Showing posts with label Blogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blogs. Show all posts

Friday, April 15, 2011

Discovering Lewis Leathers


Known for their distinctive motorbike jackets, Lewis Leathers is one of the UK’s most enduring clothing companies. It is true heritage brand. Founded in 1892 as a “Tailoring and Outfitters Shop,” it began stocking protective clothing for motorists and aviators from inception. It has survived wars, dramatic changes in social history and the ever changing winds of fashion for almost one hundred and twenty years. However, until very recently I knew nothing about them. My eyes were open wide to this institution of leather the moment they came across Andrew Bunney's breathtaking biker jacket during my visit to Dr Martens. Bunney has long been a convert to their jackets and as soon as I touched one of his own jackets (he currently has three and is looking to add a fourth) I too became a disciple. As I began to drool over the soft grey leather of his biker jacket he informed me that he had conducted an in depth feature on the store for Honeyee and I'm pleased to find that it is now live.

Images from the Honeyee feature. Photographs by Tommy.


At its height in the 1970s, Lewis Leathers had six shops nationwide in Sheffield, Birmingham and London. The stores offered boots, accessories and made-to-measure leather jackets but by 1986 all had closed. Remaining as a made-to-order business for many years, Lewis Leathers have recently opened a new London shop close to the original address of 104 Great Portland Street. Never forgetting the initial goal to outfit members of Britain’s cycling community. The spirit of D. Lewis remains and with it a consistent balance between function as riding product and fashion icon.

Family-owned until 1981 when the company changed hands, the helm eventually fell to Derek Harris. Harris has been the owner of Lewis Leathers since 2003 although his involvement with the brand stretches back some 20 years. In actual fact, his involvement with the brand began as a customer. His passion and obsession led him to research the true company history, the products’ evolution and Lewis Leathers’ significance in UK motorcycling and fashion culture. Bunney talks at length with the charismatic and knowledgeable, fifth generation owner and I heartily recommend that you make yourself a cup of tea and partake in a spot of interesting procrastination. I've been inspired by this piece and will make the trip to Lewis Leathers, so you can expect a follow up feature to be posted at some point next week.

In discussion: Time Travelling Style II

Fashion is ever changing. Existing materials, cuts and silhouettes are remade, altered, evolved to create something new. The past tends to play a fundamental role in the future. Designers are among the most remarkable cultural historians, tirelessly renewing a fading inheritance,pushing fashion on. A measured glance back in order to go forward. However, when it comes to writing about fashion there is often a tendency to look too deeply at the crystal ball.There is an unquenchable thirst for the new. An impatient demand for the yet unmade. To counter this we asked a few of our favourite menswear personalities to wear Bernard's watch. Here a few of our friends proclaim their favourite moments of style...
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If you could go back in time and experience any
moment in style, what would it be?
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I want to go back to the sixties:

- to crash glamorous Beverly Hills house parties

- to see actual Teddy Boys and skinheads on the streets of London

-to meet my young parents in Manila in custom-tailored bellbottom suits and homemade lace dresses

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"The moment I would most like to visit style-wise would have to be London during the Regency period. As far as tailoring and menswear history is concerned I suppose that was the time that everything was happening. Fashion was truly being explored and young aristocrats were creating a new attitude towards dress. I would love to have been able to see Beau Brummell in action around Mayfair and at parties with the Prince Regent."
Dapper Kid, Blogger.

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"If I could travel back to any style time, which I suppose is just any time full stop, I'd choose 1989. Then I would find 13 year-old Thomas and give him a sound thrashing. My god, what was I thinking? But if that would disrupt the space/time continuum too much, I'd choose the 1920's. The 60's were amazing but a little on the perfect side. In the 20's a man could wear a crazy suit and look completely normal."
The Sunday Best, Blogger.

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"How about simply living in the moment? I understand all art references the past (yes I'm calling some clothing 'art'). However, I'm bored witless of this revisionist attitude to clothing. Why not shake things up? This week I'm feeling more and more like I want to smash the system and start a revolution and my clothing will reflect this. Punk isn't a clothing style but an attitude. I spent a few days at one of worlds biggest cultural events last year and no-one confronted or assaulted my senses more than a group of kids taking French ye-ye music and turning it on it's head. Now that's punk. Lead not follow."
Daniel Jenkins, Retailer focusing solely upon British fashion talent.

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How about you? Have you got an era that you look back on fondly or perhaps you've dreamt about experiencing for yourself ever since you flipped through an old family photo album. Maybe your moment will come. Tell us all about it below.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Style Stalking... Dapper Kid

It has been far too long since we've lurked in the shadows and enjoyed one of our favourite past times, style stalking. To make up for it the lack of sartorial voyeurism on the blog we have a real treat for you. Dapper Kid has been a constant fixture on our blogroll and has provided us with a great deal of stylish food for thought and eye candy over the years. So who better to continue our Style Stalking feature than the lovely Syed? Please sit back and enjoy the perfect start to a Sunday morning with a spot of people watching as we focus our gaze on Dapper Kid. Now, Syed is a guy who has a little fun each morning while getting dressed and understands that the little details can make all the difference. Below is an introduction to the most dapper of kid's style by the man himself along with six of his looks for the new season...

"If we consider language to be not only the verbal and textural, but rather the signs with which we represent our dialectic with the world then dress is language, to which garments are the syntax. In that respect I choose my outfits, in this case my language, according to which syntax I feel helps express my feelings on any given day. I do not usually dress according to my emotions, but rather my state of mind, because it is easier and far less exposing. I tend to dress to complete images I have in my mind, which are more often than not fragments of a whole that I need to draw together and try to finish when actually dressing. It is like making a puzzle without knowing what the finished image actually is. You know from the loose pieces what the image is roughly like, however it is only when you put it together that you fully understand and appreciate what you were working towards. Then again, if nothing else, I try to have fun when dressing, because really that is all that matters!"


Day One: "I woke up on a cold, cloudy and sleepy morning, and thought rather enviously of everybody else seemed comfortably tucked up in bed and under covers. It was overcast and rather grey and I knew that I would be working all day so I really wanted to go with something colourful and comfortable. I have never really been one to dress ultra dark and brooding when I feel down, and it is the same with when the weather is somewhat less than ideal. If you do ever see me wrapped up in full black and with a cloak...well it probably means that Ann Demeulemeester received my love letters and sent some clothes my way. Anyhow, it was all about bright colours to make me smile. I am rather fond of the shoes, which are actually an orange suede. Apologies for the raised eyebrow, it was a long day."
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Day Two: "I always feel that men overlook mohair all too easily, although admittedly this sweater is perhaps not for the faint of heart. Again it was about comfort and the experience of dressing. When considering dress you always have to keep the bodily experience of it in mind, because clothing is after all worn. Whilst I often dress in order to complete a look I have in my mind, other times it is about the experience of wearing. This is one of those occasions, because I went with the mohair sweater and mohair scarf just to feel cosy. It is warm, inviting and probably my version of walking down the street in sweats. The red peaking out from underneath is not actually part of the sweater but simply a long sleeve top. I like playing with colours under the loose knit, especially against the red highlight of the cuff. If any fashion history buffs seem to recognise the sweater design, it is actually a copy of an old McLaren-Westwood design, from their King's Road heyday."
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Day Three: "Photobooth is perhaps not the best tool for recording an outfit, but this was after a rather long day! I think a lot of men are scared of suits because it either reminds them of work, or they simply feel uncomfortable in them. I have somewhat of an opposite reaction, I feel at ease in the uniformity and elegance of a suit. If you have a well fitting suit, you have the greatest of raw materials to build upon. You can play around with your shirts, ties and accessories with the knowledge that you suit is keeping you safe and looking good. In this case I went with a white shirt, maroon and green paisley bow tie, maroon wool cardigan, maroon paisley silk pocket square, black mohair wool suit, red socks, black brogues and a handmade lego heart brooch. I threw in a shot of me in a state of undress just because I think all men should aim to learn how to tie their own bow tie. Plus there is nothing better than undoing your bow tie and letting it hang at the end of a long day!"
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Day Four: "This was a simple bit of colour blocking. It was a bit of a challenge I set myself in all honesty. I have never felt like one of those people who are naturally stylish (whatever that term even means), so every now and again I try to dress well with just the basics. Where basics are concerned it is obviously a matter of fit, and this case was no different. The red raglan sweater is a red velour, which I bought for two reasons. The first was I loved the way light plays off the surface of velour. The second was that I ran across a store just to stroke it, and if a garment elicits that kind of a response from you, it is probably wise to buy it! I own only two pairs of blue denim jeans, and these are one of those pairs. I pegged the hems just to show off the red socks a little, as well as give a more casual look to the outfit."
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Day Five: "I find it impossible to buy suits - I am too tall and too skinny for most off-the-peg clothing so I am particularly fond of this suit with its slightly thinner revers. Unfortunately I felt that the black buttons were a tad off-kilter and although the pinpoint texture was nice, it still needed a little extra twist. As such I actually replaced the two buttons on the front and the two cuff buttons with porcelain and enamel floral buttons that I bought from the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Anybody who knows me knows my fondness for florals, and Spring/Summer is the perfect time to express that love. Indeed I went with a floral pocket square (I am actually slowly building a collection of Liberty print floral pocket squares) and a heart shaped porcelain and enamel floral brooch. I may just be slightly flower mad and have a thing for hearts, but there we are, it could be worse. Underneath I wore a pink oxford shirt and navy wool sweater. A floral shirt would have unfortunately been overkill, however I would if I could."
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Day Six: "This was a running around outfit that was admittedly more Fall/Winter appropriate in terms of colour scheme and materials, however the silk neckerchief was my nod to a more summery elegance. The silk neckerchief was actually the pocket square from Day Three! I am quite the fan of corduroy, although it does seem to get a bit of a bad rep because it is considered old-fashioned. That being said however, fashion is always looking to the past, and this generation's obsession with thrifting clothing is perhaps changing that association. As usual the trousers are fitted because with your general straight cut I tend to look like a scarecrow as opposed to a man in general trousers - darn my spindly legs. I tucked the corduroys into some brown brogue boots, which I wrapped and tied around my ankles rather than at their intended end. I think it is more of a street wear inspired finish, however was also practical when tucking my trousers into my boots."
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Thursday, April 7, 2011

Style Stalking...Ca


It has been far too long since we've lurked in the shadows to partake in one of our favourite past times, style stalking. The reason for the delay was finding a subject that could match our previous subject, Imelda Matt. After a few months of fruitless voyeurism we finally stumbled across an old favourite who has thankfully resurfaced on the blogosphere. Ca's previous blog, The Cablog, was a constant source of inspiration and it was a sad day when he decided to pause blogging. A number of months later and Ca has returned and we are pleased to declare that he lost none of his style. Ca is a man who knows how to use colour and play with textures to make truly wonderful, multi faceted outfits. He is a man who knows how to balance vintage, high street and labels in such a way that the admiring observer has absolutely no idea where he shops. We could wax lyrical about his style but that would only delay you from the real treat of the below visuals. Without further ado, here's the man himself introducing his diary...

"I suppose the series below is representative of my style. At least for winter here in Norway at the moment. I have always been more of an autumn/winter person in terms of clothes and fashion. The crisp cold weather makes it ideal to layer favourite pieces and bundle up. Some may find it challenging during the cold season to stay both warm and stylish, but I thing it's quite amusing. As long as you have the basics, especially quality woolen pieces, in place then I believe you can always look well put together...

All photos by my good friend Sirin Winge"

When the six day diary dropped in to our inbox our week was made. No doubt his style diary will brighten up your week too...
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Day One
A simple and casual outfit, this is how I typically look at home or school. I enjoy focusing on collar/lapel details and love to collect pins and brooches from flea markets and vintage shops. Such an easy way to add a bit of fun. These ones, however, are from a regular high street store. The moment I saw them this summer I completely fell and had to have them. Such a sucker for the nautical theme.
The jumper is from H&M, the shirt is from Zara and pins are from Accessorize, the trousers are by These Glory Days, the glasses are from Burberry and the shoes are by Massimo Dutti.
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Day Two
Another simple outfit for a regular day running errands around town. This jacket is one of my vintage gems which I waited almost three months before purchase. Warm and with the perfect fit, it's such a great piece to throw on while rushing out and about.
The hat is from H&M, the scarf is by Burberry, the jacket is a vintage Wrangler, the shirt is secondhand, the jeans are by Monkee Genes, the bag is secondhand as well and the shoes are by Vagabond.
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Day Three
Ok, so I study library science and work at an eyewear store. Sometimes I get carried away. So much for breaking down the stereotypical view on nerdy almost corporate way of dressing. But I like it and this is how I look most of the time. I try to believe that this soft floral shirt makes the look less "dusty". Anyway, the shirt reminds me of a watercolour painting and I got it dirt cheap at a secondhand store. Win win situation. If you're wondering, I am clinging onto the precious and latest issue of Monocle, one of the few magazines I actually buy.
The cardigan is from Brunns Bazaar, the shirt is secondhand, the trousers and bag are both from Zara while the bag is by Bertoni.
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Day Four
Me at my most dandy. I enjoy wearing bow ties, especially during festive Christmas season. The small leather bag around my neck is the latest obsession. Very practical to keep keys and wallet safe in place. And the coat is Lanvin for H&M, this year's winter coat purchase. The deep blue colour is wonderful. I like the long lean look and how the length makes it completely reasonable for me to make swooshing sounds while wearing it around.
The coat is from the Lanvin for H&M range, the jumper is from Gap, trousers are by Topman, the hat is from Dressman, the bowtie is H&M, the bag is from Monkee and the suspenders and shoes are both secondhand.
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Day Five
Beside collar decoration I have become fond of elbow details. This woolen/angora/cashmere mix jumper is warm, cosy and perfect for winter. Also, the colour scheme keeps the elbow patches subtle and barely noticeable. My infamous binocular bag is making an appearance here as well.
The coat is from Victor & Rolf for H&M, jumper by These Glory Days, as you can probably tell the shirt is from Burberry, trousers are by Velour, shoes from Zara and the bag is secondhand.
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Day Six
Another piece of outerwear I've found secondhand and altered at my seamstress. I like to switch between several coats during winter to keep things interesting. I find brown softer and easier to create less strict winter looks than classic black and grey.


In case you're wondering, the answer is no. I am not doing publicity for the label These Glory Days. At least not paid publicity that I know of. I have been following the label's design for a while and truly enjoy it's casual style, small sizes, simple details and finally the reasonable price level. This winter I went all out and got hold of several pieces from the autumn/winter collection. Whatever the hype, the Swedes know fashion. And as a Norwegian citizen I am making a patriotic statement for Scandinavian design. Yeah.

Final note: I am having breakfast (cranberry scones) while doing Christmas shopping here. Do forgive the silly expression.


The coat is secondhand, the hat and shirt are both from These Glory Days, the jeans are Monkee Genes and the shoes are from Zara.

All photos by Sirin Winge.
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Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Advent - Day Twenty


Sergei Sviatchenko's Close Up and Private is an on going project which looks to capture the spirit of modern style, as seen through the subtle shades of the individual. We have long been admirers and love the project celebrates classic details alongside contemporary looks through a unique form of photographic documentary and film. It has been a real highlight of 2010. Here we find out what's on Sviatchenko's Christmas list...
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THENEWNO2'S YOU ARE HERE


"I came across Thenewno2 a while ago and loved the band immediately. I have asked my two sons to buy me the album" You are here" as a Christmas present. In my opinion Dhani Harrison, who started this band is a very promising personality within this genre of music. He has style, great music abilities and he is a very charismatic person. Furthermore, I read that he graduated from Brown University in the courses Physics and Industrial Design and this impresses me too."

A shot inspired by the logo of the band in Close Up And Private style

PS: He has just launch a new group with Ben Harper and Joseph Arthur named Fistful of Mercy, with the album name "As I Call You Down" - highly recommended."
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Style Stalking... Imelda Matt

You might think that the phrase 'style stalking' is an exaggeration, but this time you'd be wrong. Ever since we laid eyes on Imelda Matt in a gold suit we knew we just had to get him to do a style diary for us. After months (no, really) of chasing, cajoling and downright begging, he agreed. For those of you who don't know him (shame on you!), here's a little background: since unleashing Her Royal Highness Imelda the Despotic Queen of Shoes on an unsuspecting blogosphere more than four years ago, his sharp tongued take on the wonderful world of women's shoes has brought many a smile to our faces. It has been a firm favourite in our blogroll for as long as we can remember. More recently he launched the aesthetically pleasing Style Tyrant, a street style blog that focuses on the men of Melbourne. Just check out this guy if you need convincing!

Here's what Matt has to say for himself about his style diary:

Gurrl! Haz you been tokin’ on the crackpipe?” was the Despotic Queen/Style Tyrants response when Eliza asked if I’d consider doing a style diary!

Over the course of the last four years (during which time I’ve been blogging full-time) my bank balance and thus my wardrobe has been on life support.

Blame the GFC. Blame blogging. But for whatever reason, two and half years ago and in dire need of new threads, I started ‘shopping my wardrobe’, hence in lookin’ at my old rags?

But revisiting my purchases of yesteryear with older (albeit wiser) eyes has been a fascinating exercise. Aside for a few key pieces (Orri Henrrison and Subfusco) approximately 90% what I wear was bought during my 20’s.

Obviously, to accommodate my shifting taste my old rags have given a spit and polish. However, for as cash strapped blogger from the 3rd World I’m kinda impressed with how those early buys have stood the test of time.

These photographs are not a study of sartorial chicanery - what you see, is what you get!

The wait was well worth it though, we are absolutely delighted with the images. When the diary dropped in to our inbox the collective squeal of excitement deafened neighbours. No doubt this style diary will brighten up your weekend...

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Day One - Double Denim


Denim jacket is vintage JAG, Shirt from H&M, the jeans are ‘ready for the bin’ and shoes are vintage Hutton’s Playboy creepers

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Day Two - Subfusco


Entire outfit (including the Patrick Bateman vinyl blazer) from Subfusco, shoes by Pierre Hardy

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Day Three - Orri


Jacket and pants by Orri Henrisson, shirt from Saint Augustine Academy and boots picked up in Tokyo

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Day Four - Armani



Trousers are Giorgio Armani S/S 96, belt is Dolce & Gabanna circa 02, knit Arthur Gallan

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Day Five - Helmut



Jacket is Helmut Lang ‘98, trousers are Dolce & Gabanna S/S ‘97 and the shoes are by Max Kibardin

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Day Six - Gucci Belt



Gucci Belt – Jacket by Orri Hennrisson, vintage trousers, belt by Gucci S/S 97, shoes from Kenneth Cole and watch by Nixon

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Day Seven - Burberry




Pants from Burberry, Shirt by RESTERÖDS, Cardigan from Tiger House (Japan), Shoes from ZARA, vintage belt and rings by ATAT

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Saturday, March 12, 2011

Little Doodles

This season for LFW we decided to do something a bit different. Going to the shows is a great experience, but looking over catwalk photos afterwards can be a bit mind numbing. In order to appreciate the clothes better and look at them in a slightly different way we approached illustrator Kate Wilson to pick out and illustrate her favourite looks. You may have seen Kate's work before. Her blog, Little Doodles, showcases her work which includes charming plump birds sporting outlandish hair and hats and often combine two of our favourite subjects- fashion and food. Her other blog (who just has ONE blog these days?), the Wingtipper, features her purely fashion related illustrations- imaginary outfits, looks from the catwalk and everyone's favourite, Uncle Karl. Frankly, she's so stinking talented that we might have to hate her if she wasn't so lovely as well. We're not the only people who think she's great though- her cards are soon to be stocked in Paperchase nationwide and in the V&A shop. We should also point out that she has an Etsy shop. Just saying. So, we hand you over to the capable and talented hands of Kate who will talk you through some of her favourite looks from AW10. Her illustrations certainly breathe fresh life in to her selected highlights of menswear day and beyond...we hope you enjoy them...

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Burberry - "As someone with a liking (ie. addiction) to a good warm coat both the mens and womens shearling outerwear appealed to me..."

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James Long - "The combination of knitwear and leather caught my eye..."

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A Child of the Jago - "I like the Dandy hints mixed in with the rock and roll edge"

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JW Anderson - "It was the floral boots and backpacks that really caught my eye but I'm also a plaid fan and thought it would be an interesting challenge to paint!"


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Carolyn Massey - "I really liked the pink accents mixed in with the black and grey..."


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Lou Dalton - "Although there were other looks with eye catching colour and pattern I liked this one because of the combination of textures. It made the neutral palette really interesting."

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Details: Backing the Backpack

IMG_7822

Jason Dike and his canvas and leather backpack by Jas MB. Worn here, with his recently GQ featured, quilted field blazer by Joe Casely-Hayford for John Lewis

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Close Up And Private In Motion


As you should all know by now, Close Up and Private is an on going project by artist Sergei Sviatchenko which looks to capture the spirit of modern style, as seen through the subtle shades of the individual. We have long been admirers and love the project celebrates classic details alongside contemporary looks through a unique form of photographic documentary. The real beauty of menswear is in the details and this series celebrates them daily. Last night, Sviatchenko dropped us an email to notify us of the latest development in this inspiring series. A film collaboration with media artist Noriko Okaku that brings his body of work to life, Close Up And Private In Motion


The two artists met in Denmark over the summer. Okaku came to Viberg in Denmark, where Sviatchenko lives, to take part in the Artist in Residence programme at The Animation Workshop. When they met it soon became apparent that they shared a common fascination for the beauty of collage and the discussion naturally switched to a collaborative focus. The resulting Close Up and Private in Motion manages to bring Sviatchenko's distinctive and much loved still image collage work to life. The film wonderfully channels the projects quirky sense of sartorial fun.


What I love about this film and the project itself, is that they both clearly prescribe to the belief that dressing each morning should not be a chore or a bore. It reminds us all to have a little fun each morning while putting in a little extra thought in to each outfit. This season, when mornings are are a little grey and dull, rather than hit the snooze button and hide under the duvet in a depressed state, why not leap out of bed and take inspiration from your wardrobe. With this in mind, I'd like to finish with a quote from another great subscriber to this belief, Patrick Grant...

"I think men have lost sight of how much fun it is to be well dressed. It’s actually really fun to spend a little bit of time every morning putting your clothes on, picking tie, picking a handkerchief, choosing a shirt from your wardrobe, picking a jacket and a pair of trousers and putting it all together and feeling great in your wardrobe. It’s really a lovely thing to do each day." 
Patrick Grant speaking to SwipeLife.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Gooooaaaal!

Don't say we don't provide a bit of variety here at Style Salvage. I've been lost in a world (cup) of football for the last week and a bit, only really thinking about clothes when the camera cuts to the managers' dugout but when I saw these football inspired tops (here), they made me smile and so I just had to share them. A clever use of clothing to brighten up your day!

Image by Milan Daniels

Amsterdam based creatives Bas Van de Poel and Daan Van Dam have created a range of t shirts in support of the Dutch Football Federation. Worn 'normally', they look like any other (bright orange) top... but when a player of the dutch team scores, the wearer can pull the front of their shirts over their heads to become one of the players.

Image by Milan Daniels


Hooray! Steve reckons it's a good thing that these aren't made with the England squad on them... they probably wouldn't sell as well with Rooney or Crouch's faces on them! Though even if they did make them, with the way that England have been playing so far I don't think we'd need to worry about celebrations too much...


Update: Erectizm has pointed out that this has been done before... when Getafe were sponsored by Burger King last year. It's slightly less cool when it's the Burger King's creepy face though!