Saturday 26 September 2015

Hermès Men’s Wear Designer Véronique Nichanian's Paris Apartment


It’s luxury. It French. It’s Hermès.
We have not been hearing good thing about Hermes lately.
Model and singer Jane Birkin wants Birkin bag to be renamed after Peta investigation into French luxury goods manufacturer’s treatment of crocodiles and alligators. Hermès, however, has denied that the farm belongs to them, or that the skins from the farm are used to make their Birkin bags, asserting, "an investigation is underway at the Texas farm which was implicated in the video. Any breach of rules will be rectified and sanctioned."
These are the latest news about the most desired brand.
Many brands use the real leather to produce their goods. To me using real leather is same with wearing real fur but which one of us doesn’t commit this crime? (I am not promoting the brand here; just saying that real leather is real leather. Do not support or animal slaughtering.  We must find a way to do fashion without hurting animals.)

Anyway… Let’s be honest. Hermes is the first brand that comes to mind when we say luxury. NYTimes published an interview with Véronique Nichanian, 61 years old Artistic director of the Hermès Men’s Universe, about her Paris apartment.  (Interview by Steven Kurutz)



Your favourite living area?
A white-walled, high-ceilinged room with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

What do you love about this space?
The light is amazing because it’s from both sides. In 20 minutes my husband and I decided this was the place we wanted to live, and it was done. And I always dreamt of living in St.-Germain-des-Prés since I’m a child.




Why this neighborhood?
First of all, I’m born in Paris. I lived in many places in Paris because I moved many times. I used to come here and shop. I know perfectly all the tiny streets. It seemed to me the people were nicer, casual. There were many writers and people talking about art. For me, St.-Germain-des-Prés was the place to be.
Sometimes when we fulfill a long-sought dream, we’re disappointed. I’m not. I’m still very happy.

It’s said there is a Parisian way of dressing. Is there a Parisian way of living?
You should tell me. All my friends, I can’t say we have the same kind of apartment. It’s different because the personalities are different. People are more classic or more traditional. I’m not a traditional person, not at all.

Well, the flowers on your coffee table seem common to French interiors.
I brought these flowers from the country. It’s very important. It gives a softness. Even in my bedroom I have flowers. I like to wake up and see flowers.

I noticed your record collection. What are you currently listening to?
I’m listening to old Bob Dylan. I love his voice.



In both your men’s wear and your home, there is very little fussiness. 
It’s minimalist but with a touch of humor, I think, and emotional things. I have a large canopy armchair. I have a sofa for friends. I have a working fireplace. That’s fine with me. If I remember my first apartment when I left my parents, it was exactly the same. Smaller. Not in the same area. But exactly the same apartment. Really, I’m still the same. With my friends or the kinds of things I like. I did not change.

Thursday 24 September 2015

An In-Between Season Must Have: Trench Coat



There are some firm rules in menswear: Bermudas for summer and trench coats for autumn.
Trench coats are the perfect invention for confusing weather – too cold for a t-shirt but to warm for leather or wool
Once you have a pair of jeans, t-shirt and a cool trench coat you are all set to go. With new trends in trench coats you can either stay classic or make a statement.

PS: There are some safe zones to keep the cool look during ‘in between’ seasons. In variety of trench coat the military is, unsurprisingly, no exception. 


1. The Classic 

Yes. It’s the Burberry who labeled the beige trench coat. It’s classic, chic, and perfect for an urban look. It doesn’t have to be Burberry though. It’s better if it is though…


GET THE LOOK: 

2. The Statement Option

You can be classic in autumn style with a trench coat but still make a bold statement with the pattern or colour. Stay away from khaki, beige or black and go with blue, orange, green or even red. Your trench coat can work for more than just keeping your suit dry.



GET THE LOOK: 
3. Make a difference. Go with knee-length ones. 

This option is a must for shorter men. But you can still try it even if you a tall guy. Try to stay minimalist with shorter trench coats.



GET THE LOOK: 
4. And the military green √ 

The original trench coat’s khaki colouring was camouflage. It’s the key of being cool. On a more practical level, it’s also perfectly in tune with the navies and neutrals that populate your winter wardrobe.



GET THE LOOK: 

Tuesday 15 September 2015

Who Says Backpacks Are Only For Weekends?


Casual-Smart is made for a reason. So let’s use it! It has been a long time since the formal, old-school corporate look has merged with casual style. Even if you still work with a strict dress-code at office there are still some ways to break ( or let’s say ‘’bend’’) the rules silently.

First rule: If you are allowed not to wear a tie, you are allowed to wear anything. Just not sweatpants or a dirty t-shirt; but backpacks are ok. It’s the urban sophistication. There are many sleek & stylish backpacks you can wear to work. It can be practical, comfortable and chic if you get your choice right.

Here are some tips to make it work:
  • Keep your fabric choice high: Try leather or leather-like fabrics, sued, or canvas with leather details.
  • Keep it solid and muted colours such as black, grey, or beige. Navy is cool too.



15 Stylish Backpacks That You Can Wear at Work



Wednesday 2 September 2015

The Nicest Way of #Shopping

It's possible to stay good while doing business. It's also possible for us to stay good while shopping. Shopping always makes everybody happy and feel good but this is something different.

ReBag is a social enterprise that is known for the upcycling and cultural craftsmanship of their creative accessories. Each bag that they well helps unemployed / disabled / minority people who participated in designing and making the bags and packaging. Check out their website: http://bst.is/kGV3W8