Tom Ford, Tripp Sunglasses

Tom Ford, Tripp Sunglasses
I’m a sunglasses addict, and I’m always on the hunt to add a new pair into my rotation. I’ve been looking for a new pair of aviators for a while and the Tom Ford Tripp are a great addition to my collection.
Tom Ford, Tripp Sunglasses
The Tripps are available in four color ways: Black, Dark Havana, Black/Gold, Havana/Blue.  I’d typically gravitate to the Dark Havana frames, but the Havana frames with blue gradient lens really appealed to me. The combination of the light Havana acetate with the gold metal frame and gradient lenses really lean into the 1970s vibe of the glasses.
Tom Ford, Tripp Sunglasses
At 58mm the glasses are ever so slightly oversized without looking obnoxious. I had a pair of Tom Ford Curtis aviators and at 59mm they were just a tad too big on me.  With sunglasses, like watches, even a single millimeter difference can have a dramatic impact on the look and fit.
Tom Ford, Tripp Sunglasses Case
The fit and finish are fantastic, as expected from Tom Ford; nothing flimsy or loose with the frames in the least. The glasses also come with a very nice microsuede case along with the requisite Tom Ford microfiber cleaning cloth in the same gorgeous deep, chocolate brown as the case.
If you’re looking to add a new pair of aviators that leans towards the 70s without looking like you’re trying too hard the Tripps are worth being on your short list.

Benjos Colored Dress Shoe Laces

Colored laces are an inexpensive way to add a subtle bit of color to any outfit. Benjos has some outstanding color options and are an affordable way to change up the look of your favorite dress shoes.

Benjos was founded by Ben Hertz in 2011 after breaking a shoelace while traveling in Italy. He opted for a very Italian shade of red laces (available today as Rosso Scudiera) to replace his broken, standard laces. Upon returning home to The States he noticed the lack of colored lace options and thus Benjos was born.

I’ve been a fan of Benjos’ for many years and consistently get compliments on my colored laces. Some of my favorite combinations are below if you’re looking for some inspiration to stand out in a sea of black and brown laces.

 

Allen Edmonds Carlyle, Dark Chili, Monster’s Spit Benjos Laces
Allen Edmonds Fifth Avenue, Dark Brown, Much Brighter Benjos Laces
Allen Edmonds Strand, Oxblood, Paul’s Loft Benjos Laces
Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill, Brown Chromexcel, N.B. Greenberg Benjos Laces

A Conversation With Matt Jones, Founder of Hemingsworth

Hemingsworth Clipper

Matt Jones launched Hemingsworth, and their first product the Clipper swim short ($240 purchase here, review here), in January 2017 with the goal of creating a travel wardrobe for the quintessential English gentleman.  Matt spent some time with me recently outlining what sets Hemingsworth apart from the competition, why having his products made in England is so important, and giving me a preview of what’s next for the brand.

There’s no shortage of high-end swimwear for men these days, what sets you apart from Sunspel, Orelbar Brown, and Vilebrequin?

We wanted to be known for our commitment to uncompromisable quality – it’s really that simple. The past decade has seen an influx of swim brands or ‘tailored shorts’, most of which are just slim fit imitations of what they claim to be or offer little in the way of quality or value to the customer. Now competition is healthy, but it really has blurred the lines on what tailored shorts are and what is deemable as luxury. Therefore, we set out to make the very best product we could using the best fabrics and the best materials available, without compromise.

As such our Clipper short consists of a 29 piece pattern, which for all intensive purposes is the same level as you’d find on an actual Saville Row trouser (just cut at the leg). Its a level of detail and a cut that you cannot easily imitate. We included a french fly and integral waistband to provide a hold and fit that stays neat for the customer throughout the day. We felt it was very important that nothing be compromised in terms of luxury – from our fabric selection to our Tahitian Mother of Pearl buttons, every trim or detail of the short has been considered. That includes the subtlety of our branding – ensuring the value remains on the actual garment itself.

How does Chanel’s recent acquisition of Orlebar Brown change the competitive landscape for high-end men’s lifestyle brands like Hemingsworth?

I admire what Adam (Adam Brown – Founder of Orlebar Brown), his partner and the OB team has managed to do over the past decade. Adam reinvigorated a market space that was well overdue some attention. I like both the vitality of the brand and what it encourages as an active lifestyle – this is very important. Given Chanel’s menswear is less developed, there will no doubt be a few compromises along the way as they unite these creative forces. It may well encourage those competitors closest in the market to OB to expand & ramp up their collections, to seek out a similar path. All that though is a distraction, instead Hemingsworth will remain focussed on responsibly producing the best products we possibly can and working with partners with shared values, so that we can offer customers the best quality and experience. So in answer to your question, it doesn’t change very much for us at all.

How important is it to you that Hemingsworth swimwear and future products are made in England?

It saddens me to see much loved British institutions off-shoring their manufacturing to save a buck. To essentially use the equity synonymous with British manufacturing for which their is a ‘quantified value’, these brands need to be reinvesting into those same shores from a product perspective. Unfortunately, this isn’t particularly well policed and 5% of manufacture in the UK or adding a British made button often allows these ‘houses’ to continue their provincial claims.

It’s confusing for the customer and the result is trade and craftsmanship is disappearing as these skilled individuals are often forced into other career paths. Hemingsworth is uniquely English spirited and that comes from knowing that our manufacturing happens in one of London’s oldest factories. It’s important we protect that and encourage it, to maintain both the respect and value other generations contributed to our heritage. Its something I feel very passionately about and we will look to continually build on.

As a James Bond fan I can’t help but notice a nod to the classic Jantzen swim shorts Sir Sean Connery wears in Thunderball. Were the early Bond films an influence as you created the Clipper swim shorts?  What did you​ draw upon when developing the collection?

The general look of Hemingsworth is heavily inspired by the styling of that era and obviously cinema and its idols are a huge part of that. Early Bond is of course a strong influence – no one doesn’t want to be Connery as Bond – but equally British icons like Cary Grant in To Catch a Thief, David Hemmings in Blow Up, Richard Burton relaxing on his yacht or even Morcambe and Wise in That Riviera Touch all have the image, attitude and humour that we draw on for Hemingsworths insouciant style.

What pieces are essential for an English gentleman’s travel wardrobe?

Fewer quality items that provide versatility. I used to do 3-4 flights a week and that is where the requirement for Hemingsworth was born. Constantly changing garments between climes and adapting my clothing, whilst I lugged around a host of ‘options’ – it was ridiculous! Start with a case that gets better with age. In my opinion a classic Globetrotter or new brand Bennett Winch holdall. A blue herringbone jacket will retain its shape, a crisp white shirt from Emma Willis and alternating cotton striped t-shirt or polo from John Smedley. Twinned with a breathable twill chino and relaxed modern day suede penny loafer from Church’s. Compliment it all with sunglasses from Kirks Originals and of course a Hemingsworth short which will neatly match all of those pairing items. These are really simple items but when they are done right they are superb.

What can we expect next from Hemingsworth?  What pieces will be new for 2019?

Taking that same versatility forward, we’ve created a travel inspired collection for the modern Globetrotter. I won’t reveal too before we launch with our carefully chosen partners, but you can expect us to go beyond our traditional foundation of Shorting attire. From Seersucker suiting and Cabana Sets to Trousers and Polo’s, its less resort and more everyday travel wear that builds on our core principles. All of these new lines will still be made in London to guarantee the same quality.

 

Sneak preview of new items from Hemingsworth

Hemingsworth Cabana Set
Coming Soon: Hemingsworth Cabana Set
Coming Soon: Hemingsworth Seersucker Jacket and Trousers, Blue Stripe
Coming Soon: Hemingsworth Seersucker Jacket and Trousers, Blue Stripe
Coming Soon: Hemingsworth Herringbone Blue Jacket and Navy Brushed Twill Trousers
Coming Soon: Hemingsworth Herringbone Blue Jacket and Navy Brushed Twill Trousers

Review: Curry & Paxton Sean Sunglasses

Curry and Paxton Sean

The 1965 James Bond classic, “Thunderball,” finds 007 in the Bahamas racing against the clock to find two atomic bombs before SPECTRE, who is, of course, holding the world at ransom for ‎£100 million worth of diamonds, detonates one in Miami.  The world may be in peril but that doesn’t mean Bond (Sir Sean Connery) can’t soak up some sun in Nassau with the beautiful Dominique “Domino” Derval (Claudine Auger).

 

The resort attire Bond wears in The Bahamas is still influencing brands like Hemingsworth, Orlebar Brown, and Sunspel more than 50 years later.  While many of the pieces are easy to identify, the navy Fred Perry polo shirt and Jantzen swim shorts for example, the sunglasses Sir Sean wears in much if the movie have proven to be more difficult to ID; the most likely model is the Polaroid Cool Ray N135. (Thanks to Iconic Alternatives for the info on the Polariods!)

 

Thankfully Mason & Sons, via their Curry & Paxton optical line, have released the appropriately named “Sean” model.  The Sean sunglasses feature gorgeous piano black over tortoiseshell cellulose frames manufactured by Mazzucchelli, five-barrel hinges, and 100% UV protection green lens.

 

The construction and materials of the Sean is top-notch.  Easily on the same level as my Tom Ford Snowdons, and a notch or two above my Ray-Ban New Wayfarer. I have a narrow face the 50mm lens width fits me really well.  Living in Florida means that wearing sunglasses every day really is a necessity and it’s nice having a pair that’s unique and not sold in the mall. “Thunderball” is also my favorite Bond film so having a “Bond Experience” every time I wear them makes them pretty special too!

Hemingsworth Clipper Swim Shorts Review

Hemingsworth and Prosecco

My wife and I are fortunate enough to live in Florida which means there’s no shortage of sunny days in the upper 80’s even in mid-October.  We decided to spend the weekend at the new Art Ovation Hotel located in the heart of Sarasota’s thriving theater and arts district. The hotel features curated art exhibits, artisan classes and professional demonstrations, as well as a Perspective, a roof top pool bar making it the perfect venue to break in my new Hemingsworth Clipper swim shorts.

Hemingswoth Clipper swim shorts
Hemingswoth Clipper swim shorts, perfect attire for a roof top pool

There’s no shortage of high-end swimwear choices for men these days.  I’m a fan of brands like Orlebar Brown, Sunspel, and Vilebrequin, but I was highly intrigued when I came across the English brand Hemingsworth.  Launched in January 2017 by former advertising executive, Matt Jones, Hemingsworth aims to be a purveyor of an “English gentleman’s travel wardrobe.”  The first piece in this wardrobe comes in the form of the Clipper swim shorts.

Hemingsworth Clipper swim short, pure white
Hemingsworth Clipper swim short, pure white

Hemingsworth Clipper swim shorts are handcrafted in England by London-based tailors and have impeccable details such as: Tahitian mother of pearl buttons, zippers custom made in Italy by Lampo, and side buckles that are cast and finished in Germany.  No expense has been spared when crafting these swim shorts. In fact, the swim shorts feature a 27 piece pattern and go through 17 distinct hand finishing processes.

The packaging of the Clippers is top notch.  The swim shorts come in a tube worthy of a single malt Scotch emblazoned with a brief story of the brand.  Inside the tube is a canvas bag containing the swim shorts as well as a handwritten note; truly first class.  Already a great experience from the packaging alone.

Swim shorts packaging
Swim shorts packaging

The fit of the Hemingsworth Clipper swim shorts is excellent.  I ordered a size 30, which is what I wear in Orlebar Brown Bulldog swim shorts, and the cut is spot on.  When compared to the Bulldogs the fit of the Clippers is a bit more tailored. The Clippers are not restrictive in any way, they’re just cut ever-so-slightly more trim in the legs than the Bulldogs giving the Clippers a crisp silhouette making them perfect for the pool, beach, or cocktails watching the sunset.  The finish of the swim shorts is perfect as well. There is not a thread out of place or a misplaced stitch. The mother of pearl buttons are beautiful in person and are an elegant detail.

     Tahitian mother of pearl buttons
Tahitian mother of pearl buttons

The color of the Clippers is also outstanding.  I ordered a pair in solid white and the color is gorgeous.  The color is not a “pure white,” it reminds me of a vintage Ford Mustang in “Wimbledon White.”  Surely that’s no coincidence as the solid white Clippers would not look out of place on Centre Court at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Enjoying a private cabana at Perspective

I am extremely impressed with the product and high level of service offered by Hemingsworth.  I cannot recommend them highly enough and I’m incredibly excited to see what is next for the brand.

 

Oxblood, the perfect color for Fall shoes

Allen Edmonds Strands in Oxblood

In a sea of black and brown derbies and oxfords why not change it up with the addition of an oxblood dress shoe, like this pair of Strands from Allen Edmonds?  Black is a staple, brown is incredibly versatile, but oxblood? Oxblood is brown’s hip older brother, it’s the color that exudes a subtle confidence, it shows you know what you’re doing; sartorially speaking.  The deep, rich, red hues pair well with everything from greys, charcoals, raw denim, and khakis; and there’s no better way to make a navy suit really stand out than adding an oxblood dress shoe to anchor the look.

Should oxblood dress shoes be your first choice when purchasing your first pair of dress shoes?  That title belongs to dark brown, which is a wonderful all-around choice that will look great with many different outfits.  However, oxblood is nearly as versatile and a great way to stand out by adding a color that’s a bit less common while injecting some personality into your Fall wardrobe.