J.C. Leyendecker "The Bespoke Aficionado"

Mr. West Is In The Building

2011-10-02T12:35:00.001-07:00

As you know it is Paris Fashion Week once again. This year Kanye West has embarked on a bold quest to go where no hip-hop artist has gone before(well at not like this at least).

In case you missed it here are some of the looks from his new women's collection:

Overall not too bad for a first pass at women's wear. There is definitely room for growth. Some of the fur seemed pointless unless however your occupation is in the area where making a point is the objective. The use of texture was inspiring while some of the color blocking and zipper treatments bordered on the unnecessary. I give this a. 3 out of 5 overall. Feel free to lend your comments here.

"Remember your look is integral. There
is no such thing as an insignificant detail."

J.C. Leyendecker "The Bespoke Aficionado"

Going Gold

2011-09-25T17:34:00.001-07:00

Unless you have been living under a rock, you already know that gold is the safest investment in uncertain financial times like this.

Dior Homme has made their own investment with the new limited edition "Gold 01" aviator sunglasses. The frames are solid 18-karat gold.

$5,500

Your welcome.

" Remember your look is integral. There
is no such thing as an insignificant detail."

Time Suspended

2011-09-23T21:14:00.001-07:00

As usual perusing the latest trends, figured I would highlight The Leyendecker Pick of the week to Hermés for the Arceau Time Suspended.

$18,500.00

Your welcome.

" Remember your look is integral. There
is no such thing as an insignificant detail."

Fall Cometh

2011-08-26T16:35:00.001-07:00

I know many of you are not going to be happy about this obvious news but Fall a Cometh.

With Labor Day approaching I decided to get a jump on my Fall style direction. I headed over to H&M as my Nov trip to Hawaii has me on a strict budget. I found quite a few select pieces that will fill my wardrobe quite well as layering season begins. Here were some things that caught my eye:

While this is not a true Tartan Plaid I thought it was a cool casual look. Don't know IF I would purchase this particular one. But it was a good styling reference when I did find or decide to MAKE one for myself. Note the color block styling with the sleeves.

I have been looking for a great shawl collar sweater for fall. This one has some great colors and the 2x2 ribbing on the collar and placket are nice design details. The buttons on this were also very nicely chosen. I have also been looking for a golden knit tie that didn't look too cheesy. As brown is not a good complementary color for my skin tone so I usually go gold for fall & winter(not to be worn exclusively with the sweater shown, if at all).

I lost one of my leather gloves last winter with contrasting pick stitching and wool & cashmere lining. I was so depressed I loved that pair of gloves. But in every life a little rain must fall. Besides maybe the fashion gods were shining on me as I would not have taken note of these. Ugh...cannot tell me these are not sick. Herringbone upper with the leather bottom design. Never forget it's not that you accessorize, but HOW you accessorize.

And what a better compliment to those gloves than this herringbone blazer with the leather elbow patches. I think my styling on this speaks for itself.

That about does it. I have no fear in sharing my style with others as no one will ever wear anything and look exactly the same. In closing as always:

" Remember your look is integral. There
is no such thing as an insignificant detail."
JC Leyendecker

Veuve Cliquot : Manhattan Polo Classic

2011-06-06T19:20:00.001-07:00

Sunday June 5th was the Veuve Cliquot Manhattan Polo Classic on Governor's Island in New York. I had the pleasure of attending this great event for the first time. Co-hosted by Donna Karan with the master of ceremonies none other than Hugh Jackman.

**Getty Image**

**Getty Image**

The event, which was open to the public was a splendor of NYC fashion. Seersucker, madras, straw hats, and linen to name a few were in full force. Of course there was also Polo Ralph Lauren in abundance, Nantucket Reds, and polka dots. I was so inspired by all of the carefully selected pieces of those that were savvy enough to put together their looks without being overdone.

Fashion and elitism aside, the event itself was for a great cause the proceeds benefitted Donna Karan's Hope Help & Rebuild Haiti organization as the philanthropic aim. Argentine star Nacho Figueras commented on the event, "We created this event four years ago hoping that thousands of New Yorkers would enjoy polo and love it as much as I do," said Figueras, who strolled the red carpet in a bespoke Ralph Lauren suit.

**Getty Image**

And of course there was a Polo match! Very great to watch for the first time. Nacho was such a gracious sportsman. After our blanket neighbor shouted "I love you Nacho!!" she was graciously rewarded with the game ball by Nacho himself. Here are a few shots of the game in action and the final circle around by the players.

The winning score for the Blackwatch Team

At $17 a flute and bottles from $98 and up, there was no doubt this event would raise a lot for a great cause. See some video footage of the game after the bump. Salud to Veuve Cliquot and Governors Island for hosting such an amazing event. Join us for our next posting on the tradition of the polo sport. As always, "Remember your look is integral. There
is no such thing as an insignificant detail."

YouTube Video

Hawaii

2011-06-03T11:32:00.001-07:00

Today I'm perusing the garment district. I have been contemplating making a suit for my trip to Hawaii. Seersucker is my first choice.

Here is the fabric and lining complement I am considering. Thoughts??

Opera Top Dress

2011-02-13T13:43:00.001-08:00

Concept piece I for my new client.

Concept piece II

" Remember your look is integral. There is no such thing as an insignificant detail."

J.C. Leyendecker "The Bespoke Aficionado"

Roberto

2011-02-06T10:05:00.001-08:00

Life is crazy sometimes. It truly is a small world. An older latin gentleman stopped to ask me for a cigarette...

As I spoke to him reluctantly, he began to tell me his story. He began to speak to me about how the design industry has changed...I knew then, this conversation was about to take an interesting turn. He talked about taste level from what you drink to your apparel...

Then he asked me if I knew who Alan Flusser was...I paused before I told him I used to work for Alan Flusser. He reached out to shake my hand. We mommentarily bonded. An old fashion soul meeting a budding designer. We spoke of class and levels of mens dress. He requested that I feel his overcoat, I looked and knew the reason, the proof was mounting; It was 100% cashmere and beautifully crafted.

I often think about how quick we are to write people off as we go about our merry way traveling inside our own hustle and bustle bubble. He had never met me before or knew much of me except I was a designer who previously worked for a respected style authority that he, like so many, admired. He proceeded to tell me to continue on my path, that I would make it, as IF he had already known of my works. I was humbled by this and took it as a another sign that I was on my path destined for me.

All this could have just been nothing more than a random passing of two kindred fashion spirits. But I like to look at a glass half full rather than empty. We take so much for granted that we often devalue the small things that are like grains of sand. A grain of sand alone is not very inspiring in itself, however, surrounded by other grains it can create a beautiful surface on which to plant your feet.

Continue to inspire yourself and others through your actions and humble spirit. Life is a beautiful place when your eyes are capable of seeing a clear picture.

" Remember your look is integral. There is no such thing as an insignificant detail."

J.C. Leyendecker "The Bespoke Aficionado"

Balenciaga Exhibit

2011-02-05T14:34:00.001-08:00

I visited the Balenciaga Exhibit at the Queen Sophia Spanish Institute. It was quite a site to see all the creative pieces that this master of couture created during his career. They just don't make clothes like this anymore.

The detail and misleadingly simple construction was awe inspiring. I was able to take some pictures to share with all of you. If you have the chance make sure you stop by to see the exhibit which lasts until February 19th.

This was the book that they had for sale at the exhibit with some beautiful photos. Had to purchase this for my collection

Bronze silk cliqué and bead embellishment

Embroidered white satin with bronze taffeta sash

Evening coat of scarlet silk ottoman.

Lime green silk gazar

Point D'esprit evening dress with overskirt in grey silk faille

Dress of brown ciagaline and white mink and jacket of white mink

Full exhibit display

Black silk gazar

Silk organza with white cotton piqué

Black silk taffeta and lace

White taffeta in red carnation print with harem-style pouf skirt

Hope you all enjoyed this post. Leave comments to let me know what you think.

" Remember your look is integral. There is no such thing as an insignificant detail."

J.C. Leyendecker "The Bespoke Aficionado"

The Ring

2011-02-03T09:32:00.001-08:00

Today I was in awe by my coworkers ring. So much so that I had to share it with the rest of the world.

Here is what she told me about it's origin:

It was a gift from my friend Chris who works for Erickson Beamon. Erickson Beamon is known for their handmade costume jewelry, and has been featured in many, many editorials, as well as in fashion shows, television, etc. Lady Gaga has worn several custom pieces over the last year or so. My ring is identical to some that were made for Fergie to wear on the Black Eyed Peas tour. It’s plated in black oxidized silver, with hand set Swarovski crystals and metal spikes.

Mr. Leyendecker Creates

2011-01-25T12:03:00.000-08:00

For those of you that know me, you also know that I design, cut and sew. I decided to bring in 2011 with a bespoke piece that my partners over at Charlies Custom Tailor assisted in creating. The design was created for a more formal event. I wanted to create something that was sophisticated, classy, but not stuffy. The following influenced the inspiration:

The suit was a wool & cashmere blend, with a satin shawl collar lapel, single breasted with one button. The finished product:

Of course there was a fashion clash of epic proportions. The kind that would incite the paparazzi and gossip mags to fuel the "Who Wore It Best" tagline. Besides the surprise guest appearance from "The Blues Brothers" I would say the night went off without a hitch. Honorable mention to my brother Mr. Sole Search for being a good sport about the whole thing.

The richness of color in this room made for a great backdrop even if my disposition at the moment appeared otherwise:

Where would we be without our host and hostess (Gold Dress) of the evening at the Mansion House Atlanta for all their hospitality.

And now for our feature presentation: Designing An Epic Weekend - Infinite Fashions & Charlie's Custom Tailor Collaboration:

Wingmen Essentials Vol. I

2010-11-20T08:58:00.001-08:00

Choose Wisely:
Choosing the right wingman is just as important as planning out your wardrobe. Consider the goal for the night and the desired tempo. It behooves us choose our friends wisely, we seldom realize the situations that can befall us in their presence unless behavior patterns have been recognized in prior situations. Remember no matter what they say you are always guilty by association.

The Rules:
The rules are simple, it is a spight or flight situation. You choose between annoyance or removing yourself from the situation at hand. On a constant basis this can become quite stressful and exhausting. This Volume is limited to new friendships, we will discuss how to handle long time friends in another Volume. We figured we would do you a service and give you a guide to save yourself from social misfortune early on. There are various types to be aware. They are listed here:

The Drunken Master:
This is the proverbial drunkard. He is never a problem until he has exceeded his limit and anything that possibly can go wrong WILL. Fights or multiple awkward moments may ensue without notice or regards to ruining anyone else's good time. This is the most detrimental wingman to have around. While he can be major fun during guys night out, just make sure you watch his limits and know when to fade to black.

The Chronic Cock blocker:
This one needs no explanation. He is by far the most annoying and aggravating to say the least. A night out with the guys is a safe haven, just don't play your hand to the opposite sex too quick, if at all in his presence, least he pounce in to ruin a potentially great opportunity.

The Motormouth:
You know this type, always trying to talk in a loud club setting and you can't hear anything he's saying. Most of the time it's nothing and often interrupts your nightly momentum. He will typically stick to you like glue as if there is no one else in the place. He ruins any engagement you begin by being nothing less than uncouth. He means well but acts as if guys night out means just you and the guys without any interaction from the opposite sex at all.

The Female Repellant: This guy couldn't land a bite on a single fish in a bowl. When he does it leads to more bad than good as the talk of you and the lame dude start to spread through the atmosphere. At this point your night at that location is finished. Move on or ditch him as soon as you can make a good connect of your own.

I have presented you with a few of the types of wingmen that are toxic to enjoying a evening. All of this of course is subject to nightly motives. In our next post we will explain how to handle these types accordingly. You have been warned. Thank me now or thank me later as long as you thank me.

"There is no such thing as an insignificant detail"
-JC Leyendecker

Mind Your Footing

2010-10-24T17:47:00.000-07:00

This is a topic I've been debating for a while. It is a well know fact that your footwear is paramount to your entire wardrobe. It can make or break a well thought out look. With this knowledge in mind I will go right to the topic at hand. Let's begin by explaining what the relevant size ranges are for men for this discussion. Sizes 8-10 and 11-13 are the areas of focus here. As these sizes will cover the most common ranges of men's shoe sizes both on the lower and higher end spectrum.
Just because a shoe looks well with a pair of slacks, denims, chinos, etc does not necessarily mean it is proportionate to the scale of your pants silhouette. Careful consideration and a realistic approach to the size of ones feet are necessary to hit the mark. A long vs a wide foot will often create a different affect when placed in various shoe types. You may or may not have noticed how some shoes can appear to make your feet look smaller or larger, if you have not, then now is the time to start paying attention. Trends are not liner and as the silhouette, rise and details of pants change you must constantly reevaluate your footwear collection in lieu of these changes.
Wide feet have more of an advantage as they can be masked to a certain extent with minimal discomfort. To keep the illusion of smaller size look for a shoe with a narrower width. Preferably one that will not cause unease in walking and have enough room for the enlargement of foot width throughout the day. It is common that your feet can often swell during the course of the day based on activity and personal reactions. The goal here is to avoid the duck feet look that the wrong shoe can make.

Longer feet have less of an advantage due to the need for length in the stride room and overall comfort. Keys to remember in this situation is to stay away from shoes with an elongated toe. Least you look like your wearing skis instead if shoes. Rounded and softly squared are a good style to become familiar with. It is also best to have a shoe with minimal top detailing and to gravitate towards darker tones, as this can add to the illusion.
All of this information is relevant to the complimentary color of the pants that accompany them. Light versus dark and vice versa. The current trend is a slimmer fit for pants, this silhouette must be approached with caution in those with larger feet. I cannot stress enough how important it is to choose wisely when picking out your pants. You don't want too skinny or relaxed, in extreme cases don't shy away from going to a professional tailor to have adjustments made. Non de rigueur silhouettes can be handled this way as well. We all have that one pair of pants we hold on to just hoping and wishing that we can maintain our current waistline long enough to wear them when the trend gods smile upon us once again.
Disclaimer: this post is not about trying to make you squeeze into a painful pair of shoe for style purposes. It is solely(pun intended) to get your eye trained on looking at the fine details. Trust me there will be a mysterious woman in a crowd or a significant other who will take notice. You can thank me now or thank me later as long as you thank me.

" Remember your look is integral. There is no such thing as an insignificant detail." J.C. Leyendecker

The Ghost In The Recession :: Rolls Royce

2009-07-27T22:56:00.000-07:00

So the invisible hand has spoken once again. As the economy shows no signs of getting better with any haste. The luxury market is making move to adapt to the pressure. The soon to be released Rolls Royce dubbed The Ghost. Said to be a Recession creation automobile for the more affluent.

So what's the sticker price? ONLY approximately $245,000, but in the world of luxury IF you have to ask, then obviously you cant afford it. This is the first lower cost limousine by the luxury automaker in over a decade. While not a proactive approach to current economic conditions, or a fully bespoke limo, The Ghost has been in the works for several years and has all the quality you come to expect form RR.

Deliveries of the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost will begin in the UK and Europe in late 2009, with prices beginning at £165,000 (about $272,000 at the current exchange rate). The Ghost will haunt our shores and the Asia Pacific region beginning in the second quarter of 2010.I have gracefully included below the info about this new automobile below for your reading pleasure. So when you hear all the Hollywood stars, and of course Music & Entertainment types speaking on it. Just tell them where you saw it first and from who!

6.6-L V12 engine capable of top speeds of 155 m.p.h & still promises to provide a silky-smooth, ultra-quiet ride.
Crème Light leather, with Cornsilk carpets and cashmere blend headliner
Wood veneer is Santos Palissander, chosen for its contemporary look and striking grain
Dark color called Tungsten while the hood and a-pillars are silver
563 hp at 5250 rpm and 575 lb-ft of torque
"Intelligent” four-corner air springs with a multi-link aluminum suspension layout. Individual functions including active roll stabilization, variable shock absorbers are coordinated

She's A Gladiator :: Trend Watch

2009-06-14T15:30:00.001-07:00

The year is 2009, the people are restless, but she is not moved. She is a Gladiator. Agile, beautiful, and mysteriously dangerous.

One of this seasons hottest female footwear trends is the gladiator sandal and or heel style. Styles may vary, but these are not for the faint of heart. I do not advise women with thicker ankles to attempt wearing them. As usual form follows function, and on some feet to ankle types, this style can look sloppy.

As u may have noticed over the past few years we have been seeing a reinvention of the barbarian to gladiator in women's footwear. From snow boots to summer sandals, the options are endless. Check out the various styles of the woman's Gladiator trend and choose your favorite. Send your vote in via twitter( http://twitter.com/jcleyendecker). That's right the blog is going interactive :)

"Are you not entertained! Are you not entertained? Is this no why you are here!?"

J.C. Leyendecker "The Bespoke Aficionado"
http://twitter.com/jcleyendecker

- Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.

Suited for a King - Kiton K50

2009-05-29T18:30:00.001-07:00

Kiton K50 suit, exclusively tailored by Senor D'Orsi ($50,000)The company makes about 18,000 suits per year that usually cost US$5,000 - $15,000 each.

They can be ordered bespoke or purchased at a small number of exclusive clothiers. Most suits take approximately 25 hours of labor, with at least 45 tailors contributing to each one.

Kiton's most famous suit model is the "K-50", which takes 50 hours to produce, costing up to $50,000. Kiton dress shirts are also hand finished, as are Kiton's seven-fold silk neckties.

A strong believer in tailoring by hand, Paone inaugurated a tailor's school in Kiton's factory in an industrial suburb of Naples. The Kiton suit is one of the finest handmade suits in the world. This suit is given birth to in Naples Italy using superb fabrics and several days labor.

Style Cuts - Stitches are done completely by hand with painstaking attention to detail. Buyers have their choice between bespoke versions or off the rack.
The bespoke versions can be tailored to your specifications which makes the style as versatile as you need it.

Material - Fine super 150's wool makes this a great luxury suit. Look for fully lined jackets with pants lined down to the knees.

Color - The number of suits that are made by this designer are limited in quantity each year; this makes the number of colors limited as well. However, you should be able to find all of the classic colors with a few diverse enough to suit your wild side.

Price - Prices match the high quality fabrics and hand-stitching. Expect retail prices to start out at $5,000 and go all the way up to $20,000 for the bespoke models.

Conclusion - Men looking for a suit that is almost unmatched in both quality of fabric and stitching should look to this designer.

J.C. Leyendecker "The Bespoke Aficionado"

17 Skills Every Man Should Master

2009-05-16T14:49:00.001-07:00

I came across 75 Skills Every Man Should Master. I was impressed by this list and the idea.

I have condensed this list as it was original 75. I picked out what I thought was the best 17 and I have included them here for the gentlemen out there. Let me know what you all think.

J.C. Leyendecker "The Bespoke Aficionado's" 17 Skills Every Man Should Master

1. Give advice that matters in one sentence.
-I got run out of a job I liked once, and while it was happening, a guy stopped me in the hall. Smart guy, but prone to saying too much. I braced myself. I didn't want to hear it. I needed a white knight, and I knew it wasn't him. He just sighed and said: When nobody has your back, you gotta move your back. Then he walked away. Best advice I ever got. One sentence.

2. Tell if someone is lying.
-Everyone has his theory. Pick one, test it. Choose the tells that work for you. I like these: Liars change the subject quickly. Liars look up and to their right when they speak. Liars use fewer contractions. Liars will sometimes stare straight at you and employ a dead face. Liars never touch their chest or heart except self-consciously. Liars place objects between themselves and you during a conversation.

3. Name a book that matters.
-The Catcher in the Rye does not matter. Not really. You gotta read.

4. Cook meat somewhere other than the grill.

5. Show respect without being a suck-up.
-Respect the following, in this order: age, experience, record,reputation. Don't mention any of it.

6. Be loyal.
-You will fail at it. You have already. A man who does not know loyalty, from both ends, does not know men. Loyalty is not a matter of give-and-take: He did me a favor, therefore I owe him one. No. No. No. It is the recognition of a bond, the honoring of a shared history, the reemergence of the vows we make in the tight times. It doesn't mean complete agreement or invisible blood ties. It is a currency of selflessness, given without expectation and capable of the most stellar return.

7. Know how to tell a joke.

8. Know when to say no.

9. Know how to caress a woman's neck. -Back of your fingers, in a slow fan.

10. Avoid boredom.
-You have enough to eat. You can move. This must be acknowledged as a kind of freedom. You don't always have to buy things, put things in your mouth, or be delighted.

11. Point to the north at any time.
-If you have a watch, you can point the hour hand at the sun. Then find the point directly between the hour hand and the

12. That's south. The opposite direction is, of course, north.

12. Ask for help.
-Guys who refuse to ask for help are the most cursed men of all. The stubborn, the self-possessed, and the distant. The hell with them.

13. Throw a punch.
-Close enough, but not too close. Swing with your shoulders, not your arm. Long punches rarely land squarely. So forget the roundhouse. You don't have a haymaker. Follow through; don't pop and pull back. The length you give the punch should come in the form of extension after the point of contact. Just remember, the bones in your hand are small and easy to break. You're better off striking hard with the heel of your palm. Or you could buy the guy a beer and talk it out.

14. Give a woman an orgasm.
-Make it so she doesn't have to ask after it. Otherwise, ask after it.

15. Not monopolize the conversation.

16. Speak a foreign language.
-Pas beaucoup. Mais faites un effort.

17. Know some birds.
-If you can't pay attention to a bird, then you can't learn from detail, you aren't likely to appreciate the beauty of evolution, and you don't have a clue how bird like your own habits may be.

J.C. Leyendecker
"The Bespoke Aficionado"
jcleyendecker@yahoo.com

- Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.

Black To The Future :: The Empowerment Experiment

2009-05-12T23:52:00.001-07:00

Who & What::

I was forwarded information about the Anderson's efforts to support Black Businesses through their Empowerment Experiment. I felt compelled to post this information personally as well as professionally.

Why::

The Reason:: quoted from the Anderson's:

"We created The Empowerment Experiment because we want every child in America, regardless of her race, to feel the security, pride and hope that our girls do. That takes work. That takes love. That takes money. But not the government's money. Our money. Why not the money we spend everyday?"

J.C. Leyendecker "The Bespoke Aficionado's" Position::

This is not just about being Black, or some couples bitterness due to racial economic disparity, its about empowerment in a market where Blacks/African Americans make up a majority of the buying power with nothing to show for it inside our own communities.

Of course there are internal and external factors in the Black/African American communities that are responsible, but this movement is an example of the positive energy that is so often invisible, or hidden from the masses.

Please be sure review their website at:
http://www.eefortomorrow.com and their Facebook page to assist in this movement as much as possible.

Economic prosperity is only one of the tools necessary for the growth and development of any culture. Blacks/African Americans have much further to go before we can catch up. So let's keep the movement going because It has already been proven when others say we can't, we already know "Yes we can".

J.C. Leyendecker "The Bespoke Aficionado"

Zeitgeist Alert :: LL Gravity

2009-05-06T08:18:00.001-07:00

Definition ::
Zeitgeist (pronounced [ˈt͡saɪtɡaɪst] (help·info)) is a German language expression literally translated: Zeit, time; Geist, spirit, meaning "the spirit of the age and its society". The word zeitgeist describes the intellectual, cultural, ethical and political climate, ambiance and morals of an era (similar to the English word "mainstream") or also a trend.

J.C. Leyendecker "The Bespoke Aficionado" ZAlert :: LL Gravity

Ladies this one is for you.

Flats are in IN case you didn't know. a lot of women are trading in the heels for a Lower Level approach. Fully closed, sling-back, or sandal style, they are here to stay.

Flats can give a taller woman a de-elevated look and shorten long legs when worn with a skirt. For the shorter woman, she can appear more dainty and classical depending on how the rest of the ensemble is coordinated.

Last but not least let's not forget the comfortability aspect. High elevation can often come at cost. From "hammer-time" in your shoes to "corn-cobs". Let's be honest as sexy as they may be, heels can wreak havoc on the beauty which is the woman's foot. If your a male and a firm believer that a woman's foot game is equivalent to their perception of a mans shoes then need I say more? Here endeth the lesson.

J.C. Leyendecker "The Bespoke Aficionado"

Watch This :: Baselword 2009

2009-05-04T22:36:00.001-07:00

About Baselworld:

The Baselworld Watch and Jewelry Show is a trade show for the watch and jewelry industry organized annually in the city of Basel, Switzerland.

The international show unites about 2,100 exhibitors from over 45 countries, including the leading watch and jewelry brands, as well as companies specializing in precious gems.

The exhibitors display their latest products to the industry's experts, mass media representatives, watch collectors and connoisseurs.

J.C. Leyendecker "The Bespoke Aficionado" plays favorites:

So my top two from the timepiece

Collections were the Hermès Arceau Chrono Alezan and the Dior Chiffre Rouge D01. While there were more pieces these two really stood out. Not because of the label, but because of the craftsmanship and aesthetic beauty the both hold.

Hermès Arceau Chrono Alezan Technical characteristics:

- Ivory dial

- Alezan (chestnut)-coloured numerals and surrounds

- Steel hour and minute hands

- Orange-lacquered seconds and counter hands

- Steel case

- 43 mm in diameter

-Water-resistant to 50 metres

- Glass sapphire crystal front and back

- Strap made from Hermès swift alezan leather

- Folding safety clasp

Dior Chiffre Rouge D01 Technical characteristics:

- Water resistant up to 300 meters. Comes in a 42mm stainless steel case, with its arm protecting the screw-in crown

- 'CD' engraved in guilloche pattern

- Black sun-brushed dial with large indexes and SuperLumiNova red second hand and numbers

- Stainless steel bracelet

J.C. Leyendecker

"The Bespoke Aficionado"

- Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.

Laser Cut Lodger :: Bespoke Cobblers

2009-05-03T23:05:00.001-07:00

TIM BLANKS(10:33 AM, April 10, 2009)

The marriage between trad and tech has spawned some irresistible offspring at Lodger, a newish shoe shop in a side street off Savile Row. After you've picked your style, you stick your foot in a scanner where lasers map it so accurately that even wrinkles in your sock are read. Then your scan is compared to Lodger's computerized library of a thousand-plus lasts to find the best match. (It's a bit like CSI for cobblers.) The fine-tuned result is sent off to Lodger's factories in England or Italy to be produced. Sixty days later, you'll have a pair of shoes as near to bespoke as you can get without the whole last-carving, six-months'-wait palaver (though Lodger does that as well, along with a ready-to-wear collection). They're also personalized with your name and the date they were finished (love the bamboo-fiber shoe bags and the bespoke shoe trees, too).

Beaverton, Oregon-born CEO Nathan Brown has worked for Nike, Adidas, and Puma, and he was keen to apply their extreme footwear technology to a more classic product. But his real masterstroke is the Shoe of the Month—one English style, one Italian, offered for one month only, then never again. April, for instance, features a black slip-on (Italian, of course) and some very on-trend white "tennis" shoes (above), based on a vintage style from 1910. I'm kicking myself for missing the desert boots a few months back. But at least the kicks won't hurt as bad in these babies.
Lodger's Custom Fit starts at about $550

Wash Away Distress :: Denim Trends on The Horizon

2009-05-03T22:47:00.001-07:00

Denim trends are constantly evolving. Long gone are the days of the "classic" jeans. A few key trends and technique updates that are in the air are the key distress technique, the snow wash(which I can't say I'm a fan of), and the asphalt finish(which I think will fit nicely into the punk, grunge, and gothic crowds nicely). We'll have to see which ones make the cut.

J.C. Leyendecker "The Bespoke Aficionado"

Twitter

2009-05-03T22:30:00.001-07:00

For up to the moment updates you can also follow J.C. Leyendecker "The Bespoke Aficionado" @

http://twitter.com/jcleyendecker

Look forward to tweeting you all.

J.C. Leyendecker "The Bespoke Aficionado"

Raleigh Denim :: J.C. Leyendecker "The Bespoke Aficionado" Monday pick.

2009-05-03T22:15:00.001-07:00

Raleigh Denims is J.C. Leyendecker "The Bespoke Aficionado's" Monday pick. These denims are hand made. Raleigh Denims was started a year and a half ago by Sarah and Victor Lytvinenko. Named after its hometown located next to a denim mill in N.C. These denims are sulfur washed which gives it a natural luster and a greenish hue once broken in. Definitely a brand to check out as they have been picked up by Barneys exclusively for its NY and LA flagships.

J.C. Leyendecker "The Bespoke Aficionado"

Blog test

2009-03-30T11:53:00.001-07:00

Blog test