David Chu

EXCLUSIVE: Rugged Fall Style Starring the 2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo

Filed under: Apparel, Spirits, Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos, Men's Style, The Classicist

Click above for a high-res image gallery and full credit info

Some people look at the colder weather as an excuse to head south for the winter; we like to think of it as an opportunity to wear lots of new clothes and find fun ways of keeping warm. In the spirit of getting ready for the season in style we took the new 2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo, some classic country clothing and ruggedly handsome accouterments on a tour through the glorious autumnal landscape of northern New England, documenting our excursion with the cool new Olympus PEN E-PL1 digital camera. We let the foliage flaunt the bright colors, keeping the clothing to an elegant, understated palette of greens, grays and earthy tones with rich leather, suede and alligator skin details and subtle tortoiseshells and tartans for contrast. Warm textures of wool, cashmere, tweed, moleskin and waxed cotton combined with equestrian and hunting elements guard against the elements and the hazards of the terrain (and local fauna), handling any activity without sacrificing anything in the way of style.

That's also an apt description of the new Cayenne Turbo, hands-down the sportiest SUV around. For 2011 it gets a sleeker and more aggressive appearance, better performance and fuel economy, garnering it the 2011 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year title (they noted that "the Cayenne's driving experience eclipsed that of every other contender"). Powered by a 4.8-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine generating 500 hp, it can do 0–60 mph in just 4.4 seconds if you're so inclined. Equipped with the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) active all-wheel-drive system it can do just about anything else. Fitted with Porsche's new eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel and a luxurious leather interior influenced by the Panamera, it features a state-of-the-art navigation system with real-time traffic updates, a surround sound system with iPod interface, Bluetooth hands-free phone operation, 18-way adaptive sport seats and more – in short, all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a $105,000 SUV with a Porsche pedigree.

Gallery: Rugged Fall Style - Porsche Cayenne Turbo

Grousa sweater jacket by Fjallraven; tumbled leather boots by Ralph Lauren

Moto jacket by LINCS by David Chu; shirt, tie and pants by Ralph Lauren; boots by Hunter

Cashmere sweater by Brooks Brothers; shirt and pants by Ralph Lauren; cap by Locke & Co., London

Gentry Russell boots by Wolverine 1000 Mile; scarf by Hermes

Tags: alligator, Barbour, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, camera, cashmere, cognac, David Chu, equestrian, Fjallraven, Hunter, Hunter boots, hunting, LINCS, mens style, New England, Olympus, Panamera, Panerai, Persol, Pierre Ferrand, Porsche, Porsche Cayenne, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Ralph Lauren, Rolex, Steve McQueen, SUV, tweed, UK, watches, Wolverine, Wolverine 1000 Mile

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Inside the Homes of American Fashion Designers

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Decor, Books, Celebrity Design, Architecture & Design

Assouline has released the latest luxe edition in its American Fashion series, dedicated to the top-drawer designers who are members of the prestigious CFDA. American Fashion Designers at Home showcases the personal spaces of more than 100 fashionistas, including Diane von Furstenburg, Oscar de la Renta, Cynthia Rowley and Kate Spade. While some designer dwellings are extensions of the sensibilities embodied by their apparel collections, others exhibit a marked contrast. The domiciles range from studio apartments to sprawling estates, but all are linked by a keen aesthetic sense. Included are Carolina Herrera's grand Louis XV–influenced New York apartment; Betsey Johnson's girly glamourpuss garret; Ralph Lauren's luxuriously rustic Colorado ranch; Donna Karan's tranquil Turks & Caicos getaway; Tommy Hilfiger's over-the-top Greenwich mansion; Calvin Klein designer Francisco Costa's ultra-modern Manhattan aerie; and Johann Lindeberg's converted Greenwich Village factory (on the book's cover, above). Check out the gallery for a preview of Randolph Duke's Hollywood spread (which he recently sold for $5.3 million), David Chu's chic digs and more.

Gallery: American Fashion Designers at Home

Tags: Assouline, books, Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, CFDA, coffe table books, Colorado, David Chu, decor, designer, Diane von Furstenburg, Donna Karan, estates, fashion, fashion design, fashion designers, Greenwich Village, interior design, Kate Spade, New York, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Randolph Duke, Turks Caicos

Country Club Style from LINCS by David Chu

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Men's Style

LINCS, the recently-launched sportswear label from Nautica founder David Chu, has come out with a stylish new collection for spring. Images for the new line from LINCS, which Chu describes as "a modern expression of style inspired by a life in and out of the country club - of travel, of sport, of classic chic", were shot at the prestigious Hudson National golf club in Westchester, NY. The spring collection, influenced by the sporty style of both the Hamptons and resorts in Arizona, is divided into two categories – Southampton, which features cool shades of blue and pearl gray enlivened with nautical accents, and Scottsdale, featuring a desert palette of sand tones spiced with brilliant color. Keys looks from the Southampton pieces include this well-cut cerulean heathered linen hacking jacket, and a navy performance nylon blazer vest with bridle leather detailing. Standouts from Scottsdale include unlined khaki pea coat in ultra-light nylon and a coral heathered linen blazer.

Tags: country club, David Chu, LINCS, mens style, Nautica, Westchester

The Classicist: Celebrating the Best of the Season

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spirits, Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos, Shoes, Books, Men's Style, The Classicist

As we head inexorably into winter here on the East Coast, it's time for The Classicist to take a look back, raise a glass and celebrate the best of the season. Perhaps you're looking for a last-minute gift for the holidays or just want to treat yourself once the dust settles. Here's our rundown of seasonal favorites, some we've mentioned before and others appearing for the first time. See the gallery for full pix:

1. Barbour Dunelm jacket: A slimmed down version of the classic foul weather parka style jacket in signature waxed cotton with an attached hood, utility pockets and a two way zip under a studded-front storm flap, from the classic British outerwear company. Founded in 1894 and holders of the Royal Warrant, they've opened a new chapter in classic sporting style with updated designs.

2. LINCS by David Chu cardigan: From Chu's new collection of clothing for the "gentleman adventurer", a weighty cashmere cardigan in a heathery loden weave with a leather buckle at the collar and suede trim under the placket. The epitome of Chu's classic and rugged yet elegant ethos.

3. Ralph Lauren tartan duffel: Part of Lauren's luxe new Holiday Collection, rooted in the spirit of 1930's Sun Valley, the famous Idaho ski resort frequented by socialites and celebrities. Tartan plaid wool with saddle leather trim embodies wintry sophistication.

4. Wolverine Gentry Upland boots: From the 125-year-old company's new vintage-inspired 1000 Mile Collection, finished in rough full-grain leather with loden Pendleton wool inserts and lug soles. Equally at home in the field or on the town.

5. Caesar Guerini Apex shotgun: The rich heritage of fine Italian shotgun makers meets British lines and classic style in the Apex field and sporting models, blending beauty - Oiled Turkish Circassian walnut stock and intricate engraving - with performance and lasting value.

Gallery: The Classicist: Best of Fall / Winter '09

Tags: Barbour, Caesar Guerini, CaesarGuerini, David Chu, DavidChu, Land Rover, LandRover, laphroaig, LINCS, Project X, ProjectX, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, Range Rover, RangeRover, Rolex, Scotch, shotgun, sporting, The Classicist, The Equinox, TheClassicist, TheEquinox, Wolverine

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The Classicist: LINCS by David Chu for the Gentleman Explorer

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Men's Style, The Classicist

One of our favorite menswear collections for fall is from preternaturally stylish Nautica founder David Chu's LINCS line, which he relaunched earlier this year as a full sportswear collection. The name is of course derived from golf, but Chu has expanded its horizons considerably this season. He aptly describes it as "a modern expression of style inspired by a life in and out of the country club - of travel, of sport, of classic chic." The theme of the fall collection is a modern take on the "gentleman explorer," characterized by classic rugged yet elegant styling in a color palette of loden, navy, and charcoal, with fabrics like waxed cotton, cashmere, wool and flannel.

"LINCS is grounded in authentic, classic style, but updated with details and textures men can relate to," Chu notes. "Many of our shirts for example have a contrast color / pattern detail that's subtle. You'll find a surprising detail or color at the cuff, on a collar, or the inside liner. Part of the LINCS concept is the fusion of sporty, easy authentic looks together with performance fabrics and the technical. In outerwear, you'll see a classic piece like a blazer, but designed with quilted nylon and stuffed with down for a look that's rugged and elegant." Also worth noting are the very reasonable price points. Outerwear is between $199 - $399, sweaters are about $119 - $129, shirts are $89 - $99, pants are $79 - $89, available at select Nordstrom, Dillard's and specialty stores.

Key looks include a military style parka in waxed cotton with a sheared rabbit collar (above), a blazer-style coat made of quilted waxed cloth, a loden cashmere cardigan with a leather buckle at the collar, a tan safari-style parka with a removable navy liner, and a quilted navy nylon rip-stop down-filled blazer with suede detailing under the collar. "When I named it LINCS, people automatically thought it was a golf line, but it's not," Chu notes. "LINCS is about sport, about design, and more importantly, this person's lifestyle and an extension of it, which includes easy pieces that can be tailored and elegant, but mixed in with more casual elements for a dressy, but sporty look."

Gallery: LINCS by David Chu Fall '09

Chu also has his eponymous David Chu Bespoke line, featured in The Classicist's "Best of Men's Style" roundup, a custom-clothing atelier located on the penthouse floor of his "Townhouse" HQ in New York that embodies the deisgner's "ultimate statement on style, sophistication, and the well-lived life," blending the best of Savile Row and Neapolitan tailoring. In addition to Bespoke, Chu is also working on a new project with famed golfer Jack Nicklaus to develop the Nicklaus brands worldwide under a unified creative direction and make it more of a lifestyle brand with a distinct point of view. More on that later.

Tags: cashmere, David Chu, DavidChu, golf, Jack Nicklaus, JackNicklaus, LINCS, LINCS by David Chu, LincsByDavidChu, menswear

The Classicist: The Best of Men's Style

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Shoes, Men's Style, The Classicist

For your reading and viewing pleasure we present the first in a series looking back at highlights from the first year of The Classicist, the weekly column devoted to timeless style, enduring elegance, and true, built-to-last luxury as opposed to mere extravagance. For our first installment we present the best of Men's Style, from Savile Row to Italy and New York and back again, with suits, jackets, cashmere, shoes, accessories and everything in between. These are not the sort of things that ever really go out of fashion, so if you haven't already added to your wardrobe with some of these staples it's not too late.

Gallery: Best of the Best: Men's Style 2009

1. Anderson & Sheppard of Savile Row

Savile Row stalwart Anderson & Sheppard, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, is steeped in tradition, to say the least. Yet while other old-fashioned bastions of upper-class masculine British taste have been sold off or hideously modernized, A&S has managed to adapt and survive. The firm not only outfitted the great Fred Astaire - perhaps the best dressed man the modern world has ever known - but also Rudolph Valentino, Charlie Chaplin, authors Evelyn Waugh and Somerset Maugham, Gary Cooper, Noel Coward, Sir Laurence Olivier, Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Duke Ellington.

Gallery: Anderson & Sheppard: Savile Row Style

2. David Chu Bespoke

In New York City, David Chu, founder of the Nautica brand, operates an ultra-chic Bespoke shop at his gorgeous Townhouse in Gramercy Park. "The bespoke experience is about understated elegance," Chu told The Classicist. David Chu Bespoke "blends the best of Savile Row and Neapolitan tailoring, marrying craftsmanship with modernity." Garments are hand-cut and stitched by a master tailor based in Naples. A gentleman can order anything he requires to be custom made, from suits, overcoats, tuxedos, and sport jackets to trousers, shoes, scarves, and 12-fold ties.

Gallery: David Chu Bespoke

3. Dunhill's Timeless Classics

In times of economic uncertainty luxury consumers looks to timeless classics they know will hold their value and last for years as opposed to flash-in-the-pan trends and glitzy impulse buys. We think that London-based men's clothier and luxury goods firm Dunhill, which dates back to the 1890s, is well situated to weather the storm in similar style thanks to their espousal of these same values. That's a very good thing as the company recently opened two new flagship stores, in New York City and London. The 7,000-sq.-ft. NYC store (above), on the corner of Madison and 55th, replaces the old shop at 711 Fifth Avenue.

Gallery: Dunhill Store & More

4. Duncan Quinn - The Coolest

Quinn , who makes some of the world's coolest suits, isn't exactly a tailor, though "designer" doesn't really capture it either. So how would he put it? "I simply have a strong view and an aesthetic to go with that view," he told The Classicist, "which encompasses the cars, wine, sailboats, cocktails and croquet." Sounds good to us. The dashing London-born former lawyer makes Savile Row-style clothes "constructed to celebrate days of glory and nights of excess." He opened his first shop in New York in 2003, and along the way he's attracted quite a following of well-dressed fellows, "gentleman rogues" who ascribe to the Quinn aesthetic.

Gallery: Duncan Quinn Designs

5. Loro Piana Luxe

Italian luxury label Loro Piana makes the most comfortable, classic, stylish and subtly luxurious clothes we've ever had the pleasure of putting on. World-famous for their cashmere, the 200-year-old company, which began as a textile merchant, has also branched out into other areas (including accessories and women's clothing) in more recent years with equal success. Loro Piana's motto has it that true luxury is "knowing, not showing," i.e. dressing for yourself, not to impress others. It's "an inner satisfaction that comes from an aesthetic, intellectual, tactile pleasure, stemming from tradition, research and genuine quality." What could be better than that?

Gallery: Loro Piana Luxe

Maine cashmere cardigan and Baby Cashmere turtleneck.

Double face baby cashmere Vassar cape from Women's Fall/Winter '08.

Continued after the jump.

Tags: Anderson Sheppard, AndersonSheppard, bespoke, cashmere, Churchs, David Chu, DavidChu, Duncan Quinn, DuncanQuinn, Dunhill, Gary Cooper, GaryCooper, Haspel, Italy, London, Loro Piana, LoroPiana, New York, NewYork, Savile Row, SavileRow, suits, The Classicist, TheClassicist

Continue reading “The Classicist: The Best of Men's Style”

Tumi Ebony Watch Chest & Humidor

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars, Timepieces / Watches, Men's Style

Earlier this year we told you about chic designer David Chu's revamp of travel brand Tumi, including new high-end luggage lines and ad campaigns featuring supermodel Shalom Harlow. Now Chu, who also has a bespoke men's clothing shop in New York City, is branching out into fine gentlemen's accessories under the Tumi label, a first for the company. Chu has designed two pieces in Makassar ebony: a suede-line watch chest (above), for $1,800, and a humidor for $2,000.

"In keeping with our heritage of providing the best cases and bags for travel, these elegant, luxurious ebony chests provide Tumi customers not only with a statement piece to be displayed and admired in the home, but help in protecting their personal possessions," Chu says. The limited edition, handcrafted pieces will be available in select Tumi stores.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: David Chu, DavidChu, Humidor, Luggage, Tumi

The Classicist: Bespoke by David Chu

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Men's Style, The Classicist

Last month we wrote about the timeless appeal of classic men's tailoring as epitomized by Savile Row, especially during times of economic uncertainty. There's no need to travel all the way to London however to indulge in custom-tailoring of the highest quality and style that transcends trends and fads, if you know where to look. In New York City, David Chu, founder of the Nautica brand who has since gone on to revitalize luggage maker Tumi, operates an ultra-chic Bespoke shop at his gorgeous Townhouse in Gramercy Park.

The Bespoke shop (above) is located in the penthouse of the Townhouse, which is home to Chu's design studio and other businesses. Ebonized and limestone floors, marble fixtures and a collection of contemporary artwork and Chinese antiquities create an elegant, polished and modern atmosphere. French doors open out from the shop onto a landscaped roof deck with captivating city and park views. "The bespoke experience is about understated elegance," Chu tells Luxist. "It's more for yourself. You put it on, it feels great, and that's the most important thing."

David Chu Bespoke "blends the best of Savile Row and Neapolitan tailoring, marrying craftsmanship with modernity." Garments are hand-cut and stitched by a master tailor based in Naples. A gentleman can order anything he requires to be custom made, from suits, overcoats, tuxedos, and sport jackets to trousers, shoes, scarves, and 12-fold ties. The emphasis is on classic, luxurious fabrics such as super 150's wool, worsted spun cashmere and vicuna sourced from the world's best mills.

Gallery: David Chu Bespoke

Tags: David Chu, DavidChu, Gramercy Park, GramercyPark, Naples, New York, New York City, NewYork, NewYorkCity, Savile Row, SavileRow, Tailoring, Tumi

Continue reading “The Classicist: Bespoke by David Chu”

David Chu's Chic Take on Tumi

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags, Men's Style

With his newly-released Fall 2008 collections for Tumi, Nautica founder David Chu is continuing the revitalization of the travel brand begun when he was named its creative director last year. Since his appointment, Chu has launched various new collections including the Alpha, using Tumi's signature black ballistic nylon, and the upscale Townhouse Collection for men. He has given the company an image makeover as well with new high-style ad campaigns featuring supermodel Shalom Harlow and an array of classic sportscars (see above).

For Fall 2008, Chu has made an appropriately seasonal modification to the spring Townhouse line, which featured khaki cotton twill and saddle leather. The Fall collection is rendered in a gray covert cloth that's a hallmark of classic British tailoring. As a counterpart, he has introduced new designs for women as well. We're also big fans of Chu's eponymous luxury menswear line, which he started after VF Corp. acquired Nautica for $585 million in 2004. Obviously Chu, who personally made over $100 million on the deal, could have just retired then and there, but we're definitely glad he decided to keep working.

Gallery: David Chu for Tumi

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Tags: David Chu, DavidChu, Luggage, Nautica, Shalom Harlow, ShalomHarlow, Tumi

David Chu

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