A menswear store under the influence

Following our reports from men’s fashion week, we bring you updates from Milan, where we attended a very special event from Boglioli, in a collaboration with the White trade show, called Boglioli Blue from Japan. This event was held at the amazing Biblioteca Braidense, inside the Accademia di Belle Arte di Brera, where Boglioli displayed a chromatic composition of five jackets featured in blue and a sixth one celebrating the brand’s first sportswear collection created by japanese designer Takuji Suzuki of ts(s). Spread throughout the room, and alongside other key pieces, there were also a series of images of the jackets, photographed in Japan early this year.

The outside entrance, with a beautiful stone arcade and some drinks and refreshments to lift up our spirits.

The library space was a bit distant but we had violin and cello players to guide us, along with some candles leading the way.

Once inside, the Biblioteca Braidense is a truly remarkable space, with solid wood furnishings and some impressive crystal chandeliers hanging down from its high ceilings.

Boglioli has chosen renowned art director and stylist Takafumi Kawasaki to put together and photograph a series of looks that were spread all over the room. In the cabinets, the books were replaced by appetizers.

Takuji Suzuki standing next to one of his designs. Nick Wooster, dressed in a Boglioli+kolor collaboration jacket and having a chat with Gianluca from Boglioli.

A backstage view of the room as we prepare to leave. Got an early start tomorrow…

On our last post report from Pitti in Florence, we reach the Levi’s Made and Crafted (which we’ll be introducing at the shop this SS12) space, showcasing lots of colorful new styles, that combine Levi’s experience and quality with a fresh take on solid basic pieces.

Martin from Made and Crafted, looking happy. A general view of the space with the jeans line taking the lead.

Moving a little, to meet our good friend Rafael, hosting the Adam Kimmel X Carhartt range. Once again, a small but solid batch of american inspired basics with a contemporary refined feel.

Rafael, probably looking for his price sheet and the embossed button logo detail on an otherwise nicely finished jacket cuff.

Last, over at the Touch area, Buttero had also some exciting new styles to show us.

Among rounded toe shoes, painted sole desert boots and new designs for the sneakers, we just can’t wait to get these at the shop…

It has been a long day and we’re tired but, before we head back to the hotel, there’s still time to admire the wonderful lighting on the city streets, as a reminder that we must come back with more time and that, apart from the trade fairs, Florence has so much more to offer.

More from Pitti in Florence as we enter the My Factory pavilion, dedicated to the upcoming styles. This time, it hosted a special event around japanese fashion. Among the several new and exciting brands there, we could see ts(s).

The always incredible styles from japanese ts(s), which was launching a special collaboration with Boglioli the next day.

Plaid is coming, strong. The brand is introducing a new footwear range for AW12.

Time to check the new eyewear releases from Linda Farrow with Simon and Louise introducing us to the hipest, latest from the specs world.

The Goti space always running busy. Alongside with what’s new, we took some shots at Riccardo’s always amazing display pieces which include recovered metal sculptures, his custom made brass mice and an incredible piece of leather, used to clean the drums after tanning.

We’re back with live (almost, at least) daily coverage of our buying trips through the men’s fashion weeks, starting with Pitti Uomo in Florence. We promise to bring you fresh new updates of what’s trending for AW12, along with some special insider features we’ve got stashed up our sleeves. Stay tuned and check here and our Facebook page for more.

Upon arrival, and it’s already “Let the street styles wars begin!”, with Scott Schuman (Sartorialist) vs Tommy Ton (Jak & Jil / GQ), (among others) scouting the fair for the best shots. Guess these days, a good part of a fashion event’s importance is measured by the number and caliber of street style photographers and trend bloggers present.

Over the left, general outside view of the fair, with the weather picking up and a look at the concrete divider blocks where the crowd usually hangs. On the right side, Pitti Uomo’s front desk.

First stop to catch up with friends Jockum Hallin and Richardos Klaren from Our Legacy. Jockum proudly wearing one of their ball caps and, on the wall, the new imagery for the upcoming SS12 “A Constellation within” collection.

The hard working duo, with Richardos checking if everything is in place and Jockum looking at some pics. Actually, these guys were on their way to New York for the next couple of days to attend the Capsule fair and then back again to Paris for the fashion week. Uff…, getting tired just describing it. The embroidered jacket over the chair, reminded us their previous Sundried Youth collection.

The new AW12 pieces with some paisley, stars and stripes. Further along (in Paris), we’ll get deeper into the new stuff. Our Legacy footwear styles, going strong as ever.

Amongst the several Best Wishes e-cards we received this holiday season, we couldn’t miss out on sharing this one with you guys. A video, that arrived early this morning from Maison Margiela.

Since there’s such a party mood around the shop these days, we figured a New Year’s Eve Staff Playlist would be the perfect end for an amazing 2011 and also a good party starter for the new year to come. With a mix of old and new, here’s some of the tracks we’ve chosen to keep you going for the next hours, including the perfect new year’s eve tune (#1). Happy 2012!

1. Azealia Banks ft. Lazy Jay – “212″

2. Gatto Fritto – “The Curse”

3. The Field – “It’s Up There”

4. ESG – “Dance”

5. Frankie Knuckles – “Your Love”

6. New Order – “Blue Monday”

7. Digitalism – “Idealistic”

8. Prince (Bat Disco Remix) – “The Future”

With the year coming to an end, here’s a taste of what 2012 is bringing us from one of our favorite designers, Mr. Raf Simons. The usual powerful imagery with Pierre Debusschere at the art direction helm. A great new look at the SS12 styles and faces, that will surely get you in the mood for what’s ahead.

So, after so many years in the business and under the public eye, we finally grabbed an award, and a serious one too – The Mercúrio Award for Best Portuguese Shop. This prize recognizes the best players in the national retail commerce and this year it was our turn to win.
To make a long story short, we went to Lisbon one evening to take part in this dashing event, brilliantly hosted by a well known comedian. It was time to chat with some nice people, including old and new government leaders over a few glasses of Port. On top of that, we brought back this fine and somewhat heavy black and gold trophy with the shop’s name written on it.
A big thanks to the Mercúrio Award people and to all of you, for your long and continued support. Obrigado!