Looking for that perfect light-weight bag for the beach this summer? Jean Paul Gaultier has designed a special-edition canvas tote bag for amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. Available now for a limited time at Bloomingdale’s, the bag helps raise awareness for HIV/AIDS and funds steps to find a cure the disease. How? 100% of the purchase price goes toward funding research for the organization. In an era where seemingly every purchase is benefiting a cause, it is important to note that the entirety of this bag’s purchase price goes towards an esteemed nonprofit such as amfAR.
The tote features blue nautical stripes, a red handle, and the designer’s signature, as well as interior pockets—perfect for keys or a cell phone. A canvas construction ensures the bag will not be heavy, and the pops of blue and red on a white background invoke a leisurely summer day. At only $35—and with proceeds going to a respected organization and essential cause—this bag is an ideal summer accessory (and perfect companion for your next cruise!).
The Jean Paul Gaultier x amfAR tote is now available at Bloomingdale’s locations and will be available online at the amfAR webstore later this summer.
Garment-dyed tees, striped pima cotton rugbies, and contrast sleeve softball shirts are just some of the key players that make up the colorful roster of Shipley & Halmos‘ quirky new sportswear line, S&H Athletics. While new to the the market—like, it just became available online yesterday—the collection calls upon aspects of vintage and traditional sporting uniforms, and blends these elements with the playful whit and high quality design the brand is known for. Preview some of our favorite pieces below, and see the rest on their website or offline at a retailer (such as Bloomingdale’s, Colette, Ron Herman US, and Fred Segal) near you:
Bloomingdale’s men’s fashion director, Josh Peskowitz, examines the future of men’s style and reveals why the company loves Great Britain.
EH: What do you look for in a new menswear designer?
JP: The most important thing when it comes to any designer is a strong point of view that can sustain more than one season. Men’s categories such as suiting, shirts, pants, etc. are here to stay and will be a part of the menswear language, so when I discover a new menswear designer I pay close attention to the designer’s interpretation of a category that is already present in every man’s wardrobe. At the end of the day, it’s about making the customer feel happy through not only inspiring them, but also surprising them. A great designer will provoke this kind of reaction from customers, and a forward thinking retailer will anticipate this in order to meet the needs of that customer.
EH: What designer provokes this reaction from you?
JP: I wear a lot of tailored suits at this point, and I would have to say that my personal favorite brand right now is Eidos Napoli. This brand integrates a distinctive personality into tailored clothing, which is very important to men today. Men are beginning to wear suits not because they have to professionally, but because they want to make a fashion statement. Eidos Napoli offers a great deal more personality when it comes to fabric, fit, color, and texture.
EH: What do you think the next chapter for men’s fashion will involve?
JP: What is so interesting about the present chapter in men’s fashion is that it has become incredibly more convenient because it’s online. This has democratized the information regarding men’s clothing and fashion, giving men so many more options regardless of where they may live. The result of this has pushed the conversation forward, and it’s starting to move faster. Men’s clothing and trends are changing faster than they used to. We have to keep in mind that the traditional representations of how a man should dress are now being mixed, matched, and manipulated more than ever before. Unexpected combinations have actually created a new men’s look that defies categorization and expresses an individualized statement. As more information becomes available men are going to be able to define themselves that much more. As a result we’re beginning to see a lot more individuality in the way men dress.
EH: How do you select the pieces that men will ultimately find at Bloomingdale’s?
JP: The male clientele at Bloomingdale’s is diverse and [we cater] to an intelligent, fashion forward man. The trick is to be sure to not alienate men who may not necessarily be as knowledgeable when it comes to fashion and style. What these men ultimately find when shopping at Bloomingdale’s is supported with several different components such as seasonal themes and forecasts. The assortment we aim to offer is, and always should be, wearable and chic, and it should make the customer feel positive about himself.
EH: Is there a must-have item currently in Bloomingdale’s that works perfectly for daytime casual and evening chic?
JP: A Hancock trench coat. Hancock is a new brand from Scotland that has reinterpreted raincoats in a really interesting and unexpected way using fabrics like Rubberized Wool. If I had only one raincoat, it would definitely be from Hancock. It can be dressed up or dressed down.
Image: Bloomingdale’s.
EH: What is the one item every man should have in his wardrobe?
JP: Every man should have a well-fitting overcoat. This is one of the most important articles of clothing a man should possess not only because of the elegance it adds to any look, but also because of its versatility. It may be paired with beat up jeans and Chuck Taylors or maybe it’s worn over a suit. The result remains the same. Just throw a well-fitted overcoat on top of it and you’re a whole new man.
EH: Who perfectly embodies the epitome of style?
JP: Paul Newman, first and foremost. He just always looked great no matter what he was doing. The man could be wearing army fatigues or sweat shorts, but still always looked like he was confident in his own skin. Self-confidence is honestly the most important quality. There are a lot of creative people that I am surrounded by and they all inspire me. I have a tremendous amount of respect for individuals who interpret and express interesting ideas in their own way.
EH: Tell us more about Bloomingdale’s Love Great Britain, the recent campaign the company launched this past fall in collaboration with brands from Great Britain.
JP: Great Britain is a veritable hot bed of talent right now, and it is heavily impacting fashion. Bloomingdale’s is celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Beatles coming to the United States when they appeared on TheEd Sullivan Show igniting Beatlemania. In celebration of Great Britain, Bloomingdale’s recently launched an entire campaign consisting of collaborations with iconic British brands, such as Burberry, Drake’s London, Paul Smith and Turnbull & Asser to name a few, in creating exclusive merchandise for men, women, children, and the home that is available in Bloomingdale’s stores and at Bloomingdales.com. Bloomingdale’s is also introducing several brands to the United States. Farrell, Flying Horse Jeans, Marwood, and Wolsey are all making their American debut exclusively at Bloomingdale’s. Men can shop for exclusive styles and capsule collections from over fifty designers, offering over 300 must-have fashion styles.
EH: What else does Bloomingdale’s have planned for this holiday season?
JP: Bloomingdale’s will concentrate on the idea of entertainmentfor the holiday season. How a man should dress appropriately for every situation will be examined. Not every occasion requires black tie attire, but it does call for a gentlemanly presentation. With this in mind, Bloomingdale’s will focus on entertaining, and the essentials needed to be the flawless host or the perfect guest.
Dreaming of traveling this year? Need we ask? Here are 5 gorgeous designer travel bags from 70-30% off that you’ll want as company. Or at least to help you tend to the lively cortege of looks you’ll be taking with you. Just this way guys…
Bloomingdale’s celebrated the launch of Abbot + Main’s first ever collection in the retailer with a star studded event in their Garden City, New York location over the weekend. Fanfare aside (it was days after Kellan Lutz’s 27th birthday, lots of screaming and crying girls) we look forward to seeing Abbot + Main’s luxe men’s casuals amongst the racks at one of our favorite department stores.
Good news for guys who love classic spring casuals! BENSON’s breezy Spring 2012 collection will be their first ever to be up for sale online! The collection is available as of now on Asos.com and Bloomingdales.com.
Bedding and fashion, dance music and the violin—it was all about the coming together of worlds last night on the 7th Floor at Bloomingdales’ 59th street location. The department store launched their exclusive BOSS Home by HUGO BOSS bedding collection in a lively affair that brought out the best of what you love to wear out of the house…and what you wear when you don’t want to leave it—silky, smooth sheets. The crowd mingled and sipped wine while enjoying the collaborative sounds of DJ Mia Moretti’s dance-y electro beats and electric violinist Caitlin Moe. It was the perfect scene for checking out the first BOSS Home by HUGO BOSS bedding collection—a full range of bedding inspired by the BOSS Black apparel line. The bedding collection matches with grace, design and sophistication, presented in Italian prints and jacquards silkily flowing into grays, purples, metallic neutrals and white with a few unexpected leather details. Sure, dressing up puts some stride into your step, but last night, Bloomingdales and Hugo BOSS reminded us that its not just people who feel better when dressed up.
The Spring 2012 BOSS Home by HUGO BOSS will retail from $150 to $600 and is available exclusively at Bloomingdale’s stores nationwide and online at Bloomingdales.com and Hugoboss.com through May 2012.
