FRYE ATLANTA coming to Ponce City Market

The Frye Atlanta store, opening in August 2015, will call Ponce City Market home, a re- imagined mixed use development from Jamestown, housed in the historic Sears Roebuck distribution center, originally built in 1926. The store, a 4000 square ft space on the center’s main level, is located within the retail arcade. The storefront replicates the warehouse windows seen above the main level, and the columns, original to the structure, will be wrapped in leather references the history of the Frye brand.

The Frye Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Global Brands Group, announced that it would continue its retail expansion this Fall by opening two stores in existing markets in New York and the Washington DC area and expanding into new markets with stores in Atlanta and Dallas. Based on Frye’s heritage steeped in American craftsmanship, the stores highlight the brand’s legacy through a celebration of authentic products and iconic leather goods. The new stores will showcase the breadth of the brand’s finely manufactured footwear and accessories for men, women and children and will maintain the tradition of quality and craftsmanship that has been the hallmark of The Frye Company for 152 years.

The stores draw inspiration from vintage artisan workshops, incorporating details in the furniture, lighting and displays. Raw materials used throughout the store, are left to weather with age and use. The beauty of these materials resemble that of the leather goods produced by the brand, with the assertion that each becomes better with age. Tables designed to reference workbenches coexist with custom seating in grey upholstery accented by bronze legs and vintage carpets. This concept embraces light and a residential palate of greys, blues and bronze tones.

The stores’ most dramatic feature, is an enormous installation known to the brand as the “chandelier”, consisting of 7000 leather straps holding Frye’s signature harness rings. Surrounding the “chandelier” are shelving units inspired by a craftsman’s toolbox from the turn of the century. The toolbox units have been redesigned to work as shelving within the stores “workshop” and show the brand’s products in their best possible light. Each environment will also contain “The Archive”, a curated grid wall modishly housing the brand’s wide variety of handbags, which coordinate back to the footwear.

The curated environments, designed by Frye’s in-house team, in partnership with Carlton Architecture of New York, capture the spirit and essence of the brand’s 152 year history, while incorporating unique characteristics of each locale. The stores have distinct character, conveying a sense of warmth and familiarity with their high touch engagement proficiencies. The overall experience is a sensory journey; the ultimate combination of the rich leathers, craftsmanship and history.

Much more to come about Frye Atlanta next week, so stay tuned!

fashionado

Viktor & Rolf Couture Fall 2015

When designers Viktor & Rolf announced they were leaving the world  of ready-to-wear and move exclusively into haute couture, they were serious. And being the geniuses that they are, they presented a stunning and impressive collection, appropriately tilted "Wearable Art." For many years, I have said Viktor & Rolf are artists and this collection substantiated my claim. What began as a runway collection of elaborately draped and sculpted dresses, ended as gilded paintings on a gallery wall. This "performance" unfolded as the audience watched. Viktor & Rolf quickly removed the garment from the model, hinged the frames together and hung the artwork on a wall. Perfection. The last image shows the designers with their painted dresses on display.

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Michael Bastian Menswear Spring 2016 #NYFWM

Michael Bastian was inspired by the lifestyle and entitlement of Bel-Air and while I see some of the references in the collection, what is really calling my attention is the oh-so-dapper navy plaid double-breasted suit. And the super hip banana-leaf came pants. And Bastian's bold sense of styling. And let's not forget the cashmere cardigans. The best part is that you don't have to live in Bel-Air to look this damn good. Then again, I could embrace a lifestyle in Bel-Air...

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THEORY Menswear Spring 2016

Androgyny is the new black... and tan, navy and gray. Theory blew us away with their menswear collection for NYFWM. There's little to no middle ground for me in fashion. I'm either loud and colorful or embracing simplicity and sophistication. At the moment it's the latter. Theory presented a collection that is smart, classic and modern at the same time. Ben Stubbington, Theory's menswear designer, created clothing that people want to wear. Well-tailored, fitted. I'll take everything!

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Maison Margiela Fall 2015 Couture

It didn't take John Galliano long, but I think that's something Maison Margiela was hoping for when they made him creative director. His thought process is unique and complex. For Fall 2015 Couture, Galliano / Margiela played with contrasts. He makes us think about scale, proportion, beauty and masculinity... Look through the collection and you'll find that while most looks are not so appealing, you can't stop looking. The collection lures you in and seduces the mind. 

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ASPIRE Eyewear - Trendsetting through #NYFWM & Beyond

The philosophy of aspiring to transcend is integrated by the label beyond its use of advanced technologies. The question Aspire Eyewear branding asks the eyeglass wearer is: “Who Do You Aspire To Be?” That message is carefully articulated in personality-driven product designed for both men and women. The brand referenced popular trends, classic motifs, and advanced architectural aesthetics to appeal to different personality types when designing its initial collection of 12 styles for men and women, as well as three sunglasses styles. Each of the 36 frames and 5 temple designs in the collection are detachable, giving the wearer the opportunity to further personalize their own eyewear.

I remember my first pair of glasses... or I should say, I've tried to forget! Of course, back then, eyewear wasn't cool or stylish as it is today. Fashion forward brands like Aspire have taken into heavy consideration that eyewear must serve form as well as function. Aspire's cutting edge style and design make them very desirable to trendsetting men and women.

“There is a lot of interest these days in wearable technology,” said Peter Friedfeld, Executive Vice President, ClearVision Optical. “But from a practical standpoint, the core issues related to eyewear for consumers remain design and wearability. Most people wear their glasses every day, all day. And the pair they choose to wear in many ways comes to define their personality. We felt that the average eyewear frame today was bulky and not up to the aesthetic and performance standards of other accessories that consumers use daily. We invested in developing the SDN-4 technology and advanced 3-D printing capabilities so that we could change that and bring a product to market that "aspires‟ to keep up with today's consumer. Aspire eyewear is truly wearable technology.”

So whether you're hop-trotting through New York Fashion Week or simply care to remain stylish daily, Aspire Eyewear is calling your name. Visit ClearVision Optical and view the entire Aspire Eyewear Collection.

fashionado

Public School Menswear Spring 2016 #NYFWM

Nick Wooster

My obsession with Public School continues through Spring 2016. These guys are just too damn cool... Their streetwise attitude and sartorial sensibility are a perfect match for the forward thinking man.

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