Introducing... Notch London and its Perfect Spring Essentials

I will never tire of saying how important attention to detail is when it comes to menswear. And it's twice as important when talking about contemporary brands. Creating quality classics isn't just about choosing the right materials and fits but about being meticulous about elements only the wearer knows about. I buy special pieces for myself, not to show off.
It's precisely these principles that newly-launched brand Notch London lives by. Their debut collection includes a perfect mix of wardrobe staples, including easy to wear shirts, soft jersey pieces, denim and outerwear. Their slim silhouettes and modern details such as the reduced collar sizes make Notch London a fantastic go-to label to prepare you for the spring.
My favourite pieces from the brand are three spring essentials I believe every guy should always have in his wardrobe. The first is a slick parka to throw over any outfit, be it to go to the office or out on the weekend. The second is the chambray shirt, much lighter than denim, chic and a perfect match with any shorts, chinos and even jeans. And the third is the work jacket, a casual and young alternative to the blazer which looks just as good on its own as it does layered under another outerwear piece.

You can buy Notch London here on the brand's website.

Courtesy of Notch London

Patagonia Celebrates its 40th Anniversary with the Legacy Collection

Special Edition All-Wear Down Jacket

I love it when brands do something special with their products. The Legacy Collection, which Patagonia is launching this season to celebrate their 40th anniversary feels twice as special because firstly, the brand has been a pioneer in staying true to their high quality standards while reducing their environmental and social impact. And secondly, because for this new collection the brand has reproduced some of their best archive pieces in a modern way.
To help spread the message, Patagonia has put together a stunning and charming look book accompanied by a video. The first (see below) takes the shape of a visual diary of Trevor Gordon's 2,000-mile trip through the Rockies back to California. Foster Huntington captured his adventure for which Trevor wore a handful of pieces from the Legacy Collection – You can see my favourites below.
The video (see below, too) tells us a bit more about the collection, what's new and what they have brought back from the archive. Another beautiful view.

Special Edition Summit Pack

Diamond Quilt Snap-T Pullover

Special Edition Quilt Again Vest

Special Edition Mesclun Retro-X Jacket

Courtesy of Patagonia

Burberry Porsum F/W13: We ♥ Burberry Classics

The FW13 Burberry Prorsum collection was one of my favourites, together with SS09 and FW10. A viral email from Christopher Bailey sent before the show with subject 'I ♥ Classics' announced the new collection would be a celebration of Burberry classics and heritage outerwear.
Some critics have labelled the collection as predictable. The way I see it, Burberry has had such purpose and direction over the last few years that the last thing I expected was a turn to its most essential, and successful, roots. My favourite were, in fact, these allegedly more commercial pieces. The trench coats, overcoats and duffle coats were impeccable and strong – pieces to keep forever.
Bailey's twist for FW13 was the (unexpected) introduction of animal prints as full leopard printed pony skin overcoats but also quieter collar details I found elegant and humorous.
Having opened their first menswear-only store late last year Burberry put great strength in the tailoring. The silhouettes, slim and easy to wear and much after my own heart, were very in touch with the times and with the type of guy the Burberry customer should be.
The heart prints that closed the show were my personal favourite. There was something so modern and masculine about the suit shirts and v-neck jumpers. They will be, I'm sure, an instant hit.

Just as they have been doing lately, Burberry streamed their FW13 show online and on iPhones and iPads and held a special screening at their new Regent Street flagship store. Users around the world were also given the chance to purchase online pieces right off the runway for a week after the show.
Back in Milan, Greg James, Harry and Luke Treadaway were amongst the famous faces to grace the front row. They were joined by the dapper Tinie Tempah, who had his big London 2012 moment at the Olympics wearing Burberry.

Stay tuned for a closer look at the Burberry FW13 collection from the brand's Milan showroom.
You can watch my video of the finale below and see the entire show here.

Courtesy of Burberry