mensfashion

Today I am taking you for a ride at the Canal Saint Martin. For those who would not know, this canal from the 19th century is 9km-long. The canal was originally used to carry drinking water from The Vilette Basin to the Port de l’Arsenal (a Leisure port). It flows through the 10th and 11th arrondissements featuring many bridges, locks and bars! I went for a walk with a seasonal outfit: a pair of bots, jeans, chambray shirt, woolen crewneck and a trench. First cigarette break, then a second for a beer in a bar while the night quickly fell…

Hat: Stetson Trench: Hèdus Shirt: Balibaris Crewneck: Mélinda Gloss Gloves: Forzieri Bag: L’Aiglon Belt: L’Aiglon Jeans: Trousers London Boots: Septième Largeur

Photos: Léo Seyes. Thanks : the bar Prune de Nuit.

Today we focused on acessories. We came to see what was up from Cuisse de Grenouille, a French acessory brand: nice ties, nice belts, and for the fist time a promising collection of shirts (japanese coton) and bags! We discovered a young brand called Léon Flam, who creates “Made in France” bags inspired from one of the creators’ grandfather design. Among other daily discoveries: Dagobert’s nice underpants/shoes boxes, a new multicolor semainier (socks for each day of the week) from Ohmysocks (who also presented its first ready to wear collection during the show), a new range of socks from Les Insurgés (matching their underwear), and some new quirky colors to be released from Veja. To sum this up, authentism, chic and many colors for eccentric Dandys.

Second day at the Who’s Next. Yesterday night was full of twists and turns, then we slowly started our walk around ready to wear brands today (after drinking one two few coffees…). One could not notice a real new big trend for AW12 but a come back to authentic pieces (which is already effective). Halfway between the “Bristish Gentleman” and “Vieille France” outfits: tweed blazers, heavy knits and checked shirts will be under the spotlight. Those would be matching lots of colored chinos and brogues derbies. As for our hiking boots, we would use those heavy chinos again and chambray shirts coming in many colors, patterns and highly customized with nice details. The hiker-lumberjack look’s masterpiece, either a peacoat or a fight jacket, would often feature a furry collar, or we could still keep our parka…

Here we go! 4 days at the Who’s next tradeshow. Today, we have focused ourselves on shoes, and we quickly noticed that hiking shapes are going to be a key trend of next winter. Same for lined shoes either declined in sneakers or boots. As for the fabrics, lots of brands are proposing a mix of plain and suede leather and plenty models using Harris Tweed (will those Scottish sheeps have enough wool to supply the demand?). We like: classic shapes lightened by colorful soles and laces. A last note with the olive green found from many brands.

I confess being partial for The Hill Side’s products. Firstly because they are making their products by hand in New-York, caring for fabrics and paying great attention to detail. Secondly because to me, they are the basis of a new subtrend derived from workwear, consisting in demystifying formal accessories such a ties or pocket squares tahnks to the use of modern materials like chambray. Anyway, I had spotted this scarf for a long time, and this is actually the first item I bought during the winter sales.

The Hill-Side did an excellent job with this scarf, my scarf. Details are fine, and its flecked indigo color renders a very particular way. Actually, this comes from the use of a special fabric they call “Wool Blend Jersy Knit Slub Tweed” (that’s quite a long name!), which means 65% wool, 29% polyester, 3% nylon, 3% acrylic. My feeling is: I am wearing a unique item, thick and fine at the same time, well finished and stylish as ever (ok, this latter is totally sujective)!

$110 from Need Supply

It has been a while that I have been looking for a winter coat, I finally found something suiting my tastes from Folk. A brand we’ve been following for quite a long time and which quality is more than reliable, undoubtedly a sure bet! My demands were simple: 1- a warm coat for winter. 2- a peacoat. 3- must suit my style. 4- budget of about £210. All my conditions were met, then I took the plunge!

First thing, the coat is 70% wool made, a thick wool coming from Italy. Enough to keep my body warm from the Mistral (name of a cold wind from the South of France) storms. Here we can talk about a peacoat because of the length and the double breasts. The main difference with a classic peacoat may be the shawl collar here, that is precisely why it caught my attention.

Additional details also appealed me much: the color palette first with the use of brown (buttons, pocket buckles), contrasting the dominant navy, and such original pockets which fastening straps are made of vegatally tanned leather.

Once on the shoulders, the coat suits all expectations : warmness, good cut though a bit too straight and an awesome style. One could think puting you hands in the pockets might be annoying. It is true at the beginning, but your hands quickly get used to slip through the pocket straps (they are wide enough, even fastened). Tested and approved!

£219 (£365)from Woodhouse

Long time no talk (I have been quite bursy with the French sales these times)! Third item I have bought during the winter sales is this crewneck knit from Norse Projects. What’s cool with Yoox is: they always propose nice stuff you have missed from past seasons. The only trick is to dig the site, searching regurlarly from brands you like, and Norse Projects is one of them.

This 100% heavy wool made crewneck is woven in Italy and it features a “Nordic” pattern. It actually comes from their AW10 collection. I was looking for a light color to contrast with the rest of my outfit. The sweater’s white color suits this description and its navy pattern is echoed on my Bleu de Paname trousers. Thick and stylish, now you can guess how happy I am.

£65 (£98) from Yoox

The following piece is my second sales pick. I have been watching these trousers from Bleu de Paname for a long time. “BDP” as we call it, is a brand we like to quote in our French Truck. Because this is the kind of brand that has a lot of creativity, a real indentity a top quality products all crafted in France. I finally “caught” their Fatigue trousers at End:

These Fatigue Pants are inspired from military trousers featuring two large front pockets and also large buttoned flap pockets from the back. Fabric is cross cotton twill with wood buttons. Cut is loose with a slim tapered leg and the waist has two adjustment tabs. Again, they are 100% made in france. I am very happy with this purchase, they must have been a sure bet! And they are, matching greately my new pair of Veja Indigenos (I wear them rolled up, fitpics are to come).

£55 (£95) from Endclothing

(I’ll try to find some remaining sizes somewhere else. Till then you can check from some of our French Shops)

From today, I am going to show you guys my purchases since the begining of the winter sales. There is a complete outfit starting with this pair of Veja.

It comes from the Indigenos collection resleased for AW10. I have picked the camel high version. Althought it might look a bit orange, their real color is tan. As you may know from our previous articles about Veja, their shoes are 100% organic. That is why they come without eyelets (because Veja cannot find an organic metal, so better worth not using some).

The Indigenos have a vegetable-tanned suede leather upper and a wild Amazonian rubber sole. I really like those details on the heels: a plain leather band in a contrasting brown also echoed on the tongue. One thing I like about Veja is: you do not have to wear them x times to feel comfortable during a whole day. You can even run a marathon as soon as you wear them the first time if you feel like. Theiy are both beautiful and comfortable and they match my navy trousers greately (I will introduce it you tomorow :x).

£90 from Coggles (This is not cheating, they really were on sales when I bought them!)

Because every trucker of you must like wearing some soft socks, I have recently tested a young brand called Oybo, and I can tell how comfy their socks are! Oybo is about a group of friends who started creating socks for themselves. They modestly loved doing it, as they decided to start sharing their creations to the others.

Oybo’s products are imbued with good feelings actually carried by the creators. I have tested the “Active End” model. These are mid-lenght socks coming in a very cool striped pattern. All of their products are designed and manufactured in Italy with a 95% cotton + 5% elastan construction which guarantees the socks stretchness. Colorful, fine and warm at the same time, comfy, and very soft… isn’t it what all socks should be about? Tested and approved!

€16 from Oybo

Town. Some like it, some hate it. It fascinates, never leaves unmoved. Wall are its limits, windows illuminate it. It is simple to get lost in it and even more to lose yourself into it. Better worth exploring it. Le chemin de fer de Petite Ceinture, this former circular railway connecting Paris’ main railroad stations, is a fascinating discovery though an infinite walk like a coming back in the other world on a crepuscular sunday evening of november. The outfit is basic, a short duffle-coat, a pair of hi-tops and a thick colorful shawl. I am ready!

Shoes : Pointer Trousers : ASOS Duffle-coat : Paul Smith Scarf : H&M Glasses : Tom Ford

Photos : Frederic Dith

As you all may know, decembre 26 is boxing day, meaning that e-shops usually turn the button “sales” ON. Actually, boxing day is supposed to be a day where tradition requires to offer gifts to deprived people in some Commonwealth countries. Today it just means “sales”. In case you would get lost to shop during sales, we have selected some top websites where you will be sure to find anything you need/want:

Coggles

Endclothing

Kiosk78

Liberty

Matches

Mr Porter

my-wardrobe

Oki-ni

Topman

Urban Outfitters

As you might have noticed ASOS is on sales since the beginning of the week (you could not have missed that, it is all over the internet!). This may be an occasion to get a nice watch for you, or to offer as a gift for Christmas. How could Braun, told to make electrical goods, can create such beautiful watches?

Braun had its prosperous times during the 60s, and has become since a reference in industrial design. At that time, the design department was directed by Dieter Rams, a myth in this field who inspired, amongst other people, Jonathan Ive. In their glorious days, he and his team drew a range of watches recently reissued, representing what Dieter Rams would could call a “good design“: minimalistic and timeless for both past and present generations.

Here is a perfect example of what you can expect from their creations. This leather strap watch features a slim bezel, a round case with a contrasting dial (numbers and logo) and a date wheel. Movement is triple hand quartz and Design is just like I told you: aesthetic and sober with a tasteful mix of colors.

£94.50 (£135) from ASOS

I had a girlfriend once who did not like me to wear bow ties. Has she ever heard about Monsieur Jean-Yves? It is a brand established and created in 2009 at Place Vendôme, Paris. All of their creations are composed by real bow ties (to tie yourself) and fake ones, using the best fabrics they develop theirselves (some are just created expecially for one particular piece). Then, those are woven by top Japanese and European weavers. This tells a lots about their positioning: luxury.

Then, all these silks, precious leathers, feathers, furs, woolen and cashmere flanels are transformed into pefectly made and stylish bow ties. At times dandy, at others “rocky”, accessorizing your outfits with such a tiny touch of quirkiness will make you different from the others. Isn’t it what fashion is about? Difference. Just check out the whole collection, different patterns and fabrics are mixed perfectly. Just let me say something to you Monsieur Jean Yves: you have good tastes! As a personal gift for christmas or to offer to someone, the hardest will be now to pick one above the range. Good luck ;)

More information at http://www.monsieurjeanyves.com/ The collection can also be found at www.menlook.com

As I was saying, such a pair of loafers has to be worn properly. The best match you could find would be a tuxedo (AE) or dinner jacket (BE). The tuxedo is derived from the smoking jacket which cigar smokers used to wear in the 1850s. Later, it has been enhanced for Edward IV, Prince of Wales, in the need of a different suit he was wearing during the day, to go to evening informal parties. Today, elegance is the proper word to describe the impression given by men wearing this piece. What about this one from All Saints? Their pictures totally reflects what you would look like with it… kind of a James Bond.

Regent jacket : €290 from All Saints Regent trousers : €130 from All Saints

Get a 25% discount today only with the code “CHRISTMAS” at checkout

Here is a pair of shoes I came across few weeks ago looking for some very smart loafers to dress-up for a cocktail party. Since 2009, Mr Hare, brings its fresh vision of shoesmaking mixing a British heritage, a French elegance and an Italian handmaking. Undoubtedly , Mr Hare has known how to make thinks extermely well with his first loafer: the ‘Genet’, named after Jean Genet, a famous French author (poet) and symbol or the Parisian Romantism.

One cannot deny the elegance of such a loafer with its velvet tassels and the use of a premium Italian calf-leather mixed with a soft suede upper. Fancy finishing touches and a thin shape is what gives these shoes their dandyish look. And this is all what you need to break up a classic partying outfit with a fanciful-romantic touch (and make the other guests envious, male and female).

£435 from Oki-ni

After an exhausting day where he woke up at the crack of dawn, then went back home empty-handed, our rookie hunter is preparing for its second outing. Someday he’ll become one of the greats, and will hold in its bloody hands four golden-wings. Then he will raise them up to the sky like its own glorious trophy facing the setting sun. It is a bit later than four in the morning, he practices again and again on a stuffed duck, checks the gun alignment, refills its catridge belt, and now he is ready to leave for another hunting day in the forest, hoping he would be more succesful.

Suit Shoes : €139 from Ca Reste Entre Nous La Panoplie Trousers : €115 from Ca Reste Entre Nous Fred Perry Shirt : £72 from John Lewis Suit Jacket : £159.95 from Sa-Kis

Photos : Alexandre Imbert

Thanks to Ça Reste Entre Nous team for so much help for the shooting.

Steeped in history, Quasso manufactures small leather goods in its homeland, Italy. Since 1611 the Van den Broeke family have been in search of “exotic” material, Q. has kept this philosophy as a main value for his brand, Quasso, launched in 2008. A passion for leather he transmits trough creating and crafting by hand small leather accessories such as wallets in Italy

We have tested one of their product: the ‘Green Artic’ wallet made of glazed shrunk calf leather. It has 8 card slots, a bill sleeve and two other inside pockets. Although appearing at first to be dark green, the wallet looks actually brownish-green which renders nicely. The brand’s logo is soberly embosed in the lining’s tone. It represents the historical Van den Broeke family emblem: the armour helmet. I has been now few weeks, and the leather starts to mark naturally. Undoubtedly, that is what is going to make this wallet more and more beautiful.

More information at www.quasso.it

When end of the year celebrations are around the corner, this is the kind of gift you like to offer, and to be offered! London Undercover umbrellas are to us the quitessence of umbrellas. And they are proving it again today with the release of this naval collection. The initial observation is based on the fact that British Royal Navy has always been one of the most – if not the most – powerful navy in the world. This series aims to celebrate that, using graphic codes of the Royal Navy.

Two umbrella are released in the collection with a different lining for each. Lining is what makes London Undercover pieces cool, this time we are offered one striped and one battle map pattern. Both are double layered and feature a shaft mixing natural bamboo and beech wood. L.U.G.B (it seems to be the new name of the brand) in embroidered on the umbrellas which frames are always coming in metal. Add this cool details for each piece like a striped fastening strap. Please guys feel free to offer us such a gift :>

£145 from London Undercover

It is shame that people do not wear cashmere ties enough. Actually, it presents two assets: first it keeps your neck warm, which is nice when mi-season comes and you do not necessarily want to warp up with a bulky scarf. On the other hand, its fluffy texture allows some nice material mixings and interesting matches. Particularily with flannel and tweed: two seasonnally adapted fabrics.

Italian people are elegant, that is a fact. And the most famous of them (like Gianni Agnelli) have made cashmere ties a centerpiece of their outfit. This time I would like to present you a cool model we have recently had in our hands: a black, blue and grey striped Italian made cashmere tie from Black.co.uk. The tie is 100% cashmere made and features a silk lining. If you are looking for gift ideas for end-of-year times I highly recommend it to you ;)

£75 from Black.co.uk