Creative Director Michael Maccari continues to infuse American brand Perry Ellis with an air of athleticism, launching a brand new capsule collection of performance-inspired apparel. Titled Perry Ellis 360, the young line ranges from active outerwear (two-piece windbreakers and action back jackets), to trend-focused gear (drawcord joggers and sweat wicking tees), and even includes four-way stretch suits, falling somewhere between the brand’s sport runway collection and full retail roll-out. With features including reflective details, heat-sealed seams, and side-pockets for media Perry Ellis 360 is made for motion at every angle.
Newly minted Creative Director Michael Maccari presents his second collection for Perry Ellis with an almost-athletic array of stripped down utilitarian-inspired suiting that somehow manages to echo both a futuristic style as well as the preppy nostalgia of the brand’s birth. Advancing the idea of a suit and tie to new heights—think unconventional layers, accessories with bright, graphic slogans, and a flexibility towards proportions—the new collection emphatically declares “Very Perry” is very much here.
In the Washroom is a series of short interviews with interesting men in the fashion industry about everything appearance-wise except clothes. From shaving processes to eaus of choice, we sat down with Michael Maccari of Perry Ellis, Matte Fields of DOPE, and Thomas Steinbrueck of Porsche Design to get a little insight into what goes into each man’s grooming routine.
Image: Perry Ellis.
Michael Maccari has a pretty hefty job on his shoulders. The FIT grad showed his first collection this past September for Perry Ellis, steering the classically-American brand as it made its return back to the runway (we went backstage). Taking his bow afterward with a well-groomed beard fully intact (the designer’s signature), Maccari—who has logged time everywhere from J.Crew, Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, and Polo Ralph Lauren, Maccari—hit a pretty clean start to his new tenure.
Essential Homme: What’s your shaving routine? What are your tools for facial hair maintenance?
Michael Maccari: While my beard is pretty substantial, I keep it well-groomed. To keep it in tip-top shape I use the Murdock Beard Moisturizer, which leaves my beard soft and healthy. For light trimming my go-to tool is the Philips Norelco beardtrimmer. It tames the beast.
EH: With the fall season at its prime, what’s your remedy for dry skin?
MM: I prefer the Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm by Aesop for dry and cracked hands. I also use Malin + Goetz’s SPF 30 Face Moisturizer 365 days a year. My dermatologist told me years ago to use moisturizer with SPF and his word is Gospel.
Image: Aesop.
EH: During a hectic month like this past September, or what we call fashion month, how do you stay in shape?
MM: I take the stairs as an alternative [to the elevator] and walk to and from work. It helps me clear my head and prepare and unwind from my day. Plus a workout two-three times per week with kettle bells and Pilates-based movement
EH: *ESSENTIAL PRODUCT* If you could only wear one fragrance all fall what would it be?
MM: Grey Flannel eau de toilette by Geoffrey Beene is a classic and has been my go-to fragrance.
Image: Porsche Design.
Porsche is clearly more than just a label for fancy cars. Having just recently launched two new watches, the fashion sector of the brand, Porsche Design, has begun its trajectory to soon encompass the entire luxury sphere. And for their ready-to-wear, the house has looked to Thomas Steinbrueck since 2011 for their sleek, confident styles.
Essential Homme: What’s your shaving routine? What are your tools for facial hair maintenance?
Thomas Steinbrueck: I don’t shave. I go to my favorite barber shop once a week to get a traditional shave.
EH: With the fall season at its prime, what’s your remedy for dry skin?
TS: Drink lots of water and have a hydrating mask from time to time.
EH: During a hectic month like this past September, or what we call fashion month, how do you stay in shape?
TS: I stay in shape with a personal trainer and work out three times a week with a mixture of Cross Gym and Cross Body.
Image: Porsche Design.
EH: *ESSENTIAL PRODUCT* If you could only wear one fragrance all fall what would it be? Titan from Porsche Design: a fresh, yet distinguished essence for a unique masculine personality
Image: DOPE.
Matte Fields has been growing his upscale streetwear brand since 2008. Hocking wares that have been sported by everyone form Jay-Z, Wale, and Kendrick Lamar, the LA-based designer certainly knows how to cultivate an image.
EH: With the fall season at its prime, what’s your remedy for dry skin?
MF: I use Kiehl’s Creme de Corps because I like the consistency and it seems to do the job. Occasionally I take cold showers outside of my normal routine.
EH: During a hectic month like this past September, or what we call fashion month, how do you stay in shape?
MF: I focus on eating clean—it’s the only healthy thing I do during trade shows.
EH: *ESSENTIAL PRODUCT* If you could only wear one fragrance all fall what would it be?
MF: Escentric Molecules 02. It’s a clean scent that I can wear all year.
