Prey for the Hunted

Lately you have been seeing a lot of mens fashion that has been influenced by American work-wear. Many European fashion heads will contest that work wear is in fact the only thing that America has contributed to the world of fashion at large.

You may agree or disagree with that notion but everyone should agree the the latest boots from the American footwear stalwart Timberland are an example of the perfect intersection of work wear and fashion.

Timberland was founded in 1951 by a premier New England cobbler named Nathan Swartz. After years of fixing other peoples shoes, Nathan constructed a rugged waterproof leather work boot in a distinct yellow-tan leather that is still at the heart of the Timberland brand. In the 80s and 90s Timberlands became associated with Hip Hop and urban culture but while the company was riding the success of that trend they were stayed true to their values building hard wearing, long lasting boots, with classic style.

In 2005 Timberland launched the a sub brand called the Timberland Boot Company, with a nod to the workers of those early years and an eye for fashionable timeless boots. These are boots from a company serious about its values and its history, made for people who admire quality, authenticity and classic design that evolves with the seasons. They have built robust footwear rooted in a post-industrial mindset that combines the best traditions of mass manufacture with the earlier ideals of craftsmanship.  Details like Vibram® soles, or the ergonomically fitting moulded leather midsole, encompass the art of the cobbler and are steeped in the collection.

I personally own a pair of these boots and have been surprised how quickly they have become my favorite footwear. They do what any article of fashion clothing should aspire to do, they make me feel something. They make me feel un-intimidated by the elements, they make me feel like kicking ass, and they make me feel like waving an American flag with a hint of fuck you to the European fashion snobs.

There are a 1000 reasons that most men wish they were James Bond, but now there is a new best reason. There are the amazing cars from Alfas to Astons, there are all the gadgets, the best of all the perennially charming fuck you super spy attitude that wins you the bed any women. The latest Bond installment Quantum of Solace should be called Quantum of Hotness in honor of this year’s new Bond Girl Olga Kurylenko .

Olga Kurylenko Was born in the Ukraine in 1979 to a Ukrainian father and a Russian mother. Olga got her break as a model when she discovered by a model scout in Moscow when she was only 13. By the time Olga was 17 she was modeling for Paris based Madison modeling agenc y and by the age of 18 she had already appeared on the covers of Vogue and Elle .

Olga has done since had a few small parts in mostly action movies, including the movie Hitman and recently in the Marky Mark flop called Max Paymne. Olga is an ethnic beauty with a sexual gravity that translates immediately to the silver screen. I just can’t wait to hear what kind of cheesy one liners our hero 007 will use to rid this cold war temptress of her soviet knickers. Looks like Bond Bond will be in his Martini’s for a White Russian, enjoy James , and we will all keep on wishing we were you.

It is hard to find a nice pair of shoes that are more unique and fashionable that a pair of Chuck Taylors but less expensive than designer sneakers from any of the big houses. Along comes a Scandinavian brand called Sneaky Steve with the perfect recipe for affordable fashion sneakers. The Sneaky Steve brand was born in 2007 and this is what they have to say about their mission.

Sneaky Steve shoes combine high fashion detailing and forward-thinking design at a surprisingly affordable price. Inspired by ’80s street and punk styles, with a touch of English Mod.

Be the first kind on your block to snag a pair of Sneaky Steve by heading over to Revolve. I am gonna get a few pairs ordered up for low profile sneakers this winter.

Many luxury brands have deep roots and trade on their storied histories to command extraordinary prices for their wears. While the likes of Louis Vuitton have turned to modern artist to offer innovation Aquascutum is looking to its past to provide direction for their current collection. Enter Aquascutum Vintage a collection of outerwear based on some of the brands most classic pieces from their 155 year history.

Aquascutum was established in 1851, the year of the Great Exhibition, when tailor and entrepreneur John Emary opened a high quality menswear shop. Two years after opening the store John Emary patented a process for waterproofing wool and introduced the world to his new brand Aquascutum. Aquascutum is the Latin term for “watershed”.

Aquascutum’s overcoats became the standard issue for British military officers from the Crimean war through the first and second world wars. As demand exploded Aquascutum built a factory in Cornby, Northamptonshire. This factory is were Aquascutum still produces most of its garments today.

While many of the highest quality brands have moved large parts of their production to the far east, the “Aquascutum Crafted in England” label is a badge of pride that is revered the world over.

When you are really ready to step up your game to a quality and style that will never go out of style wander over to Aquascutum

Sept. 26 2008 may mark the death of the last real man. Paul Newman was more than a handsome and talented icon from the silver screen. While many of his roles defined what it was to be a man for an entire generation, it was his off screen life that tells the tale of a man we should all rise to emulate.

Paul Newman served his country as a tail gunner on a naval torpedo bomber in WWII returning from the war to complete his college degree in 1949. After college he headed to Broadway acting in a few major productions before moving to Los Angeles to expand his career as an actor.

As an actor Newman became a world wide icon, appearing in dozens of films and was nominated for 7 academy awards. Even as a prolific actor Paul Newman found the time to pursue his hobbies from car racing to political activism. Newman was known for supporting liberal candidates and causes including gay rights.

As a racer Paul Newman raced in famed races such as 24 hours of LeMans and Dayton, as well as several championships in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Newman went on to own several race teams from cars in the CanAM series to full Nascar cars.

As he retired from acting and racing Paul Newman began a new chapter in his life that is perhaps the most lasting part of his legacy. In 1982 he launched a line of consumer products called Newman’s Own. Starting with salad dressing and Pasta sauce the line grew to include nearly 50 products. The idea behind the Newman’s Own products was to deliver premium products and give all profits from the sale of the goods to charity. As of 2006 Newmans own had raised $250 million for charity.

Paul Newman brave, talented, handsome. He was a lover of life, he loved his work and it showed, he loved his family, he loved racing cars and most of all he was passionate for leaving this world a better place for his having lived in it.

Well done Paul Newman, may you rest in peace.

Clearly Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko has too much money but it looks like he may have something else to prove with his new bigger than “MEGA” GigaYacht called simply “A”. Melnichenko commissioned this yacht based on a design from Phillipe Starck that seems to have a whole lot of Battleship inspiration.

The “A” is 387 feet long, with three pools, one master suite, six guest suites, and rooms for 42 staff. I wouldn’t be surprised if this thing had a few Torpedo for those fun games that Billionaire Yacht owners like to play with one another. The best part of this super boat is not the 150 Million EUROs it cost to have built but that when you get ready for your sea voyage it cost $1.4 million to fill up with gas! Now that makes the “A” a 387 foot long middle finger pointed directly at poor people!

Well known French brand A.P.C has churned out a sharp fall/winter collection of classic styles with that certain I don’t know what. The trousers are all smart and slim and the I would buy one of each of the Jackets if several of America’s largest lending institutions weren’t all declaring bankruptcy.

Read the rest of this entry »