Ovadia & Sons S/S 2012

Asking brothers Shimon and Ariel what their inspiration is pretty much tells you all you need to know about Ovadia & Sons.  Instead of giving you some fantastical line of bullshit they'll laugh and simply tell you that their clothing is, well, just clothing.  It's what they like.  It's what they wear.  It's menswear - plain and simple.  These guys, who I am proud to call my friends, haven't been doing O&S for all that long, but you would never know by looking at their garments.  Building a brand, especially one that exists within such a traditional menswear paradigm, is not easy and both Shimon and Ariel will be the first to admit it.  When you put everything on the line like they have perfection often seems like the only option.  And from the reaction Ovadia & Sons has been getting as of late you would think they have already achieved such lofty goals.  But it's not just internet hype.  No, O&S were wheeling and dealing at the most recent (capsule) NY.  Some of the most respected stores in the country were not just browsing the booth, but doing their best to lock up exclusive deals.  Yeah, that right there is when you know things are getting real, if you couldn't already tell by looking at the collection below.

S/S 2012 is probably the strongest I've seen from Ovadia & Sons.  I've been a huge supporter since day 1, but I think this most recent collection truly represents what they're trying to do.  They want to make classic clothing for a guy who appreciates classic clothing as much as they do.  Not many brands are committed to creating such a thorough one stop shop for everything you could possibly need.  From dinner jackets to hand embroidered knit ties - O&S has your back.  One final thought, it's easy to get jaded when you look at menswear all day, every day for both work and pleasure.  Every single time I step foot into the Ovadia & Sons showroom I get excited like it's my first time discovering this wonderful thing called menswear.  And that's really all I have to say on the matter.  Enjoy.

-L.A.S

Getting Up To Speed

My apologies for being even more off the grid than usual - sorry if that comes off kinda like an absent father apologizing for missing another birthday.  Besides being kinda busy, I was abroad for a little R&R and I didn't really have time for the information super highway, not that I really wanted to.  Regardless, excuses are excuses.  Here has been what's going.

-The Chinese Democracy of webshops (yes, shots fired at Dr. Dre) is finally online.  Instead of heaping loads of praise on Sid in yet another Sart Inc post I feel it more apropos to say something about the selection of goods in this online shop.  Everything here, from top to bottom, is pretty much essential to a well dressed man's wardrobe.  Assuming you never needed to wear a sportcoat (which, I guess, some of you don't) everything here would create a foundation that I'm not sure any other single retail outlet can provide.  Especially, when you consider there is not anything unnecessary, in terms of apparel, also up for grabs.  At the end of the day, that's really the highest compliment I can pay any brand.

-I guess I now blog in a world where I am no longer the first dude you can complain to about wasting precious posts on Boglioli's newest gear.

-Right, right, so I was in Italy (not bragging, swearsies).  My itinerary was fuller than the belly of a tourist drinking gypsy beers on The Spanish Steps, but I did do some sartorial things.  I didn't really have time time to shop, but I did hit up Battistoni.

“Let me buy you a jacket.  When we get to Rome, there’s a great place - Battistoni.  Battistoni [speaking with an Italian accent].” - Dickie Greenleaf to Tom Ripley

“I’ve been watching The Talented Mr. Ripley a lot lately because I’ve been working on a spring concept called ‘Hello Ravello.’ As I walked down the Via Condotti, I heard Dickie Greenleaf’s voice in my head singing the praises of Battistoni. The 62 year old shop is tucked away through the cortile of a palazzo half way down said street. Its continued success, despite its discreet location speaks volumes about the cut and quality of their product. No doubt Dickie would still be a frequent customer.” - Kenny, who also provided the lovely image above

Kenny, being the good friend that he is, hit me with a few recs in regards to shopping Roma.  Despite my schedule the one shop I was NOT going to miss was Battistoni.  I mean, THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY!  DICKIE FUCKING GREENLEAF!

I walked away with a couple of beautiful silk pocket squares and could not have been more pleased with the entire experience.  The staff was extremely helpful, the goods (both private label and otherwise) we’re 100% in line with my personal stylistic leanings, and despite not knowing much English a dude still went out of his way to compliment me on my dad jeans.

-And, finally, after spending time in the country most influencing menswear bloggers right now I had to comment on Hogan footwear.

While in Italy the most popular men's footwear option that I saw was Hogan footwear, aside from suede driving mocs worn without socks of course.  Even though many of us are hopping on, or helping navigate, the unconstructed, cutaway collar, 2” cuff bandwagon, I still sincerely doubt we are ever going to bring these stateside.  Though, I would be lying if I said I didn’t see a dude absolutely killing it in some Interactive’s paired with a kit normally reserved for double monks.  Sketchers for the sprezz set?  I’ll let you figure that our for yourself.

-L.A.S

First Look: L.B.M. 1911 S/S 2012

I might be pushing the whole "First Look" thing since L.B.M. 1911 has been having a pretty incredible press cycle hot off the heels of their Pitti Uomo 80 coming out party, but I'm pretty sure no one has posted official images as of yet.  Below are two said images from S/S 2012 - one a campaign/lifestyle shot and the other a closer look at one of S/S 2012's signature pieces.  So what is next spring and summer going to be like for L.B.M. 1911?  Well, it's all about the fabric.  Elegance meets innovation is probably the best way to sum it up - we're talking garment dyeing and exclusive washing techniques for those of your keeping score at home.  I'm personally a big fan of L.B.M. 1911's S/S washed wools, as seen on the jacket below, and having owned one for a while I can say that the fabric is extremely versatile for this time of year.  I can't wait to share the entire collection with you guys when press materials are sent out sometime in September.

-L.A.S

Bob Sdrunk

It's that time of year again folks.  I'm talking about creepily falling in love with every single girl wearing a sundress that passes you on the street, drinking on rooftops while simultaneously not plummeting to your death and buying new sunglasses.  We're all familiar with the Ray Bans and Persols of the world.  You may even be familiar with the Oliver Peoples of the world.  But I doubt you are familiar with Bob Sdrunk.  And I only say that because no one stocks them in the United States, not because I doubt the fortitude of your sartorial scavenging skills.  You're probably wondering to yourself why the hell I am featuring an accessory on here that you can't even buy.  Well, first off, cool your goddman jets.  Relaxed?  Okay, you can buy them online.  Bob Sdrunk also has a critical European cosign - they are stocked at Rose & Born.  When my buddy tipped me off to them and called them "SICK" I asked him to elaborate further.  "They're classic and understated.  Made for the sartorially inclined."  If you don't think I was sold after that then you obviously don't know how self-involved I am.  On a much more serious note, check out the handmade in Italy goodness for yourself.  I mean, you don't want those sundress clad honeys to know you're staring, do you?

-L.A.S

What's New With Sid?

There's been a ton of recent developments for one of the best men's shops in the country.  First up, let's talk about the launch of Sid Mashburn's highly anticipated webstore, which happens on June 22.  Sid recently sat down with Bearings to talk a little about that (scroll down):

"Since October 2007, men have been coming to Atlanta to experience one of the country’s best haberdasheries: a highly edited collection complemented by an old-school priority on service. Starting Wednesday, June 22 gentlemen (and ladies) will have a little easier access to Sid Mashburn (and Ann Mashburn) with the launch of their e-commerce sites. We got an update from Sid on his launch and what makes him tick.

 
You've set a new standard in men's attire, what can we expect from your online shop?
 

We are really trying to re-establish some old standards that I feel have been forgotten or swept up into being "updated." We want to offer our online customer a resource that provides the best ingredients (fabrics, buttons, linings) from all over the world, the best quality – we stand behind our products 100%, and a fit that is not at all trendy but, rather, timeless & international – tailored but not skinny fit.
 
What types of items will be available on the site?
 

For men, we will be offering: dress shirts, sport shirts, trousers, denim, shorts & swim, footwear, belts & buckles and grooming tools.
 
When visiting your store it's clear that you've cultivated a unique experience, not just a purchasing process. How will you apply this approach online?
 

We're analog in our approach – we're like the liner notes on an album. Our new site will always continue to evolve with customer usage & feedback.
 
Your influence can be seen on the street and in other brands, what do you hope your legacy will be?
 

That we care about every person that crosses our paths – we put our customers first and take great care of people.
 
You're a man of depth and purpose; how do you find balance in life and keep everything in perspective?

My balance comes by the grace of God, a wonderful family, my wife and five girls, and a great job that doesn't at all feel like work. We are very blessed by the people that work with us and by the people that continue to come into our shops, trusting us to clothe & care for them."

You probably noticed that Sid Mashburn will not be selling tailored clothing online, which makes sense for a shop so tuned into the idea of being a destination.  It is a little unfortunate because Sid's new in house suiting line sounds amazing. My buddy DC who also acts as Sart Inc’s defacto “man on the street” recently made his, what seems like, monthly trip to Sid Mashburn and hit me with some details regarding Sid’s new in house line of suiting:

“So I don’t think it will be on the site, but the Sid branded suit was starting to roll in. Apparently it's been in the works for a couple years and it’s perfect - Italian made, Loro Piana fabric, ticket-pocket, 2 button/dual vent, canvas’d, soft-shoulder and partial hand-finishing…all for $995! Yes, $995 not $1995.  There were a few in stock and more coming this week…he’s doing grey and navy wool and tan and navy cotton.  It’s really light-weight…even a bit more-so than my Caruso sportcoat.”

-L.A.S

Pitti Uomo 80 Day 2 Wrap Up

[Picture courtesy of StreetFSN.]

-Not one, but two helpings of Tommy Ton's unparalleled Florence street style.

-StreetFSN's day two pics.

-Even Vogue Italia knows how influential Pitti's street style can be.

-Michael Williams leads a charmed and enviable life.

-Pesko's iPhone put in work.

-Woolrich Woolen Mills S/S 2012 is some of the best work of Mark McNairy's career.

-Band of Outsiders, this year's headliner, apparently put on one hell of a fashion show.  There was lots of West Side Story inspired dance battling apparently.  I'm not really into BoO myself, but this is significant as it was the first major S/S 2012 menswear show of the season.

-Lardini S/S 2012 looks impressive and I'm not just saying that because I like lapel flowers.

-Typical muted beauty from Mr. Cucinelli.

-Who can think about boots at a time like this?  Well, Diemme I guess.

-Alice's adventures in Florence.

-Might as well close things out with another Pitti themed flickr account.

-L.A.S

Pitti Uomo 80 Day 1 Wrap Up

[Picture courtesy of StreetFSN.]

-StreetFSN carries the street style torch at Pitti while we all wait with bated breath for Tommy Ton to unleash the goods.

-Incepto has shots of what appears to be some sort of State of The Union Address at Pitti and the crowd outside the show

-Men's Reverie checks out the S/S 2012 offerings from heavy hitters Boglioli (all washed everything), Barena (dad jean sportcoat!) and Pitti Uomo headliner Band of Outsiders.

-Crazy new footwear from Mark McNairy and some news about his New Amsterdam apparel relaunch.

-GQ Italy has some great coverage going on right now if you know how to work Google Translate.  I particularly like this video interview with Mr. Gant Rugger himself, the big homie, Chris Bastin.

-Esquire's Style Editors do their best to predict the future.

-A flickr account devoted to the scene in and around Pitti.  With all the stylish guys and new gear around I think we forget about the beautiful women who are always the true winners of best in show.

-L.A.S

[Editor's note: Shout out to R.A. who knows where all the gems are.]