The gentleman

GQ STYLE FASHION EDITORIAL

(Uni Assignment)

Creative Directors: Anna Lowe and Anthony Elliott

Photography: Jodie Fox

Model: Michael Armenakis

Styling: Anthony Elliott

Editing and graphics: Anna Lowe

The row

When you think of bespoke tailoring, only one place springs to mind... Savile Row. This street within the heart of Mayfair has not only dressed royalty but also some of the the most influential names in the world of music, politics and fashion. Mick Jagger, Winston Churchill and Sir Paul Smith are just a few of its most popular clients.

The Row was born over two hundred years ago; a hidden gem. Its history stretches back to 1771, when renowned civil and military tailors Hawkes first opened its doors. However, it was only in 1974 when Hawkes merged with Gieves (to become Gieves and Hawkes) that it really began. These sartorial giants who reside at the head of the street in No.1 (Savile Row) epitomise everything this infamous quarter mile was, and still is - historic. It has survived a revolt and even the likes of Giorgio Armarni, yet It is cemented in the hearts of the British tailoring industry. This industry however, would of crumbled without the efforts of it’s unsung heroes that help keep the street alive - its tailors. Their artistry and craft is one of a kind; they work under and above the shops creating masterpieces. For these men the street is their identity and the cloth, cut and stitching their signature. Each house is blessed with an individual style and suits created here are never seen twice. They are made to measure and are all timeless classics.

This history and craft now manages to capture the sartorial imagination of the twenty first century man. No longer is this gentleman’s outfitters reserved for only those above the age of 40. The likes of Norton and Sons and Oswald Boateng have injected there modern imagination and flair into this old aged street, creating more fashionable garments. Their cut is more modern day ‘dandy’ than the quintessential English officer, yet they still capture the true essence that is bespoke tailoring. Norton and Sons established in 1821 and are known for their expertise in lightweight safari clothing. They now adopt a different approach after being acquired by Patrick Grant in 2005. Grants “neat, simple and elegant” finish is something refreshing, something that has allowed Savile Row to be enjoyed by those of all ages. The history of this street is far from finished; it is only just beginning.

A refreshing change

After an absent spell away from blogging I thought that today may be the best day to reunite myself with the world. Blogging had become something very tiresome and felt very forced.  Im a great believer in doing things you enjoy and if im honest I just wansn't doing so. Time away was what I needed..

 Apologies for my followers (if there are any). However I can now say that "oneisview" is ready to begin again. With a refreshing new concept and a bit of a new lay out I do hope that all of you that read it enjoy it

A

 

A prospect for 2011

Recently on a harmless read of dazed and confused I came across a very exciting prospect. His name Jai Paul- this 21 year old from north-west london is taking things by storm already. His track BTSTU has received critical acclaim from radio one and has recently lead him to being signed by XL.  To describe his music isnt the easiest . You could say his songs have elements of grime , funk and slight bits of pop. What ever it is I  can assure you it is good none the less. Definatly can see this guy doing alot in 2011.

Below is the song im raving about 

The reform of the a classic

Next on my aspirational christmas list is the Grenson Leather Desert boot from Urban Outfitters. I am a big fan of 60's/ mod inspired items and desert boots are at the forefront of those. There are many out there some that are really worth the pennies , others not so much. Liam Gallagher's Pretty Green label re-realeased the clarks original version making minor adjustments ,such as a more rounded toe and lower heel. Yet none of these brands have decided to change the material which is a shame because suede isn't the most practical of winter fabrics. Which is the reason why these leather ones have made onto my aspirational christmas list.

Taking more of the form of the original boot and at a price of £155 this pair would be first on my list. Coming in a variety of colours all of which include leather soles. I may be  ditching all the other bits of footwear (if I can afford to ) and be hold a jumble sale to raise the funds ... donations welcome.  

Christmas is here and so is the disappointment

The christmas season is well and truly upon us once again , its getting colder , the thirst for mince pies is only just started to feel sickening and we are all oogling the presents that we are not getting (well at least I am ). So to express my desire for all my aspirational gifts I thought I would just let you guys know what would be under my tree BUT ISN'T. This will be a day by day account of the gifts I want .

To begin with we have the Diana mini. This camera is a little copy of the diana (clearly the reason for the name). Its a pretty standard old school camera with 72 shots in one 35mm film . But  does have the ability to change from retro square format to half square with the flick of a switch .. pretty snaz. It retails at £45 from lomography , which is soon becoming the destination for my ascetically pleasing needs. Plus did I mention the Diana mini is very easy on the eye. This mabye the first purchase of many cameras for me and is definatly one that'll be a worth while keep.

                                                                                                            

A tribute to the man that is...

What do Mick Jagger ,Lennox Lewis and Will Smith all have in common , apart from being iconic men within there field ? Not guessed it yet ? Well they all have an appreciation for a good hand made suit. Not any suit though but one crafted by Oswald Boateng ,  the north london born designer has dressed the best of the best even the likes of Sir Anthony Hopkins. However it is not his a- list cliental that is most impressive but more his approach to bespoke tailoring . His style is “crisp  and structured with an attention on flow and finish”. His look is somewhat a take on the modern day dandy, with his use of bright colours such as fluorescent purple and  turquoise . Boateng has managed to capture the man of the twenty first century.

Since moving to Vigo street in 1993 after the success of his first fashion show in paris, his mission was simple  to “save Saville row”.Compared by some to his idol the late Tommy Nutter, Boateng saw his role on the row as “rewriting established perceptions of Saville row with a more contemporary twist on the classical form”. With the increasing rent rises and aging talent, the Row was distined to be demolished but with the bravado of Boateng who's self publicising brought spotlight back to the heart of mayfair.The Row no longer  struggled for business it thrived under the new blood, who were essential in the survival of one of Londons most iconic streets. Although scrutinized for his outlandish mannerisms his passion earned him an O.B.E in 2006 for his services to bespoke tailoring. Not bad for a self taught tailor.

Boateng's showing at LFW

After all his accomplishments it seemed only  fitting that Boateng make a  return to london this year after  2 years as the closing show at london fashion week . The show consisted of over 100 models and looks which encapsulated the spirit of the man. Even combining two seasons, both autumn/ winter 10 and spring/ summer 11. It was a truly outlandish affair. Displays like this as well as his long list of achievements have Made Oswald Boateng a house hold name within mens fashion. His Next project is a film titled  “ A mans story”  a documentary on the man himself and if its anything like his other efforts its sure to be one to watch.