The ASOS Crafted In Collection

This week ASOS is introducing 'Crafted In', a new range of tailoring, knitwear, denim, footwear and accessories created with premium materials. The brand has struck all the rights notes for FW13 with a strong feel of British heritage but also with a solid variety of contemporary silhouettes and shapes.
The tailoring seems to be the focal point of the collection and its most striking part with a mix of suits made from Italian wool and Harris Tweed, which is also present in some of the stunning outerwear such as the peacoats and the bomber jackets.
The cable knit pieces are all made from 100% British wool and include a selection of jumpers in burgundy, green, navy and cream, as well as scarves and beanie hats. All of which are a perfect addition to the tailoring.
Together with tailoring, footwear is my favourite part of the collection. The eight beautiful pieces created in Northampton, the heart of British shoemaking, cover all the essentials a stylish man should have in his wardrobe – a brogue, a double monk-strap, a Derby, a lace-up Derby boot and a Chelsea boot. The last two in a choice of smooth and grainy leather. The streamlined design of the classic styles and the pops of red make the shoes extremely relevant yet timeless.
And finally, if the above wasn't enough, 'Crafted In' also offers an array of denim made from Japanese selvedge and available in four indigo washes all with a straight fit.

'Crafted In' is a concise and subtle capsule collection perfectly suited for the needs of the modern stylish guy – and all for a very competitive price. Scroll down for a selection of my favourites from the 'Crafted In' collection.

Grainy Leather Derby Boots

Harris Tweed Peacoat

Harris Tweed Blazer and Harris Tweed Bomber Jacket.

Leather Chelsea Boots

Double-chested Italian suit

Leather Brogues, Grainy Leather Chelsea Boots, Leather Derby Boots, Leather Double Monk-Strap Shoes

Cable Knit Jumper

Courtesy of ASOS

FW13 Essentials from Tod's

I already posted about the Tod's FW13 collection after attending their beautiful presentation during the last Milan Fashion Week. And, after this new one, I am sure there are a few more coming because this is one of my favourite collections yet.
I was excited to see their new ready-to-wear looks, which keep getting better every season. No other brand has the skill to create the most stunning lightweight leathers and suedes without lacking comfort and practicality. They're pieces to have for a lifetime.
Also for FW13 I am coveting most of the footwear collection. From the classic suede Chelsea boots, to the cozy shearling-lined desert boots and my two favourites – the pony skin Chelsea boots and the brushed leather monk straps. Every single piece is a wardrobe staple of the highest quality.
I am almost equally crazy about their new line of work and travel bags, which have also been treated with their unique brushing technique to make the leather soft and flexible and give them a richer texture.
The collection is not dropping for a while yet – let's content ourselves with some of their SS13 hits – but be sure to keep an eye out for your favourites towards the end of the summer.

Courtesy of Tod's

Tod's No_Code Spring/Summer 2013

This week Tod's is presenting the SS13 collection of my favourite line No_Code, which the brand has been creating for the last three seasons in collaboration with Jefferson Hack.
What I love about the new models is how classically British they are in their shapes – Oxford shoes, Chelsea and desert boots – but how they've been updated with new materials, colours and finishes to also be very modern, very East London. These, I suppose, is Jefferson's expertise: to bring together tradition and a contemporary style with a British flair. I can definitely see all the cool boys of Shoreditch walking around these in London.
My personal highlights from the collection have to be the lace-up Oxford shoes. From the more classic tan leather model to the edgier patent leather and skin models. I am also crazy about the Chelsea boots, which I wear non-stop during the winter because they make me feel so rock & roll.

Make sure to check out the Tod's No_Code micro site where you can explore the collection and check out the exclusive videos created for the new collection.
You can buy a selection of them both on the Tod's website and over at Mr Porter.

Courtesy of Tod's

Tod's F/W13: A Paradise made of Leather

The Tod's presentation at Villa Necchi is always one of my highlights from MFW but this goes double for the FW13 collection. I have often reiterated how essential are Tod's modern classics for a style-concious man and this, too, goes double for the FW13 range. If you bought every single piece from the collection you would have the ultimate accessory wardrobe a man needs for life – everything from casual suede desert and Chelsea boots to smarter monk straps, brogues and even the versatile new style introduced this season – the toe cap Oxford shoes with a modern hiking boot detail. My absolute favourites from the collection, I must say, are the midnight blue pony skin Chelsea boots. Picture them with a pair of slim grey jeans or even a black suit... simply incredible.
Tod's has also given a great push to their bags for FW13 introducing the zip shopping bag and travel bag to their 'Double Stripe' line, which colours you can personalise to give it a unique touch. Also in line with this the brand introduces 'Sartorial Touch', a new shoe collection created through construction and polishing techniques developed by Tod's artisans and exclusive to the brand. You can literally leave a mark on your new pair of shoes by embossing your initials into the leather.
For the last couple of seasons the brand has also been introducing a lot of ready-to-wear in the shape of phenomenal outerwear in the most exquisite skins. For FW13 Tod's has focused on ultra light-weight and soft leathers and suedes, which are then quilted inside or lined with neoprene or shearling – this makes them warm enough for winter without taking away from the lightness.
And last, but not least, another of my favourite pieces – the double pochette. It is such a simple but practical idea. Documents and notebooks can be kept on the bigger pocket while your phone and keys can go in the front, easy to reach.

NOTE: If you are a friend or relative reading this post remember my birthday is on the 21st of March so please interpret this and any previous post as a very literal wishlist. Thanks.

Fashion Frankly, Courtesy of Tod's