THE STARTER + THE WEEKEND:

AUGUST 2011
WEAR.CAMPAIGN.GEAR.LISTEN & ARCHITECTURE


Jumpstart one of every year's longer months with the coolest things you could find now. Here's THE EDGE's Starter + Weekend fix to keep you styled, entertained, learned and many more, all for this August.


>>> WEAR: Junya Watanabe's Patched Knit Blazer

Paolo Roldan in Junya Watanabe's patchwork knit blazer

What makes a knitted blazer desirable? Two things: Junya Watanabe and Patchwork. Junya Watanabe's knitted blazer comes in a cool patchwork, finished with suede leather patches for pockets and the quintessential elbow patch. This one passes well for all those lazy days, when fussing over a finely pressed shirt just doesn't cut it. Slip this on over a plain, solid-colored sweater or a plain tee with your favorite chinos or jeans and your footwear of choice (I highly recommend the next item on our Starter+Weekend) and you're off to impress.

>>> WEAR: A.P.C's Fall 2011 Shoes

A.P.C.'s coolest Fall 2011 shoes @ Selectism

If you're baffled as to what your Junya Watanabe blazer deserves for a stylish foundation, A.P.C.'s dependably cool Fall 2011 collection of shoes is your answer to everything. You could find here almost all of the essential footwear a man's wardrobe needs: dressy patent leather shoes, formal slippers, desert boots, bucks and awesome lace-ups. Its simple, chic and no-fail looks and quality will guarantee you stylish points and much bang for your buck. 

>>> LISTEN: MIRACLE WORKER of Superheavy

Really Superheavy. The heavy collaboration courtesy of Mick Jagger @ RollingStone

The people who are responsible for this "worldly" track come from the many genres of the world of music. So it's no wonder that when Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, Dave Stewart, Damian Marley and A.R. Rahman team up for a track, the sound is almost unexplainable but definitely something you'd put on loop for more than just an entire day. Pretty exciting I must say and while I'm a stranger to some of these musical geniuses, it doesn't stop me from liking what I'm hearing. Listen up gents @ Rolling Stone.

>>> ARCHITECTURE: NOBIS HOUSE

Designed by Susanne Nobis. Minimalist Boathouse  in Munich, Germany @ The Cool Hunter

Susanne Nobis designed this for her own family and I'd never move out had I been a Nobis kid. The minimalism here isn't the one we're used to which usually turns cold and almost unlivable in the long run. What I love about the Nobis house is that it's actually a pretty minimalist house that manages a warm, homey feel about it and at the same time is as clean anything minimal could get. Read more and start aspiring for a house like this at The Cool Hunter

>>> GEAR: VANDEYK NIGHTSTREAM BIKE

The Nighstream by Vandeyk  @ HighSnobiety

Vandeyk is really all about great bikes. Period. But it's easy to say that about every other bike brand...That is until you see a Vandeyk bike. Feast your eyes on the Nighstream. A collection of bikes beautifully crafted with a body in black, painted with stripes of awesome hues, reminiscent of neon lights lining a night sky, right? If that's gotten me poetic it only means that it's that good. Check out what Vandeyk has to offer (other than a beautiful look and design) at their website. And while you're at it, get yours asap cause only 25 have been made. 

>>> CAMPAIGN: BOTTEGA VENETA FALL 2011

Nicolas Ripoll for Bottega Veneta @DesignScene

With the beautiful and sexy Isabeli Fontana

The Fall 2011 campaign for Bottega Veneta is one of the season's most interesting  I've seen. Highlighting what Bottega does best, the set and how things are shot---courtesy of photographer  Robert Polidori and art director Doug Lloyd, even the stunning chemistry between the edgy Nicolas Ripoll and the Victoria's Secret model Isabeli Fontana make up a delicious and memorable effort. While the set is obviously a wealthy place, you could see the cool rips on the wallpapers and the quirks etching the surroundings, it encapsulates Bottega's undone regal cool that Maier and the brand have successfully been banking on. Wonderful, great and splendid are unfitting superlatives.

- Gerard

THE CAMPAIGN:

ZARA FALL/WINTER 2011
SEAN O'PRY

Sean O'pry for ZARA F/W 2011
Photographed by David Sims

America's wonder boy bags yet another ZARA campaign for men this Fall/Winter 2011. The blue-eyed, raven haired super model, Sean O'pry, looks smashing in looks by ZARA and inspired by the season's best. Prada-esque colors, Burberry-like trenches and sweaters and many more, all relatively affordable, rugged and of the moment.

All this time, I've been wondering where Sean has been and here he is, staring right at everyone. So the big question is, when is this man going to be the world's number one super male model? ZARA's simple yet moving campaign already says it all folks.

(more photos after the jump)

THE WEEKEND:

Welcome to the weekend gents!
Here's this week's dose of extra cool essentials you'll love not just this weekend, but for a long, long time.


+ THE GANG

Always a handsome line-up for Dolce & Gabbana's Fall 2011 Campaign

The Bryan Ferry-pack of Dolce & Gabbana looks too cool for print and even on the web, which is a great thing. There is however, a tiny glitch in their campaign, but it's still awesome. Starring Dolce's roster of super good-lookers, there are new additions in this campaign like Daisuke Ueda, Guy Robinson and Nils Butler. Photographed by Steven Klein, here is a reference you'd like to keep for your Fall 2011 wardrobe. Classic jackets, lots of reds, blacks and grays, thick-framed glasses (not the hipster kind I assure you) and the nice short haircuts you'd want to try. This is the gang to stick to gents, believe me.

+ STEP INTO THE LIGHT SIDE

Nike's Air Ralston Mid Lite Sneaker @ HighSnobiety

Something this easy-looking and simple is quite a complicated thing. But all you ever have to understand is that  Nike's Air Ralston mid Lite Sneaker is a suede pair of kicks with extra, extra light soles that make walking almost a pleasure. The beautiful gray sneakers are limited and with looks like this, I believe it should be limited for the few who can carry a light steps.

+ DRAWING THE BROTHERS

Burkman Bros. Fall 2011. Illustrated by Michael Sanderson @ Selectism

Refreshing is what I'd call this. Burkman Bros. Fall 2011 collection is presented in a series of handsome illustrations of a stylish man doing what street style photographers do best: look good and take photos of those who do too, drawn by Michael Sanderson. Featuring the designer's awesome Fall duds interpreted in cool drawings, it's nice to see a collection that veers away from the usual lookbook-y shoots that has been tired and tested (no typos here gents). Check out the colors and the details and how styling, just like in real life, speaks volumes on drawing as well. 

+ CARRY FITZGERALD

Lacoste "Fitzgerald" messenger bag @ The Carry

Lacoste's latest offering in the bag department has all the elements of an everyday carry, regardless of what you're wearing or what season it is. In a no non-sense black cotton, it gets well-structured and sturdy thanks to its leather bottom and it's other leather trimmings. Though definitely not the most original idea or the most attractive of its kind, what makes this a must-buy is its versatility, its timeless appeal and it's sure-use for everyday. In a matter of a month of non-stop carrying, the Fitzgerald has already got you lots of bang for your buck.

- Gerard

THE SANDWICH:

YOUR MID-WEEK TREAT

Well, I had to pass on THE WEEKEND post for personal reasons and to make up for it, I'm replacing that with THE SANDWICH, a mid-week shortlist that does the same function as THE WEEKEND.

Making no sense?

Just read on and enjoy!

+ MINIMAL EFFORT

Low-top Common Projects @ GQ

Standing out for the right reasons is quite an undermined philosophy. While separating ones self from the rest may require incredible effort, Common Projects saves you from all that crap. For the true statement, walk in these low-top Common Projects. Wear them with those Thom Browne suits, denim-on-denim as GQ's Brian Coats suggests or with everything you could possibly think of. They're simple, stylishly long-lasting and of pure excellent quality. Who said standing out should be tacky and loud?

+ TOBEY as PRADA MAN

Tobey Maguire for PRADA Fall 2011 @DesignScene

He may no longer be Spider Man, but Tobey Maguire (who is set to star as Nick Carraway in the remake of The Great Gatsby) is cast as the new hero for PRADA's cool and boxy Fall 2011 collection's campaign. Dark and in signature PRADA mood, Mr. Maguire delivers well and actually makes for the perfect PRADA hero for this collection. Amazing.

+ FLOWERS, REALLY? NOT CAMO?

Miharayasuhiro Floral Jacket @ Selectism

Surprisingly, it's not a camo jacket. But isn't that what makes it such a beauty? Miharayasuhiro, the Paris Fashion week Japanese designer who's won me over with his poetic clothes, his stunning vision and a style that is far from the usuals I stick to created a jacket reminiscent of those fatigues we all love to wear. They may be flowers, but the effect is masculine and rough, which makes it surprisingly easy to slip into. No idea what to pair this with? Go for a T by Alexander Wang in black, slim-cut camel chinos, and Clarks Originals. Throw in a silver watch and pile up on the Miansai bracelets...They could mistake you for a Street Style hero like Milan V. And that's good.

- Gerard

THE CAMPAIGN:

CERUTTI FALL 2011

The super cool Cerruti campaign 
shot by Paolo Roversi

Since Fall 2011 is just around the corner, the campaigns for the season are showing up. One of my favorites would be the Cerruti campaign, all gray and windy, which will either conjure up images of London or Marlon Brando's On The Waterfront. The clothes are sleek and dark, slim and strict, and if you want to be emotional about it a little sober. It's a handsome campaign and I'm happy---despite its grim chic look, its campaign season again.

My only concern would be the models...I only know two, thanks to Male Model Scene, while the rest I have not an idea.

Great campaign.

- Gerard

THE CAMPAIGN:

CLEMENT CHABERNAUD & OTHILIA SIMON
YVES SAINT LAURENT SPRING/SUMMER 2011 EYEWEAR

Doing an eyewear campaign this elegant has got to be for an equally elegant brand. 

Yves Saint Laurent's designs are rich and almost overpowering despite its simplicity, exactly what YSL is known for. Photographer and director Karim Sadli's hand at this campaign is genius, stripping everything to its barest and cleanest form, from handsome Mr. Clement Chabernaud to the fresh and beautiful Ms. Othilia Simon both looking like heavenly creatures, give YSL's glasses so much justice, you would want to buy every single piece on the video. Simply put, it's beautiful dramatic but definitely straight-to-the-point...Amazing.

- Gerard

THE CAMPAIGN:

GARRETT NEFF for SIMONS

Just golfing around with Garrett Neff @ MaleModelScene

I am a huge fan of Garrett Neff, reason why I call him THE EDGE favorite and seeing his work for Canada's Simons really made me feel proud. Perfecting the sporty Spring look, Neff pulls off fantastic pieces from Simons and showing that this one's back to ranking high in the model world (just like when he first landed that Calvin Klein campaign). Check out what's in store for you at Simons for all your chic, sporty outings this season.

- Gerard

THE CAMPAIGN:

BERGDORF GOODMAN SPRING 2011

By the bay...Patrick Kafka photographed by Jacob Sutton for Bergdorf Goodman

So far one of the most beautiful campaigns out there, Bergdorf Goodman's Spring/Summer 2011 makes its selection of delicious designer duds all the more inspiring to wear thanks to photographer Jacob Sutton's seaside shots of model Patrick Kafka. I favor campaigns that tell stories and this one is a great example of that. What makes it better too is that Kafka's a real talented one. His look here and his face reminds me of old American novels...

Great job.

- Gerard

THE CAMPAIGN:

KAREN WALKER EYEWEAR Spring/Summer 2011

Karen Walker's awesome frames for Spring/Summer 2011 

When you're a little tired of your pair, I highly suggest getting a Karen Walker pair for this season. The campaign's impressively shot and minimalist mood is an effective piece of promotion. The glasses are eye-catching and are handsomely made, though they will cost you much, it's part of the whole concept of getting something not everybody will have...not to mention be able to carry. Great job Karen Walker.

- Gerard

THE STARTER:

STYLE. PEOPLE. CAMPAIGNS & MORE.

It's not intentional, compiling a February STARTER dominated by awesome outerwear, but it's here. Check out what's in store for you this February, taken from all the cool men's style blogs that we know of. Dress up in surfer cool by way  GANT or dress down in ZARA's pretty serious elegance...Whichever way you go, and whatever outerwear you prefer, we've got you covered...Oh, and throw in there some style inspiration from TOKYO for that cleansing Wasabi feel.

Welcome to THE EDGE's February STARTER.

Nanamica Gore-Tex Duffle Coat from Selectism

>>> WATER-PROOF CHIC

Back in the days it's probably rare to spot a duffle coat that functions as well as it looks. Besides, most things we do see are either too functional or too good-looking, ending up sacrificing one for the other. But here we have Nanamica's Gore-Tex Duffle Coat. It's water-proof, reasonably priced and looks way too chic for my own good. Check out the nice little details and the awesome effect these tiny niceties do for a discreet, off-white coat. Brilliant work here. 

Jamie Dornan for ZARA Spring 2011 @ DesignScene

>>> JAMIE & ZARA 

Jamie Dornan, a Calvin Klein vet goes dressing for famous Spanish brand ZARA, in pure, almost super bare looks off the Spring 2011 collection. The moody photography, reminiscent of Sean O'pry's Fall 2010 campaign do great justice for clothes that are classic and superbly stylish. A wrinkled white button-down, light-colored motor cycle jacket, one-button navy blazer, 50s-esque fitted shirt and this one pop of red orange on a swell rain coat are just a few of ZARA's Spring 2011 offerings and from here, it looks timeless.

Adidas ZX 800 DB @ HighSnobiety

>>> KICKS BY BECKHAM, BOND & ADIDAS

Seriously loving this new Adidas Originals coming out soon. It's a handsome collaboration between James Bond (not the movie) and soccer superstar David Beckham both of whom have reimagined the late 80s Adidas runner into a savvy, super cool and completely relevant pair of kicks. Although there are two colorways available, this cream, black, white and red combination's a fresh take on really popular 80s colors and I think this looks perfect with the Nanamica duffle coat up top, a plain white tee and light washed jeans.

Garrett Neff for Gant Spring 2011 @ MaleModelScene

>>> DOUBLE G

Make it a triple: It's me (Gerard), my favorite supermodel Garrett Neff and the fantastic, surfing cool of Gant's Spring 2011 all for this one portion of Starter. It's a pleasure to see (another) famed Calvin Klein body (and face) Garrett Neff working the sure-hit duds at Gant, all such colorful, American and cheery chic pieces that embody a beach-side lifestyle. We've been having our eyes on Gant for some time now and this campaign's proof that we just might be looking at an up-and-coming Ralph Lauren. 

Linde Werdelin SpidoSpeed Chronograph @ Swipelife

>>> SKELETONIZED ELEGANCE

I'm no watch expert here and after reading the review of SwipeLife for Linde Werdelin's latest offering, the SpidoSpeed Chronograph, the word "skeletonized" just bothered me. But as you can see, you really don't have to be much of an expert to realize that what it means is (most probably) this seemingly unfinished, bare look of the watch. It's not as done up, or as this whole context goes, not dressed in fancy meat like say a face made out of this or a frame made out of that, but it's exactly the point. It manages an elegant, industrial rawness that in fact looks and feels fresh from all of what we've been seeing lately in the market. Click on SwipeLife's hyperlink and check out for yourself the other details about the timepiece.

Shot by Gordon Von Steiner @ GQ

>>> TOKYO STYLE

You should know that the fashion world's lenses have been deeply focused on Asia...models, designers, the works. And if you're a little tired of those way too elegant men up in Europe on your favorite street style blogs, Gordon Von Steiner's portfolio for GQ takes us to the streets of Tokyo, where the cool, young and seriously fresh looks of Japanese men make like some tiny bit of wasabe: much needed, truly refreshing and pretty inspiring. 

-Gerard

THE CAMPAIGN:

PRADA Spring 2011

The stunning Mr. Chabernaud for Prada

Maybe Prada's Menswear Fall 2011 collection didn't win me over for a review (which doesn't take away from the great talent of Miuccia Prada) but what's winning me over is their Spring 2011 campaign. Fall's was moody, all jazzy and themed, and this season they go straight-to-the-point by doing it clean and all handsomely pristine. Prada boys never looked this good as the headliners show: Clement Chabernaud, Harry Goodwins, Julius Gerhardt and Kim Dall Armi are amazing, handsome faces. It's also the bright, sophisticated colors that pop out of the super bale blue and white combination of backdrops that keep this campaign fresh and vibrant without ever looking so juvenille or forced.

To Prada, this one is definitely one of the finest campaigns 

-Gerard 

THE STARTER:

STYLE.GROOMING.PEOPLE & MORE

Welcome the new year with a fresh, brand-new formula, as THE STARTER guides you through a shortlist of things, styles, people and ideas worth the first month of 2011.

Down South appeal @ Billy Reid

>>> Southern Charm

The picture is of Mark Twain's most loved characters: Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Those two, at an age of sophistication after much exposure to modern style manuals and having an experience of real life work, breeds Billy Reid's charming Southern chic Spring 2011 collection of loose trousers, denim pieces and a color palette so rich, buttery and light it'll jump start your New Year with bolt of young and vibrant energy. Pick up the style or at least find inspiration in the well-curated collection, one that's truly Southern yet superbly handsome in appeal the world over. 

Go for the weave from GQ

>>> Doing The Weave

A few more months and Spring's sunny, cool breeze will be sweeping the cities yet again. Trade in those elegant croc skin belts for one that's just as perfect: braided, woven belts by designers we all love. Wear them with light colored jeans and this season's favorite pairs of soft Popsicle hued Chinos, for that ideal spring/summery look.

The secret from FinerCut

>>> The Block

Wherever you are, the face of the planet is much exposed to the sun's rays, sometimes good for you, often times quite the opposite. That's why they tell you never to stay too long out after a certain time. Proven to keep skin healthier, not to mention younger, a good protection from its rays does everyone great...yes, even during winter times. Get yourself a bottle of Jack Black's Oil-Free Sun Guard, one that feels so light it's almost not there...But surely, it delivers heavily.

Brando going for a Hamilton from ValetMag

>>> Tireless Time (or Style)

By now everybody's understand the difference between having the now and having timeless style. Marlon Brando's quiet accessory of choice---like most of his contemporaries, is made in America Hamilton watch from the early 60s. ValetMag's Cory Ohlendorf goes for a time piece immune from tirelessness and you know exactly why.

Getting over the holiday booze from DETAILS

>>> The Rinse

A hangover is one tough act to follow. Thank God there's a simple solution to what seems like a burden of drugstore goodies. Check out DETAILS' quick, easy rinse of sorts from all that booze: half-glass of apple juice plus half more of water and a pinch of sea-salt.

High-Tops by Gucci from HighSnobiety

>>> Italian Kicks

Gucci's notorious for combining street style with the high elegance of Italian aesthetics and where else would we find an awesome pair that mends both the low and the high than from the famous luxury label? Gucci's deep chocolate high-tops trimmed with leather laces, their house colors and the tiny preview of its signature inter-locked "G"'s from the ankles makes for a swell option for Spring. 

Aqua dreams of Hugo Boss from DesignScene

>>> Sea-side Romance

Two of this season's most valuable faces, the smoldering Ms. Abbey Lee Kershaw and the old-school charmer Mr. Ben Hill team up for a beach-side affair in aqua dressed by and for Hugo Boss's Spring 2011 Campaign. This has spring and summer written all over it and the colors plus these two beautiful people's faces make it all the more an arresting campaign.

The elegant, industrial choice from Selectism

>>> Clean, Elegant Laundry

Dandux gives you its cool, industrial style laundry carts made out of fine materials such as "rugged steel and heavy-duty canvas". Tire of those plastic baskets that you tote around and go for something more with a vintage-appeal and at the same time perfect functionality. It's about time you start putting your place (and your laundry of course) into better shape.

-Gerard

THE CAMPAIGN:

GIORGIO ARMANI GALAXY

photographed by Richard Burbridge

Ben Hill is quite the stunner for GIORGIO ARMANI and SAMSUNG's tie-up for the Armani Galaxy. I believe it's Hill's well-proportioned features, the grit of a black and white photograph and the elegant and sleek phone that makes this such an amazing campaign.

If the GALAXY really has that high-quality of a screen (which I know it does), then count me in...

-Gerard

THE CAMPAIGN

ADIDAS SLVR Spring 2011

Shot by Karim Sadli

Clement Chabernaud has been doing the most important campaign rounds this season and if his number 8 spot on the models.com rank won't move, I don't know what would make it move. For Adidas' Slvr Spring 2011, they commission Chabernaud to achieve that clean and moody aesthetic that handsomely suits the clothes of Adidas Slvr.

-Gerard

CAMPAIGN MAN:

BEN HILL for RAMSEY FALL 2010

Suiting up in Ramsey with Ben Hill

The go to guy for an All-American, old world elegance is the stunning Mr. Ben Hill.

And that's exactly the choice of Turkish brand, Ramsey. For Fall 2010 it's all about classic tailoring and sleek suits and who better pull it off than Ben Hill himself.

Great clothes worn by a great model equals a great Fall campaign.

-Gerard

CAMPAIGN MAN + WOMAN:

CHRIS EVANS & EVAN RACHEL WOOD

The sure fire way to sex up a campaign (especially for a fragrance) is to book two of Hollywood's sexiest men and women. The stunning Evan Rachel Wood is Gucci Guilty's face and---in most of the campaigns----kissing her is Captain America himself, Mr. Chris Evans.

If they would design Gucci Guilty for Men, then it'd be the other way around: Evan kissing Evans, I'd say.

Such a beautiful advert.

source: Design Scene

-Gerard

CAMPAIGN MAN:

SEAN O'PRY for ZARA

And it still bothers me how he's not number one.

Sean O'pry, the man with the face does it up it in true sober style for ZARA's Fall 2010 campaigns. If you haven't heard the news that 2010 is almost all about melancholic elegance and rugged style, then take your cue from ZARA.

The best photos of Sean are the ones with the deep red backdrops and photos in black and white. With his disheveled hair and unshaven look, it's probably one of those few high-street campaigns that you pay way too many glances at. But don't forget the clothes...they too deserve as much admiration as the model wearing them.

source: Design Scene

-Gerard

CAMPAIGN MAN:

DAMIEN NUNES FOR BANANA REPLUBLIC

There's something refreshing---quite trendy too lately---seeing people who go behind-the-scenes for such glossy magazines like GQ, in front of the camera. Fashion editors have been adding "models" to their resume, for a lot of them had been photographed for campaigns. Joining the ranks of the those who play model-editor is GQ's very own Damien Nunes, who confesses that posing for the camera is a strange and awkward feeling. Well, it doesn't show...at least in my opinion. Check out more of Banana Republic's realistic campaign on GQ.

-Gerard

CAMPAIGN MAN + GET EDGE:

GABRIEL AUBRY & LOUIS VUITTON BAG

Campaign season is in full swing and there has been no other one out there that made me feel thirsty than this Fall 2010 advert of Louis Vuitton.

Gabriel Aubry reprises his role as LV man for the 2010 campaigns and this time, a stunningly handsome bag goes along with him.

I feel ashamed that I know so little about Louis Vuitton bag names, but this messenger (if that's what it really is) is just teasing all my senses---yes, it's talking to me and I like the way it sounds.

Anyone, please help me out. What is this Louis Vuitton bag? It's the best-looking I've seen in ages.

source: models.com

-Gerard