THE WEEKEND:

(HOLIDAY) SPECIAL

15 GIFT IDEAS

15 Days 'till Christmas and THE EDGE brings you a special WEEKEND: 15 things to give, get and go with for the Holidays. 

For you, her, him, them and everyone else THE EDGE gentleman cares for. 

Let's get shoppin' gents!

>>> FOR THE COOL BOSS: Red Rooster Coffee Mill

Red Rooster's charming Coffee Mill @ Selectism

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.

>>> FOR THE DANDY: Albam Pocket Squares

More designs here @ Swipelife

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. 

THE WEEKEND:

STYLE. READS. WATCH & MORE

Weekends ought to be relaxing and to an extent, comparable to a cool shower that'll jumpstart a bright day. For this weekend, we're giving you just that: a shortlist of everything inspiring, from people profiles to the perfect Holiday shopping list, we've got you covered.

Welcome to THE WEEKEND gents, enjoy!

>>> Kick with the collab: Converse + Tenue de Nimes Indigo Chuck Taylor All Stars

This week's coolest kicks @HighSnobiety

WHAT'S THE HYPE? Three big countries worked on this one and the result is pure genius. Presenting the American classic, re-imagined by Amsterdam's Tenue de Nimes for the store's 3rd year anniversary. 50 pairs dyed by Japanese denim label, Momotaro and the Rampuya dyeing factory gave Converse's Chuck Taylor All-Stars a much covetable coat. Its "verging-on-the-beaten-up" look is actually quite simple, which makes the collaboration an instant hit. If this doesn't seal the deal yet, you'd be pleased to know that they're all hand-dyed and hand-numbered, just the way you like it. Selling starts today!

>>> The Distinct Series: Taylor Pemberton for The Men of Distinction Series by The Motley

.

WHY IT MATTERS: Men's Grooming specialist, The Motley has come up with short video profiles of distinct men who are considered movers and shakers of various industries in America and for this one, they present Designer and Creative Director, Taylor Pemberton. Pemberton is the man behind Cavaliler and Wantful, and he's just one among the many distinct men they've featured, who are all gutsy and brilliant enough to be men apart. Be inspired and check out what stories they have to share, all here. 

>>> Blog of the Week: The Book Cover Archive

They sure look great @TheBookCoverArchive

WE'RE JUDGING A BOOK BY ITS COVER? Actually it's more of appreciating a book for its cover. This is the cyber destination for bookies and design enthusiasts alike, for here is a stunning collection of the world's sleekest and most awesomely designed book covers all worth a space in a museum. From genius text-only designs to images that hold---most definitely, the key to understanding the book's story, this is a dream come true for people like me who'd not only love to write one someday, but also cause I simply love books. Drop by The Book Cover Archive and watch time fly by fast...Don't worry, it just might inspire you to pick up a new read for the week.

>>> The Want: DETAILS' Holiday Gift Guide

The coolest things you'd want this Holiday season, all courtesy of @DETAILS

WHY ARE WANTING THEM? From Prada's handsome headset down to a Rimowa suitcase filled to the brim with this season's finest sweaters, DETAILS magazine's December 2011 issue features 38 gifts for everyone that'll excite, delight and, for some of us, cry from all the pricey goodness. Well, it's best to check it out while we're weeks away from Christmas, cause you wouldn't want to be breaking down cause you just don't have anything. 

- Gerard

THE READER:

DETAILS 
JEREMY RENNER, December 2012

"...I'd rather just not be popular" Jeremy Renner.
Click to see more photos plus, him breaking through glass DETAILS magazine

Seems quite the trend lately, giving much older men (and probably women too) the spotlight and it ain't so bad. Jeremy Renner, the Hurt Locker lead, Mission: Impossible--Ghost Protocol, The Avengers & The Bourne Legacy starring actor is now a bona fide movie star, who may be the biggest action star revelation we're seeing. 

For DETAILS December 2011-January 2012 issue, Renner covers the issue and looks stunning on the magazine's all gray cover. His profile, written by Adam Sachs, leads you into the world of the 40-year old actor and all the stories of his making-it-in-to-Hollywood. Check out why I'm placing lots of money on this one and what he says about Shia LaBeouf's Transformers gig.

- Gerard

THE WEEKEND:

MUSIC. STYLE. READS & MORE.


Get yourself studied on the "What matters" this weekend. From new tracks to download, styles to learn, reads to flip through and whole lots more, here's your shortlist guide to THE WEEKEND!


>>> Put on loop: Onra's Chinoiseries Pt. 2

BUT WHY?: Onra, the Paris-based hip hop beatmaker is a notorious man I'm glad to name drop once asked for song suggestions. No expert in music, but this one's got the best beats for all those occasions (parties, casual dinners, pounding the pavement and more). His sound, in general makes the word "swagger" an incredibly over-rated term with music that captures a certain cool you'd probably fail to understand. Hence we all settle with "Damn Onra's just soo cool."

No Matter What has put in my head a vision of a Dries Van Noten menswear collection and a 2 minute fashion show. It's that kind of cool. Genius.

He's an artist, I believe and I'm a fan. Chinoiseries Pt. 2 is, for me, a better series than his first one, just cause here he sounds tighter. I've included this exact song for my Salt Sunday Sounds and it's possibly the "sickest" I've heard in ages. 

OTHER TRACKS: Aside from this runway-ready track, Ms. Ho will remind you of a country song mixed in with lots of Chinese instruments that'll mellow down into just pure awesomeness. Warrior's Pride is another track to reserve patience for, as the build up, 20-30 seconds into the song, leads into a steady, head-bopping beat.

THE STARTER:

NOVEMBER 2011

ICON. WOMAN. GEAR. MUSIC. READS & MORE.

We're this close to ending 2011, but the great stuff just still keep on coming. Welcome November, gents with THE EDGE's STARTER.

>>> ICON: Leonardo DiCaprio

WHY HE'S LEGENDARY: Famous for movies that challenge the ordinary movie-goer's expectations, this actor is one of our greats: Leonardo DiCaprio has shown that having staying power, pure talent and taking acting seriously could get you to legendary heights. Never one to top bill a snooze of a film and DiCaprio has maintained---if not improved, a career that stands firmly on a true understanding of the art of acting. 

WORDS TO LIVE BY: I was always the kid in school who tried to get attention, not necessarily the class clown, but I'd do little unexpected performances.

>>> GEAR: TRIUMPH  + STEVE McQUEEN MOTORCYCLE

The Steve McQueen edition @Selectism

WHY IT'S HOT: The Great Escape did influence today's culture, at least in the style department what with Steve McQueen looking all rugged and cool in his awesome antics in the 1963 film. Triumph takes its inspiration from the "German military BMW" that McQueen used for the movie, giving the Steve McQueen edition an awesome military green matte touch. I'm no expert in bikes (you could definitely tell), but this one looks most handsome I tell you from the others I've seen. The namesake also gives it an added muscle of a personality...1,100 units will be created and you better get yourself one soon.

THE SANDWICH:

READS. STYLE. PEOPLE. & ART.


GQ's "wait for it, it's gonna be...legendary" cover,  boots worth the hike, a bag I'm dreaming of as we speak and the art exhibit you'll want to visit.


The mid-week sandwich you'd gladly take a bite out of. Welcome to The Sandwich gents!


+ GQ hosts a musical of Survivors

The face, voice and the words of a generation.
Eminem for GQ November 2011

The November 2011 issue of GQ just might be my favorite of all time. While I'm still loving the October issue, hours ago GQ finally released its impressive portfolio of musical geniuses. From Eminem to Debbie Harry, Brandon Flowers to Erykah Badu, Lil Wayne to Keith Richards, their Entertainment issue of Vanity Fair proportions has successfully profiled a whopping 38 artists, all heavy hitters and names in the music industry. Read and brush up on some pop and music culture and history with this issue and ask yourself, why they're called The Survivors. Keep checking out their website as well to watch, read and listen to their interviews. But your best bet is to grab the copy. And did I mention how the cover is awesome?! Yes! It's fucking awesome. Definitely a book and a must-read for GQ, music and magazine fans.

+ The finest wash bag there is...by Mulberry

Mulberry's Large Leather Wash Bag @finercut

My wash bag is a pretty Ralph Lauren one, a charming hand-me-down from my late stylish grandfather. If he handed me this done, I'd freak out. Not that my Ralph Lauren looks like trash (in fact, it's one of the prettiest things I've sene), but this Mulberry leather wash bag is just insanely chic. Their Scotchgrain luggage collection offers you this baby, made of fine leather in cognac and trimmed with a lighter brown strap. Divine is an understatement, fine as well. Had anyone given this to me as a present, I'd never take it out of its box. Too good to be a "wash bag". It's that beautiful. 

+ Inside birds' houses. Art by Lori Blados

Bedroom by Lori Blados @ Curated

Training in college always told us never to say "it's cute" after seeing an artwork. It's rude, it's shallow and most of all, no one should say things are cute. Well, that last part, you could save for other things, just not art. HOWEVER, when I saw the paintings by Lori Blados, it was the first thing that popped in my mind: "Oh how cute, birds have their own human-like houses." Now, I'm punching myself for that. Lori Blados' exhibition runs from September 30 to October 28 in Connecticut at Diane Birdsall gallery, featuring birds that are looking into bird houses that have human elements in them. Trippy to some of us, but it tells you something about reality and how, possibly, there could be other forms of reality we are all unaware of. That's my interpretation of it. But it's better for you to check them out on your own and study...Just don't say it's cute. 

+ Hike away in Visvim

visvim's Serra boots @ HighSnobiety

A hike usually requires more function than fashion, but we all have to thank the fashion gods up above, cause definitely somebody there loves us. Hikers and non-hikers behold the handsome, rough yet neat Serra boots by Visvim. Waxed cowhide uppers and Okayama denim detailing, plus a natural cork footbed, leather welt construction and all the signature visvim detailing, these goodies are great on and off a hike. Hikers, go test the fashionable footwear, cause it'll surely deliver. If you're more like me, I'll wear this for fashion. And fine, probably climb a mountain too...

- Gerard

THE WEEKEND:

STYLE.DRINK.MUSIC + TRIBUTE


What matters now (and possibly for more months to come) are all here. 
THE EDGE is also paying its respects to one of the fashion world's most influential men.


+ STYLE: Ben Nordberg for The Block magazine

Part skater, part coolest kid on the block, Ben Nordberg does well for The Block magazine
@DesignScene

Mandatory, I tell you for skaters to be cool. But young skater Ben Nordberg's spread for The Block magazine brings cool to a whole new level. Well, maybe I'm exaggerating, but it's really this cool. Aside from Nordberg's natural brooding looks and model-worthy frame, the styling is all laid-back, giving much emphasis to subtle prints, a little texture and awesome layers. Check out more of Nordberg's other photos and how The Block does Fall cool. 

+ MUSIC: Mayer Hawthorne's The Walk

Been a fan of Mayer Hawthorne since the day I learned of him. Now, his newest video for The Walk, off his album How Do You Do, reminds you of Mr. & Mrs. Smith. YouTubers might tell you it's far from the Brangelina blockbuster cause, apparently, Mayer Hawthorne and the sexy lady here are "bad shooters", but who the hell cares. The video's awesome, especially all the slow-mo portions. The song's all throwback and cool and is actually quite refreshing to listen to. Make sure you get yourselves a copy of How Do You Do and abuse all your "put on loop" buttons and options, cause this one's worth it. OH, and also drop by YouTube and look for the super smooth version of Just Ain't Gonna Work Out with the legendary Daryl Hall. 

+ DRINK: Hennessy X Theodor Tea Infuser  & Carafe by Mathieu Lehanneur

The collaboration @Viacomit

Two really big names mix together and you've got a for-sure pricey and perfect collaboration. Hennessy cognac meets tea by Theodor is possibly the most refreshing combination you've got waiting for your weekend, downtime sipping. To sweeten the deal, designer Mathieu Lehanneur lends his talent to design the sleek carafe and tea infuser as well. And before you complain about flavors, you've got four here. Now, you could complain about something...A thing this good comes in limited numbers. So better race everyone else to it.

+ THE STYLE LEGEND: Francesco Cominelli

Rest in Peace Francesco 

Vogue Hommes International editor and street style superhero, Francesco Cominelli has sadly passed away last October 7, 2011. Stylish man and incredibly talented Francesco has been most famous to outsiders thanks to his signature mixing and matching style, turning signature pieces into his own. Friend and photographer Jak and Jil blogger Tommy Ton captured the brilliant soul in all his handsome glory and it's best the world remembers him in such simple yet influential and moving photos. Rest in peace Francesco.

- Gerard

THE STARTER:

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.


Gentlemen, welcome to THE EDGE's STARTER!

THE READER:

ROGUE Magazine

Anne Curtis, October 2011

Shot by Mark Nicdao
Styled by Pam Quinones

My love affair with ROGUE started with Anne Curtis: July 2008. She was wearing a white tank, pulling it down and it was the simplest, most eye-catching cover on the newsstand that time. I had only the slightest idea about the magazine, but it was the cover that really got me.

Now she's covering it again. Shot in Paris, by Mark Nicdao and styled by Pam Quinones. Possibly the country's biggest star today, Anne Curtis is smoking lights, incredibly sexy, beautiful and just plain perfect. Grab your copies and don't worry about not getting bang for your buck cause the cover alone is worth it. As always, the magazine has got you covered for the entire month on all things entertaining.

BUT, what's incredibly great about the October issue is its 3 covers. So this is the first one. ROGUE, ROGUE, ROGUE... Always beating themselves.

Congratulations...I am speechless.

- Gerard

THE WEEKEND:

NYFW REVIEWS SPRING 2012 
+ MORE


This weekend, THE EDGE gives you some of New York Fashion Week's collections in the most comprehensible reviews. Also, ESQUIRE Philippines, the world's (new) number one male model and why everyone's Stoned on Lara... 


Welcome to the weekend gents!

THE READER:

ARMIE HAMMER
DETAILS magazine October 2011

Armie Hammer for DETAILS magazine

The twins you saw on The Social Network, is played by Armie Hammer. And it's no surprise that he's playing GQ October 2011 cover boy's (Leonardo Di Caprio)---swallow hard, lover, for the Clint Eastwood biopic J. Edgar. The 6 foot something actor is clad in a denim jacket on the cover, shot in a cool industrial setting and it's beyond fitting for him, since Hammer, is in fact heir to a "vast oil fortune", as DETAILS writes. Way better cover for DETAILS than their September issue one.

-Gerard

THE READER:

LEONARDO DICAPRIO
GQ NOVEMBER 2011

Shirt & sweater by Burberry London. Pants by Giorgio Armani. Shoes by Allen Edmonds.
Leonardo Di Caprio in GQ

Hollywood's premiere actor, Leonardo Di Caprio is taking on a kinda new role in his latest film project directed by Clint Eastwood. Di Caprio, who's roles have always been pretty serious is seriously stylish for GQ's October 2011 issue, this photo, to be exact, his one of his best photos I've seen.

- Gerard

THE STARTER:

SEPTEMBER 2011
(THE BIG) FALL SPECIAL
ART. WEAR. DRINK. WOMEN. READ. LISTEN & MORE


Taking the magazine lead, THE EDGE's September 2011 Starter  braces you for the start of Fall. Wherever you are in the world, here is what matters for the season. 


Welcome to the September 2011 Starter, the (BIG) Fall Special.


>>> ART: Stanley Chow draws American Pop Culture

The Bonds by Stanley Chow @SwipeLife

Manchester illustrator Stanley Chow has a site that has gained so much of a following it's impossible for you not to know him. From caricatures of the many faces of James Bond to Rihanna with Cee-Lo Green and whole lots more (if you're lucky enough to be Chow's friend, you get to be one of those illustrations too). Download the Stanley Chow app or start keeping track of his (literally) heady illustrations found on his site. It's not just for killing time you know, it's also for art appreciation today.

>>> LISTEN & READ: INDIEBON the blog of the month

Indiebon is a destination actually, an escape for great music-hungry folks in search for something soothing (or not) for both the playlist and the soul. This is where I consider myself schooled when it comes to the music scene now and it's a great read as well since Bonnapart's blog takes a trip elsewhere, covering magazines and bits and pieces of the culture we're enjoying. Follow him on Twitter for all those awesome updates (and sometimes real fun random tweets) @indiebon and make sure to bookmark his blog INDIEBON. For now, here's a track by Charlotte Gainsbourg from INDIEBON.


>>> WOMAN: Zoe Saldana for GQ

Columbiana star Zoe Saldana is back on the scene. The sexy and svelte star strips to minimal clothing for GQ and since there's clearly no effort in doing so, for a good 30 seconds she manages to heat it all up for you...in a classy way of course. Good job GQ, superb job Zoe.

>>> WEAR: Woody-eyed by Herrlicht Wood Glasses

Nature's bet by Herrlicht Wood Glasses @ Cool Hunting

When two cultures known for impeccable know-how of technology and craftsmanship marry, the fruit shall be too good to be true you know the marriage is perfect to begin with. Berlin-based designer Andreas Licht's wood-framed sunglasses are handmade, employing Japanese joinery techniques that allows for durability, ease of use and a downright, perfect wearing experience. The only thing that isn't made out of wood here would be the lenses, imagine that! Herrlicht only churns out 200-250 pieces of these, so you'd expect a pretty hefty price tag. But, as you know, these handmade goodies are pricy for all the great reasons.

>>> DRINK: Coffee this way: The Seven Indie Coffee Roasters in America

The Round-up by Cool Hunting

Cool Hunting has tested the underground brewing scene that America's been enjoying as of late and they've come up with seven of the finest your money could buy. There's Four Barrel from San Francisco, Gorilla Coffee from Brooklyn, PT's Coffee Roasting from Topeka, Roasting Plant from New York and more, these good brews from almost all around the states will surely get your caffeine fixed. Suddenly, Starbucks doesn't sound as delicious as it used to.

There's more to read...

THE READER:

GQ 
SEPTEMBER 2011

Mark Sanchez for GQ September 2011

Not really a fan of football to know just how big a star Mark Sanchez is, but he must be really big to land a GQ September 2011 cover. The football star is featured in a (tight) green sweater, clutching on to a football and pretty much grinning on the cover. I like that GQ's using green for their fonts, since they usually just revolve around blues and reds and greys and blacks, so this is pretty refreshing. For me, it's an alright cover. Not their best. I do though find it just a little odd that, since this is their Fall issue, the photos available online of Sanchez show him wearing not that much clothes. They could've dressed him with so many options for Fall, or feature him on the cover in those Dolce & Gabbana sweaters...Right?

- Gerard

THE WEEKEND:

WEAR. LISTEN. STYLE & GET.
Rolex's latest offering, DETAILS' guide to the season switch, the musical collaboration of the year (if not the decade) and the bag to buy.
You know what it is gents. That's right.
It's THE WEEKEND!


+ COAST GUARD COOL

Louis Vuitton

Burberry Prorsum  

At DETAILS, what they're talking about now (September 2011 issue) is how to do the switch: from summer basics to fall must-haves and this story shot by Will Davidson captures Whale Beach style and how it's done. Bundle up in easy, cool coats from Fall's biggest names right after a surf and it's an instant transition. You may have your doubts about it, but on photos they look great. Check out more from DETAILS' September 2011 issue here.

+ THE THRONE TO WATCH

Midway last week, Twitter was all about some throne to watch. I had no idea what #WatchTheThrone meant or what it was about, but when I dropped by the Rolling Stone website last week I read an entry about a Jay-Z and Kanye West collaboration, which, as you know, is a high voltage collaboration. And then I heard it on the radio how one of them complained about the other and stuff like that---typical industry drama, and finally confirmed that Watch The Throne is the title of these geniuses' project. Days ago was the debut of their awesome song, Otis featuring Otis Redding's Try A Little Tenderness as the song's cool, vintage base. The video is superb, simple but cool. The ladies are beautiful, Kanye's JakandJil-esque bracelets are killing me, Jay-Z's rhymes are spot on and that car... (mind you, I'm no car fanatic, but I know a beautiful ride when I see one). Gents, should I say more? Listen up now!

+ BAGGED!

Patrick Stephan "Body Bag" @ Selectism

Sheepskin. Oversized. Brown/Black. Awesome interior lining. I'm sold. But really, Patrick Stephan's Body Bag is one of the finest looking bags out there. You could stuff everything inside it and never worry about ruining its looks, cause this one's built to last (despite its plush looks). Doesn't really matter if you go for black or brown cause it looks fantastic either way. And did I mention that cityscape interior? Oh yeah, I already did.

+ THE SUMMER INVESTMENT

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King Precision (1966) @GQ

Combine a fine quality, tri-colored nylon strap with something as precious as a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King Precision (that dates back to 1966) and you get a $3,600 timepiece that sums up a perfect summer anywhere. It does break the bank but when you think about it, it really should. It's a Rolex, a vintage one at that and while you think it's trendy to strap on something like this, you'll realize that every summer gents actually wear timepieces such as this one. So, if you have money to get one, I suggest you get one now.

- Gerard

THE READER:

ESQUIRE UK 
SEPTEMBER 2011

Daniel Craig for Esquire UK

Britain's very own Cowboy, Daniel Craig, who stars in this month's Jon Favreau film Cowboys & Aliens smiles on the cover of British Esquire. Both covers (for the newsstands and for subscribers) look amazing, but after seeing a photo inside it does remind me of Craig's American Esquire stint. Hmmm...Well, I'm a fan now. I've always considered the man the perfect Esquire cover and he's now my standard of the phrase "ruggedly handsome".  

Check out the other cool stories inside such as a purple paint-splattered Bally bag and a blue painted Jimmy Choo monkstrap. Probably out on newsstands by now. Preview the magazine on their Facebook page. 

- 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 STORY:

THE UNDERCOVER
VMAN # 23

The Coupe Jacob Coupe in Salvatore Ferragamo
Photographed by Josh Olins
Styled by Clare Richardson

VMAN's Archetype issue is pleasing most of us in the blogosphere and after finally securing a copy of their age issue last year, I've counted myself a VMan man too. Featuring the coolest outerwear on the coolest faces of modeling (Harry Goodwins, Jacob Coupe, Paul Boche, Clement Chabernaud, Salieu Jalloh and Lenz von Johnston) The Undercover shows you how to walk the streets in chic anonymity. 

And to make the story more of a powerhouse, Josh Olins teams up with Clare Richardson to deliver a subtle but gritty story packed with the most awesome of pieces for Fall. Congratulations VMan, this is an A for me.

- Gerard

THE READER:

ROGUE magazine
AUGUST 2011

Photographed by Mark Nicdao
Styled by LA Consing Lopez

The long wait is over.

ROGUE magazine's Appetite issue is here, featuring Claudine Trillo on its cover conjuring up an image of a pin-up girl, out for a barbecue party. It's a pretty picture actually, especially how you see Mark Nicdao's trademark lighting doing its magic on Trillo and classy styling as always, courtesy of LA Consing Lopez. For me though, I've seen better, more exciting covers from ROGUE. 

While I'm no food expert, I'm a true blue foodie and this cover's got me at "Artisan Ice Cream". Also what's keeping me intrigued is that "tongue cancer" piece. This is what keeps ROGUE going, the thought provoking headlines matched with sophisticated covers, I mean, it's what keeps it a publication apart.

Grab your copies as soon as it hits newsstands (and while I'm at it, go check out my Saddle Shoe piece...One of my more difficult, constantly revised pieces for the magazine, so thank you LA) and I just might change my mind about the cover when it arrives at my place soon.

- Gerard

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