Allen-Edmonds: Macneil Cordovan
When a company based on luxury and true quality can boast surviving the great depression of the 1930s it demands a certain level of respect. Shoe manufacturing and retail company Allen Edmonds did just that and continues to thrive since it’s beginnings in Belgium circa the early 1920s. No, not the Belgium in Europe, the company was established in Belgium, Wisconsin and now calls Port Washinton, Wisconsin home making it one of only two American companies left today that still makes it’s shoes domestically. If those stats alone aren’t enough for you, feast your eyes on these extended perforation wingtip shoes dubbed ‘MacNeil’. Available in Burgundy Shell Cordovan for $525 and Black Polished Cobbler for $325 their styles don’t come cheap but the material and craftsmanship don’t either. The label boasts 32 stores in 17 states but you can also grab a hold of the MacNeil’s on the company website. While you’re at it, take a look at the other shoes, belts, and accessories Allen Edmonds has to offer.
Forme d’Expression – Autumn/Winter 2009
Forme d’Expression (also known as Forme 3’3204322896) go into the autumn/winter season with a well-rounded array of garments. The Italian label, established in 2005 by former Giorgio Armani and Donna Karan designer Koeun Park, enter the tail-end of the year with a comfortable, versatile collection filled with different silhouettes. In addition to several jackets and trench coats, fitted/oversize trousers are included in the lineup as well as a pale hooded jacket and loose trouser outfit, all in a toned-down colour palette and in different materials such as leather and wool, which highlights the collection’s comfortable side.
Dunhill Fall 2009 Campaign Featuring Jude Law
Actor-Director Jude Law, continues to fulfill his duties as the international face of Dunhill’s advertising campaigns this Fall making his forth straight appearance as their lead model. The shoot portrays Law in all his elements, acting the part of a director on a movie set in a film studio, legendary Shepperton Studios to be exact. Known for having produced notable motion pictures such as The Omen, The Guns of Navarone, and Hamlet among others, Shepperton Studios has long been a staple in England just as Dunhill has. The Fall 2009 collection itself is typical Dunhill, high-end, classical, and British.
Paul Smith London – Autumn / Winter 2009
Its been 33 years since Sir Paul Smith of Beeston, Nottinghamshire showed his first menswear collection in Paris under his self titled label. Worldwide success and countless collections later, Sir Paul is still fully involved in the creative process and it’s evident in his new Paul Smith London collection. Inspiration came from an English gentleman’s wardrobe from the early 1900’s, an era very familiar to Smith from watching his elders dress as a child. The label was always intended for the modern business man but this season there is an emphasis on evening wear which makes playing hard all night after working hard all day at the office an easy and stylish transition. Look for one button shawl collar jackets, peaked lapel suits, and Prince of Wales checks among other distinctive features, all reminders of how Paul Smith has been able to remain so relevant through the years.
See the collection after the jump.
Paul Smith Jeans – Autumn / Winter 2009
Following on from last week’s PS autumn/winter collection, Sir Paul Smith launches another new collection for the colder climate from his casual line, Paul Smith Jeans. The collection’s carefree use of vivid colours and attention to detail draws inspiration from the works of Oscar-nominated filmmaker Wes Anderson, director of acclaimed films such as Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums, using colours such as yellow and violet for a paler effect and navy and claret for darker tones. Not unlike previous collections, a combination of patterns are implemented into several shirts and oversize knitwear, and the jackets are as casual as ever, retaining a youthful elegance that Paul Smith Jeans are renowned for.
Continue to read for more images.
Messagerie Autumn / Winter 2009
High-end Italian label Messagerie may not be a world-wide house hold name just yet but their new Autumn/Winter 2009 collection is indication that it’ll be sooner than later before they are. Meaning delivery in French, Messagerie brings forth this elegance and class found in other collections dominated by an abundance of formal wear without being so formal. Lost on that one? Well, the proof is in their extensive look book which only features two suits, one tux, and a handful of jeans. This shows that Messagerie’s direction isn’t centered around one item or theme for this collection. Every look could’ve been worn from the runway out to any city streets and at the end of the day, that level of wearability and simple elegance is what men’s fashion should be all about, just ask Ralph Lauren. The designers at Messagerie seem to understand that concept very well.
No word yet on availability in the U.S. but there are many showrooms across Europe that carry the line. For more details on retailers and shops, visit the site.
Check out the full collection after the jump.
Steven Alan Fall 2009 Lookbook
From renowned designer Steven Alan comes images unveiling his autumn lineup through a well-crafted lookbook. Born and bred in New York, Alan gained an artistic following for his original, edgy clothing designs, and these offerings are no different. Employing a casual colour tone throughout, the collection boasts an excellent selection of jackets and kitted pieces, and his trademark shirts, ranging from formal dress to checkered plaid patterns. The images were photographed by Mat Szwajkos.
Continue to read to see more of the collection.
Closed Autumn/Winter 2009 Men’s Collection
Closed, the label founded in Italy has deep roots in the classic denim industry stemming back to the late 70s. Since then Closed has grown to encompass a complete line of what the owners describe as “sophisticated casualwear”. As inventors nearly thirty years ago of the now legendary stone-wash jeans to its credit, Closed intends to uphold its standing as innovators as a jeans label but more so a high-end fashion house. The new collection features all the Fall/Winter essentials like plaid button down shirts, blazers and wool cardigans, contemporary outerwear, and of course an array of fine denim.
A limited amount of pieces will be available at the Closed online shop, but on your next visit to Germany be sure to bring back a couple of things from their stores in Munich, Hamburg, or Sylt. A list of retailers that carry Closed in Europe, Asia, and UAE is available on its website.
See more from the Closed look book after the jump.
Ally Capellino Jeremy Stripey Bag
Ally Capellino, yet another addition to the list of pleasures most have been deprived of in the U.S. With their flagship store in Shoreditch, London, it’s fair to say that this accessories (i.e. bags, belts, wallets, etc.) label hasn’t fully crossed over the pond yet but their classic designs are all the craze further east. That fact makes them even more desirable to those who are in the know (i.e. us) as it adds to the label’s exclusivity. One of Ally Capellino’s must-haves and most sought after bags is the ‘Jeremy’ which is part of their signature British waxed cotton group. Initially presented in waxed cotton, head designer Allison Lloyd reintroduced ‘Jeremy Stripey’ in a washed striped cotton finish, hence the name. This satchel, which comes in brown or blue, is also lined with striped cotton and features two naturally finished leather buckle down straps all crafted with emphasis on longevity.
Despite the limited presence of U.S. retailers, the ‘Jeremy Stripey’ satchel can still be had without catching a seven hour flight over seas, thanks to e-commerce. It’s now available for £76.00, marked down from £152.00 at Ally Capellino’s online shop.
Uniform Experiment Fall/Winter 2009 Collection Lookbook
After debuting their first ever Spring/Summer collection last year, Japanese label Uniform Experiment seems to have defied the sophomore jinx with their second offering. As a product of Hiroshi Fujiwara (fragment design) and Hirofumi Kiyonaga of SOPHNET, Uniform Experiment sets out to introduce a new approach to business attire by injecting random street-wear elements. This would give a whole new meaning to ‘casual’ Fridays at the office, and while most of these looks (Ok, all of them) may not fly at your typical corporate nine-to-five, it makes you wish they did. The splash of colors in each look make the outfits pop when layered over or paired with black pieces. While each combination almost dares you to attempt it the most daring and outstanding would probably be the bright orange wool toggle.
See the complete Uniform Experiment Fall/Winter 2009-2010 look book after the jump.
