ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA COUTURE S/S 15

Stefano Pilati Explores the World of Architecture & Space

By: Ian Garner | Photographer: Courtesy of Ermenegildo Zegna Couture; Film by Johan Söderberg

July 24, 2014

When the Ermenegildo Zegna Couture Spring/Summer 2015 collection sprouted in Milan for MFW, Stefano Pilati brought with him a truly cinematic experience. The Johan Söderberg directed fashion show film briefly explores Pilati’s world of “Architecture and Space.” His models, who were are introduced to as silhouettes, are the spectacles of architecture that take up his space. There’s a moment of transcendence in darkness when his models emerge into the light of the runway and the color palette that swaddles them is still, in essence, exclusively dark. Much of the garments were highlighted by stripes fashioned in a range of fabrications from a luxury blend mouliné suting stripe to silk taffetà stripes to the summer essential seersucker.

This new chapter of Pilati’s Zegna compounds concepts from the previous two seasons and weaves them into his evolving aesthetic. He continues to explore apparent contradictions that somehow, through Pilati’s touch, complement one another flawlessly: “innovations and destructions, splendor and decadence, philosophy and romanticism, masculine and feminine… architecture and space.”

AIMÉ LEON DORE PRE-FALL 15

ALD's Sophomore Collection Hits All The Right Notes

By: Cameron Wolf | Photographer: Courtesy of Aimé Leon Dore

July 24, 2014

Sometimes, timing really can be everything. While Aimé Leon Dore’s basics are worth celebrating in any era, we can’t think of any other time than now that would be more inclined to lose their minds over Teddy Santis’ meticulously made essentials. The typically, quick-swiping, mindless scrolling minds of the Internet have collectively come together to drool over this. While the success of “plainness” in this temporary reign of normcore, is not unprecedented, it’s ALD’s ability to captivate with such a restrained hand that has got us all talking.

ALD’s Pre-Fall ’15 collection is incredibly controlled and forward thinking, especially for a collection that doesn’t look further than crewneck sweaters, parkas, shorts, hoodies, tanks and tees. The color palette is as versatile as any Pre-Fall collection could hope: the standard grey and navy, and the fashionable burgundy and cream are the other two Santis focuses on. Santis uses the lookbook to illustrate why he most likely landed on these colors: they are essentially interchangeable. All the colors seem to go with everything; it’s hard to imagine an outfit where a touch of burgundy would be out of place, and that’s the most audacious shade of the bunch.

Shirts, crewneck sweaters, shorts, and parkas are not what they seem at first glance in ALD’s lookbook. Impeccably tailored and slim-cut tees and a denim shirt are gifted breathing room with Santis’ split hems on the side. T-shirts are made with soft terry cloth, shorts’ seams are unrefined (standing in stark contrast to the rest of the refined details), and parkas sit close to the body, but vented in the back for cool effect and full movement.

Teddy Santis thought of everything for Aimé Leon Dore Pre-Fall ’15, and now we can’t help but agonize over the details as much as he did. Click through the gallery above to see what we mean.

KENZO S/S 15

Americans in Paris 

By: Maggie Maloney | Photographer: Courtesy of Style.com 

July 23, 2014

On a rainy summer day overlooking the picturesque Seine River in Paris, Kenzo designers Humberto Leon and Carol Lim showed their latest collection of menswear at Paris Fashion Week. Always calling back to the Kenzo archives since the duo took creative control of the brand in 2012, this collection stayed true to Kenzo’s vivid and spirited roots, with signature bold blocks of color and intricate prints. 

The Spring/Summer 2015 menswear line embraces the mix of cultures designers Leon and Lim have experienced as Americans working and designing in Paris. The designers acknowledged the Americans in Paris inspiration by re-creating famous images, such as the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty and Cosette, the face of Les Misérables, seamlessly on sweater using the optical-knit technique. These created their own feeling of souvenirs gained when visiting a new locale and, as Leon himself put it, the collection is about “that sense of wonder when a tourist goes to a place like New York or Paris for the first time.” 

The sense of wonder and adventure was undeniable throughout the collection, with parkas ready for a Vespa or scooter ride and matching polka-dot or striped ensembles perfect for exploring a new city. Patterns and prints were a major player, from a mod-black and white polka-dot to stripes in every color imaginable. The looks ranged from a pastel, preppy color pallet to a dramatic burnt orange, the entire collection was a whimsical show that refused to be dampened by the summer rain. 

See for yourself in the imagery above.

ODIN NY Fragrances

Fragrances You Need to Cop

By: Daniel Wagowski | Photographer: Courtesy of Odin NY

July 22, 2014

Have you heard? Odin New York now carries our very own Grungy Gentleman x Cotton Citizen sweats in store. It’s hard to find something we don’t love at Odin New York. The boutique men’s lifestyle shop first opened its doors in Manhattan’s Lower East Side back in 2004 and today carries all the staples a fashionable gentleman requires.

 In 2009, Odin NY launched their first three men’s fragrances. The boutique now has over 10 unisex fragrances, made in collaboration with such perfumers as Kevin Verspoor, Pierre Constantin Gueros, Jean-Claude Delville, Corinne Cachen, Phillippe Romano and Delphine Jelk. Odin NY continues to build their fragrance brand, exploring their underlying theme of travel combined with a fresh take on time-honored fragrance traditions.

As we work and play in the heat of long summer days, a gentleman must remember to always stay cool and fresh. Odin NY fragrances take care of the latter. Here are some notable fragrances you can pick up at Odin NY:

07 TANOKE

Odin New York’s 07 Tanoke was developed with Paris-based Drom perfumer Corinne Cachen to find the right balance of strength and lightness. Layering classically American scents inspired by the woods and surrounding waters of Northern California, 07 Tanoke arrives at a clean, crisp aroma that is grounded with a natural warmness. 07 Tanoke was selected for W Magazine's "Top 10 Indie Fragrances" and GQ's "Cologne of the Year".

08 Seylon

The creation of 08 Seylon communicates a new understanding of vetiver through a calming blend of rich, earthy aromas. Balancing an airy palette of citrusy top notes with warm, spicy base notes, 08 Seylon takes us on a journey through the damp soils of untamed Sri Lanka.

09 Posala

Odin New York's fragrance 09 Posala brings to mind a fresh, aromatic orchard with hints of sweet citrus and earthy amber to arrive at a successful complex layering of notes. Inspired by the heritage of the South, 09 Posala is a delicate floral scent balanced with smoky bourbon and Perique tobacco notes. 09 Posala is exclusive to Barneys New York.

10 Roam

Odin New York’s first incense fragrance, 10 Roam, highlights a contrast between brightness and warm smokiness. Notes of wild coffee flower, crisp pepper leaf and saffron combine with dried coconut and ginger lily to skillfully balance a bittersweet smoothness with a fresh, airy aroma.

11 Semma

Odin New York’s 11 Semma is a bright and familiar fragrance evoked by hints of fresh chili pepper and powdery tonka. Notes of cinnamon bark, sweet tobacco, and warm myrrh with sandalwood and herbaceous clove create an enduring and vibrant scent. This complex layering of aromas thoughtfully balances sweet and warm, and masculine and feminine, to arrive at a truly effervescent fragrance.

These are some seriously nice fragrances you need to cop. Smelling this good, your significant other will go crazy over you. Stop by one of Odin's three NYC locations or purchase now on their online shop.

GILT X SAMSUNG

GILT X SAMSUNG

LEVELing up with Samsung’s New Audio Range

By: Brandon Liu | Photographer: Courtesy of GILT x Samsung

July 18, 2014

Get ready to amp up, Samsung Level is launching with GILT. For 72 hours, GILT will exclusively be carrying the range of Samsung Level audio products before hitting the shelves of major retailers.             

In the battle for supremacy, Samsung has just launched its first range of headphones in North America. Simple, minimalistic, modern, and reminiscent to clean Scandinavian designs, Level incorporates the best of both worlds with crisp and clear audio reverberations without having to sacrifice pristine and stylish design cues.

What sets Level headphones apart from the competition is its smart and intuitive design. The most premium model, Level Over is not only wireless but also has touch controls located on the earcups. That means playing, pausing, and Leveling up and down are a breeze and with Samsung mobile devices, it can even activate S-Voice. The rest of the range consists of Level On and Level In, which are wired models that come with tactile button controls. But despite which model you choose, the Level range has powerful and premium sound reproductions with its 3-way speaker system. That in turn provides for clear, crisp, and powerful bass with Powerful Dynamic Speakers.

In addition, Samsung is also offering the Level Box, a Bluetooth speaker that pairs effortlessly via NFC. GILT is offering an exclusive bundle for both the Box and Level On headphones at a reduced price from retail outlets.

Samsung makes a strong and compelling debut into the audio market as the Level range proves to be fierce competition to many of the other headphones and wireless jam boxes currently available. Available in white, black, and silver, and at four different price points, there is a model to please everyone. To Level up your headphone style to the next dimension, head over to GILT before July 20th to be the first to rock out to some killer sounds.

Karlie Kloss for Nike | Chicks Bro

Karlie Kloss x Nike

By: Erin O'Connor | Photographer: Vanina Sorrenti

July 17, 2014

Nike’s Fall 2014 women's collection is an epic combination of style and performance wear modeled by Victoria's Secret Angel and top model, Karlie Kloss. 

With a passion for fitness that began even before her modeling days, Kloss grew up as a classically trained ballerina–something she continues to implement into her everyday workout regime. “I like to switch it up. I think that’s the best way to really challenge your body and become stronger in every way,” Kloss told Nike. 

The collection introduces the Pro Bra Collection, backed in 2 years of research, testing, design and development to provide the fit and support women need throughout any workout. The collection also offers innovative new footwear, Dri-FIT knits and Tech Fleece pieces. 

Enjoy imagery above as the beautiful Karlie Kloss works out in New York City with Nike Training Club Master Trainer Traci Copeland.

Rick Owens ‘FAUN’ S/S 15

L’Après-Midi de Rick Owens

By: Ian Garner | Photographer: Courtesy of Rick Owens

July 17, 2014

Fashion oft appropriates art and culture that has had significant historical poignancy to create a spectacle that graces the runway. Rick Owens is no stranger to this intersection of art and style and for his Spring/Summer 2015 collection he turned back time over a hundred years ago to the birth of modern dance with Nijinsky’s debut for the Ballets Russes. Rick Owens "Faun" comes directly from the ballet L’Après-Midi d’un Faune.

Owens’ urban faun featured cross-body straps, weightily constructed garments typical of Owens’ motif and his Adidas Springblades. The palette included faded and distressed alterations to the colors Lèon Bakst originally used in his designs for the Ballets Russes, which proved to be a new venture for the designer.

Check out the imagery above, it’s a vision you won’t want to miss.

ESPYS Style Recap 2014

Our Favorite Ensembles From this Year's ESPY Awards

By: Cameron Wolf | Photographer: Courtesy of Zimbio.com

July 17, 2014

For what feels like the first time in years, the ESPYs became a must-watch event. The ESPYs had pulled a huge-draw host in Drake, and we tuned in excited to see how the rapper and sports fanatic would do in the role. Adding to the excitement of the festivities is the crowd of athletes fully on board with this fashion thing. The players were out in full force and we picked out the best from a dapper crowd.

Jeff Koons for H&M

H&M, Koons & The Whitney Celebrate Largest H&M Store in the World

By: sofia | Photographer: Courtesy of H&M

July 16, 2014

Last night, H&M (Hennes & Mauritz), one of the world’s largest retailers known for offering high fashion apparel, celebrated its collaboration with iconic artist, Jeff Koons at the opening of its new flagship store on Fifth Avenue.

Fashion and art fans alike visited the new store on Fifth Avenue at 48th Street to be the first to shop the new collection and the coveted Balloon Dog (Yellow) handbag. Team Grungy Gentleman enjoyed food, drinks and a special performance by British sensation, Birdy alongside Jeff Koons, Olivia Wilde and Ashley Benson.

"I'm very happy to be working with H&M. It's really exciting to be celebrating the opening of their flagship store and I'm very proud the bag,” said Jeff Koons. 

“ART IS SOMETHING THAT IS ACCESSIBLE, WE INTERACT WITH IT ALL THE TIME AND H&M MAKES FASHION THE SAME WAY."

Attendees had the opportunity to purchase the limited-edition leather handbag featuring the Balloon Dog (Yellow), one of Koons’ most iconic works for $49.95. The Balloon Dog leather handbag will also be carried in select markets across the US including Los Angeles, Chicago and Dallas, as well as online at hm.com beginning July 17th, 2014. A select number of pieces will also be sold at the Whitney Museum of American Art during the Retrospective as well as on Whitney.org.

Guests also had the chance to preview the location’s exciting 57,000 square feet interior. The new flagship store will be the first in the country to offer a full concierge service, creating a very unique shopping experience. It will also be the first store in New York to carry the full H&M Home collection. In addition, customers who bring garments to be recycled in H&M’s Garment Collecting program before the store’s opening tomorrow will be entered to win gift cards valued between $50 and $100.

The store will open to the public at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 17th with a grand opening celebration. Enjoy the new store and be sure to visit the stunning Jeff Koons Retrospective at The Whitney Museum of American Art.

MAISON KITSUNÉ S/S 15

MAISON KITSUNÉ S/S 15

Parisian Brand Cobbles Together People, Places, And Clothes You Will Want

By: Cameron Wolf | Photographer: Courtesy of Maison Kitsuné

July 14, 2014

aison Kitsuné S/S ’15 is aspirational. It’s the familiar type of aspirational that Maison Kitsuné takes literally by cutting out images from magazines of places, clothes and people and piecing it all together. The French house takes their unique style of cool to exotic locales in its recent lookbook with a mix of outfits for upscale lunches and sightseeing. The entire thing is extremely aspirational with clothes that could be included in any wardrobe. Maison Kitsuné always blends the line between streetwear and formality with undeniably cool and wearable results.

Unstructured blazers come in a series of bold patterns and colors, the lookbook pairs a ruby blazer with a matching pair of shorts. It’s a look, when styled with a crisp blue striped shirt, that retains the Parisian brand’s origin’s trademark formal cool. The outfit could be worn is versatile, like the rest of the lookbook. A black and white houndstooth suit is worn with just a white shirt underneath. A tropical Technicolor bomber jacket is paired with a sleek pair of black oxfords. There’s a balance that runs through the entire lookbook that every man should look for when dressing himself.

Each piece tries to embrace this balance on its own, and much of the outerwear and sweaters succeed. A blue and cream sweater with the brand’s name simply running across the middle sees the brand capture their own version of streetwear’s logo culture on an otherwise stately sweater. You would miss the only slightly contrasting blue piping on a blue jacket if you looked too quickly—a piping that gives the jacket the loungewear feel that is becoming so trendy. It’s an elevated piece with a casual touch, again.

Westbrook Frames Named After LA Neighborhoods

WESTBROOK FRAMES

Oklahoma City Thunder Star Brings His Noteworthy Style To Eyewear Collection

By: Cameron Wolf | Photographer: Courtesy of Westbrook Frames 

July 13, 2014

Russell Westbrook has always taken the vitriol of the Internet over sacrificing his signature style. He has no stylist, and works with one only when he needs a custom item made. Westbrook visualizes his outfits, and the design of his new sunglass line, Westbrook Frames, as precisely as he plays on the court. 

The first collection—dubbed “Gold Series”—consists of ten styles named after neighborhoods in Westbrook’s hometown of Los Angeles. There’s the "Hollywood," a dipped-in-gold pair of aviators that’ll make even the most mundane of sights luxurious with gold-tinted frames. The "Brentwood" is a round frame available in a tortoise shell colorway that could just as easily be rising flames. There’s the sporty "Westwood," the Clubmaster-inspired "Inglewood," and the large square frames that are perfect shields from the sun on the beaches of Santa Monica.

Each of Westbrook’s frames could make an outfit: they’re large, and each comes in four eye-grabbing colors. Westbrook, in the release for the glasses, noted that he sees “eyewear as part of [his] outfit" and he “use[s] eyewear to bring color into [his] outfits.” 

Westbrook created eyewear that lives up to this belief, keeping in mind high-quality materials in the process. Westbrook uses high grade Cellulose Acetate for the glasses that are anti-allergenic and biodegradable while giving the glasses a fashionable translucent look. The glasses that don’t utilize this material use high quality metal alloy.

This is only the beginning of Westbrook’s ventures as his multi-season collaboration with Barneys is due to drop soon; a collaboration that will feature three limited edition eyewear styles hand crafted in Italy. For now, though, grab your favorite pair at WestbrookFrames.com.

Giuseppe Zanotti Homme S/S 15

Signature Shoes for Every Occasion

By: Erin O'Connor | Photographer: Courtesy of Giuseppe Zanotti

July 13, 2014

Giuseppe Zanotti Homme S/S 2015 shoe collection consists of versatile styles for every man to enjoy. The grouping includes sandals, sneakers, loafers and luxurious suede bags.

With the summer season bringing warmer weather, sandals are the core of this collection. Minimalistic gold detailing on black leather soles allows for optimal wearability. 

The collection’s extra-light loafers are also a great summer option. Available in suede and navy calfskin, this hybrid shoe is designed not only for leisurely city strolls, but also formal events. 

If you're looking for a sneaker option, Giuseppe Zanotti's couture kicks always make a statement. This season's high-tops portray a futuristic biker aesthetic with metal clasps, combat soles and cascading split leather.

See the collection above and stay tuned for the drop.

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO F/W 14

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO F/W 14

New Campaign Balances Nature & Humanity

By: Jason Fox | Photographer: Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot

July 13, 2014

ith a very strong showing from all the fashion houses during Milan and Paris fashion weeks, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep your brand in the forefront of the masses minds. One fashion house that has continually managed this feat is the illustrious Salvatore Ferragamo. Ferragamo called on the well-known photography duo of Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot to capture the true feeling and idea behind their latest visual offering for their Fall/Winter campaign.

Creative Director Massimilano Giornetti had the brand step outside their proverbial box by incorporating more than one model in the campaign for the first time, including Mariacarla Boscono, Suvi Koponen, and Amanda Murphy for the women’s line, and Felix Hermans and Jason Anthony for the men's line. Mert and Marcus set the scene with a vast field of strikingly blue flowers and an ominous dusk sky that gives the campaign a very deep and luxurious feel. 

The pieces themselves feature very rich and dark tones that blend perfectly into each other. Utilizing deep browns, blacks, reds, and blues, Ferragamo melts sleek outerwear into the soothing scene of the night sky. The line is eye catching, highlighting beautifully tailored coats and sweaters for the men, as well as elegant skirts, capes, and jackets for the women to complement their new line of Fiamma handbags.

The new F/W 14 campaign is another example of the creative prowess and artistic that the Ferragamo fashion house has to offer. Check out the visuals from the shoot above and enjoy the elegant new line.

Grungy Gentleman Styles Raekwon & Estelle Music Video

Grungy Gentleman Styles Raekwon & Estelle Music Video

Grungy Gentleman styles Raekwon in a custom pinstripe blazer for his music video "All About You" featuring Estelle. 

Air Jordan XX9 | Take Flight Tour

AIR JORDAN XX9

Take Flight w/the Lightest Air Jordan Yet

By: Daniel Wagowski | Photographer: Courtesy of Nike

August 12, 2014

In the last week of July, The Jordan Brand brought its Take Flight Tour to The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas, setting up a unique space including a full sized basketball court designed with Jordan Brand imagery. Some of the best high school players in the country were invited to show off their talents while testing out some of Jordan’s newest sneakers and attire. 

Jordan unveiled a slew of new products including a new Jordan Future colorway, and the latest edition to the Air Jordan, whose name has been counting up in roman numerals since the original Air Jordan came out way back in 1985. The XX9, (that’s 29 for your non-Romans out there) which will not be released for public consumption until September 6th, sport some of the most advanced footwear technology up to date and are being branded as the lightest Air Jordan ever. To keep the shoe strong and protective while maintaining its insanely lightweight body, Jordan has gone with a performance woven upper, an innovative single-layer engineered to provide comfort, support, strength and protection.

An improved FlightPlate, webbed straps to wrap the foot and integrate with the laces, and a combination of textures on the sole provide durability on a variety of surfaces to keep feet and ankles protected from twists and sprains. 

The XX9 will originally be released in two separate colorways – a black, red and white elephant print reminiscent of the Chicago Bulls colors, and a graphite, black, blue and orange Jumpman colorway, more closely resembling Oklahoma City’s colors for whom Russell Westbrook, Jordan Ambassador, and Grungy favorite, plays for.

The XX9 goes on sale September 6th for $225. You may want to start hanging in front of your nearest sneaker store now though, as these Jordan release dates garner huge crowds of loyal followers willing to stand in line for days before the release.

Raekwon x Grungy Gentleman at Stage 48

Raekwon x Grungy Gentleman at Stage 48

Raekwon was styled by Jace Lipstein in a custom Grungy Gentleman neoprene trench coat at his concert held at Stage 48 in NYC on 12/20/2012. The concert in 2012 also featured hip hop legend Rakim. Wu Tang member GZA made a guest appearance on stage. Grungy Gentleman styled Raekwon for the concert and was on stage for the legendary performance. The concert was produced by Hot 97's Peter Rosenberg.