EASTPAK PLAY-THE COMMERCIAL

EASTPAK SPAK - Director's cut from WE ARE FROM L.A on Vimeo.

EASTPAK are definitely known for their innovative projects and exclusive collaborations with designers in the calibre of Maison Martin Margiela, Christopher Shannon and Raf Simons but now it seems that the bag & accessories brand are getting in on the 'viral video as commercials' action.

Their latest commercial features models diving from the top of the building on to each other on a human tetris game whilst wearing the latest Eastpak collection.

How brilliant is that?What do you guys think of the new commercial?

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

Mackintosh for Converse 'Jack Pursell'

Converse Inc.  has probably just announced the launch of the most outstnading collaboration ever. Please make way for the Mackintosh for Converse Jack Purcell Johnny shoe and Mac jacket.

'With equal parts both refined and rebellious, the Jack Purcell shoe has a timeless casual style that blends perfectly with the clean, elegant simplicity of Mackintosh.'

The shoes are designed with the same attention to detail and excellent craftmanship of all the Mackintosh coats and jackets and to even top that the Jack Purcell's will feature the signature Mackintosh waterproof rubberized cotton.

As part of Converse First String, Converse’s premium product line that celebrates craftsmanship, authenticity and pure expression, the shoes will be available in limited quantities for the suggested retail price of £120 in sizes 4 – 13. Only 120 jackets will be available to be sold exclusively alongside the shoes at the newly opened Mackintosh flagship store at

104 Mount Street

and Dover Street Market in London. The jackets will be available in men’s sizes 38 – 42, just in time for April showers, the collection will launch 22^nd April.

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

CAMDEN CRAWL 2011

Following hard on the heels of the Royal Wedding, Camden Crawl is the ideal way of making sure your bank holiday weekend is as manic as possible. With numerous bands and comedy acts working Camden’s pubs and clubs, you can’t fail in finding an act you’ll love. The Crawl expertly mixes a cross-section of established and up-and-coming bands, from Razorlight to Two Wounded Birds to Graham Coxon to D/R/U/G/S: expect an eclectic mix of the most important music of the moment. A weekend pass, which permits access to a host of venues across Camden, costs only £68.60. That’s your Royal Weekend sorted then. You can take the Monday off; you deserve it.

Check out the line up here...

Kenneth Cole launches underwear collection

Underwear is definitely one fashion accessory that most men nowadays consider a must. Designers transformed the once dull and simple garment into a fashion extravaganza of an array of patterns and colours, allowing men to identify underwear with their mood.

As funny as it sounds underwear are a very important issue for men. They need to look good, feel good and be very very comfortable and Kenneth Cole definitely knows what we want.

Launching his underwear collection exclusively in the UK, the range takes inspiration from his already successful menswear line. Including both happy-go-lucky bold colours and stripes but also earthly tones and the ever so classic black and white pants that we all need in our drawers, Cole's underwear features fine, gauge, cotton-jersey technology that appart from unique style is all about comfort.

Priced at £15, look for them at House of Fraser and selcted stores accross the UK soon!

See more underwear from the collection after the jump!

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

BURBERRY CELEBRATES IN CHINA WITH GLOBAL DIGITAL EVENT LIVE FROM BEIJING

The event, which took place earlier this week on a 2000sqm sound stage at the Beijing Television Centre granded the audience and viewers with a spectacle that was truly breathtaking.

With a progressive technological approach, Burberry created an immense brand experience celebrating all things British and Burberry. The show that also celebrated the launch of the new 12,500 square foot flagship store in Beijing, took viewers through a magical choreographed four season weather journey that included life-size holograms of models and models transforming into snow.

“This global event in Beijing was a true expression of Burberry today bringing together all the elements of our multi faceted brand using the most innovative technology and the best of British music, connecting all our communities and celebrating this magnificent country with viewers all over the world.”
Christopher Bailey, Burberry Chief Creative Officer

To top it all off the event was attended by over 1000 guests including Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts, British actors Sam Claflin and Douglas Booth as well as Maggie Cheung, Fan Bing Bing, Li Bing Bing, Won Bin, Chen Kun, Du Juan, Dou Xiao, Shang Wen Jie; Yan Ni; Jia Nai Liang, Rock Ji, Super VC, Philip Huang and VJ Zhu Zhu.

Click here to see the highlights from the show on video!

 

 By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

Are you ready for Emilio Pucci menswear?

Yes it's true, the print loving fashion house is moving into new territories with a menswear capsule collection that will only be available online at www.emiliopucci.com.

The collection, that was conceived and designed by creative director Peter Dundas, was done to celebrate the launch of the brand's new design directior for their online store.

In addition to being fully optimized for iPad devices, the Emilio Pucci Online Flagship presents the Pucci collections in a contemporary new layout with larger images, a more powerful zoom and added features, enabling customers to see and experience the collections up close. Mobile versions for iPhone and Android will be rolled out in coming weeks.

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

7thMan Exclusive Interview:Our favourite electro-pop band Cut Copy are back with a new album!

Australian electro-pop sensation Cut Copy are back this month with their third studio album Zonoscope.  Now a four piece, with the addition of bassist Ben Browning, the band hope to follow up the success of their last album In Ghost and Colours and, judging by the recent reception of the new release, they have little to worry about.  More of a dance record than previous albums, Zonoscope sees the band tone down on the rock/indie vibes and focus more on the electronic, with more uplifting synths, layers and percussion. We caught up with Cut Copy to find out a little bit more about the new release.

After the success of In Ghost Colours did you feel any added pressure in writing the new album?

No not really. We were happy with the result of In Ghost Colours and felt it was heading in an exciting direction. So if anything we were really eager to get back to recording and see where things went next. For us recording is always a most exciting process, so we dont think about pressure or expectations, it’s just about exploring different creative avenues.

You have a new member, how has having Ben in Cut Copy affected the creative process?

He comes from a background of classic pop music and has a real handle on musical theory and technique, whereas the rest of us are all self taught. So he’s definitely come in from a different angle. I think it’s been interesting having him play and work with us on the new record. He always seems to bring something unexpected to all our recordings and is super proficient on various instruments.

Who were your influences in writing for ‘Zonoscope’?

I was listening to a lot of Talking Heads, Grace Jones, Konk and late seventies music that was influenced by african music while working on the original demos for the record. I think the emphasis on rhythm was really influential. I also listened to a lot of other stuff; 90’s manchester stuff, chicago house, and a lot of classic pop like the rolling stones, roxy music etc. As always our records seem to be a product of a pretty diverse range of sounds.

Read the rest of the amazing interview after the jump!

Otis Batterbee 'The masculine way to grooming'

Otis Batterbee Gift-set £95

The idea behind accessories designed especially  for men  is not one that easily appeals to every single man. Some think that it diminishes their masculinity and others just don't like the thought of having to worry about accessories on top of everything else.

That's where Otis Batterbee comes in. The men's accessory brand that is designed in England and created by Otis Batterbee himself, honours and values the long-standing idea of a well-groomed man. Quality construction, good design and the use of the best possible materials are the core values of Otis Batterbee.

From  grooming accessories & cufflings to 100% cotton pocket squares and incredibly well crafter waxed wash bags and travel accessories, Otis Batterbee developed a range that is a must-have for every discerning modern man.

Find out more on www.otisbatterbee.com

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

7thMan Must- Have for the Summer : 'Black Eyewear'

The sun is shining in London, the weather is sweet..Are you sure you are rocking the right pair of sunnies?Eager to buy a pair of sunglasses that all the big fashion houses are imitating?

I guess having the great jazz musician Count Bassie sit beside you at a piano and start jamming with you creates an instant gratification that everything that you've been doing so far lead up to this particular moment.

For Robert Roope, creator of the 'Black Eyewear' this was probably the best night of his life, a night that catapulted him into a series of events that brought to life this collection of brilliantly crafted sunglasses. The 'Black Eyewear' range is named after several jazz musicians as the effect of the jazz era and its aesthetic is what prompted Roope in creating a collection that has soul and passion running through them; that can easily be perceived as vintage and retro while still remaining contemporary and with an edge.

“It was my way of paying tribute to the music that has given me so much joy over the years,” says Roope.

The iconic frames appeared in movies like 'Quantum of Solace' and icons like Johnny Depp credit Roope as probably the best eyewear designer in the business so it looks like Robert Roope only had to look to the past to create an amazing future!

Have a look at more of the retro inspired 'Black Eyewear' range after the jump!

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

Nancy Spero

The Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens is playing host to the first major presentation of Nancy Spero’s work since her death in 2009. Her work is fascinating partly for its breadth of identities and characters: from the Celtic goddess of fertility with legs akimbo, to 50s pin-ups, to Medusa, to Artemis Artaud, the lunatic/nihilist/misogynist, a seemingly incongruous cast of oddities are brought together. It might seem strange that Spero, the strident feminist and anti-war activist, could champion such an anti-hero as Artaud, but this is only to testament her great artistic intuition; her ability to mute the intellectual for the human in creating great art. It is this aspect that comes across most strongly in the Serpentine exhibition, for although Spero was a critical and passionate political commentator, her work communicates on many other levels, be it immediately visual, emotional or humorous. The paradigmatic shift from traditional feminism has endangered many overtly feminist artists: it is proof of Spero’s art that her work remains as vital and entertaining today as it ever has been. Take a trip to the Serpentine Gallery before May 3rd and see for yourself.

Joe Stevens

Friends of Fred by Fred Perry

In a move not really anticipated by anyone, Fred Perry creates the unthinkable, multi-brand Fred Perry stores, well sort of!

The main problem with guys when they go shopping is that they tend to buy products and clothes without thinking what is in their closet already or what they could actually wear it with. Fred Perry brand has decided to change this.

'Friends of Fred' is a new collaboration concept, where the team behind the Fred Perry brand took a closer look at the iconic sub-cultures who have worn and loved Fred Perry and decided to invite other brands into their Laurel Wreath collection stores, to offer their customers the full cultural outfit experience.

First up, Sunspel, Levi's and GH Bass and Company are now available in store offering you the chance to recreate the smartly tailored look of the 50's & 60's mod movement with the trends of today. With t-shirts from Sunspell, denim from Levi's and shoes from GH Bass and Company all you need to do is hurry down to the shop and start mixing & matching.

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

PRADA: New Digital-Fashion Borders

PRADA obviously sees no frontiers or boundaries when it comes to the internet and that is exactly why we love them!

The Italian fashion house is launching their Made-to-Order service on the Prada.com website that will provide users and brand enthusiasts with the opportunity to use the service on footwear, customisable eyewear and small leather goods.

Offering an interactive experience for both male and female clientele, everyone will be able to personalise and recreate their own PRADA look. Choosing from a dedicated on-line section that will feature the 'Lettering Project' for leather goods,the Spring Summer 2011 lace-ups that are the 'it' shoes for this season & the Prada Private eyewear, Prada will give you design control.

By expanding its web presence, Prada is reaffirming its ongoing interest in researching the latest and most forward-looking communications strategies. And they are certainly paying off!

The Made-to-Order service will be available on-line end of April!

 

Via 7thwomanmagazine.blogspot.com

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

7thMan Must-Have: Robert Geller 'Andreas' Sunglasses

These days I seem to be so inspiring for so many people, that even designers look to me for innovation and inspiration!As you know I am only joking but I couldn't pass off this once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase probably the best-named sunglasses I have seen in quite a while and trust me they are not bad to look at either!

Robert Geller, the New York based menswear designer who is known for his well executed tailored pieces that are full of swagger, has branched out to sunglasses.

The aesthetic of the 'Andreas' sunnies continue to embody the same clean-lined and refined elements that made Geller the excellent craftsman he really is. Featuring a rounded-out rectangular skeleton, the sunglasses are available in both matte black and slick clear finish.

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

Marc Jacobs - The raunchy fashion house?

What is really going on at Marc Jacobs? We've been hearing all sorts lately and even though we are finding it hard to believe most of them, more and more people are coming forward with bizzarre stories.It looks like some employees or former employees are not really happy with  CEO Robert Duffy.

A former CFO of Marc Jacobs International is allegedly suing the company, Robert Duffy and LVMH (not Marc Jacobs himself) because as he claims the CEO is using company money to pay off personal expenses, makes employees watch gay pornography and also he comprised a book where all employees were asked to be photographed in awkward sexual positions (according to the NY Post). This all sounds very peculiar!

On top of that an ex- intern hijacked the MJ twitter account claiming that Robert Duffy 'is a tyrant' and wouldn't advise anyone to apply to work for him.

Is there the slightest bit of truth in these allegations or is it just bitterness?

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

Via http://7thwomanmagazine.blogspot.com/

G-Star RAW by Marc Newson S/S'11

It's only fair to say that Marc Newson gave G-Star the necessary oomph to make the transition from an amazing denim brand to an exquisite destination that can offer any brand enthusiast the exact necessary dose of industrial fashion and accessible trends. Since joining the denim brand in 2003, the creation of limited collections were fused with high-tech materials resulting in an evolving range of unique luxury street wear.

The Spring/Summer 2011 G-Star RAW by Marc Newson range, further explores the manipulation of technical construction techniques to achieve an understated result through excellent craftsmanship whilst incorporating bold use of graphics for an edgier feel.

See more products from the S/S'11 collection after the jump!

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant

Woodkid 'Iron'

Woodkid - Iron from WOODKID on Vimeo.

This is pure fashion ecstasy! The creative direction, the stylistic artistry, Agyness Deyn, the power, the command, the energy that the new video of Woodkid 'IRON' evokes is probably the best example of art, photography & fashion combined that we've seen in a while!

Enjoy!

By Andreas Menelaou Features Assistant