Barney's has a sale....You should Go....Now

August 20th - September 7th will represent some of the best days of the year of our Lord, 2009...

The Barney's New York Warehouse Sale



255 West 17th Street between 7th & 8th Ave is where you will find a retail cornucopia of stratospheric proportions.....

Okay, maybe it won't be life changing but 50%-75% off "doesn't suck" my friend. Last year I picked up a $900 Armani blazer for just over $150 (....what's that??....of course I tell people I paid $900 for it)

Make it an Outstanding Day!

- Kenyatte

Model as Muse

Being the man of culture and refinement that I am (did you just laugh...because I did). I digress.

I do what I can to get a little "culture" from time to time and for me that means enjoying a museum exhibit or two every once in a while.

Vogue 1948 - Models in Charles James

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Model as Muse exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York city.

Made possible by Marc Jacobs and Condé Nast publishing, Model as Muse explores the reciprocal relationship between high fashion and evolving ideals of beauty, thus the name.

Vogue 1967 - Twiggy in Yves Saint Laurent

British Vogue 1990 - Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Tatjana Patitz, Christy Turlington, and Cindy Crawford in Giorgio di Sant'Angelo

The exhibit focused on iconic models of the twentieth century and their roles in projecting, and sometimes inspiring, the fashion of their respective eras.

Harper's Bazaar 1996 - Kate Moss in Helmut Lang

Organized by historical period, from 1947 to 1997, Model as Muse displayed haute couture and ready-to-wear masterworks accompanied by fashion photography and video footage of models who epitomized their epochs.

Vogue Italia 1988 - Linda Evangelista in Guess

The exhibit is now over but you can check out the feature video here and there is amazing coffee table book that features beautiful images of all of the photography and clothing featured in the exhibit plus other images and model / designer interviews etc. Linda Evangelista is on the cover, shown below.

Check out the video and pick up the book....you might find your muse.

Make it an Outstanding Day!

- Kenyatte

Opening Ceremony - Retail Spaces

I'm a big fan of innovative retailing and Opening Ceremony is one of the more interesting retail concepts that I have come across.

With retail spaces in LA and New York and one on the way to Tokyo, Japan (opening August 30th, 2009), Opening Ceremony has established itself as a multifaceted environment comprised of retail spaces, showroom, and gallery space. Opening Ceremony brings together emerging American talent with both young and established designers and artists from abroad. Each year, the unique commercial and cultural character of a visiting city is represented at Opening Ceremony by capturing the essence of the consumer experience.

With established designers, emerging designers, one of a kind vintage pieces and select items from open-air markets Opening Ceremony is like the Olympics of retail - creatively merging fashion, business, and global participation.

Beginning with USA vs. Hong Kong in Fall 2002, each year Opening Ceremony has introduced a new country to its home team. Following Hong Kong, Opening Ceremony represented Brazil (2003), Germany (2004), United Kingdom with an exclusive launch of infamous London-based retailer Topshop and Topman in 2005, Sweden in 2007, New York vs. Los Angeles in 2007 and USA vs. Japan (2008)

With everything from high end designer duds from Europe to LA surf clothing, typically reserved for skate shops, Opening Ceremony is the definition of "melting pot" retail.

"Can't we all just get along?"......uhhhhh...YES!

Make it an Outstanding Day!

- Kenyatte

Jil Sander & Uniqlo

Let me put it to you like this. If H&M is the Barry Bonds of affordable fashion, then Uniqlo, the uber retailer from Japan, is Berry Bonds "on the kool aid".

Uniqlo opened it's doors earlier this year and the place has, quite literally, been packed from open to close since then. I guess that's what happens when you sell clothing that looks like this...

....and most things in the store are priced at less than $100 bucks.

For this coming Fall season Uniqlo keeps up the momentum by partnering with fashion designer Jil Sander to create the "+J" Collection (shown below)

Hitting the US store on October 1st, the collection consists of outerwear, denim, shirts, cut & sewn, knitwear. Like most things at Uniqlo, however, the best thing about the collection is the price.

+J Men’s Collection
Outerwear: $79.50-$149.50

Shirts: $39.50

Pants: $49.50

Cut and sewn: $19.50-$39.50

Cashmere: $129.50-$149.50

Accessories: $29.50-$99.50

I heard New York is beautiful in October....

Make it an Outstanding Day!

- Kenyatte

Insane, Usain...

I know this has nothing to do with fashion but....seriously....the 100 yrd dash in 9.58 seconds....seriously???

This guy is not human.

A year ago the coach of Jamaican born sprinter Usain Bolt's went on record as saying that he felt Bolt could run the race in under 9.6 seconds. He was correct.



One of the most interesting parts of the video (taken via iPhone by a gentlemen in Germany) can be seen after the race is over, while Bolt is celebrating. There is a photographer who is running "full sprint" to stay with Bolt who looks to be "jogging" ( check :55 seconds into the clip)

Oh..and here's a fashion tip for you. Grab a pair of those "Bolt Arms" (check 2:28 into the clip). The guys is only 22 years old...I have a feeling they'll be in season for a while.

by the way, do you think his real name is "Bolt"...cause I'm thinking it's just a little to coincidental...

Make it an Outstanding Day!

- Kenyatte

Tom Ford Eye Wear

It's no secret that Tom Ford is a designer who likes to spice things up.

His Eyewear campaign for Fall 2009 is not at all different.

Models Anna Maria Jagodzinska (above) and Jon Kortajarena (below) share responsibility for the campaign and they both come through with flying colors

The collections includes everything from premium metal and plastic aviators to oversized wayfarers and uber luxurious sunglasses that are hand made with ebony wooden frames.

Even so, like everything Mr. Ford does, the ads alone keep things pretty interesting.

I bet Peta got a kick out of this one...

Make it an Outstanding Day!

- Kenyatte

Tweed Tunes - Heartless...

Yes...Tweed Tunes is gone (for now) but I still plan on using the blog to share music that I find particularly interesting, inspiring or just plain provocative.

Here's a tune by the Denver rock quarter The Fray (check here for a previous feature on the band). The group has re imagined the Kanye West track Heartless...

Many times these kinds of re-makes fall flat but I really like this and I think the band stayed true to both themselves and the song. "Staying True"....now that's something we could all do a little more of.

Make it an Outstanding Day!

- Kenyatte

Reading is Fundamental

For the past ten years, Assouline Publishing has created fine illustrated books, luxury editions and an exquisite gift line dedicated to fashion, photography, art and design.

Renowned for their highly original graphic concept, Assouline books are a work of art that capture culture and brings it to life. The spirit and 'savoir faire' of these works have contributed to the creation of a unique and eclectic, chic and elegant brand that is immediately identifiable.

Martine and Prosper Assouline

Just in time for the return of the suit comes THE NEW ENGLISH DANDY : a fashion handbook and treasure trove of ideas tailored to the contemporary male. Fusing classical principles with today’s sensibilities, the book celebrates the return of the well-dressed man.



Each thematic section features a specially commissioned fashion shoot by a rising star of fashion photography and a text of bespoke inspiration, instruction, interviews and insight. A reference section provides a tailor’s glossary and contact information....Outstanding!

To be honest, after seeing this book I was really kinda jealous I didn't write it myself.

Men's Vogue says "Assouline Publishing prints books that are like literary binoculars–glossy portals to the rarefied realms of high society." I agree 100% Now if I could just find that purple suit I'd be set!

Make it an Outstanding Day!

- Kenyatte

Now...THIS is a Phone

Since the company's foundation in 2004 in Vancouver, Canada, Mobiado has achieved a legacy of design innovation in the mobile phone business.

Said simply, Mobiado is a distinctively different and innovative manufacturer, producing the finest, and most technologically advanced mobile phones in the world.

This time, however, the company has outdone itself. The photo below is of the stunningly beautiful Pro 105 GCB Rose. Part of the companies Professional collection, the Rose is crafted from large pieces of sapphire crystal, providing a modern minimalist look with a wear resistance second only to diamond.

The "Rose" utilizes a unique and hidden sliding battery cover mechanism (patent pending) with the battery cover being made entirely from one piece of sapphire crystal.

To top it all off the phone is unlocked...slip in your SIM card and you're ready to go. This, and all of the Mobiado phones come equipped with a 2 megapixel camera, a video camera, micro USB connectivity and a music player. They work within North America, Europe, Africa, Asia- Pacific, and South America - this, my friends, is the phone of the international player.

If you're wondering...YES the phone will allow you to do your "facebooking", but if you own a phone like this you could probably take a G4 to see any friend you want.

Make it an Outstanding Day!

- Kenyatte

Lioness

I recently went to see the Michael Mann directed Public Enemies.

I suggest you go see it as well...it was a fantastic biopic and it's been a while since there's been a good ol fashion gangster movie.

It helps that the film features Johnny Deep and Christian Bale. That way you can tell all your friends that's the reason why you went to see it.

We all know, however that there is another....more compelling reason...

Here name is Marion Cotillard and after winning an Oscar for her role as French song bird and performance icon Edith Piaf in the film La Vie en Rose, she was cast as the not-so-innocent love interest of the "swagger-rific" John Dillinger in the New Line Cinema release.

Described by Mark Healy, in a recent article for GQ, as an actress who "conjures fragility and ferocity", Marion plays the role of Billie Frenchette (Dillinger's lady friend) in such a way that during some parts of the movie your not sure who is seducing who.

Although....after looking at these photos, by Ben Hassett for GQ, I think it's clear who was the hunter and who was the prey.

Make it an Outstanding Day! (and go see Public Enemies....great flick!)

- Kenyatte

It's...like...the Olsen Twins

Just like you, I used to watch Full House every Tuesday or Thursday (or whatever the hell night it came on)...and just like you, I haven't thought much about the Olsen twins since then.

(although when I saw this photo I did have a few thoughts...)

But then I came across an article that mentioned that little 'ol Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen would be launching a line of men's wear in the Fall of '09 - as part of the new Elizabeth and James line...


As you would, of course, imagine, I was like..."Whatever..."

but the article was like..."...the collection is really great..."

and, of course, I was like..."really??...how good could it be??..."


then, after seeing it, I was like..."Outstanding!"

The complete collection includes everything from tailored pieces to shoes, T-Shirts and premium denim. The best thing about the collection is that the twins didn't over think it. The launch collection is made of simple wardrobe staples that can be mixed, matched and dressed up or down.

The Lavender Dot Eno Shirt (above) is easily my favorite piece in the collection. I love the collar treatment and the subtlety present in the interpretation of the military shoulder details.

History is a clear indication that these girls have done amazingly well with the cards they've been dealt and the Elizabeth and James collection seems to be another Ace in the hand.

I guess it's....like....tough to beat a full house.

Make it an Outstanding Day!

- Kenyatte

These aint "Blue Blockers"

Okay so it's Monday and I'm back in front of the computer after a weekend filled with more drinking and debauchery than I have had in a very...very long time.

Saturday was my 32nd Birthday so I spent the entire weekend "celebrating"....

But alas, a new week has begun so it's back to the grind, as they say.

First up is a sun glass boutique that I wanted to introduce you to.

The shop is called Ilori and it's a great destination if you're looking for designer sunglasses, niche brands, rare and hard to find frames. Brands like Paul Smith, Gucci and Bottega Veneta are paired with classics from Ray Ban and Persol

Prada

Collections feature sunglasses that are ahead of the curve and of the highest quality and the service is unrivaled. You're given a glass of water on a silver platter as soon as you walk in...

Oliver Peoples

Lavin (left) & Sama - exclusive to Ilori (right)

Burberry (left) & Bulgari (right)

Balenciaga (left) & Chloe (right)

Tom Ford (left) & Tiffany & Co (right)

I have to be honest, I have never really been into designer sunglasses. Mostly because I'm the type of guy who would probably sit on that $3-500 investment (just being honest).

That said, I couldn't resist. I pulled out the wallet and sprung for an awesome pair of green tortoise shell sunglasses from 3.1 Phillip Lim....Amazing.

I sat on them the next day...I'M KIDDING!

Make it an Outstanding Day!

- Kenyatte