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

First Look: L.B.M. 1911 F/W 2011

When we last saw L.B.M. 1911 Josh Peskowitz was raving about their unconstructed sportcoats and blazers.  For those unaware, L.B.M. 1911 is the more "casual" (in the Italian sense, of course) collection by the Mantova based tailoring house Lubiam.  Founded in 1911 by Luigi Bianchi, Lubiam has been making some of the finest tailored tailored clothing in Italy for 100 years.  F/W 2011, and L.B.M. 1911 in general, is all about deconstructing the blazer as much as possible - it's the definition of dressed down tailoring.  Honestly, these jackets are probably more analogous to the shirts and knits you already have in your wardrobe.  The L.B.M. 1911 F/W 2011 shots below embody the majority of the ideas I've been pushing on this blog for a while now - mainly, casually dressing down sportcoats and blazers for every day wear.  The styling below even brings to mind some of the heritage trends currently dominating the American menswear market.  I guess that traces itself back to L.B.M. 1911's penchant for pushing the envelope considering many Italian tailoring houses have refused to acknowledge this movement.  I know this look isn't for everyone, but it's something I think we can all appreciate, especially considering the sheer workmanship put into these pieces.

-L.A.S

First Look: Gant Rugger F/W 2011

Christopher Bastin let this first look at Gant Rugger F/W 2011 slip through the cracks over the weekend and since Gant Rugger is one of my favorite brands it should come as no surprise that you are looking at them now.  I was lucky enough to see the collection at Rugger's Twenty Four Hour Session back in December and can say, without a doubt, that this is just the tip of the iceberg.  Ironically enough, however, my favorite piece of all F/W 2011 can be seen below.  The one button shawl collar dinner jacket is probably the coolest piece of formal wear I have seen in a while.  I love how Chris added gold blazer buttons to take it to the next level and make it unmistakeably Rugger - an example of why he is one of the best designers working today and a Sart Inc favorite.

-L.A.S

First Look: Mark McNairy San Salvador

When Mr. McNairy was visiting El Salvador he discovered a style of boot he had never seen before.  The Burro boot is the official shoe of El Salvador's working class and the signature style produced by Empresas ADOC, Central America's largest family owned manufacturer.  ADOC provides all of its workers with a pair - the cost of which is equivalent to one day's pay.  Known for their tough and rugged nature, the Burro boot has been worn through revolutions and is symbolic of El Salvador's everyman.  Wanting to bring this iconic shoe outside of Central America for the first time, Mark is launching his San Salvador collection.  Mark's version, made by ADOC, keeps the classic silhouette and thick vulcanized rubber sole, but features new eyelets and rich suede uppers.  The plan is to eventually build the San Salvador collection to include more authentic El Salvadorian footwear such as roper boots on a similar rubber sole.  McNairy's Burro boot will be available in stores soon and should retail for around $125.

-L.A.S

First Look: Ovadia & Sons F/W 2011

After all the Tumblr previews and all the hype, I am proud to present to you guys the F/W 2011 collection from my friends the Ovadia brothers.  These guys have a big year ahead and I absolutely cannot wait for the menswear domination that is surely going to ensue.  Enjoy.

-L.A.S

First Look: Woolrich Woolen Mills F/W 2011

When it rains, it pours.  Hot on the heels of yesterday's post, today sees the first look at the "coat range" in Mark McNairy's upcoming WWM F/W 2011 collection.  It's all pretty classic, extremely wearable and fits surprisingly well within the paradigm established by Daiki Suzuki.  Some coats should even look familiar - off hand, I spot the Mountain Parka.  We're obviously still waiting on everything else, but this makes me think we won't be let down.  Not that I thought we would be in the first place.  Enrico locked down the world premier so shout out to Italians making me feel bad about my blog.

-L.A.S