Swatch Chrono Automatic Collection

The Swiss fashion watch and jewelry maker have shaken up their more "fun fashion" watches with the launch of altogether more serious Swatch Chrono Automatic Collection. The debut collection, launching October 15th, comprises five sporty models offering a more expensively styled look.

With a market dominated by upscale brands, the Swiss firm’s ever-inventive and creative designers have managed to keep some of the true Swatch look and feel around a new self-winding movement, putting assured chrono automatic performance and extraordinary style within easy reach of a more cost concerned customer.

There are five models within the collection and at the heart of the Swatch Chrono Automatic is the new self-winding ETA Caliber C01.211, a fifteen-jewel, 3Hz movement with a 46-hour power reserve. The thirty-minute and six-hour chrono counters are positioned at 12 and 6 o’clock, respectively, while the continuous seconds counter appears at 9 o’clock. A date aperture appears on all models at 3 o’clock.

As an avid collector of fine watches an accessories, i find myself genuinely adoring the look of this new leap in design, and have just become the first of many Swatch converts which this watch has the Chrono-matic movement to produce!

TIM SOAR & Paul Davis... Illustrated Genius.

Showcasing key looks from his A/W09 collection, Mr Gentry welcomes the first Viral Movie posting from British designer Tim Soar & illustrator Paul Davis... with a little help from two talented animators Alex Smith & Patrick Vale.

Buy select pieces from this collection at - http://www.asos.com/Men/A-To-Z-Of-Brands/Tim-Soar/Cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=8788

http://www.soar-london.com/

Martine Rose Padded Circle Shirt

This piece is from Martine Rose’s third season, a collection of men’s shirts called ‘Pieces’ - an intelligent and inventive combination of slim fitting shirting and modern sportswear texture aesthetic - sports-Luxx at its best and fun too. It comes in Light blue and white pinstripe cotton with the deep blue padded quilting detail beaming from the slim silhouette, the collar and cuffs fasten with pressed studs and placket fastens with clear buttons. It has arrived at Oki-Ni and priced at only £139.

http://www.oki-ni.com/Shirts/Martine-Rose-Padded-Circle-Shirt/invt/ros0001wht

SOARING into SS/10 with TIM SOAR

Tim Soar, showing for the third time at London Fashion Week, proved his evolutionally qualities as being one of the most serious menswear labels to come out of London in recent years. Opening his SS/10 show, entitled 'Folding Diagrams For A Spread Squash', we saw the designer making a serious move on from his last collection.

Highly technical approaches to fabrics ensured a true sports-lux approach and feel. The footwear was a key element to the aesthetic - a masculine sling-backed lace-up was a brilliant twist for mens footwear. A distant sporty 80's feel flowed through the collection, and with Boy George aptly sitting front row we must applaud the revival of this 80's season seen across many of the LFW shows - with Tim Soar clearly stepping further ahead and leading the way. Jackets and trousers were a focus, outerwear ranged from lightweight rain macs; apart of the collaborative affair with friend and fellow designer Chriostopher Raeburn, to the true Tim Soar inspired waist cropped, waxed-coated cotton styles.

Much pleating and folding of fabric was seen, reflecting his inspiration of the Spread Squash. Shirting was tidy and cleverly constructed with the highest of detail - as expected, Cotton Jersey vests were dotted across the collection in metalics and an impressive Tortoise shell print helping keep the summer structured but light with shorts and short-Suits taking place amongst the smart casual dress code.

The Linda Farrow collaboration of three eyewear styles in Gold, Silver and Jet Black was conceived from the Farrow archives but with additions from Tim, and all showed signs of his origami/folded theme of the collection for perfect summer accessorising.

This collection has once again assured Tim Soar's position as a leading light for London design talent, for which we must stand and salute.

http://www.soar-london.com/

B Store spring/summer 2010 catwalk collection

The b clothing range, conceived and designed by b Store owners Matthew Murphy and Kirk Beattie, was heavily inspired by Benjamin Braddock, Dustin Hoffman's clean-cut character in The Graduate. Neutrals in block colours, some interesting shapes in the trouser selection - no longer dominated by roll-up chinos. Fine gauge knit tops were clean and simple, and in total contrast were the reflective pac-a-mac style outerwear, adding a smattering of summer vibrancy. Socks were the styling feature of the show in a pale skin tone, which were a leading cue to the beautiful footwear selection. Some simple accessories slipped past intermittently, with messenger bags being the star item and an envelope "man-clutch" taking pride of place. Another clean cut show, clearly well constructed, but possibly to somber for summer.

Soaring the Heights at Selfridges!

With another London Fashion Week drawing to a close along with its parties, launches and collaboration unveilings, last night was a treat to see the official launch of something a little more special; the launch of the first Pop-up store for menswear designer TIM SOAR.

The designer who has been chosen to close the official menswear day at London Fashion week tomorrow, is known for his avant guarde designs and constantly evolving a genuinely sit up and take notice collection each season, evidently shown by the throng of senior magazine editors and stylists who turned up to help celebrate. Along with the designers friends and fellow collaborators Christopher Raeburn and Atsuko Kudo (both of which he collaborated with for his AW/09 collection), the launch was sponsored by the luxury Tequila brand PATRON and the fashion week favorite Vitamin Water all within the sizable area on the contemporary floor at Selfridges.

Showcasing his AW/09 collection, the space was flanked either side by rows of latex-masked mannequins featuring key looks form his show back in February this year which were all available to purchase. I managed an introduction to the designer himself from the fashion editor at GQ, and apart from being a genuinely a cool guy with passion for his work, he was also quite humbled by having such a great space within Selfridges and seemed to be enjoying the mass turn out for his launch - in-fact one editor from Shortlist magazine even missed the Paul Smith and Pringle shows to come along!

The pop-up store is only open for a limited 3 week period and what you see displayed on the rails & mannequins is it - no more! With a wait-list building momentum for the key items, my suggestion would be to get down to Selfridges Oxford Street asap! before the collection goes altogether.

http://www.soar-london.com/

http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/designer_profile.aspx?DesignerID=1162

Topman Oxford Street Reatches Dizzy New Heights

Topman, the star name for the British high street male, held an opening of its new contemporary menswear floor at the Oxford Circus store on wednesday night. The space, will has increase the current trading space to a massive 23,000 square foot, was easily filled with Londons press and a large handful of Fashion PR's, who came out in force to see Topman moving the game up a notch to meet the challenge set in recent years from stores such as H & M, with a floor layout and stockist list which certainly met that challenge and raised the bar simultaneously.

The new floor mixes Topman’s current style ranges, recognised brands such as Ben Sherman, Kusubi, Levis, WeSC, Barcuta, recognised concessions such as Office, Rough Trade, but more importantly new young designers such as Carolyn Massey and Christopher Shannon have been added to the mix to create a funky stylish haven for London’s fashion conscious.

Unlimited amounts of champagne, miniature pies and fantastic catering staff added to a packed night with Sir Philip Green as the host of his new ‘baby’. Additional interest had been generated earlier with the ‘Vespa Boys’ going round London handing out gift cards and shopping invites but with magazines such as GQ there there was always a lot of interest anyway. New additions also include a ‘Eat’ concession, a barber and the high point a Stylist Lounge to provide information on what cutting edge fashions suit you.

Speaking with Top Man Design Director Gordon Richardson he said “There`s never been a more exciting time in mens fashion. With an ever increasing design pool of young talent emerging in the UK , showcased at MAN during LFW coupled with an increasingly confident consumer, now more than ever seems to be the right time for Topman to be providing a further platform for contemporary fashion with our new purpose designed store. Catering for the fashion savvy male whatever their style or tribe our new store will provide everything that reflects their lifestyle from image to fashion to music.” I couldn't have said it better myself.

The new floor is open now; TOPMAN, 222 Oxford Circus, London or shop online at http://www.topman.com

Original Penguin Celebrate

With recession looming around the approaching London Fashion Week, we have all been bracing for a chilly ride on the party scene wagon - especially in the menswear quarter! But happy i was to see that some brands are not all facing doom and gloom, and in-fact want to throw a celebratory party for, well no real reason at all other than to say hi!

Last night the all American brand Original Penguin had a celebration for press at their flagship Covent Garden store, showing the new Autumn Winter season which has arrived on our great British high street. The clothing was not really to my styling being heavy on the American preppy, and me being more a tailoring heavy weight, but there were some nice casual pieces dotted around, plait shirts caught my eye, but i know this brand has an avid following and i was happy to join the gathering.

DJ sets played from the ever stylish Ben Grimes and Pete Denton from The Kooks, champagne flowed for 3 hours and American inspired diner food did the rounds in the form of Mini Burgers & Hotdogs, provided by the brilliant Ed's Diner, Soho.

http://www.originalpenguin.com/opg/

PRESENT London

Anyone passing by a sign above a store saying GOLDEN HORN CIGARETTE COMPANY, should most certainly take a peak inside, as this is a store called PRESENT, is adding to Shoreditch's great shopping selection.

Pronounced like "i present to you", the store itself is a reflection of the clothes contained within; beautifully-formed, is of selective taste and has a old world mix of style with very new finishes. Selling not only the obvious brands like Folk and Raf by Raf, but also NDG, Haverstock, Reigning champ and the original version of the Comme boot made by Trickers for a price much less than that of CDG. On top of these great offerings PRESENT also retail their very own range of t-shirts.

PRESENT, 140 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JE

http://www.present-london.com/

Rick Owens Silk Coat'ed Perfection

Rick Owens is a designer of intricately fascinating design pieces every season, and this Incredible long coat in asymmetrically cut black silk, sets apart all other coats for this (and many more) season ahead. This coat, priced at £1805.00, is clearly an "investment piece" and is undeniably THE most striking coat i have come across in many a season gone by.

This coat can fasten with a single waist button or as a double breast, has two long back vents for an angular silhouette and movement when you wear it. Available from the Rick Owens store, 64 South Audley St, London, W1K 2QT and Oki-ni.

http://www.rickowens.eu/

http://www.oki-ni.com/Rick-Owens-Jackets/Rick-Owens-Silk-Coat/invt/ro0082blk

KOLOR - AW/09 Collecion

Kolor have been flying under the radar for a few years now and as their Autumn/Winter 2009 Collection lands into store, i feel an intorduction to the Mr. Gentry blog is needed. Founded in 2004, Kolor is the work of designer Junichi Abe, who had previously worked for the likes of Comme Des Garcons before going independent. The brand is popular in Japan, ranking at number one in a list of domestic designers by Japanese fashion industry newspaper, The Senken.

They avoid themed collections, aiming instead for a ’sophisticated comfort’. According to Kolor, perfect clothing is the mix of three elements: “the texture of materials, their unique cutting and designated specifications of sewing”.

While still a relatively small brand, they’ve got big plans ahead, with a flagship store opeing Omotesando area of Tokyo and a website launch both planned for later in the year. Stockists include the likes Browns and the Library in the UK, L’eclaireur in Paris and Opening Ceremony in USA.

http://www.brownsfashion.com/designers/index/men/kolor.htm

Fashion's Night Out With Oliver Sweeney

Picture this, Vogue magazine spearheading a global shopping drive in a bid to help the recession, which has hit the fashion industry. It shall be named ‘Fashion’s Night Out’, could take place as soon this Thursday and would see participating stores staging special events for the night.

Well, you need not picture this for to much longer as its already here, and you guys know you will be made to attend by your partners, however much you try and make a excuse!

Now, this evening is of course aimed at the hordes of female shoppers out there wanting a bargain and an excuse to spend spend spend, but my concern if firmly placed at the heart of the male agenda, where forced labour (befitting a worker donkey) will ensue as you become chief bag carriers!

Well gentleman, I’m pleased to be the bearer of good news, as one brand will surely become your stable of rest on Thursday evening, making time pass a little more quickly in your direction – welcome onto your life Oliver Sweeney.

The British brand has its flagship store on New Bond Street, within the central catchment area for this Vogue night out, and have decided to put on a selection of complimentary male focused activities, including; Whisky tasting from primer brand Balvenie, shoe shining service provided by innovative social enterprise ‘’Street Shine’ and topping this all off will be 20% discount on all full priced products including the famous shoes, coats, gloves and accessories.

I think you may just be able to see the end of what could be a very long road ahead…

Oliver Sweeney shall be open from 6-11pm, 66 new Bond Street, London. http://www.oliversweeney.com

Hi-Time for NIKE

Nike Sportswear, it seems, has a constant product release program, with new hybrids of retro product hitting shelves every week acorss the globe. Its a brand which straddles the style stakes between urban dressing and true innovative sportswear with the occasional miss-hap which only true Nike obsessives buy into. But with most of the dominating sportswear brands, they always have something to offer the unaware consumer who shop in the upper-main stream style section.

This case is proved by Nike's new offering of the Dunk Hi Top AC TZ, made from premium canvas (surprisingly canvas can reach dizzy heights of premium), are subtle in colour- available in an all grey or an all black, have a slick looking vulcanised sole, which has to be said was the selling point for me as its not too fussy looking, and have the stockists to suit the style obsessed.

Released on the 12th September, I am told these will sell out by October...

The Nike Dunk Hi AC TZ will be available from 1948, Bateman's Row, London and Dover Street Market from 12thSeptember 2009.

www.nikesportswear.com

Wonderfilled WONDERLAND

In publishing, there is a time within the issuing year which has an over riding sense of need and want for consumers everywhere. Surrounded by excited feelings of anxiousness, questions of importance waiting to be answered, and is indeed the most anticipated of all pages, resting within the confines of the monthly news stand ; this is know as the September issue.

Being an informed loon of obsessive style thinking, there should be at least one magazine which all men (and women) should be introduced to, what i believe to be an ultimate in all round style publication titles; and so i present to you WONDERLAND.

Contained within these 274 pages are some of the best work of a crafted editorial and multi stylist team which should be celebrated. I wont harp on about each shoot, interview or feature lovingly whipped across the pages in this issue (although the Wide Stretches shoot is beautiful genius), instead i will let you decide to take on down to your news agent or fine retailer of quality magazines, open your Margiela wallet and take with you a little piece of wonder this land has to offer.

http://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/

Wheelie Good Case of Prada!

Summer travel is here, and with it the problems of appropriate and stylish luggage fall upon us. We Brits tend to stick to darker autumn tones of black, brown and tan - what ever the season - and conveniently this makes some sense for matching dress to accessories.

But this season i urge you to break with our historical style pace, which usually sees us lingering at the bottom of the colour palette pile, and invest in the holiday collection from our Italian friends at Prada.

Luggage was one of the first products retailed by the Prada family, and indeed in 1919 Miuccia Prada's grandfather, Mario Prada was appointed the Official Supplier to the Italian Royal Family, earning the right to incorporate the coat of arms and knotted insignia of the House of Savoy into the family brands trademark logo.

This collection continues the tradition with its practical sturdy construction, being excessively well made and always the covetable item. The range, including trolley cases, briefcases and holdalls, all created in saffiano; the signature Prada material which is known for its durability and consistent appearance. Available in a pantone-swatch of colours which includes; indigo, royal blue, tan, berry, chocolate, mustard, white and ruby amongst others, the collection is crafted in traditional shapes sourced from the Prada archives.

These cases are the epitome of intercontinental style and a must for any Gentry Man worth his luggage allowance.

Available now from selected Prada stores worldwide: http://www.prada.com/