Last week we traveled to NYC for the Mrket show, which is the show where buyers gather to see the offerings from different brands for the next season. At the end of last year, Husband started a job with a local manufacturer of custom suiting that is based here in Knoxville. We have absolutely fallen in love with the people that he works with, and he is enjoying the fact that he officially has an excuse to wear a suit everyday.
Below you’ll find a few snapshots of some of my favorites. My favorite thing about custom suits (aside from the fact that a man in a suit that fits properly is just drop dead sexy) are the details–a beautiful lining and a contrasting lapel hole just really do it for me.
These chambray pants are local designer Marc Nelson Denim. You can find them here.
It’s worth noting that while the custom offerings above are Spring, the majority of companies showed their Fall collections. That’s what you’ll see below.
Men are so predictable. (Nikky)
The first thing that I got totally stoked about was the fact that we saw so many Southern companies! Well-dressed Southerners have a sort of easy-going glamour that is really starting to shine. To elaborate: mixing classic necessities, like the cummerbunds below, with bright patterns and colors can take an item normally seen as a bit stuffy to something fun with attitude.
Southern belle that I am, I blushed to the point of having to walk away when I met James Hill, co-owner of High Cotton. We love their stuff–all Southern made by the way! In fact, the weekend before, Husband had purchased three of their bow ties at a local shop here in East Tennessee.
Collared Greens: You know I couldn’t resist the name! This American made brand is based in Richmond, Virginia and had a playful take on classic patterns that I dug.
BKYLN Dry Goods had a couple rad displays to show their visual merchandising prowess, and I totally geeked out over the vintage DIY details. You know the sexiest men know how to work with their hands! (*wink*)
Tailor Vintage caught my eye because they take really high quality old-school fabrics and break them in. So these styles really do look like you bought them vintage without the uncomfortable “How do I get the Grandpa smell out?” question. By the way: Vodka. The answer to that question is vodka.
The fabrics from the Italian company Bulgarini made me swoon! (The accents at the booth weren’t bad either. Do you think that comes with the shirt?)
Seaward + Stearn London (left), Edward Armah (top right), Jose Real (bottom left) | Pattern. Bright Colors. Pattern. Bold Colors. Pattern. Trust me. #polkadots
(More accents!) The houndstooth socks from London Sock Co. really caught my eye. (That was followed quickly by the designer in me adoring their logo.) Their socks are made with Scottish Lisle Thread Cotton (fancy!) and the cool designs come from partnerships with some rad London designers.
Hook & Albert came onto my radar when they teamed up with Alton Brown to make a line of beautiful bow ties and pocket squares. What caught my eye with their fall line, however, were the handmade lapel flowers! Aren’t they fun?
Finally! Another female that loves men’s accessories and has a sense of humor. Lazyjack Press was started by Miriam Zelinsky and has playful patterns with tongue-in-cheek names. Above: “Chick Magnets” and “Blue Balls”
Nikky (top left), Allen Edmonds (bottom left), Carlos Santos (right) | Finally, you’ve seen the bold accessories but bold shoes are also worth noting. My absolute favorites were the double monks by Carlos Santos.
