Lapo Elkann for Gucci: Things I Love

Lapo Elkann, Fiat heir, CEO of Italia Indepenent, and all around style icon has now collaborated on a capsule collection for Gucci. It's well, a pretty robust capsule with both suiting and separates.

And for me it evokes an amazing throwback to Lapo's grandfather Gianni Agnelli -- wide lapels, spread collars, rich fabrics -- and an aesthetic that Lapo himself has largely adopted.

Here I've picked my three favorite looks, starting off with this great one button blazer paired with a wide collar button-down shirt, and very Gucci looking trousers. The beautiful carryall doesn't hurt either.

In the suiting department I loved the light windowpane for Fall, and the styling of the wider-than-currently-trending tie helps anchor the spread collar shirt. Office ready for sure.

And for a more formal night out -- this velvet double breasted tuxedo is the epitome of luxe. Staying on the wide collar trend, I feel like this jacket could sprout wings and fly, but I love how neatly tailored it is on the sides. Velvet is a bold choice for a tux, but that wasn't always the case -- again showing a nice look back at Italian fashion legacies.

All images here... and definitely a collection to watch for in-store.

Hand Sewn Leather Slippers from Feit: Things I Want

The folks over at Feit are doing it right... hand made, small batch footwear and accessories. For a given project they measure a piece of leather (that they've carefully sourced for quality) and figure out how many shoes they can make from it. Once the number of pairs is pre-sold, they'll begin producing them.

I've been following (and drooling) over their craftmanship for a while now, but haven't quite committed to a pair. Yet. 

This week they released a hand-sewn slipper and I am obsessed -- with the soft rounded shape, the high last, the seam along the back connecting the leather to the welt and then to the sole. 

The design of this slipper reminds me of the kilim rug slippers I bought in Turkey last summer -- casual, inviting, and perfect for a warm day in linen pants or shorts.

As of this writing there are only 67 pairs left... so head on over and check them out!

MSGM: Things I Love

I love that moment of discovery -- finding a new brand (or new to me) that strikes a chord and piques your interest. For me it was a few weeks ago while perusing Fucking Young and coming across some pictures from Italian brand MSGM.

Founded in 2008 they produce both men's and women's collections, full of prints and patterns and wholly unafraid of color. So of course I loved it.

Designed by Massimo Giorgetti (and tagged by Vogue Italia as "Who's On Next" in 2010), there is a definite youthfulness to the men's selections. I started to see influences from Dries, Frankie Morello, Jeremy Scott, and Marni. 

Here a few of my favorite looks from the soon to be released Spring '13:

A mind-bending green and yellow dot print, shawl collar, and cropped just enough pant makes this a perfect bright + light suited look for Spring.

Multi-colored knit that is eye-catching but not overpowering, paired with a red and navy print short, cuffed for a neat and tidy look.

This jacket really did it for me -- either paired with the black and white shirt seen here, or just a black shirt and cropped white shorts. 

Now for the tricky part, finding MSGM in the States. Frankly, good luck (especially for men's). But check out their website + perhaps your upcoming European travels will score you some fun additions for Spring!

Quilted Tote Bag from Bonfanti: Things I Want

The bag addict in me perked up when I saw this quilted tote bag from Italian brand Bonfanti.

I was just talking about how I needed to transition into a new bag for Winter, one with a different color and texture, and I think this could do it. I like the puffiness of the quilt, the gray with the black leather accents and handles.

Bonfanti offers three styles (of course the tote is my favorite) and in three colorways. Check it out at Selectism.

Things I Have: Italian Sandals

When I arrived in Roquebrune, I noticed that my friend John-Mark was wearing some Birkenstock-esque sandals. I loved them! Very 'gladiator', which is a look I'm not always a fan of (right, Lauren?)... but with this sandal it worked.

Well John-Mark then relayed that they weren't Birks but from an Italian brand. Luckily when I was in San Remo a few days later I found them... done by Superga... for 30 Euros! What a deal -- and they are so comfortable.

Please ignore this photo with my gross feet, and check out Superga's offerings for yourself (they make great canvas sneakers too!)... http://www.superga-usa.com/