Hey guys,

Welcome to the look week 71. Once again another cool outfit combination I’ve put together for you all and I’ve decided to brighten it up a little.

Last week we had some camo so this week I’m going to hit you with some yellow chinos and multi print shirts - we kinda have the weather for it  now too it’s probably the perfect time to brighten up your offices.

Prints seem to be around and they don’t look like they are going anywhere for now so be sure to take advantage of the trend.

Blue Oxford Cotton Jacket With Peaked Lapels - by Maison Kitsune

Brown Tortoiseshell Sunglasses With Rounded Frame – by Very Vintage Sunglasses

Italian Tan Leather Tote Bag – by Alley Capellino

White Cotton Shirt With Multi-colour Fishing Fly Print - by Galliano

All-over Multi-colour Flower Print Short Sleeve Shirt - by Paul Smith

Basil Army Green Shorts – by B Store

Yellow Slim-leg Dyed Chinos – by Nigel Hall

Dark Blue Japanese Selvedge Slim-Leg Denim Jeans – by Maison Kitsune

Black Round Toe Leather Shoes - by Church’s

Burnished Tan Full Leather Gibson Brogue - by Grenson

Keep It Krispy.

We hope you enjoy this weeks SIN OF STYLE because we certainly did. (You wouldn’t believe how long it took us to get him to hold a straight face with this one!)

SINS OF STYLE 23 – STRING VEST 

MODEL: VINCENT LIN

PHOTOGRAPHY: PHARAOH

WORDS: REUBEN CHRISTIAN

DESIGN: GLENN ANGELO

Head over to www.individualism.co.uk/sinsofstyle for the full set of sins!

Hey guys, welcome to another week of the look!

This week I want to bring your attention two things…. denim and print fabrics. They’re as popular as ever and are definitely here to stay!

So, what’s better than denim and print alone? Yep denim and print TOGETHER in an outfit like the one above. Here we have the indigo vintage Levi’s Jacket and the Maiden Noir Tiger camo print bottoms.

Accessorize with colored pocket squares, bow-ties, ties and socks to create that contemporary Cargo-worker wear look with a smart twist. Be sure to try this combo!!

Light Indigo 1920’s Coat Jacket – by Levi’s Vintage

Red Swirl Print Pocket Square – by The Hill – Side

Brown Cross Body Bag – by Barbour

Canvas Coloured Granddad Collar Shirt – by Wolsey

Blue Vertical Dot/Stripe Shirt – by Plectrum by Ben Sherman

Tiger Camo Print Japanese Cotton Twill Trousers – by Maiden Noir

Navy Blue Slim Fit Trousers – by Incotex

Brown Trapper Shoes With Waxed Laces – by Red Ear by Paul Smith

Olive Khaki Suede Desert Boots – by Churchs

Keep It Krispy.

As I sit down to type another Editors Letter I’ve realised how fast the weeks really do fly by. No I mean this month has literally flown by as I’ve been lucky enough to have clocked up a fair bit of travelling within the April Period. From San Francisco to London, London to Toronto, Toronto to….wait for it the peak district! : ) So that’s pretty much the theme for this month’s “What I’ve learned”, but before we get onto that let’s recap what went down overall.

So this month we officially launched our Street Style posts. If you haven’t given them a butchers then you can do so here and here! Simple shots focusing on details that will now be a regular post produced by our latest recruit Mr Alexander Milnes.

While we’re on the subject of team members this month has had to be the most hectic birthday schedule for team Individualism – with three birthdays being celebrated. Nikita Johnson our Staff & Social Media Writer, Jelani Pomell our Photographer/Videographer and Martell Campbell who needs no introduction!

We also made our second appearance on BBC Radio 1 – Chatting  our usual mix of style and stupidness with Gemma Cairney! If you missed if you can catch it on iPlayer here. (skip to 2:12:10 to hear us)

Finally on the post front I have to admit it’s been pretty slow, but there’s a reason for it. There have been some amazing features including Pocket Square Clothing and two videos I shot for Mr Porter. One called The Way I Pack and a new series named Behind The Brand which saw me head down to the Grenson Factories and interview and film the factories processes of how they make their shoes! But like I said we’ve slowed down as we are in the mix of something big at Individualism! All for the good so keep your eyes peeled!

What I’ve Learned 

So onto  what I’ve actually learned this month. Well as stated above I’ve travelled a fair bit this month for both personal and work reasons. As I look at my schedule for the rest of the year it seems this is only going to continue. Whilst travelling however, you get an incredible amount of time to reflect, think,  plan and prepare what you want to do. However I’ve learnt that the more places I visit the more I seem to enjoy and cherish the town I was born and raised. Don’t get me wrong I think being blessed enough to experience so many  cultures and lifestyles is amazing and it will only help me grow as a person and help to improve my work. But one thing I constantly hear from people is that they’d love to be anywhere else other than where they are.

Now it’s one thing to look forward to the future and set goals but it’s another thing to use that as escapism. The only thing that is guaranteed is the present. The moment you live in. I think we really need to understand that. London is my home town and it’s a place I constantly fall in love with again and again. Travelling has just made me realise what a rich diverse mix we have here. It’s constantly reinventing itself. I’ve lived here all my life and there’s still places on the tube map that I can say I’ve never set foot in and that’s what I love about this city. I was recently put in charge of social events for the Art team at Mr Porter and as I added a number of London based blogs to my RSS feed it confirmed to me how much really is going on in the Big Smoke.

So my advice this month is to really explore your city as much as possible. Go out and get inspired. Don’t blame the boredom on the city and say to yourself “if I was in another city things would be better”. Most of the time I hear that from people who don’t enjoy what they do. So simple. Make your career your passion! As the Olympics draw closer the whole world will be drawing its eye upon London. Thus the amount of events that will be going on will move up tenfold. If you’re  lucky enough to be a Londoner go and take advantage of it and explore! Don’t stay static!

As always,

Learn, Laugh and Look Good!

1. How long has your brand been about?

Andrew: We officially launched in May 2011 with our 2011 Bow Tie Collection. We started by releasing bi-weekly bow ties, we figured that in doing so we would be able to garner much needed attention as a startup and keep people coming back for more. We recently launched our 2011 Winter Tie/Pocket Square Collection and have much more to come.

2. Tells us a little history about Pocket Square Clothing?

Rodolfo: Andrew and I were freshman year roommates at USC (University of Southern California). I knew I always wanted to do something in clothing. I actually started my own T-shirt line, but that ended when I went to study abroad in Asia and someone stole my screen printer. Andrew just so happen to be writing a business plan at the time and approached me with a proposition to start a clothing company. I said why not and so Pocket Square Clothing was born.

Andrew: We wanted to start a clothing company, but we didn’t know how to sew. We needed to start off with something easy, so we decided to do bow ties. We figured they were different and saw a ton of potential in creating a successful niche brand. We thought it would be a lot more viable to get into the fashion industry through brand recognition as a well respected accessories brand.

Rodolfo: We eventually want to turn PSC into a full clothing company and have our own physical storefront… I give us 5 years until then… The nature of our relationship as friends and business partners is very impromptu, which explains the impromptu nature of how our company came about. Interesting fact, Andrew said I couldn’t run a marathon one day and on that same week I proved him wrong by running a full marathon in the middle of South Central LA, in the middle of the night, and with no training whatsoever. How’s that for a slap in the face. Hahahhh

3. What is your favorite piece in the current collection?

R: The Double-Take bow tie… The name speaks for itself. It’s loud and grabs a lot attention.

A: I’ll have to say The Sports Fan. It projects a classic elegance and works well with the more conservative bow tie wearer.

4. What is your USP (Unique Selling Point)?

R: Everything is handmade in Los Angeles. We hand-sew all of the bow ties ourselves. We also design and handcraft our own packaging including the boxes our bow ties come in, and the sleeves for our ties and pocket squares. Each bow tie is named after a persona or profession, and have a story to tell. Interesting note; each bowtie comes along with a unique concocted story of the gentleman that is meant to wear each piece.

5. What are you trying to achieve at Pocket Square Clothing?

A: Our vision is simple; to become a vehicle for the individual exploration of style. We embrace the idea that style comes down to one’s composure and being, the way one carries himself. Our mission is to create a collection of visual and artistic accents, accents that then serve as to punctuate and project personality. We are inspired by the idea that everyone can move forward in life through style and etiquette, and the belief that clothing is a language that communicates one’s individualistic qualities. The Pocket Square lifestyle is defined by art, music, entertainment, architecture and culture. The brand also delves into realms of Urban, Vintage, Street,  Hip Hop, and Chic. We look to create a brand beyond just clothing, and become a network of individuals who love clothing and use it to help decipher their style.

6. Give us an INDIVIDUALISM exclusive.

R: We’re currently in the works of creating a second brand under our label called Rich Rollin’. The name rolls off the tongue rather easily, or so we think. This brand is a bit more urban as we’re looking to make segways into the ever evolving hip-hop industry which projects elegance and sophistication with the all encompassing swagger. We’re going to be releasing some colored tie clips which are sure to be HOT! So as to offset the crazy colors we’re set to also release some staple ties in colors like black, navy blue, and white.

A: Next on our list is the 2012 Ice Cream Collection. This is a sequel to our current bow tie collection. We will feature another line of neck ties, bow ties, and more pocket squares. The new concept will revolve around ice cream, much like our current collection, they too will have their own stories to tell or flavors for that matter. You can be reassured that we will be going all out on this collection, make sure to look inside for a special alcoholic ice-cream recipe to match your bowtie. Expect this collection to be more colorful, more playful, and designed to really make an outfit pop. We have some exciting things planned, trust and believe.

7. As you are an American based brand, are there any other brands or designers that you particularly admire or that influence your work or any you would like to collaborate with from outside of the USA?

R: There is no one particular company, but we’re always looking to work with companies that aren’t necessarily in the clothing industry. We are a lifestyle brand and we’re designers at heart, so clothing is not always something we want to subject ourselves to. We always want to collaborate with different individuals like artists, carpenters, and recording artists to create really cool stuff. We want to design “good shit” that people can relate to and wear. At the end of the day we’re telling a story of whom we are while simultaneously helping others tell theirs.

8. Where do you think the industry is heading?

R: We’re starting to see a lot more indie-based designers who concentrate on a particular niche, and who are really good at their crafts and what they do. People are starting to have an affinity for the handmade, the great deal of care that goes into the product, and the stories behind them.

A: We also see designers who are beginning to experiment with unorthodox fabrics, breaking barriers, and reinterpreting the accessories game. Men are once more becoming comfortable with accessorizing.

9. What was your biggest obstacle when creating the brand and would you do anything differently in hind sight?

A: Human capital, equating to time. As two college students we’re hard pressed for time. Rodolfo is still in his last year of architecture school, so sometimes it’s a struggle to schedule meetings. We’re happy with where we are at the moment, as students we’re able to experiment and discover what works and what doesn’t. We’re approaching the industry as consumers, specifically designing things that we would buy and offering price points that we can afford. We were always saying we want this or that, so we figured why not make it. In hindsight we wouldn’t do anything different. It’s all a learning process that has made us better for it. The last eight months have been an incredible ride. We’ve had one or two bumps in the road, but things have been falling in place, and slowly but surely we’re garnering the attention around the world.

10. What is your definition of style?

A: Style defines the individual; it speak to the music one likes, what one values, who one hangs out with, and allows one to gain a great appreciation for all those. Style has something to show us as human beings, it allows us to relate to one another, and tells a story. It’s part and parcel of your being.

R: The style we’re trying to project here is a style with etiquette, grace, with flare, and something different. It’s that something… at the end of the day, that defines cool and is a modern interpretation of swagg. We’re crafting a story through our style with the modern gentlemen, or urban gentleman. We like to say that the urban gentleman is sophisticated type of cool.

11. Where can we get hold of your stuff?

A: We don’t have a brick and mortar store yet, but you can purchase all our products on our website – www.pocketsquareclothing.com. We’re in several online retailers like Etsy, designers+artists and Wantful.com, and boutiques in the Los Angeles area including Black Market and L’elephant Blanc as well as others in Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and South Carolina.

12. If there was one item that you would say every guy needs from Pocket Square Clothing, what would it be and why do they need it?

A: When it comes down to it, everyone has their individual tastes and styles. We can give a couple answers. I think every guy needs a staple item, something that’s classic and clean that can fit with every occasion. The Worker bow tie and its skinny tie counterpart would be a perfect example.

R: I think it’s important for guys to have some color in their wardrobe. The Double-Take bow tie and our blue plaid skinny tie (PSC Tie _005) have a similar plaid pattern with bright colors. They are a must, trust and believe.

So there you have it, another great brand for you guys to keep an eye on! Check out the rest of their stuff at: www.pocketsquareclothing.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: Alexander Milnes

STYLING: Nigel Ruwende

CREATIVE DIRECTION: Nikita Johnson & Nigel Ruwende

MODEL: Martell Campbell

INTERVIEW: Nikita Johnson

WRITTEN BY: Nikita Johnson

LOOK 1

Jacket, Knitwear & Shirt – House of Billiam

Jeans – Denim Demon

Boots – Topman

Pocket Square – Pocket Square Clothing

LOOK 2

Shirt, Knitwear & Chinos – Ben Sherman

Stay Inspired,

Now clearly much has changed since de Meyer’s time, but a perfect tie will always remain part of what makes a gentleman a gentleman.

Ten years ago I hated wearing a tie, I was forced to wear an awful black and yellow number at school. As well as ripping it, I managed to cover the offending item of neckwear in food, paint and anything that happened to get in the way, only adding to the un-attractiveness of it. Ever since then I had an aversion to ties, I think being forced to wear something so ghastly looking put me off. In the last few years I’ve started to appreciate them again and have even started to bring them back into my own wardrobe . Out on the street I’ve noticed a fantastic array of neckwear, from simple colours to elaborate patterns the gentlemen of London have helped me to fall in love with ties.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Alexander Milnes

WRITTEN BY: Alexander Milnes

SINS OF STYLE 21 – TIES OVER KNITWEAR 

MODEL : AYISHAT AKANBI

PHOTOGRAPHY: PHARAOH

WORDS: REUBEN CHRISTIAN

DESIGN: GLENN ANGELO

Head over to www.individualism.co.uk/sinsofstyle for the full set of sins!

]]> http://www.individualism.co.uk/2012/04/sins-of-style-22-ties-over-knitwear/feed/ 0 http://www.individualism.co.uk/2012/04/grenson-behind-the-brand/ http://www.individualism.co.uk/2012/04/grenson-behind-the-brand/#comments Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:10:58 +0000 aaron http://www.individualism.co.uk/?p=12439 A few weeks back I was lucky enough to be sent up to Northamptonshire by Mr Porter to film the first episode of their new video series titled “Behind The Brand”. “Why Northamptonshire?” I hear you ask. Well, it’s the home of one of Britain’s best loved shoe brands… Grenson.

I can’t express how much of an amazing experience it was not only to capture and film the craft process, but also to hear from the workers who are all immensely passionate about what they do. It really was an inspirational trip and made me find a new respect for the art of shoemaking. Below is the final video Ikenna Mokwe and I put together! Hope you enjoy!

As always,

Learn, Laugh and Look Good

Hey guys, have a look at what I have here.

This is what I call a Spring vibe and the orange knitwear teamed with cobalt trousers play up to a chilled out 70′s vibe.

I’ve teamed these core pieces with a tennis print shirt that doesn’t scream for too much attention, but does the job as being a piece that stands out with a playful edge. Complete the look by wearing a lightweight grey striped blazer and brown loafers or white toe caps.

I love this stuff!

Grey Cotton Slim Fit Two Button Jacket With Dark Grey Stripes – by Paul Smith Red Ear

Tan Leather Belt With A Silver Metal Buckle – by Carven

Brown /Orange Leather Wallet Loop – by Sophnet

Orange Chunky-Knit Sweater – by Ami

Blue Tennis Print Cotton Shirt – by Gitman Vintage

Blue Grey Herringbone Linen Trousers – by Holland Esquire

Cobalt Blue Slim-Leg Washed Japanese Cotton Trousers – by Ami

Chocolate Brown Calf Leather Loafer – by Hudson

White Toe-Cap Saddle Shoes – by Mr B’s by Aldo

Keep It Krispy.

SINS OF STYLE 21 – SOCKS AND SANDALS 

MODEL : MARTELL CAMPBELL

PHOTOGRAPHY: PHARAOH

WORDS: REUBEN CHRISTIAN

DESIGN: GLENN ANGELO

Head over to www.individualism.co.uk/sinsofstyle for the full set!