David Hart Spring 2014: NYFW Review

I've been a fan of David Hart since he launched amazing neckwear. I interviewed him, saw some pre-season inspiration, and definitely purchased a number of fantastic ties. 

So I was excited last season when he expanded into apparel -- and his inaugural collection did not disappoint. This week he presented Spring '14 and I loved how rooted Hart has quickly become in use of key fabrics, and rooted in a nostalgic yet current point of view. 

My absolute favorite look was this 'lava' colored mohair suit. The deep rich color, the fit on the pants, and the fact that the fabric will surely be out of this world. 

The second look I gravitated towards was this custom printed shirt -- the horizontal colored bars actually reminded me of a pattern Loden Dager did a few seasons back, and it paired nicely with the linen pants and sandals. Perfect 'dinner on vacation' outfit.

Finally you have to love Hart's use of exquisite fabrics to create evening wear. I loved this shawl collar tuxedo jacket, the woven pattern, and slim cut. Of course if I picked up every tuxedo I was drawn too it'd be all I wore, but this is one to keep an eye on for a very special occasion.

This second collection was very wearable, didn't cling too closely to it's vintage inspiration (Jet age Hawaiian holiday), and is hopefully the beginning of more to come from David Hart. All images here...

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!

Carven Spring 2013: Things I Love

Both here and on Twitter I've been extolling the virtues of Guillaume Henryand his work on the Carven menswear line. I really love the subtle French influence, the boxier cut on a lot of the pieces, the fun patterns + colors he's used. 


And I found it totally understandable that he was invited to be showcased at Pitti Uomo this year. 


For Spring '13 he continued the success with suit/shorts, great prints, and the same cropped/French influence he's used thus far. Here are a few of my favs...


Never one to shy from prints, i loved this shirt, jacket, short combo.

 

This peacoat in a light green has a nice length and the color works well for warmer weather.

I really enjoyed this contrasting shirt, paired with the light blue pants and red loafers -- perfect Spring look!

Always a fan of the crop, and I love the check on these pants. Also the jacket seems similar to the Carven one I bought this Spring, which means I'll love the fit.

You can find the rest of the (incredible) collection at Style.com.

Summer Print Shirt from Loden Dager: Things I Want

Last year I wrote about the Loden Dager Spring '12 show, which was one of my favorites that season. I particularly liked the striped print that the they showed on shirts, tanks, and totes. 

The print is a lot of fun -- a nice mix of bright colors, and a blocked look to the stripes. I came across the short sleeve button down shirt on the Loden site and think it'd be a perfect addition to my summer beach wardrobe. 

Pair it with some denim or white shorts + you're good to go!

Check it out here + snag one to brighten your summer look!

Bag from Lanvin Spring 2012: Things I Want

With the release of images from Lanvin's Men's Spring 2012 accessories, I definitely found something I want. I've been a fan of Lucas Ossendrijver since he started at the label, and the accessories offering doesn't disappoint.

My favorite was this great bag, with a mix of prints (reminds me a bit of the camo/navajo portfolio from Trussardi) and a casual feel with the nylon and backpack type closures.

Really like the top handle and the front pouch... and this will be on the top of my list come Spring!

Found this via Selectism with more images at Highsnobiety. Check. It. Out.

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.