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. 

The only christmas event you need to attend

Christmas party's are about to become a regular . You will find yourself dodging many and attending few. But of the ones you do attend  make sure it is The other side magazine 's christmas shindig.It is at the Macbeth in shoreditch on the 15th from 7.30 onwards. Order tickets here £4 before and £5 on the door. Its sure to be a good event, I will be there as well as a pretty decent line-up including : Chad valley ; Trophy wife ; Othello Woolf all live plus many other DJs. Radio 1 seem to be fond of these guys so definatly worth a listen. For more info check out there Facebook page.

The other side magazine is a free quarterly mag that  celebrates Londons diversity with interesting articles on art fashion food and music. Time out said they where " The one free magazine  worth reading". Thats enough of a reason to actually read it I believe. It is also a good platform for aspiring writers and illustrators to get there work published so check out there site here .


So the undertone of this is be there it seems to be a christmas party that will actually be good plus I heard there are going to be mince pies ... enough said.

Esquire Presents : Exclusive preview of Daks Archive musuem

Last evening was eventful to say the least I was kindly invited to old bond street to preview Daks new museum. Very happy to be there Imust add. For those who aren't that familiar with the brand , Daks is the reason for the "self supporting trouser" invented in 1934. This is the reason why Adrian Sauvage isn't using belt loops in his new collection. The brands history is astounding , it is weird that such a tailored brand also had heavy involvement in sporting events including Wimbledon. Those winning suits didn't make themselves.

The routine of the evening was something similar to a black tie dinner . Glass of champagne on entry with many refills after (My glass wasn't empty at any point). It was a case of "more champagne sir?" with the reply " Yes please". A constant array of  canapés from pork to salmon even a chocolate cake. After listening to a speech from the chairman of the company and from the lovely zandra rhodes. Who is chancellor for UCA may I note. We was then lead to the museum in the company of esquire fashion editor Gareth Scourfield. There is a fair bit of name knowing there , I spent most of the evening hunting each one down which was interesting . 

All in all a heavily intoxicated evening as my friend found out over a phonecall. Very entertaining.    

 As well as viewing there new collection with a very handsome 20% discount. Last night was also a chance to try out there new bespoke Tailoring service , which from what I saw included a vast number a fabrics colours and cuts. Something tailors on saville row would of envied . 

 Unfortunatly I wasnt allowed to take photos so there is no first hand photography.  Over there  is my goody bag and invite . Which included Esquires december issue with mostririser and aftershave.  

However I wish you guys could see the double breasted wool blazer... 

Is Lanvin's collaboration with H&M the beginning of the end for high end fashion ?

After reading numerous posts from fellow students about the the new collection for H&M by Lanvin all saying the same thing ... "Its amazing" , "cannot wait" I couldn't help but think one thing ? Is it really?

Lets firstly say yes this is an important step for the high street and im sure the collection will be succesful  but is it really good for the high -end consumer. Im a great believer in fashion being accessible to the masses but isnt this just making brands like Lanvin less exclusive. Part of peoples love for fashion is the exclusivity that comes with it.  As much as it is a burden wanting something we cant have brings a certain aspiration to the manner in which we act . So just say all of a sudden big brands start to work more with lower street chains ... Yes it will be great  however after a while both  the cheap and actual lines are bound to have affiliations . Both in cut , texture and designer. Alber elbez has one mind and regardless of who he's designing for the outlet is bound to be the same right?

So look at it from the other end , if you could afford Lanvin would you be to happy that every person on the street may be wearing similar garments to yours , only half the price? I wouldn't be . Next  we will be seeing brands such as Givenchy doing collections for Topman. Some part of me hopes this will never happen. If it does then soon there will be no defining factor between premium lines and there cheap alternative.

Before you get caught up in the glamour of the situation just have a think on the larger scale...

But do we love Lanvin?

Grimes future

Now regardless of your musical preference you cannot ignore the relevance Grime is having in todays music scene. Lets firstly establish that I myself have a big dislike for popular culture OK, but without grime Artist such as Tinchy stryder , Tinie Tempah and Professer green would not exist. All managed to convert there underground tone into pop chart success which is if im honest more than annoying.But what this post will make you realise is that Grime is far from dead.

It all started at the MOBO's which some may of watched. Excluding all the ludicrus awards that were given out . There was a fairly important final performance. Which even though included the likes of Tinie temper and Professor Green was a huge success ( in my eyes). It included two artist that will hopefully not betray there field ... Giggs and Devlin. These two are sure to carry grime forward for the next few years without a doubt.

Giggs -let em ave it-out now

Giggs a south london born artist was more of a surprise especially as this man is banned from radio due to the explicitness of his lyrics. Even though I was not a fanatic fan at first it seems that I'm converting slowly, even if his voice is unusually deep.

Devlin-bud, sweat & beers -out on 1st nov 

Devlin is another who hasnt acheived too much wide spread success due to the irregularity in the way he raps but definatly is one to watch. What is important to note is that these two capture the essence of grime and what it truly represents at the moment. It's an art form and something that hopefully will become a lot more noticable as times go on.First step Giggs at glasto this year, whats next?  

Below is the song they performed the official video which also happens to include Example yes thats right the now pop sensation (ish) returns. For all the un - knowledgeable out there Example started off in grime before he ventured to pop stardom ... this is one return that I most definatly  welcome.

The inclusion of artist like this clearly ushers in a new dawn for the genre something that we must all pay attention to or if not than appreciate at least.

Technology gets a facelift

If your anything like me you proberly hate going to the cinema and putting on those awful 3d glasses ? If you aren't then stop reading. If you are then you love to see that Gucci are making 3d glasses ! Now you can watch Toy story 3 (or other films) while looking "fresh".

Unfortunately they are not released till december and only then will they be available in Florida , so maybe you won't get them anytime soon BUT they still look cool right?

The art of "I"

You will read two types of writing on this page the first is the the "pleasing" . This will tend to follow the concept of knowledge and will be written by following other conventions. The second is the "voice". This is me, no hold bars and normally will display the creativity within the "I".



This is the voice.


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Websites "I" view

Im trying to add structure to my blog and this is my way of doing so ! Now every week there is going to be  a website of the week or as we will call it "Websites I view". Which simply is websites that I view . The hope is that every week there will be new and interesting websites for everyone to check out. Ones that are worthy  of course there maybe some new ones some old ones . Ill try and keep it fresh and exciting any ones that you think are worth mentioning let me know !

 To start us off is one that only launched yesterday ... vintageseekers.com. Now before you all turn away in disgust just listen. This is not another one of those vintage websites that try's to flog you stuff cool by by attaching an era to its pieces. Vintage seekers is the true meaning of "vintage " ! From wine to watches ,clothes and even cars. Even if this is a little aspirational for most people it is still a good one on file for when you can finally afford that that Mercedes 190 SL !

    

Books im reading

I heard reading was an important thing .... regardless this is what is on my mind at the moment ! Keep posted to see how it goes.

The London Cut , Saville Row Bespoke Tailoring by James Sherwood

Street Style By Ted Polhemus 

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Untitled

"Some people have a presumption because of the way I look and because I am quite brash and confident , that I'm up my own arse or too cool for school , but I don't actually take myself that seriously" said by George Lamb of all folk! Regardless of your thoughts on the man you can't argue what he is saying is what a lot of people think? Now take George Lamb out of the equation and add an average guy . You have seen him on the streets head up with a heavy stride, bet he is  a nice guy huh? 

That brash and confidence defines the man and as for the style ... a form of expression. This a bit too wordy for you ? You will get it eventually.

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Winter Warmer

It’s raining Im cold the candles are not keeping me warm neither is the heating ... I feel inspired lets go ! Trying to look good in winter as well as stay super warm, but it can be done! We could go down the old jumper-upon-jumper route, but it’s not the most stylish of options is it? How about the simple and yet effective jeans, jumper, jacket look? This is the base of every great outfit and with the right materials (thick knitwear) you can feel cosy and look good for this long and cold winter. 

As I said, it’s simple; start with a relatively long jacket, and then a shorter jumper. Then just put on a pair of one-wash jeans and you’ve got it right there. I myself found that it tends to work well with skinny jeans, as it keeps the focus on the jacket you have chosen. If that isn’t your thing, try some slim-fits for some comfortable jeans without the restriction that some feel skinnys offer. Levi’s offer a nice pair of 519 that are perfectly tapered at the bottom with just the right amount of space around the leg. If thats a bit out of your budget then try TOPMAN ... erghhh. I hate to say it but they have a big selection of denim so worth a look  . I promise to never promote Topman again ( I hate it as much as you).

Deciding which jacket to wear is the start; have a look at some of the more ‘unique’ pieces. Such as, the good old wax coat or for the smarter appeal a nice long wool coat will do nicely. These jackets can really create a sense of personality with your outfits making them that little more eye catching . As for the jumper, a plain colour crew or V- neck is always a good option; any over powering patterns may just get lost with the jacket. Make sure you have a look at the thicker jumpers as it’s a nice idea to have the jacket open, yes open! ‘Uni qlo’ have brought out a fantastic range of basic coloured lambs-wool jumpers; check them out!  

As you have got to the end of the previous section, you may have wondered: ‘how will I keep those vital body parts warm such as; head, hands and neck?’ There’s no harm in adding some classic winter accessories such as; hats, gloves and scarves. 

Depending on the occasion, a smart beanie or fluffy trapper never goes a miss! Even a pair leather gloves…possibly the best investment you will ever make? Not your thing? Then try a fingerless pair. Oh I hear the many screams “how will they keep my fingers warm?” Well I dare anyone to come up with a better way of keeping their palms warm whilst being able to change the songs on their ‘Ipod’...I thought so! Let’s not forget the scarf; a chunky knit will do well on the warmth front, but if you like the more lightweight type there are plenty on the market to choose from. Experiment with each; remember the idea is to be comfortable; having a scarf that is tied too tight, only allowing you to only look straight ahead is never a good look. Or, if you don’t like the idea don’t wear one at all; it is entirely up to you. 

Before I decide to depart don’t forget the shoes; wearing canvas plimsoles in this weather is suicide. Yes, they will feel comfortable to begin with but give it 10 minutes and your toes will be non-existent. Big winter hits are always the 60’s Rocker military style boot or more recent desert boots. Don’t be foolish and buy them from clarks either , Ebay sell desert boots for £25. If your not a brand person this is the place for you. You didn’t like clarks when you was 12 so tell me whats changed?  Even try the classic brogues if you want to impress. Recently got myself a gorgeous tanned pair by Bertie , Grenson do a nice pair aswell ! 

Thats enough of a rant from me , feels like a mouthful.

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GQ Presents : H n M Autumn/ Winter 2010 preview

Thats were I was this week. The team at GQ hosted a preview of H & m's  autumn winter collection , now I'm not the biggest of fans BUT the chance to shop with 25% discount and free drinks was an opportunity I  couldn't turn down. To my surprise it was a vey successful evening which did lead to a few purchases. There were some very delightful pieces which at times were almost unworthy of a shop such as H n m but had me  getting awfully excited (with strawberry cider in hand). The high street is an intricate thing , an outfit must never be formed of one shop so this is the reason I didn't go totally card happy ! What was so impressive was the selection from chunky knits to well tailored shirts all with an added bit of depth. The knits with two black buckles attached and the shirts long stretched collars similar to an oxford button down were very nice indeed! What H n m have proved this season is that they can cut it with some of the best of the high street shops . Below are a few pieces that were key , I hope you like too!

p.s I apologies for my poor picture quality (cheap camera)

Cannot beat a crisp white shirt , this is similar to one by  A.sauvage . Only difference? price tag ! 

Hate trends but you cannot ignore  the fact that this is a nice coat . 

This is tweed and with its 4 pocket military stlye front this jacket is very desirable

The beginning

Writing introductions has never been my kind of thing. However I do believe my brain has the capacity to write a fairly decent one. This blog WONT include womenswear. This blog WONT include any form of " I am the most fashionable person ever " BS. This blog wont even try and please you. This blog however WILL include menswear. This blog WILL be based around the topic of fashion . This blog WILL try and please me ! I am your host , the voice of this page . Now enjoy !