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!

Holiday Travel: Perfect Weekend Bags

Yesterday I received a question about finding a weekend duffel bag, for under $200. Challenge accepted!

There are a few out there that I've had my eye on -- rough and rugged, made in the U.S., and at a great value.

First is the Filson Small Duffel. Water repellent, inside pockets, and leather handles and pulls this is a well made bag. I have the Filson tote and love it. Price: $225

Another great choice is the Sutton duffel from Herschel. Denim colored fabric lined with red paisley, this bag is a basic and can be used for almost anything. Price: $79.99

For something a little more rugged, the large Tough Duffel from L.L. Bean is incredible. It's made from waterproof tarp and built to keep moisture out. Price: $149

If you don't need something quite so robust for a weekend away, the Port Canvas Yachtsman Duffel is a good way to go. Considered a 5 day bag for winter trips, you can take it skiing, or can hold even more during the summer months. You can customize the bag with additional interior or exterior pockets. (via Well Spent)

Duffel from Black Fleece: Things I Have

I've been thinking lately about all of my upcoming summer travel, and that I don't really have a good bag to take on a weekend trip. Sure, I have a Tumi roller bag, and I have an extra-large duffel from Osklen (that could fit four bodies), but nothing I can just throw some things in and go.

Last weekend I visited the Brooks Brothers store in Georgetown and saw a fantastic bag from Black Fleece. It's their Macintosh Duffel in either khaki or navy (no decision there), with Thom Browne's traditional red, white, and blue stripe in leather on the side. 

I waited until I got back to NYC and then went to the Bleecker Street store on Saturday to pick it up!

It's the perfect size for a few days away, has a great lining, convenient side pocket, and comes with a shoulder strap. Here it is when I got it home...

And from the Brooks Brothers site, where you can better see how much it holds!

Head over + check it out, as well as the other great accessories Black Fleece is offering for Spring.

Filson Duffel from Sid Mashburn: Things I Want

Yesterday I stopped by the Sid Mashburn store in Atlanta... unfortunately I didn't make it until Sunday, when the store is closed. So I stuck my nose up to the glass and peered in!

One of the first things I noticed was a group of very handsome canvas bags. Ever since the demise of my Tumi duffel I've needed a replacement, and these bags seem rugged enough for my global travels, but also smartly designed.

Since Sid launched e-commerce, I can grab this duffel (and maybe the tote as well) there... and it's definitely on my want list.

Get to the Sid page to check out more goods you'll be wanting!

Pushing Boundaries at Patrik Ervell: NYFW Review

On Sunday at Milk Studios, Patrik Ervell faced a packed house... eagerly anticipating not only his Spring '12 men's collection but also his first foray into women's.

Across the board there was an influence of Hawaiian print, riding caps, fantastic duffel bags and totes, and (thankfully) an appearance by Clement Chabernaud.

While I can report that the women's range definitely fell squarely (and beautifully) into Ervell's aesthetic, what of course really kept me engaged were the men's looks.

One of my favorites was this rubberized cotton hooded raincoat in navy. The texture and sheen really stood out, and I liked the simplicity of the construction.

Ervell always does great suit. Here I liked the dark palette but with that pop of color on the tote bag (which of course I want).

This brick-red blazer in tropical wool caught my eye near the end of the show, and is definitely a piece that's on my list for Spring. 2-button, thin lapel, it's one I know will fit me perfectly.

And finally this jungle jacket in twill, with a hand-braided horsehair belt. I mean... how could you not get excited for this?

Ervell is a master at playing within his key design elements but really pushing the boundaries in texture and technique, and he did it again here. A stellar showing and I can't wait to shop this at Opening Ceremony come Spring!

Go to Style.com for the rest of the collection photos...

JustJr Collages: Things I Love

I've been following JustJr through multiple site + format iterations and have loved it from the beginning. I have printed some of their collages (of course the ones about Thom Browne) and hung them at my desk, for constant inspiration. I've also gotten our designers at work to follow the site.

The way the images are compiled, the great colors, and the obvious homage to its subjects makes each collage fascinating to just stare at for a while.

Below is one of the site's more recent works, titled Ivy League... I'm a big fan of Diptyque, I am in the market for a leather weekend duffel, and have bow ties coming out of my ears. So there was definitely a resonance here!

Make sure you check out the full site to see the rest of these fantastic fashion collages!

Duffel from Herschel: Things I Want

Always on the lookout for new luggage, but especially for a nice weekend bag. I mean, I think I only have four or five already, so an addition to the collection is most welcome.

Yesterday I came across this great duffel from Herschel and have to admit I was sold on the shoe compartment. Great way to keep your (often dirty) shoes away from the rest of your items, and keeps them accessible as well.

I also really liked the leather handles and the contrasting navy blue color of the bag.

Now unfortunately the bag is not available until July 1! But for now read more about it at Hypebeast: http://hypebeast.com/2010/06/herschel-2010-springsummer-collection-duffle/.