NYFW FW18 | GRUNGY GENTLEMAN

Earlier tonight, we attended one of our favorite menswear lines, Grungy Gentleman FW18, founded by Jace Lipstein who is also the designer. During his show, he showcased  GG x Darrelle Revis (Kansas City Chiefs), GG x National Basketball Players Association collection and GG x Subway Tile Shirts. Looks were paired with Grungy Gentleman x Timberland footwear and a Grungy Gentleman x Chalk Line bomber jacket, along with footwear provided by Adidas. 

Prior to and after the show, DJ Juanyto of Hot 97 played a set while we enjoyed Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice and Hennessey. Hair and makeup was done by New York Institute of Beauty. NFL Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Darelle Revis opened the show along with Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor, NY Giants running back Wayne Gallman, and Dallas Cowboys cornerback Nolan Carrol, who modeled/walked in what was Grungy Gentleman’s 8th menswear runway show. 

LIVING THE GOOD LIFE CUBAN STYLE

July is a busy month filled with a number of activities that put a spotlight on fashion including NYFW Mens as well as Miami Swim. Right before NYFWM descended up on the city, Cubavera, a Perry Ellis International Latin Men's sportswear brand, showcased their Resort 18 collection. 

This brand is known for its humble family beginnings to becoming a design powerhouse that recently partnered with Oscar Matienzo to reflect on the vibrant Cuban culture that embodies the brand's feeling of "Live the Good Life". The brand speaks to Cuban nostalgia while modernizing classic island style, which is exactly where millennial trends are hitting. We sat down with Luis Toro, Director of Hispanic Sportswear and Marketing for the brand to find out more about this line, who is wearing and the versatility of this menswear line.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about Cubavera and the inspirations and style behind the Resort 18 collection.

LUIS TORO: Cubavera takes inspiration from Cuba. Our designers look to the island for all their creations, from its beautiful architecture and colors to its tropical landscapes. We work to capture the energy of the Cuban people in the details of our pieces.  It’s through the lens of Cuban heritage that we design our iconic guayaberas and embroidered novelty linen shirts. Even the techniques used in Cubavera’s production are founded in practices that have been passed on in Latin culture from generation to generation. 

AM: Who is the Cubavera man?

LT: The Cubavera man comes from all ethnicities. He has a positive persona, and above all, likes to wear clothes that are relaxed and enjoys organic, airy fabrics like linen. He “Lives the Good Life” everywhere he goes, no matter where he is. He could be at the office wearing one of our short-sleeved embroidered panel shirts; at the beach, mojito in hand, wearing one of our modern print panel shirts; at the beach, mojito in hand, wearing one of our modern printed pieces; or at a black-tie event wearing an elegant guayabera. The Cubavera man loves tradition and the “sabor” of Latin culture. 

AM: How integral is Cuba and it's essence into the line?

LT: Cuba gave birth to the name and the line. Owners of the company George Feldenkreis and Oscar Feldenkreis (Father and son) immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba in 1961 and created the company, originally called Supreme International. They were the first people to import guayaberas and make the iconic Latin shirt popular in the U.S., so much so that George gained the name of “The King of the Guayabera.” Cubavera was launched in 2000 as a way to bring the heritage of the owners to the marketplace and expose the general market to the Cuban lifestyle. 

AM: What can you tell us about Cubavera for holiday as people begin to think about gifting.

LT: The long sleeve guayabera is a staple for any elegant occasion. The guayabera was originally created to replace the suit blazer in tropical locations, due to the heat of those areas. Now we see younger people wearing it more and more as a nod to “Cuban Nostalgia.” They wear it in a more relaxed fashion, with shorts and boat shoes, especially the pastel colors like pink, yellow or baby blue.

Our shirts are one-of-a-kind thanks to their tropical prints, colors and embroidery. Our pieces are meant to stand out.

AM: Cubavera's tagline is "Live the Good Life," what does that mean?

LT: Our '”Good Life” is all about looking great, feeling cool, and putting a little Latin ritmo and tropical sabor into every day. We're a brand for people who like to express themselves: with color, pasión, relaxed and put-together style, natural charm and confidence. So you can feel good about living your own way, every day, with no need for a getaway.
 
AM: Will Cubavera have any celebrity partnerships or ambassadorships that we should keep an eye out for?

LT: We have worked with many Latin celebrities like Gabriel Coronel, William Valdez, William Levy and a lot of basketball players, especially from the Miami HEAT. At the moment, we are working with influencers that resonate with our consumers, promoting the brand through social. 

Read more from the July Issue and see Living The Good Life Cuban Style in mag. 
 

NYFWM | PALMIERS DU MAL

Palmiers du Mal showcased their SS18 collection at Gramercy Park Hotel's Rose Bar this evening which was all about a gypsy and nomadic vibe that included a few women's pieces mixed into a collection with vibrant and dusty hues with pops of visual texture! In addition, to the runway show followed by a presentation to see the pieces up close, guests enjoyed sponsored beverages by Suntory Whisky Toki that was enjoyed prior to and after the show.

From an Athleisure perspective, we love the lounge and layered vibe that was woven through the show for easy pieces that let you transition from your day seamlessly.

Our favorite looks from the show!

Todd Snyder x Timex NYFWM AW16

With the second season of New York Fashion Week Mens taking place earlier this month, menswear was on display to tease us for what we can expect during Fall/Winter 2016. From Feb 1st - Feb 4th, designers showcased an array of outerwear, denim, accessories and more. Each night, a major designer closes the day’s events at Clarkson Studios, the hub of menswear shows for this much anticipated CFDA backed platform. On the final night of NYFWM, Todd Snyder (far right backstage at NYFWM FW16) and his eponymous collection closed the Fall/Winter 2016 season with looks that are bound to be on the must have look of men. They showcase the bridge between structured suiting and the luxe nature of what athleisure and premium fabrication, craftsmanship, military tailoring and a distinct New York aesthetic. In 2011, he launched his line in Fall exclusively in premium retailers including Bergdorf Goodman, Ron Herman and Neiman Marcus. In the following year, his line was picked up by Barneys New York and select Nordstrom stores. The Americana designer continued to obtain notoriety with a nomination from the CFDA Swarovski Award for Menswear and was named one of GQ’s Best New Menswear Designers. In 2013 he was selected as one of the esteemed CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalists.

Before attending his show, we had the opportunity to sit down with the man himself to talk about his upcoming collection (including get a sneak peek on the line from the designer whose last name literally means, “one who makes outer garments”), retail store and his collaboration with heritage brands such as, Timex. In addition, Giorgio Galli (to the left), Timex Design Director was also on hand to talk about the importance of the watch brand’s focus on maintaining their rich heritage as well as continuing to innovate.

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ATHLEISURE MAG: What fashion houses did you work with prior to creating your namesake brand?

TODD SNYDER: I studied textile and clothing design at Iowa State University and learned the art of cutting and sewing at the Des Moines haberdashery, Badowers. During the next two decades, I honed my skills here in NY. I designed outerwear for Polo Ralph Lauren, was the Director of Menswear for the Gap and SVP of menswear at J. Crew. While there I revamped men’s styling, introduced formalwear and launched a number
of collaborations with heritage brands that to this day I still see people wearing. Being able to curate these items during my time at J. Crew was a great experience.

AM: What are the inspirations that you drive you within your collection?

TS: I really like the classics and love being able to go into the archives to bring back something that I used to wear or would have liked to have worn. I like attention to detail, great fabrics and having a bit of rustic charm.

AM: What is the “Gentleman Explorer”?

TS: My collections start with a scene and place. When I started this one, I thought of Mount Everest. Throughout the collection there is a mixture of suits that are styled under jackets to showcase its active nature with tailoring and vintage. The “Gentleman Explorer” merges classic style with my Iowa roots. The collection has raincoats, shearling coats, sweaters, etc. that reimagine activewear staples for the Todd Snyder man. These pieces work with you and are effortless, and to that end, partnering with Timex with this collection was a natural synergy of this idea. Watches are an essential accessory and I love going back to the classics.

Giorgio Galli: Working with Todd is mutually beneficial as we love to do what we do best and he really gets what our brand is about. We truly feel that he is one of the best classic American designers which fits with who we are.

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AM: How will the Timex Red Wing watch (featured in the show) come about in the collaboration?

TS: I love going through the the archives of my watches and seeing great designs that I owned or wish that I had owned. Timex has been a great brand to partner with in the past and when I was at their design studios in Tokyo, I saw a watch that grabbed my eye. It was Red Wing leather that was made in the US but the face was a Timex watch. I knew that I wanted to bring it to the US.

GG : Working with Todd is mutually beneficial as we love to do best and he really gets what our brand is about. We truly feel that he is one of the best classic American designers which fits with who we are.

AM: In addition to the Timex Red Wing watch, will there be additional watches within your line?

TS: Yes we will roll them out throughout the year. I am really excited about the revived Bullseye which is a classic military watch from the 70s. It’s really cool and comes in two strap options, olive and navy. I have always been a fan of their watches because they were meant for the military. A number of the designs were created by Timex to supply troops during World Wars with truly wearable timepieces. This makes sense to my brand as I focus on heritage and utility.

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AM: With this mix, what statement is being made in terms of where menswear is going in American fashion?

TS: There is a focus on elevating activewear and modernizing it. This is something that we have done with our collaboration with Champion and their sweatshirts. There is a new way where guys are still dressed up but they’re dressing less formally. Even I find myself wearing sneakers more than anything. 

AM: With your brand being acquired by American Eagle, what does this mean for expansion and your stores - including the soon to open,
New York flagship?

TS: The acquisition allows me to go forward on collaborations that I may not have without the support. For the flagship, I see it as a place where a guy can come in and get everything they need in one place from something for the gym to going out at night. In addition, it’s about providing an assortment of curated items from a number of brands and including them in the product mix in a way that is differentiated.