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.

Ovadia & Sons Fall 2013: Things I Love

The brothers of Ovadia & Sons continue to deliver the necessary pieces for a gentleman's wardrobe -- high quality, well crafted, classic pieces. But they deliver these collections season after season in a way that makes men of all ages want to look sharp and thoughtful about what they're wearing. 

Fall 2013 is no exception -- suiting, jackets, outerwear, knits -- all designed and styled to be completely approachable and easy to mix with anything else you've already got. There was also some whimsy -- jacket and pants with two-tone panelling gave an optical treat, and zig-zag striped ski sweaters took me back to the 1970's.

A key look for me was this navy blazer layered with red and black sweater and gray trousers. Simple yet neat. The double breasted military style coat in the background could easily be thrown over it all as it gets colder.

From the looks of it three-piece suiting is on a rise, and this version with the high-buttoned vest seems a good investment.

Finally, I couldn't resist the windowpane suit (so good), the tartan shawl, or the beret... the francophile in me just leapt at this whole look. 

You can see the rest of the collection here... all shot by rising star photographer Justin Chung. and given the Ovadia brothers are now also designing York Street for J. Press, expect to see more of them and their work.

Raleigh Denim Fall 2013: Just One Look

Yesterday brought my first show for NYFW Fall 2013... I happily hit Raleigh Denim, a line that I've seen mature season after season. As they continue to produce great jeans (and have a rockin' store in Nolita to showcase them), the full collection has evolved.

Keeping a toehold in the Southern roots, there was definitely a nod to workwear. Raleigh also rolled out some great tailoring pieces that started to remind me of Billy Reid meets Steven Alan... but with their own locally produced point of view.

My favorite look was this pocketed vest -- a superb layering piece, and I loved the crop that kept it nice and clean. Styled with a long sleeved knit, denim, and a huge scarf to round out what you'll need for a perfect Fall day.

GQ has the rest of the men's looks, and they're definitely worth a peek. And if you're in NYC check out the Raleigh Denim store!

Just Two Looks: Kenzo 2013

Since taking over creative control for Kenzo, Carol Lim and Humberto Leon have (IMHO) really turned it out. They've streamlined the look of the line and introduced a great modernity to it. Today they showed Fall '13 as special guests at Pitti Uomo and the streak continued -- I loved some of the rounded shoulder jackets, wild prints, and slim tailoring.

I couldn't choose just one favorite look from the season so the two that won are these amazing striped pants (reminding me of Dries Fall '12) and this shiny slim-fitted pleated suit, with matching cap. I would do the whole look!

Get over to the folks at Fucking Young for all of the looks and keep an eye out for more great things to come from Kenzo.

Shirt from FLAPH x Barney's: Things I Want

This morning I came across this shirt on Hypebeast and with the red, white, and blue cuffs thought for a second it was from Thom Browne.

But no, it is Japanese label FLAPH, done in collaboration with Barney's. I love the spread collar, detailed tailoring, and that it is made of a quick drying fabric (summer swelter, anyone?). And of course for me, the tri-color ribbed cuff is the selling point, that touch of individuality that makes it (and you) stand out.

Head over to Hypebeast to see the shirt in blue, and you can also link to the FLAPH's own site.

Padded Jacket from NUMBER:Lab: Things I Have

Recently I wrote about my three favorite pieces from Capsule, of which one was an incredible jacket from NUMBER:Lab. So it was only natural that when I heard about their sample sale last weekend, I knew I had to stop by.

Actually I've been passing their new store on 10th Avenue every day on my way to work, and needed to go check out the space... so this was the perfect opportunity!

The brand does a great job of creating items you can wear every day, but that have an outdoor technical side. Their site very accurately calls it "tech + tailored".

At the sale I tried on a padded vest, which I loved. When the salesperson told me it came with sleeves (aka was a jacket with removable sleeves), I was sold. I loved the crop fit, the super warm double lining, and the double collar.

Wore the jacket out Saturday night, to great reviews, and again on Sunday... it's quickly becoming a staple in my closet and I'm so happy I grabbed it!

It's not too late to pick one up on the NUMBER:Lab site...