mens style

Parabellum Bison & Kevlar Leather Tote

Parabellum, makers of hand-crafted leather goods with a military flair in California, have come out with a new tote bag that's as tough as it is stylish. The Archer Tote is reinforced with Kevlar and finished in deep textured bison hide with a removable / washable brushed cotton liner. Made entirely by hand in Los Angeles it features a removable shape-holding leather base, zippered pocket, adjustable straps and a hand-stitched brushed cotton case to protect it when not in use. Priced at $1,800, it's available at Union and Maxfield in Los Angeles as well as Colette in Paris. Parabellum's deep textured Bison hide comes from free-range American ranches, and is tanned domestically in small batches using age old techniques.

Tags: bags, Bison, California, leather, Los Angeles, mens bags, mens style, Parabellum, tote bag

Alexander West Custom Cashmere Blend Shirts

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Men's Style

Alexander West Custom Cashmere Blend Shirts

Alexander West, a Manhattan-based clothier specializing in the finest custom-tailored shirts, ties and cufflinks for stylish swells, has debuted an ultra-luxurious new cashmere blend collection. With an extremely soft hand, the weight of the luxe fabric transitions perfectly from winter to spring. The bespoke shirts, available in three colors – stone (above), granite, and solid eggshell – feature a button-down collar and flap pocket, and retail for $295 apiece. Other West designs, available online and by appointment in New York City, are woven from premium cottons and feature luxe mother of pearl buttons, personal monogramming, and precise, detail-conscious craftsmanship. The company also offers a "Send Your Shirt" program, in which they will replicate the fit of a favorite worn-out shirt in the fabric of your choice.

Tags: Alexander West, apparel, bespoke, cashmere, clothing, custom, mens style, New York City, shirts

The Classicist: A Quarter Century of Style at Alan Flusser's New Custom Shop

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

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

The Classicist: A Quarter Century of Style at Alan Flusser's New Custom Shop

Alan Flusser, author of 2002's Dressing the Man, is our foremost arbiter elegantiarum in matters sartorial; the book remains the reigning bible of men's style. In 1981 he published his first book Making the Man and opened his first custom tailoring shop in New York City in '86; a year later his Master of the Universe wardrobe created for Michael Douglas as Gordon Gekko in Wall Street made him an instant icon. Now on the 25th anniversary of the original's debut, Flusser is re-launching the shop with a new look in the space on E. 48th St. it has inhabited since 2002. In recent years someone else handled the day-to-day operations of the shop for Flusser though he remained available for consultations. Now he's decided to take up the reigns once again and usher in a new era of elegance.

"My original vision for the shop had always been a kind of imaginary Savile Row tailor's shop–meets Park Avenue men's club–meets Gertrude Stein for a bullshot," Flusser tells us. "In other words, an environment suffused with Old World taste and totems." As a younger and more 'downtown' crowd has increasingly taken to the merits of fine tailoring, however, Flusser felt it was time for an update, both decor and clothes-wise. Having introduced a slimmer fitting, more body conscious silhouette – the "Vanderbilt" – to his repertoire in 2008, Flusser "wanted the look of the shop to more closely reflect that sleeker sartorial idiom." Enter silver walls, alligator skin tables, 1940s leather and chrome furniture, black lacquer fittings, and of course a cocktail bar. [cont'd]

Gallery: Alan Flusser Custom Shop

Tags: Alan Flusser, alan+flusser+custom, alanflussercustom, bespoke, clothing, custom, mens style, New York, Savile Row, suits, tailoring, the+classicist, theclassicist

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Express Celebrates Men's Style Staple at Super Bowl

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Events, Sports

Express, the stylish clothing brand for the young-and-cool set with a staggering $1.8 billion in annual sales, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of their most popular menswear item with a VIP bash at the Super Bowl. Since it was first introduced in 1991 the brand's 1MX shirt (above) has outfitted millions of men tired of shapeless sacks, upping the style quotient across the country. Offered in a range of 10 staple colors with an additional 10 colors rotated in per season, the highly-engineered 1MX features an calibrated collar, sleeve caps, hand patterned interlining, French seams, and 97% cotton / 3% spandex stretch fabric for a "custom" fit, available in two styles.

As the slimmer shirts are particularly popular with athletic types, the company is hosting an Anniversary event featuring a three-day gifting suite during Super Bowl XLV in Dallas. The exclusive event, taking place February 3rd – 5th at the historic Belmont Hotel, will be hosted by Jacksonville wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker who'll welcome the elite athletes and VIPs in town for the big game. The Express suite will feature an on-site monogramming station for attendees to individualize their personal iconic 1MX shirt as they enjoy signature cocktails and mingle with the crème de la crème of the sports world.

Tags: apparel, athlete, clothing, Dallas, Express, football, mens style, shirt, sports, Super Bowl, Super Bowl XLV

The Classicist: Barbour Launches the Ltd. Edition Steve McQueen Collection

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

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

EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: Two icons of authentic sporting style come together in classic British outerwear brand Barbour's cool new limited edition collection designed in homage to the great Steve McQueen, set to launch this fall. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of their iconic International clothing range, which the King of Cool wore while motorcycle racing in the 1960s, the capsule collection of 19 pieces features several new jackets, shirts and sweaters inspired by archival photos of the actor racing motorbikes and driving his collection of classic sports cars. McQueen first donned a Barbour International jacket when he represented the United States team in the 1964 International Six Day Trials (ISDT) motorcycle race in East Germany. The ISDT (now known as the International Six Days Enduro), one of the most challenging moto racing events in the world, requires each rider to cover 200 miles a day over hellish terrain.

Prior to the event in '64 Steve McQueen and other members of U.S. team stopped off in London and bought six-pocket Barbour Internationals, derived from a one-piece racing suit first offered by the firm in 1936, as a defence against the vagaries of European weather. McQueen quickly became enamored of the International's weather-defying qualities and rugged utility, wearing it in several grueling moto races over the years. Classic images of McQueen in his Barbour grace the linings of the jackets in the new collection. Standout pieces include the Penton (above, $799) and Baker ($599) waxed cotton jackets featuring stars and stripes linings and U.S. flags on the left chest, faithfully recreating the jacket that McQueen wore in the '64 ISDT. Two other wax cotton jackets, the Trophy ($429) and the Greenham ($399), reflect McQueen's effortless style on and off the racecourse. [cont'd]

Gallery: Barbour Steve McQueen Collection

Tags: apparel, Barbour, Barbour International, celebrity, ISDT, jacket, London, mens style, motor racing, motorcycle, racing, Steve McQueen, UK

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Lotus to Launch Lotus Originals Lifestyle Brand

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Luxury Cars & Autos, Men's Style, The Classicist

Famed British sports car marque Lotus has a super-stylish history, with the likes of James Bond and Steve McQueen among its best known enthusiasts. Now the storied firm, founded in 1952 by Colin Chapman, is looking to reclaims some of that former glory with a new lifestyle brand set to launch in February. Dubbed Lotus Originals, the diverse offerings will include everything from leather jackets and blue blazers to bags and backgammon sets. The company's motor racing and sports car heritage were used as inspiration for the collection, with tire tread patterns, vintage Lotus logos, racing stripes, car silhouettes and numbers relating to the dates of famous Lotus racing victories of the 1960s and 70s appearing on certain items.

"Our goal with the Lotus Originals concept was to create a range of apparel and accessories that really capture the true spirit of our iconic British brand," notes Lotus' Wiebke Bauer. "Lotus Originals isn't just for traditional car enthusiasts, on some of the pieces the branding is very subtle allowing the style and quality to shine, so we hope that it will appeal to a much broader audience. We have developed a collection that is luxurious in a classic, understated way so it is easy to wear every day yet still make you feel part of our very special brand." The Lotus Originals collection will be launched exclusively online at www.lotusoriginals.com on February 23 during London Fashion Week with a London flagship store slated to open later in the year. Check out the gallery for a preview.

Gallery: Lotus Originals

Source

Tags: James Bond, London, Lotus, luxury cars, mens style, motor racing, sports car, Steve McQueen, UK

Valentine's Day Gifts for Men by David Yurman

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Men's Style, Luxury Shopping

Valentine's Day Gifts for Men by David Yurman

Valentine's Day is a romantic occasion for both men and women. So why is it that men have always gotten short-changed when it comes to special gifts, especially jewelry? We think the time has come to honor the men in our lives.

Luxist asked David Yurman, creator of elegant jewelry (and the genius behind the iconic cable bracelet), to suggest a few pieces from his extensive men's collection, all of which would make wonderful gifts on Valentine's Day, in addition to any other special occasion.

"I've always felt that jewelry is one of the most personal and emotional gifts you can give your loved one," says designer David Yurman. "Perhaps one of the first pieces I created was a gift for my then girlfriend, now wife and muse Sybil, over thirty years ago. For this Valentine's Day I have designed a unique assortment for men that embody the spirit of the holiday."

If a bracelet is what you are looking for, Yurman offers a unique sterling silver and 18K yellow gold curb chain, which is part of the Exotic Stone Collection. The bracelet is available in a variety of stones, from black onyx ($1,800) to malachite ($2,100) and lapis ($2,500), which can be seen in the gallery below. The bracelets are 6 1/2" in length. The Rubber Weave Bracelet comes in gray, brown and blue, and retails for $295. From the Naturals Collection, the bracelet has a sterling silver sea urchin-texture clasp on a braided rubber bracelet. The bracelets are 8" in length and 8 mm in width.

Gallery: David Yurman Valentine's Day Gifts for Men

David Yurman's Valentine's Day Gifts for Men

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Tags: accessories-pedia, awards-main, david yurman, david yurman jewelry, dog tags, jewelry, luxist-awards, main-pedia, mens jewelry, mens style, mens+valentines+day+gifts, mensvalentinesdaygifts, rings, valentine+day+gifts, valentine+day+gifts+for+men, valentinedaygifts, valentinedaygiftsformen, valentines day, valentines day gifts, valentines+day+gifts+for+men, valentinesdaygiftsformen

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Dunning Sportswear - Ironman Meets Savile Row

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Sports, Men's Style

Dunning Sportswear - Ironman Meets Savile Row

The famed Ironman Triathlon meets Savile Row in Dunning Sportswear, a burgeoning Canadian label making waves up North with its first two Toronto boutiques and plans to conquer the U.S. in the new year. The label's designer Ralph Dunning is a former Ironman competitor and son of a Savile Row tailor who used to design for the likes of Reebok and Saucony. His eponymous label fuses his athletic expertise with traditional menswear and high-tech fabrics, so that athletes don't need to sacrifice style for premium performance. Dunning has partnered with the best mills and facilities to ensure strict quality control; items are made by hand in Canada, not overseas, and everything is designed for year-round versatility and a wide variety of activities. The high caliber of the garments is evident in the softness and durability of the fabrics, attention to detail and perfectly tailored fit.

Their technical fabrics are engineered "from the yarn up", meaning that performance is built-in and won't wash or wear out after repeated use. The brand was founded by Toronto native and lifelong athlete Ralph Dunning, an Ironman competitor who garnered widespread acclaim in the '90s for his Rip 'n Hammer line of premium technical clothing for triathletes and cyclists. Dunning's distinctive designs featuring clean, athletic silhouettes without unnecessary embellishment are field tested and worn by famed athletes such as Craig Alexander (above), two time Ironman World Champion. "The clothes are so clearly created from an athlete's perspective," Alexander notes. "They've got the classic look with built-in performance, as well as some great cotton and wool pieces which are often what I really want after a race or training session."

Gallery: Dunning Sportswear

Tags: athlete, athletes, Canada, Craig Alexander, Ironman, Ironman Triathlon, mens style, Ralph Dunning, Savile Row, sports, Toronto, triathlon

The Classicist: The Year's Best Luxe Books

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Books, The Classicist

Followers of The Classicist, the weekly column devoted to timeless style, enduring elegance, and true, built-to-last luxury as opposed to mere extravagance, are familiar with the fact that we take pains to search out every season's most luxurious books and bring you exclusive glimpses. 2010 was a particularly good year for top-drawer tomes; if you've any space left in your library we suggest you stock up on the following titles which we declare to be the best of the best from those that made our grade in 2010. Featuring our favorite subjects ranging from Savile Row to classic Louis Vuitton luggage, high equestrian style to high society, and classic architecture to the perfection that is is Porsche, this is a chance to catch up on the must-have volumes you might have missed.

Topping the list are our two favorites, Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks (Abrams) and Bespoke: The Men's Style of Savile Row (Rizzoli), both dealing with icons of luxe style, the first a legendary French luggage firm, the second a street synonymous with the world's best men's tailoring. Can you imagine anything better than a suite of Vuitton trunks full of Savile Row suits? Didn't think so. While you're busy assembling a collection these books are the next best thing. Men's style also comes into play in two other titles on our can't-miss list, the bible of Ivy League style Take Ivy (powerHouse) and We Want Miles: Miles Davis vs. Jazz (Skira Rizzoli). They're more closely related than you might think; the jazz legend had a not-so-hidden passion for preppy finery in his early years, while Take Ivy's title is a reference to jazz.

Gallery: The Best Luxe Books of 2010

Tags: Abrams, architecture, books, coffee table books, equestrian, Flammarion, jazz, Louis Vuitton, luggage, mens style, Miles Davis, Paris, Porsche, Rizzoli, Savile Row, Scotland, Take Ivy, teNeues, The Classicist

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Tod's Unveils Men's A/W 2011-12 Collection

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Shoes, Men's Style

Tod's Unveils Men's A/W 2011-12 Collection

Famed luxury goods firm Tod's has just unveiled its luxe men's collection for the Autumn / Winter 2011–2012 season, amping up the formality a notch while remaining the epitome of casual elegance and chic refinement. Highlights for the upcoming season include new takes on Tod's classic Winter Gommino boots as well as more formal black patent leather loafers (above, right) with a distinct wedged black rubber sole that come in a range of lace-up and slip-on versions. Other featured items include an impressive selection of bags, luggage accessories and small leather goods such as wallets and iPad cases in a range of leathers and precious exotic skins such as crocodile and python. A standout piece is the black transversal 24-hour bag (above, center) in matte black crocodile, a stylish cross between a business and weekend case. The colour palette for next fall also includes natural hues of rich chocolate brown, warm honey, marble, stone and earthy sand, including a suede bomber jacket (above, left).

Tags: apparel, crocodile, luggage, mens style, shoes, Tods

Ltd. Edition Barbour x Rockport Boots

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Shoes, Men's Style

Classic British outerwear brand Barbour has collaborated with Massachusetts-based footwear firm Rockport on a new limited edition capsule collection of men's boots. The boots, which come in three styles ranging from a Chukka to a tall cap toe boot blend Barbour's iconic waxed cotton found in its classic jackets with Rockport's famously comfortable construction. The Rockport x Barbour collection also features Barbour heritage tartans and Barbour hardware as well as an integrated adiPRENE by Adidas footbed, which provides superior shock absorption at the heel strike. Throughout the collection Rockport has paid considerable attention to details including hand stitched linings, fine pull up leathers, and rawhide laces. In addition Rockport has used its patented Walkability outsole, which helps mimic the natural walking stride by assuring a smooth strike and an efficient roll and flex of the foot throughout the walking motion. Prices for the collection range from $180 – $220 per pair.

Tags: Barbour, boots, footwear, leather, Massachusetts, mens style, outerwear, Rockport, shoes, UK

Ermenegildo Zegna Celebrates a Century of Style

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Books, Men's Style

The subtitle of a lavish new book on Ermenegildo Zegna – An Enduring Passion for Fabrics, Innovation, Quality and Style – is an apt description of the Italian luxury men's fashion house's core values. Celebrating the famed firm's 100th anniversary, the book from Skira is divided into four chapters – Mind, Hand, Style and Environment – exploring the origins and values of the brand and the four generations of family members who have made it a success story while remaining committed to the concept of "ethical expansion". As evidence of the latter, Ermenegildo Zegna is donating 20% of the retail sales of the book to the children's educational charity Care & Share.

Each chapter is introduced by noted international writers and accompanied by images that retrace the history of the Zegna brand, from ad campaigns to previously unpublished images. "Today we celebrate one hundred years since the foundation of our Group and we look towards future global developments," notes the company's CEO Ermenegildo Zegna, "as it is our duty to continue to represent the values of excellence and Italian quality all around the world. This is the heritage that our grandfather left us: savoir faire in craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and loyalty to our ethical founding values." See the gallery for a preview.

Gallery: 100 Years of Ermenegildo Zegna

Tags: ad campaigns, books, coffee table books, Ermenegildo Zegna, fashion, Italian fashion, Italy, mens style, Zegna

The Classicist: Celebrating a Century of Style Icons

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Books, Men's Style

Cary Grant, James Dean, Marlon Brando, Steve McQueen, Tom Ford and David Beckham have all had an undeniably important influence on the world of men's style – but what about Truman Capote, Che Guevara, the Sex Pistols and Jarvis Cocker? They all deserve credit as well, argues Simone Werle in a cool, lavishly illustrated new book called Fashionisto: A Century of Style Icons from Prestel. Werle names 50 figures from the last 100 years who have had an impact not only on the way men choose to adorn themselves but how they act and as well. She dubs them "fashionistos", the male equivalent of the famous fashionista. What makes a man a fashionisto? "Swagger, elegance, daring, perhaps a really well cut suit," the author notes, but not always – see Oscar Wilde, Johnny Depp and Kurt Cobain.

Each icon is featured in a double page spread with glossy full-color photographs and Werle's acute observations, anecdotes, and historical insight. While you may not have personally felt the sartorial influence of Boy George or Bootsy Collins, Werle makes a compelling case for their inclusion. She divides the book into sections according to the various styles or fashion phylum represented: The Gentlemen, The Rebels, The Dandies, The Rock Stars, The Classics, The Fashion Designers, The Beautiful People, The Bands and The Extraterrestrials.

"Fashionistos like fashionistas choose clothing that accentuates their best parts, not only of their bodies but also their personalities," Werle writes. "Both know when to follow the rules of style and when to break them. And both have the courage to stay who they are. But all the same, there is a huge difference. Men have a much easier time in fashion – and yet a much more difficult one." How so, you ask? "Classic men's fashion has very clear-cut rules; if you follow them, you can't go wrong. The man who doesn't look good in a custom-made suit of ﬁne fabric has yet to be born," she notes. "But to make a mark on the history of style, more is needed – and this is where it gets tricky. Men's fashion does not suffer rebels gladly. If you have the courage to rebel, you need self-conﬁdence – and more than that, a sense of style."

Gallery: Fashionisto: A Century of Style Icons

Tags: bespoke, books, Cary Grant, coffee table books, David Beckham, fashion, James Dean, Johnny Depp, male+style+icons, malestyleicons, mens style, Steve McQueen, style, suits, Tom Ford, Truman Capote

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The Classicist: Celebrating the Season in Style with Range Rover at Wheatleigh

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

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

Click above for high-res image gallery. Photos exclusive to Luxist.

Winter can be a long, cold interlude verging on a test of endurance in the Northeast, and it's all too easy to get bogged down by the doldrums. Plenty of people either hibernate by their hearths or hit the beach until the mercury makes its ascent, but there are myriad ways to keep warm with style, verve and panache. We recently gathered some of our favorite accessories of the season at Wheatleigh, the majestic mansion-turned-luxury hotel in the heart of the Berkshires' winter wonderland. Getting us there in style and comfort through anything the weather cared to concoct was the 2011 Range Rover Sport, a luxurious way to see the landscape safe in the knowledge that the elements have met their match. The pedigreed SUV's smooth, refined, performance and rugged good looks mark it as a thoroughbred in all respects, a suitably stylish conveyance for arriving at a desirable destination like Wheatleigh. And we had the great new Olympus PEN E-PL1 compact, versatile digital camera on hand to record it all for your vicarious enjoyment.

Wheatleigh, located in Lenox, Mass. next door to Edith Wharton's famed country manor The Mount, is a grand estate based on a 16th century Florentine palazzo built in 1893 by New York financier Henry H. Cook for his daughter who married a Spanish count. Many of the materials and over 150 artisans were brought from Italy to produce intricate carvings and design flourishes for the grand interiors and facades. Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect who designed Central Park in New York, was responsible for creating "Wheatleigh Park" on the land surrounding the palazzo. Following a four year multimillion dollar renovation it was transformed into one of the most unique luxurious small hotels in the world. The nineteen suites, guest rooms and baths artfully combine antiques and custom furnishings with original museum quality contemporary art. The baths are finished with English limestone, marble and hand-blown glass fixtures, and most rooms feature fireplaces and Bang & Olufsen TVs. Check out the gallery to see the perfect accoutrements for a stylish seasonal sojourn – from books to watches, champagne to cashmere sweaters, and boots to bags – no matter where your journey takes you.

Gallery: Range Rover at Wheatleigh Dec. 2010

Graf & Lantz wool felt Boat Bag, personalized Tumi Alpha wheeled case.

Tumi Alpha case; Dom Perignon Tribute to Andy Warhol edition; Private Stock jeans; Graf & Lantz Quiver wine carrier w/ Robert Mo

Tags: Bang Olufsen, Berkshires, Brooks Brothers, Central Park, champagne, Dom Perignon, Edith Wharton, estates, Frederick Law Olmsted, gardens, Holiday 2010, L.L. Bean, Lenox, luggage, luxury hote, mansion, Massachusetts, mens style, New England, Olympus, Olympus PEN E-PL1, palazzo, Persol, Ralph Lauren, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, spirits, stolichnaya, sunglasses, SUV, teNeues, The Mount, Tumi, vodka, Wheatleigh, winter

Barbour Opens New Outpost in NYC

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Men's Style

Classic British outwear company Barbour is opening a new outpost in New York on Wooster St. in Soho's historic Cast Iron District. The new space will be open briefly to feature the Barbour Autumn / Winter 2010 Heritage Collection through the holidays, and will the reopen in early spring with a complete collection of Spring / Summer 2011 Barbour apparel and accessories.

"We are very excited to expand our New York presence with a new store in Soho," notes Jamie Millar, Head of Retail for Barbour Inc., North America. "The neighborhood is steeped in history and culture, but is constantly evolving and remains one of the most fashionable neighborhoods in the country. With Barbour's strong heritage and growing popularity among the fashion-forward, SoHo was a natural fit for Barbour. We are very excited to be joining such a prestigious shopping district." Other Barbour retail store locations include Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side; Boston, Mass; Ardmore, PA; M Street in Georgetown; and the Barbour by David Wood boutique in Portland, Maine.

Gallery: Barbour Opens in Soho