The making of Energie AW11 collection - the official video

Strong denim features and urban style: that's pure Energie http://www.energie.it This video shows the 'making of' Energie FW11-12 campaign. A very short preview, before revealing you the items from the new collection! Energie lifestyle is experimental and against the tide, where denim and fashion live without limits and frontiers. For AW11, it's the 50's New York Style. American Vintage with New York autumnal colours- mustards and reds of Central Park trees and intense light blues of Manhattan skies.

Energie Unveil a Super Lux Denim Collection for Autumn/Winter 2011

Famed for their denim, Energie focuses on quality materials, advance treatments and production techniques. So it’s no surprise that this season that they have created a Super Lux range of denim :

The range is a premium line of luxury denim including a limited selection of their original best selling jeans and chinos styles made from the best quality Japanese denim, Italian Selvedge denim, Red Selvedge Bull denim and compact yarn gaberdine. 

Selvedge or Selvage denim is the best quality denim because it is made on old style shuttle looms.On these old style looms the cross thread goes back and forth as one continuous thread rather than as individual threads

And Japanese selvage denim is the finest because they bought up most of the old style American shuttle looms.. Plus they also introduced jeans made of selvage denim dyed with real indigo using loop dying machines  which again are old style machines

Jeans made of selvage denim just get better with age and wear.

 New Morris Selvedge trousers - £177
Worn effect, dark wash, button closure, cuffed hems
Width at end 7.4inches

Legend Selvedge trousers - £177
Worn effect, dark wash , mid rise, slash detailing. 
Width at end 8.2inches

 

Burney Vintage trousers. - £202

Stained effect, worn effect and dark wash. Width at end 8.2 inches

Available online at www.energie.it

Images provided by Chase PR

MUKS presents its First Mens Mukluk Boots for AW11

Picture the Canadian aboriginal hunter moving quickly and stealthily in the harsh snowy conditions.  He needs sturdy boots to keep him balanced and the cold out but also they need to be soft so his movement is not restricted. That’s where mukluks come in. 

Ankle boot in black suede with turn down black rabbit fur trim. Sheepskin and rabbit fur lining with crepe sole.

Originally made from sealskin and so called after the Yupik (native language of Siberia and Alaska) word ‘muklak’ meaning large seal, the animal skin wraps round the feet and calves of the hunter providing protection against the cold elements.  Now moose hide and reindeer skin is also used. To keep those biting winds at bay, the boots were insulated with animal furs for warmth.

In recent years, Mukluks have taken the fashion world by storm and are loved by celebrities for their style and comfort. They are unisex but the beading and furry pompoms may be a bit too much for most men (although the Canadian hunters were partial to a bit of adornment), MUKS, the footwear brand just specialising in mukluks, realised this and presents its first ever menswear collection:

Highlight of the collection is the tall suede boot with double buckle straps. Here seen in brown suede with brown rabbit fur and sheepskin lining and crepe sole.

Also available in charcoal grey and black.

 The Men’s Muks features the Classic Original and Half Mukluks with either an extra durable water resistant natural rubber sole or the classic crepe sole. The crepe soles are more suitable for dry winter climates.

The ankle boots also come in charcoal grey and brown

Available soon on www.muklukstore.com

Images provided by Dee Vesali PR

OLIVER SWEENEY in FULL SWING with their first Golf Shoe

Due to popular demand, Spring/Summer 2012 sees Oliver Sweeney’s first golf shoe, the Royle black & white.

This full brogue spectator shoe is of a Goodyear welted construction which keeps the shoes ventilated but still durable.

Oliver Sweeney partnered with Claytons of Chesterfield, specialists in production of heavy leather, in order to make sure their golf shoe had a high performance sole which was hard wearing, comfortable and water repellent. So for the ultimate golf shoe, Claytons’ exclusive TanFlex leather was used. This TanFlex is fully chromed and vegetable tanned leather with the wearing life of as much as four times that of the average sole and virtually waterproof.

For the upper leather they turned to the British tannery Pittards for their expertise in high performance waterproof leather.

The water resistant treatment they use is actually tanned in to the leather rather than being in the form of a surface treatment so the leather maintains breathability. It also absorbs very little water so the shoe stays lighter in wet conditions; it is not damaged by water so remains soft and supple when it dries and the white leathers are dyed through to achieve the ultimate in whiteness.

The shoes also have two sets of removable cleats, one dry and one wet.

However, they can’t guarantee that it will improve your golf swing but it definitely will improve your sartorial style.

Price £299.

Soon to be available in all Oliver Sweeney stores and online www.oliversweeney.com  

Images provided by Oliver Sweeney.

CK one Shock for Him

Different from the other Calvin Klein fragrances is CK one Shock:
If you like your fragrance to be zingy and citrusy, then this isn't for you. This is more of a smooth operator from  the oriental scent family: creamy and spicy. 

Top notes: Clementine, Red Bull Accord and Cucumber
 Heart notes: Black Pepper, Black Basil and Cardamon
Base notes: Ambrene wood, musk and Patchouli

Available from www.theperfumeshop.com
Image provide by The Perfume Shop

Autumn/Winter 2011 Looks at Next Menswear

This autumn/winter, Next menswear have four looks to suit your mood;

HERITAGE - a modern twist on the country gent look. Here mixing the classic corduroy jacket, flat cap  with the modern chinos and denim shirt. Jazzing up the classic brogue with stripey socks

Flat cap £12
Stone cord jacket £75
Purple v neck jumper £20
Denim shirt £35
White chinos £28
Striped socks £14
Tan brogues £95













WOODSMAN -the rugged look with a cuddly side to it. Soft warm fabrics to keep the chill out.

Shawl cardigan £55
Green/blue check shirt £35
Bobble hat £28














FRAT HOUSE - high grades for this the collegiate look for keeping straight lines.

Blue & white zip up top £40
White crew neck t-shirt £14
Slim jeans £28
Analogue watch £20

MOD MEN - Move over 'mad men', here's the 'mod men' with their younger and cooler style.

Short mac £90
Gingham shirt £28
Motif tie £8
Stripe trousers £35
Tan brogues £50















Available from www.next.co.uk
Images provided by Next.

Storm Watches Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection

Christmas is coming and if a new watch is on your wishlist to Santa then here's Storm's AW11 collection to help you choose:

MEXO
Great for those who like to see the inner watch. 

Brown Mexo

The Mexo has a fully exposed multi layer dial and an added feature of a date function.

Gold Mexo

 Looking classical in black RRP £129.99 and brown or gold RRP £159.99

ASTON
This mixes the tradition with the modern with its...

  ......large raised rubber dial and polished stainless steel links.

The face is available in black, white or lazer blue. RRP: £89.99


ZANTINE
The Zantine is the latest addition to Storm's Black range. So if Santa is feeling generous then you may find this one in your stocking. 

This watch is multifunctional with Swiss movement. Features include Sapphire glass, ceramic links and Storm Black's signature Onyx set in to the crown.

Available in white and black at RRP £219.99 and gold at RRP £249.99

SQUAREX
If you're looking for a funky watch then Squarex is no 'square'.

This watch is bang on trend with colour blocking.  Go for the stylish black and white monochrome or...

... this season's must have accent colour- orange.
Also available in red, blue of just black, so can co-ordinate with your outfit.
The disc rotates to tell the time. RRP £79.99

And for those of you who like something completely different and futuristic go for the:
MK2

This is a limited edition so maybe not best to wait until Xmas for this one. It also comes with a special edition box and certificate. The casing is made from slate and features an LED vertical display. You count the number of lights to tell the time. The row on the left shows the hours plus am/pm and the right shows the minutes in tens 910-50) and single figures (1-9).
RRP £139.99


 Available online from http://www.stormwatches.com
Images supplied by Chase PR

Tobasco, Tequila & Tomato Juice = Agi & Sam Spring/Summer 2012 collection

With a title like 'Tobasco, Tequila & Tomato Juice' the collection could not be any other than fun, colourful and laid back.

Pretty in pink with plus 4's type breeches tucked in matching pink fine socks. Given a macho edge with a white string vest showing underneath the deep pink shirt and patterned pale pink bomber hacket.

To boldy go in an orange and blue check print, over a blue marbled mosaic print shirt and fluorescent orange string vest. Check out the loafer shoes in a printed raffia pattern worn with orange socks, and the derbys on the right in an embroidered print pattern (same print as the jacket) worn with neon blue knee high socks. The shoes are a collaboration with Osborn Shoes

www.agiandsam.com

U.Mi-1 Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

U.Mi-1 was established in Japan, 2008 by Gozi Ochnogor. Gozi studied menswear tailoring, but also engineering which she incorporates in to her designs. Every season she invites a Japanese artist or architect to collaborate and bring elements of their work in to the design on part of the collection.

The key pattern this season is the Prince of Wales seen in suits

and shorts. The shirts are colour blocks of blue and cream....

or blue and white

Contrasting coloured and textured strips accent the tailored trousers and jackets..

...Whilst slashes revealing a darker colour add depth. Shirts range from the standard collar to collarless.

And the suit jackets from standard lapels to the madarin collar.

For casual wear, the trouser is adorned with open zips for texture.

And shirt and shorts are given a bolder check.

Kirk Originals Eyewear Sculpture Collection is a work of Art

If you’re looking for quirky and stylish eyewear to set you apart from the crowd then Kirk Originals Flagship store at  6 Conduit Street, W1S 1XE, is the place to go.  All frames are handmade and hand painted in France and designed by Jason and Karen Kirk who have fun creating the retro geek look with a twist. 

For the budding artist in you - go for the SCULPTURE collection:

Here the use of acetate front and acrylic arms enables Kirk to develop exciting bold and bright colours. Using contrasting colours for the transparent front and arms, these designs are loved by DJ’s as the colours catch the lights, loved by the French and Italians as the sunshine brings out the colours and glitter. 

Also check out the amazing 3D effect as a quilted pattern on the interior of the temple arms shows through.

Titled: Otis, Dusty (the most popular), Joni, Sly, Duane and Martha. 

Dusty in turquoise

Shapes are complimented by bold clashing colour block combinations for the front and arms - definintely one trend this season. Colours to choose from: chocolate, purple, turquoise, red, orange, grey plus silver, gold or blue harlequin pattern.

Dusty with silver harlequin front

 Cost is £245

Website: www.kirkoriginals.com
Note: the store is closed on Sundays until 8 Dec

Images provided by Taskp PR

Get in Touch with your Feminine Side with Astrid Andersen's Spring/Summer 2012 collectiontion

This collection is for guys who are manly enough to show they are in touch with their feminine side. It's street clothing in silk and trimmed in  lace.

Pink lace trims silver grey silk shorts and jersey top.

Cut out lace panel of pink lace on a silver silk top shows a manly chest , whilst the short silk patterned shorts have a lace underlay reaching to the knees - who needs tattoos?

 There's a top completely of lace in pale lemon or if you want more of a cover up go for the shocking pink and purple baseball jacket with shocking pink jogging pants. The tee has the letters AA for Astrid Andersen (of course).

And if you're feeling romantic, there is the baseball jacket and joggers with  a pink/purple sunset on a palm fringed beach scene.

.

Save Japan! t-shirts by UNIQLO

UNIQLO has worked with Conde Naste Japan (publisher of Vogue Japan and GQ Japan) to create a series of charity t-shirts featuring messages of encouragement from fashion designers, singers and actors around the world. Here's a few:

 

 

Lady Gaga

Karl Lagerfeld

Victoria Beckham

UNIQLO will donate 100 million yen (approx £750,000) through the sale of Save Japan! T-shirts to the Japanes Red Cross society. 
The collection is available in unisex XXS - XL for £12.99 in all UNIQLO stores and online http://www.uniqlo.co.uk 
Images provided by Modus Publicity

Tattoo Your Oliver Sweeney Shoes

Yes Oliver Sweeney have set up a tattoo parlour in Selfirdges. No it's not body tattoos but shoe tattoos.
This opens up all possibilities:
If you've run out of skin for any more  body tattoos you can start on your shoes
or
If you don't actually fancy a skin tattoo then a pain free shoe tattoo is ideal!

The tattoo is free with every Oliver Sweeney shoe purchase. They have a data base of tattoo designs but special requests can be made.
Which designs are the most popular? It is initials and dates

The above went for a date but also a love heart and a few cute animals - all on a pair of formal italian shoes!!

Alas the tattoo parlour is a pop up store and is only running until 16ht October.
So get down there as soon as you can.
Selfridges, Mens shoe department, floor 1
Images provided by Oliver Sweeney

Topman Donating 5% of all sales this weekend to Teenage Cancer Trust

Topman - The Peacoat Project

Topman has collaborated with some of the most talented designers to give the much loved Peacoat a modern makeover. The Peacoat is the seventh instalment of the Topman ‘Classics Projects’
These new contemporary styles were launched in selected Topman stores and independent boutiques globally this month and retail between £130-£180

THE DESIGNS: -Which style would you go for?
 
Todd Lynn

Known for his rock n roll tailored aesthetic, Lynn's design includes multiple asymmetric zips and a belted waist  creating a harder sharper edge to the classic Peacoat.

 
Timo Weiland

Fashion duo Weiland and his design partner Alan Eckstein create the 'dapper' look with a modern twist, The soft italian wool fabric is a subtle navy and black check in the 60's longer length style. The coat has a button out borg lining for those chillier days.

Alister Mackie 

Mackie took inspiration from a 1940s naval coat owned by Primal Scream lead singer Bobby Gillespie . The fit is lean and lined with a romantic baby blue paisley print, plus corduroy edge slit pockets to replicate the original design..  

 

Tim Hamilton  

This design is a shorter boxy cut with mirrored buttons and a detachable faux leather quilted zip through waistcoat, giving an overall chunkier look. 

 
James Small  

Small's design was inspired by his own AW11 collection in which he used contrasting colours combing them with different military themes. The coat has military style brass buttons, a strong large collared lapel and navy contrast arms.


And not fogetting Topman Design themselves:

They went for a traditional navy wool Peacoat and gave it a modern youthful look by adding a button off  borg collar  and a button out quilted lining..

Gordon Richardson Topman Designer Director -  
‘I love the way each designer has interpreted this authentic garment with each of their own individual fashion identities. Alister concentrated on fit, Timo on fabrication, James on authentic utility detailing, Todd Lynn on a rock and roll aesthetic, Tim on a relaxed sportswear id and finally TMD with an aviator twist. It never ceases to amaze me how such a humble garment can be given such a rebel rousing makeover in the hands of great designers.’

www.topman.com 
Images provided by Topman Design