PROJECT SHOW

As a hub for the denim industry, we’re always looking to showcase trends and the brands that are doing it right. While selvedge washes aren’t new, we’ve got to call it when we see it: Norman Russell is taking craft denim to the next level. 

The men’s brand is made in the USA, and follows one simple philosophy: jeans are a critical staple in your wardrobe. Now this is a rule of thumb that we can stand behind. Take a look at the Hammer Straight, the Fish Boot, and the Cookie Slim fits. Details are essential. Each pair consists of 13.5 oz American selvedge denim and a 3x1 right hand weave. The combination of craftsmanship and fit come together for a rugged product that can easily become your go-to jean. 

Check out Norman Russell’s latest video - Find Your Journey - and don’t miss them in Vegas only in The TENTS. 

If accessories aren’t on your list of must haves, then let Griffin ease you into your new summer wish list. 

From it’s humble beginnings in Southern California apartment, Gorjana and Jason Griffin Reidel have fused their ambition and creativity to create Gorjana & Griffin Inc., a socially conscious lifestyle company that makes refined, high quality accessories for both men and women. That being said, the Griffin brand is focused mainly on catering to men, and definitely delivers in producing sophisticated jewelry, bags, and accessories that offer a fresh, modern, and contemporary look.

The brand itself has grown exponentially since 2012 along with its collections. This season you can see the nautical theme making its mark. Everywhere. The leather and woven rope bracelets with hook accents have caught our eye. So has the Anderson bag collection (pictured above), which pairs nicely with an array of Griffin accessories. We’re definitely vibing with the mix of colors integrated in with bright tones too, and love how Griffin has perfected a modern summer look with and classic nautical feel. 

Make sure to check out the entire Griffin collection online for yourself, and don’t miss them at PROJECT this summer. 

The Miami-based team is at it again.

Del Toro has released its Fall/Winter 2013 lookbook, a follow up to Spring’s ‘Edition III.’ Keeping with the brand’s aesthetic, you’ll find a range of colors, patterns, and textures - notably on the Alto Chukka, Wingtip and cornerstone Slipper. 

Browse all of the vibrant visuals on Hypebeast HERE. 

Denim isn’t just for jeans anymore. 

We’re currently into these four denim pieces. Check them all out and change what you know about the fabric:

Top Left: United Nude Desert Boot

Top Right: Ikku Macbook Case

Bottom Left: Simon Miller Chambray Shirt

Bottom Right: 3x1 and Cool Hunting Denim Apron

Pink Hair, Don’t Care.  

Givenchy continues to push the limits of men’s fashion. Take a cue and get your prints on with their pre-Spring 2014 look book. See the rest of the shots on Selectism.

If you’re going to be in a committed relationship with your smartphone, you’re going to need the apps to match. We’ve rounded up the top 10 apps to keep your style and grooming on point, wherever you may be:

1. Valet Magazine

From how-to guides to your own local concierge and personal dossier, the Valet Mag App has it all. And we mean all of it. The Local Concierge feature gives you a list of tailors, dry cleaners, and denim repairs in your area, and its Personal Dossier feature teaches you how to take your own measurements and keep them in the app for any future shopping reference. 

2. MR PORTER

The guys at MR PORTER can do no wrong. Not only does the app let you shop their coveted collected of designer clothes, but there is a ton of style advice from their experts. Brush up on your wardrobe essentials, flip through the MR PORTER stylepedia, and browse their library of video tutorials. 

3. Uncrate

In this Mecca of all things cool, you can find yourself building a giant wish list of all the featured items. From gadgets, to cars, to watches, to bacon, you’re pretty much set.

4. Cool Guy

Your morning routine, simplified. The style planner function uses what’s in your closet to ensure that you’re not outfit repeating too much.

5. Stylebook

Stylebook is a similar to Cool Guy in that it’s a personal stylist tool, but here, you’re able to track your style inspirations and let them help you make your outfit decisions with your own wardrobe. Not only that, but it has over 90 features to help you make the most out of your closet. Sign us up.

6. Topshop

The international retailer from across the pond has given the U.S many treats, starting with opening stores here in the U.S, and now, their app. Browse through all of Topman’s collection and also check out Topshop films via the iPad version. Did we mention the street style section? 

7. GQ Live!

Look Smart + Live Sharp with your favorite magazine’s app. Bring the pages to your smartphone at any time of day. 

8. Svpply

Bringing in 5,000 new products everyday, you can browse the hand-selected products brought into the online Svpply store.

9. Cloth

Photograph and save your outfits, and then make them searchable. This app prevents you from forgetting about that unexpected pairing that you liked or the outerwear stashed in the back of your closet once winter hit

10. Fashion Store

Easy. Mobile. Shopping. Shop for yourself and anyone else (friends or family) while you’re browsing through this app, which houses a wide range of menswear for you to look through. 

Simple. Eleven Paris needs to be on your radar.

Created By Oriel Bensimon and Dan Cohen in 2003, the Parisan ready-to-wear line has quickly grown a cult following amongst cool kids and the fashion forward. The Eleven Paris aesthetic is a unique blend of contemporary inspiration, starting with music and art, and moving into the underground cultures of cities. The vision for the brand really comes through in its print campaigns and photography, allowing them to explore the dark, and gritty side of the Parisian fashion scene.

The brand has become globally recognized by said cool kids and the fashion set alike. The F/W ‘13 men’s and women’s collection pays homage to this kind of recognition. It’s sleek and dark, but not without flares of attention-grabbing detail. Nordic prints, chunky knitwear, notes of leather, and a selection of tailored outerwear harmoniously come together for a contemporary punk statement. We’re digging the quilted cognac bomber jacketshown above. Everything about it is just right. For more Eleven Paris, keep up with their blog here, and don’t miss them at PROJECT this summer. 

The acronym says it all: Work. Rest. Karma. 

The concept brand, W.R.K for short, maintains the philosophy that clothing is our most essential tool and that design should be nothing short of perfection. With this in mind, Founder and Creative Director Matteo Gottardi has spent the past few seasons perfecting the pieces that comprise the NYC-based label. 

“W.R.K - Work. Rest. Karma. Simple words but incredibly important. The world has changed. People are looking for honesty, integrity and tangible value,” Gottardi says of his own design principles. Gottardi also boasts the fashion experience to support this vision. The industry veteran has put in a range of work for the likes of Diesel, Armani, and Levi’s, in addition to having launched three other lines prior to W.R.K, which is his collaborative project with brand strategist Maurizio Marchiori. 

It’s hard to deny the craftsmanship of the collection, notably the SS13 line. Each piece builds upon traditional silhouettes and maintains a structure and utility that we’re drawn to. The tailoring, use of line, tone blocking, and muted colors all seamlessly come together for a solid contemporary collection that can be dressed up or down. We’re particularly fond of the outwear selection and rust hues highlighted throughout the entire selection. For a brand that’s on the up and up, we’re excited to be spending our summer with W.R.K at both PROJECT NYC and Las Vegas. 

There’s no question about it: Todd Snyder has dominated the menswear circuit for the past two years. The humble designer launched his collection in 2011 exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman, Ron Herman, and Neiman Marcus - and to say it’s grown would be an understatement. Synder has been nominated by the CFDA for the Swarovski Award for Menswear for the past two years, and is embarking on a series of collaborations that will continue to shape the direction of men’s fashion. 

We sat down with the esteemed designer himself, namely to discuss his next moves, upcoming projects, the state of dapper, and Hollywood inspiration. 

1. Congratulations on the CFDA nomination, that’s a tremendous accomplishment. It may be too soon to ask, but what’s next? Thanks. It’s a huge honor.  To be nominated along with designers like Michael Bastian and Tim Coppens, as well as everyone else—it’s really humbling.  I was nominated last year and this year I am trying to take it all in.  It really helps with sales and with getting traction on new projects.

2. What new projects are you focusing on right now? A few different ones.  There’s a line that we’re doing with Champion that I’m really excited about. Working with the people there has been great and the new line of menswear we’re collaborating on is coming together in a great way.

3. What other projects are you working on? Our pre-fall stuff is just coming off production, and the lookbook is already on the site.  Other than that we’re focusing a lot of energy on our retail in Japan, and in collaborating with Southwick on new suits.

4. Who is the Todd Snyder guy? Or, in other words, what type of consumer are you designing for? I design for the modern gentleman.  Someone who appreciates finer things and wants better quality that never goes out of style.  For me it starts with understanding the classics and finding a way to breathe modern life into them.  That and the quality of the clothes.

5. We’ve been seeing a lot of young actors wearing Todd Snyder lately, is there any Hollywood icon (past or present) who inspires your design? I have always been inspired by Hollywood.  I love going to movies and getting lost in a great story.  My favorite actor has always been Paul Newman.  He could look grungy and cool, like  in Sundance Kid, or could be sophisticated, like in The Sting.  He could really just pull off any look and sell it.

6. Lots of guys are trying to give their wardrobe a dapper update, what are the basic essentials to a sophisticated summer wardrobe? The right shoe is important no matter what season you’re in.  For summer though l like a suede chukka boot.  I also always like having a jacket to dress up an outfit.  Right now I’m really liking a peak lapel 2 button jacket.  Something that’s light and has a great utility.

7. What’s inspiring you right now?I’m obsessed with Isabel Marant.  Her designs are fantastic. She really has it going on.  Everything she’s doing right now is so current and imaginative.  I love it.

Talking Shop is an ongoing discussion with a selection of our key retailers talking about retail trends, predictions, and top performing brands.  

Location(s): Minneapolis Minnesota – North Loop/Warehouse District

Opened: October 2008

A little bit about Martin Patrick3. From our tiny beginning in two bookcases, Martin Patrick3 has not forgotten the past and has grown to mean much more to the men who come in. With our curated mix of vintage and modern, we have grown beyond the “Best Accessory Store” for men, but we are the purveyors of “Masculine Cool.” Knowing it’s all in the small details, we are dedicated to making sure men look and feel confident by providing the essentials for the Modern Man.

Top performing brands this season?

Denim: Railcar/Naked & Famous / 3sixteen/ Ruell & Ray / Public School

Apparel:  Jack Spade, Folk, WRK, Todd Snyder

1. What shift have you seen in how consumers are shopping? Not only do men shop by images seen via magazine or web, but they pay attention more to quality, willing to pay more for something that will last.

2. What are you most excited for this year? I’m always looking forward to Fall, We are bringing in some great lines into the store and our clients will really feel our expansion by our increase in our apparel offerings!

3. Why do you shop PROJECT? For the environment / atmosphere / energy of the show.  It truly is a great collection of brands new and existing that is well curated and mixed.  Along with working in the industry – I first am a fan of it and PROJECT appeals / satisfies both sides of that coin 

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.

At its core, PROJECT is very much a denim business. We sat down with Johnny Pinto, AKA The Denim Guy, to talk trends, fits, and brands doing it well.

To wash, or not to wash. We’ve heard both theories. Thoughts? You know there is this thing with denim gurus that you are NOT suppose to wash your jeans. Even regular, everyday men do not wash their jeans and it varies from person to person as to why they do not do it. I know for a while I was not washing my raw denim because I wanted to create my own wash but then I was reminded that in order to crate your own wash, you will need to actually wash your denim in order to get that wash to show. So now i wash my raw denim. Oh and to answer the first part… Wash you jeans! It’s just gross if you don’t! 

How much is too much to spend on denim? In this market that is a hard one to answer because so many people are on a budget and so many premium denim lines are lowering prices to meet that demand.  With the great variety of denim out there, if anyone is spending more that $350 on a pair of jeans, we need to talk because there is no reason to spend that much for denim.

3. What should every guy should ask themselves when trying on a pair of jeans? OH they need to be asking themselves a few questions! So many men (outside of New York) do not know how to shop for denim, so here are some basic questions.

• How does my ass look? If the denim is hiding that, then try a new fit. It’s okay guys… girls want to see it.
• How do my thighs feel and look?  It’s okay for the denim to feel snug in the thigh area the first time but only as long as it’s a little and not a lot. But so many men at the first sign of something feeling tight size up and then it’s all down hill from there because they are in the wrong size. Buy your correct size and deal with the snug feeling the first time because denim will stretch and mold to you body. Buying a size too big till then make the denim look baggy.
• Then do a head to toe check. Overall how does this pair of jeans make me look? Denim is suppose to make you feel sexy and enhance what you’ve got! If they are not doing that then ask a sales associate to help, or email me and I will.

4. What brand is doing it right, and why? To be 100% honest, not one brand is doing everything right. Some are doing good things in one area while others are strong in another. For example, let’s look at the big denim brands right now. And the reason I look at big denim brands is because they are the face of the denim industry right now. These new, cool denim brands that are popping up are great, but they have a long way to go before they can dictate trend and direction. So from a men’s  denim perspective:

• Hudson: Doing it right in marketing right now. They are doing some very smart partnerships to get the brand out there and to the next level.
• JBrand: They’ve built a strong following for men’s denim and the prints and colors they are offering.
• 7 For All Mankind: Great job at starting to build a denim brand outside of denim (in men’s).
• True Religion: Great job at opening stand alone stores that actually work. 
• Citizens of Humanity: They get my DOING IT RIGHT for relaunching MEN’S! I mean they always had a men’s division, but for a while you didnt hear about it. Now I am starting to hear about it again. 
• Big Star: Doing it right for the NEXT BIG DENIM BRAND to make it! They’re doing some great stuff with men’s.

Tips for dressing denim up, and dressing it down? Oh this is easy for me. I live in denim so I can wear it to an interview or to the local donut shop. 

Tips for Dressing Denim up: 

• Denim should be fitted. Sorry guys, you can’t dress up a baggy pair of jeans. 
• Thrown on a dress shirt, oxford, button down, whatever you want to call it, and instantly dress up. This would be like a middle dress up for a night with the guys and you dont want to be over dressed.
• If you really, really want to dress denim up: it’s all about a TIE (in my opinion). Some dark fitted denim with a clean white dress shirt (fitted of coure). Tuck that bad boy in, throw a skinny tie or bow tie on. Clean Belt. Clean shoes. as for the rest, it’s up to the guy. I like to add a simple small v neck light sweater over it. Some guys might like a blazer, but most of the time, I’ll try and just go for a nice fitted white shirt. The reason I pick white is because i want the tie to be the outfit. 

Tips for dressing denim down:  Well first thing is you have to be careful when you say dress down. There are days when I’ll wear some old, torn up denim with a white v neck and go to the store - but you always want to make sure you look put together! 

• When in doubt, a CLEAN white V Neck shirt always looks great. (semi fitted).
• I mean overall, I am always dressed down in denim (don’t dress it up very often), so for me it’s just my personal day to day style.  A great fitted T shirt, any color, graphics, etc. always looks great with amazing denim. As for the shoes, sneakers are big for me right now. It varies from day to day, but right now I am rotating out some Nike Airs and camo Jack Purcels. One thing I NEVER do anymore is denim and flip flops. NEVER! If you are wearing flip flops, it better be with denim shorts. 

7. You’re tattoos are amazing. Tell us about them. OHH THE INK! I have 3 really big important tattoos that mean a lot to me. 1. New York City skyline,  2. L.A. city sky line, and just added 3: a family tree.

Long story short, the tattoos are on my forearms and they are a constant reminder to me of my love/hate relationship with New York City and L.A. because when I am home in L.A., I miss NYC so much. But when i travel to NYC for work, I miss L.A. So anytime i start to miss any coast i just look at my forearm and it gives me great memories of each place.

Now as for the tree, well that jut organically came up. Each bird looks different and is special to a family member.  The tree is placed on the arm where my L.A. city skyline is because L.A. is home, and family is where my heart is.

Everybody has their style rules of thumb. Christopher Bastin, Creative Director of GANT, happens to have 10.

The menswear icon divulges his rules of style for DETAILS, including the two items every man should splurge on, tips for denim on denim, and the go-to color that looks good on everyone (hint: it’s navy). 

Gather all of his insights HERE. 

Talking Shop is an ongoing discussion with a selection of our key retailers talking about retail trends, predictions, and top performing brands.  

Location: 6303 28^th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Opened: Originally in 1986 and moved to new location in September of 2012.

1. A little bit about A.K. RIKK’s: Here is a timetable of sorts: 1986- A.K. RIKK’s started as a small men’s haberdashery with contemporary brands but focused mainly on suits and ties.

2008- We expanded the existing store and with that, started a women’s business.

2010- was the start of selling furniture and home accessories with the launch being done in a downtown pop-up shop.

September 2012- we moved locations from a plaza to a stand along building, 28,000 sq ft., including a classroom, event space and outdoor park. This provides us the opportunity to display 60 plus vendors and to becoming a larger in our community. The goal is to continue to push the city through contemporary fashion by opening up our space so that our city may embrace something culturally that would typically only be seen in a larger city.

2. Top performing brands this season? Scotch & Soda/Maison Scotch, AG (men’s & women’s), J Brand (men’s & women’s), and Belstaff.

3. What shift have you seen in how consumers are shopping? Customers are buying with a purpose this season. They want to buy something they think is “special”. Meaning colorful, unique, and that the item has quality.

4. What are you most excited for this year? September will bring our one year anniversary in our new space, which brings a full year’s worth of business to reflect on. Growth. Spending time in our park. 

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.