RETAIL REPORT: RUGBY
Few can match the retail prowess of Ralph Lauren when it comes to visual merchandising, a critical aspect of a brand’s identity. The popular trend towards downsizing and making each store look unique was perfected by Mr. Lauren, and there is no better example of this then his Rugby store in East Hampton, NY. Iconic images of surfing, sailing, biking, even a stack of wood complete with “Firewood Courtesy of Vermont Good Wood” – adorn the store. These perfectly mixed and matched objects make the space feel part of the local neighborhood, softening the corporate image of the store, and loosening up fat wallets along the way. The message: (more…)
THE IVY LEAGUE
There are plenty of books out there on prep collegiate style but “The Ivy League” by Daniel Cappello just feels a bit more substantial. It’s a well written, hefty hardcover book packed with beautiful images, from vintage posters and school crests, to sharp logos and memorable photography. It’s this focus on design that provides a deeper understanding of the identity and (more…)
LONDON COLLECTIONS: MENSWEAR
The first ever London Collections: Men, will take place on June 15th-17th. Here’s a kick-off video featuring some of the biggest names in the industry: GQ UK’s Editor Dylan Jones, Style.com’s Tim Blanks, Topman designer Gordon Richardson and Mr. Porter’s Jeremy Langmead, who remarked “There’s no doubt that menswear and the menswear industry is growing at an extraordinary speed.”
GANT RUGGER CLASSIC PREP BLAZER
O.k. so grab your coffee, consider this a morning style pop quiz: 1) what’s the difference between a peak lapel and a notch? 2) what does a natural shoulder mean? 3) does your jacket have big shoulders and look like you’re still borrowing it from Dad? 4) do you have trouble getting second dates? The Hopsack blazer from Gant Rugger has the answers, particularly the date part. It’s fitted, modern, youthful and flattering. The color, Blue Hawaii, will match up with your work trousers, or better yet, jeans for a weekend night out. $595, available at Gant.
NEW BALANCE M390
The M390 is a lightweight, throwback running sneaker from New Balance available in a variety of colors. For June, pick Pacific Blue. $70, available at Urban Outfitters.
THE PROMISE OF SUMMER
“He looked within for the first time in months and was sad to see what was there. A mind wound so tight around what to do, where to go, in a place so jumbled, that after 16 years he was just able to make sense of it all. On his next trip to the sea, instead of filling that cold empty space with to do lists, he instead let his thoughts roam, listened to the waves for the first time since a child, felt the sand, smelled the rusty air and appreciated that one moment of rest. It was all lost to a chime buried away in a worthless logo’d bag.” (more…)
OMEGA VINTAGE FLIGHTMASTER
A beautiful vintage watch is much like a classic automobile, well bred, smooth lines, worn but proud. The slightly oval stainless steel case, neon orange center sweep hand and blue second time zone hand gives this watch it’s exotic good looks. A summer luxury. Omega Flightmaster, circa 1970′s, stainless steel link bracelet, made in Switzerland. $4,450, available at Park & Bond.
LANGDON BROGUES
Finding a good pair of solid brogue shoes for under $300 can be difficult. The “Langdon” by Vintage Shoe Company has the substantial sole and medium width profile that keeps them versatile and tough looking, and less precious dressy. You can wear them with jeans, khakis – basically any type of trouser and the more they break-in, the better they’ll look. “Brogueing” refers to the decorative perforations on the upper. $250, available at Scoop.
GAP 1969: SUMMER BASICS
In honor of the GAP’s extremely strong performance in 2012, marked by a 10-year closing high on March 26th, here are two straight forward, summer essentials. The basic v-neck tee shirt in asphalt, $13, and the western chambray shirt in white-out wash $60. No one does sportswear basics better than the GAP. To read the full article on the resurgence of America’s largest apparel chain, click here.
SID MASHBURN CHAMBRAY SHORTS
For timeless, All-American style, try adding these incredibly comfortable, lightweight cotton chambray shorts from Sid Mashburn to your summer line up. The length is a bit shorter and clean cut; think Ward mowing the lawn in the front yard. Featuring horn buttons, pinpoint oxford pocketing and a tab waist closure. Made in the USA. $125, available at Sid Mashburn
HAN OF DENMARK SUNGLASSES
These beauties are handmade in Denmark yet capture the chic, old world glamor of 1950′s Hollywood. Think LA Confidential, one the most stylish movies ever made. $168, available at Stag. Han Kjobenhavn is an interesting story, check out their website. Their mission statement: “Lovingly conceived May 1st 2008 on the mean streets of Copenhagen, Denmark. Han is made of all the ingredients that form the fundamentals of Danish design. We’ve put simplicity and traditional craftsmanship in a blender with originality to create the shady characters you see today.”
OFFICER AUTO SUMMER WATCH
Accessories really do make the difference when you slim down your wardrobe this summer. For simple and understated weekend style, start with a timeless white tee shirt and let your choice of watch and sunglasses define your look. You might consider putting the Khaki Auto Officer by Hamilton on your summer wish list. The suede strap is functional, rugged and fresh, and the over-sized 34MM face has a military toughness, which makes sense; Hamilton supplied watches to the U.S. military during WWII, a proud moment during the companies 120 year old history. $600. To get one, visit Hamilton’s store finder or search for the best price here.
HAMILTON & ZERMATT
Really well done, precise spot for Hamilton watches. Features pilot Nicolas Ivanoff ripping through the Alps. Why do most watch adverts in magazines read like infomercials?
CONVERSE PRO LEATHER
Simple, understated and old-school. The “Pro Leather” from Converse by John Varvatos. Features a slightly updated shape for summer in burnished leather for a broken-in look. $170, available at Converse.
GREEN ARCHITECTURE NOW!
“Green Architecture Now!” by Philip Jodidio is a comprehensive look at design innovators who have successfully brought nature into public and private spaces, significantly lowering the reliance upon natural resources. The result is a series of modern day Garden of Edens (with dishwashers). It’s a cool book to flip through, and would make a nice gift for those Mom’s who spend a lot of time in the backyard gardening. Mother’s Day is May 13th. $39, available at Barnes & Noble. Here’s a look at one of the more ambitious projects, King Abdullah International Gardens, in Saudi Arabia: (more…)
MAST BROTHERS CHOCOLATE
Brooklyn’s Mast Brothers Chocolate is a great example of how stunning branding and an intelligent marketing strategy can allow one small company to sprint past a very crowded field in a short time. After only six years in the business, Michael and Rick Nast’s ‘crafted’ chocolate is one of the hippest brands in Brooklyn. And if you can emerge a winner in New York’s most jaded borough, rapid expansion is assured – if you want it (it’s cooler not to). You can find their eye-catching bars of uniquely blended chocolate in (more…)
BEST OF: FJALLRAVEN
Fjallraven is one of those cooler outdoor lifestyle brands that you may never have heard of. Based in Sweden, the company began manufacturing day packs over 50 years ago. “Fjallraven” translates to arctic fox in Swedish, in case you we’re wondering. Here are a few top picks from their website: The Fjell jacket in Uncle Blue, $230. This is a highly water resistant, wind proof and durable jacket that isn’t bulky, making it a perfect year-round option. Vintage Retro L backpack in bold red, $130. This is where the company shines, and (more…)
DWELL OUTDOOR SPRING 2012
This is a great read for your next flight, Dwell magazine’s “Outdoor” special issue for Spring 2012. It’s loaded with beautiful photography, top product reviews and advice on setting up the perfect outdoor environment. One of the cooler stories is a look back at Isamu Noguchi’s public works projects, including a brilliant Japanese water park that is no longer in existence. The cover shot features a dining/relaxing/swimming outpost on a ranch in Texas.
SINCE I LEFT YOU BY THE AVALANCHES
“Since I Left You” by The Avalanches – an Australian group formed in 1997.
ONIA BOARD SHORTS
A good pair of board shorts should pay homage to vintage California surfing style and fall right around mid thigh/just above the knee. They’re intended for surfing and living an active lifestyle, not for partying at the Bellagio in Vegas in something that resembles Capri pants. You know those dudes, and avoid them at all costs. The ironic thing is that the longer the short, the shorter they make you look. A ‘stubbing’ effect we’ll call it. So consider the “Amaury” board short by Onia (more…)
