A&F NOT FOR KIDS

                                              David T. Abercrombie & Ezra H. Fitch

June 4, 1892, David T. Abercrombie opened a small waterfront shop at nr. 36 South Street in Lower Manhattan. In 1900, the formr lawyer, Ezra H. Fitch, acquired part of the company which incorporated in 1904 as Abercrombie & Fitch Co. The company filed bankruptcy in 1977. After that everything changed, what started as an outfitter for hunters, fishers and other liars, had a restart in 1998 as a brand for the preppy youngstars.

IT AIN'T FAIR, IF IT AIN'T FAIR ISLE

Duke of Windsor

Ralph Lauren Fall 2010

"Harry Potter"??

Hackett Fall 2010

GANT Fall 2010

J.Crew Fall 2010

GANT Rugger Fall 2010

Named after a small island off the coast of Scotland, these cozy, colorful, sweaters have been popular since the 1920's, when they were worn by the Duke of Windsor. Made from lambswool and Shetland wool - also named from the Scottish islands - their softness comes from heathered yarns (spun from different colored fibers) that are knitted to form geometric designs. These patterns are a key look for Ivy-Inspired preppy styles, as they're easily incorporated into a daytime campus-ready ensemble that's casual without becoming too staid. Wearing these sweaters with an oxford shirt and a blazer is also a smart way to add eye-catching interest to your outfit. Above you have some great examples of preppy collections like GANT Rugger, GANT, J.Crew, Hackett and Ralph Lauren.

NOT A GRUMPY OLD MAN

This is how you don't look like a grumpy old man, when wearing a short sleeve shirt.

CHAD GOES TO HAMBURG

 

Tomorrow, I will fly to Hamburg for a 2 day trip. GANT will open a pilotstore of 650 square meters on the Neuer Wall 80. I will stay in the fashionable boutique hotel The George a member of the exclusive Design Hotels group.

J.CREW @ MADISON AVE., NEW YORK

 

 

 

Today, J.Crew will open it's fourth men's-only store, a two level unit at 1040 Madison Avenue at 79th Street. The overall design of the store takes it's cue from old men's clubs, like the Danish leather chairs and industrial metal display tables. The paneling and floors are constructed from unfinished knotty pine, giving the store a cozy, rustic feel. The shop is stocked with Corgi Socks, Mister Freedom Belts, Hill-Side ties and scarves and sportswear including Belstaff jackets. This store will be on my shopping list for my next trip to the city that never sleeps. (pictures from WWD men's)

FILSON STORE OSAKA

 

The first Filson Store outside the US has opened his doors in Osaka, Japan.

Born in 1850, C.C. Filson inhereted his father's pioneer spirit and love of the outdoors. After homesteading in Nebraska and roaming the country as a railroad conductor, he moved to the small city of Seattle, Washington in the 1890's. Filson's timing couldn't have been better. By 1897, the great Klondike Gold Rush was on, and thousands of fortune hunters were stampeding into Seattle, headed north. Armed with a strong work ethic, a reputation for honesty, and several years' experience operating a small logger's outfitting store, C.C. Filson was ready to stake his claim to fame. Today Filson is known for rugged quality for over 100 years.

FAMOUS RUGBY FOOTBALL JERSEYS

Enough inspiration for a collection of rugby shirts. check here for more history of rugby.

ELFSTEDEN CLASSIC RALLY 2010

Yesterday, I drove my first rally called the "Elfsteden Classic Rally 2010" I was the lucky driver in the baby blue Austin Healey from 1964. We enjoyed the beautiful east of Holland during a trip via cornfields and charming villages. Over a 100 classic cars joined the trip, for more pictures click here.

GREEN IS OKAY!

For Fall/Winter 2010 it's great to wear a green pair of shoes, whether it's a buckshoe from Trickers, deckshoe from Sperry or longwings from Mark Mcnairy.

MICHAEL BASTIAN HIT THE STORES

Next week, the 26th of August the Gant by Michael Bastian collection Fall/Winter 2010 will hit the stores.

I cannot wait to put my neck through the green lacrosse sweater....

MONDAY BOOK MANIA WITH Mr. CLASSIC

The Dandy look is admired worldwide, there is nothing quite like a pair of well-polished broques or a well made dinner jacket and who knows better how a dandy should dress himself, indeed Mr. Classic. Jeremy Hackett is the founder of the British label Hackett, he runs his own blog on which he keeps you informed about the English Dandy look.