COLLECTION | BARBOUR x TO KI TO A/W '11

Barbour x To Ki To.  Is there really anything more to say?

Well, no. But humor me: Usually I'm pretty persnickety about covering things I've never seen in person, but there are some exceptions, and this collaboration is always one of them. Barbour and Japanese designer Tokihito both have impeccable track records and together they've produced an impressive collection for several seasons now.  The functional details and architectural nature of the collaboration give way to a well executed, sophisticated blend of modern and traditional, putting each piece in a category of Caborn-like artistry. Not a bad category to be in.

I'm particularly fond of the half placket front closures and oversized hoods featured this season. Beautiful yet useful as can be – not a bad choice for urbanites who struggle to find outerwear that does it's job without making one look like a banker or detracting from what's beneath.  If anything, a Barbour x To Ki To will likely up-stage anything else you could possibly be wearing, but that's really not a something I'd consider a problem. 

The entire collection is on pre-order at Number Six, where you will also find more images and details of each piece. Sincere apologies in advance for any brain or heart spasms that might result.  -  M

// Barbour x To Ki To at Number Six

COLLECTION | NUDIE JEANS A/W 2011

Previous to this year, I was not extremely familiar with Nudie, a Swedish label founded in 2001. I knew the brand for for it's excellent reputation in men's denim, perpetuated by a loyal and vocal male customer base, and it's not so great reputation for rather amateurish apparel.  Fast forward to last month when I had the pleasure of visiting the Nudie Showroom in Chelsea, an experience that left me thoroughly impressed by Nudie's mature, well-rounded, and beautifully made A/W '11 collection.

Comprised of three distinct lines differentiated by palette and fabrics, the collection is focused around a solid set of basics, with some distinctive, yet subdued pieces peppered throughout. The brighter more transitional side of the collection, in cottons and japanese linens, plays nicely with the heavier knits and denims and all is tied together with a nod to workwear inspired silouhettes.

Laid out across racks and tables, the collection's balance of textures, weights and materials made the showroom feel a bit like closet of a well groomed musician or designer: built carefully over time, with attention to quality and comfort, and a touch of playfulness, in the form of a beautiful leather bomber, from the crazier days.

I was particularly struck by the shirting, featured here. For me, the stand out pieces were those in Japanese fabrics as well as the amazing heavy wash (read: stone washed!) denim button down (pictured above). Honestly, it's so beautiful and soft in person, it made me realize a new-found appreciation for a once forgotten 90's treatment.



All in all, Nudie has stepped up their game with this thoughtfully considered, well made collection that lives up to their reputation in the denim category. Nudie is clearly in a process of reinvention, and I'm excited to see how it evolves in the coming seasons. Special thanks to goes to Ruari Mahon for making the showroom visit a complete joy, and Johnny Ridley for lending me his camera and editing skills. - M 

//nudiejeans.com

VIDEO | GILTMANUAL MINUTE : PESKO VS. WOOSTER

This week's GiltManual Minute brings us the thrill of a cheeky sartorial dual: menswear legend and street style icon Nick Wooster vs. GiltMan Style Director and street style 'rival', Josh Peskowitz.  Two men. Two arsenals of choice threads.  One steezy survivor.

Well, kind of. In the end (spoil alert!) they shake hands and talk suits with GiltMan creative director, Tyler Thoreson. Still it's a (geeky) joy to see them face off hombre a hombre.  Speaking of facing off, I was especially preoccupied with their differing tie and shoe choices (commented upon after the jump). Both are details that can vastly change and personalize an otherwise standard get-up, and the juxtaposition of these two gents shows that off well. For more of where this came from, check out all the other GiltManual Minute shorts and a few other Pesko x Wooster shots from this week on my Tumblr. - M

Ties: Pesko goes the loud and patterned route, while Wooster rocks an unusual chameleon-like approach.

Shoes: These loafers on Pesko are subtle but but just detailed enough to say 'I'm clearly the man'.

Shoes: Wooster opts to draw more attention to his feet with these spankin' white brogues.

All together now: Pesko's shoe and tie combo lets the paisley do all the talking, while Wooster draws out the lighter tones of his upper half with a bright and snappy footwear option.
All around, some well balanced duds. Truce, gents.

SALE | 15% OFF SYMMETRY GOODS SPRING COLLECTION

I'm excited to announce that our good friends over at Symmetry Goods are teaming up with The Sig Other to bring you a one week sale of the their Spring Collection.

Just enter the code "thesigother" at check out to redeem 15% off any item.

For those who are new to the brand, Symmetry is an LA based company that offers a range of functional, entirely handcrafted accessories for men and women, (yes, ladies this one's for you too ;).  Beginning with a line of scarves in Fall 2010, they've expanded to leather goods this spring and have big things to panned for the coming seasons.

This season I'm a big fan of the the Dixon, the range of pocket squares, and the SIlverstone. (Regarding the latter: I own one, can vouch for it's awesomeness and can recount the time when a gent once offered to pay for it off my neck).

For more on Symmetry and this Spring line check out my Q & A with co-owner Ted Bynes.  If you have any questions about the sale, feel free to hit up Ted directly on Twitter at @symmetrygoods.  - M

//Symmetry Goods Shop (15% off code: thesigother)
Sale ends Wednesday, June 22, 2011

YES, PLEASE | DRIFTER DAY PACK

A few days ago I tweeted about a pack very similar to this one. It looked right and cost right - just 50 bucks! - but after a discussion with a few of my favorite ethically sound gents, Ted, Ryan, and Jason, it was determined to be a (poorly) Made in China junker. Bummed, I was determined to find an equivalent pack that was ethically made and at a decent price. 24 hours later I hit the jackpot when I discovered this one from Drifter.

These packs are made from ultra durable Cordura fabric (also used by brands such as the great Topo Designs), feature two compartments and zippers by the ever reliable YKK. They're designed to keep water out and unlike the aforementioned crap-pack, are all USA made with a lifetime warranty. In fact, as a brand Drifter is dedicated to made in America products that support American workers, materials and resources. As they say on their site, "Our entire product line is handcrafted in the United States by workers who take pride in knowing that their craftsmanship is backed by a lifetime warranty." All this, and the price tag won't kill your wallet at $55 a pack. Purchase them at the new promising shop, Neigbour, who carry them in five color ways as well as a number of other Drifter items. - M

// Drifter
// Neighbour

IN CONTEXT | MARK MCNAIRY TWO TONE SADDLE SHOE IN NAVY

If Menswear had its own Chinese new year style calendar (now there's an idea...), this would most definitely be The Year of the McNairy.  After garnering notoriety as the respected lead creative director of classic American label J.Press, the past couple of years have seen Mark McNairy collaborate with some of the most prominent brands in the industry such as Engineered Garments, Bass, and Pro-Keds. Most recently he's recently taken the helm as creative director of Woolrich Woolen Mills.

These Two-Tone saddles are hardly new - for that you should check his Kilte Loafers for Bass Weejun - but they've have had quite a run as one of this year's most recognizable models. Made for his own line New Amsterdam, these suede saddles are crafted in Northamptonshire, England, using traditional American and British cobbling techniques. Typical to McNairy, the attention to detail is fastidious resulting in a top quality shoe. Plus, while they look substantial they're surprisingly light and supple.

Despite their Internet fame, I've barely seen these on the street and when I have it's been in a pretty standard fashion, (with a navy suit or rolled chino).  As it's spring-ish now, I've been fixated with the idea of seeing them with shorts, (oh, c'mon live a little!), and threw together the below as a bit of insipiration in that vien. Purchase the shoe at MarkMcnairy.com (US) or End Clothing (UK) and if you're a lady, they're available (in store only) at Epaulet in Manhattan. - M

[IN CONTEXT]

Mark McNairy Two-Tone Saddle Loafer for a Rainy Spring

Mark McNairy Two-Tone Saddle in Navy
Our Legacy Chambray Shorts
Folk Clothing Light Rain Mac
APC Short Sleeve Madras Shirt
Left Field Deadstock Crossgrain Sweatshirt
APC Woven Belt
Illestiva Lennox Tortoise Frames (removeable shades)

Previously [In Context]  :
Left Field NYC Ivy Crew Sweater
Nike Air Royal Mid QS 'Workboot' Sneaker
Mr. Hare Mailer Loafer

VIDEO | JAKE DAVIS TEST SHOTS | GLENN O'BRIEN

It's a rainy Sunday and I forgot to post this on Friday. Even though it's all over the internet and you've probably already seen it, it's O'Brien. You can always stand to watch it another time. All I really need to say about this is: Jake Davis + Glenn O'Brien + the lining on that coat = there is much to appreciate here. I also recommend checking out Mr. O'Brien's latest book How to Be a Man, published by the one and only Rizzoli New York. - M