Modern Destiny http://moderndestiny.com Good Retail, Great Fashion, Fabulous Design Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:17:46 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Nick Wooster’s New Gig http://moderndestiny.com/2012/04/30/nick-woosters-new-gig/ http://moderndestiny.com/2012/04/30/nick-woosters-new-gig/#comments Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:17:46 +0000 Drew http://moderndestiny.com/?p=9687

Since leaving his post as men’s fashion director at luxury retailer Neiman Marcus almost a year ago, the fashion aficionado has made an even bigger name for himself as a consultant with retailers like Gilt Groupe and Park & Bond, currating innovative shows like PROJECT Wooster, and with product collaborations with brands like Leffot and Orlebar Brown. Not to mention growing his celebrity among street style and menswear blogs. At the moment there is literally a cult following of the impeccably coiffed Wooster.

While I always knew that Nick would eventually find himself back at another large retailer, Friday’s announcement that he would be joining with Texas-based JCPenney threw everyone for a loop. In the highly unexpected move Mr. Wooster becomes VP, Brand, Design and Trend for Men’s for the struggling low-to-mid market department store. A move few, if any, could have predicted before Friday. I was never of the mindset that Nick would necessarily go back the luxury market where he clearly has much expertise (Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus); however I assumed that he would join the ranks of a retailer with a certain amount of cache or a specialty apparel retailer looking to regain its foothold (i.e. Gap), or more likely join Gilt Groupe in a full-time capacity. But Nick has never been afraid of a bold move, and clearly he sees something appealing about the opportunity with JCPenney.

JCPenney has been making waves since appointing Ron Johnson to the CEO post (former head of retail for Apple). Johnson has shaken up the ranks at the company and has made it clear that this isn’t just a new day at JCPenney – that he intends to fundamentally shake up the retail game. We’ve begun to see the future JCPenney in glimpses over the past few months: the glossy and joy filled new marketing, significant changes in pricing strategy, and a new approach to the product assortment. But what people are perhaps most familiar with in regards to these changes is the appointment of Ellen DeGeneres as the new spokesperson. This became such big news because, this being America of course, a group of right-wingers touting a platform of “traditional family and values” began a hate campaign against the retailer for hiring the openly gay, and much beloved celebrity. But that nonsense seems to have died down.

Now the big news, at least within the fashion community, is Nick’s new appointment. Some have raised eyebrows at the decision. After all, with his background firmly routed in luxury apparel Nick arguably has very little professional experience with the average middle-American guy that shops JCPenney. And does that guy care about who Nick is?At the end of the day I don’t think those two questions matter in the least.

Nick is clearly an inspired and creative individual who will bring a fresh perspective and will certainly breathe new life into the staid retailer. Something that we can all agree is necessary, particularly with JCPenney’s men’s assortment. A great merchant is a great merchant and will be able to use the guidance and creative direction that Nick provides to only better the game at JCPenney. The challenge here really is, can Nick contribute meaningfully to the team in a way that influences the guys shopping at Macy’s, H&M, Zara, and even Gap to walk into the store and give the JCPenny brands a shot? And can he retain the current customer and move him along the fashion ladder comfortably so as to not alienate him?

And the biggest question of all: Will Nick be able to juggle both this daunting job and those partnerships and collaborations that we have all come to love and want more of (and that have added to his celebrity)? I think he can do it and continue to inspire us all.

Check out our complete coverage on Nick Wooster.

[Photo via Racked by Anna Fischer]

]]> http://moderndestiny.com/2012/04/30/nick-woosters-new-gig/feed/ 0 Inspiration: A Few of My Favorite Things http://moderndestiny.com/2012/04/12/inspiration-these-are-a-few-of-my-favorite-things/ http://moderndestiny.com/2012/04/12/inspiration-these-are-a-few-of-my-favorite-things/#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:41:58 +0000 Drew http://moderndestiny.com/?p=9677

Selvege denim. Check. Kick-ass NB’s. Check. The perfect trench. Check. Incredible leather tote. Check. Killer hat. Double check. Awesome execution of a Navajo blanket. Priceless.

[Photo via Justin Chung Photography]

]]> http://moderndestiny.com/2012/04/12/inspiration-these-are-a-few-of-my-favorite-things/feed/ 0 A Conversation About Japan – PROJECT Wooster http://moderndestiny.com/2012/04/02/a-conversation-about-japan-project-wooster/ http://moderndestiny.com/2012/04/02/a-conversation-about-japan-project-wooster/#comments Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:55:21 +0000 Drew http://moderndestiny.com/?p=9669

Authenticity. Detail. Heritage. Quality. These are all things that come to mind when we think about what Japanese apparel brands are bringing to the fashion table today. And you can’t understate the importance of the effect that Japan has had on the resurgence of “Americana” and the thirst for heritage brands and authentic workwear inspired apparel.

The video features Jim Moore (GQ), Todd Snyder (Todd Snyder), Ryan (Parabellum), Jeremiah Mandel (Aloha Rag), and Takihito Yoshida (TO-KI-TO) discussing Japan’s importance in the world of menswear, inspiration and in trendsetting.

Oh, and you get a peep or two of Mr. Wooster himself.

[Video via ZOÏ Agency. Produced by PROJECT & Marcus Troy]

]]> http://moderndestiny.com/2012/04/02/a-conversation-about-japan-project-wooster/feed/ 0 The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier http://moderndestiny.com/2012/03/24/the-fashion-world-of-jean-paul-gaultier/ http://moderndestiny.com/2012/03/24/the-fashion-world-of-jean-paul-gaultier/#comments Sat, 24 Mar 2012 22:13:41 +0000 Drew http://moderndestiny.com/?p=9609

David and I ventured out in the cold and rain today to view The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit at the de Young Museum; which just happens to be a few blocks from our house. The exhibit featuring the work of the often controversial designer was beautifully curated, and one of the most interesting aspects of the show was the “live mannequin” displays. Almost every mannequin had a video projection face that either spoke to you, smiled or winked. It was whimsical, quirky, provocative, and a touch of brilliance. Just what you’d expect from Jean Paul.

Featuring 140 haute couture and prêt-à-porter designs created between the mid-1970s and 2010, along with sketches, documents, videos, and several of Mr. Gaultier’s personal effects this was one of the best produced and captivating fashion exhibits I’ve ever seen. Among all of the beauty there were also the iconic collaborations of dresses and costumes made for Madonna and Kylie Minogue’s concert tours and videos, as well as examples of Jean Paul’s beautifully intricate work utilizing beading and feathers.

I took a ton of photos, some of which I’ve included below. Unfortunately the lighting was necessarily conducive to capturing the intricacies of the garments, but gorgeous nonetheless. Click on each photo to expand.

Dubbed fashion’s enfant terrible, Jean Paul Gaultier launched his first prêt-à-porter collection in 1976 and founded his own couture house in 1997. Emerging as a designer in the 1970s, he developed his own dress codes that reflected the changing world around him. The openly gay Gaultier uses his designs to tackle gender and transgender issues through androgynous, gender-bending styles, meanwhile delving even further into some of the darker areas of the sexual revolution. Always provocative, he addresses issues of multiculturalism by bringing ethnic diversity to the Paris runway. Despite the gritty and sometimes controversial context of his collections, the clothes remain beautiful, superbly crafted with the finest dressmaking and detailing skills.




]]> http://moderndestiny.com/2012/03/24/the-fashion-world-of-jean-paul-gaultier/feed/ 0 Madonna’s Girl Gone Wild http://moderndestiny.com/2012/03/21/madonnas-girl-gone-wild/ http://moderndestiny.com/2012/03/21/madonnas-girl-gone-wild/#comments Thu, 22 Mar 2012 06:48:12 +0000 Drew http://moderndestiny.com/?p=9600

Almost thirty years after she burst onto the music scene with her dance hit, Everybody, Madonna is still throwing down the best in dance and pop music. And I’ve become absolutely OBSESSED with this video today. I really should have asked my mother for dance lessons as a kid…I’ve always wanted to dance with Madonna, especially after this video. Madonna’s latest video, Girl Gone Wild, reaches back to some of her most iconic videos of the 90′s, including Vogue and Erotica for visual and choreography inspiration. This is sure to be THE dance anthem of the summer and will have you shaking your ass on the floor ’till the daylight comes. Hit play, maximize the screen and turn this shit up!

Billboard is saying this of Madonna’s latest album, MDNA: “A collection of thoroughly pumping pop tunes, some of which are slices of sheer brilliance.”  MDNA sees Madonna reunite with William Orbit with whom she worked with on producing the Ray of Light album. So you know that means that MDNA is sure to be epic! This may just be the album to finally get me back in the club on a Saturday night shaking my ass…

MDNA will be released on March 26. And P.S., can we just mention that girlfriend is 53!

 

]]> http://moderndestiny.com/2012/03/21/madonnas-girl-gone-wild/feed/ 1 Ads We Love: L’Odyssée de Cartier http://moderndestiny.com/2012/03/07/ads-we-love-lodyssee-de-cartier/ http://moderndestiny.com/2012/03/07/ads-we-love-lodyssee-de-cartier/#comments Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:31:07 +0000 Drew http://moderndestiny.com/?p=9580

Cartier took a few minutes out of The Goodwife on Sunday night to remind us of their heritage and further build brand awareness. Cartier takes us on a three and a half minute journey following the iconic mascot of the brand, a panther, on a gorgeous and epic journey around the world.

“This project has been treated like a real movie,” Cartier UK’s executive chairman Arnaud M.Bamberger explained at a preview screening at Cartier’s London HQ last week, “we wanted the best special effects, a big director, an incredible model and props to intertwine with our incredible history.

 

“We wanted a movie we would be proud to show to Steven Spielberg”.

]]> http://moderndestiny.com/2012/03/07/ads-we-love-lodyssee-de-cartier/feed/ 0 Florence Broadhurst for Kate Spade Tour Bus Pop-up http://moderndestiny.com/2012/03/02/florence-broadhurst-for-kate-spade-tour-bus-pop-up/ http://moderndestiny.com/2012/03/02/florence-broadhurst-for-kate-spade-tour-bus-pop-up/#comments Sat, 03 Mar 2012 02:11:14 +0000 Drew http://moderndestiny.com/?p=9561

David and I are in L.A. for a long weekend with the family, and we popped over to The Grove this afternoon for a bit of shopping. And weren’t we lucky that the Florence Broadhurst x Kate Spade pop-up bus was parked front and center!

We love everything Kate and Jack Spade — they simply have the most beautiful and fun product and the most gorgeous, whimsical and unique retail formats. So leave it to Kate to roll-out a stunning tour bus pop-up shop to celebrate their collaboration with Australian artist Florence Broadhurst. If you happen to be in one of the cities where the bus is parking you should definitely pop in for the fun! I took a few pics of the bus and pieces that are totally lustworthy.

Oh, and while your at it…check out everyone’s favorite stylist, Brad Goresk’s, top picks for Spring! #POC




]]> http://moderndestiny.com/2012/03/02/florence-broadhurst-for-kate-spade-tour-bus-pop-up/feed/ 0 Vogue Fest 2012 http://moderndestiny.com/2012/03/02/vogue-fest-2012/ http://moderndestiny.com/2012/03/02/vogue-fest-2012/#comments Fri, 02 Mar 2012 17:56:03 +0000 Drew http://moderndestiny.com/?p=9548

Need an excuse to go to London next month? How about this: Vogue UK is hosting Vogue Festival 2012 where Christopher Bailey (swoon), Diane von Furstenberg, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, and even Tom Ford (double swoon) are slated to speak. Apparently Rachel Zoe is even expected to trot her tiny little frame out for an appearance (get ready for the fashion platitudes). Tickets are only £75 per session — a steal of a deal for some time with Messrs Ford and Bailey if you ask me…

For more information on Vogue Festival 2012.

]]> http://moderndestiny.com/2012/03/02/vogue-fest-2012/feed/ 0 Stefano Pilati Exits YSL http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/27/stefano-pilati-exits-ysl/ http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/27/stefano-pilati-exits-ysl/#comments Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:53:31 +0000 Drew http://moderndestiny.com/?p=9541

After Stefano Pilati’s Fall ’12 men’s presentation in Milan this past January I had one prevailing thought, “this signals the end of his time at the storied house of Saint Laurent.” I didn’t discuss that show here as I don’t typically cover collections and presentations on MD that I don’t absolutely love or find incredibly intriguing; there are simply too many collections each season to offer a point of view on each. But with the announcement of Mr. Pilati’s departure and the gossip that Hedi Slimane may return to lead the house I thought it an interesting tipping point for the YSL label.

I’ve never been a fan of Mr. Pilati’s menswear work at YSL. It’s not that I don’t respect the man as a designer (I do think that he’s quite talented and have admired much of his work in womenswear) — I just feel that, with menswear in particular, he never authentically connected with the heritage of the brand or the essence of its founder, Yves Saint Laurent. Mr. Pilati’s menswear collections often felt a bit disjointed, reductive, and unfamiliar. Taking a historic brand in a new direction, exploring new territory and exposing a clientele to a new way of thinking is often not just creatively necessary but financially prudent, yet for me it often appeared as if Mr. Pilati was confused on how to do that and unsure of what message he was trying sending.

His past two collection (Spring and Fall ’12) were clunky with a futuristic point of view on luxury apparel that was perhaps more Star Trek of the 1990′s than relevant to a forward thinking, edgy and sexual, modern YSL man.

Hedi Slimane is intimately connected to the YSL brand, having been the head designer and creative director for the men’s division of the house before leaving to lead Dior Homme where he became one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful menswear designers in the world. And then, at the height of his popularity and success, he gave it all up to focus on another passion, photography.

If Mr. Slimane does indeed return to YSL it may be just be that missing ingredient needed to focus the brand, especially given Hedi’s ability to project and deliver a vision of utter and singular creative unity.

Check out what others are saying about the change on Modern Destiny In The Moment.

]]> http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/27/stefano-pilati-exits-ysl/feed/ 0 MD Live Tweets the Oscars http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/26/md-live-tweets-the-oscars/ http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/26/md-live-tweets-the-oscars/#comments Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:36:05 +0000 admin http://moderndestiny.com/?p=9536

Modern Destiny is live tweeting the Oscars. See who we thought wore it best, and who may have missed the mark. And to see what everyone is wearing, check out MD In the Moment.

]]> http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/26/md-live-tweets-the-oscars/feed/ 0 Marni at H&M http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/24/marni-at-hm/ http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/24/marni-at-hm/#comments Fri, 24 Feb 2012 21:04:28 +0000 Drew http://moderndestiny.com/?p=9459

Marni at H&M MEN_N_16

This is perhaps the best designer collaboration that H&M has created to date. The Marni for H&M arrives at select H&M stores on March 8, and consists of bold pieces meant to mix and match. The men’s collection rests in a rich palette of black, navy and khaki with dramatic pops of bold yellow, crimson red, and electric blue. While the the fun and whimsy of the prints from the women’s collection are incorporated into pieces that add personality to your outfit. I’m already lusting after the incredible bags and the gorgeous navy anorak!

Eclectic, quirky and timeless, the Marni collection at H&M is a modular wardrobe for women and men, complete with accessories. It is composed of elegant items selected by Marni’s creative director and founder, Consuelo Castiglioni, from her extensive repertoire to create a playful range of style possibilities. A sense of sophisticated eclecticism is mixed with a sporty allure; the accent is on the streamlined purity of design and the intensity of surfaces. The result is high on prints and spring energy, with the unmistakable Marni signatures evident in the juxtaposition of shapes, patterns and materials.

Check out more looks and individual pieces from the Marni at H&M collection below.




]]> http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/24/marni-at-hm/feed/ 0 Burberry Prorsum Women’s Fall ’12 http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/20/burberry-prorsum-womens-fall-12/ http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/20/burberry-prorsum-womens-fall-12/#comments Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:13:31 +0000 Drew http://moderndestiny.com/?p=9396

I think that I’ve watched the Burberry Prorsum A/W 2012 womenswear show six times today. It is by far my favorite women’s collection of the Fall ’12 season, and was everything that I was looking forward to after a stellar men’s show in Milan last month.

To the hauntingly beautiful tune of Joan Armatrading’s It Could Have Been Better, Christopher Bailey sent out yet another stunning collection of equally beautiful pieces entitled, Town and Field. He wanted to blend those two worlds together and did so in a seemingly effortless way. From the very first bellow pocket panelled tweed trench coat to (my favorite) pencil skirts adorned with a dramatically structural ruffle, and the most gorgeous cinched riding jackets (adore!) to grace a runway in quite some time this was a collection of absolute creative perfection.

Christopher’s skills clearly excel in Burberry’s iconic platform, outerwear, but with this and recent past collections he has firmly placed Burberry as leader of the pack when it comes to the highly competitive world of accessories. And while the overall mood of the show could have been misconstrued as somber, there was sheer joy and youthful exuberance that popped from each piece to elevate ones spirit.

[Video and photos via Burberry]




 

 

]]> http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/20/burberry-prorsum-womens-fall-12/feed/ 0 Ralph Lauren Fall ’12 http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/19/ralph-lauren-fall-12/ http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/19/ralph-lauren-fall-12/#comments Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:21:48 +0000 Drew http://moderndestiny.com/?p=9372

Ralph Lauren Fall '12 Ralph Lauren Fall '12 Ralph Lauren Fall '12

Ralph Lauren reached back into his repertoire last week to remind us all (as if we’d forgotten) of why he is the king of American sportswear. With vestiges of his work from the 70′s, 80′, and a glimmer of the 90′s evident in this collection Ralph took us on a journey through his best work from the past and made it all relevant again for today. And he again proved that not only is he the king of American sportswear, but of period dressing and menswear as womenswear. No one does that latter better than Ralph.

“I have always loved the heritage and romance of England. My collection for fall 2012 is about a modern glamour inspired by timeless character and refined elegance of an authentic way of living,’’ Lauren said in an email to the Associated Press.

So let’s focus on the menswear influenced portions of the show. To the opening score of PBS’s hit series Downton Abbey, Mr. Lauren’s models walked out in incredible 1920′s influenced menswear ensembles of perfectly layered luxe textures. Ralph showed elegant three-piece suits, plaid jodhpurs, Price of Wales and houndstooth checks, Fair isle sweaters, argyle socks, and the most expert use of leopard-print that I’ve seen in a very long time. And he brought back the iconic symbols of the English gentleman: top hats and walking sticks. I’d kill to see those make a comeback on the streets of modern-day New York and London.

Everything was styled to perfection for the Ralph Lauren women, and yet somehow while showing the ladies how to dress for Fall he’s managed to remind and influence legions of men of the fun and grace of true sartorial traditions.

View the full Fall ’12 collection.

[Photos via Style]

Ralph Lauren Fall '12 Ralph Lauren Fall '12 Ralph Lauren Fall '12

Ralph Lauren Fall '12 Ralph Lauren Fall '12 Ralph Lauren Fall '12

]]> http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/19/ralph-lauren-fall-12/feed/ 0 Inspiration: Discussing Retailing in Japan with Nick Wooster http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/17/inspiration-discussing-retailing-in-japan-with-nick-wooster/ http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/17/inspiration-discussing-retailing-in-japan-with-nick-wooster/#comments Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:04:54 +0000 Drew http://moderndestiny.com/?p=9360

I came across this video from PROJECT earlier this week, but with NYFW happening at the same time it got lost on my list. What Nick Wooster says mid-way through the video about picking the right product, and not just assorting your floor with product for the sake of trying to hit a financial target (i.e. comp), I believe is so very important for people who run apparel businesses (small or large) here in the U.S. (merchants, planners and leadership) to hear.

People, its a brave new world in retailing and you can no longer just focus on just your comp. It’s about selling great shit. Pick the right shit, and pay attention to and respecting the detail of that shit. And then its about putting that shit in a compelling environment that people actually want to shop in.

God I love Nick.

See more from PROJECT and PROJECT Wooster. And, of course, all MD coverage on Nick!

[Video via PROJECT]

]]> http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/17/inspiration-discussing-retailing-in-japan-with-nick-wooster/feed/ 0 N. Hollywood Fall ’12 http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/17/n-hollywood-fall-12/ http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/17/n-hollywood-fall-12/#comments Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:59:22 +0000 Drew http://moderndestiny.com/?p=9339

 N. Hollywood Fall '12 N. Hollywood Fall '12 N. Hollywood Fall '12

If a present day eccentric and fashion loving Frenchman suddenly found himself transported to New England in the 50′s / 60′s this may well be how he would dress himself. You should know by now if you’ve been following MD for any length of time that I absolutely LIVE for shit like this. Daisuke Obana has an affinity for the theatrical, so it is his ability to fully “go there” with a source of inspiration or point of reference without the end result feeling like a costume that is not only an admirable skill but rare in a sea of designers who don’t always know the difference.

The Hemmingway references are clear, as are The Old Man in the Sea inspirations. But this collection is completely relevant today and speaks to a large audience of men globally. I love that Mr. Obana provided us with an alternative idea on suiting for Fall with voluminous proportions that, again, are very believable and utterly covetable. We all know that the best heritage workwear and vintage inspired Americana right now comes from Japan. And with his Fall ’12 collection Daisuke shows us why. Obsessive attention to detail and tailoring, the perfect fabric choices, and incredible styling with not only the perfect layers and accessories, but textures, prove that this collection is one of the best examples of those genres.

View the entire, gorgeous, collection.

[Photos via GQ]

N. Hollywood Fall '12 N. Hollywood Fall '12 N. Hollywood Fall '12

N. Hollywood Fall '12 N. Hollywood Fall '12 N. Hollywood Fall '12

N. Hollywood Fall '12 N. Hollywood Fall '12 N. Hollywood Fall '12

 

]]> http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/17/n-hollywood-fall-12/feed/ 0 Gant by Michael Bastian Fall ’12 http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/15/gant-by-michael-bastian-fall-12/ http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/15/gant-by-michael-bastian-fall-12/#comments Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:34:36 +0000 Drew http://moderndestiny.com/?p=9308

Gant by Michael Bastian Fall '12 Gant by Michael Bastian Fall '12 Gant by Michael Bastian Fall '12

Michael Bastian is now several seasons into his work at Gant as the iconic now European owned brand asserts itself again as a force to be reckoned with when it comes to prep. For Fall ’12 Michael, of course, took the Gant guy back to the era where prep ruled supreme and incorporated every important piece that defined Ivy style while showing you how to style it in a modern way. And as only Michael can, he showed that it’s all about layering things up and finding the perfect accessories.

The collection is, as you would expect, beautiful and perfect in every way. From the tweed blazers, to the oxblood chords and those must have salmon skinny cargo pants, there isn’t a single piece that you shouldn’t own come Fall.

Michael discusses the 80′s, mod, and Boston references in this seasons collection in a Boston Globe article, Revisiting Boston’s Preppy Chic Style:

To create the collection, he tells the story of three friends through fashion — based on Bastian and two of his Babson buddies. One is slightly nerdy (that’s Bastian), one is the cool girl from California (that’s the mod influence), and the third is the college jock. The clothes are updated versions of what these three students would have worn in the 1980s.

 

“I know it works because I lived it,’’ he says. “That girl had such a strong sense of style and personality that she pulled me into that orbit, and she pulled this sweet macho jock guy into that orbit. She made him wear black penny loafers and skinny jeans and cut his hair. Then we would all go out. So I knew this was realistic, at least for its time.’’

For more Gant by Michael Bastian on MD. And for Michael Bastian.

[Photos via GQ]

Gant by Michael Bastian Fall '12 Gant by Michael Bastian Fall '12 Gant by Michael Bastian Fall '12

Gant by Michael Bastian Fall '12 Gant by Michael Bastian Fall '12 Gant by Michael Bastian Fall '12

]]> http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/15/gant-by-michael-bastian-fall-12/feed/ 0 Inspiration: Philip Crangi x The Style Blogger http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/15/inspiration-philip-crangi-x-the-style-blogger/ http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/15/inspiration-philip-crangi-x-the-style-blogger/#comments Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:34:59 +0000 Drew http://moderndestiny.com/?p=9282

Philip Crangi by Alex Crawford for The Style BloggerYou know that I love this rugged, authentic nautical look. Photographer Alex Crawford really lucked out with the weather conditions and lighting here. The photo is stunning. Philip Crangi has become a huge menswear style icon over the last few years thanks to the success of his jewelry line, Giles & Brother. He’s one of my go to guys when I’m looking for a little inspiration. In fact, I wear a personalized version of his railroad spike cuff most days.

Check out The Style Blogger’s great piece with Philip detailing how to wear men’s jewelry.

For more MD coverage on Philip.

[Photo by Alex Crawford for The Style Blogger]

]]> http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/15/inspiration-philip-crangi-x-the-style-blogger/feed/ 0 J.Crew Fall ’12 http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/14/j-crew-fall-12/ http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/14/j-crew-fall-12/#comments Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:20:48 +0000 Drew http://moderndestiny.com/?p=9258

 J.Crew Fall '12 J.Crew Fall '12 J.Crew Fall '12

Here’s the problem: between Michael Bastian and J.Crew I could very likely bankrupt us come Fall. Which is why (fingers crossed) I purchased a few lotto tickets for tonight! I’ll be honest and let you know that I’ve been down right giddy in anticipation for the J.Crew show. G-I-D-D-Y.

Mickey Drexler, Jenna Lyons and Frank Muytjens have not only been delivering, but absolutely killing it season after season for quite some time now (no pressure…). There isn’t another single mass retailer today that is approaching apparel and collaborations with as much savvy or success as J.Crew. I mean, come on, today they announced a collaboration with Manolo Blahnik!

J.Crew seems to own the perfect shades of blue, purple and green these days. I fell in love with the purple jeans (must own those), the blackwatch blazer, and every single gorgeous cardigan in the collection. And with perfectly placed stripes and rope toggles Frank Muytjens let us know that nautical is firmly in place for next Fall as well (thank goodness!). And be still my beating heart — are those blue suede Alden oxfords I spy? He satisfied everything I was hoping for from J.Crew for Fall and then some.

For more J.Crew coverage of J.Crew.

[Photos via GQ]

J.Crew Fall '12 J.Crew Fall '12 J.Crew Fall '12

J.Crew Fall '12 J.Crew Fall '12 J.Crew Fall '12

J.Crew Fall '12 J.Crew Fall '12 J.Crew Fall '12

]]> http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/14/j-crew-fall-12/feed/ 0 Inspiration: Style Icon Jenna Lyons http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/14/inspiration-style-icon-jenna-lyons/ http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/14/inspiration-style-icon-jenna-lyons/#comments Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:28:29 +0000 Drew http://moderndestiny.com/?p=9253

Jenna Lyons by Tommy Ton NYFW Feb '12We’re deep into NYFW and this morning J.Crew showed at Lincoln Center. Earlier this week Tommy Ton tweeted this stunning photo of J.Crew’s Jenna Lyons, and I literally gasped. Jenna’s incredibly chic and relaxed style and ability to infuse masculine and feminine details into every look so effortlessly is perfection. The team at J.Crew constantly inspires with not just their assortment, but their personal style.

Check out more from Tommy at Jak & Jil. And for more MD coverage on Jenna.

[Photo by Tommy Ton]

]]> http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/14/inspiration-style-icon-jenna-lyons/feed/ 0 Michael Bastian Fall ’12 http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/13/michael-bastian-fall-12/ http://moderndestiny.com/2012/02/13/michael-bastian-fall-12/#comments Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:13:51 +0000 Drew http://moderndestiny.com/?p=9226

Michael Bastian Fall '12 Michael Bastian Fall '12 Michael Bastian Fall '12

If Ralph Lauren is the king of American sportswear, then Michael Bastian is surely its prince. For the past several years Michael has been busy setting not only the standard for American sportswear, but for menswear at large. He is, in my opinion, the best in his field right now and absolutely my favorite menswear designer. Which is why the man won the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Fashion Award for Menswear Designer of the Year last year, and was nominated each of the previous four.

Michael’s keen gift for design is usurped only by his eye for style. Each of the models walked the runway perfectly styled to tell a thorough story of who the Michael Bastian man is for Fall ’12. Michael is incredibly tight and consistent with his brand experience, while evolving his customer from season-to-season and year-to-year. With an expert use of color and luxurious fabrics Michael gave us the perfect pieces for not just a wardrobe, but a lifestyle. One to aspire to.

See the video from the show far below.

For more MD coverage of Michael Bastian.

[Photos via GQ]

Michael Bastian Fall '12 Michael Bastian Fall '12 Michael Bastian Fall '12

Michael Bastian Fall '12 Michael Bastian Fall '12 Michael Bastian Fall '12

Michael Bastian Fall '12 Michael Bastian Fall '12 Michael Bastian Fall '12

Michael Bastian Fall '12 Michael Bastian Fall '12 Michael Bastian Fall '12

Michael Bastian Fall / Winter 2012 Collection from Eugenia Gonzalez on Vimeo.

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