MIANSAI by Michael Saiger FW11

Last year I was introduced to the infamous MIANSAI bracelet - sold at J.Crew and Saturdays Surf NYC.  I'm not sure if it was the sheer simplicity of the bracelet or its giant silver fish hook clasp that caught my eye at first, but I've wanted one ever since.  For his Fall 2011 collection, Michael Saiger provides his consumer with fashionable functionality that he describes as giving off a vintage military meets nautical vibe.  duh.

This season, Michael also branched out to make tie bars, necklaces and EVEN belts?!  I'll take one of each.  Thanks.

NEST Fragrances

I love candles.

I love social media.

Needless to say, this is a post about both.

I received a gift from a friend --a candle-- whose brand will go without mention. Prior to receiving this gift, I had started up a conversation through Twitter with @NEST_fragrances because I frequently walk past them while shopping at any of the three B’s and always smell them, look at them, hold them, but never buy them.  That was until I received a gift –a BAG of candles, reed diffusers, soap-- from Nest!

In a nutshell, I’m obsessed.  The candles feature more fragrance than any other scented candle in the industry with a “14% fragrance load.”  My favorite, grapefruit, sits in my kitchen and manages to give off a pleasant aroma even when UN-lit!  What is the purpose of a candle anyway, but to enhance life?

Thank you Nest!

[For information on 'where to buy' check out there website here]

Dockers FW11 Editor Event

The FW11 Editor Event at Hudson + Broad in New York’s trendy TriBeCa neighborhood earlier this month was the culmination of months of brand strategizing and hard work on the side of the PR team at Dockers.

Not just a preview of new washes and color ways and styles, the event felt more like a ‘coming of age” for a brand that for so long had been synonymous with “casual Friday.”

The Fall 2011 Collection was inspired by a journey [similar to that of Dockers’ journey, perhaps?], a journey to uncover what it means to be a man today.  Where jeans end and khakis begin, the Alpha Khaki is the epitome of this journey, taking on the attributes a man loves about his jeans: style, versatility, individuality…

[Event Space & New Product]

[Kevin Freed, Me, Parker Hurley]

Also making their debut at the event - the Razor Slim Khakis.  Slimmer than the D0 khaki from Spring, the Razor Slim is the most modern expression of slim.

DJ Biz Markie, of “You Say He’s Just A Friend” fame, was at the turntables, and Bushmills Irish Whisky and Heineken sponsored the event, so needless to say, the event was a HUGE success.

[Me, DJ Biz Markie]

ON A SIDE NOTE:  It was my greatest pleasure to work with such an incredible group of people.  I treasure every opportunity and experience I had while at Dockers.  I specifically want to shout out to Shaun Lewis…my former boss and personal mentor.

Levi's Fall 2011 Presentation

Over the majority of the past year, I have had the pleasure of  working/making friends with the publicists at Levi’s, and while I might be a little biased due to the fact that I work for Dockers about the denim brand, it is hard to escape the fact that Levi’s will most certainly be forever present in our lives [well done Team Levi’s]. 

Last Wednesday, Levi’s presented their Fall 2011 collection.  Mini-vignettes, styled by my dear friend Julie Ragolia, took party guests through the new range of products.  Please see below for a few highlights:

Levi’s continued to look at new finishing through a sustainable filter, exploring new innovations that build on the Water<less finish concept. 

[cute concept, right?]

In the men’s line specifically, inspiration was taken from travels to the southwest, referencing the landscapes found there, interpreting ideas around dust, oil and wax in denim finishing, giving jeans a distinct worn look, etc.

Also on preview at the presentation was the next installment of Levi’s Workwear by Filson [which will arrive in stores later this year].

Finally, Levi’s presented consumers with a Commuter Cycling Series, focusing on the needs of commuting cyclists.  Close to the hearts of the San Francisco-based men’s design team and the hundred of New Yorkers that ride to and from work on a daily basis, I’m eager to see how this collection translates to the masses.

My night concluded with a personalized note from the Busby's.  Who are they you ask?  An enigma.  I'd rank the event a 9.7. ;-)

Cut Outs

I have always found these sorts of images to be fascinating...I mean, who thinks to overlay a man in pants with a guy in a jockstrap whose getting up off the ground?! But seriously, these are amazing!

Japan: My Fashion Reaction

All eyes point West.  Having the opportunity to hang out and talk casually with a few editors today, a common topic of conversation began to emerge: the tragedy in Japan.  The earthquake that shook up the Pacific had a few people concerned.  After a long day of talking iodine pills and mutants [no comment, just stating facts], I began to digress and think about the tragedy in Japan and how it might affect fashion. 

History lesson:

Japanese design first made a real impression on the fashion world in 1982, when 12 designers showed their collections in Paris. Today's famous names, such as Issey Miyake, Kenzo, Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garcons have made a big impact on contemporary fashion.  Their use of inventive shapes and monochrome tones, particularly the use of black, shook up the fashion industry [no pun intended].  

Today, street fashion is shaping the fashion landscape, with much of the focus on Tokyo, however the established designers still play a big part in setting global trends.

I am obviously uncertain about what will happen over the next few years, but for right now, I will continue to pray for Japan, its leadership and the people that live there...and maybe I should go shopping at Comme.

Ivy PrepstAr

Inspired by the book Take Ivy by T. Hayashida [if you don't have it, buy it, NOW!] my friends tie line, "Ivy Prepster," updates the traditional tie.  The line transforms knit ties into woven patterns, taking inspiration from argyle, fair isles and textures.  The line also includes a well procured collection of refurbishes vintage ties which are very much up my alley.  So whether or not you are a single- or double windsor type of guy, I say go for it - check out the site here.

"STAY PREPPY MY FRIENDS"