Hands On: American Fashion Menswear

[Pictured: American Fashion Menswear (Assouline Publishing) by Robert E. Bryan available from $31.50 at Amazon.com.]

"America was my fashion school." - Ralph Lauren

Somwhere in between a dense coffee table book and a collection of thoughful essays lies Robert E. Bryan's, Assouline Publishing's and the Council of Fashion Designers of America's new tome on menswear.  This book was released back in September and got considerable mainstream and niche press, especially considering its subject matter.  I'd had my eye on it for a while and finally picked it up as a little holiday present for myself (as one of my close friends always says, "An I love me gift never hurts").  Available at most mainstream book retailers, American Fashion Menswear is the most comprehensive piece of sartorial literature I have ever owned.  I know some of you who have experience reading works by Flusser, etc. will probably speak contrary to that previous statement, but nonetheless I found Bryan's work to be extremely informative and enjoyable. 

The book is broken down into distinct sections of American style, ranging from Ivy to Workwear to Sportswear, etc.  Each section starts off with a well thought out essay detailing the specific influences and origins of that particular style, utilizing references of both past and present.  Bryan's encyclopedic knowledge of brands and garments is truly fascinating and he weaves together a comprehensive, yet light "essay" on each represented genre.  After providing the reader with both background and context, visual images are used to support the written word.  Rare and archival images, accompanied by efficent notes, make up the remainder of the chapter.  The photos really round out each chapter and feature shots from the runway, celebrities, lookbooks, icons, etc.

I know it is a little late to be adding gifts to your wishlist, but for anyone interested in menswear, and specifically American style, this book is a can't miss.  At the very least head down to your local Barnes and Noble and spend an afternoon flipping through.  I read through the book in one sitting, but already find myself returning to specific passages and images for inspiration.  For around 30 bucks you can secure an invaluable resource that is just at home on your coffee table as it is in your personal library. That's pretty much all I can ask for when it comes to my books.

-L.A.S

Holiday Recommendations: Reading Rainbow

I said I would mention some non-sartorial gift options, so let's pay homage to the written word for a second.  You can't go wrong giving a good book and here are a few I am particularly interested in reading or reading again.  I've listed just a couple options since I realize this is a style blog and whatnot and, no, you will not find any of that Twilight nonsense over here.  My apologies to any readers who happen to be fans, but I'm just not that into vampire abstinence propaganda.  On that note...

I Am the New Black by Tracy Morgan...$13.50

Before you scoff, listen to Tracy's interview with Terry Gross on Fresh Air.  While I was already a fan of Tracy's considering his impressive body of work, this interview really sold the book for me.  Mr. Morgan is an extremely intelligent and complex individual.  His past is fascinating, complicated and makes for some surprisingly emotional fodder.  While I can imagine this book, much like the above interview, is full of humorous outbursts from one of the funniest men alive, the most intriguing thing has to be the honesty and candor with which Tracy Morgan uses to sketch his continual development into manhood.

A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, the Mexican War, and the Conquest of the American Continent...$16.97

I am by no means a history buff, but my fascination with President James K. Polk can be traced all the way back to my sophomore year of high school.  The legacy of Polk is often debated by scholars as they attempt to make sense of the first dark-horse candidate ever to be elected President of The United States of America.  His four years in office (he limited himself to one term) were pivotal to the development of our young country and the debate rages on regarding the tactics he used to expand our nation's territory.  Robert W. Merry's book "is a refreshing challenge" to academia's view that Polk was nothing more than a "cunning champion of slaveholding Manifest Destiny".  I don't normally jump at historical non-fiction, but this book sounds like an actual page turner (no sarcasm).

The Complete Stories by Flannery O'Connor...$12.24

It is my personal opinion that Flannery O'Connor stands alone as the greatest American writer to ever have lived.  I'm not sure how many people will even remotely agree with me, but that's not the point.  Her complete collection of stories, which I am lucky enough to already own, documents her works (excluding her two novels) from grad school up until her untimely death from lupus.  Her grotesque, Southern gothic style is unmatched and her portraits of American life are as stunning as they are enthralling.  It doesn't get much better than this and even if you have a severe case of attention-deficit these short stories can do more good than harm.

-L.A.S