BRAND WATCH: Jason Scott

Since its inception in 2012, Jason Scott has maintained a vision of creating everyday clothing for the modern man that blends sensibility with modern, tailored design. After leaving the film industry behind, head designer Jason Mandler embarked on a mission to redefine contemporary menswear…with no fashion experience.

Well, it worked. Jason’s ambition and enthusiasm translates directly to the wardrobe basics that he designs.  What started with the perfect zip up hoodie, has become a complete men’s collection. We’re particularly fond of the sweaters and sweatshirts (as displayed above), namely because of each piece’s downtown attitude, construction, and subtle details. These are not your standard fabrics, either. Prior to launching the Jason Scott brand, Jason spent two years meticulously studying fabrics, working with tailors, and learning how to create a functional and flexible fit. 

The brand is designed and produced entirely in Los Angeles and is available at Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom.com, Barneys Japan and top men’s specialty stores around the world and will be available at Saks this fall. We look forward to seeing our friends from the Jason Scott team this summer in NYC and Vegas.

BRAND WATCH: Slate & Stone

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Inspired by and made for urban tastemakers, newly launched Slate & Stone should be on your radar. 

Let’s rephrase that. Slate & Stoned needs to be on your radar.

The refined menswear label launched with its debut spring/summer 13 collection and is headed by President and Creative Director, Jeff Jacobs. With a background in music management, Jacobs aims to dress the modern day artist and cultural pioneer. In terms of inspiration - the designer looks to a myriad of sources, including the likes of Giorgio Armani, James Bond 007, and Daniel Craig’s character in Layer Cake. Needless to say, these are all gentleman that don’t necessarily play by the rules, but wear their rebellion well. 

After a successful launch, Slate and Stone returns for their sophomore fall/winter ‘13 collection: A Rebel and a Gentleman. Trust when we say that you’ll want to cop every piece in here. What makes the collection strong in our minds is the thoughtful design elements that dress up your cold weather mainstays. Take, for instance, the Great Jones Camo Peacoat. We were really drawn to the detailing on this piece as it is made from 100% boiled wool, but knitted rather than printed. Other standouts that we were drawn to include the Lennox Varsity Sweater, Leroy Puffer Vest, and the Essex shirt. The craftsmanship of each piece is also something to take note of. Premium materials, hints of leather and wool detailing, hidden plackets, and dip-dyes all contribute to the unique line and add to its distinguished character. 

Pay Slate & Stone a visit at PROJECT in Vegas this summer, and stay tuned for their e-commerce, which will also be launching in the upcoming months. 

THE MARKET: Scotch & Soda’s New Los Angeles Space

The day has finally come for our brand, Scotch & Soda. The Amsterdam-based label has opened a new retail space on the west side of Los Angeles, on Abbott Kinney to be exact.

Browse the new (not to mention handsome) 1200 square feet space HERE.

BEHIND THE BRAND: Levi’s Made & Crafted

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Built upon the foundation and legacy that Levi Strauss created with his original innovation and blue jean design, the Levi’s Made & Crafted collection was launched four years ago. 

“We have, as a brand, a very strong identity. Our expectations are very high,” says Miles Johnson, Design Director of Levi’s Made & Crafted.

We recently took a visit to the collection’s showroom space in Downtown LA’s Cooper Design building for a preview of what’s to come this fall. We met with Ben Starmer, Marketing Manager for Levi’s Americas, for an introduction to some of the yet-to-be released pieces.

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The inspiration for Levi’s Made & Crafted FW13 collection began with a lake. Lake Heron to be exact. 

The Levi’s team found the lake just outside of Detroit, the nation’s industrial capitol. The crew spent a few days observing the reflections of the water, the light and the cold, and the stillness of nature, all from their log cabin where they bundled in layers of blankets purchased at the Rose Bowl Flea Market. The team was inspired by the layers needed for the landscape, the textures of woolen blankets, and the versatility of cotton pieces. 

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If you look closely at all of Made & Crafted denim, the arcuate (the famous Levi’s pocket stitching) is stitched on the inside panel, so the back pocket starts out clean, then with washing and wearing comes through as a ghost arcuate.

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WOMEN OF PROJECT

Hello, punk princess. 

WOMEN OF PROJECT

Women of PROJECT showcases ladies on the show floor who nailed the look.

Bold black and white stripes + this smile makes everything right.

WOMEN OF PROJECT

Beth from J Brand always looking on-trend. Check out the J Brand leather pants she was rocking when we snapped her.

THE MARKET: Lacoste L!VE’s Festival Necessities

Festival season is upon us. Are you stocked up?

Lacoste L!VE shares their must-haves - namely sunglasses, swim trunks, polos, and backpacks. Stay cool even if you can’t beat the heat. 

ON TREND: #SeoulFashionWeek

Last week some of the most exciting talent in the Eastern Hemisphere flocked to Seoul to show their latest collections.  

Comprised of Korean designers and brands, Seoul Fashion Week offered a strong showing of rising stars on the Asian, and soon to be global, fashion scene. We had a front row seat and made sure to snap some shots on instagram so we could share the trends coming down the runway.  

Streetwear 

Leather Trim

Re-imagined Suiting

Bold Reds

WOMEN OF PROJECT: Lovely in Leather

We may not know you, but we think we’re in love.

PROJECT APPROVED: Timo Weiland Sweatpants FW13

With sweatpants like these - weekend lounging never looked so good. Or pull these off with a blazer in the office. Come to think of it, we may never take them off.

THE MARKET: Scotch & Soda Redesigns Flagship Store

The Scotch & Soda flagship store on the Heiligeweg in Amsterdam has reopened with a new, fresh look. The four-year-old retail headquarters has a new interior, including tile floor, glass cabinets and renovated fitting rooms. Stop by next time you’re across the pond and browse the finely curated selection of Scotch & Soda and Maison Scotch styles. 

See more of the new space HERE

THE MARKET: GQ’s Best New Menswear Designers in America

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We recently announced that our brands Bespoken, Ernest Alexander and Aviator Nation were nominated as the Best New Menswear Designers in America by GQ. Along with this nomination comes the opportunity to create custom designs for Gap. Get acquainted with the three brands, as well as get a taste for what the capsule collections will look like this October HERE.

ON TREND: The Modern Rucksack

The modern rucksack is changing the backpack game. Think leather detailing, custom buckles, and heavy canvas. These pieces from Fjällräven, Duluth Pack, Del Toro, and Herschel Supply Co. will be essential next season.