Menswear for Friends: AMI Launches at Barney's

It is always fun when you are one of the first to see a collection at retail... not only touch the fabric and see the detail, but also experience the merchandising and display. So, I was excited to be invited to do just that this week at Barney's, for French menswear label AMI.

I had previously written about AMI and their inaugural collection for Fall 2011, and it was great to see the pieces in person! They have a window right now at the NY flagship, as well as a significant in-store display.

In my conversation with designer Alexandre Mattiusi, he reiterated how the line is filling the void he and his friends felt in the existing menswear offerings. By literally calling the label 'friend' he makes it clear that "my friends are my inspiration" and that when designing he "makes sure I can wear it".

"I want to be the first customer", Mattiusi relays, and the easy yet well fitting pieces evoke just that. I particularly liked the sweaters, and was also very interested by the camel coat.

When asked what we can expect for Spring the designer shared that his outdoor presentation (complete of course with his friends) showed more color and softer, lighter cottons. Get to Barney's now (or online) to see the rest of AMI for Fall.

Super Chic Super Mart from Marlon Gobel for Spring '12: NYFW Review

I've been following Marlon Gobel's work since he first launched his eponymous collection. I always enjoy the consistent themes each season, the the complete attention to detail, and the introduction of color and boldness to the men's shows.

For Spring '12 Gobel decided to explore the theme of Super Mart, that place where the beauty is in the symmetry and repetition of color in product merchandising.

With a backdrop of Lay's products (how fitting), we saw a tightly done collection that brought out fruit prints (can only Stella McCartney play with produce?) that caught your eye and held it.

Suiting done with the usual Gobel attention to detail and fit. The models were outfitted with brightly soled derbys from heritage brand Walk Over (seen here in white).

Really loved this sheer shirt (Gobel definitely dabbled in mesh this season, as did Robert Geller and Simon Spurr), and digging the hexagonal stitching, a subtle nod to his branding.

Closing the show, in what has to be my favorite piece... a madras tuxedo. I am so into this, cannot wait for the Spring delivery! Oh and yes, the model is wearing ostrich loafers with a black grosgrain bow.

Since I wasn't in the pit (and had my mouth open throughout this high energy show), these pics are from GQ. Go there for the rest of the show and then check out Gobel's own site for more great content for Spring.

Navajo Tie by David Hart: Things I Have

In case you somehow missed my interview with neckwear designer David Hart, I've been talking about him for a while now. Known for high quality and well designed ties, made in Brooklyn, he has been getting a lot of coverage as of late.

When I interviewed him he shared some "sneak peek" photos of the fabric he was using for his upcoming Navajo ties. I quickly (and understandably) became obsessed with the ties and have had them on my "want" list all summer.

Today I was browsing Bergdorf's and found two styles from the Navajo collection. And of course I had to get one!

Such a fantastic mix of colors and I love the pattern. Cannot wait to wear it this week!

Check out David's site for more info on his current collection.

NYFW Review: Loden Dager S/S 2012

I went to the Loden Dager show yesterday to see their Spring 2012 collection. It rocked.

But read my review here: Dispatch from NYFW: Loden Dager.

And of course a little Clement shout out...

Jumping Models Video for Kult Magazine: Things I Love

I always enjoy a good video as an avenue for showcasing menswear -- whether it be quirky like Kitsune or something a little more artistic.

German magazine Kult just created one that I kind of love... they pulled together a bunch of my favorite models (hello Evandro + Cory Bond) and have them jumping around, with great editing and a groovin' soundtrack.

Like the recent Resort video Prabal Gurung did with Rye Rye, these shorts can provide a great perspective into a brand or provide a new outlet to showcase apparel.

KULT Magazine - Celebration from Ramon J. Goni on Vimeo.

This one comes courtesy of The Fashionisto.

Tartan Ties from David Hart: Things I Want

If you're into great ties, then hopefully you saw the recent interview I did with David Hart, for wonderMode. Hart is becoming known for his well-crafted and well-designed neckwear, and for being willing to do something with a little flair (case in point... The Lobster).

Yesterday I received the latest video lookbook for Fall 2011 and the theme is tartan! There are some really great colors and patterns in here and I can't wait to see them in person.

David Hart & Co. - "Tartans" from Jeremy Nelson on Vimeo.

Once you check out the video to know what to expect for Fall, go to the David Hart site + see what you can get today! (I am waiting with baited breath for those navajo ties!)