products a try and they’re sure to remain in your grooming arsenal.
1. Khiel’s Creme with Silk Groom. Conditions and adds moisture to your hair so it doesn’t look dry or brittle. It also allows you to subtly style your hair without going Gotti. The design of the bottle is terrible. You’ll end up leaving it upside down like a ketchup bottle for the second half of it’s life. $18 for a 4.2 ounce bottle, available at Khiel’s. (more…)
SCARY NEWS FOR H&M
SCARY NEWS FOR H&M. Nearly 300 Cambodian workers fell sick this week at a garment factory producing goods for Swedish fashion brand H&M. “Workers smelled something bad coming from the shirts,” said 26-year-old Norn Leakhena, a worker at the factory. [REUTERS]
J.CREW LAUNCHES ONLINE IN THE U.K.
J.CREW LAUNCHES ONLINE IN THE U.K. J. Crew’s success – it’s valued as a $3 billion company – comes from filling the gaping hole between affordable fast-fashion, which the British high street has in abundance, and luxury designer labels. [TELEGRAPH]
TOP SITE: ME IN MY PLACE
You’ve probably heard of this site, but just in case, it’s worth a look: meinmyplace.com, beautiful women hanging out at home. Refreshingly simple, as actress Katrina Bowden shows above.
THE SEPTEMBER COVERS
ESQUIRE with Ryan Gosling
DETAILS with Ashton Kutcher
GQ with Mark Sanchez
MAXIM with Lake Bell
V MAN with Matthew Terry
INTERVIEW with Anne Hathaway
MEN'S JOURNAL Jaguar CX75
MEN'S HEALTH with Sam Worthington
With all of the September issues now on newsstands it’s a good time to show them side by side. September is by far the biggest issue of the year for each magazine, with March following a close second. Esquire shows Ryan Gosling cuddling himself, Details has taken a rather innovative approach featuring Ashton Kutcher in coordination with an online-only special issue, GQ with a vibrant and fresh cover featuring Mark Sanchez, Maxim (more…)
92 YEARS YOUNG
92 YEARS YOUNG. Ultra-luxe Bentley is becoming something it hasn’t been since WWI: a seriously cool ride. [ADWEEK]
