LADIES-- GET YOUR KICKS CHEAP THRU DEC 7
Laces, the women's sneaker shop is having its first anniversary sale. All the coolest kicks for chicks are up to 40% off. So toss those Louboutins and get yourself something comfy that's still sexy.
November 30, 2006
CURIOUSLY COOL
You've got your chocolate in my peppermints! Altoids releases yummy new flavors.
Luxury breath mint leader Altoids, just knocked the industry on its ass with a limited launch of their delicious Dark Chocolate Dipped Mints! You can find the 3 flavors (peppermint, cinnamon, and ginger) for $2.49 in Manhattan, EXCLUSIVELY at the Chocolate Bar, Lunettes et Chocolat, Ninth Street Espresso, and Everything Must Go in Harlem! They will be available to "regular people," nationwide in February.
Until then, whip these tastymakin' mints out of your Head Porter/iDiom/Filson/Fillintheblank for a fresh convo starter.
SLB23
Legendary skater Sal Barbier boosts West Hollywood's style profile.
YOUNG DESIGNER SAMPLE SALE
A great array of young designer clothes are on sale this weekend at Archetype Showroom.
November 29, 2006
A MAGAZINE YOU SHOULD OWN
Finally a Japanese magazine for the American market.
It's being called a premium directory for men creating their own style. OWN magazine debuted this week presenting a selection of the cream of the crop brands in a photo-based catalog format, just like our favorite Japanese mags do. Issue No.1 includes photographic reports on brands including: Number (N)ine, Mastermind Japan, KVK, J.P.1920, Libertine, Yohji Yamamoto, Marc Jacobs, Karl Lagerfield, Devilock, Surface 2 Air, Garni, Roar, Buddhist Punk, Cloak, Engineered Garments, Nike, Adidas and Polo.
There's tons of product shots, detail photos, and fashion photo editorial pages. Features focus on innovative brands and exciting designers along with historical presentations of established men’s brands and pioneering designers.
The Web site already has an online store where you can buy hard to find items from some of the world's coolest brands.
THE MOTION PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY
The Oscar Wilde classic novel is getting a fashion makeover for the big screen.
We're looking forward to seeing the film adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray, due out by year's end. In a season where turn of the century style is influencing menswear and dandyism is on the rise, we are sure this film will have a huge impact on our market!
The film portrays the title character as very slim and very chic and stars a svelte David Gallagher. Costumes were designed by Dior Homme's Hedi Slimane, so you know the movie is going to be a must- see fashion experience!
The December/ January issue of Black Book magazine already features a Dorian Gray-inspired photo shoot. Some excerpts below..
November 28, 2006
VICTOR GLEMAUD STEPS OUT
The former PR exec launches a fun and colorful men's wear collection.
photo:Refinery29We've been reading a bit about former KCD publicist Victor Glemaud's debut mens wear collection. The designer launched his first collection in Paris last summer, and now the line will be available exclusively at Maxfield in LA in the US.
While many of the spring runways were pretty monochromatic, or heavy with black, white and gray, Glemaud’s collection stands out thanks to its bold use of color. The collection is casual enough to be worn with sneakers but also look hot with a pair of pointy brogues in Technicolor hues. "I started the collection based on the way I like to dress," he told Refinery 29 in a recent editorial.
His signature layered look feature 2 tone cardigans that are actually one piece, and bottoms are relaxed fit, rather than super tight. Glemaud plans to show his fall 2007 collection in NY in February.
YOUNG, FABULOUS & BROKE
What do you get when you put a creative fashion mind together with a creative film mind?
Young Fabulous & Broke.
Launched by designer Heidi Cornell and film producer Brad Zions, YFB is conceived for the fresh, hip LA girl who aspires to the young and fabulous lifestyle. Celebrity fashionista SIenna Miller is already a huge fan of the brand.
Heidi, the designer, draws her inspiration from the who's who of the party scene, and Brad uses his entrepreneurial skills to get the brand in all the right places. The collaboration of these two minds is a line that's fabulously sexy and comfortable. Flowy, feminine dresses, bohemian-chic skirts, cozy sweat pants and flirty tops define Young Fabulous & Broke. YFB pieces fit like a glove while retaining their luxe comfort.
Young Fabulous & Broke is carried in department stores including Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom; and chic boutiques such as Madison, Traffic, Planet Blue, Fred Segal and Atrium. Retail prices range from $80 to $300.
MILITANT TAILORS STRIKE A POSE IN MEPA
Earnest Sewn Gallery presents the Young Meager project
As men are getting more interested in tailoring, and how their jeans are made, and "New Dandyism" is on the rise, we were pleased to hear about the Young Meagher project. The organizers wont say whether the origins are fictional or true, but the project purports to shed light on the heretofore-lost history of a secret society called the Militant Guild of Rural Tailors, which was founded during the early Industrial Revolution. Even during its heyday details about the Guild had been shrouded in mystery but knowledge of its existence had all but completely disappeared over the decades since its formation. During the very early stages of project research, the Guild and the designers used the dogmas of the secret society's 126 year-old manifesto as a guideline to develop a contemporary men’s clothing concept. In this regard Young Meagher is itself a research project with its documentation taking the form of prototype "test garments".
A month long installation at the Earnest Sewn store in the Meat Packing District will exhibit a number of test garments, as well as portraits taken by photographer Davi Russo depicting suspected guildsmen Quincy Bright, Rostarr, Carlos Quirarte and Niall Maher among others. Russo's portraits are inspired by turn-of-the-century daguerreotypes and were hand printed from paper negatives in a process not dissimilar from the rural tailoring they commemorate. The Young Meagher project debuts at Earnest Sewn gallery on November 30.
ALWAYS AMAZIN' - L.L. BEAN
While you're clicking, don't miss chamois button down shirts (unchanged since 1927 and a super steal at $34), or stocking stuffers like camo duct tape. YESSS!
THINGS WE LOVE
Women BARELY get any love in the sneaker game, although there are women sneaker fiendz all over the world! (I never saw anything saying that a sneaker collection should only belong to a man…) But Nike's done something just for the ladies... 
We love the Nike Air Force 1 in peacock. All this for us women? Aww, how sweet Nike! Happy Holidays to you too… and remind me to wish you a Happy Birthday when January comes around- with all of your accomplishments, who knew you were 25?
TASTEMAKER Q&A - SLAMXHYPE'S ADAM
In the first installment of our weekly Tastemaker Q&A, we've got blogger extraordinaire Adam from streetwear's daily dose Slam x Hype.
We're asking the same question every week -- it's simple, open to interpretation, and straight to the point -- What's hot and why.
Adam lets us know, after the jump...
Adam, Slam x Hype
What's hot right now and why?W)Taps and Neighborhood. Continually the best brands in the world. They can’t fail, and are far and beyond anything else out there, in terms of the quality of product and design. And well above anyone in terms of their fashionable-ness, and the lifestyles that they harness, the philosophy concept for example is a genuine lifestyle brand. Made purely to spread the word of the ‘philosophy’ and create a place and feel around the brand, The philosophy store for isn’t there to make money, its not even there to break even, its just there to build the brand.
Neighborhood
In the US, aNYthing and Irak are doing similar things, in that they harness genuine lifestyles, which is great to see.
The world of fashion, streetwear and lifestyle brands are merging. The world of sneakers is a more difficult one to judge, historically it all about having something no one else has, but NOW even having a shoe of which only 24 are made, often isn’t enough, because whilst people might not own them, the media ensures everyone has seen them, there nothing new to the eye. What’s hot with sneakers? It seems the new flavor amongst ‘cool kids’ is beat up chucks, the anti sneaker fan has entered!
I cant really talk about restaurants, as I'm too far away, not feeling any movies right now (apart from Bond) and I don’t have enough money to buy toys anymore so I have decided I hate them ha ha.
November 27, 2006
THE QUINN IS IN
Bespoke has a new home and a new style at the Duncan Quinn shop
Bespoke tailoring is apparently all the rage these days. Everything from custom kicks to shirts to computers. But dont think this is the usual upper crust echelon of old geezers ready to fondle you with their tape measure. With a logo that declares, "For days of glory and nights of excess, " Duncan is a rock star's tailor. Lawyer turned tailor, the British Quinn has a great eye for color, cut and putting together a look that doesn't scream Dior Dandy or Prada-bot. And he may do bespoke but he also offers off-the-rack suits as well as pocket squares, shirts, ties and scarves ranging from $75-$250.
The music may be rockin and the shop clerk may look like he needs smelling salts but worry not, it's a customer friendly environment (rare in NYC boo-tiques) and the shop lad will be more than happy to help you into one of the chic slim fitted suits. And for the ultimate dandy, a 'brolly' from Quinn is a must. Coming in an array of colors and retailing for $185 you will be the finest feathered peacock in the rain. www.duncanquinn.com 
8 Spring Street, New York, NY; 212-226-7030
YONEHARA AT REED SPACE
Yasumasa Yonehara, oft dubbed the Terry Richardson of Japan, will be exhibiting work at the Reed Space from 12/1 - 1/4. (While you're clicking, check the store's blog today for CLAW updates including a hot shot of Teddy Mushkins. Bear claws, baby!)
Buy art!
WANT AGENCY SAMPLE SALE
Get the Nordic brands you WANT on sale now at WANT AGENCY sample sale.
We industry folks hate paying full price, when we can get a discount. So if youve been holding out on buying your Scandinavian denim, now you'd better stock up. Our friend Byron at Want Agency is hosting a sample and stock sale for Acne, Filippa K, Nudie and Denimbirds. Score a deal up to 50% off wholesale this Wednesday and Thursday from 10-7.
Cash only!
WANT AGENCY, 435 Hudson Street, Suite 401
LACOSTE GOES LIMITED
Lacoste is entering the collabo trend with a unique twist on the tactic--The brand is introducing a range of collaborations called the Lacoste Holiday Collector's Series. Each year, the famous French sportswear brand will select designers outside the fashion world to 'reinterpret' its iconic polo shirt and to challenge its production methods and processes.
For its first collabo, Lacoste selected industrial furniture designer Tom Dixon to be the featured collaborator. WHile he usually works with sheet metal and plastics, he embraced the traditional Lacoste cotton for this project. "I was keen to explore two contrasting ideas for LACOSTE," explains Tom. "One which engages in the provenance and craft of the materials used, and one that challenges the technology and functionality of the garment." The results are the ECO POLO and the TECHNO POLO, two very contemporary pieces that are a far cry from the traditional polo shirt. To see more, click here.
A limited run of 1,000 will be sold exclusively at Jeffrey, and Lacoste stores. Prices range from $198- $255.
HOORAY FOR HORACIO!
We're so glad that NY Times editor Horacio Silva is taking over the Critical Shopper column in the NYT's Thursday Styles section.
We're hoping that Horacio will revamp the column, and cover stores that we'd actually want to read about and shop in.. So far, he hasnt disappointed. This past week, Silva covered the new Paul Smith mega-store. And past columns include a write up of LES hipster hangout aNYthing, and progressive premium boutique BBlessing.
November 22, 2006
BRAND WATCH: MIKE & CHRIS
Mike & Chris are LA-based husband and wife design team Mike Gonzalez and Christine Park-Gonzalez. They saw the potential for a more downtown, progressive take on the hooded sweatshirt and launched Mike&Chris for fall 2005. "We knew that the standard hoodie could be more fashion forward with the right detailing without sacrificing wear ability or comfort," says Christine. The design duo has managed to meld chic and street, resulting in a line that is both laid back yet put together, taking casual cool to a whole new level.
The hoodies are made with super soft fleece in antiqued colors; detailed with oversized buttons, antique brass eyelets, and unconventional styling. Expanding on the hoodie concept the designers also created leather hoodies made from soft lightweight lambskin lined with classic cotton men's shirtings and are hand treated resulting in a distressed texture on the skins. The duo has also introduced a line of leather and canvas satchelsand a men's collection for spring 2007. The brand has been worn by Nicole Kidman, Drew Barrymore, Mary J. Blige, Jessica Alba, Mena Suvari, Angelina Jolie and Lucy Liu among others, and can be found at Barneys and Henri Bendel in New York, Ron Herman in LA, and Arrive in Miami.
THE BARGAINIST
Getting a deal just got easy.
We fashion folks love getting a deal, and our friends at UnCrate have tipped us off to a great new site-- The Bargainist. The Bargainist lists sales, coupons, and discount codes for fashion items, cars, books, toys, pet stuff, electronics and more. Pick up some polo sweaters at 30% off with the Bargainist's friends and family code, a flat screen TV at Sony at a discount, or post your own sales and bargains.
VALLEY GIRLS HIT NYC
Finally-- A shop that strictly for the ladies. Valley opens in LES, offering great fashion brands, as well as waxing and manicures.
Valley is a new boutique owned by sisters Nina and Julia Werman, Los Angeles natives raised by New Yorker parents in the San Fernando Valley. The sisters opened Valley just last week and hope to create a space that's reminiscent of their childhood home, which was a hangout spot for all their friends. “Ours was the house where everybody always hung out…it was the hub of our family’s circle of friends”, said Nina, who hopes that Valley will become a destination for Manhattan's cool girls.
Located on Orchard Street, just north of Canal, the store is quite off the beaten path, but it's huge. Over 2500 square feet of space inspired by the mid century modern style the sisters love from their LA days.
Valley will carry a mixture of avant garde brands and smaller, streetier labels including Grey Ant, Borne, Geren Ford, Guild, Sass & Bide, Ladies of the Canyon, IRAK NYC, Deener Denim and Cresciente shoes. The sisters also plan to host seasonal art installations and events.
We're super psyched about the beauty services! Where else can you get fully outfitted, and even get your nails airbrushed and a Brazilian bikini wax all in one stop? Leave it to a Valley girl to put it all together under one roof.
Valley, 48 Orchard Street Btwn Hester & Grand
November 21, 2006
New Dandyism
We love us some dandyism. Ditto for the high end hoodie + fedora + unshaven, graphic tee + scotch looks pictured above. We lifted these images from New Dandyism, a soon to be ecommerce site and conglomerate of some of our favorite brands (Call of the Wild, Sticks N' Stones, Obedient Sons, Nicholas K, Rag & Bone, Loomstate, wood wood and New Dandyism)...
Truth be told, when we think of dandy, we think Des Esseintes from Huysman's A Rebours, but we love the modern version too. Take the finest example we've seen - BPMW's own Cator Sparks, for starters.
New Dandyism's definitely thinking big thoughts -- we love streetwear, custom made shirts from Ascot Chang, jiggy hats and sneakers all mixed up into something wholly new.
From their manifesto:
"There has been a new cultural resurgence of dandyism. It has moved beyond the over used and often misappropriated "metro sexual". Men have a new appreciation for fashion, design, and taste. I don't think men have cared so much about how they look in decades, perhaps centuries, and probably have never been so proud of the time they put into their appearance."
The Dark Side of the Loom
Every well heeled man remembers that day well. The day that he first saw a picture of that elegant brogue with the mysterious and mischevous skull and cross bones punched out of the toe. Where did they come from? Was this for real? Could it be? Yes.
The line has gained a cult following and a tiny boutique opened in NoLIta last summer to give a US base for the brand. The 'blink and you'll miss it' boutique is cozy with brick walls, Union Jack art and anchored by the must have Chesterfield that would grace any Savile Row room. Shoes are artfully displayed on one wall while accessories are lined up with military precision in front of the window. It may seem cramped but word on the street is that they are breaking down walls and expanding within the year. www.barkerblack.com
WOODY WALLPAPER (FOR MAC & PC)
In the giving spirit of the season, here's a little something we're loving right now -- this fresh "Wood'nU" wallpaper from Japanese graphics company 9031. Warms up the computer real fast.
Also check out the cool (and FREEEE) icons, fonts and whatnot. We like the Fliqlo flip clock screensaver that takes us back to our childhood bedroom, pre-Sony Dream Machine. Ahhhhhh analog.
Gobble gobble.
GQ NAMES ITS MEN OF THE YEAR
While Hollywood stars seare the focus of the magazine's selections, fashion's stars wer not overlooked. Designer Thom Browne was named "Style Czar" thanks to his quirky take on the skinny suit that's making a huge impact in the menswear market. And, designer Christopher Bailey, of Burberry was named "Designer of the Year" and hailed as the forerunner of the "disheveled elegance" aesthetic that's so popular in men's wear today.
WHO DO YOU THINK SHOULD HAVE BEEN AWARDED A MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD? LEAVE YOUR SUGGESTIONS BELOW...
BREAD & BUTTER BERLIN-- A NEW SHOW MAY BE IN THE WORKS
The Berlin show was cancelled late last month, due to apparent lack of interest, and increasing poularity of the Barcelona show. Organizer Karl-Heinz Müller released this statement. “By focussing on one strong event, clearness and transparency can be granted to the industry and trade. BBBarcelona has become accepted as the leading platform for the young and contemporary market segments. This step generates even more potentials. We expect a growing number of exhibitors and visitors in Barcelona because now a clear decision for one event can be made.” BBBarcelona will be held January 17-19 2006.
A new event in Berlin, “BBB Kraftwerk,” which is being billed on the company's web site as "not a trade show" may be in the works. The event will be a small juried show, limited to 100 brands, according to the web site. Show dates and times are Jan26-28, 3pm-3am.
November 20, 2006
LOOMSTATE
For many people when they think of eco textile designs an image of a burlap sack comes to mind. Thankfully, clothing companies like Loomstate are quickly advancing the image of green fashion.
Loomstate brings us some of the most sought after silhouettes for men and women in the contemporary market. Through the use of the best quality 100% organic cotton, grown free of pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers, they are focused on making beautiful clothes and supporting organic farming – an industry vital to the welfare of the planet. Loomstate is designed for people who want responsible clothes and are committed to protecting the environment. In an industry often criticized for being exorbitant and full of vapid individuals it’s refreshing to see an innovative fashion brand with a social conscious, doing their part to make a positive change in the world. Check out the full collection at www.loomstate.org
Proenza Schouler for Target Preview
We Are The Market went to a cocktail party to preview the new Go International collection for Target by Proenza Schouler. Jack and Laz were on hand to hobnob with well-heeled editors, retail fashion directors and assorted fasion lovers at Target's showroom space in the heart of the garment district.
We love Target's Go International collections and think this collab could be one of the best yet.
However.....while PS's signature pin tucking, intricate seaming and thoughtful construction elements are there, we thought the line looked suspiciously like another designer whose work we admire, another designer from NYC, you know the one....Mr. Marc Jacobs. Perhaps the boys were paying homage, maybe when faced with creating clothing for a practical price point they couldn't help but reference the king of downtown? We think the colorways and patterns were a little too referential.
Items to cop -- the Short Sleeve Jersey-Knit Boy Tees (slightly dolman sleeved and tapered at the waist in soft cotton) for $14.99, the rainy day yellow Hooded Anorak for $39.99 and simple Skinny Pants (jeans, actually) in gray for $34.99 and the very PS Bustier Top in silk with contrast piping for $49.99.
The collection drops 2/1/07.
OBSESSED! - PORSCHE EYEWEAR
With aviator sunglasses and al things aviation inspired so hot right now, vintage collapsible Porsche Design shades are making a small comeback, as reported by men.style.com. The Porsche 5622, a collapsible style, was available in select boutiques from 1982-1991. Now, several LA retailers have bought up all the dead stock they can find, and are reintroducing these hot shades to the market.
These are not your average sunglasses. These specs, handcrafted by Carrera in its Austrian workrooms—displays a level of craftsmanship lacking in most modern eyewear available today.
LOOKING GOOD
Located on the Lower East Side, the barbershop offers high-end grooming services, from cuts and shape ups to straight edge razor shaves, in three 1930’s vintage barber chairs. In addition to getting dudes looking right, the Chop Shop offers its own exclusive espresso blend, as well as high end custom grooming products, caps, accessories, and other products catering to their lifestyle.
And, to add a little culture to the mix, the barber shop will double as an art gallery. Currently on display is an amazing array of barber shop photography from an impressive roster of today’s hottest photographers, including: Jeanette Beckman, Boogie, Shaniqwa Jarvis, Justin Jay, Sue Kwon, Jonathan Mannion, Nina Mouritzen, Todd Nisbet, Estevan Oriol, Ricky Powell, Erik Ian Schaetzke, Jamel Shabazz, Mike Schreiber, Ellen Stagg, The Cobra Snake, Craig Weatherby, and Kevin Zacher.Frank's Chop Shop, 19 Essex Street between Hester & Canal
Photos: Nitrolicious
THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Steven Alan opens his newest Annex shop- right in our 'hood.
We at Brand Pimps always pride ourselves on being the coolest hangout on the corner of 14th & 8th. Just south of Chelsea, not exactly MePa, and north of the West Village, the area is a sort of no man's land- a neighborhood that hasn't been branded with a cute acronym, and there is a dearth of good fashion offerings right in our hood. But that's changing.
Just last week, Steven Alan opened his latest outpost right on 8th avenue, just south of 14th street. We will miss the shoe repair shop that had to go to make way for the new store, but the tiny boutique brings a welcome breath of fresh fashion to our area. The vibe is consistent with the aesthetic of all Steven Alan shops-- quiet, understated cool. Unfinished wood flooring, industrial lighting and antique metal fixturing gives the shop a spare, rustic feel. And the store strictly houses Alan's small collection of private label woven shirts, sweaters, sportswear and outerwear for men and women.
DO YOU DOO.RI?
photo: Fashion Week Daily
Asian American designer Doo.Ri Chung won the prestigious 2006 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award, the fashion equivalent of the Oscars, on November 16, beating out a range of bold face designer names including jeweler Justin Giunta of Subversive, Rag & Bone, and 3.1 Phillip Lim.
Doo.Ri will receive $200,000 monetary prize to be used to further enhance her label, a Montblanc watch and a year’s lease on a 2007 Lexus. In addition, she will be partnered with a team of business mentors who will help her develop her label.
Each year nominations for several awards categories for emerging design excellence (women's men's and accessories) are submitted by CFDA members and select retailers, press and stylists. The winners are selected by a highly elite panel of judges at the annual CFDA gala dinner. Diane Von Furstenberg is the new president of the CFDA, the organization that organizes the awards. Anna Wintour, and Barneys Fashion Director Julie Gilhart are among those on the judging panel.
Past winners include Trovata, Alexandre Plokhov for Cloak, Marc Jacons and John Varvatos.
November 19, 2006
OLIVER SPENCER OPENS IN NYC
The modern gentleman movement in NYC now has a new home. Oliver Spencer, the British menswear designer has recently opened his first boutique in the US.
The shop concept is described by Oliver as “a modern Victorian gentleman’s outfitters”, and is inspired by Oliver’s own lifestyle. The interior calls to mind a Darwinian observatory, with woven shirts displayed in glass bell jars, lush green foliage, taxidermy, dark wood and cork flooring, butterflies and beetles alongside pieces of interesting and unique furniture.
The boutique is owned by Edward Chai and Paul Berardi, the retailers behind another of our favorite boutiques, Odin, and stocks the Oliver Spencer collection in addition to other labels such as Engineered Garments, Rogues Gallery, rag & bone and Linda Farrow eyewear.
750 Greenwich Street (off West 11th Street),New York, NY, 212-337-3095; www.oliverspencer.co.uk
November 16, 2006
ARTFUL DODGER HOLIDAY COLLECTION
The Artful Dodger holiday collection has just dropped at Karmaloop and it's the only place you can get it online! The Lads from London come correct once again…Check The Purple “Talons of Fury” hoodie guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumpin’ while the Shadow Nightmare hoodies will awaken you in a terrifying cold sweat. Moral of the story? Don’t sleep – these items are gonna disappear quick.
CHIP & PEPPER EXPANDS TO SPORTSWEAR
The perkiest identical twins in the premium market have done it again. Chip & Pepper have announced that they will be introducing a sportswear collection for spring 2007. The new line has an LA surfer vibe with seersucker Bermuda shorts, skinny cargo pants, woven tops, supersoft Eighties-inspired T-shirts and denim and jersey dresses seen throughout, as reported in WWD on Nov 16. The collection is in addition to the wildly popular denim co