Welcome fellow fashionistas. Grab yourself a finely brewed drink, hot or cold, sit back, relax and feast your eyes upon some seriously good reading. We aim to wet your appetite with regular updates on the ever revolving world of menswear style.
A warm welcome again to Oliver Spencer. A favoured collection amongst ourselves, the Oliver Spencer range is a perfect mix between popular streetwear and traditional tailoring. What started off as making clothes for himself, friends and family, became a eponymous label in 2002. It is a true British brand, and with more than 50% of the collection made right here in the UK by professional machinists, it has become true to it's roots and over the years has been recognised and worn by many faces such as Paul Weller and The Rolling Stones. It is clear to see that the thought process of each piece in the collection goes that little stretch further than many other. With Oliver Spencer you will find Quality locally sourced fabrics, Modern Fits, Oldschool Construction, and attention to the smallest of detail. On what Oliver Spencer means to the man himself, he states : "It's Englishness. I am lucky enough to have two interesting straightforward names and I think it tends to stick in peoples minds". This is our first time back on board with Oliver Spencer since 2004/2005. We have loved the collection ever since, and now believe it is the right time to re-introduce the range to our customers. We hope you like what you see. We certainly do.
Check out our new Spring / Summer 2011 collection HERE >>>
Proper Denim ....
Mr Tsunemi had a passion for denim, which inspired him to import directly from the United States as no denim was manufactured in Japan at that time. Used, wornout and dirty denim which had to be laundered and mented by hand in order to sell on to his customers. In 1951, domestically manufactured denim was available for the first time in Japan. This product was expensive and of inferior quality compared to its American counterparts. Mr Tsunemi was driven to create his own denims, with greater sophistication in fits, washes and quality. From this point on in Edwin denim history, quality, craftmanship, innovation and integrity have been paramount to the ethos and aesthetic for the brand. In 1961 Mr Tsunemi crafted the first pair of Edwin Denim Jeans. Utilising the letters D, E, N, I & M {reversing the M creating a W} he created the brand name EDWIN. By 1963, EDWIN had produced the World's heaviest ringspun denim jean (16oz), featuring the famous three colour rainbow selvedge, which is still being used today. In the 1970's EDWIN were the first company in the world to develop "old wash" designed to replicate denim which have been worn from its rigid unwashed state traditionally designed for workwear due to its durability. In the 1980's EDWIN invented "stone washing" which revolutionised the entire denim industry and was a pivotal moment in the evolution of denim manufacturing thus influencing every denim company in existance today. In the 1990's EDWIN created the "new vintage" denim concept, which encompasses the subtle beauty of hand replicating vintage washes from archive refrences pre-dating 1947. Edwin is an authentic denim brand priding itself on innovation and craftmanship, utilising exclusive fabrics and fabrication, unique technology, hand wash processes, and continual progression in design and fit.
Before washing your unwashed Edwin product, we recommend that you take the time to rinse your jeans. Different people prefer different methods. We suggest taking a shower in your jeans allowing the denim to find its natural form to your shape. This method, is our favourite as it helps to slow down indigo loss. Alternatively, you could sit in the bath, rinse by hand or run a delicate cold machine wash. If you are adventurous, swimming in the sea or jumping into a mountain stream can also be a fun alternative. Prior to your first real wash, we recommend that you wear them for as long as possible. Six months is a good length of time as this allows a natural beautiful wear process to occur, unique to your jeans. It’s a partnership between yourself and your jeans, a distinctive journey, a blueprint of a period of your life. The characteristics of wear will depend on your particular regime and lifestyle. Each jean will be unique, carrying memories distinctive to your journey. With this in mind, and whilst we love to see Edwin jeans worn for as long as possible for the best personal wash effect, if the denim starts to have an undesired aroma, for general hygiene, we suggest a rinse or first real wash. Some choose not to wash and simply let nature take its cause by airing naturally, it probably depends on how many friends you wish to keep happy ...... Every denim product will lose its colour. This is due to the special indigo dying process. After several washes, the loss of colour will reduce and in time will stop. Wash separately and always inside-out hand wash or delicate machine programme. Use a little amount of washing powder {without bleaching agent}. Dry naturally and do not iron for the best long term effect.
Enjoy your jeans and they will not let you down.
VIEW THE EDWIN RANGE HERE >>>
The Paul Smith Zebra story continues ....
Since Autumn/Winter 2009, we have been happily amused with the t-shirt designs from Paul Smith showcasing the story of the new Multi Coloured Zebra logo. What started off as a bit of tongue and cheek with the very first "Paul Smith Coat" design, has snowballed, and now got to the stage where we are getting asked, "What's the new Paul Smith Zebra T-Shirt". Glad to see that the story continues this season, with not one, but 2 additions. First up is the Zebra Head in the manner of a stuffed mammal you may well see in Sir Paul Smith's stately home, then secondly, the ever lasting Zebra being mounted by a well attired Multi Coloured Jockey. We are sure you enjoy these dropping in just as much as we do.
From left to right :
"IS THAT A PAUL SMITH COAT" : Autumn/Winter 2009
"NEW SOCKS" : Spring/Summer 2010
"COPYCAT" : Autumn/Winter 2010
"STUFFED HEAD" : Spring/Summer 2011
"JOCKEY" : Spring/Summer 2011
The new designs can be purchased HERE >>>
A dof of the hat to Sunspel.
Just recently celebrating their 150 years of service, Sunspel has been producing some of the very best in underwear garments since 1860. What set the standards for Sunspel, is that every single garment is Hand Made in England. There are no comprimises when it come to quality, and this is evident the very first time you try on a Sunspel piece. Attention to detail, beautiful fabrics such as Sea Island Cotton and Egyptian Cotton and sharp understated elegance, all make Sunspel. Remember the 1985 Levi's advert with Nick Kamen when he takes off his jeans in a laundrette to reveal his boxers? Those were Sunspel. Remember the James Bond film Casino Royale in 2006 with Daniel Craig. He was kitted out in Sunspel Polo Shirts. Christan Bale also sported Sunspel garments in 'The Dark Knight'.
Designers such as Paul Smith, Richard James and Margaret Howell have all worked alongside Sunspel, taking advantage of their skill and sheer elegance of superior clothing.
There is no doubt that Sunspel offer the very finest of underwear, and the quality and elegance of a Sunspel garment such as the Melange Polo or Riviera Polo take alot of beating. You can feel the quality on your skin. The fit is perfect, the way it hangs is perfect, and the durability of the product is oustanding. They wash like a ribbon, time after time. You will go a long way to find something so perfect at such a price.
Check out the range now : SUNSPEL
First up on our BLOG is the chance for you to get a bit of background and inside info from the owner Scott Wilson. Interview by Nautica's younger member of staff Scott McKenzie. Enjoy.
Scott McKenzie : HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY?
Scott Wilson : I first got involved in the industry when working as a fabrication engineer in London. I was already interested in clothes. For clothes I would check Camden Market, Hyper Hyper and Kensington Market. I realised that the brands being sold in London were not available in Glasgow and I knew I could sell them. I then asked suppliers for support to sell. Once I got that organised, I then got myself a unit within Virginia Galleries in Glasgow, it was called Grasshopper.
SM : HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY?
SW : From when I started up Grasshopper until now. It has been 20 years.
SM : WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS KEPT YOU GOING FOR SO LONG?
SW : I have a great passion for clothes and really enjoy meeting new people, so it makes work alot easier.
SM : DO YOU HAVE ANY FUTURE PLANS FOR NAUTICA?
SW : Aye, it's trying to find the next big thing, but also try to maintain and improve the high standards set in the shop.
SM : WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
SW : My favourite memory is the satisfaction and kick that I got when the shop was derelict, it had no windows, and to see it evolve from start to finish. Another great memory is getting the CP Company collection on board and meeting Sir Paul Smith.
SM : WHAT WOULD BE YOUR IDEAL HOLIDAY DESTINATION?
SW : For me it has to be California. Simply because I grew up watching films and TV programmes set there.
SM : IF YOU WERE NOT INVOLVED IN RETAIL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?
SW : If I wasn't involved in retail, I think I would be involved in wholesale.
SM : WHAT MOTTO DO YOU LIVE BY?
SW : Always be the best you can.
SM : IS THERE ANY GOOD ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED SINCE BEING IN THE INDUSTRY?
SW : Don't let the tail wag the dog. I can't remember who told me though.
SM : WHO DO YOU REGARD AS YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGNER?
SW : Throughout my whole career it would have to be Massimo Osti. But I have also had the pleasure of working closely with Oliver Spencer, Ian Bergin (Paul Smith, ONETrueSaxon, Barbour), Ian Pailin (Paul Smith, ONETrueSaxon, Garbstore). I have seen up close how they all work, and I have the upmost respect for them.
SM : WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ALL TIME LABEL?
SW : CP Company. Simply because I love how it is so understated elegance.
SM : IF YOU COULD HAVE AN ALBUM ON LOOP ALL DAY IN THE SHOP, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
SW : Stone Roses - Stone Roses.
SM : WHY?
SW : Listen to it and you'll understand why. :)