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Ouch. Those belts CANNOT be comfortable, and the large-scale prints on the right are not particularly flattering on the caboose. The things we do in the name of fashion.
Anyway… headed to Italy to visit our shirting mill, and then hopping to Milano Unica to peruse the finest fabrics the world has to offer. We’ll be sure to report anything & everything worth reporting, and I’ll even try to squeak out a few artsy-fartsy iPhone pics just for giggles & grins.
Cheers.
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“I’m gonna take this right foot, and I’m gonna whop you on that side of your face. And you wanna know something? There’s not a damn thing you’re gonna be able to do about it.” –Billy Jack
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Billy Jack was a martial arts sensation– from the same soft-spoken school of wisdom, justice & chill as Kwai Chang Caine of Kung Fu. He could lay a smack-down on bullies, bikers and bosses faster than you can say– “cool hat.”
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Danish-born film star Carl Brisson & ’34 Isotta Franscini
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Hollywood leading-man Clark Gable & ’55 Duesenberg
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Cary Grant & Constance Bennett in the ’37 Movie “Topper” with Cord Special
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Hollywood western movie star and stuntman Buck Jones & ’33 Packard Special
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Purple is certainly very regal & chic. But, I don’t know what to say… overall I am pretty underwhelmed with this entire collection. Looks like someone has designer’s-block. Very Ralph Lauren Purple Label– only gets you so far. What is Bamford & Sons P.O.V.? Continue reading
Eddie Bauer is credited for inventing and patenting the first quilted down jacket in America, back in 1940. However, Moncler is synonymous with ‘down for the jet set’, and for Fall 2009 they unveiled Gamme Blue– a collection designed by Thom Browne. The looks are classic Thom Browne in terms of tailoring, and the very ‘tight and trad’ color story echoes Moncler’s heritage. Some of the looks are very editorial, and therefore down-right silly. Others are just what you expect when you think Thom Browne + Moncler.
Moncler’s story goes back to 1952 when they started producing technical mountain sports gear. They say their first down jacket came about when the Moncler workers made them for their own wearing inside the factory during the colder months. Necessity is the mother of invention, right?
If you’re a fan of Tom Waits and not familiar with this album– pick it up now. John Hammond covers Tom Waits’ originals (except for one song), with Waits himself on backup and producing the album. They’ve been friends and played together for years. I’ve had Wicked Grin in heavy rotation since it came out in 2001, and whenever anyone hears it, right they are blown away by John Hammond’s boozy, barrelhouse blues chops.
Wicked Grin is utterly timeless, still worth raving over. In fact, I’m listening to it right now– and all of a sudden I need a beer.
I had the pleasure of chatting with Sid Mashburn at the Warwick Haberdashery Show. He stopped by to see the Robert Redd line and hung out for awhile.
I had a blast “getting my Redd on” with friends at the Warwick Hotel today. The Haberdashery Show starts Saturday in NYC, so all of us “Redd extended family members” put in a fun day of folding shirts, dressing rigs and pinning boards to get ready for the event. It’s personally rewarding to be a part of something special like Robert Redd. I regret forgetting my camera, but Carol saved the day and snapped a few pics while we were setting up. The photo above was taken in the afternoon before we were completely done, but you’ll get the idea.
Known for their signature knit shirts in a breadth of color- Robert Redd has now expanded their product range to include sportshirts, sweaters and accessories that are sure to please diehard followers along with adding some new. Robert Redd is based in Charlottesville, VA and run by a couple of great guys- owner Robert Matheson and Eric Jones. It’s a brand that believes in telling their story through beautiful product more than selling you their mark- there are no logos on Robert Redd shirts. I know I’ve said this before, but they do a great knit shirt with a self-collar and open sleeve- The Charles.
Robert Redd is definitely a brand whose time has come– so you have my permission to get a Redd on for the ladies.
I love Mad Men for all the obvious reasons- so I’m waiting (not-so-patiently) and wondering what’s in store for season III. Visually, it’s eye candy, right? The wardrobe, styling, scenery, furniture, props- even the much-blogged-about fonts used in the show are all a feast for the eyes. Mad Men also wonderfully reflects the attitudes and flavor of an era that I just missed out on, but saw my parents and family in– through old photographs, slides and stories. It’s personal too– in the way that we all probably know someone who’s just like each of the characters- even see a little of ourselves in them. I know I do, especially with Don. No, I don’t look like him unfortunately. It’s more about his outlook. And that’s not something to brag about– that’s something to work on.
Junya Watanabe’s (of Comme des Garcons) Spring 2009 collection is a very fitted & fresh mix of American menswear “classics with a twist”. Collaborations with iconic prepster brands- Brooks Brothers, Levi’s, Lacoste and Baracuta made for some funky updates to familiar models, patterns and fabrics. What also makes it youthful is eye-catching denim pieces and cool hats thrown in.
The Selvedge Yard 