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 REVIEW: SPRING 2012

LODEN DAGER

Light, Breezy, Sporty & Cool
Loden Dager

Unpretentious is not the term for looks like these anymore (cause obviously, there's a little studying involved here)...Cool could cut it as well, but...I don't know. 

At first it might've seemed korny, cause the bright colors and the breaks of neutrals that saved you from a possible sour face looked---well, korny. But prejudices aside, Loden Dager did a collection that was far from korny. 

It was young, fitting for college cool kids who really took dressing down seriously (and those who were possibly tired of the neat and well-groomed kids we've been seeing a lot of lately). The colors are, of course, a story on its own: neons and brights all coming together in varying degrees, without missing out on easily wearable neutrals. Drawstring shin-gracing trousers and shorts were big here. Prints on shorts, just like at Dolce & Gabbana, surprisingly went well with wobbly-lined printed shirts. In a nutshell, it's light, breezy, sporty and cool. For the safe-siders, there's loads to pick up from the collection: light denim jackets, grand daddy-approved short sleeve shirts, sweaters for layering and  rolled-up trousers.

But "cool" still doesn't give it justice. Maybe the word for it is young. I see a lot of the young ones enjoying these looks. And yes, I'm finally saying it, thank you Loden Dager for making rubber shoes awesome again.

- Gerard

THE REVIEW: SPRING 2012

SIMON SPURR

The best anorak off NYFW Spring 2012
Simon Spurr

Simon Spurr's clothes had a certain glow about them.

Maybe it's the Spring 2012 glow we've seen in tons of them already since Milan and Paris. Not saying it's bad. In fact, it was one of the saving graces at Spurr. Moments before I decided I'd pass for a Spurr review, then came the loose, slim shirts, buttoned-up and showing some flow and movement to them that won me. Then the anorak---the ever so handsome anorak. Then the mesh shirts. Then the patched shirts. It's typical Spurr with faultless tailoring and just A++ shapes, but the subtle play of texture took the collection to lovable territories.

Colors are Spring 2012 staples, maroon, navy blue, white, khaki, black and olive. But the bold stripes that ran across suits opened up Spurr fans to an edgier offering.

It's probably the rebellious streak to the whole look and feel of the collection, something that Simon Spurr's dandy looks hadn't offered before that gave this one a breather. Not his finest outing for sure (cause Spurr has so much more to offer), but it's Simon Spurr and I'd gladly wear that anorak and those loose, slim shirts 'till I'm fined for overusing and abusing them.

- 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 SANDWICH:

WEAR. WATCH. READ & LISTEN


The mid-week bite brings you the following: a new surfer flick, the 5 albums you ought to download, Patrick Ervell's field coat & Alexander Skarsgaard's pricelessness...All here.


Welcome to your mid-week bite at The Sandwich.


>>> BUCKLEY SINGS GRACE & 4 MORE SOUNDS TO SAVE

Jeff Buckley's Grace one of the five albums featured @Every Guyed

It's his good looks and his warm, whiskey-sounding voice that brings ladies to a trance. Couldn't blame the man, he's talented and raw-sounding, things that are a "Go" for most ladies. His album Grace is an overall powerful sound trip, setting a mood perfect for sobriety and a little romance. So the next time you want to impress a beauty, make sure Grace is on your playlist. Every Guyed has four more albums that are man-approved and are sure to win the ladies. Check them out here

>>> THE M-65 VERSION 2011 

Patrick Ervell Field Coat in Army Tan @SwipeLife

Everything about this M-65 (Field Coat) is handsome: moleskin in tan, four front pockets that close in snaps, a drawstring waist, metal snaps and Velcro fastenings. Patrik Ervell's 2011 version of a menswear classic is grounded, straight-forward and a summary of the things that masculine outerwear should be: sporty, clean, crisp and chic. What I love about coats and outerwear in general is the difference it makes on a look. This utilitarian staple manages a chic cover-up for lazy days, a humbling armor for flashier occasions or a star on its own, fitted and zipped-up during weather battles. I'm placing my money on this.

>>> THE YEAR THE WORLD SURFS

Renegade surfers out on a hunt for three of the finest things any surfer would comb the world for: ladies, waves and great times. Year Zero is a post-apocalyptic vision through the eyes of surf stars, shot in 16mm film with a soundtrack by BLACK MOUNTAIN, this is probably the year the world really starts surfing. A GLOBE production sure to please, everyone should know that this will surely leave an impact. Check out more details at Surfing Magazine

>>> PRICELESS: ALEXANDER SKARSGARD

Designer gym clothes or just down-right cool athletic gear, Alexander Skarsgard's simple yet memorable cover for WONDERLAND @DesignScene

True Blood vampire, Alexander Skarsgard goes all black and simple for WONDERLAND magazine's Priceless issue September/October 2011. Featured on the other cover is Kirsten Dunst, both of which star in the new film Melancholia. While I have only the slightest idea of what this film is about, it has come to my attention that Skarsgard's steady rise to superstardom has gotten the fashion world pretty excited. This man, will be appearing on more magazine covers real soon and it's no point of contention. His model good-looks and stellar acting chops are sure elements for a lasting star and that's priceless indeed.

- Gerard