J. Crew Fall 2013: Just One Look

Yesterday Frank Muytjens showed J. Crew's Fall '13 for men, with an update on their classics. There were some colorful knits, solid suiting, and an awesome shiny waxed coat. 

But if I had to pick one look that was my favorite, it was this denim x denim rust colored jacket and jean combo. Not the first time they've shown something like this, but I loved the color, accented with the navy coat and scarf. I think I'd wear it with a colorful tie, for some pop.

Hypebeast has all of the looks here -- it was hard to choose just one favorite, so check them out.

NYFW Review: Todd Snyder Fall 2013

Since launching his eponymous line, I've been a huge fan of Todd Snyder. Given how many people tell me they've bought his collection because they've heard me talk about it, I'm glad others are becoming TS converts!

Showing his Fall '13 collection yesterday at Lincoln Center, Snyder continued to impress -- venturing into a little more edge than seasons past while still delivering on the outerwear, suiting, and classic tailoring we've come to love.

I think my overall favorite piece, it literally made me pause, was this double breasted coat with (huge) shearling collar. Just amazing, and I love the shine and deep color combined with the contrast of the (warm) shearling.

Another standout was that Snyder moved past leather jackets and into... leather pants. Seen styled a few different ways (by the one and only Bruce Pask), this look stood out because of the windowpane cardigan and black shirt. Plus it was modeled by a favorite of mine, Clement Chabernaud.

This knit was fantastic, with the two pockets and neck closure. Given how often I have been layering this winter and going without a coat, I could definitely see wearing this next Fall just as it's shown here.

At first this striped sweater caught my eye, and then I noticed the other pieces -- these slouchy gray pants and the navy neckerchief. Rounds it out for a pulled together look that offers a lot of comfort. Was also really into the custom Vintage Shoe Company boots seen throughout...
 

I got a quick snap of part of the lineup -- where you can see the continuation of what Snyder rolled out for Fall... leather jacket, navy tuxedo (yes, please!), and a pony hair coat.
 

Todd Snyder continues down a very strong path -- bringing a well-rounded collection filled with tailored suiting, strong outerwear, and more casual pieces that give something for everyone. Can't wait to see this hit stores -- that double-breasted shearling coat will be mine! Check out the rest of the collection...

Just Two Looks: Neil Barrett Fall 2013

Seeing photos of the Neil Barrett show from Milan, I really enjoyed the coats he sent down for Fall '13... but what really caught my eye were the mixed media knits.

I loved the ones below -- the way Barrett pieced together the different materials, the use of leather, and the general geometric visual of each one. I will say that these and a few other pieces in the collection seemed inspired by Riccardo Tisci's past collections at Givenchy, and a smattering of Dries too.
 

But overall I think it was nicely done, and encourage you to check out all of the pics (and Matthew Schneier's review) at Style.com

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!

Fall 2012 from Sacai: Things I Love

I've been following Japanese label Sacai for a few seasons now -- although designer Chitose Abe launched her menswear line in 2009. But since discovering it, I have been consistently impressed with the attention to detail and the innovative knits, for which she is known.

WAD magazine recently did an exploration of a few growing Japanese brands (more on that soon!) and Sacai was one of them -- with a brief but insightful interview with Abe. Interesting to me was her response that her designs are indebted to her living in Tokyo but that she doesn't "necessarily draw a line between Tokyo and the rest of the world."

After reading the WAD piece I realized I hadn't yet seen images of the F/W '12 collection, and so quickly located them, and found it to be true to form.

Having noticed the use of white buttons and striped coats in S/S '12, it continued into Fall, with great result.

I really enjoyed these patterned pants that have a great sheen but are structured enough to wear as a normal trouser (and be paired here with some double monks).

Always a sucker for chunky knitwear, this piece stood out. Again the white buttons (love that contrast) and a play on a double-breasted design, with various knit patterns featured.

I highly suggest you keep an eye on Sacai, and that you check out the rest of the Fall images at Fucking Young.

A Peek At Capsule Show: My Three Favorite Pieces

Last night before they closed for the day, I tucked into Capsule Show, the fantastic trade show run by the folks at BPMW Agency. It's been growing each year, with more and more brands, and a bigger presence... and this week it's all about menswear!

There were a lot of great pieces from folks like Ovadia & Sons (fell in love with a yellow waffle knit sweater), Won Hundred (clean Scandinavian aesthetic), Vanishing Elephant, and Fahlgren (Brett Fahlgren's new neckwear line).

But oddly my top three favorites were all outerwear.

First was this amazing wool coat from NUMBER:Lab. Really enjoyed the deep color, the sophistication of the overall design, and the blending of a 'technical' touch with the clasps. The hood is tipped in leather, and there is great construction throughout. Couldn't stop looking at this coat!

My second favorite was from Mark McNairy New Amsterdam. I'm not alone in my reverence for what McNairy's been doing lately and there were some great pieces in his Fall collection.

But this jacket (in three colors) just stood out. First the boldness of the color really caught my eye. Then the fabric was incredible -- honestly felt like a softened Kevlar. Stiff yet pliable, with a little edge to it. Must get one of these jackets for Fall 2012.

The third was from a brand I was not familiar with... Loyal. They had a lot of wool coats, but of course the one in bright blue caught my eye. When I saw the anchors painted in white, I was sold (I'm nothing if not predictable). Great cropped pea coat but the color and nautical theme breaks it out of the pack.

Definitely a lot more to share on Capsule, so stay tuned...

Wool Coat from A.P.C.: Things I Have

Last weekend a rainy Saturday had me seeking refuge at Barney's... as soon as I stepped onto the fifth floor I saw this amazing wool coat by A.P.C.

Tried it on, and it fit perfectly... I've been looking around for a winter coat, and since I seemingly only buy navy (side note, every single thing I purchased on Saturday was navy), I felt it'd work well.

I also loved the leather insets on the shoulders. Gives the coat such a different look.

Here it is on the A.P.C. site, where you can zoom in for more detailing!

Prints Prints Prints from Agi & Sam: Things I Want

Today I came across a label I wasn't familiar with... agi & sam, created by Agape Mdumulla and Sam Cotton. Having worked for designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen, and Carolyn Massey, the duo have released images for their third collection, entitled "Tabasco, Tequila, and Tomato Juice".

It is definitely a print heavy, bold collection with a very artistic approach. Given my adoration of anything bright and printed, I took to some of the pants, as well as the yellow coat shown below.

Currently without U.S. distribution (although I could definitely see this line at Opening Ceremony), I will be keeping an eye out for future work from agi & sam.

You can see more photos from the collection at Hypebeast.

Coat from Taishi Nobukuni: Things I Want

On one hand I am preparing for my first NYC winter and want a warm coat. On the other, I can never get myself to move away from really wild and eye-catching prints... merge these two and you get this amazing piece from Japanese designer Taishi Nobukuni.

Besides the great print (the red/white/blue makes me think of a psychedelic Thom Browne), I liked the double breast and the large collar.

Could definitely see myself wrapped up & warm in this when the snow hits!

The good folks at Selectism have more shots of the collection, which are definitely worth a look.

United Arrows Fall Lookbook: Things I Love

Japanese retailer United Arrows always impresses me... every time I am in Tokyo I have to stop by and check out their wares.

For Fall they've done a really fantastic lookbook bringing together pieces, colors, textures.

This was my favorite -- loved the hat, overcoat, and the vest:

But check out the rest of the images over at Selectism.... you won't be disappointed.

W.R.K Fall Collection: Things I Love

Today I came across the Fall 2011 collection for NY based W.R.K (standing for work, rest, karma). Designed by Matteo Gottardi, I have to say I was really blown away by this menswear line.

Fall had some great fabrics, textures, and colors... and some of my favorites included the shawl collar cardigan, the nubby "Spectator blazer", and the paneled two-tone jacket.

The line is carried at Neiman's and you can peruse it (and a lot of other great information) at the W.R.K site.

Madras Coat + Shorts: Things I Want

While I was at Barney's over the weekend looking for a swimsuit, I also perused the Michael Bastian for Gant selection. I saw this fantastic madras coat (with gray elbow patches), and then I saw the matching shorts.

Had. To. Try. Them. On.

The result was totally amazing. These two items just rocketed to the top of my "want" list for S/S '11. With a white shirt and some loafers this would be *the* outfit of the season.

Given they pieces were designed by Mr. Bastian, they of course fit perfectly. The shorts were snug around my waist, but not too tight in the leg. The jacket hit me right in the shoulder and was not too boxy.

For now I'll just imagine myself at a summer party rockin' this look...

Images from Barney's, go check these items (and the rest of the MB for Gant range) there.

Fashion Sketches from Little Doodles: Things I Love

Fashion sketches, versus photographs, offer such a great insight into a look or a collection. While a photo (for the most part) is an identical reproduction of what was shown, a sketch is an interpretation; one that relays how someone actually saw the piece coming down the runway.

I'm a big fan of Richard Haines and the work he shows at What I Saw Today. The Unknown Hipster is also a favorite. Then this week, Style Salvage did a piece on the site Little Doodles, and I was in awe of the drawings from the recent Milan shows.

I was going through the images and laughed when I came across this sketch from the Woolrich Woolen Mills collection... this is the exact coat I blogged about earlier this week! Love it!

And here is one from Missoni... the artist selected one of my favorite looks from the show, and I love how the pants were just left as an outline, focusing on the sweater, jacket, and scarf.

You kind of need to go by Style Salvage and check out the rest, they're pretty amazing.

Coat from Frankie Morello: Things I Want

I mean, how could you not love this look if you saw it coming down the runway? I am admittedly a fan of Frankie Morello's ad campaigns, scantily clad attractive models and all... but as I was perusing the looks from the brand's recent Milan showing, I was drawn to a number of the pieces.

So I probably won't wrap a scarf around my head (but never say never)... but I really dig this coat. It's as if they took a Gant sweater, cut out a strip of it, and worked it in. I think it is a nice addition, without being too gimmicky.

I'll take it.

You'll be shocked to hear I was updating myself on this show via Fashionisto, so head there to see more shots.

Woolrich Woolen Mills Coat: Things I Want

This is my 201st post! Good times!

Okay... so I have already picked out my winter coat for next year. It's this beaut from Woolrich Woolen Mills. Since Mark McNairy's taken the reins, the brands has really stayed on a great course. I know I'm a sucker for styling (and a cute model) but this coat is really fantastic. Love the really wide lapel and collar, the length, the thick wool, and well just everything about it.

Am guessing that by next winter we all won't rollin' our pants quite as much, but I'll take that coat with some dark denim, a white shirt, colorful scarf and I'm set.

This image via those amazing folks at BPMW... see their We Are the Market post for more shots!

Lanvin for H + M: Things I Want

As many of you know, this is not my first time drooling over an H + M collab... you may remember (perhaps as fondly as I do) the time I stood on Queens Road in Hong Kong to try and snag a piece from the CdG collection. And I was successful!

So now of course comes the collection done by Lanvin and I cannot wait! Today I finally saw photos of both the women's and men's pieces and they were, in a word, exquisite.

For me I really want one of the tuxedo jackets, a pair of the shiny blue shoes, and this amazing navy coat. Please retail gods... let me have it!

I love this coat because of the length, the simplicity of the design (at least what I can tell from the photo) and the gold buttons. Perfect for winter (when it does finally arrive).

Now, check out all of the photos here at NY Mag -- complete with prices so you can start saving. And begin to figure out how long you'll have to camp out in front of your local H + M to get some of this goodness.

Bon courage!

Things I Want: Coat from Prada

What a great coat for next Fall! From Prada's Fall 2010 collection there were quite a few pieces I liked. The short sweaters with the rounded neck were also a favorite (I am particular to the one in watermelon).

But the item I liked the best was this jacket. The blue + orange pattern plays so well, it's eye-catching but not overly loud.

Go to GQ and see the rest of the Fall offerings out of Prada: http://www.gq.com/fashion-shows/brief/F2010MEN-PRADAMEN

Things I Want: Yellow Coat from Duckie Brown

Fashion Week is starting in NY (yeah!), so hopefully there will be a lot of great stuff to write about. Although first I'll take a pause * * to remember Alexander McQueen, who passed today.

Today Duckie Brown showed their F/W 2010 collection and there are some great pieces. I know I said that I was moving on from yellow being a key color for me, but I just can't let go. So here we are... a hot yellow coat, with a nice short length.

There was also a lot of tartan on the runway today, and I was digging that too (but of course just can't get away from yellow!)... so go to Racked National (their brand new site) and check out more photos: http://ny.racked.com/archives/2010/02/11/liveblogging_the_shows_duckie_brown_2.php

Things I Want: Metal Flecked Coat from Patrik Ervell

I've long been a fan of Patrik Ervell. Great fit for my slim frame, classic looks but with a fun modern twist. Take, par example, this coat from his Spring/Summer 2010 collection.

Unfortunately I wasn't at the show to witness it in person, but apparently Patrik used a new technique in this collection of infusing the pieces with flecks of metal. Sounds complicated... but I love the result.

I want this coat!

But this is just one of a number of nice items Patrik showed for Spring... check out the rest via Men's Style: http://men.style.com/fashion/collections/S2010MEN/complete/thumb/PERVMEN

Things I Want: Michael Bastian S/S 2010

As Fashion Week wraps up, I have been looking at photos over the past week of both the men's + women's shows. There have been some great pieces and I will be writing about more them in the next few days... but first I had to, had to post about Michael Bastian's show for S/S 2010.

Can I just say that I think it is AMAZING! Michael really pulled it out with such a fantastic mix of casual shirts, shorts and hoodies (his staples) with some great suiting, and a few really nice coats. I am loving the whole collection (well maybe except for the camo shorts... that's just something I can't get behind).

Here is a photo of my very favorite shirt from the collection. It's funny because knowing that Michael will be desiging for Gant, I can see where this shirt could be a great bridge from his own line to Gant's.

Anyway, enough ranting from me. Just go to We Are the Market and check out the rest of their photos.... and then come back here and see what else I loved from the recent shows.

http://www.wearethemarket.com/2009/09/ny-fashion-week-michael-bastian-ss2010.php