Frank Picks: 9 Brands You Need to Introduce into Your Wardrobe

AMI

If you don't know AMI you must've living under a rock or in a place with no WiFi. The French label has become one of the most sought-after brands because of it's effortlessly cool Parisian vibe. Some of the new FW14 collection is already available online and it's literally everything you need.

Shop AMI on their official website and on Mr Porter.

10Deep

Something has been changing in menswear over the last few seasons that has me very excited. The lines between formal, casual and sportswear seem to get blurrier with every season, which makes everything all the more interesting.

This season I am obsessed with baseball jerseys. They double-up as shirts under a blazer and look so cool with shorts and sneakers.

Shop 10Deep here.

Axel Arigato

'Designed in Paris - Operating in Sweden' is probably the best way to describe this shoe brand, which seems to touch on all the right notes of casual footwear – whether it's low, chukka or high top sneakers and even loafers, espadrilles and slippers. It's hard to leave their online store without a pair. Their prices make it even harder.

Shop Axel Arigato here.

Evocha

After its successful first season, the  British shirt-maker offers an ever wider range of smart and casual shirts so there is no occasion where their fine hand-picked fabrics and exquisite detailing can't go with you. Their chambray range is a personal favourite. And you can currently get a hold of them on sale!

Shop Evocha here.

Harry Stedman

When it comes to midcentury British and American classics no one nails them like Harry Stedman.
Their Drizzler and Varsity jackets are wardrobe staples executed beautifully in a modern way to avoid looking 'vintage'.

Shop Harry Stedman here.

J.W.Anderson

Another brand you should be crazy not to know. The Scottish designer simultaneously launched his women's and men's lines much to the acclaim of the international press. His namesake brand is going stronger than ever as he also takes control over Spanish brand Loewe, which is now on the list of the ones to watch.

Shop J.W.Anderson here.

L'Estrange

After several successful limited editions and a line of classics still going strong, L'Estrange releases their latest style – the navy marble print, a more contemporary take on their now iconic hood.
Watch them closely, new greater things are yet to come.

Shop L'Estrange here.

Private White V. C.

As you might guess by its name, this quintessential English brand draws inspiration from its founder's Private Jack White  military garments to create contemporary classics. Every piece is made using the best British materials and craftsmanship in the same Manchester factory where Private White started his apprenticeship, which he would later own.

Shop Private White V. C. here.

Scott Fraser Collection

With a love for mid-century style and a great understanding of clothing from his modelling past, Scott Fraser creates contemporary pieces with a clinical attention to detail.
I am currently obsessed with his loop collar shirts, which just like his stunning utility jackets, are produced in London on a pre-order basis.

Shop Scott Fraser Collection here.

Look of the Day: LCM Spring/Summer 2015 Day 2

Today I mixed a bit of work with a bit of menswear collections, which was a good way to start a Monday. The British weather wasn't quite on our side today either, a bit of chilly wind and grey skies made me go for some more layering.
With a white Uniqlo Oxford shirt and black Acne jeans as a base, I added a bit of colour with my L'Estrange Liberty Black Paisley hoodie and my U Adolfo Dominguez parka. Topping it off, of course, were my powder blue desert boots by Clarks (perfect also for walking around a lot) and my starred Gant socks.
Stay tuned for the last of my London looks and a recap of my favourite shows!

Fashion, Frankly

L'Estrange London Celebrates their new Limited Edition Hoods & Pop-Up Store

Judging by the buzzing crowd outside 46 Monmouth Street, you wouldn't guess L'Estrange London only launched their now popular hood back in April of this year. The brand had a double reason to celebrate last week. The first was the launch of their latest limited edition Liberty Fabric Hoods, and the second was the opening of their Christmas pop-up shop in Covent Garden.
Following the obviously successful first collaboration with Liberty, L'Estrange is now heading for round two with their latest fabric of choice: 'New Year's Eve'. The modern take on Liberty's classic paisley pattern is a perfect match for the black cotton jersey of the Hood, which has been produced in a limited run of 100 pieces to make it even more special. I couldn't possibly resist to become part of such a cool club, so I took home with me one of them.
The brand has also released their latest main collection, which continues to play with their streamlined hood silhouette and their four key colours – black, navy, grey and burgundy – in their signature style: the 'Grey Stripe' both with gold and silver hardware. The other new introduction is 'The Paris Print' available in green with a black exterior, navy and burgundy. This one, I believe, will be their next big hit – and very likely my next L'Estrange London purchase as well.

Make sure you visit L'Estrange London online and do not miss their pop-up shop,

which will be open through the holidays until January 5th and also offers a specially curated selection of
brands like WANT Les Essentiels de La Vie, Oppermann London or Eye Respect.

L'E Shop

46 Monmouth Street

Covent Garden

London WC2H 9LE

Courtesy of L'Estrange London

Introducing 'The Hood' by L'Estrange London

I am one of those guys you will never see in a hoodie unless I'm at home or at the gym (as if). It's not that I'm not a fan, on the contrary, they could be a great casual piece to wear to work and for drinks, especially in the Spring. I am quite particular when it comes to fit and cut so I'm not too keen on the slouchy feel most hoodies have, it feels too informal. I need a slim cut and a structured hood I can wear anytime. This is where 'The Hood' comes in.
L'Estrange London was born as a project between two friends who wanted to create the hood with the perfect fit, style and produce it with the best materials. What they came up with was a smarter more luxurious take on the sportswear piece by taking a construction approach similar to that of tailored jackets. Even some of the details like the breast and internal pockets and the buggy lining are taking from traditional tailored jackets. My favourite part of their chic and modern design has to be the lining, which ranges from classic Oxford stripes to more daring prints such as paisley and their latest feather print created in collaboration with Liberty.
All the L'Estrange pieces are produced with 100% cotton jersey knitted in Portugal (home to the best jersey in Europe). Even non-jersey elements have a luxury approach – the zips are produced in Italy and the hood chords are exclusively produced for them in 100% cotton.
At £175 - £195, you're not buying your average hoodie here – this is a luxury item for the modern man who cares as much about quality and style as he does about comfort.

Explore the L'Estrange London website here, where you will also be able to buy 'The Hood'. I definitely need 'The Red Paisley' in my life this season! And it's not just that their products are great but their art direction and packaging are bang-on.

Courtesy of L'Estrange London