Michael Bastian – Fall/Winter 2010 Show
The Bastian Fall/Winter collection combines one part classic American heritage and one part punk-rock to quench the fashion palette of the modern urbanite. All of the “Americana” style trappings that many of you have become accustomed to in recent years such as quilted jackets, plaid, corduroy suits, tweed jackets, etcetera are all jazzed up with distressed denim and Doc Marten boots in Bastian’s latest show. The styling presented in this show really captured the attention of the audience for the line’s versatility and accessibility to one’s current wardrobe. I wasn’t drawn heavily to a theme or story of the runway show, but just the clothes. The show was entertaining, nonetheless.
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Billy Reid – Fall/Winter 2010 Show
I’ve read countless times how Billy Reid attributes much of his design aesthetic to his upbringing in Alabama. Though I don’t doubt this plays an integral part in his design process, I don’t particularly grasp that southern sensibility when I see the clothes for his Fall/Winter collection. I see beautiful gentleman classics that I associate with all corners of the US. Reid seemed to touch base on a majority of the classics and didn’t embellish too much on them. The colors predominantly stayed in the grays and browns. There’s always some rugged sophistication about the looks on his runway, and this establishes a strong sense of timelessness. Layering was executed excellently, and my favorite looks paired the short jackets with suiting or knitwear.
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Richard Chai – Fall 2010 Show
It’s hard to pinpoint a single theme or inspiration for Chai’s Fall 2010 range, but what we get out of it is that in its simplicity, quality construction and intelligent layers make it one of the more quietly solid presentations of the season. Neither the outerwear nor the other pieces dominate the collection, but the way everything is put together allows each of the items to garner attention equally. A plaid print here, or a quilted pattern there, partnered up with a leather jacket, wool coat, and a scarf puts everything into a respectable fashion story. In addition, the colors Chai chooses are more muted this time around compared to his Fall 2009 season. The use of darker blues, grays, and hints of brown make the collection more refined. Add the touch of accessories such as knit hats and fingerless gloves, and you have a collection that can move from a sophisticated landscape to a more urban environment.
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Y-3 – Fall 2010 Show
Yohji Yamamoto’s Y-3 line under the Adidas brand is synonymous with the activewear meets streetwear style. For fall 2010, Mr. Yamamoto introduces a collection that could surely move from the gym straight to the streets and vice versa. Slim silhouettes are almost non-existent to make sure comfort and movement are well accommodated. While some looks and pieces are too grand for casual wear, other items such as some of the trousers, tops, and jackets can stand on its own. The more dramatic pieces such as the sleeveless jacket cape or the PVC like long rain parkas and skirts are surely for the more daring types. Overall, its what we could expect from Yamamoto, a blend of the avant-garde mixed in with the styles of the athletically inclined.
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Victor Glemaud – Fall 2010 Show
It’s hardly a concern these days that masculinity somehow gets lost in most of the men’s collections during any fashion week. So when a designer like Victor Glemaud brings forward a collection that celebrates the masculine form, it’s time to pay close attention. Quilted coats, duck boots, and oxford shirts in collaboration with Gitman Brothers are all signs of traditional craftsmanship and gentlemanly looks. There’s an outdoor/ski feel to the collection as well, giving men the “active” appearance they surely deserve. In terms of colors, the different hues in the collection give the appearance that these clothes are meant to be worn, played, and worked in. Yellows, olive greens, browns, blues, blacks, are all present for an all around look for the “all around” guy.
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L.L.Bean Signature – Video Preview
It was no surprise that the first 100 pairs of the L.L.Bean Signature Waxed Canvas Maine Hunting shoes sold out on its official prelaunch. However, if you’re still on the prowl for a pair, you can pre-order now for the March drop. To continue with their ongoing campaign before the official March 15 launch, L.L.Bean recently released this video previewing some of the styles and items L.L.Bean Signature has to offer. For us guys, look to classic and traditional items such as shirts, sweaters, suits, coats, and more.
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Taylor Stitch – How to Measure for a Custom Shirt Video
If you’re new to the world of custom made clothing, then you’re going to want to know what to expect when it comes time to get measured. The folks over at Taylor Stitch has a great instructional video if you want to do the measuring yourself. This eight step video will teach you everything you need to learn from measuring the neck area, the yoke, the sleeve, and more. So prepare to take out your measuring tapes and measure away while you follow these easy steps.
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Philip Sparks – Fall/Winter 2010 Preview
We recently posted up videos of some behind the scenes looks from Philip Sparks’ gradual completion of his Fall/Winter 2010 collection. As we’ve mentioned already, the collection takes inspiration from naval life, specifically Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. Luckily, preview images from the collection have also surfaced on the Philip Sparks Twitter page. So far, the collection looks to be solid and we do get a sense of that maritime/seafaring style Sparks is going for.
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Crescent Down Works – Italian Vest
Seattle, Washington based Crescent Down Works has been producing quality outerwear garments since 1974. The label specializes in custom down clothing and outer sportswear. One of their current products is this Italian style down vest. It’s made from 100% Nylon and features a mandarin collar, snapped wind flap over zipper, inside pockets, and an elastic waist. It comes in three colorways, beige, navy, and black, and is available at Japanese retailer Mizobuchi.
TENDER Co. – Autumn/Winter 2010 Preview
There’s a respectable poetic characteristic behind the TENDER brand. According to their website, the British label’s name comes from the part of the train where coal and water is carried to power the locomotive. Made out of cast iron, it was built to be strong and solid, and placed between the engine and the carriages to allow the train to haul many tons of freight across Britain. Tender also means, “to care for.” The label proves to have all these characteristics with their denim construction. It’s rough and rugged enough for those who work hard in their clothes, but “tender” enough for those who pay extra close attention to their things. It’s a smart balance between working hard and being nurturing. As for the Autumn/Winter 2010, we look forward to what TENDER Co. will have in store in the denim department, but also excited to see what pieces will complement their denim products.
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