Preview: Menswear Designers do Duffels for CFDA x Details

Last Fall the CFDA and Details magazine partnered to have men's designers create an exclusive pocket square. One was framed and signed and auctioned off... 100 more of each design were available through Bonobos. Not only did I bid (and lose) on a number of them, I ended up buying the Billy Reid design for a friend.

Well the collaboration has returned and this time the accessory of choice is a duffel bag. An Army standard issue duffel bag. Twenty designers participated, making the duffel their own, including Marc Jacobs, Ovadia & Sons, Michael Bastian, UNIS, Gilded Age, and many more. 

Details gave me an advance peek at the bags and here are my favs (and the ones I'll most likely be bidding on!)...

Public School -- before I even knew who designed this bag it stood out to me. Turning the whole bag + hardware black, I loved the quilted leather side pocket. Oh and these guys just want the CFDA Swarovski Menswear Award.

Tommy Hilfiger -- I saw the photos of this bag and loved the bright red leather handles, and the black leather end caps. Then I looked closely at the blue patch on the side and saw that signature "TH". Classic, subtle, sophisticated.

Simon Spurr -- while his own line shuttered (fingers crossed for a re-launch), Spurr has continued to consult Hilfiger's men's collection and I've long been a fan of his work. He took the duffel and added some lux touches -- a white leather handle and leather croc-print side pocket. The studs on the Army issued strap (see below) add a touch of punk.

Todd Snyder -- saving this one for last because I thought Snyder had the most innovation in his design. Literally turned it on its head... the bag now goes vertical and the top and bottom are trimmed with leather. A leather shoulder strap and rope closures give this a vintage military feel, and the TS brand stencil rounds it out.

The bags will be available for auction via eBay and go up on Monday, June 10. So just a few more days + you can start your bidding!

Navy Tuxedo from Todd Snyder: Things I Love (And Wore)

With the CFDA Awards approaching a few weeks ago I was a little worried about what I was going to wear. Luckily the good folks at Todd Snyder came to the rescue, hinting they had a pretty cool tuxedo available. Was that an understatement!

It's funny because during his Fall 2013 presentation I noted the navy tux and how cool it was. Great peak black lapel, and a dark rich navy to contrast with it.

So I was blown away at being able to wear the tux yesterday to the CFDA Awards. Without any alterations it fit perfectly -- hit on the shoulders, tucked in the back, and showing just enough cuff. All the signs of impeccable craftsmanship (and someone who's been doing this for a while).

Was asked quite a lot who I was wearing... but it's from Fall '13 so you'll have to wait just a little bit longer to pick one up for yourself!

In the meantime, head over to the Todd Snyder site to see what you can grab right now.

2013 CFDA Swarovski Menswear Nominees: Just One Look

Last night the CFDA announced their nominees for the 2013 CFDA Awards... and while on the women's side there were no real surprises, I was excited to see some of my favorite names in men's. Michael Bastian, Thom Browne, and Duckie Brown were all nominated for Menswear Designer of the Year. I've been longtime fans of all three, and I was interested to see Duckie make the jump to nominee this year, as they just started a much talked about collaboration with Perry Ellis.

For the Swarovski Award for Menswear, the nominees were Todd Snyder, Tim Coppens, and Public School. All so different in their aesthetic, and all three I have been talking about incessantly as of late... so am really excited to see each of their names!

Thought I'd share a favorite look of the Swarovski nominees' Fall 2013 collections, as we wait for the June award ceremony to see who takes the prize.

Tim Coppens showed quilted shorts for Spring and I loved it even more as pants for Fall:

This shearling-collared belted jacket blew me away at Todd Snyder's Fall presentation:

The layering and street-influenced look at Public School always impresses:

Images: Fucking Young, Selectism

Number:Lab + Men's Threads Rockin' Holiday Promotion

“For the athletic side of the discerning man” – this is the mantra for menswear brand Number:Lab. With a focus on blending technical fabrics and meticulous construction, each season brings innovation in outerwear and activewear. 

I have been a fan season after season, calling out their signature pieces as some of my favorites, and picking up a quilted jacket (that converts to a vest) and some of the most comfortable gym shorts I own.    

But I’m not the only one who is a fan – this year Number:Lab was selected to participate in the CFDA {FASHION INCUBATOR} a testament not only to their prior efforts but also to the potential of what they bring to the men’s marketplace.

So I am excited to announce this week that Men’s Threads has partnered with Number:Lab to offer our readers a great promotion. From Wednesday (12/12) through Friday (12/14) spend $100 on Number:Lab merchandise and receive $25 off your order, or spend $300 and receive $100 off your order! 

Spend $100, get a $25 credit (use code: MT100)

Spend $300, get a $100 credit (use code: MT300)

This awesome deal is available through their website, or if you are in New York, you can get the same discount at the CFDA {Fashion Incubator} sample sale (12/13-12/14, 209 W 38th St. #308). Just mention the Men’s Threads code.

The blocked transformer jacket unzips to become a vest

This Fall '12 jacket is reversible + a favorite of mine

Also reversible, this jersey + thermal hoodie is perfect for the weekend or the gym

Now go get shopping for some amazing sportswear, either for you or to gift some this holiday season. And stay tuned for more great things to come from Number:Lab!

Public School Fall 2012: NYFW Review

They're back! Public School, participants in the CFDA Incubator program unveiled their revamped line at Milk Studios last weekend... a tight 26 piece collection that was mentored by none other than Nick Wooster.

Shown in a darkened space that really helped to evoke the mood of the Fall palette, there were some really great jackets -- overcoats, leather, varsity. Paired with easy wovens and cool marled knits, the styling by Eugene Tong really pulled the whole collection together.

Drawing on my current double-breasted obsession, this blazer was my favorite piece in the collection.

With the designers' own experience, plus the CFDA and Wooster in their corner, this is a line that is sure to get some attention... keep an eye on Public School!

Levi's x Billy Reid Coat: Things I Have

There has been a lot of talk lately about Billy Reid. He won GQ Designer of the Year and then just recently was named the winner of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. Those are some pretty big nods!

Coming out of his GQ win, Reid did a collaboration with Levi's. I hadn't actually seen any of it in store yet (I pretty much shop for a living, how did this escape me?), until I was at Bloomingdale's this week (more on that later -- I was impressed with the array of labels they offered).

Today I went back and tried on a piece from the Levi's x Billy Reid collection that had caught my eye, a thick black wool coat. It was amazing.

It's a short coat, hitting at the waist, and has great structure around the shoulders so fits perfectly. I tried it on with just my t-shirt, with a hoodie, and with a sweater and it looked great with each.

Needless to say I grabbed it and ran, and am now super excited to wear it as the weather gets colder. All in all, there were some really great pieces from both the Levi's collab and Reid's signature line. And I will now keep checking into Bloomingdale's to make sure I see the next arrival!

Go to Reid's website and see this and the rest of his great work. And congrats Billy on all of the recent accolades!