George Lewis Jr. (known on stage simply as Twin Shadow) croons to that quiet nebulous of a heart that we shroud under ourselves and feign nonexistence; claiming that our personal affects have defied the organ so much that it has been wholly consumed by void. But rather than charming such form of repressed delight, Lewis confiscates this vulnerability and bathes in his heartbreak. Unwittingly in this process, he mixes a New Age solution for the soul, teaming trance-like synths from ‘80s New Wave with the sensitivity only found in rhythm and blues, along with just a riff of narrative rock ‘n’ roll, for a unique whisper of a sound that reverberates where you feel it the most. Months after Lewis’ runway debut this past fall—performing a live soundtrack for Public School’s Spring/Summer 2015 fashion show—he returns this March with his third album, ‘Eclipse,’ the Dominican Republic-born musician’s first major-label release that continues his quest from the shadows to further places we dare not pause.
Photographed by Jack Waterlot | Styled by Amy Mach
Lensed by Glen Luchford and styled by Laura Morgan, actors Michael Pitt and Astrid Berges-Fresbey star in American brand rag & bone‘s film-inspired Spring/Summer 2015 campaign. Making his directorial debut, Pitt also created a short film to complement the image series, further emphasizing the narrative and dynamic spirit of the season’s collection.
Downtown denim experts rag & bone once again team up with Japanese luggage specialists Porter x Yoshida & Co. for a limited edition backpack, having first collaborated together on the Jaybird Backpack in Fall 2012. Inspired by Porter x Yoshida’s extremely successful Porter Extreme/Daypack, the new Reiner Backpack features leather-detailed shoulder strap attachments and rivets, a suede base, and waterproof zippers. Available in camo and black, both colorways bear rag & bone and Porter x Yoshida branding.
Whether you’re a nervous freshman, (finally) graduating, or just looking to feel young again, the start of back to school season is rapidly approaching. While these items won’t take any exams for you, they will make the transition easier.
1. RAG&BONE – Geo Print Tee
Image: rag&bone.
Just because temperatures are dropping, it doesn’t mean you don’t need T-shirts. A subtle geometric print makes this one stand out just enough.
Geo Print Tee, $95, rag&bone. Available for Purchase online at Rag-Bone.com.
2. NIKE – Nike+ FuelBand SE
Image: Nike.
This FuelBand from Nike will keep track of your physical activity to give your mind a rest from all that studying.
Nike+ FuelBand SE, $99, Nike. Available for purchase online at Nike.com.
3. PUBLIC SCHOOL – Ribbed Lounge Pants
Image: SSENSE.
Style shouldn’t stop when you enter your dorm. These zippered lounge pants will keep up your image even while lounging on your bed.
Black Ribbed Lounge Pants, $590, Public School. Available for purchase online at Ssense.com.
4. 3.1 PHILLIP LIM – 31 Hour Backpack
Image: SSENSE.
Not your raggedy old schoolback: this minimalist backpack features buffed leather and tonal hardware for a sleek, sophisticated look. It’ll carry your essentials long after graduation.
Black Leather 31 Hour Backpack, $1,095, 3.1 Phillip Lim. Available for purchase online at Ssense.com.
Summer isn’t over yet, and with Shark Week officially starting yesterday, who has time to ponder Labor Day’s approach when there are matters of life and death and television programming to dive into? Below, find our seasonal essentials for your next—and hopefully not last—beach vacation. We’re not promising they’ll keep the sharks at bay, but they’ll certainly give them something to look at.
1. COMME DES GARÇONS PLAY – Striped T-Shirt
Image: Comme des Garçons.
After a day of swimming it can get chilly at night, and this blue-and-white striped Comme des Garçons Play long-sleeve will warm you up with its nautical style.
Navy/White Play Striped T-Shirt, $165, COMME DES GARÇONS PLAY. Available for purchase at DoverStreetMarket.com.
2. KOMONO – Magnus Ship Ahoy Watch
Image: Komono.
With a seaside-striped band and a blue face, this timepiece embodies preppy seafaring luxury. The perfect accessory to any beach-ready outfit.
Magnus Ship Ahoy Watch, $99.95, KOMONO. Available for purchase at WeAreKomono.com.
3. ALTRU – Cali Waves Cap
Image: Altru.
No beach outfit is complete without a classic cap, and this five-panel from Los Angeles-based Altru features an allover wave pattern, keeping you cool and coordinated.
Cali Waves Cap, $32, ALTRU. Available for purchase at AltruApparel.com.
A seashell-esque print and sporty black stripes make these swim trunks wearable in and out of water, ensuring that even the palest among us are confident on the shore.
Magpie Jacquard Paneled Swim Trunks, $89, OPENING CEREMONY. Available for purchase at OpeningCeremony.us.
5. DOLCE & GABBANA – Rubber-Soled Sandals
Image: Dolce & Gabbana.
Never thought you’d wear sandals? The grayscale color palette and minimalist design of this Dolce&Gabbana pair will change your mind, and might even make their way into your everyday summer rotation.
Rubber-Soled Sandals, $245, DOLCE&GABBANA. Available for purchase at MrPorter.com.
6. ONE KINGS LANE – Fish Beach Towel
Image: One Kings Lane.
Dry off with this appropriately-themed beach towel, featuring a reversible turquoise and white, navy-trimmed fish design that is woven into the towel.
Turquoise/Midnight Fish Beach Towel, $16, ONE KINGS LANE. Available for purchase at OneKingsLane.com.
Spontaneity swashes with celebrity in Rag & Bone‘s portrait series for Spring/Sumer 2015. Shot by British-born photographer Andreas Laszlo Konrath, the project reveals a rather intimate side to an eclectic mix of entertainment stars (Jerry Seinfeld, Honor Titus, Ben Lovett), fashion fanatics (Ethan James Green, Gucci Westman, Gerald DeCock), and social influencers (Glenn O’Brien, David Haskell, Lincoln Pilcher). The common thread? Their love for the world of Rag & Bone, of course, as reflected in each’s attire. See the full series below, and be sure to note how women love to rock menswear from the brand too.
Nev Schulman exposes online dating frauds as host of his MTV docu-series Catfish, now in its third season. No big surprise that when it comes to his style, what you see is what you get.
Essential Homme: You grew up in New York City. When did you begin finding your personal style?
Nev Schulman: For a long time I was the recipient of my older brother [filmmaker Ariel Schulman’s] hand-me-downs. He’s an avid shopper and clotheshorse, so I’ve always stolen and borrowed from him. I recently came home to find a pair of A.P.C. jeans neatly folded on my dresser with a note that said, “Hey, got these, too tight.” I used to be amazed at how much time and money he spent on clothes. Only in the last few years have I realized that there’s an art and a joy to quality shopping and investing in a wardrobe. This, of course, coincided with becoming more in the public eye, so I wanted to look and feel good.
EH: You began shooting your 2010 documentary Catfish back in 2007. Are you critical of your clothes in the film?
NS: Definitely, but that’s been the story since my teen-age years. I was weirdly rudderless in my fashion sense. My mom, who was a creative dresser, encouraged me to wear an eclectic mix of things. Some were cool and some weren’t. Now I want my style to be unanimous and refined.
EH: Are you attracted to any particular labels?
NS: For basics I find that J.Crew, right off the rack, works really well for me. I’m very lucky that I have sort of a mannequin-esque body. When I want to invest in something more long-lasting, Ralph Lauren’s RRL is a favorite. My two go-to pairs of jeans, one blue and one black, are both RRL. I’ve had a pair repaired a couple times, but it only gets better. I recently discovered Rag & Bone and fell in love with their t-shirts, which are simple but incredibly thick and well cut.
EH: What else do you look for in an outfit?
NS: Well, when I’m dressing for the MTV show, I’m very conscious about not distracting from the story. I don’t want it to be about what I’m wearing or me looking cool, so I’m searching for something clean and put-together but not ashy. I guess that’s always been my style anyway.
EH: You wear your own clothes on the show?
NS: Oh, yeah. Going into production, one of the things I was clear about is that I didn’t want anything like lighting, makeup, or wardrobe. I never wanted to be pressured to wear something I didn’t want to wear. That’s why we don’t have any sponsors, because whether it’s a computer or a sweater, I want it to be me. We do get a shopping budget, which isn’t much, but I still wear things I’ve been wearing for years. I want the way that I dress to match my personality.
EH: We imagine you also want to put the online daters at ease.
NS: Yeah, I need to be approachable. I can’t have an outfit that screams high fashion or couture. Most of the people on the show—and most of the people watching it—are working with a limited budget, so I don’t want to put anyone off. I want to look like an everyman. But I also hope to influence this generation of MTV watchers to wear clothes that fit them and that look more mature. It seems to be working, because a lot of people have commented on my style.
EH: How does your style compare to that of your Catsh co-star Max Joseph?
NS: He definitely likes a different palette, but we do have a similar look. Every morning while shooting we have to knock on each other’s door and make sure we’re not wearing the same thing.
EH: Do you use a stylist for red carpets or special events?
NS: I’ve never had a stylist, no, but right now my dress-up wardrobe consists of Theory suits, which are clean, handsome, and fit me nicely. I’m turning 30 this year, so I may be ready to graduate into some-thing more sophisticated, possibly a Tom Ford.
EH: What’s the last item of clothing you splurged on?
NS: I’ve never been one to wear logos, but I did buy a Comme des Garçons Play sweater with the heart on it. I could’ve found a more affordable wool sweater, but it’s a nice reference to the show, and it makes people smile.
It’s summer, which means now that we’re all wearing less clothes, accessories matter even more. One such accessory—often overlooked despite retaining access to all of our financial holdings—is the wallet. You know, that debris-filled brown ball taking up space in the back pocket of your jeans for the past ten years. Even though you may think you can’t part with that fading, hand-me-down excucse of a billfold, the truth is you’re more than overdue for an upgrade. So check out our list below, and the next time you’re out on a date (or just at the bar with your buddies), you will know that even if they don’t notice your wallet, at least it impresses you.
1. SAINT LAURENT – East/West Wallet
Image: Saint Laurent.
This single-fold offering from Saint Laurent features textured black leather and interior slots for all your credit cards and IDs. Sleek and understated, this wallet complements both formal and casual ensembles.
East/West Wallet in Black, $385, Saint Laurent. Available for purchase online at YSL.com.
2. OPENING CEREMONY – Glitter Bi-Fold Wallet
Image: Opening Ceremony.
Seeking some subtle flair? Opening Ceremony’s “glitter” wallet features sparkle without being garish. Might as well show some personality while keeping your essentials safe.
Glitter Bi-Fold Wallet, $26, OPENING CEREMONY. Available for purchase online at OpeningCeremony.com.
3. BALENCIAGA – Square Coin Wallet
Image: Balenciaga.
Always wondering where to put your change? Especially those pesky pennies? Balenciaga offers an answer in this sophisticated yet functional piece. Featuring a coin pocket as well as card compartments, this beautiful lambskin wallet can hold all your essentials.
Square Coin Wallet in Black, $265, BALENCIAGA. Available for purchase online at Balenciaga.com.
4. MIANSAI – Gray/Blue Bill Fold
Image: Miansai.
Made in the USA from full grain Italian leather, this wallet adds just the right amount of color without being distracting. The gray exterior has a greenish hint to it and the blue interior provides a subtle pop. Sure to brighten your day, even when if you’re the one paying the bill.
Gray/Blue Bill Fold, $155, MIANSAI. Available for purchase online at Miansai.com.
We expect to see women in floral prints each spring, but when men don those blooms and blossoms, it’s something to talk about. This season’s menswear has flower power to spare, with tropical buds taking the lead.
While NYFW doesn’t technically start until next week, this season Rag & Bone chose to beat the hype and presented a collection that blended retro 1940’s polos with modern silhouettes in deep earth tones. See our backstage coverage for Rag & Bone AW14 below:
Introducing the ten most-desired items that you must have this season:
High Tech Tops - CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION Black & white mesh high-top sneaker, $430, CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION. Available at 654 Madison Avenue, NYC, 212-292-9027.
Calvin Klein Collection’s new sneaker takes material advancement to new heights, featuring only the most advanced materials in their high tops. And “high” in this case is literal, because the shoes stretch up past the ankles, providing the true ankle and arch a runner needs most. Covered in potent black and white mesh, it’s another great example of Calvin Klein Collection’s stark, modern aesthetic. You’ll want to run and get them, then you’ll want to run in them.
Mad for Plaid - ETRO Tweed plaid bomber jacket, $2,116, cashmere v-neck sweater, $442, ETRO. Etro.com. Loose fit pant with tapered cropped leg, $475, ALEXANDER WANG. Alexanderwang.com.
Fall is an ideal time for jackets. It’s also an ideal time for plaids. And it’s especially a good time for tweed. Fortunately, Etro’s new plaid tweed bomber jacket combines all three into a powerful statement piece. The shape is loose and comfy—perfect for slipping on during a crisp, cool morning in October. But the mighty tweed in its burnt beige plaid will have you standing out more commandingly than any leather bomber would.
In the Bag - BRUNO MAGLI Anselmo metallic Saffiano print Boston bag, price upon request, BRUNO MAGLI. Available at Bruno Magli Special Services, 800-624-5430.
Remember Bruno Magli? That purveyor of banker’s shoes in the 1980s? They’ve undergone a renaissance of late. Led by new creative director Max Kibardin, they’ve gone decidedly more fashion forward, using bold designs and rich materials to generate an entirely new, and totally great, luxury aesthetic. One of the first fruits of their new labors is this bag, made of brilliant midnight blue leather and structured to keep your stuff safe on a long weekend.
Space Race - DAVID YURMAN Exotic stone cross, meteorite, $865, 8.5mm meteorite streamline band ring, sterling silver, $850, 7.5mm meteorite knife edge band ring, 18k gold, $2,800, faceted cushion meteorite ring, 18k gold, $6,800, DAVID YURMAN. Available at 712 Madison Avenue, NYC, 212-752-4255.
If you wear jewelry, you’ve probably worn gold, silver, brass, maybe even platinum or rose gold. But have you ever worn a meteorite? If not, David Yurman aims to change that with his new and very aptly titled Meteorite Collection. As the name unsubtly suggests, the star of each piece is the sculpted meteorite fragment it contains, collected from Namibia’s four billion-year-old Gibeon Meteorite. In a ring, in a cross, in a tag, its crystal-infused surface will give your look an out of this world enhancement.
Top Specs - PRADA Eyewear, price upon request, kid mohair jacket, $1,645, shetland wool knit, $480, PRADA. Prada.com.
Remember when glasses were just for nerds? We don’t, either; they’ve been cool and chic since the days of Buddy Holly. Take the next step in your eyewear style with Prada’s powerful new frames. An exploded, outrageous take on the classic NHS style, these chunky glasses would be standouts even if they weren’t colored that strong shade of amber. Consider them the crown jewels of your collection, and wear them accordingly, pairing them with the rich hues of the season.
Buckle Up - FRATELLI ROSSETTI Fratelli Rossetti, $960, FRATELLI ROSSETTI. Available at 625 Madison Avenue NYC, 212-888-5107.
First there were single monkstraps. Then there were double monkstraps, and menswear rejoiced. And on the third day, Fratelli Rossetti said, “Let there be a monkstrap boot,” and there was a monkstrap boot, and menswear saw that it was very good. With a rich, warm burgundy hue, accented sharply by the silver color of its brass buckles, Rossetti’s new boot is sure to please even those who don’t go mad for monkstraps. Think of them as shoes with built-in jewelry.
Riding Wild - TIM COPPENS Twist jacket, price upon request, TIM COPPENS. Available at Barneys New York, NYC.
New menswear designer Tim Coppens is one of the hottest names in fashion, and with pieces like this jacket, it’s not hard to see why. The traditional silhouette of a bomber has been updated in 100% nylon, creating a crinkled gray shock of color that’s been stuffed into a classic shape. Another nod toward tradition can be found in the jacket’s black fur collar, and modernity beckons with the heavy use of zippers on the body and sleeves.
Speed Style - CARRERA From the top: Carrera 16/S, $145, Carrera Speedway, $120, Carrera 80/S, $179. Available at Solstice Sunglasses and SolsticeSunglasses.com.
Perhaps you’ve heard of the movie Rush? Ron Howard’s true-life tale about Formula 1 racing in the 1970s is a story of fast cars and a brutal rivalry between legendary racers Niki Lauda and James Hunt. For the film, Carrera supplied CA 80/S style worn by Daniel Brühl, who plays Lauda, and Speedway/S worn by Chris Hemsworth, who plays Hunt, along with CA16/S worn by Alexandra Maria Lara, who plays Lauda’s wife Marlene. Each pair will conjure the swagger and bravado of F1’s golden era.
Warm and Rich - RAG & BONE Bonded cable knit sweater, $595 , RAG & BONE. Rag-Bone.com.
Leather, as always, is good for fall. It’s most commonly used in jackets, but there’s no reason those should be its exclusive provenance. Take this sweater from Rag & Bone: much of it is Merino wool, true, but the body—the part that will keep your torso warm—is rich, buttery soft cowhide cast to mirror the cable knit of a more traditional sweater. And of course it will look as good as it feels, packing all the statement of a leather jacket into the freedom and ease of a sweater.
A Rosy Complexion - NIXON The 51-30 Chrono in Rose Gold, $500, NIXON. Nixon.com
The cool cats at Nixon make some pretty nice watches, don’t they? And their Chronograph line is the best of the best, featuring Japanese-made movements, a second sub-dial, and rock-solid construction. The 51-30 Chrono is great to look at on top of its quality, with its bold etched numbers and its heavy, masculine shape. So what could make a watch of this caliber even better? How about rose gold? The gentleman’s gold is now an option for this mighty timepiece, lending it that much more elegance.
Images photographed by A.P. Kim; styled by Terry Lu; Andre Bona at Request models; grooming by Konstanze Zeller at ArtMix Beauty using Oribe; photo assisted by Fabio Enes; fashion assisted by Adelaide Caillet.
Shopping for that uncle who is a bit more rural than you’re used to? A cousin who is a little off fashion’s beaten path? Maybe you just enjoy the workmanship aesthetic of traditional American menswear? For all friends and family of macho men—or just the self proclaimed—here are our rough and tough gift guide picks we’d like to see under the tree this year:
Tommy Hilfiger New York Fit Plaid Shirt ($79): Tommy’s iconic dress shirt takes a rich form with these red and blue checks over a slim, modern cut. Available for purchase at Tommy Hilfiger boutiques and select retailers.
Odin 07 Tanoke ($125): This fine fragrance combines woodland blends with crisp black pepper, spicy ginger and bitter orange, to create a scent that is undeniably wild. Available for purchase online at OdinNewYork.com and at Barneys New York locations.
Santoni Ankle Boots ($630): Hiking-style ankle boots with a green body, black rounded toe, and grey tops. The lace-up front with knit laces gives off a touch of Nordic flair. Available for purchase at Santoni boutiques and online at FarFetch.com
rag & bone Basic Henley ($150): A long sleeve 100% cotton raglan henley for a classicly masculine look. Available for purchase at rag & bone boutiques and select retailers.
Levi’s Sherpa Trucker Jacket ($98): Available in three different variations, this mid-weight corduroy jacket with sherpa lining updates the 1870’s working man uniform in an industrial and cool way. Available for purchase at Levi’s stores and select retailers.
Art of Shaving Chelsea Collection ($425/full set): Keep your facial hair in check with this deluxe set of traditional grooming essentials, including: a fine barber shop brush ($175), matte-finish and nickel plated razor ($150), and—to keep everything in one place—architectural stand ($100). Available for purchase at Art of Shaving stores.
Otter Wax All Natural Leather Care Kit ($27.95): A 100% natural, three-step kit to care for old and dehydrated leather. Available for purchase online at OtterWax.com and at select retailers.
Dsquared2 Lace Up Ankle Boots ($573): Brown chamois leather ankle boots with a lace up front and stacked sole. Available for purchase online at FarFetch.com
Spiegelau Glassworks IPA Glass ($24.90/pack of two): The world’s first IPA-specific beer glass designed by the oldest German glassmaker in the world, guaranteed to not be a repeat gift. Available for purchase online at SpiegelauUsa.com and at select retailers.
Paul Smith Cambridge Watch ($985): This classically English watch comes with a playful twist: contrasting blue stitching. Available for purchase at Paul Smith boutiques and select retailers.
J. Crew 484 Jeans Light Indigo ($98): A light-washed cotton denim in a slightly tapered fit, these hand-sanded jeans are reminiscent of traditional denim without being too close to your father’s. Available for purchase at J. Crew stores.
Burberry Gloves ($675): These black calfskin leather gloves have an inner brown palm, and a tough-looking exterior. Don't be afraid by first impressions though, they'll keep your fingers nice and warm! Available for purchase at Burberry boutiques and select retailers.
To alleviate some of the stress of holiday shopping—or even just to help kill time at work, For The Guy is a new weekly column where we’ll be sharing our most favorite gift ideas for every possible guy you know. With products ranging from designer ready-to-wear to high-tech ready-to-plug-in devices, we hope you and your love ones enjoy these as much as we know we will! Hint, hint.