24 November 2012

R.I.P. Larry Hagman


Larry Hagman - (September 21, 1931 – November 23, 2012)
Rest in peace sir... you portrayed a magnificent bastard with true thespian skill.

07 August 2012

R.I.P. Ranking Trevor


R.I.P to the lord of hosts...

1970s reggae toaster and musical pioneer Ranking Trevor passed away today in a horrific traffic crash in Jamaica. If you are not familiar with his work, check out the seminal albums "In Fine Style" (1978), "Root Of All Roots" (1979), and "Presenting Ranking Trevor" (1981).

23 June 2012

Getting Hot


The season's outrageous heat has begun. You can see it on the faces of the passers-by on the street, in the sweaty attire adhering to every human being not enclosed in a climate controlled zone, in the dizzying optical waves of heat rising from the blacktop in the noonday sun.

Great hats are a necessity in this unforgiving climate. With so many choices available, why settle for just one?


Above is a classic two tone Panama hat from Lanvin available at Barneys New York. The cream and grey are a perfect complement.




Above is a wonderful vintage Milano style woven hat by Julius Garfinckel and Company available from one of my favorite stores on Etsy - PearlModern. The perfect hat for leisurely rowing on Central Park Lake or sitting beachside at a resort as the waves roll in.


Above, Mr. Theophilus London in a fantastic summer ensemble including a brilliant camel colored hat.
  
Below is a great cotton hat from Lock & Co Hatters in an eye-catching grey, navy and red plaid. Available from Mr. Porter.





Above, the contrast fedora from Etro - Available here. A very tasteful combination of patterns shows true artistry.


Below, the Funk hat in grey caviar double face with elephant-grey shiny lambskin trim from Hermès. Simply elegant.




Below is a photograph of the inimitable Don Cheadle looking suave while beating the summer heat in a great straw hat.




Below, a great straw fedora by Albertus Swanepoel. Available from Barneys New York.





Below, the Singer Sargent hat from Worth and Worth, available here.



 

Below, a delightful ad from quality French hatmakers Mossant. Quite debonair. There was such a magic to old advertising posters that has been lost in the digital age.





A great woven flame pattern two tone Panama hat from Agnes B. This one really makes a statement without being vulgar or verging on the ridiculous.


 

The Woven Super Sport 750 from Worth and Worth. Available from Hatshop.com


Below, it was apparently too hot for Michael Fassbender. Here, he keeps cool with a great stingy brimmed hat.



Beneath is a photograph of a linen flat cap by Borsalino available at Harrods.  Classically understated European style that is perfect for reflecting those harsh sun rays.





05 May 2012

Adam Yauch - Rest In Peace


                                                                                                      Photograph: Jerome Albertini/Corbis

18 January 2012

Fighting Old Man Winter with Top Notch Toppers - A Selection of Fine Men's Overcoats & Jackets



Inspired by the recent dip in temperature, I felt it was a fine time to present the overcoats that I have been enamored with as of late. One must always try to keep warm and look their best while having the presence of mind to select the correct coat for the situation at hand.

Cary Grant was always styled to perfection, with an attitude and panache to match. Mr. Grant's double breasted overcoat is an example of gentlemanly style that will never go out of fashion. You can't go wrong with basic black. Below is a modernized version of the classic black double breasted overcoat from Alexander McQueen, available here.




This gorgeous military style jacket from Balmain is quite appealing to shield you from inclement weather while maintaining the perfect balance between utilitarianism and high fashion. The collar's line is a perfect frame for the face. Available here.




The red accented collar of this jacket from Yohji Yamamoto sets it apart from the pack. Delicious.




A powerful jacket with military accents from Tom Rebl. An interesting combination of tough motorcycle style with high fashion. Very sharp. Available here.






Below, a unique and extremely ornamented jacket in black from Bolongaro Trevor, the Overjoy Military trench, perfect for the rockstar in you. Available here.








A candid shot of Michael Caine reaching for his cigarette lighter in a classic trenchcoat after passing through US Customs. The man always looks pulled together, even after a transcontinental excursion.

Below is a finely cut leather trenchcoat from Valentino.





Another wonderful piece from Valentino. Absolutely loving the sheepskin coat with its slim tailoring. This is a piece of art. Now to find one, since the jacket seems to have sold out everywhere.





French musical treasure Serge Gainsbourg looks right through you in his peacoat. Perfect for those cold Parisian days and nights alongside Jane Birkin. Assez chic.



Below, an incredibly handsome peacoat with red military stripe details and golden buttons from Polo by Ralph Lauren, available here.




Below, a wool blend jacket from Polo by Ralph Lauren in a traditional Navajo pattern. A great conversation starter. Available here.






Below, the Alto from Aether Apparel. A tasteful update to the classic English quilted jacket. A perfect choice for when the situation calls for subtlety while retaining a sense of taste and garment quality. Available here.





Below, a stylish and relaxed waxed cotton wooden toggle jacket from Olivier Spencer with red rope details and a plaid lining. Excellent for the cold and rainy days around a country house. Available here.




A sharp and warm piece from iconoclast Vivienne Westwood, the internal zip coat. Great British style with high functionality and military detailing.




The Spiewak Allerton Parka. Spiewak's coats are always a nice option for a reasonable price. Many of their pieces have some design quirk that makes for an appealing look. I've picked up a few through the years. This coat is nicely tailored and is eye catching with its fur and interesting pocket details. Available here.







Illustration from the Saturday Evening Post by Ray Wilcox





Above, a grey notched lapel overcoat from Maison Martin Margiela with a concealed three button closure and a contrasting grey collar. Always interesting and always perfect due to the famous Margiela attention to detail. Available here.




Last, but not least, refined outerwear by Brioni. A fine brown cashmere jacket with a faux fur peak lapel and a rear vent. Perfect for those nights on the town in the Piazza della Repubblica.