Brainstorming
I’m prepping stories this morning for 2012. I’m not sleeping anymore. Just kind of napping.
See you soon.
-Dennis
Jan 17
Oct 5
I’m Only Sleeping
I’ll be back soon. With several updates. I’ve missed you guys very much.
Talk soon,
Dennis
Jun 22
Introducing Louis Purple, New York
I was introduced to New York’s latest made to measure suit shop through a very polite e-mail some months ago simply asking me to get together to discuss suits from founder Charles Brunold. Hailing from France with a very specific vision of affordable made to measure Charles and his Louis Purple line has been has been on my radar from conception to execution.
It’s been well worth the wait.
When you first step into Louis Purple you are greeted by the affable Charles or one of his compatriots, are offered a coffee and some conversation, and then it’s on to fabrics. The beauty of the initial meeting is just how low key and nonchalant it is. It almost feels as if you are just hanging out with the option of buying a suit. This kind of approach to sales is not only refreshing, but a true rarity in the trendy, high pressure locale of Soho.
Charles Brunold, Founder of Louis Purple
There is a fiercely modern feel to the shop with whispers of Radiohead or Charlotte Gainsbourg emanating from the large computer Charles sits behind whilst you go through the tremendous selection of fabric books that range from unbranded Italian super 120′s ($700 to start) to the higher end Holland & Sherry and Dormeuil collections ($1,100-$1,400). Halfway through your search, an attractive young woman may enter through the front doors, ask for your name, and offer you another coffee. A very nice perk to the entire experience indeed.
Charles is not a tailor, nor does he claim to be, so measurements are taken in the shop then sent through electronic tailor sheets to his master tailor who resides in France. After close review they are once again forwarded to a French owned and staffed factory in Romania for assembly. Three weeks later your suit arrives and should any alterations need to be done to the piece, Charles has a local New York tailor take care of them within a week or two.
There are other offerings such as fully customizable shirts made from fine cotton (from $129 – $169, Package of 5 shirts for $548) as well as handmade Italian ties ($99), and finely crafted shoes by Doucal’s ($349).
The clientele at Louis Purple so far range from young professionals to nightlife promoters looking for a stylish option of suiting without shelling out major coin. To me, this is an advanced entry to made to measure suiting as you are dealing with some pretty fantastic fabrics and construction.
To give Louis Purple a try, please visit:
Louis Purple
323 Lafayette
New York, NY
10012
(212) 219-8559
Jun 20
Summer 2011: Go Hawaiian
I admit straight off the bat that this post may not be for everyone. Some may scoff and scratch their heads at my notions for the Hawaiian shirt to be considered a summer essential. But rather than seeing it as silly or kitsch, I honestly feel it is a timeless piece to have around.
The Hawaiian shirt reminds me of a different time. A time when during those lazy summer barbeques Grandpa would be grilling up some tasty burgers looking right at home in a brightly printed floral shirt that was no doubt made IN Hawaii. There was never a sign of embarrassment or shame on his freshly shaven face because the summer was and always should be the most appropriate time to break out a piece like this.
I was lucky enough to find mine at a Goodwill here in New York for only $3. It was made at Royal Creations in Hawaii and I wore it for a recent barbeque on my rooftop and just like Grandpa, I was more than comfortable grilling and mingling in my Hawaiian based get up. It certainly makes more of a statement than a polo or a t-shirt and it looks more imaginative than a plain button up.
One of my guests gave possibly the best compliment I could have received when she stated: “You know, with the tattoos, that shirt, your hat, and shorts you look like someone straight out of the World War II era.”
Flattered is an understatement.
Some tips:
1) Stick with a classic looking piece. Preferably one with flowers all over it. Avoid things like flaming guitars. That’s just dumb.
2) Do your best to get one that is fitted but not tight. You don’t want to be swimming (no pun there) in it and you don’t want it to be so close to your body that you can’t wear it comfortably in the heat.
3) Pair it with shorts that compliment one of the more muted colors in the pattern. For example, I pair my own with a pair of blue shorts to compliment the blue in the shirt.
4) Look for a vintage one like my own. They just don’t make them like these anymore.
Out of all the “classics” to make a come back in menswear I really hope this one catches on. Not only because it screams summer, but Grandpa would have been damn proud.
Jun 10
What Alan Flusser Packed In 1983
One of the many perks of working with Mr. Flusser is that I come across very unique and interesting archive material. Case in point the photo below from the Japanese magazine Brutus originally published in 1983. What I love about it is how timeless the wardrobe is. You see nothing embarrassingly outdated, just good taste all around.
In essence this is what I’ve been attempting to pull off with my own wardrobe (albeit from a less costly point) and through the musings on this space. We all owe it to ourselves as grown men to have a timeless wardrobe that will outlive ourselves.
I have more posts coming soon including reviews, outfits, the most expensive shoes I ever purchased, and some brand new videos.
Stay tuned.
Courtesy Brutus Magazine, Japan
Elements
Coach Laptop Case, Alan Flusser Custom Aligator Belt, Aligator Passport Holder, Pilot Fountain Pen
