Ted Baker has continued to design some very smart casualwear for men this coming season. With the weather turning, it is definitely time to start planning your autumnal wardrobe. New arrivals are flooding into their stores and online including some perfect winter overcoats, printed shirts and dapper tailored suits. MWS has picked out their top 10 favourites that we think you should you consider adding to your collection. 

Morrelo Textured raglan sleeve jumper £95 - This deep but vibrant hue of purple looks great on olive or dark skin tones. It is a colour that will heavily feature in Autumn/Winter collections and therefore isn't one to be afraid of! It will look perfect with a dark pair of jeans for a smart/casual post-work date!

Caspar Wool and Cashmere overcoat £329 - You can't really go wrong when it comes to a wool and cashmere blend for warmth. This will be ideal to throw over a suit and although it sits at the higher end in price point, this really will see you through many blustery seasons. Ted Baker are renowned for their fantastic linings which this piece also features. Feel free to pop the collar up to keep your neck warm and expose the quirky detailing for a more trend driven look.

Weevers Quilted herringbone bomber jacket £105 - The bomber jacket continues to feature throughout the seasons and is a cool go-to piece, in my eyes, for a weekend cover-up. This bomber is slightly different to a usual jacket as it mainly consists of luxe textured cotton. Rather than a jacket, this can be worn as an alternative to your sweater and would be great with everyday jeans. It comes as part of Ted Baker's 'T For Tall' collection so will be perfect for you 6 ft men out there!

Albaco Classic leather derby shoe £130 - Every man needs a smart pair of shoes in their wardrobe and these staple derbys are perfect for any important occasion. We all know you men like to wear your shoes until their final days, so turf out the old ones and treat yourself. The two-toned laces will add a little something extra!

Erphone Headphone cufflinks £65 - These are a great alternative to your usual plain silver cufflinks and would definitely add a bit of fun to your outfit if you are a daily suit wearer. They would make a great gift for a music lover who loves to blast out their tunes on the tube.

Akapela Funnel Neck Jumper £89 - This easy zip-up jumper will be an ideal piece in your wardrobe if you like to keep it simple. What is great about this piece is that you can wear it as an outer layer as it has features that resemble a jacket. Great to throw on over a t-shirt, in the autumn, to pop to the pub and the funnel neck will keep you warm should you choose to wear it under a coat in the winter.

Batton Striped webbing holdall £89 - This really smart holdall is definitely a piece that needs to feature amongst your accessories. Ted Baker have kept it simple in jet black but added a twist with the navy and maroon stripe detailing. This will be incredibly useful for a weekend trip away or possibly even use it as a smart sports bag to take to the office.

Article by Menswear Style

Let’s talk work. It’s safe to say we spend a proportionately large amount of time in our respective workplaces, surrounded by peers and friends alike, so it would be nothing less than criminal to forgo our personal identity in favour of a ‘uniform’. Yes, certain working environments require a more formal approach, but it needn’t mean a lack of effort; on the contrary. And where better to start than with your feet? After all, they say shoes say a lot about a man and we couldn’t agree more.

SECRETSALES.com are celebrating the enigmatic British Designer Oliver Sweeney, whose effortlessly suave footwear collection offers an array of styles suited to every work place and more importantly, every man. If we didn’t already know it, LC:M confirmed for us that the sophisticated British gent, which Oliver Sweeney aptly defines, is a non-mover within the fashion world and when it comes to fitting this bill, in the words of Carly Simon: "Nobody does it better."

Staunch on quality and sharp on style, Oliver Sweeney is the smart destination for any dapper dresser intent on following his own fashion path. Originating in footwear over 20 years ago, the importance of comfort has not been lost along the way. Luxurious leathers and intricate detail, both suitably fitting for the discerning gentleman, provide the basis for Oliver Sweeney’s wholly British design concept. Such debonair style can be defined by a sophisticated twist on the traditional. With a firm hold on the classics yet unafraid to embrace the emergence of new trends, the Oliver Sweeney man walks with confidence in every aspect of his life. 

Competition 

It’s your chance to win a pair of leather gloves by Oliver Sweeney, worth £99. To enter, simply click here and follow the instructions. A larger selection of accessories is available online, the sale ends this Sunday so be quick!

Article by Menswear Style

My loins throbbed like a lion's heart as I watched a tattoed-temptress attempt to kick start a chainsaw. I was along for the ride, watching on wide-eyed, as the Suicide Girls served lashings of geek-fest Burlesque. The Electric Ballrooms played host, my deepest nerdiest fantasies, kicked from pillar to post with contemporary themes. Inspired routines from Star Wars to Fifty Shades of Grey, the pocket-rockets from LA, had brought the cirque du soleil to Camden Town.

With names like femme-fatals, Machete, Diva, Coy, like weapons engineered to tease, to provoke, to seduce and destroy. The Blackheart Burlesque show is a carefully well-oiled sex machine with each routine finally choreographed. As polished as a final draft, trained by the guy who taught Beyonce, they've toured the States and beyond.

And as Gabrielle would say, wet dreams do come true and some of these girls were dreamier than a Martin Luther King speech. Scantily-clad, they swallow fire, do backflips, the splits, and dance like Jacko when he's Bad. I could feel my ticker groove as the girls lassoed their bras with nothing to lose but the ticka-tape on their areolas. Cries of "get em out", were rebuked with a smile from the buxom compere before telling them where to go and subscribe. For this prize there's a purse, you wanna fiddle with yourself you gotta pay the fiddler first.

It's sassy, tongue-in-ass-cheek humour and all that came to the ballroom blitz had a blast. The balled fists of sexual frustration unclenched. The crowd's thirsts for naked flesh, and lasting infatuations, for now quenched. Now to return to the forums, back to the dimly-lit rooms of the bedsits, scrap booking those coffin shaped tickets. The show was right on the money-shot and all alright on the night, see you next year girls and don't forget to write.

Article by Menswear Style

A good watch should be timeless and effortless. I truly appreciate distinguished timepieces. W.T. Author has been on my list for some time and with the launch of their third collection my list has just got a little longer. W.T. Author’s new collection 'No. 1929' features British luxury cushion watches for men in the brand's signature four colourways priced at £350.

Set 15 years after their second collection, 'No. 1929' draws inspiration from the period leading up to the Wall Street Crash: a time in history when Western society was seemingly nearer to the final triumph over poverty than ever before. Evolving upon the firmly established aesthetics of their signature silhouette, the brand embarks upon its third chapter referencing the dawn of the iconic cushion watch case.

Black (No-1929-K) 

This season will also mark the release of the brand’s first ever Automatic watch, and my personal favourite the No.1929 Black Edition, which will be produced in stainless steel 42mm and will be limited to only 100 pieces. So if you want one of these you will have to move quickly before its too late. Starting at £500, the watch will be a Matt black PVD watch case with polished gold-tone coin edge bezel, Citizen 9015 Automatic movement. With the signature red crown with embossed trademark and custom numbered enamel screw down case back, hand-made refined black leather strap fitted with a polished gold-tone full buckle. Their first automatic watch is a beautifully crafted delight for the eyes and no doubt for the wrist too. 

Blue (No-1929-B) 

Limited to only 125 exclusive watches with a Swiss Made 513S Movement, matt silver-tone watch case with polished gold-tone coin edge bezel, signature red crown with embossed trademark and custom numbered enamel screw down case back, and a hand-made refined chestnut leather strap fitted with a polished gold-tone full buckle.

Cream (No-1929-C) 

Limited to only 125 exclusive watches with a Swiss Made 513S Movement, matt silver-tone watch case with polished black PVD coin edge bezel, signature red crown with embossed trademark and custom numbered enamel screw down case back, and a hand-made refined brown leather strap fitted with a polished silver-tone full buckle. 

White (No-1929-W) 

Limited to only 125 exclusive watches with a Swiss Made 513S Movement, matt black PVD watch case with polished silver-tone coin edge bezel, signature red crown with embossed trademark and custom numbered enamel screw down case back, and a hand-made refined brown leather strap fitted with a polished silver-tone full buckle.

Article by Menswear Style

Northampton shoe manufacturer,Crockett & Jones is very pleased to announce that it has once again supplied a selection of styles, to the character James Bond in the 24th Bond film, SPECTRE. These include; Camberley in black calf, Alex in black calf, Northcote in black wax calf, Norwich in black calf, Radnor in black calf and Swansea in dark brown suede. Directed by Sam Mendes and staring Daniel Craig, Christopher Waltz, Léa Seydoux, Ralph Fiennes, Monica Belluci, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris and David Bautista. SPECTRE will be on cinema screens in the UK from the 26th October 2015...

All styles are available from Crockett & Jones retail shops in London, Birmingham, New York, Paris and Brussels. For those unable to visit the Crockett & Jones shops, we offer a comprehensive Mail Order Service for purchasing Crockett & Jones shoes, belts and accessories. Through this service you may also return shoes to Crockett & Jones for a full repair at the factory.

Article by Menswear Style

Formula One World Champion Jenson Button and Oscar-nominated actor Jude Law are starring in a new global campaign from Scotch whisky Johnnie Walker. The two epitomise a certain way of thinking; challenging the conventional wisdom that success guarantees happiness and instead celebrating the fact that happiness actually helps people achieve more. Jenson and Jude’s positive outlook, success in their field and competitive edge has led to them being featured in a new global campaign from Scotch Whisky brand Johnnie Walker called Joy Will Take You Further, alongside a range of other extraordinary people from all walks of life.

“Throughout my career I have had to have joy to succeed,” said Jenson Button. “Because I love this sport so much I feel that I’ve been able to enjoy the good times and when things have been harder I’ve been able to find a way out of the situation, be more positive and help the team move forward.” Actor Jude Law said: “Keeping positive and finding the joy every day in the job that I do is part of my philosophy and I think that’s one of the things that has helped me keep moving in my career.”

Other celebrities who advocate this approach to life and appear in the new campaign include US alt-rock band OK GO, Chinese actress Zhao Wei and Mexican supermodel Montserrat Oliver. Their understanding of success and progress aligns with the results from a growing body of scientific research into the power of happiness. Commenting on the campaign launch Johnnie Walker Global Brand Director Guy Escolme said: “As a brand Johnnie Walker has always stood for progress – it’s been the story of our whisky since our founder John Walker started it all nearly 200 years ago. What two centuries of experience have taught us is that progress doesn’t have to be an endless uphill journey – we can enjoy the steps we take and the more happiness we find in them the more likely we are to achieve our goal. Evidence is confirming a conviction that sits at the heart of our brand: Joy Will Take You Further.” 

Dr Matt Killingsworth, a US-based psychologist and scientist who studies human happiness, acted as a consultant for the campaign. He said: “People sometimes think of happiness as a far-off, distant prize only to be won by their years of hard work or when they achieve conventional markers of success, like a higher income or a bigger house. But there is a growing body of evidence that enjoying happiness along the way makes success more likely.” 

As well as globally known celebrities, world record breakers also credit the power of joy with taking them further. Eva Håkansson - the fastest woman on three wheels who holds a world record, using a homemade electric powered motorcycle – says: “To be successful you truly have to enjoy what you are doing. You have to realise that it is the journey that is the adventure not the goal.” And Romi Garduce, a Filipino climber and environmentalist who has scaled the seven highest summits on all continents, says: “Mountaineering is at least 80% mental approach. You don’t entertain doubt – it’s the instinct of believing I can do this, it’s positive thinking. Most of the time, climbing is challenging but afterwards there is, what I call, undefined fulfillment, a memory that is there forever.” 

*Sponsored article

Article by Menswear Style

A lot of men have been asking for the best ways in which they can dress their suit. It can be difficult to know how to accessorise a tailored look to stand out without looking overdone. Since smarter wear should be sleeker and elegant, accessorising in the wrong way can completely change the look you might be going for.

Ties 

The most obvious way to dress a suit and the most vital accessory of all. Without one a suit certainly doesn’t look complete. If you are dressing for the office your tie doesn’t need to be plain and lifeless, just so long as it is appropriate and not covered in a cartoon print or anything else childlike. For any occasion, think about the colours in your suit - if you are wearing a plain navy or grey suit with a white shirt you can instantly add life by your choice of tie. Choose something with a print, such as paisley or check pattern. 

Keep colours to a minimum with a maximum of four colours, the less colours used the more formal the look will be. If you are dressing for an evening occasion or a wedding you can be more adventurous with the colour and pattern choice than that for the office. The key is not to make your outfit look too matchy matchy, for example; don’t match check with check. So, although you want to complement the style of your suit you can do this with a subtle colour match.

Pocket Squares 

A dapper accessory for dress suits but can also be worn for the more informal side of tailoring. This is because it does also mean you don’t always need a tie. In fact if you want to show off your choice of pocket square don’t wear a tie at all and leave the top button of your shirt undone. A pocket square is the perfect way to add colour and character to your jacket. Commonly made from silk or cotton you can get a variant of patterns and styles, the more patterned the pocket square the less formal the outfit becomes. If you do want to wear both a tie and pocket square don’t ever match them, just choose one or two colours the same so they complement each other as well as the colour of your suit. Too much colour and it will begin to look fussy.

Tie Clips 

A tie clip can be used for practical reasons as well as a fashion statement to accessorise your tie. They work well on plain ties as it will stands out and gives more texture and character. There are a variety of choices from a simple bar or those with a unique design commonly gold or silver plated. For functionality purposes they also keep your tie from creasing without damaging your tie. A top rule to follow is to make sure that the width of the tie clip is never wider than the tie.

Added Extras

Something that has become popular in recent years with men’s fashion weeks and fashion fairs booming across the globe. We're witnessing more and more variety amongst men’s tailoring which makes wearing a suit more unique as opposed to just something you wear to the office or a wedding. Collar chains are a great alternative if you don’t want to wear a tie without the centre part of your shirt looking plain. They are modern, unique and often work better in the cooler months of the year styled with a suit in a winter material such as tweed or velvet. 

Lapel pins, like a collar chain, gives that added detail to your jacket. Where a pocket square adds soft details a lapel pin can give you a masculine touch. Again they work better with winter suits as opposed to linen.

Lastly, belt chains - these look great on a patterned suit in a tartan or herringbone material because it adds a sleek dimension. If you wear a three piece and want to break up the centre without wearing a belt, add a belt chain. Some are more subtle than others finished in silver or with added beading. If there is any colour involved, always choose something to complement the colour of your suit.

Article by Menswear Style

A symbol of cultural authenticity, denim has become a recognised part of everyday life. From jeans and shirts, to jackets and accessories, denim is everywhere. No longer just considered a work wear staple or the ultimate expression of youth rebellion, denim is now deeply entrenched within the fabric of fashion.

Cementing its position as a leading denim authority, this season TOPMAN introduces its largest denim offering yet ‘This Is Denim’ campaign. Launching across stores on the 24th September, TOPMAN is set to declare itself as the definitive denim destination.

Each garment within the collection has been carefully crafted and edited to showcase the breadth of TOPMAN’s denim offering. From the introduction of new styles such as the Japanese inspired ‘Wide Leg Crop’ and ‘70’s Kick Flare’ to more recognisable TOPMAN fits like the ‘Stretch Skinny’. Leading the charge amongst this new denim offering is the new ‘Standard Fit’ which provides a more relaxed look and comes in a straight leg. 

A key item this season is also the ‘Wide Leg Crop’ and takes its inspiration from Japanese streetwear. For this jean silhouette volume is key, with the jeans produced in a wider cut and rolled at the hem – the style is further enhanced by the fact that it is available in raw rigid denim. Also new to the denim offering is the inclusion of an innovative new denim chino which takes a more relaxed and contemporary silhouette.

In keeping with denim’s utilitarian past and its nature as a hardwearing and durable fabric, TOPMAN pays homage to the urban nineties with key items such as the bib and brace dungarees which now also comes in a durable black twill and overalls. Utility references remain an essential focus for denim with washes inspired by natural wear and tear and include light fading with naturally worn abrasions found at the knees. A range of selvedge jeans also come in an array of essential washes, including a rich indigo, coated cobalt blue, black and a stone wash. 

The TOPMAN AW15 collection builds on existing staples making them relevant for a new audience. A pioneering denim authority, TOPMAN is creating and establishing the new classics. Classic denim staples such as the denim jacket and denim shirts have been re-worked and re-imaged with contemporary cuts and silhouettes. Classic fits including the straight and skinny complete this extensive denim offering. To coincide with the launch of ‘This Is Denim’, each TOPMAN store will have a designated denim experts on hand to talk customers through the breadth of denim on offer.

TOPMAN’s Oxford Circus Flagship store will host a unique denim lounge which will serve as the ultimate denim destination and showcase the latest denim offerings. The denim area will also include an express fitting room which will allow customers to skip the queues and try on their denim. In celebration of ‘This is Denim’ there will also be a digital take over at TOPMAN allowing customers to ‘Win a Year’s Worth of Denim’. To be in with a chance at winning customers can simply go to TOPMAN.com and enter their email into the prize draw. As an added bonus there is no price limit on product and the prize allows customers to select across the entire denim collection.

As an additional bonus, every TOPMAN store will also feature a Denim Roulette and will encourage customers to spin the wheel in order to either win their selected item from the new collection or redeem a 20% off voucher. The ‘This is Denim’ launch and takeover will be at TOPMAN Oxford Circus from the 24th September. Prices range from £30 for jeans and up to £85 for overalls and will be available in stores and online at Topman.com

Article by Menswear Style

As the summer is virtually over, I was reflecting on the most popular trends of this past season in New York City. The one that immediately stood out was not a new fashion accessory (apple iwatch, anyone?), but a hairstyle that was an absolute must these past months. “The Disconnected Undercut” sports dramatically faded cuts or totally shaved sides with longer hair on top, leaving a visible disconnection between the short sides and the fuller top. Not to be confused with the oh so passé fohawk, the disconnected undercut is incredibly popular among all ages of men, and very democratically transcends social groups.

The Undercut

Gray or white for more mature professional gentlemen, and a bright splash of colour for more creative and younger guys, this popular hairstyle commanded the summer in New York. Perhaps its extreme functionality made this hairdo so popular, as it can be left wild and untamed on top after a day at the beach. But with just a few dabs of your favorite hair product, it becomes very sleek, and voilà, you are ready for a cocktail al fresco on the terrace. Moreover, there is a vague vintage flair about the disconnected undercut that is reminiscent of both the 60s as well as a romantic idea of a late 19th century military officer.

The Top Knot

But there is another twist to the disconnected undercut: The Top Knot. Extremely popular among the twenty/thirty-something crowd, this adjustment consists simply in pulling back the longer hair on top and knotting them in a high bun. The resulting look is closely evocative of the Japanese chonmage hairstyle popular during the Edo Period (1603 to 1868) used first by samurai warriors to keep their elaborate helmets in place during battles and later adopted by sumo wrestlers. I’m not sure if the gentlemen wearing the top knot are quite aware of the resemblance to samurai warriors, but they certainly looked like them when strolling down the sizzling avenues of New York City this past summer.

*Illustration also by Stefano Imbert

Article by Menswear Style

This AW15, renowned outdoor footwear brand Merrell breaks into the lifestyle arena. Launching the ‘Emergy’ exclusively in selected OFFICE stores, the shoe promises to bridge the gap between the trail and the city. Known for their specialist hiking boots, Merrell has taken the leap to design a hybrid trainer influenced by its outdoor heritage with style to hit the streets. In true Merrell style, the ‘Emergy’ ensures a combination of style and comfort merged with Merrell’s patented performance technology: M Select Fresh provides breathability and M Select Grip delivers slip-resistant traction on wet or dry ground. The non-slip tongue with foam padding provides comfort, while the breathable mesh lining and hidden air cushions provide durability to get you ready for your everyday adventure.

Merrell is now the largest outdoor footwear brand in the world. The brand that eliminates barriers to enjoy ‘outside’ adventures. The Emergy is born from Merrell’s deeply rooted outdoor heritage, yet built to perform and meet the expectation of a modern world. Offering versatile yet stylish product built for both the trail and the street. Fusing our latest technology with traditional craftsmanship in silhouettes that have nostalgic nod to our past.

Lead designer, Martin Dean says. “The challenge was simple – create a shoe that’s made for the streets but also ready to hit the dirt. Merrell’s heritage as an outdoor footwear brand also had a big influence on the design process; this is most noticeable on the sole, which takes inspiration from an indoor climbing wall and uses bold bright colours to contrast the shoe’s upper.” Luke Mascolo, buyer at footwear retailer Office believes “Emergy will be a popular style amongst shoppers this autumn.” Willie Irvine, UK Country Manager of Merrell, said, “Merrell’s Emergy perfectly provides a footwear response to an apparel led trend which sees performance outdoor brands increasingly being worn up and down the high street”.

Available in four of the season’s key colours- Stone, Black and exclusive to OFFICE the Brown and Navy. Emergy is due to hit OFFICE stores in mid-September 2015.

Article by Menswear Style

Crowd funding is not only a financially secure way to develop and manufacture a brand from scratch, but it limits the danger of manufacturing vast quantities of products only to have them gather dust in your loft or ditched in a storage container somewhere next to the Arc of the Covenant. It also can be a decent place for the end consumer to get a novelty garment or innovative accessory for a considerable reduction if they invest in a brand from the beginning. Below are the top 5 brands that have done it their way, like Sinatra, through crowd funding.

Baubax Travel Jacket (Goal $20k. Raised $9.1m) 

Hiral Sanghavi, designer of the BauBax jacket, conceived the jacket as a means of solving the modern day dilemma of long-distance traveling while carrying a small suitcase worth of gadgetry. It comes with 15 pockets, a built in neck pillow and an inflatable arm with an upright prosthetic thumb that will become fixed in the hitch hikers position, leaving your arm free to text, tweet, scratch your balls etc. Sanghavi calls the BauBax jacket the “Swiss army knife of travel jackets”. Then they added an eye mask, a cup-holder, built-in gloves and various designated pockets to carry passports, technology, wallets and earphones. Of course I was joking about the hitch hikers arm, but maybe an idea for next season.

Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie (Goal $50k. Raised $1.1m) 

These guys are so confident with their Hoodies they put a ten-year guarantee with it. But the true novelty is that instead of replacing a defective garment, they simply stitch it back together again with contrast stitching. It gives it that journeyman feel and a little character. Of course my Mum came up with that concept each time I put a hole in my trousers playing football on the tennis courts at school. If only she patented the idea.

Mizzen+Main Performance Blazer (Goal $15k. Raised $55k) 

What's the big deal it's just a normal blazer? It's not reversible, it doesn't have inflatable safety sphere to protect you from buskers on the tube, what's all the commotion about? Well this Performance Blazer has proprietary performance fabrics that leave you sweat free, wrinkle free, odour free, and confident as ever. Now I'm guessing it doesn't cure your crow’s feet or make your farts smell of cedar wood, but they had an average pledge of $331 and trebled their asking price, so it obviously excited some people.

Sammy Icon 8-Bit Socks (Goal $8k. Raised $9k) 

A young Ukrainian brand that had the genius idea of lifting designs from classic 8-bit video and putting them on socks. Compared to the other brands listed they scraped past their Kickstarter goal, but let’s give these guys some credit, we're talking about socks with cherries on. Also their profile campaign is littered with spelling mistakes so I can only guess they bunged the entire blurb into Google translate and hoped for the best.

MVMT (Goal $15k. Raised $220k) 

MVMT is the brainchild of young entrepreneurs and watch enthusiasts Jake, and Kramer who sought to cut out the brand inflation and retail mark-up of popular name brands. The indiegogo campaign was clear, concise and people that invested would get a watch at virtually half the price of its eventual retail value. MVMT made good on their word, fulfilled their orders and even offered a 2-year warranty. It's minimalist, uses a high quality 316 Low Carbon Grade stainless steel and is easy on the eye. It's reminiscent of the M-Line range introduced by Uniform Wares and with a water resistance of 3 ATM, you can't wear it to the hot-tub party, but other than that it's a good looking bit of kit.

Article by Menswear Style

Announced in January this year, the partnership with Japanese fashion brand ‘kolor’ for the A/W 2015-16 season is set to launch globally on September 25th. adidas by kolor is a union of two brands that are both famed for meticulous craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to innovation. The result is an authentic menswear collection of high-tech apparel and footwear. kolor’s style combines modern design with careful attention to details. With his expertise, kolor founder and designer Mr. Junichi Abe creates products that have an optimal balance with every aspect – from craftsmanship and distinctive cuts and fits, to a subtle and leading-edge approach to design.

With its passion for sports, adidas’ aim has always been to make athletes better. With the combination of innovative adidas technologies, the highest levels of quality and visionary design, adidas constantly breaks new ground as it strives to provide the best products in sportswear. This aim is further explored with the exciting fusion found within the adidas by kolor collection.

Emphasizing on clean, effortless cuts, this collection of instantly wearable apparel utilizes the revolutionary adidas performance technologies Climaheat and Climachill – engineered for athletes to regulate body temperatures for an optimum athletic performance. The collection caries 9 apparel pieces, from SS as well as LS knit tops, fleece jackets, anoraks, short and long pants, to down jackets. The 2 footwear styles, which are also part of adidas´ Ultra BOOST Collective, combine kolor’s design identity with the highest level of innovation by using adidas’ revolutionary BOOST™ technology.

Fusing the best of both worlds, the adidas by kolor performance collection combines the high-end fabrics and breakthrough technologies of adidas with kolor’s unique cuts and fashion-forward vision. Debuting in-store and online with the A/W 2015-16, the collection will be available worldwide from September 25th onwards.

Article by Menswear Style

With this year’s Rugby World Cup in full flow we’ve noticed the Rugby shirt is not just worn by those playing. It’s a sporting style with a rich heritage that can fit into an everyday lifestyle, and I’m no Rugby expert but here’s a quick guide the popular wardrobe staple with styling tips on how to wear them.

Traditionally a rugby shirt is made from a thick cotton to withstand heavy tackles on the pitch - which is still a main factor even on those shirts designed to be worn off the pitch. It’s a rather preppy garment that is commonly long sleeved with a wide stripe pattern in two colours with a large number on the back. However, this is where the lifestyle shirts can sometimes differ. They are still striped but often in one plain block colour and without a number. This instantly makes them more wearable so you don't look like you’ve just stepped off the pitch.

When it comes to fitting, look at where the shoulder seam lies. It should be on your shoulder and not further down your arms, otherwise it will automatically look like it is far too big for you. Secondly, consider if you want a slim or tailored fit - more and more men are wearing slimmer fitting clothes which especially compliments an athletic build. 

Brands such as Joules, Crew Clothing, Hackett, Canterbury and Gant have launched their latest Rugby shirts this season (in time for the England World Cup), each inspired by their sporting backgrounds. Many of the shirts are designed from hard wearing cotton so are durable and substantial. Available in a mixture of autumnal colours of cream, navy, burgundy and green, the styles stick to their rich heritage with a smarter contemporary feel.

When it comes to styling these shirts there are a number of ways to wear them. Think about the occasion and your own personal style. For example, if you want something more casual, you can wear it under a baseball jacket or under a sporting gilet which will also keep you warm at the game. Match with a pair of Converse or sleek lifestyle trainers and maybe add a beanie in there too.

You also have the option to wear the shirt under a v neck sweater. Pay attention to colours so they compliment all the colours in the shirt. Alternatively if you want to take advantage of the preppy style, wear it with dark wash jeans, a Darlan jacket and a flat cap. Lastly, if you want a smarter look put on a neutral coloured sports jacket in a dark grey, again with a pair of chinos and chukka boots for an easy everyday look.

Article by Menswear Style

AW15 sees Oliver Sweeney celebrate their 25th Anniversary of making shoes great. From outfitting the 2003 England Rugby World Cup champion team to winning awards at a tradeshow just a few weeks ago, Oliver Sweeney shoes have always made a statement. They’ll be celebrating their milestone in many different ways and with many different projects as the year progresses, but to kick things off is the Silver Collection of four Limited Edition shoes.

They’ve developed a special leather treatment together with their team of Italian artisans based in a factory in the Marche. Using luxury metallic silver leather as a base, they apply a fine black composite skin over the top that can then be brushed off to reveal the silver underneath. They’ve also introduced the Firewriter sole etching service exclusively on the 25th Anniversary Deliceto. Using a heated iron and an intricate template, these shoes can be finished with a bespoke design that’s limited only by your imagination

To celebrate in style, Oliver Sweeney have used this Anniversary leather on 4 different styles that demonstrate their approach – they might be celebrating 25 years, but the shoe brand is always looking forwards. As a result, this leather is mainly used for luxury trainer styles, with a single formal style completing the foursome (Falerone, Osimo, Cova and Deliceto). Finished with a hand-stitched ‘XXV’ on the heel counters, black leather inners with silver foil lettering, and strictly Limited to a numbered Edition of 250 pairs of each style, the Silver Collection shoes celebrate our obsession for blending contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship and underline Oliver Sweeney’s approach of looking forward to the future.

Article by Menswear Style

As we head into the cold, dark, wet and miserable autumn/winter season we must pay attention to how this climate change can affect our skin and hair. To get a true expert opinion with tips you can trust we recently headed to a London grooming event hosted by Affligem to speak to Murdock London’s Head Barber Gwen Jensen who fills us in on what grooming rituals us men need to be adopting over the next few months.

Skincare 

Wind, cold air and rain replace the sunshine in providing potential harm to the more delicate skin on your face as we get into the winter months. Apply a good, pumice based scrub to your skin once or twice a week, using your finger tips to focus on your t zone and any especially dry areas of your skin to remove dead skin. Twice a day, morning and night, take a light face moisturiser and massage it onto your skin with light pressure in 'outwards' circular motions, don't forget the areas around the nose, the corners of the mouth and between the eyebrows as these tend to be extra dry. The sweat glands on your skin face downwards, a common mistake is to just rub downwards on to your skin, and this actually stops the skin from absorbing the moisturiser. For the rest of your skin use a richer oil, based on nut oils to hydrate, or ginseng to repair, to keep your whole body feeling soft and nurtured. Murdock London's Exfoliating Facial Scrub, Hydrating Facial Moisturiser and Avalon Body Lotion are the products to look too.

Haircare 

Another symptom of the colder, wetter months is hair becoming frizzy due to humidity or wind. Tame the frizz by using a conditioner after your shampoo. Murdock's Quince and Oakmoss conditioner uses vitamin E and wheat proteins to keep hair looking healthy and frizz-free. 

Beardcare 

As the sun sets on London's summer, longer beards are set to return, and they face the same threat from frizz as your hair does. Avoid using any products made for your head hair on your beard: nearly all of them are formulated to clean your hair and are too acidic for the hair and skin on your face. They will leave both feeling dried out and fragile. Fear not, as shampoos and conditioners for your beard are available to tame any frizz. Murdock's Beard Shampoo has an anti-static agent to stop frizz, its PH neutral to your skin and based on coconut oil, so will leave both beard and face feeling nurtured as well as fresh.

Handcare 

Whilst waiting for your nan to knit you more mittens for Christmas you need to take good care of the skin on your hands, as the cold weather can cause cracks and roughness. Carry a rich, buttery moisturiser like Murdock's Restoring Hand Healer at all times, and use whenever needed. Shea and Cocoa butters make this a formidable moisturiser to stand up to the harsh London winter. Whilst trimming finger nails rub a moisturiser into your cuticles to soften them and make it easier to push them back and remove them. 

Fragrance 

As the seasons change, so should a gentleman's fragrance. Lighter, more citrus based colognes should be used for crisper, brighter days, while evenings should be reserved for woody, spicier fragrances. Murdock's Avalon cologne, with top notes of cold-pressed Sicilian bergamot, is perfect for a crisp autumn morning, whilst our Napier cologne with its base note of oakmoss is a delicious fragrance for the evening.

Article by Menswear Style

The luxury watch market has many key players, and although each is exceptional in its own way, they are far from identical. Today, in conjunction with the Lancaster based fine watch connoisseurs Banks Lyon, we would like to cast our eye over one brand which has carved out a well-deserved reputation of excellence: Bremont, and their collection of vintage-inspired and incredibly refined watches.

Compared with the long heritage of many luxury watchmakers, Bremont’s 13 years of trade often sees them cast as the ‘new kids on the block’. But this in no way indicates that their commitment to style and quality, or ability to pull of grand designs is in any way diminished; in fact, in their relatively brief time as a business Bremont have already been responsible for a number of outstanding timepieces, and secured the enviable position of official timekeepers for the 35th America’s Cup sailing competition – the first time that the America’s Cup has chosen to partner with a watch manufacturer in this way.

All of this goes to show that Bremont have had no end of success in building their business to a point at which it can stand shoulder to shoulder with other luxury brands who have the benefit of many decades under the belt. All of this begs one key question: what is it about Bremont which makes them so spectacular? Part of it is surely about their dramatic, if tragic, origin story. For Nick and Giles English, the men behind the label, the story doesn’t really start in 2002, but back in 1995 when their father Euan was killed in an aircraft accident. Still young men, the brothers decided to create a legacy for their father – one which drew on his own personal loves: engineering, aircraft and intricately crafted watches.

If every piece of the Bremont collection is designed to pay homage to the life of Euan English then it’s hardly surprising that each of their watches is such a pleasure to behold, both on an aesthetic level and a mechanical one. So, now you know a little more about the Bremont brand, here are a few highlights from the collection. One thing which they have consistently done exceptionally well is to create limited edition watch which celebrate specific moments of British history. With the release of The Imitation Game earlier this year, all eyes have been turned to Bletchley Park – the team of WWII code cracking extraordinaires. 

No better time, then, to highlight the beauty of the ‘Codebreaker’, a watch made by Bremont in conjunction with Bletchley Park. Although the limited run of 300 watches are stunning in design alone, with a look which has been based on the officers’ watches of the 1940s, what truly makes them outstanding is the incorporation of materials taken from Bletchley Park itself, including material taken from the wheel of an original enigma machine.

Other similarly exclusive watches include the ‘Wright Flyer’ and ‘HMS Victory’ models; as with the ‘Codebreaker’, these watches are built using small amounts of material from the original aircraft or ship, allowing Bremont to offer items which have true value to collectors and provide a genuine emotional connection for those with a historical interest in the events which they commemorate. 

Equally stylish are the watches which comprise Bremont’s core collection, and no discussion of the brand would be complete without a nod to their classic model, the Alt1-C. With its relatively stripped back design, this is a watch which is designed to emphasise the craftsmanship required to make it tick, and while wearers can choose between a number of different colours and styles – including an unusual green option or luxurious rose gold – the commitment to precision and durability is as strong here as it could ever be.

It’s difficult to work out exactly what it is that makes Bremont such a truly exciting brand: their story is both moving and inspiring, while the relative simplicity of many of their watch designs is seen by many as a breath of fresh air. More importantly, these cosmetic aspects of the company are backed up by an unquestionable knowledge of the fundamentals of phenomenal watch design: accuracy, strong and timeless materials, and unwavering technical precision. Whatever it is that gives Bremont that certain ‘je ne sais quois’, we have a feeling that they’re going to stay on the scene for many years to come.

Article by Menswear Style

If you have been hibernating under a rock for the last week, please come out as the Rugby World Cup is in full swing and there has been a huge amount of excitement already. No it wasn't a dream, Japan did beat South Africa!

To tie in with the start of the most anticipated sports event of the year, global lifestyle brand, Superdry, launched a great selection of 'World Legends' rugby shirts. I was lucky enough to have a ticket to the opening ceremony and first match of the tournament last Friday with England playing Fiji. I personally sported a women's version of the World Legends England shirt and had various compliments, specifically from men asking where they could purchase one! From attending the match there were a fair few men sporting the more modern skin-tight official shirt which we featured previously on MWS. Whilst this remains a popular choice, it is apparent with the tight fit that the 2015 World Cup shirt is not comfortable for everyone. The Superdry classic rugby shirts have been designed with the muscular rugby player in mind however with a more relaxed fit, they definitely suit a much broader spectrum in terms of shape and size. As Superdry state, they will suit all fans from fly half to hookers and props.

With 11 countries to choose from, available in a variation of block colour and varsity stripe, you can support your country of choice by wearing one these vintage style shirts. Superdry have taken inspiration from the 60's and 70's style rugby shirts that were renowned for their heavy washed combed cotton, thick twill cotton collars, rubber embossed buttons and large rustic ink stamped numbers. There is also a small embroidered flag stitched on the collar to represent each country, and the classic felt appliqué embroidered badge on the chest. 

There is an obvious retro feel to these shirts which really tie-in with the focus on the importance of the history of the cup this year. The England team in particular, lead by Stuart Lancaster, have really stressed how much the symbolism of the rose, along with the support of the fans, means to the team. A huge amount of detail was put into the official shirt and Superdry have also a paid a huge amount of attention to detail on their own shirts. On the England shirt for example, there is even a slightly faded St George's flag that spreads across the underside of the collar. A really nice touch. Each shirt is available in XXXS to XXXL and will cost you £74.99.

With England playing Wales this weekend in what will undoubtedly be one of the nation's most exciting matches of the tournament, it is time to get those shirts out and join the rest of the crowds in support of your preferred team. From personal experience, if you are heading to the match at Twickenham on Saturday, you will need one of these shirts to give you some warmth along with your 'beer jacket'. As a rather rugged looking Prince Harry so poignantly said in his speech at the opening ceremony, "GAME ON!!"

Article by Menswear Style

I knew from the tender age of 8, when my brother Simon would sneak into my shoebox-sized bedroom as I slept, stealthily parking his naked arse cheeks across the bridge of my nose before unloading his meaty air-biscuits that had Guinness notes with a marmite finish, that my senses would inevitably feel pain in this world. If like me you're wary of the elements, been perpetually tormented by nature’s wrath or watched Tom Hardy in the Dark Knight Rises and thought "I quite like what he's rocking there," then here's the news you've been waiting for.

The world's first ever facewear product, 'Limited Collection N°1' – a bold blend of science and style from Freka. Ergonomically crafted to deliver extraordinary comfort, harnessing the contours of the face, Freka Limited Collection N°1 is a truly luxury solution that works to enhance and improve every breath. Facewear is becoming ubiquitous on the streets of China due to the high levels of smog, but now the London city-dweller can breathe easy in style too without having to bury their nose on the inside of their jacket. And there's good news for Hay-Fever suffers too. The Freka facewear is tailored for contoured fit and even pressure distribution. Which means it enables protection from pollen, dust and other macro-particles.

Freka Designer Frank Borsboom said, “We have spent a lot of time carefully studying the face to create something incredibly unique that truly defines the meaning of facewear. considering our face is the most complex and sensitive part of our body, we feel we have just tapped into the limitless possibilities of facewear and look forward to expanding our collection beyond 'Limited Collection N°1'.” 

In addition to protection from airborne pollutants Freka facewear offers added benefits to the consumer; stylish minimal aesthetic, ergonomic design and the scent of Japanese wood to calm the senses.

Article by Menswear Style

Weekend getaways, business trips and countryside retreats, the perfect holdall is an essential for any modern man. Sophisticated carryalls for short trips need to be spacious, fit all your essentials, and look super stylish. Here are my top 5 perfect weekend bags for the autumn 2015 season:

TUSTING - WAYFARER HOLDALL IN DONEGAL TWEED 

Tusting is a family firm based in the heart of the English countryside, with its roots deep in the English leather and shoe trade. The fifth generation of the family is now at the helm, following a long line of Tustings who have been tanning, grading and trading the world’s finest leathers for over 130 years. This holdall is a new lighter-weight option in their holdall range, made from 100% British woollen Tweed and trimmed with their soft and glossy Atlantic leather. The Tweed is bonded to a cotton base to give it the strength and resilience you would expect from any holdall. Perfect for weekend getaways be it a drive or a flight, these bags are made to last for the long haul.

MULBERRY - MEDIUM CLIPPER DAZZLE CAMO CANVAS 

The classic Medium Clipper is updated in a new camouflage print. Inspired by the original Dazzle Camouflage used on battleships during the World Wars, the print features a complex pattern of geometric shapes interrupting and intersecting each other. The fabric has then been treated with a water repellent coating for added protection. This medium sized holdall can be handheld, worn on the shoulder or across your body, and makes a great overnight or carry-on bag.

BURBERRY BRIT - KINGSWOOD NYLON WEEKEND BAG 

When your weekend getaways call for the sophistication and light-weight, the Burberry Brit's black nylon Kingswood bag will be the perfect weekend bag for you. The contrasting black leather trims and gun-metal hardware just work so well, and features a well-organised interior with four internal slip pockets, a separate laptop compartment and one zip pocket.

Y3 - NEOPRENE WEEKEND BAG 

Whether it's for a short break or overnight stay, Y-3's black neoprene weekend bag is the perfect size for day-to-day or a weekend away. It's trimmed in slick tonal leather and rubber, and can be carried by the two top handles, or slung over the shoulder with the adjustable strap.

MCQ ALEXANDER MCQUEEN – FELT AND LEATHER HOLDALL 

This McQ Alexander McQueen's holdall is a considered choice for busy days and weekends away. This holdall is not your conventional style but for the stylish and daring man it’s the perfect addition to your getaway wardrobe. It comes with an optional shoulder strap for hands-free travelling.

Article by Menswear Style

Looking good everyday ain’t easy. From choosing just the right shade of sock, to ensuring your gear is adequately pressed; a lot goes in to your everyday style. To make it easier for us fellas to keep abreast of the latest trends whilst keeping our own wardrobes in check, here’s a pick of eight of our favourite smartphone apps that make day-to-day style a whole lot simpler.

Instagram 

Who knew the 7th most popular social networking app in the world would also be the perfect place to discover next weekend’s ensemble? Thanks to its media-rich interface and handy ‘Discover’ feature, Instagram has become a source of style inspiration for many a smartphone user. 

ASOS 

Purveyors of everything from sweatshirts to pocket squares; it was only a matter of time before web giant, ASOS, flexed their fashion muscles and launched a mobile app to trounce the competition. Offering quick and easy access to the complete ASOS catalogue, the app is bad news for those living on a shoestring style budget. 

The Hunt 

Got your eye on a garment but not sure where to find it? Download The Hunt app, and let a community of like-minded style-addicts help you in your search. The Hunt makes it easy to find the gear you love - simply upload a picture to the app, and others will help you track it down or create a similar look. 

Stylebook Men 

If you’re an organised gent, Stylebook Men could be your favourite new app. Allowing users to coordinate their wardrobe by photographing key pieces; Stylebook also features an integrated calendar that lets you allocate outfits for upcoming events — we told you it was for the well-organised. 

The Dry Cleaner App 

If you regularly rely on a dry cleaner, laundrette, tailor or ironing service, good news — The Dry Cleaner App makes it easy to find trusted garment care professionals nearby. Gone are the days of scouring the Yellow Pages for a spur-of-the-moment shoe repair or suit fitting; now you can find a range of great services direct from your smartphone. 

Style.com

For the trailblazing chap about town, the Style.com app lets die-hard fashion followers access the very latest news, trends and collections before anyone else. Free to download on any iOS device, this nifty app is a must for the discerning trendsetter. 

LIKEtoKNOW.it 

You’re browsing Instagram when you spot a trend you like the look of — what next? Rather than leaving a comment, look for the LIKEtoKNOW.it URL in the caption. If it’s there, hit ‘Like’ and you’ll receive an e-mail with ready-to-shop product links. This handy app is becoming more and more popular, with hundreds of retailers now including the LIKEtoKNOW.it URL on their Instagram posts.

Necktie Deluxe 

If you struggle to tie a tie — be it the Balthus, Bow, Cavendish or Four-In-Hand — the Necktie Deluxe app is there to make your life a little easier. Featuring step-by-step instruction on how to knot a number of popular tie variations; the Necktie Deluxe app also includes some handy care and maintenance instructions to keep you and your neckwear looking sharp.

Article by Menswear Style