CHRISTMAS CHARMER: Your awesome boss will appreciate this gift, especially when he or she's madly fueled by caffeine. Those freshly roasted beans will get its proper grinding and wear better taste with something like Red Rooster's coffee mill. This one checks out all the boxes required for a great coffee-drinking experience, from the materials used, the look, not to mention a big, big chance of being awesomely promoted.
THE DANDY ESSENTIAL: English-made Albam turns Japanese clothes into pocket squares that are now, obviously, objects of desire by all dandies out there. Available in three designs, these tiny wonders give a touch of elegance and quirk to any plain old navy DB or one-button suit. While you're thinking of your best dandy bud, might as well buy yourself one.
>>> FOR THE LITTLE BOY: LEGO Volkswagen T1 Camper Van
TIME-CONSUMING BUT DEFINITELY ALL-REWARDING GIFT: Sure, it may consume lots of your time and it's no joke of a price ($100+), but there is nothing more rewarding for a kid than to build a Volkswagen T1 Camper out of specially-designed Lego pieces. It's more than just a toy, but actually a tedious yet fun lesson in patience, hardwork and assembling things together. Major sales talk aside and simply put, I'd love to have this for Christmas had I been ten years younger.
What's for October gents that's worth 31 days of your pure satisfaction? Definitely not just Halloween. There's Eugene O' Neill, Paul Smith, the new fresh scent to drown in and whole lots more. Here's everything you need to start your October with.
Spring 2012 must haves, from Dries Van Noten @ Hypebeast
The folks up at HYPEBEAST are angels...Credit goes to them for showing a preview of one of my favorite Spring 2012 collections from Paris. Dries Van Noten's utilitarian cool pieces are well-photographed here and they definitely will be selling off their shelves and tables real soon. Check out more of the items available on the Hypebeast link above and check out what I'll be doing for these goodies on Salt.
One of the most stylish, memorable rockstars out there Mick Jagger
We're doing an American Tribute even when it's way past Independence Day. The Land of the Free deserves much recognition, and that's exactly what's starting this month on THE EDGE's STARTER + WEEKEND.
From surfing essentials to Europe's nod to America to the Stone we're eyeing to Mick Jagger to a British cowboy on Esquire, we're traveling around the world (almost) for this one.
>>> ICON: Mick Jagger
Not only is he the father of super gorgeous Georgia May Jagger, lead of The Rolling Stones, a style God, music legend, he's also this generation's favorite namedrop (check out Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera's Moves Like Jagger and that other---I'm so sorry, annoying, song).
After unearthing my first and last copy of Man About Town, 7th issue from last year's Fall/Winter, I realized that the British read's got lots of surfing and Americana featured in the issue. One of which that I really liked was this book Surf & Sea by John M. Kelly Jr. Surfing genius, John M Kelly Jr. is---mostly, the subject of this 4 decade old read. Purchase a copy to learn more about the surfing scene during those times and also get a peak inside the life and times of the inventor of the hydroplane surfboard and all over Renaissance man. I'm not even a surfer but I'm rubbing my chin, thinking of getting myself a copy.
>>> STORE/STYLE: Saturdays
That wall is mine. Suddenly, I'm glad Manila's got hot weather Saturdays by DJORDYTHINKSTHISISCOOL
GQ grants New York's Saturdays a spot on the magazine's much favorable page GQ Endorses. Called "the coolest store in America right now" Saturdays is stocked with all the best finds a surfing dude (or dudette I guess) would need, from trunks to sneakers to those oh-so-cool tee shirts to surfboards in multiple hues to beach soaps, all of which are most probably touched by Saturdays. They even sell coffee. Beat that.
>>> MUSIC: The Beach Boys' All Summer Long
You're classic, best bet for a summer soundtrack, with or without a trip to the beach
The Beach Boys will always be an American musical treasure and this 1964 record's a keeper especially this summer time. Not only does it have such an inspiring and stylish jacket, the tracks are groovy, energetic and signature Beach Boys. Go road tripping to Do You Remember & Little Honda, go dancing and surfing to their famous I Get Around or better yet just drown in these beats on your iPods from start to finish.
When American staples get an Italian fix, it's bound to be a sure hit (for example Renato Carosone's Tu Vuo Fa' L'Americano). In this story featuring prints in microscopic cool, double-breasted suits to two-button jackets range from pale lilacs to dove gray hues Italian GQ's Microfantasie teaches you a thing or two about putting together a look this sophisticated and neat. There's an American element in it, the glasses, the blonde hair, it almost reminds you of Matt Damon on The Talented Mr. Ripley and then there's the obvious Italian tweaks on the spot-on styling and the pieces and what you get is an intercontinental fair of nothing but pure handsome style.
>>> WOMAN: Emma Stone
Set to star in a multitude of hits in the coming months---including the new Spider-Man, funny woman and beautiful bombshell Emma Stone is Vanity Fair's cover star for August 2011. Watch the video and you'll realize that despite her Easy A simplicity, there is something dangerous about her that I love. Oh, and to those saying she's the new Lindsay Lohan, what the hell?!
GQ's July 2011 issue has a round-up of the finest eateries in San Francisco. From the 10 Dishes Not To Miss (which includes Warm Egg Custard at Mission Chinese Food, Young Carrots at Plum, Eel, Feuille de Brick, Creme Fraiche, Lime at Benu and the delectable Foie Gras Bonbon at Commonwealth) to five of San Francisco's got-to-try places. Now the photos will get you starving, so I advise you to fill up before flipping the pages, just so you won't feel that bad.
>>> GEAR/STYLE: WASTE(TWICE) x MOUNTAIN SMITH LUGGAGE
Japan's Waste(Twice) and America's Mountainsmith = cool, cool backpack @HighSnobiety
While great outdoor activities enjoy massive global appeal, it is, for me, a truly American past time. So what better way to explore the wilderness than get straight-up backpacking in this collaborative masterpiece? Japan's Waste(Twice) and America's Mountainsmith concocted a line of superb nylon/leather backpacks and waist bags that come in awesome colors: hyped-up blue and yellow, sporty red and black or classic black and brown. Stitched to stand the demands of any kind of outdoors adventure, these kids should definitely be on your list must-haves.
>>> READ/MAN: Daniel Craig on Esquire
The British Cowboy who'll be battling aliens real soon, Daniel Craig on Esquire August 2011
Isn't it fascinating that Cowboys VS. Alien's Cowboy is Mr. Bond? A Brit? The trailer looks awesome---a little weird though, cause, you know, it seems like the movie's a little bit too ambitious, but whatever, and whatever Daniel Craig does seems cool. This man, for me, is the epitome is macho cool, a modern day Steve McQueen. For August 2011, Esquire gets my vote for best magazine cover of the month. The "unfinished" look on it and the blues and browns definitely's got me itching for a copy. And of course, Daniel Craig is one of my favorite bad boys in Hollywood (including Clive Owen) so this issue ought to be a steal for me. Check out the issue the moment it hits newsstands and read up on Craig's interview, IF you get past the swearing.
PEOPLE. MUSIC. ICONS. STYLE. READS. & MORE. THE EDGE @ 3
THE EDGE is getting you summer/rainy-season (and everything else in between) ready this month and surely, it's a fantastic line-up of things to purchase, love and treasure for a long, long, long time.
And since this is the EDGE's third year, this will be a well-packed starter for sure.
>>> ICON of the MONTH: BJORN BORG
Barely recognizable? I don't think so. Happy Birthday Mr. Bjorn Borg
I've only encountered the name "Bjorn Borg" the moment GQ celebrated the world's greatest athletes for their February 2011 issue. And for the same month, I got assigned to write about the tennis star's style for ROGUE magazine's first sports issue for April 2011. The man definitely's got some style: Fila shirts, the blonde wavy mane, the awesome tennis shorts and most of all, the champion-of-a-spirit on court that you could emulate off it. June 6, he celebrates his birthday and this is my tribute to the tennis superstar who changed the face of style through tennis. His best quote: My greatest point is my persistence. I never give up in a match. However down I am, I fight until the last ball.
I love my Sebagos, but these kicks are beyond lovable. The cream, almost delicious outside makes for an already awesome pair to wear your chinos and jeans with, but the moment you take them off, the red and blue soles add more punch, character and an unexpected twist of chic to your arsenal of shoes. I just hope they have more colorways to choose from. Right?
>>> LISTEN/WATCH THIS: MONSTER
Kanye West's latest hit, Monster, is an awesome sound trip all in itself. Imagine the amount of talent and star power he gathers (aside from his own) for this track with Bon Iver doing vocals, Nicki Minaj rapping, Rick Ross and Young Hova/Jay-Z chanting about his "Achilles heel". I've only learned of the track hours ago and saw the video on Kanye's website. Both song and video achieve this stylish and addictive effect that'll surely keep your ears plugged for at least about ten times a day. Check out the sexy, dark and subtly demented early, early Halloween treat courtesy of Kanye West.
Technology saves us again. Presenting Humanscale's Zon Air Purifier, a sleek, clean-looking device that does the (really) dirty work for you and your air. Cleans 99% of the air and allows you a cool and breathable environment near your desk, inside your room or just about anywhere that you'd be sitting still for quite some time. Check out what else this awesome thing does for you at Core77.
Men now are pretty smart when it comes to clothes and Aloha Rag's got the smart solutions for them. Sold at stores such as Joan Shepp, Boon The Shop in Korea, A'Maree's and of course Aloha Rag, the collection for Fall this year boasts amazing craftsmanship thanks to the label's choice of producing everything in Japan, from the handsome cardigans down to the jeans. Designed in New York, the clothes wear a much coveted style and at the same time, a signature of the better looks of our times: timeless, sensible, cool and clean.
>>> GO ARTSY: I DRAW CARS
I Draw Cars by Adam Hubers and Matt Marrocco @ Core77
As I kid I did try my hand at drawing cars, but I was better off drawing people. Well, if you want to try your hand at illustrating those wheels of your dreams, here's a great start to work with: I Draw Cars by Adam Hubuers and Matt Marrocco. Aside from the really serious and chic cover, and the promise of knowing how to draw a handsome Mercedez, there are more things inside that'll put a smile on your face, like auto show dates and locations, reference materials and 100 something pages of templates to practice your talent with. Get drawing now.
I'm not much of a techie, so the specs of this one will escape me and I'll probably never give these goodies enough justice. But I'm sure that while it's easy on the eyes and heavy for the wallet, Bowers & Wilkins' P5 is not just another pretty thing. It functions just as good as it looks and while the rest of the world settle for double digit cans, if you could afford a P5, go get yourself one, I'm sure it'll be an incredible purchase.
If shopping for dad is a burden, Valet lets you in on a guide. From awesome sweaters to retro cool sunglasses, Urbanears headphones, an oldschool comb and just about everything else that would do a grown man good, Valet makes father's day shopping tons easier for you. And while you're at it, you might pick one for yourself if you're a father as well.
In a sea of normal-sized magazines here in the Philippines, I admit that it'll be hard for you to spot the book-sized Vault magazine. But when you're just like me who treats the stands like its research, landing upon the tiny, humble yet incredibly inviting Vault magazine you'll know you've landed a new drug. The cover itself is a testament to how the publication is: simple, straight-forward and sophisticated in delivering the very best of luxury. Like its editor-in-chief, David Celdran, says, luxury for Vault is art and you'll get just that. From the history of Mercedez Benz cars to knowing what kind of watch Kenneth Cobonpue loves, this is really more of a book than a magazine. Go start flipping its pages and learn all about the hardwork, passion and dedication that goes behind those pretty little (and big) expensive things.
From the right kind of haircut, to the finest facial stuff you'd apply for this summer, GQ makes sure you're well equipped and ready for the heat. Click on the link above and start doing your list of things to buy. Mugler's Eau De Toilette is part of that list, a scent you'll gladly wear through the sunny days and just as GQ instructs, don't ever cloud with this one.
Street style blogs sorta trained us to just look at people instead of know them. If you haven't seen Backyard Bill, then you'd totally agree. Backyard Bill's blog is an interesting read featuring photos of familiar faces and fashion industry mainstays with their name, their zodiac sign, their style icons and their addresses. It doesn't just satiate your visuals, but it also feeds your mind thanks to the short profiles, which allows the subjects a little more personality than just simple style . Keep yourself posted on Backyard Bill, maybe your favorite personality'd be featured next.
Designed and owned by Paul Trible and Paul Watson, these two Southerners have churned out the most elegant, simple and classic of button down shirts inspired by English shirting. Made out of excellent quality and designed to fit as handsomely as a crisp shirt should, I highly recommend you start getting one now and wear them 'till you couldn't wear them anymore.
Torpedo's 8 piece screwdriver set @ Kikkerland via Selectism
Put some color and cool into your arsenal of tools with Torpedo's 8 piece screwdriver set. Pick it up at Kikkerland and enjoy your money's worth with these handsomely cased screwdrivers. "8 micro phillips and flathead screwdrivers" are kept inside a shaft. It allows for "super grip", which I assume translates to usability guaranteed and the colors---which kinda remind you of masculine Crayola crayons, are pretty awesome for both using and displaying. Get your set now.
Fresh. Clean. Crisp: Polo Ralph Lauren Boat shoes, Yves Saint Laurent holdall, Richard James blazer & Ray-Ban Sunglasses
@ Mr. Porter
A.P.C. Sweater & blazer, Polo Ralph Lauren polo shirt & Cutler & Gros sunglasses
On a bad day, my trip online usually involves Mr. Porter. I guess this is what they call Retail Therapy, only thing is I haven't purchased anything (yet) online. It's a shame, I know. Soon though...
To the Mr. Porter team and owner, you guys must've been kissed by angels.
So anyway, I go to Mr. Porter just to keep me happy and ogling at all the beautiful things money could buy makes me feel safe and calm. Their Travel Essentials is no exception.
Featuring the best items you could bring to your travels and the most delicious pieces off their designers' collections, such as Polo Ralph Lauren classics, A.P.C. striped shirts, sleek trousers that are tailored by Roland Mouret for Mr., Gucci sunglasses and more, will cause your greedy, stylish heart some major heartburn.
And just to make the viewing a more pleasurable and meaningful experience, the styling is exquisite: no non-sense but definitely beautiful. The quotes from the different authors and personalities (like my favorite. Mr. Kerouac) also add depth and sentiment to the looks. I find it a nice, literary touch really and since this is what I love doing this effort translates to art for me. I mean, this could pass for an exhibit and it's amazing. Styled and curated for the traveler in each one of us, gents this masterpiece by Mr. Porter will keep you awake and itching for a plane ride to wherever in the world.
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.
The backcase of the Mars Explorer:
Just one of Iguzzini's cool signatures
In the age when having things made in small quantities for the knowing few, strikes as a selfish philosophy to some, watch company IGUZZINI proves, doing impeccable time pieces for the few has more heart in it than snob.
In an exclusive look into the company by THE EDGE, CUTTING the EDGE is honored to bring you Iguzzini watches' inspiring story of charity and quality, something so rare and important that the world ought to know.
HISTORY
Iguzzini's story is the stuff East-meets-West tales talk about, things that Ermenigeldo Zegna for this season (menswear) has highlighted and also those thick, dusty textbooks we leaf through for school that prove all so romantic. The Western, hearing of exotic, far-off places and the promise of wealth, comes in the form of Italian entrepreneur Federico Iguzzini, who ventures off into Asia, landing at the developing Shanghai city, to start his own watch company.
In 1903 he started assembling the finest watches for the Eastern elite and would continue doing so for nearly four decades. Due to Asian historical turmoils such as the Sino-Japanese conflict and the closing of China from the world, Iguzzini's watches had to shut down. Despite his search for relocation, Iguzzini would have failed at his attempts since death had loomed near.
THE PRESENT
Centuries after, brothers Lander and Stephane Michel decided the company was worth the resurrection. Not only were they touched by the story of Iguzzini, since they were sons of the world, but they believed bringing in this time and age high-quality time pieces that manage to balance both luxury and charity was an honorable obligation to everyone.
Spearheaded by the Michel brothers, Iguzzini watches are back with lines that celebrate stories of the world and of human life and heritage. They produce only a limited number of items and are distributed to select retail stores. But what's most moving---if you will, about the second life of Iguzzini watches is just how much heart they put into it. Sure these pieces are assembled with utmost care and materials are sourced only from the finest points of the globe, but also a handsome portion of the profit are donated to various charities spread about in different places. One of which is found here, in the Philippines. The Michel brothers have spent years of their lives here in the Philippines which is why the very controversial watch Independencia de Filipinas was inspired by a national hero, Jose Rizal and also has such deep history engraved with it.
To borrow from the company's background, their goal is to "create products meant to inspire" and at the same time educate their patrons of the different depressing issues our world is suffering today. Their chic, brilliant and novel designs are not just works of art, but of the drive to help alleviate the troubles of poverty where poverty is heavy.
All their lines are just as blessed with story and the past, culture and how it affects the present and most definitely telling of the times to come...
THE WATCHES
As Iguzzini continues to "Change the World Through Time", here on THE EDGE, I am thankful to have access to information and photos from the company itself to share with you readers what they offer now and hopefully, inspire you to start changing the world along with them...
India Explorer's back case
India Explorer's Front
Old Shanghai Explorer's back case
The CIVILIZATION line tells the story of some of the world's most famous civilizations, celebrating their cultures by way of using their characters for the dial and recognizable iconic figures and places for their beautiful back cases.
Lunar Explorer Chronograph
My second favorite back case after the Mars Explorer Chronograph's
The SPACE EXPLORERS is personally, the most handsome of the collections. The sleek black strap, thick and masculine is the perfect partner for the silver lug and band end piece and the very complex dial and watch face. But the back case is incredibly framed with beautiful, almost haunting shots of Mars and the Moon. The value of this one will puncture the ceiling since Iguzzini's only made 30 pieces of the model. One stellar investment for sure.
The engraved side of the Grand Bleu Dive Watch
Grand Bleu Dive Watch
This stunner, is one of Iguzzini's most promising...Meet the GRAND BLEU DIVE watch. Also made in a quaint number of 30, the Grand Blue Diver's Watch could plunge and stay water resistant to 2000m...And that's one of the farthest, deepest a watch could go. Expectations will sky-rocket with this one, since it's a new model and THE EDGE is one of the few whose privileged to learn of this. Also available in a younger, orange face.
Independencia de Filipinas watch
A lesson in Philippine History: the first flag of the Philippines on the case-back
The watch's beautiful box
The complete Mi Ultimo Adios on the box's inner lid
The much talked about Philippine watch or more specifically, the INDEPENDENCIA de FILIPINAS watch retails for $6,000, a portion of which goes to ERDA Foundation here in the Philippines. This watch has so much to offer both Filipinos and foreigners. Stephane Michel, who was responsible for the genius design of this timepiece, felt it best to honor the Philippines (which he called home once in his life) with a watch that celebrates one of our history's most pivotal moments: the fight for the country's Independence. National hero Jose Rizal's perennial first three stanzas of Mi Ultimo Adios--- a poem written by Rizal just hours before his execution, is microprinted on a papyrus-colored background as the watch's dial. Eight important provinces which ignited the battle for freedom word the inner rim of the watch, including Tarlac, Cavite and Laguna. Superb quality flows even unto the genuine crocodile strap that comes in custom colors. An automatic watch made of Swiss materials, this piece is housed inside an elegant box that comes with an extra strap and a magnifying glass that enables one to read the poem on the face of the watch and also the complete work on the box's inner lid. There's style to consider most definitely, since this one fits heroic status that parallels with the story it comes with. The history, inspiration and love Stephane Michel has poured unto this timepiece is a noble work, and what's incredibly amazing about this watch is just how much knowledge of Philippine history (Michel knows) it could educate foreigners and Filipinos alike.
Much gratitude, I owe to Sophie Leroy of Iguzzini Watches for giving me the exclusive information and photos of the company, ROGUE magazine for picking this story up and that first Iguzzini person who spotted my short mention of their watches.
