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Keith Haring x Coach is the Label’s Love Letter to New York

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The latest fashion flirtation with the influential work of groundbreaking NY street artist and gay icon Keith Haring comes from Coach, who launch their latest campaign for the sequin and graphic heavy Spring 18 collection today. Inspired by the grit and romance of the city, the image series contrasts the intricate detailing and embellishments of the leather-centric line with soft color hues against the stark backdrop of the city.

“The further extension into ready-to- wear this season has been very much inspired by our Coach girl gang—the way that they wear, party and live in our clothes,” Coach’s creative director Stuart Vevers said in a statement. “I love that sort of undone, unprecious glamour and sensuality.”

The campaign has an all-star team behind it — noted fashion photographer Steven Meisel shot the series, while makeup extraordinaire Pat McGrath handled beauty and legendary art director Fabien Baron oversaw the creative direction. The result is a tender ode to the fashion capital and the artist who emerged from it. Take a look at some images below.

Keith Haring x Coach will be available at Coach and online in March.

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Nicola Formichetti Steps Down as Diesel’s Artistic Director

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Acclaimed fashion icon Nicola Formichetti, Diesel’s first artistic director, has announced his departure from the denim brand. Formichetti was recruited into the position in 2013 by founder Renzo Rosso after fears of plateauing. From there began a four-year long partnership that aimed to rebrand Diesel through new marketing strategies, most recently with its Go with the Flaw campaign for FW17.

Formichetti’s Japanese background helped steer the brand in the experimental direction Rosso was looking for — now 21 percent of Diesel’s revenue comes exclusively from Japan. As the year comes to a close, so does Formichetti’s contract at Diesel. He reportedly feels very fortunate to have worked with the label and is looking forward to shifting his energy back into his own brand, Nicopanda.

Formichetti became a household name in 2009 when he began working as Lady Gaga’s artistic director. The iconic Fame Monster cover art and ‘Born This Way’ music video are just two examples of Formichetti’s emblematic style. Hopefully a reunion happens someday soon.

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Saint Laurent x Travis Scott for Collette

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Images by Saint Laurent

After 20 years, French concept store and purveyor of culture Colette will close its doors on December 20th. But until that fateful day, we can still expect some surprises. Further blurring the lines between fashion, music and art, Saint Laurent and its creative director Anthony Vaccarello worked with rapper Travis Scott for an exclusive vinyl record for the concept store. Scott curated the record, which features songs by Kanye West, James Blake, Frank Ocean and Bon Iver, while Vaccarello art directed the packaging – a black leather pouch. Scott himself will be at Colette on Dec. 18th signing a limited number of the vinyls.

This is only the latest treat Saint Laurent has announced since it took over Colette for the store’s final month. Earlier, the fashion house launched several interesting and unusual items for the concept store. A leather fetish sex paddle? Red boot roller skates? Yes, they did it all. The curated collection of lifestyle goods are the epitome of badass. The line also includes skateboards, vespas, lighters, a polaroid camera, and of course, accessories and other apparel. Colette’s collaborations with Saint Laurent are fitting since the label will be taking over the entire building after Colette closes.

The Travis Scott vinyl will be available at Colette on Dec. 18th.

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Patti Smith is the Muse for the Latest Opening Ceremony x GVGV Collection

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Images: Opening Ceremony.

New York punk queen Patti Smith is the latest muse behind the upcoming Opening Ceremony x G.V.G.V. collaboration called “DREAM.” This is the third time the retailer has teamed up with the Japanese label, known for their fantastical silhouettes and sophisticated rebellion look. The collection draws inspiration from Smith’s signature, androgynous, layered and tattered look, and at the end of this tumultuous year, we kind of feel like looking rebellious and rough too.

The denim is ripped and distressed, the sweaters and jackets are oversized and the colors are muted and neutral, designed to mix and match. A white shirt with a loose boxy cut is unmistakably a reference to Smith’s iconic Horses cover. An overcoat with a glen check pattern references one of Smith’s personal favorite items. There are also a few items which pull the collection in a more contemporary direction — a loose and lightweight lavender jacket and lace blouse give a decidedly modern androgynous flair, and oversized sweatshirts and t-shirts with a cursive DREAM embroidered across the front seem completely current. Might be time t dust off your copy of Just Kids, because Patti Smith never goes out of style. Peep some of the looks below.

DREAM will be available at a pop-up at Opening Ceremony Omotesando and online on January 8th.

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Missoni Returns with Missoni Parfum Pour Homme

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missoni---headerImage: Missoni.

After a lengthy absence from the market, acclaimed Italian fashion house Missoni has returned to the game with Missoni Parfum Pour Homme ($89), the label’s first fragrance for men in 20 years. Cased in a dark-tinted bottle, the fragrance is preserved and protected and sealed under an embellished metallic cap, secured with magnetic emphasis. The scent is inspired by the picturesque and sun-kissed coastal landscapes of the Mediterranean, combining elements of wood, leaves, lavender and jasmine. This combined sequence of aromas succeed in elevating the traditional luxury fragrance with an innovative new design approach, signaling a welcome return for the influential designer.

Missoni Parfum Pour Homme is available at Bloomingdale’s and online now.

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Scotch & Soda Chooses Dumbo for its Largest US Store

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Images by: Scotch & Soda

The flourishing Dumbo neighborhood and waterfront welcomes a new Scotch & Soda store, and its second in the borough. At a sprawling 2,500 square-feet, the industrial condominium space is the brand’s largest store in North America.

The Amsterdam-based brand never shies away from creativity with their clothes and interiors. Always unique, a Scotch & Soda store blends the old with the new, edgy but with an eye to the past. The spacious new store makes for an easy and luxurious shopping experience. The store also features an elusive Cabinet of Wonders, based on the 17th Century Dutch tradition of a Cabinet of Curiosities, and holds a collection of treasures that Scotch & Soda designers have scavenged from around the world. These items have served as inspirations for the designers and culminate in an artful display to share with their customers.

As an ever growing neighborhood and destination for great shops, restaurants and bars, the Dumbo waterfront is a prime location.The store is nestled in one of the original Richard Gair buildings, and adjacent to the soon-to-open Dumbo market. And the incomparable views of the Manhattan bridge and skyline just outside the doors doesn’t hurt either.

The new Scotch & Soda store is open now at 76 Front Street, Brooklyn, NY.

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Escape the Hysteria of Art Basel 2017 on a Yacht

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Images: Cortez Groupe.

For one week in December, Miami becomes a hotspot for art and design enthusiasts from around the world. Home to Art Basel since 2002, it becomes the city to see-or-be-seen, summoning numerous creatives and influencers, with big name brands and designers hosting over-the-top soirees and events to carve a niche in the space and contribute to a larger cultural conversation.

Before evolving into a global spectacle, Art Basel started in the 1970s in its namesake Basel, Switzerland, to showcase new pieces to industry insiders and collectors. Nowadays, it’s an international affair (with stops in Hong Kong and Miami Beach) that attracts the biggest names in design hoping to gain a new audience in the art world. Ironically, with the influx of tourists and party options, art takes a backseat while guests figure out the next crucial event to attend. And while guests are flocked from show to gallery to afterparty, it’s far too easy to get lost in the glitz of the festivities. What about those flustered moments in-between?

This year, ESSENTIAL HOMME partnered with Delta Carbon Yachts, Dirocco Eyewear, Louis XIII, and Villa Riviera to create an experience specifically highlighting those delicate moments of free time. Focusing on the theme of reflection, guests were invited aboard a luxurious yacht where they were treated to glasses of cognac and rosé, to experience the intricacies of the city from the water, and reflect on how it can be enhanced with good company. All with the best view of the city fair and all its happenings. Take a look at the video from Cortez Groupe below.

 

 

Film by Cortez Groupe
Creative Director: Christopher Cortez
Director of Photography: Neil Watson
Director of Film & Editor: Aaron Reynolds
Aerial Cinematography: Azeez Bakare
Production Coordinator: Arturo Macias

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Prada Finally Releases Cloudbust Sneakers

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Image: Prada.

Just in time for Star Wars: The Last Jedi‘s release on Friday, Prada has unveiled its latest futuristic sneaker. First seen on the runway of the men’s Spring/Summer ’18 show, the new Cloudbust sneaker combines simple yet refreshingly contemporary design cues on the classic footwear. Available in four monochromatic color schemes — the white/grey combo is particularly reminiscent of the stormtrooper robots that always seem to cause trouble while the black/red combo gives off more nuanced Yeezy vibes — the new lightweight shoe perfectly marries luxury sophistication with a fun little twist. And the universality of the design will surely stand the test of time well into the next big movie release. Take a look at some of the other styles below.

The Cloudbust sneaker is available at Prada and online now.

*Full disclosure I’ve never seen Star Wars but I know the references.

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2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Everyone Else

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Tis the season! Remind your loved ones that they’re loved with the ESSENTIAL HOMME 2017 Holiday Gift Guide for everyone else. Here’s a gift for every family member, friend, lover, stranger, and more, sure to make you the most popular guest at the holiday party. After you’ve picked out some treats for all those that are dear to you, reward yourself with something pretty. We all deserve it.

1. Kids SST Track suit, ADIDAS

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Image: Adidas.

This timeless and seminal Adidas track suit will render each child the coolest on the playground.

Kids SST track suit, $45, ADIDAS ORIGINALS. Available in Adidas stores and adidas.com

2. Sonos One, SONOS

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Image: Sonos.

Complete every tech-savvy household with the Sonos One speaker, which is directly integrated with  Amazon Alexa for maximum convenience.

Sonos One, $199, SONOS. Sonos.com.

3. Alpaca check blanket, AGNONA

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Image: Agnona.

This elegantly cozy blanket will keep its wearer warm and pampered all season long.

Alpaca check blanket, $1,250, AGNONA. Agnona.com.

4. Lambskin trench coat, BURBERRY

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Image: Burberry.

A perfect gift for the bold dresser in your life, this patent lambskin trench coat will make a statement in any scenario.

Raglan-sleeve patent lambskin trench coat, $3,595, BURBERRY. Burberry.com.

5. Ankle strap pump, CALVIN KLEIN

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Image: Calvin Klein.

This playful shoe knows how to have fun — perfect for the party girl in your life.

Cut-out ankle strap pump, $995, CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC. Available at Calvin Klein, NYC and Barneys.com.

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The Standard x Davines Unveil Must-Have Travel Kit

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unnamed-1 Image: The Standard.

Still can’t find your travel-size containers that seem to disappear every time you return from vacation? Fear not — a match made in heaven, the Standard x Davines Collection can be found in any of the popular hotel’s guestrooms.  

Luxury hair-care brand Davines has joined forces with the hospitality group to create the ultimate high-quality, TSA-approved travel kit. Equipped with four bathroom essentials — shampoo, conditioner, bath gel and lotion — the collection employs opulent scents like clove, amber, sage and cedar to keep you feeling fresh away from home. Davines takes pride in their sustainable, exclusive products that can only be found in reputable, hand-picked salons around the world, while the Standard’s unparalleled modern luxe aesthetic continues to attract the most eminent clientele.

The Standard x Davines Collection is available at The Standard, High Line and Miami Beach and online.  

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Shop the Trend: Hygge

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Happy Holidays! We select the year’s biggest trends and how to shop them in this easy guide. This week: Hygge.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s… hygge. The Scandinavian wellness/comfort/lifestyle trend (pronounced ‘hygge’) has leapt across the atlantic from its native Denmark and implanted itself into many a trendy home. Key details involve knits, neutral colors, and a warm cleanliness one might see in a log cabin or hospice care. In trying times (this year was a disaster) it’s good to find sanctuary, even if it’s just at surface level. Stay cozy!

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The entire COS catalogue looks mad hygge. The staples label epitomizes the emphasis of comfort along with quality. For the winter, try wearing this oversized cashmere jumper in an incredibly hygge-friendly shade of light grey, but be weary of static electricity.

$190, available at COS and online.

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Candles are an integral part of embracing hygge. And if you can’t fit a fireplace in your apartment, a bunch of candles should suffice in establishing a sense (and scent) of warmth. Keap BK is a subscription candle trend that will send you new candles once a month to maintain the spirit of comfort year round.

$28/month or $35 for one candle, available online.

somewareImage: Someware.

Fall asleep on the couch in peace with this Sabana wool throw blanket. With fabric spun in Colombia using traditional weaving methods, it’s a welcome addition to any hygge household. Be careful about spilling anything on it (it’s 100% virgin wool!) and dry clean only.

$290, available at Someware.

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Image: Hender Scheme.

Really maximize the comfort of hygge with these hairy blucher shoes from Hender Scheme. Remember the Breach video for ‘Jack?’ Yes.

$370, available at Hender Scheme.

 

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Canada Goose X Drake’s October’s Very Own

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cana---featureImages: OVO.

Two of Toronto’s coolest brands are teaming up again for a limited edition capsule collection. Outerwear giant Canada Goose just released their second collaboration today with Drake’s clothing line, October’s Very Own (OVO). Drake teased the new line on Instagram over a week ago with an image of a rack of pink satin bomber jackets and a cryptic red rose emoji.

The latest collab expands on the first with more accessories and colors to keep you looking fresh all winter. Canada Goose’s staple Chilliwack Bomber Jacket returns in ‘pink dawn’ and ‘steel grey’ satin with gold zippers. In keeping with Canada Goose’s heritage, the collection also features a Shearling Pilot Hat that also comes in ‘pink dawn’ and ‘steel grey.’ The beanie and scarf are %100 merino wool made in Italy and feature OVO’s name and owl logo, both of which are available in sterling heather and black colorways. Check it out below.

Canada Goose x OVO is available now at OVO, Canada Goose and online.

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