Tag / gq

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Summer Shirts, NBA Fashion and FIFA Corruption

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Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and non-style content. For more entries, click here.

We’re coming to the end of a four-day week that’s felt a lot longer than that (starting a new gig will do that to you — check out the About page for more on my transition!). But the holiday weekend was definitely a nice one, and hopefully things are going smoothly as you kick off summer. (Got your travel accessories covered, by the way?). Check out a selection of mostly style-related reading picks for your weekend going forward below.

  • The ever-stylish team at GQ tackles everything you need to know about rocking a short-sleeve shirt for the summer.
  • Know a college or high school graduate? Or a dad? A dad-graduate? Joe at Dappered dishes out his picks for twelve watches worthy of such a momentous occasion.
  • AskMen hands out its awards for the postseason’s best-dressed with the NBA playoffs in full swing
  • Long(ish) Read of the Week: The New York Times examines the somewhat underexamined side of the FIFA corruption scandal  — the reactions of the event’s many sponsors to the whirlwind of controversy surrounding soccer’s international governing body.

Got a hankering for more style content?

  • Our esteemed guest contributor Madhav Sekar of Wardrobe Domination offered up his pick earlier this week for the best  men’s sneakers to own right now.
  • I had the chance to take a pair of Taylor Stitch chinos for a spin — even wrote about it for GearHungry (Editor’s note: A full review with original photo content is planned for this blog next month; be on the lookout!).

 

Ernest Alexander

The Watchery

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Google Fashion Trends, Sweatpants vs. Denim and Craft Beer

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and …. non-style (?) content. For more entries, click here.

So we’re back at it again with another Friday Read. It’s slowly inching closer to May (already!?) and with that comes some fun seasonal events, like the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo, for starters (if you need a great mint julep recipe for this weekend’s Derby, start here). Doing any traveling or hitting the town this weekend? Take advantage of your downtime in between and start the weekend off right with the latest and greatest pulled together by yours truly from across the Web.

  • ThinkWithGoogle, a division of Google Data, put its number-crunchers to the test and delivered a seasonal 2015 spring fashion trend report — the first in the company’s recent foray into the world of fashion. Some of the content is focused on women’s fashion, but there’s also some sections tailored (as it were) to men’s style and the rise of jogger pants specifically.
  • The excellent digital style crew over at Esquire offers up a piece on the pros-and-cons of sweatpants versus jeans — and makes the argument that a well-fitting pair of sweats could indeed replace your favorite dark denim.
  • GQ reports that Maxwell Osborne and Dao-yi Chao of high-fashion oriented, minimalist design darlings Public School are taking the reigns as creative directors at DKNY — a rather fitting move, as black-and-white has been a favorite brand color pairing for decades.
  • Long Read of the Week: This piece technically ran last week, but if you enjoy a great brew (or even if you’re just into a bit of an economics study as you sip on something else this weekend), Thrillist explores the growing potential for a craft beer pricing war.

Still need something else to read?

  • Another entry in my Buyer’s Guide series for VOUCH Mag ran this past week, tacklling the ever-versatile four-season chino.
  • My  buddy Barron over at Effortless Gent breaks down the qualities and design details of a well-made, timeless suit.
by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Summer Watches, Uniqlo Sneakers and NYC Tunnels

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and …. non-style (?) content. For more entries, click here.

Some weekend reading action. Featured books: The Wes Anderson Collection, The Youngs by Jesse Fink & On Writing. Leather valet tray & bracelet by Made Supply Co. Dive watch by Invicta.

Some weekend reading action. Featured books: The Wes Anderson Collection, The Youngs by Jesse Fink & On Writing. Leather valet tray & bracelet by Made Supply Co. Dive watch by Invicta.

What have you been up to this week? Been busy? Same! (Of course, I assume you replied ‘Yes’ there). Personally, I’m looking forward to taking in my first New York baseball game (a Subway Series showdown between the Mets & Yankees), and of course, getting some writing done on this here blog. Anything you’d like to see on The Friday Read? Let me know for next week, because this week’s all set below for your perusing pleasure.

Need more style content to tide you over?

  • I penned a piece over on VOUCH Mag rounding up comfortable jogger pants (divisive to be sure, but streamlined and stylish).
  • If you haven’t bought your spring or summer blazer yet, some affordable and stylish picks can be found here.

 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Masters Style, Denim 101 and Gold Watches

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style content and …. non-style (?) content.

During the course of my day job, I read a lot — quite a lot. Mainly, I scour lots of fashion & style sites to stay on top of trend stories, news and client coverage. I also can’t get enough of the written word in my free time — books, newspaper and magazine articles, long-form stories, anything and everything — it’s all fair game. With that being said, here a few noteworthy stories that caught my eye this week.

That’s all for now — check back tomorrow for a new Style Pick of the Week (and catch up on past entries here).

What’s on your reading list this weekend? 

by Beau H.

Brand Profile: The Hill-Side

Brothers Sandy and Emil Corsillo, founders of The Hill-side, with menswear blogger and brand supporter James Wilson.

Brothers Sandy and Emil Corsillo, founders of The Hill-Side, with menswear blogger and brand supporter James Wilson. Image courtesy of GQ.

An increased focus in recent years on men’s style and fashion has had a lot of really positive benefits for those outside the industry, too — like the launch of GQ’s Best New Menswear Designers in America program. It’s an awesome way to check out what’s new and what’s next while finding out about great brands — like The Hill-Side (and on that note, the brand’s collaboration with GAP as part of the program should be drool-worthy). You might recognize the brand from its appearance on the head of a certain famous NBA player, too. The Brooklyn-based brand was launched in 2009 by denim-obsessed brothers Sandy & Emil Corsillo with business partner & friend Hisashi Oguchi. Obsessed with outstanding fabrics & Japanese workwear brands, the brand has found itself a nice niche — eclectic styles that manage to look of-the-moment at the same.

Some of the store's wares, including standout socks and great chinos, on display in Brooklyn.

Some of the store’s wares, including standout socks and great chinos, on display in Brooklyn.

I had the chance to stop into Hickoree’s, the brand’s physical outpost opened by the team in Brooklyn. And man, was I impressed with what I saw. In addition to stocking gear from The Hill-Side itself, the store also sells items you never knew you needed — like cool leather keyholders and Japanese pottery. The space is also, for one, exceptionally cool. There’s almost too much high-quality menswear to even begin to describe. The store stocks everything from indigo T-shirts and jeans from Blue Blue Japan to amazing chambray slip-ons and hemp denim sneakers (made in Japan for the brand).

Indigo wares on display from Blue Blue Japan, among others.

Indigo wares on display from Blue Blue Japan, among others.

Casual, washed shirts from The Hill-Side and the Gitman Brothers Vintage line are a highlight too, as are the unique trousers the store also stocks (like these sturdy jeans from Phivgel). The brand’s lightweight, infinitely wearable blazers are unlined and unconstruced, making them easy-wearing, and they have a tailored fit that’s not too restrictive. There’s also a standout selection of ties and pocket squares made from soft, textured fabrics — something that put the brand on the map in the first place. Pair that with a casual shirt and one of the many workwear-inspired jackets they also stock, and you’d have one standout outfit. Things can be topped off with a set of super comfortable and breathable socks  in a variety of colors (also the brand’s own). In fact, I picked up an olive Donegal tweed pocket square and some charcoal-tipped socks on this trip.

Beautiful ties in textured fabric from The Hill-side.

Beautiful ties in textured fabric from The Hill-Side.

Another personal highlight had to be the store’s stunning selection of sneakers — all from The Hill-Side itself. Whereas lots of brands are going for super clean, minimal shoes at the moment, there’s something to be said for sneakers that have unique texture and great construction (Donegal tweed sneakers or denim sneakers for the fall, anyone?). A set of herringbone twill sneakers in all-black were also quite well-made.

Just one pair of the awesome sneakers sold by The Hill-side.

Just one pair of the awesome sneakers sold by The Hill-Side.

Now, it’s absolutely worth noting that these pieces, from the blazers to the sneakers and even the socks aren’t cheap. They’ll set you back a pretty penny, to be sure. But the fabrics are beautiful on every piece, the quality and construction is top-notch and the styling potential for say, a chambray blazer or some clean white slip-ons, is huge. The great thing about the brand is that even though their line has expanded to more eclectic pieces (for example, small wooden display planes), they still have a grounded, defined sense of who they are — vintage, workwear-inspired and still very on-trend without trying too hard.

Soft-washed shirts from Gitman Brothers Vintage. Very well-made.

Soft-washed shirts from Gitman Brothers Vintage and The Hill-Side. Very well-made.

While not everyone will probably be able to get into the physical store soon, it’s for sure worth a trip if you ever find yourself in Brooklyn. And in the meantime, the brand’s excellent and quirky Web shop will have to suffice. Happy shopping!

What’s your favorite piece from The Hill-Side? Let me know!

by Beau H.

The GQ x Tiffany’s CT60 Watch Collection Preview

Vintage GQ magazines, fine watches & fine whiskey — the preview of the CT60 Collection.

Vintage GQ magazines, fine watches & fine whiskey — the preview of the CT60 Collection.

Last night, I was lucky enough to get another great opportunity through the fantastic GQ Insiders program. I had the chance to attend a special preview for Tiffany’s CT60 Watch Collection — a set of limited-edition timepieces that honor Charles Tiffany, founder of the iconic brand. He’s perhaps best remembered for installing one of the first — and largest — public clocks in the city (#TiffanyNYMinute, anyone?) As if the watches themselves weren’t impressive enough, the event was held at a new GQ-sponsored space, The Gent — complete with a complementary whiskey tasting and delicious (if small) appetizers. In addition to the new watches, select offerings from other Tiffany’s collections (like the Seattle Seahawks 2013 Super Bowl ring) were also on display. (I was also fortunate enough to get another look at the watches during the Thursday morning launch at the Tiffany’s flagship, and they’re just as lovely in the light of day).

The limited edition rose gold chronograph, inspired by a Tiffany's watch given to FDR in 1945.

A limited edition CT60 rose gold chronograph, inspired by a Tiffany’s watch given to U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945.

First, the CT60 Collection watches themselves: beautiful, absolutely beautiful. 23 (23!) different dial & strap combinations, powered by automatic Swiss movements. I’m not necessarily a watch snob by any means (although I do love me a great timepiece), so I’m not bothered too much by the automatic vs. quartz debate. I can, however, appreciate great design and heritage quality — and that’s exactly what these timepieces bring to the table.

Two square-dial watches from Tiffany’s East West Collection alongside four variations of the CT60 Collection.

Granted, the price points are hardly for everyone (or anyone, for that matter?). On the low end, one of these will set you back $4,250 — while the limited edition rose gold calendar chronograph seen in the second photo is … $19,000. Yes, for the price of a watch you could also pay for a year of college tuition (and plenty of other things). So, best to put that wallet away for now. Eye-popping prices aside, it’s always great to see what an iconic company can do in terms of design — and these really are well-designed timepieces.

Simple numerals on the dial and smaller case diameters make these crocodile strap options classic & understated.

The entire collection calls to mind simpler times, with understated, no-frills designs — minimal dial comlications, crisp numerals and smaller case diameters (up to 42mm). In addition to the pricey Calendar option seen above, there’s a Chronograph and a more basic Three-Hand style, too. There’s a men’s-sized 40mm option in the Three-Hand variation, and a smaller women’s 34mm option, too. Strap variations include brown & black crocodile leather bands, as well as a stainless steel band with (among others), stunning a blue or dark brown or slate grey dial.

On the left: The women's 34mm stainless steel option. On the right: the 40-mm men's option.

On the left: The women’s 34mm stainless steel option. On the right: the 40-mm men’s option.

In particular, the crocodile strap options were drool-worthy (and yet insanely pricey!). They call to mind other designs that focus on classic (but not stuffy) refinement — like Shinola’s Runwell watch. These timepieces are certainly cost-prohibitive, but the design cues they emphasize mean it’s easy to get something relatively simliar for WAY less cash — look to Shinola, for starters. Only the lucky few will be able to pick up something from this collection, but in the meantime, a guy can dream — right?

Which watch is on your wish list? How much is TOO much when it comes to a nice watch?

 

by Beau H.

The H&M + GQ Modern Essentials Collection Launch Event

A collection of spring staples curated by the former British soccer star.

A collection of spring staples curated by the former British soccer star.

Wednesday night, I had the chance to attend the launch of the H&M Modern Essentials Collection (as selected by David Beckham) — a party put on by GQ, as luck would have it. I don’t often get the chance to attend fashion-type events like these, but as a member of the GQ Insider program, this launch was too good to pass up. Inside the 48th Street H&M here in New York, a DJ spun remixes, free drinks were on tap and the entire basement floor of the store turned into a showcase of everything menswear-related that H&M had to offer — including a specific selection of goods curated by Mr. Beckham for the collection (seen below). It was a pretty packed event but there was still plenty of room to shop Becks’ picks and more .

Beckham's collection has the basics covered from striped shirts to a tan denim jacket.

Beckham’s collection has the basics covered from striped shirts, a plain white tee and a tan denim jacket.

Thankfully, this year’s David Beckham collaboration reaches outside loungewear for crisp essentials, including a nice line of five-pocket pants for spring,  pastel crewneck sweaters, a now sold-out striped pique polo and a quick-selling linen mac coat (see the full line-up here). He also has evening wear covered for the warmer months with a sharp dark navy linen blazer (also sold out!). Beckham’s picks include staples like a white poplin shirt that could see lots of use if you follow some of these classic suggestions, too.

The pieces picked up by yours truly at the event. A light blue V-neck, checked navy trousers, a khaki cotton blazer, a grey twill shirt and a repp stripe tie.

The pieces picked up by yours truly at the event. A light blue V-neck, checked navy trousers, a khaki cotton blazer, a grey twill shirt and a repp stripe tie.

Elsewhere outside the Modern Essentials collection, H&M is a brand that delivers fast-fashion pieces for those of us on a budget — and they certainly do some things well. A lot of that inspiration was on display during last night’s event, and thanks to a nice 25% discount, I brought home some spring styles for myself. As Beckham wears so nicely in promo shots for the collection, the above navy mini-plaid trousers would pair nicely with white sneakers (like these here) and a crisp white polo in the warmer months.

I also snagged a slim-fit khaki cotton blazer and a discounted grey twill shirt, both of which should complement the navy, brown and silver repp stripe tie I picked up. Events like these don’t come around that often, but it was nice to be able to get out, do some shopping and pick up a discount in the process — hopefully, more are in the works as part of the GQ Insider program. Stay tuned!

What are your favorite items from Beckham’s collection? Experience with H&M menswear? Let me know!