All posts tagged: Menswear

Holt Renfrew x Paul Smith x Movember Mittens

Holt Renfrew continues with it’s designer charity collaboration with Paul Smith and a cause close to my heart, Movember. I think this is the cutest collaboration yet, limited edition mittens in Paul Smith’s iconic stripes. Holt Renfrew is looking to reach it’s goal of providing $100,000 to Movember through the sale of the mittens this season. I think they’d make a great gift. Holt Renfrew has collaborated with renowned British designer Sir Paul Smith on an exclusive collection of mittens for Movember. Paul Smith created the limited edition mittens uniquely for this partnership, which are available only in Canada and only at Holt Renfrew. Every pair of limited edition Paul Smith mittens purchased will help support the men’s health programs run by Movember. In Canada, Movember supports prostate cancer and male mental health initiatives in the area of education, awareness, research and survivorship. “We’re absolutely thrilled to collaborate with Paul Smith and Movember on this special edition mitten collection,” said Alexandra Weston, Holt Renfrew’s Director of Brand Strategy. “We partnered with Paul Smith to create …

I want – I got Editorials – Nomad Spring Summer 2013

So, this is the second post in my I want – I got Editorials group. I was blogging for the award-winning MasterCard Stylicity project this season and I organized three editorial shoots for the stores Philip Sparks, Nomad and Spectacle. The shots turned out really well so I’ve decided to showcase some of them here too. This is Nomad. I really wanted to do the modelling for Nomad myself. However, I felt there were a couple of problems with that. One would be sizing. The other problem was audience. Nomad is a menswear shop and I need to speak to their main customers who are men. So my photographer Dave Yan and I convinced my tall and lean brother to model. He was great! Nomad is an amazing shop and their sales associates are some of the incredibly helpful and down to earth. I even saw a couple of things that would fit me in the store. I’m going to have to go shopping. Curtis makes everything look amazing. Thanks dear brother for your hard …

i want: Accordion Briefcase by Philip Sparks

I’m excited about Philip Sparks’s new lines of accessories for men and women for Spring Summer 2013. Right now I have my eye on this leather and canvas mens Accordion Briefcase. I love the colour combination. It’s available for pre-order right now at philipsparks.com or at the Ossington Shop until Sunday. It retails for $395.00 and will ship on March 15, 2013s ship March 15, 2013, images: philipsparks.com

Keep the Kilt Kayne

I rarely talk about celebrities here but I was super disappointed that Kayne has tried to get photos of him wearing the badass Givenchy kilt taken down. That kilt made me love Kayne and it kills me to see him backtrack. During my ranting about this, I was sent this amazing video that Kanye posted in response to his critics. It made me love him even more. And I love his stylist taking scissors to Givenchy!

David Beckham Bodywear for H&M Film by Guy Ritchie

I can stare at David Beckham pretty much any day of the week. So if you can too, I present this fun film by Guy Ritchie for the Spring Summer 2013 collection of David Beckham Bodywear for H&M. The collection is available in H&M stores and online now. There is a lot of shirtless Beckham running around. What else can you ask for? The image: Courtesy of H&M

Herringbone Biker Jacket by Mr. Gentleman

i want: Herringbone Biker Jacket by Mr. Gentleman

One of my twitter friends let me know about these amazing Herringbone Biker Jacket by Japanese brand, Mr. Gentleman. It’s menswear and I’m in love. Mr. Gentleman is a menswear line based out of Japan. Designers, Takeshi Osumi (PHENOMENON) and Yuichi Yoshii (THE CONTEMPORARY FIX) teamed up to create the brand whose concept is basic menswear. The jacket retails for Â¥68,250 or about $900CDN. It’s sold out on The Contemporaryfix.com site which doesn’t really matter much to anyone outside of Japan because they don’t deliver internationally. I have to find my hands on some kind of reasonable facsimile or get it done custom. images: Contemporaryfix.com

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

I can’t talk about the upcoming Fall Winter 2012 – 2013 collections without mentioning one of my favourite labels, complexgeometries. The NIGHT is what complexgeometries is calling the Fall Winter 2012 – 2013 collection. It references cultures of the night like skinheads, swingers, workmen and revelers. The collection conveys “the shadows and secrets that the day’s dark hours shroud.” The lookbook was shot in Japan and I love the models! The female model’s makeup is perfect for this complexgeometries collection. The little bursts of colour that were present in previous collections are gone and there is a heavy focus on black, grey, navy and white. As usual, I want it all. Look for pieces of the collection to hit complexgeometries.net this month and beyond. images: courtesy of complexgeometries

Philip Sparks Spring 2012 Lookbook – Behind the Scenes

I took some behind the scenes photos at the shoot for the Philip Sparks Spring 2012 lookbook. The shoot took place at the Philip Sparks store that wasn’t open at the time. Philip Sparks Spring 2012 Lookbook. It was an exciting time, many people still didn’t know about the store and it was all very hush hush. I held onto the secret of the store for months on end. I’m great at keeping secrets but it was nice to finally talk openly about how amazing the Philip Sparks store is. Photographer on set was Mckenzie James. Alon Freeman (Judy Inc) was the master stylist. Claudine Baltazar (Plutino Group) was on hair and makeup. The lovely models for the day were Oliver W and Katy from Elmer Olsen Model Management. See all my photos in the slideshow

i got: Tubereuse Noir Baxter of California Candle

My Barber at Hollow Ground Barber Shop introduced me to candles from Baxter of California.  Since 1965 Baxter of California have provided men with grooming products.  They have a range of skincare, shaving and hair care products.  In addition grooming accessories, candles and fragrances round out the product selection.  Baxter of California also collaborates with brands like Saturdays NYC, Porter and Unionmade. These soy wax-based candles are geared towards men and are produced with the brand Joya.  I love the Tubereuse Noir scent which has fragrance notes of  Tuberose, Bergamot, White Tea Rose, Geranium and Camellia.  The packaging, designed by Marc Atlan is very cool. You can get a wide selection of Baxter of California products (including the candles) at: Hollow Ground Barber Shop 1053 Bloor St W. Toronto image: baxterofcalifornia.com

Banana Republic x Mad Men Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

So Banana Republic and AMC are teaming up to create a limited edition collection inspired by Mad Men.  Janie Bryant and Banana Republic designers worked together to create the 65 piece collection featuring men’s and women’s apparel and accessories. They will be available in Banana Republic stores across North America and online starting August 11, 2011. “Working with Janie to gain a true understanding of the ‘Mad Men’ look and feel was a delight,” says Banana Republic Creative Director Simon Kneen. “Janie was instrumental in helping us achieve the series aesthetic and standard of authenticity with this capsule collection, offering sketches, her own inspirations and actual artifacts from the production set to help inspire the ‘Mad Men’ within all of us.” “Collaborating with Simon and his team to design this collection was an experience I’ll never forget,” says Bryant. “It’s so rewarding to help create a collection that will allow fans of the series to channel their own ‘Mad Men’ style and take home fashionable items that are modern, not costume.” Banana Republic send me …

The Return of Chip And Pepper Wet Wear

Chip And Pepper Wet Wear brings back high school memories. It was very popular during those days to be sporting the two bulldogs and celebrating beach culture in Richmond Hill. The return of Chip And Pepper Wet Wear for Spring Summer 2011 season is at the perfect time for me to feel nostalgic about the line. Chip and Pepper came to town for a preview that was held at the close to completion Templar Hotel. The 27 room hotel is going to ultra luxury with a Chef that will make you whatever you want whenever you want. I’ll probably never see the inside of the place after the preview because it will only be open to hotel guests. It looks like it will be pretty damn swank looking, so maybe I’ll be able to arrange a tour for I want – I got and report back my findings :). Chip gave me the warmest welcome I’ve ever experienced at a press preview. How can you not love a man who offers you a beer right after …

Nella Bella Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 Preview

Nella Bella held their Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 preview at the Design Exchange a little over a month ago. The space was perfect for the launch. The Nella Bella team did a great job of presenting the collection to visitors. Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 season is the debut of the menswear collection NB man which is influenced by the 50s. Nella Bella paired up with Suzy Shier who provided looks for the mannequins to accompany the handbags.  I liked the addition of a complete look to highlight the handbags in each theme grouping. I really liked NB Man collection. It’s a smart expansion for the brand. The leather like handbag finishes include pebble and patent. The gallery contains my favourite women’s bags from the Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection. See all my photos from the event.

Klaxon Howl Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

Samuel L. Jackson was the only massive celebrity to attend LGFW. Random is the only word to describe his attendance at Klaxon Howl. One of my favourite moments of LGFW was tweeting about Mr. Jackson’s arrival. Ha Ha. Some people thought it was an April Fool’s joke. I did miss out on getting a photo with him but I did see him in the flesh. I guess when The Hudson’s Bay is backing your line things like this can happen. Klaxon Howl fall winter 2011 – 2012 was a very commercial menswear collection. The military influenced collection used a white, grey, blue, brown and black colour scheme. There was a lone coral coloured button up, which seemed out-of-place in the collection. The collection featured the basics: coats, denim, button up shirts, vests and pants. There was a lot of buzz about the handbag collaboration between Klaxon Howl and The Hudson’s Bay. The fashion show was half runway and half presentation. I think the main runway room is too large to pull this format off successfully. …

Juma Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

Prints haven’t scared off the Juma siblings and I’m so happy about that. I ranted and raved about the Spring Summer 2011 collection. Alia and Jamil decided to do a print heavy spring collection which was something new for them. Normally, Juma is associated with neutral colours and a lot of black. It was a great pairing of silhouettes and prints. The Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection continues to hunt east for its inspiration. Tibet, Thailand & Shezhen’s local tapestry work and wildlife shaped the vibrant colour and intricate designs the duo developed for the 2011 fall winter collection. To modernize the prints, they distorted and layered them as well as added gradients of colour including midnight blue, burnt corals, olive, tangerine, nude and black. The multicoloured knits were inspired by the thick, colourful wool blankets that mountain people wrap around themselves during the winter months in Tibet.(source: press release) It’s safe to say I loved this collection from Juma as much as spring summer. I want it all. I didn’t get any photos …

John Allan’s Club at The Bay, Queen Street Launch Party

I attended the opening party for the John Allan Club at The Bay on Queen Street. The John Allan Club is a membership based men’s grooming club where all aspects of male grooming are taken care of by expert staff. The Bay John Allan Club is first international location and the sixth overall. John Allan was in attendance along with Bonnie Brooks and one of the Bachelors from that horrible, horrible Bachelor series. I think he’s following me because I saw him again while I was out last week, ha ha. I don’t need to be in close proximity to anyone on that show. Anyways, John talked for a bit and I decided to record some video.

Complexgeometries Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

Complexgeometries held their fall winter 2011 – 2012 presentation at The Westside Gentlemen’s Club. That’s right, a strip bar. Designer Clayton Evans had colour and collaborations on the mind for the season. It’s a surprisingly colourful fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection for Complexgeometries and I’m not complaining. The textile evolution of the line into fabrics other than jersey is progressing with charmeuse, silk, mohair, suede and wool. Collaborations came in the form of jewellery and shoes. Complexgeometries partnered with fellow Montreal designer, Mireille Boucher of Harakiri. See the Complexgeometries fall winter 2011 – 2012 presentation video by Jason Last. The towering platform boots came out of the minds of LD Tuttle and Complexgeometries. Clayton tells me they are 9 inches high. I’m simultaneously scared and salivating. It’s an extra 9 inches of height. Who the hell knows what I’ll use it for but I want it. I’d probably scare small children and some men. Do these qualify as Manrepller shoes? Ha Ha.  Thankfully there are some more reasonable short boots available in the collaboration …

Oliver Spencer Spring Summer 2011

Oliver Spencer is a British menswear label that recently opened a store on Queen Street West. I stopped by the opening party to check it out. It was pretty packed so I didn’t get to see a lot of the clothing. I did end up buying a beautiful Il Bussetto bifold wallet in vibrant green leather. I did manage to snag the Spring Summer 2011 lookbook which I’ve scanned. Queen Street is turning into the menswear strip with the addition of Oliver Spencer. There are a lot of great shops along Queen for you guys. Oliver Spencer 962 Queen Street West Toronto 647 348 7673

Boys of Milan & Paris Fall Winter 2011

Thank god for Tommy Ton and Justin Wu. They bring us beautiful male models lip syncing on camera. Swoon. I’m very thrilled to be presenting another video in collaboration with Justin Wu. He’s worked extremely hard this time around gathering all the boys in milan and paris for this special video and i’m so grateful he’s done it again for Jak & Jil blog. Thank you to all the male models who participated and made this video even more special. Enjoy!!! You can all thank me later.

CLARK Cashmere Fall Winter 2011 Sneak Peek

So, I’ve just discovered that Wayne Clark is creating a new cashmere sweater line for men. It will launch for the Fall 2011 season. The email that brought this news also contained some preview photos to share. It’s a little early to be talking about the fall winter 2011 season, I know. I haven’t even posted my pre-fall 2011 collection favourites yet. However, this was too good to pass up.  I can’t wait to see the full collection.

Greta and Ezra Constantine Spring Summer 2011 Videos

I love the short fashion films created by directed by C. Hudson Hwang for Greta and Ezra Constantine for the spring summer 2011 collections. casting: Kirk Pickersgill + Stephen Wong styling: Kirk Pickersgill, Stephen Wong + Youlanda Jackson menswear: Ezra Constantine SS 2011 streetwear: models’ own models: Joseph Weir, Taras Koltun, Carlton Ruth, Fraser Barke, Robert Rae, Michael Teixeira, Brett Ofield, Paolo Roldan (Elmer Olsen Model Management) music: “Kids” by Sleigh Bells (N.E.E.T. Recordings) designed by Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong models: Frances Coombe (Elite), Krystal Reeve (Next), Jenica Vandermeer (Ford), Jackie Szakall (Elmer Olsen), Danielle Sietz (Sutherland), Alisa Erlikh (NAM), Emily Fox (Push), Naro Lokurka (Push), Shiya Zhao (Sutherland), Renee Thompson (Elite), Madison Schill (Ford), Ada Roberts (Sutherland), Grace Mahary (Elmer Olsen), Ty States (Sutherland), Thembi Oney (NAM), Anna Shevchenko (NAM), Dajana Antic (Elmer Olsen), Joanna Lepiesza (Elite) Music: “Infinity Guitars” by Sleigh Bells (N.E.E.T. Recordings)

Iris Clothing Fall 2010 – 2011 Motion Lookbook

Toronto based Iris Clothing is a locally made menswear label that is available online and at Uncle Otis in Yorkville. Merv Maranan is the man behind Iris Clothing. Merv cut my hair once. I cheated on my first and long-term barber with Merv because he was way closer to home at Mike Scissor’s. He’s also a friend of my brother’s who facilitated my infidelities. I attended the Spring 2010 launch party at Uncle Otis earlier in the year and really liked his collection of well crafted classics. My brother is a big fan. I’m tempted to call my brother a muse to Iris Clothing as he gets special one of a kind styles that aren’t available to the public. That seems pretty muse worthy to me. My brother has great style and is immaculate in his dress. I’m sloppy while he is perfect. He’s a jeans, t-shirt, button up, hoodie, hat, jacket and sneakers person but looks really good. Merv directed two short fashion films for the Iris Clothing Fall 2010 collection and they are …