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Shop the Trend: Fanny Packs

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

Fanny packs. They were popular in the 80s, then again in the 90s, then again back in ‘08 thanks to that neo-80s nostalgia that was dominating the cultural landscape, and again now. So I guess technically they never really left. Anyways, this year the pouch returned and moved up the social ladder and physical body this year after it was seen worn as a shoulder bag on the runways of Louis Vuitton and Supreme. No longer limited to the fanny, it became one of the year’s biggest trends, seen on every cool downtown kid I went to school with and models off duty alike. Happy Cyber Monday~

versaceGo big or go home. This is Versace. This black leather belt pouch comes with the label’s famed Medusa head logo in gold. Wear this to store snacks when you watch American Crime Story: Versace when it airs in the spring.

$1095 at Versace and at Ssense.

jimmy-chooThis Jimmy Choo leather fanny pack comes with embossed with a detailed star print pattern — it’s cute! Perfect accessory to wear when you see The Star in theatres. Mariah Carey released a song for it. Queen of Christmas at it again!!

$895 at Ssense.

heron-prestonThis bright little Heron Preston pouch will never be lost in your closet thanks to its handy traffic cone color. It’s also made of nylon so it’s basically waterproof. Perfect for achieving that cool construction worker look.

$340 at Heron Preston.

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Okay, so the Supreme x Louis Vuitton bag that started it all is out of stock, unless you wanna spend like a jillion dollars for resale on Grailed or eBay. But this waist bag from the skate brand — complete with the signature blunt logo — should suffice.

$126 at Supreme.

herschelYou want utility? You want function? You want simplicity? Herschel Supply Co. Bam. Go back to basics with this timeless and sturdy little number that will still be intact and in style when fanny packs become popular again in 10 years.

$30 at Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, Zumiez, etc, and online.

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The New Brands Making Grooming Mainstream

himsImage: Hims.

A friend recently asked me if there was a grooming equivalent for Glossier. You know, the democratic social media driven beauty brand that has practically exploded since its launch only 3 years ago. The byproduct of the beauty blog Into the Gloss, started by former Vogue writer and The Hills star Emily Weiss, the amount of genuine hype the brand gets is astounding — just check the comments on any of their social platforms. It truly is a social-first beauty brand. And yet I told my friend that I haven’t heard of a men’s grooming equivalent. Yet.

There are a number of new men’s brands that all aim to simplify skincare for guys. I’ve seen more Bulldog Face Washes, Milk Makeup Matcha Cleansers, and Kiehl’s SPF moisturizers in men’s apartments recently. Cult surfer menswear brand Saturdays NYC released its own line of grooming products.  Aesthetically, new skincare/lifestyle brand Hims is the closest to a ‘Glossier for dudes as can be, as noted by Racked author Cheryl Wischhover. It’s obvious that men are getting into the skincare game, but it still seems to be a bit of a DL matter.

I’ve noticed tons of dudes talk about fashion and streetwear. There’s a whole culture that goes with it. Just look at the line for any major skate brand store. But will there be a brand that takes the grooming movement mainstream? And in a better way than the Metrosexual fad of the early ’00s, which did not age well. Boy beauty site Very Good Light does a good job at illuminating rising influencers and brands in this space, in a way that’s more intersectional than traditional outlets. It’s clear that more points of view are needed to gain momentum — only then can a potential Glossier-for-dudes triumph.

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5 Videos that Show The Killers’ Signature Style

Throughout their career, Las Vegas-born rock band The Killers have given us a whole canon of new rock standards. Additionally, their neon-garage-arena-rock hybrid has been perfectly encapsulated in a series of highbrow music videos. Here, we chronicle the band’s (and our latest cover star Brandon Flowers) signature new age Western style and its growth over their 13 year career.

The whole band is dressed like a renegade cowboy posse, which no doubt helped establish their signature Western look. Some takeaways are the slightly baggy belted pants and the loose jacket with gloves and a Western scarf. The overall effect is an ironic and charming cowboy getup whose remnants can still be seen today — remember the Calvin Klein SS/18 show? New Americana lives on.

 

Flowers fulfills his Bowie fantasy with a structured feathery red and black spacesuit with dramatic shoulder pads that wouldn’t seem out of place in a Bjork video. There’s a lot going on here — chandeliers, printed full body suits, and a party on a Wicker Man-like structure, oh my — this carnivalesque jumpsuit takes the cake.

 

In this Killers new-wave classic the band jams in a Utah desert while Flowers wears a black blazer with golden feathers (he loves feathers) on the shoulder, gold details on the front pocket, and gold buttons. It is the epitome of The Killers’ subversive retro yet theatrical rock style. It is perhaps one of the coolest and most daring pieces that the band has worn in their videos. And while it might be a wee bit extra for everyday wear, it shows the versatility of Flowers’ signature look.

It is utterly captivating watching Flowers croon over the Vegas skyline in yet another sharp suit – the man knows what works for him. The tailoring is impeccable and the added use of the oversized bolo tie adds a dramatic country flair to a classic silhouette. It’s a basic crash course in wearing the suit and not letting the suit wear you. And whoever Brandon’s tailor is deserves a raise.

In one the recent video for the lead single off their fifth album, Wonderful Wonderful, Flowers plays the part of several fallen male archetypes while wearing a differently exaggerated outfit to match the tongue-in-cheek tone of the song. In one scene, Flowers dons a black leather jacket with red stitching designs in the back with subtle fringe details, in another he is wearing a sheer blue cowboy shirt with fringe details and bolo tie. Then, as an annoying playboy, he rocks a fitted black tux. All the looks manage to parody traditional American masculinity while still remaining fresh.

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L.G.R’s First Boutique Ever Lands in Milan

lgr-shop---1Images: LGR.

It’s a classic tale of success: Boy finds antique sunglasses in his grandfather’s former factory warehouse and transforms them into one of the most in-demand accessories of the moment. To continue expanding the empire, Italian eyewear designer L.G.R opened its first store in Milan’s popular Brera district. 

The brand was born in 2008 when founder Luca Gnecchi Ruscone discovering an old pair of hand-crafted frames that would serve as the chief inspiration for the future eyewear brand. Seemingly overnight, at least in fashion industry standards, the label’s shades were seen on the faces of fashion elite including Carine Roitfeld, Mario Testino, Marcelo Burlon, and Gigi Hadid. It makes sense to open a store so fans can try on the frames in person before committing to one of the signature shapes.

“Milan’s international presence and undisputed reputation in the world of luxury and lifestyle makes the city a natural choice for our first store in Italy” Ruscone said in a statement. “The space on Corso Garibaldi will celebrate our DNA, allowing customers to immerse themselves in the universe of L.G.R. This opening is just the first step in a retail strategy that we hope will soon bring us to major cities around the world.”

Spanning two floors, the intimate boutique is rich with heritage and history. Evidence of the brand’s commitment for blending African and Italian influences, core material furnishes include wood and coir with coconut fiber accents, while the use of light green and pale blue color accents evoke the environmental cues of Eritrea and direct influences of Ottica Bini, Ruscone’s grandfather, warehouse in Asmara.

To celebrate LGR’s physical retail debut, numerous Italian influencers were invited to attend the opening, including model Laurie Harding and singer Giovanni Caccamo, pouring out into the street outside the shop with champagne in their hands. Ruscone mingled with friends and fans alike, entertaining guests with his stories and dynamic personality — the man oozes charisma yet carries a truly sincere quality. The whole event was very Italian and fashionable and I felt glamorous just to be in their company.

The store launch coincides with the launch of the label’s refreshingly minimalist FW 17/18 collection. Take a look at some highlights from opening night below.

L.G.R is open now at 36 Corso Garibaldi in Milan. The new collection can be purchased at select retailers and online now.

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Shop the Trend: Dad Sneakers

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

Retro influenced Dad Sneakers (also called ‘ugly sneakers’ but I feel that’s a little harsh) have left the suburbs and leapt onto the runways of international designers including Balenciaga, Gucci, and Dior. With Lisa Trautmann of Refinery29 citing the design influences as “avant-garde and interrogative movement of Cubism, or the designs of Deconstructivism,” and Jake Woolf of GQ declaring it “equal parts normcore and menswear’s next wave,” it’s evident that the bold and chunky silhouettes of the footwear trend mean business. We select a few highlights to purchase for a friend, or to match with the light wash mom/dad jeans you bought in 2014. I still wear mine!

vetements---sneakerImage: SSENSE.

Perfect for the Gen-X cyber goth in your life, this Vetements and Reebok sneaker is a mixed material extravaganza featuring mesh, neoprene, and faux-leather. These babies say ‘I’m a bad boy with a taste for luxury and sole comfort.’ And the thick sole is sure to give you a few extra inches in height.

$990 available online at Ssense and The Webster.

gucci---sneakerImage: Gucci.

This Gucci Rhyton leather sneaker takes the classic white sneaker and roughs it up a little, giving it a distressed look that directly contrasts the clean minimalism that’s dominated my Instagram feed over the years. Also available with a logo print so you can really rep your brand loyalty. Love it.

$740 at Gucci stores and online.

acne---sneakersImage: Acne Studios.

These ones are cool because of the reptilian color palette. The Green Sofiane Neo Sneakers from Acne Studios contributes adds a rugged layer to the chunky footwear, with earthy seafoam tones that give it a neutral glow perfect for nature.

$510 available at Acne Studios and online.

adidas-originalsImage: adidas.

This one is perfect for the guy on Grindr who’s into hiking. Or the straight guy who’s into hiking. Either way, the adidas Originals by Alexander Wang Hike shoes (one of their many collaborative efforts) is the perfect glamping companion, adding monochromatic sophistication to any mountain trek.

$230 at adidas stores and online.

asos---sneakersImage: ASOS.

If you’re really feeling festive, consider these rich red velvet sneakers from ASOS and give your feet the red carpet treatment like Tom from Parks and Recreation. I’m sure Santa Clause himself would buy a pair, if only they shipped to the North Pole. Food for thought!

$48 at ASOS.

 

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Eytys Launches 5-Pocket Jeans Collection

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Images: Eytys.

Swedish brand Eytys, known for their “mother” sneaker and empowering unisex designs, have just launched their 5-pocket Jeans Collection. The designs are inspired by counter-culture and MTV’s 80s and 90s glory days, combined with strong genderless silhouettes and minimal designs. The collection features three jeans styles, the Cypress, for a classic relaxed fit, the Benz, for a high-waisted baggy look, and the Boyle, for a cropped and loose look. Accompanying the launch, the label launched a playful tongue-in-cheek campaign that parodies the serious, brooding denim campaigns of years past. Peep some highlights below.

The collection is available at all Eytys locations and online now.

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OVO Launches London Flagship

ovo--1Images: OVO.

Canadian rapper and internet darling Drake’s cult streetwear label OVO (October’s Very Own) opens its first store in London today. The new 1,600-square-foot store in Soho, designed with Brinkworth and Wilson Brothers, marks the brand’s third outpost, following locations in Toronto, Los Angeles and New York. In addition to the main line, the new intimate and understatedly lavish location will offer exclusive merchandise and capsule collections. If you’re in London, be sure to check it out today before the line wraps around the block. Take a look at some pictures below.

OVO is open today at 1C Poland St, Soho, London, W1F 8PR.

Update: The line is really long.

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Alexander McQueen Releases Short Fashion Film for SS18 Collection

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Now available for pre-order and in stores, Alexander McQueen released a candid video for its SS18 menswear collection. The presentation, which is inspired by classic European prints and textiles mixed with a punk edge — think red shearling and leather vests, mixed-pattern grey suits, and sleeveless lace tops and trench coats — was first shown back in June  as part of Paris Men’s Fashion Week. Directed by Masha Vasyukova, the short film features the actors — Willow Barrett, Benjamin Lessore and Chris Diena — strolling through the cloudy streets of London as a makeshift runway, with a classic model-esque aloofness that draws all the more attention to the sharp tailored cuts of the line. Take a look at the video here and consider one of the collection’s many coat options — a standout being the dramatic shearling and leather long biker jacket — before what’s sure to be a harsh winter.

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Shorten Your Morning Routine with R+Co’s Styling Goods

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Image: R+Co.

Instead of frequenting the salon to save your damaged do, R+Co gives you the power to rejuvenate your locks from the comfort of your own home. Offering salon luxuries like scalp scrubs and pre shampoo treatment masks, the brand opens your eyes to an array of products you never knew you were missing.

Knowing the drastic cost of luxury haircare, R+Co was founded by accomplished hair stylists, Garren, Thom Priano and Howard McLaren, who know exactly how to keep their products innovative and affordable. Especially commendable are their two products lightweight styling products — choose the Control Flexible Paste to maintain a natural semi-matte look or opt for the Continental Glossing Wax to create an everlasting sheen. Drugstore sulfates and parabens are traded for vitamin-packed, vegan and cruelty free ingredients like kiwi and mango extract to replenish your every strand. Their easily recyclable packaging and unisex scents make their products even more irresistible. Don’t miss out on their limited edition holiday sets available now.

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Dolce&Gabbana Chronicles the Rise of the Millennials in New Book

dolce---1Images: Dolce&Gabbana.

Just in time for the holidays, fashion megahouse Dolce&Gabbana is releasing a book following the rise and global domination of the Millennial generation (read: 90’s kids) through the digital sphere. Published by Rizzoli New York, Dolce&Gabbana Generation Millennials: The New Rise will feature candid shots and interviews with some of the label’s biggest millennial ambassadors, and explore the brand’s adaptation to their global relevance.

“The word ‘Millennials’ refers to the generation born in the digital age, who have known no other reality. We are proud to share an important part of our history with these young people in the form of a book, wherein they recount their uniquely personal vision of the Dolce&Gabbana universe,” brand founders Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana said in a statement.

Celebrating the house’s longevity and the rapid takeover by Millennials that has revolutionized many industries, the book features over 150 images of some of the millenium’s most promising and captivating talent. Some of the subjects portrayed in the book include EH August/Summer cover star Cameron Dallas, models Brandon Thomas & Dylan Jagger Lee, Lucky Blue Smith, style prodigy Luka Sabbat, among many others. Take a look at some of the images below.

Dolce&Gabbana Generation Millennials: The New Rise is available on November 14 at all major bookstores and online.

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Opening Ceremony Expands With Sportswear-Inspired Torch 2 Collection

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Images by: Opening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony is dropping their second collection of pieces for their ongoing TORCH series where it releases limited-edition sporty heritage items monthly. The word TORCH evokes the spirit of the Olympics, and the line does exude a strong and sharp Olympian look — the varsity jackets and red, white and blue details add a preppy All-American vibe. It wouldn’t be the first time the brand dabbles with Olympic merch, since they installed a pop-up shop in the Brooklyn Museum last summer to celebrate the 2016 ceremonies. Now we really want OC to design the US Team’s uniforms at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Fingers crossed.

New key items of the color-blocked minimal unisex collection include the Nylon Reversible Puffer Jacket, which includes a bandana-inspired print, and the Warm-Up Track Suit. For accessories, the line is rounded up with berets, totes and fanny packs. Along with the OC’s collaboration with Columbia, TORCH is perfect for those looking to add more colorful and casual options to their usual winter wardrobe. Check out some highlights in the slideshow below.

The second collection will be available tomorrow at Opening Ceremony stores and online.

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Evenprime’s Essentials Kit Makes K-Beauty Easy

evenprime---1Image: Evenprime.

K-beauty continues to sweep the beauty sphere, weaving itself into nearly every channel of social media we’re exposed to. And while 10-step daily routines are fairly normal, one smaller brand hopes to condense the process for the rest of us. Evenprime, a US-based Korean minimalist inspired men’s skincare line, just launched its Essentials kit as a solution to our skincare woes.

The two-piece set includes a Cleanser and Moisturizer — both are generally lightweight, and their simple ingredient compositions allow them to be used on a variety of skin types. The foaming Cleanser contains no sulfates, an ingredient used to enhance foam that strips the skin of its natural protective oils, and can be used daily. The Moisturizer is inspired by the popular all-in-one products of Korea, and contains properties that work as a serum, toner, and essence for true hybrid support. I’ve read that if you must do ONE thing for your routine, it’s moisturize. Luckily this product adds a few extra steps for the price of one.

Evenprime is available online now, and they even offer free samples so there’s no excuse not to treat your skin this winter.