My Style journal - week two. Let's Rock!

Last night my wife and i went to see Elefant, an indie rock band from New York city. So in the spirit of that my look of this week is a Rock N Roll suicide.... (the suicide part just makes it sound more edgy and glamorous, so no need to call 911). What is more Rockish feeling than BLACK, SKINNY, and VINTAGE??? OK ,maybe long hair, not shaving and looking drugged and dirty are some others but I'll stay with the first 3 for now.
On my first visit to London (to any of you who are reading this and never been there, DROP everything that you are doing right now and GO.... don't think, don't pack just go....) about 15 years ago while visiting in Camden Market (back than it was still raw and not as polished as now days) in the vintage market I spotted about 20 feet away from me this black leather coat hanging in one of the booths, i zoomed on it and started running towards it (I'm really not exaggerating, i was worried that someone else will spot it before me so i had no choice but running there). This beautiful piece of art had served me since than, i had to change the entire lining that was ripped and found my self freezing in some cold weather days just cause it was cooler to wear it instead of a really warm coat but it was all worth it... this item made everything i wore look cooler, i had so many people over the years complimenting it. The shrunk jeans jacket is another vintage find (some store on 23rd st in the city) for $20 about 8 years ago while looking for inspiration items. I always loved how these 2 jackets complimented each other (actually so much that i wore them on my first date with my wife hoping it will impress her as well.....hey, it worked and besides....everyone is entitled to some vanity and shallowness...). Let's Rock!!!

This week I'm wearing:

Black skinny jeans - BOAZ
Black shirt - Ben Sherman
Black scarf - H&M
Jeans jacket - Vintage

Black leather coat - Vintage

Boots - Paul Smith

Designer of the week - week one - Paul Smith

Today I’m starting a weekly post called Designer of the week. In this post I will feature designers that I love and ones that inspire me. Some of which are household names that play a major influence in your current wardrobe, along side others that have been under the radar and might influence your next shopping spree.
I’d like to start our little private Wikipedia with a British Designer. To be fair with you, I'm a bit bias (hope you'll forgive me) because I ADORE the BRITISH CULTURE!
It all started with growing up in the seventies and early eighties and being exposed to the British punk rock movement. The music, clothes, art and the whole anti establishment philosophy....what can better inspire and fuel an over zealous teenager‘s rebellious nature? Over the years the metals and zippers evolved into button up shirts and slick boots and as I grew up my appreciation and passion for the traditional British style was born.

A designer that played a major role in my love for Briticism was the legendary Sir Paul Smith (He was knighted in 2000 by Queen Elizabeth II) and his multi stripe signature. At the age of 17 after a terrible accident while cycling (which was his passion till than), Paul became friends with students from the local art college. They introduced him to the colorful and exciting world of Mondrian, Warhol, the Rolling Stones, Miles Davis and others. This introduction lead to the opening of his first boutique within two years (1970) with the encouragement of his than girlfriend Pauline Denyer (now wife).

Since then his style of traditional classic Englishman, flavored with a sophisticated sense of humor (using the Mini as a design motif) and a stroke of pop art established him as the preeminent British designer and one of the most influential designers in the world. The line is currently sold in 35 countries with 12 different collections including women's, accessories and furniture among others. Despite universal success, Paul still remains the designer and is fully involved in every aspect of the business, retaining a personal touch often lost in companies of a similar size. Which in my opinion, is a sign of a true artist who does what he really loves and passionate about. Oh.... and he even writes his own blog where he shares his latest activities and projects with his fans.
The Paul Smith shops provide a peak into Paul's artistic world and vision, they are an inspirational place to visit (highly recommended for every man). Showcasing jewelery, books, art, antiques and an array of interesting and beautiful products along side work of other British artists as well as Paul’s personal collections of art or curios. His NY men's store on 5th Ave. was one of the first stores i visited in the city and became one of my favorite stops since we moved right around the corner from it. Our dog jumbo is still confused as to why i always walk him on that same block when the dog run and his favorite marking spot are both in the opposite direction..... I wish he would understand that this is one of few stores that i find very hard to leave empty handed and that always get my creative juices flowing.

So, before you start your Paul Smith shopping experience below are some of my favorite items:
BUTTON UP SHIRTS - A must have staple in any man's wardrobe (i wish i had one of each style he ever made). A Paul Smith shirt is the perfect marriage of quality and style offered in classic fabrics or original fun prints, very easy to fit into any man's style and can be dressed up or down for any occasion from business to pleasure. The first time my eyes landed on them , it changed the way i dressed forever......

BAGS and WALLETS - Made in either leather or printed canvas, these items really stand out but in a clever and sophisticated way. I have both (thanks to my mother in law and birthday gifts), the signature striped leather wallet (like the one below) and a canvas messenger bag printed with stamps that are rearranged in the shape of the British flag .

SHOES - I'll just say that for my 40th birthday I asked for a pair of Paul Smith boots.... I think that says it all! ...did i mention my obsession for shoes before????