Monthly Archives

January 2011

JAPAN RAGS – Agence ANTIDOTE

A specialist in “authentic” jeans, Japan Rags brand has been expressing the cultural desire for the genuine article since 1998 and is perfectly positioned as the expert on vintage. Established in the south of France by Gil Richardiere, (the father) and Lylian (his son), Japan Rags is today a rapidly expanding fashion brand.

Japan Rags refers to the “Made in Japan” secondhand clothes culture that was one of the major markets for post-war secondhand American clothes. Pioneers of vintage fashion, customizing, repurposing and recycling clothes. A trend that continues to have a strong influence on current fashion! It is in this rich universe that the brand finds its inspiration each season. The basics of secondhand clothes are reworked, rethought and redesigned to meld into a more urban, sporty fashion.

Aware of environmental problems, Japan Rags expresses their will to encourage a more green view of the industry. After years of research, and numerous scientific tests, Japan Rags choses a revolutionary fading technique, the Ozone Treatment. This treatment consists of reducing the water and chemical treatments needed for fading the blue jeans, and abolishing the use of permanganate.

2011 ASICS – “Sport Releases More Than Just Sweat”

2011 ASICS Global Advertising Campaign – “Sport Releases More Than Just Sweat”

ASICS is an athletic footwear company based in Kobe, Japan. Founder, Mr. Kihachiro Onitsuka, chose the name ASICS based on a famous Latin phrase “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano”, which when translated expresses the ancient ideal of “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body.” ASICS was founded on the belief that the best way to create a healthy and happy lifestyle is to promote total health and fitness.

The ASICS tagline, “Sound Mind, Sound Body” aims to inspire people to achieve a healthy balance in life through sport. Creatively, we looked at the act of running as a way to cleanse the mind and body of pollutants such as stress, insecurity or pent up aggression. Anyone who runs knows that when you run, you release more than just sweat.

Soulland Autumn/Winter 2011, Civilized

Soulland’s design esthetic is rooted in traditional Scandinavian craftsmanship and through great attention to the detailing of the clothes, classic menswear is reinterpreted with a present-day esthetic. This approach is recognizable in key Soulland items such as the Adler Fedora, which merges a classic fedora hat with a baseball cap, and in the Bomholt pants with elastic ribs.

Hugo by Hugo Boss Show Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2011

Hugo by Hugo Boss Show Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2011

Hugo by Hugo Boss combines creativity and individuality to give new takes on classic shapes. Included to the Hugo Boss range in 1993 this innovative collection adds unconventional accents, creating a modern fresh look. Characterised by its superior quality, vibrant colours and intricate details Hugo is light and cosmopolitan.

G-Star Raw – Berlin Fashion Week January 2011

G-Star Raw – Berlin Fashion Week January 2011

The ergonomic designs by G-Star are crafted to fit the bend of your legs, resulting in maximum comfort and durability with reinforcing at stress points. G-Star also serves up simpler yet no-less-slick-looking premium denim styles that may not be designed for super active guys, yet still provide a durable option in stylish washes and silhouettes.

Nike Sportswear x Edison Chen MFG Destroyer Jacket Video

Nike Sportswear x Edison Chen MFG Destroyer Jacket Video

Actor, musician, producer, and fashion designer, Edison Chen recently came to the Big Apple and naturally we welcomed him with open arms. Edison has been on a hiatus but his influence hasn’t gone anywhere. As founder of clothing company CLOT Inc., and multimedia company, Clot Media Division, Edison has been one of the cultural leaders in China since near the beginning of the millenium. As he’s coming off his hiatus, look out for big moves from this Renaissance Man.

Issey Miyake Men Fall 2011

Pen
What are your thoughts?…quick! Take out your pen and write them down.

The simple act of taking out a favorite pen from your breast pocket or bag and writing down your thoughts and ideas will never be lost, even in our age of mobile electronic communication. A pen can influence the shape and placement of a pocket, the fabric and the gesture itself.

The relationship existing between clothes, people and their favorite pens is an intimate one.

Issey Miyake Autumn Winter 2011 Collection is one that draws.

-Issey Miyake

Issey Miyake Men Fall 2011

From a love poem, to a letter home, to directions in a foreign city, Issey Miyake’s collection evoked a sense of nostalgia for the little things in life.

The color palette was a mix of neutral greys, whites, and blacks, but with beautiful blues, burgundy, red, green, and Tartan plaid. The pieces were totally wearable and the chunky knits were dreamy. The playfulness of the show kept us all entertained while the quality and aesthetic of the collection had us impressed.

To end the show, all of the models and designer Dai Fujiwara himself met at the base of the runway to leave a mark on the pristine white showroom wall.

Like a spider weaving a web, one minute there was nothing there and seconds later each person had left a unique and personal note with a pen on the wall. The sentiment was appreciated by the crowd as the final note in an uplifting collection.

Alexis Mabille Men A/W 2011/2012 Paris

It was a truly UK invasion this morning at Alexis Mabille. The collection brought us a plethora of tartan plaids, and a family spirit that pervaded each piece.

Mabille’s goal was to rally his clan of bad boys- bringing elements that appealed to both the refined and the audacious characters in the family. In the Mabille clan, its armor made of brocade, plenty of zippers, interchangeable collars, daredevil trousers and skinny jeans with bold laces up the leg.

The sportswear in this collection invigorated the rigor of a masculine profile by throwing in custom T’s printed with a Mabille label inspired by legendary Scottish whiskeys and multicolored Veja sneakers.

Alexis Mabille Men A/W 2011/2012 Paris

Rounded and Oxford collars, tied either with a bow or knotted like a bandana gave the men a touch of that good old British class we love. The color palette was full of warm, cabin-cozy Tartan colors like, gradations of red and blue, pine and chestnut, saffron and its best friends, khaki and camel, gold and silver brocade.

The colors are as rich in name as they are in pigment. But, the last thing this collection was is old-fashioned. The details in each piece- like the buttons on the sleeves, the red soles on the tennis, the belts, buckled leather satchels, scarves, layers of colors and textures, and of course the lace-up details on the pants, kept the collection exciting.

As head of the clan, Alexis Mabille did his heritage proud this season with a distinctive, powerful yet relaxed and charming collection.

EHUD Men A/W 2011/2012

The next collection from Ehud has us convinced that we need to take a closer look- for what we first see is not always what it seems. The totally wearable collection evoked the masculinity we missed in some collections this season.

EHUD Clothing Jackets Shirt

Modern neutrals in shades of grey, taupe and black commenced the show, but it was the silhouettes that got our attention the most. Keeping with the slim leg we have gotten accustomed to, Ehud used color block emphases to accentuate the masculine form.

Patent accessories and shoes, skinny ties and plunging v-necks finished off the sleek looks and reminded us of the Mad Men era. The surprising details we noticed most were the differing textures and contrasting colors used on the front versus the back of separates. Red patent leather from the front turned into demure grey flannel after passing. Definitely a hit at Ehud this season.

EHUD Men A/W 2011/2012

Giorgio Armani Men’s Collection Fall/Winter 2011-2012

Giorgio Armani Men’s Collection Fall/Winter 2011-2012

To mix and remix: this key approach that defines so much of contemporary culture is at the heart of this collection. It’s an eclectic process that draws on and reinterprets the classic world of Giorgio Armani. ??The presence of the colour grey is important and a determining factor for Autumn/Winter 2011-12, and is expressed in a wide range of nuances…masculine and sophisticated!

?From suits to shoes, from belts to silk printed shirts, flannel transforms and is reinterpreted, giving birth to a mix of innovative impressions.??This is never more apparent and clearly stated than in the outfit that opens the show: a beautifully designed and weighty overcoat, teamed with a flannel suit/tracksuit, a shirt in jersey and a tie.

?This fusion of contrasting elements, achieving a well judged balance between the elegant and the casual, combines a clear cut logical code of dress with a total commitment to progressive and contemporary couture for men.

Billionaire Boys Club S/S’11 Collection Video

Billionaire Boys Club® Season 12 Lookbook – Promo

Billionaire Boys Club S/S’11 Collection Video

Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream are two lines of luxury clothing established by Pharrell of The Neptunes and Nigo, founder of BAPE. The lines consist of T-shirts, polos, sweatshirts, knits, denim, suits and shirts; outerwear in leather, down, cotton, and technical fabrics; hats, sneakers, underwear, socks and accessories.

In 2005, Pharrell, one half of The Neptunes partnered with Japanese fashion icon Nigo, the founder of A Bathing Ape (BAPE). The two collaborated together to create and launch two new luxury streetwear brands: Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream. The brand suffered many setbacks after its original conception due to disputes between Pharrell and Reebok. Reebok was originally set to release the clothing line alongside the Ice Cream sneaker line. Although the sneakers made it, the clothing line was postponed and all projects came to an end in late 2004/early 2005. It was at the very end of 2005 when the brand was finally launched as a sister company to A Bathing Ape.

Burberry Prorsum Menswear Autumn Winter 2011 collection

Burberry Prorsum Menswear Autumn Winter 2011 collection

Burberry showed its Burberry Prorsum Menswear Autumn Winter 2011 collection in Milan earlier today, after which the collection was made available for instant purchase using new innovative technology.

Guests at the show in Milan included Burberry Chief Executive Angela Ahrendts, British model Cara Delevingne (who features in the brand’s Spring Summer 2011 ad campaign), Burberry Acoustic musicians George Craig (One Night Only), Johnny Borrell (Razorlight) and Johnny Flynn, actor Douglas Booth and Isaac Ferry all of whom wore Burberry.

British model Jacob Young (who features for the month of January alongside Cara Delevingne in the brand’s recently announced innovative evolving monthly Spring Summer 2011 campaign), British musicians Seb Brice and Tara Ferry and actor Matthew Beard all walked the runway in Milan.

5415_STONE ISLAND_SS ‘011_PREVIEW

LAB and LIFE, the two faces of Stone Island.

LAB is the incessant and continuous research into materials and treatments. The result of its never ending vocation to daring experimentation.

LIFE is its lending experience and perception. Strong aesthetics providing status to its wearer. A recognisable and impactful transversal sportswear for everyday use.

These two cores have been merged into a single idea to create the Spring Summer _011 collection. References and inspiration taken from the various environments have been carefully investigated in order to create useful functions and details. Ocean Navigation, the Navy and Uniforms have been rewritten with a modern, urban vocabulary.

The treatments modify the aspect of materials and as always make the difference. The fabrics come to life and gain body, matte or shiny qualities, depth, shading. Special dyes have been used to achieve metallic highlights that recreate the appearance of the bodywork of latest generation sports cars. Iridescent surfaces have been achieved by laminating them with nylon monofilament mesh. Two-tone effects have been created printing and plating techniques. Modern technology has revitalised fabrics from the historic archive.

WeSC Denim – The Making of…

Denim is a craft and a process – and in this film you get a look into the making of the WeSC Denim. The amount of detail that goes into the making of WeSC Denim is beyond amazing – from start to finish!

Take part in the process in this film, and see the cutting, sewing, stitching, manual treatment and love that goes into each and every pair and piece!

Calvin Klein Collection Spring 2011 Commecial

A perennial celebrity favorite, Calvin Klein Collection attends one of its elite clientele’s biggest nights — the Golden Globe Awards.

The new Calvin Klein Collection television commercial will be featured in the U.S. during the live broadcast of the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards this Sunday, January 16th on NBC at 8:00 PM EST/5:00 PM PST.

Several versions will air multiple times throughout the evening, including a special :60 second spot. Additionally in New York City and Los Angeles, Calvin Klein Collection will also be tagged in over 250 spots as the local sponsor of the awards show, in the days leading up to the live broadcast.

And, for the first time in the brands history, a Calvin Klein Collection television commercial will also be included in the mix of media. The creative features supermodel Lara Stone alongside male model Tyson Ballou. Shot on location in La Jolla, California, and directed by Fabien Baron.

“Our aim was to produce a luxury lifestyle commercial showcasing our Calvin Klein Collection products. It elegantly features men’s and women’s apparel and accessories, as well as items from our home collection,” said Tom Murry, President & CEO, Calvin Klein, Inc.

“I believe the creative conveys the message that Calvin Klein Collection — our halo brand, positioned at the top of our global brand pyramid — is modern, timeless, luxurious, and sexy.”

The creative will begin during the pre-show red carpet programming and continue throughout the evening and into the following day on major network and cable television.

Charlie Siem “Success” – Alfred Dunhill

As part of the Alfred Dunhill “Voices campaign for Spring / Summer 2011 violin virtuoso Charlie Siem talks about the way he measures success.

Charlie’s life in music began at the age of three — when he first took up his violin, after hearing the late Yehudi Menhulin perform Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. Since then he has appeared at Windsor, Spoleto and St Moritz Festivals and has performed with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Mozart Players, Israel Camerata, Bergen Philharmonic, Vilnius National Symphony Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra and Pertos Sinfoinca Brazil.

Massimo Osti Clothing – 30% Discount

Massimo Osti Jacket Sweater Knitwear

Togged.com is offering a small exclusive collection of archive Massimo Osti Jackets, Sweaters, Cardigans and Knitwear with up to a 30% Discount. This is an opportunity to own a piece of history.

CLICK HERE TO BUY

Even the most dedicated Fashionistas might’nt of heard of Massimo Osti! Nonetheless Massimo Osti’s contribution to menswear in the 20th and 21st centries is undoubtedly as momentus as that of Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, Gianni Versace, Yves Saint Laurent and Franco Moschino. Massimo Osti was a truly unique and innovative thinker, fabric engineer and designer.

Massimo Osti created CP Company and Stone Island – the two brands which influenced a whole generation. Massimo Osti has influence many of the world’s top designers, including Helmut Lang and even Prada.

Massimo Osti Clothing - 30% Discount

C.P. Company Past & Present Show

The C.P. Company Goggle Jacket was originally designed by Massimo Osti as a gift, as part of C.P. Company’s sponsorship involvement in the ‘988 edition of the iconic Mile Miglia (Thousand Miles) Italian open road endurance race. Its design features embody the cautious study of all functionality and innovation details derived from car racing. Its most original design features were the hinging goggles built into the hood and the window on the left sleeve through which a driver could check his watch whist driving.

To celebrate 20 years since its release, C.P. Company invited RCA graduate (2006) Aitor Throup to re-invent this icon of clothing design, resulting in a forward-thinking ergonomic driving concept.

Aitor Throup’s design philosophy is centred around ideologies of a constant research to find new solution in clothing, mainly explored his own sculptures. Throup’s ‘justified design philosophy’ dictates a need for a reason behind every design feature. His work has been described as ‘conceptual functionalism’. The C.P. Company 20th anniversary Goggle Jacket is a direct example of this unique approach to design.

This exhibition (curated by Aitor Throup) incorporates the origins of the Goggle Jacket, as well as in-depth view into the design process and functionality behind the special 20th anniversary edition.

From Prada to Nada Trailer – OFFICIAL TRAILER

From Prada to Nada Trailer – OFFICIAL TRAILER

From Prada to Nada, a modern twist on Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility is a new romantic comedy starring Camilla Belle, Alexa Vega, Wilmer Valderrama, Kuno Becker and Academy Award nominee Adriana Barraza.

It’s a whimsical fish-out-of-water story of two spoiled sisters: Nora (Camilla Belle), a law student, and Mary (Alexa Vega), an undergrad party girl, living with their father in a luxurious mansion in Beverly Hills. Mary has become so “90210” she refuses to admit she is of Mexican decent. When dad suddenly passes away, their posh lives are turned upside down. They discover they have been left penniless and are forced to move into their estranged aunt Aurelia’s (Adriana Barraza) modest but lively home in the Latino-centric Boyle Heights neighborhood of East LA. They are terrified to leave their world of privilege; neither Nora nor Mary speak Spanish or have ever had to take on actual responsibility. The girls gradually adapt to their new environment; their BMW and Prius are traded for the public bus and a used car. As they embrace the culture that for so long they refused to accept, they both discover romance, the true meaning of family, and they learn that the life of PRADA actually means NADA without love, family and community.

Nike Sportswear x Toby Morse Destroyer Jacket Video

Showing his love for Nike with feet emblazoned with the iconic Swoosh, it was only appropriate to have Toby Morse the frontman of the influential hardcore band, H2O come in and customise his own Destroyer jacket. Lit up with sayings of positivity, Toby’s jacket embodies the messages of the drug free and positive lifestyle he sings about and leads, similarly passing it on to the youth of America through his organization, One Life, One Chance.

Vegan Brogue Shoes by NOHARM

Vegan Brogue Shoes by NOHARM

NOHARM offer a collection of vegan brogues which easily rival the leading traditional leather brands including Gucci, Prada, Jeffery West, Grensons, Tods etc.

Take a look at these vegan brogues available at Amazon.com:

The NOHARM Brown leather-free traditional brogue lace-up shoe radiates a clean and sophisticated style. The look is sharp and elegant and will compliment a suit, trousers or jeans in either a social or business environment. These stylish and ethically responsible shoes are hand-crafted in Italy (NOHARM is strongly opposed to child-labour and worker exploitation). The unique lining is designed to dissipate perspiration and drastically reduce odor. All ingredients and components used to manufacture NOHARM footwear are meticulously researched to ensure the finished product conforms to Vegan Society standards. NOHARM is a proud recipient of the Vegan Society Trademark. All shoes are carefully packaged in biodegradable boxes which are printed with environmentally-friendly ink.

NOHARM Fashion

Lifetime Fall/Winter 2011

Lifetime Fall/Winter 2011

Directed by: Salazar
Music: Chad Vangaalen
Sound Design: Dan Gagnon
Animal Trainer: Dana Dube (Animal Insight)
Stylist: Mila Franovic
Makeup: Shannon Reynolds
Hair: Tania Becker at Nobasura
1st AC: Stephan Duval
1st AC: Liam Mitchell
Key Grip: Will Parrot
Dolly Tech / BBQ Master: Trevor Fleming
Cast – Kristy Jacobsen at Rad Kids
Brennan Lloyd at Richards Modeling
Ice the Wolf
Thanks to Kirk at Jamestown (Location)

Kenzo Clothing & Accessories has new head

Kenzo Clothing & Accessories has new head

Luxury goods group LVMH named a new head at its fashion label Kenzo on Wednesday as it tries to boost lagging sales at the unit, confirming reports earlier this week.

Eric Marachelle, current head of children’s clothing brand Catimini, will replace outgoing Kenzo head James Greenfield, who will move to a different position within the group, LVMH said.

Marachelle’s appointment had been confirmed by a source close to the matter on Monday following a report by newspaper Le Figaro.

Kenzo barely breaks even at the moment, having suffered hefty losses in the past. LVMH has owned Kenzo since 1993, though the brand’s founding designer Kenzo Takada retired in 1999.

In May LVMH denied media reports that it was looking for potential buyers for Kenzo, whose annual sales are estimated at about 150 million euros ($197.4 million).

Phillip Lim says he is getting more in touch with his Asian heritage

Phillip Lim says he is getting more in touch with his Asian heritage.

Phillip Lim CNN Talk Asia from 3.1PhillipLim on Vimeo.

I grew up in a duality where day was Western culture and night was completely Eastern culture. I grew up fighting my Eastern heritage, my Chinese side. As I get older I have this innate yearning to realise my roots and get deeper in touch with them.”

Phillip Lim, speaking to CNN Talk Asia on the occasion of his first fashion show in Asia, held late last year in Beijing.