BLEU06 Edit: Father’s Day Gift Guide

In my experience, shopping for my dad is almost as hard as shopping for myself. Sometimes it’s just easier to stick with the generic pair of socks or a novelty tie. This time round, let’s say no to crappy gifts, with that in mind, here are my top picks guaranteed to  put a smile on the faces of dads all around the world. 

For the dad who enjoys the finer things, satisfy his expensive taste with one of these beauties...

Aesop State of Matter Body Kit - Mr Porter
Moleskine Plain Softcover Notebook - Moleskine
Assouline Fine Wines: The Best Vintages Since 1900 by Michel Dovaz - Mr Porter
Lanvin Bowtie Cufflinks - Matches
Balvenie Single Malt Whisky Sampler -  Selfridges
Tom Ford Grey Vetiver - Selfridges


Fanatic about new technology and always one step ahead of the game...

Apple TV - Apple
Pantone Universal iPhone Case - Selfridges
Alexander McQueen Leather iPad Case - Mr Porter
Braun BN0035 Stainless Steel Chronograph watch - Mr Porter
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate - House of Fraser
Bose SoundDock Digital Music System - John Lewis

For the city-slicker dads constantly on the go...

The Sartorialist by Scott Schumann - Amazon
Persol Polarised Rectangular-Frame Sunglasses - Mr Porter
Turnbull & Asser Contrast Edge Silk Pocket Square - Mr Porter
Nicole Farhi Airforce Blue Treated Linen Blazer - My Wardrobe
Hardy Amies Micro-diamond Navy Trousers - Matches Fashion
Grenson Ollie Snuff Tan Shoes - Coggles


A treasure trove for the dads seeking the perfect summer getaway... 

Comme Des Garçons AZ-1034 White T-Shirt - Coggles
MIANSAI Silver Hook on Burgundy Bracelet - MIANSAI
L.G.R. Luanda Sunglasses - Matches Fashion
YMC Navy Slip Ons - YMC
Orlebar Brown Setter Shorts - Mr Porter
Marc By Marc Jacobs Standard Supply Aviator Holdall - Mr Porter

ShortList's London Collections Limited Edition Covers

ShortList is probably the only free weekly publications I enjoy reading on the tube. Britain’s biggest men’s lifestyle magazine has released 3 limited edition covers for it’s London Collections: Men Style Special Issue. Topman Design, Liam Gallagher and Oliver Spencer were drafted in to design these limited edition covers which are available from today. So far I’ve managed to get images of the covers designed by Topman and Liam Gallagher, look out for the last one soon!

Images via: ShortList Magazine

IT’S OFFICIAL!! - H&M x Maison Martin Margiela Fall/Winter 2012 Collection

Marni, Lanvin , Versace, Jimmy Choo. H&M have been collaborating with big names for their  Autumn/Winter collections for a couple years now and this year is no different. Today H&M announced that MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA will be creating this year’s AW 2012 collection for Men and Women. MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA is known for their timeless and conceptual approach to style. The Maison believes in the absolute importance of the collaborative nature of its team rather than the individual, where its ideals are founded in the desire for concept and creativity.


Here’s what H&M’s creative advisor, Margaret von Bosch had to say about this new collaboration:

“MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA is one of the most important and influential fashion houses of the past three decades. I am so excited by this collaboration which will give fashion lovers around the world the chance to wear special pieces by MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA. This collaboration will be a great and memorable fashion moment“

 MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA released a statement too:

“We are very happy to present MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA pieces with H&M, offering a new interpretation of our vision. The democracy of our fashion has always been at the centre of our creativity, and the collaboration with H&M allows us to push this instinct further. We will bring together the contrasting universes of the two houses in ways that will surprise all.”

Some fashion purists might disagree with H&M’s ‘celebrity’ collections but I think it’s great that the general public get to experience both high and low forms of fashion. I loved that the Marni collection from earlier this year still managed to embody the unique sense of style that has made Marni so iconic. I’m quite confident that both labels will create a tasteful collection that will probably sell out fast! I’m definitely gonna start saving up.


The H&M x MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA collection launches online and instore on 15th November 2012.

The Team

Shapes and Volumes

Process of Tailoring

Images via H&M

Opening Ceremony x Adidas Originals Fall/Winter 2012 Collection

London 2012 is fast approaching and the fashion industry has fully embraced the excitement of the Games too. In anticipation of the Olympic Games, Opening Ceremony has teamed up with Adidas Originals for their Fall/Winter 2012 capsule collection. The collection combines sporting elements from Cycling and Swimming, with an urban street wear appeal. The mostly unisex collection is inspired by the iconic bandana print, hypnotic splatter paint and florals. As a big fan of bold, vibrant prints I really love the hooded neoprene parka, I hope it comes in blue too. The collection is available in early July.

Check out the ad campaign shot by Josh Olins, featuring Jordan Torres and Shane Gibson.

Images via FTape

TOPMAN DESIGN Spring/Summer 2013 Show

London Collections: Men starts on Friday, and one of the highlights of the event will be the TOPMAN DESIGN SS13 Collection. So here’s your invite to the show on Friday. It will take place at 12PM UK Time (13:00 CEST / 4am PST / 7am EDT). Like last year, TOPMAN DESIGN will be tweeting each look before it hits the catwalk so make sure you’re following the TOPMAN Tweetwalk. You can do this by following @TopmanUK. So get involved, your tweet may be featured on their live twitter feed. The hashtag for Friday’s show will be:
#TOPMAN
Hit the play button bellow to watch the show

The Hitlist #4: Sealed Watch by Boat

Customisation and the search for individual, one-of-a-kind pieces has always been a big factor for me when it comes to fashion, especially with accessories. So discovering Be Optimistic and Thankful (boat) was a real treat! I really admire the way they’ve involved their audience in the creative process from choosing the casing of the watch to selecting their chosen dial and strap. Leo Chiu and Siu Man are the creative brains behind this innovative timepiece. Their design was inspired by the ancient Chinese tradition of using personalised sealed stamps as signatures in official documents and letters.


The unique thing about a boat watch is the face, made of high grade wax which is stamped with specially designed seals. Currently they offer a choice of 7 different wax colours, but with a concept like this the possibilities are truly endless. So how much do you think it would cost for one of these beauties? Probably not as much as you think, each watch is priced at just $85 which I think is quite reasonable considering how much control you have in terms of the final product.


For more info and of course to order your own boat Sealed Watch, check out Be Optimistic and Thankful

Images via:  Be Optimistic and Thankful

The British Designers Collective

This week summer finally kicked in here in the UK so I decided to take a day trip to Bicester Village in Oxfordshire. For those of you who haven’t heard of it, it’s a lovely designer outlet home to various high-end designer labels like Burberry, Versace, Calvin Klein etc. My major reason for going though, was to have a look at the British Designers Collective. Like the upcoming London Collections: Men event it’s another way British Design is being showcased this summer.