Bespoken shares their Autumn/Winter 2012 collection that “explores the commonalities and contrasts of British woodsman gamekeepers and rebel vigilantes.” The design collective of is a five-member “family” emsemble including the Fayed brothers: Liam, Sam, James and Paulo and Carlos Goncalves. Outerwear heavy, Bespoken’s collection revisits the pea coat, topcoat and suiting with varying accents. Hand drawn patterns are also present. Check the footwear while you run through our gallery.

More looks in our gallery…

The Boardroom at the Ace Hotel, New York City, will host fittings by East Williamsburg’s Martin Greenfield, who GQ has called “America’s Greatest Living Tailor.” Why a fitting service at the Ace Hotel? In their words: “We are inspired to offer our guests and friends to experience a fitting with this classic menswear icon in the convivial atmosphere of The Boardroom at Ace New York. It’s a tailor fitting, but it’s also an experience that embodies our passion for dressing well, and for meticulous attention to detail — just one of many traits that comprise Mr. Greenfield’s legend.” The Greenfield Fitting Service will run at the Ace Hotel New York from February 10 – 12, by appointment.

More looks in our gallery…

Suitsupply, a market defining brand in men’s fashion with shops throughout Europe, China and the United States, is known for their very wide selection of suiting looks – all tailored to fit as suits should be. Their full-service shops invite men to choose amongst their selection of suits and jackets – all made from the very best high quality fabrics available while keep their pricing very competitive…

Read and see more on Suit Supply after the click…

The ever consistent NOWNESS delivers another outstanding premiere with a look at the animation of Canadian artist, Shayne Ehman for Freemans Sporting Club’s Spring 2012 ready-to-wear suiting collection. Less of a brand video and more of a story told through some rather spaced-out cast of characters, the video highlights a suitcase filled with the brand’s collection. Photographer, Tim Barber, produced the video. #aliens

A peek at P.Johnson’s current lookbook. Founder Patrick Johnson left his native Australia to study fashion at St. Martins and eventually found himself under the apprenticeship of English tailor, Robert Emmett.

Schooled in the ways of Savile Row, Patrick took his new found skills back to his homeland and began his label. The serious business of the bespoke suit is injected with a bit of good humour, offering a more approachable service Patrick manages to balance modern and classic brilliantly. Aside from the sinister masks, the choice of colours and fabrics and that perfect cut are what really caught our eye.

Click for images

Jack Spade expands their offering beyond men’s accessories and bag this Autumn 2011 with their new tailored suiting collection. The collection mixes traditional men’s suits with a “mix of hopsack blazers, wool herringbone blazers, flannel suits and camel hair top coats.” The collection is made in the United States inside Southwick’s  Haverill, MA factory that has been in kicking out suiting since 1929.

More look after the click. The collection is available through their shops now.

The WSJ has an interesting article about how suiting up is the new dressing down. It’s an interesting piece, but we’re starting to feel deja-vu when it comes to stories with this angle. The whole piece is worth a read, but we had to highlight Tom Wolfe’s quote:

“The death of dressing accordingly isn’t the end of civilization, but it is the end of courage—men being afraid to be caught in fancy clothes, or even a jacket.”

Read the full piece over at the Wall Street Journal.

The Wall Street Journal has an interesting piece highlighting the current trend for custom made clothing. Using examples from a Rome based tailor and Savile Row, they highlight how tailors businesses have held up even during the recession and continue to rise.

“Until the 1950s, high-end clothes were mainly designed and manufactured on a made-to-measure basis with garments created by tailors for specific clients and then hand-sewn by seamstresses. The mid 1960s, however, ushered in ready-to-wear collections, which were often machine-made and therefore less expensive. Ready-to-wear clothes remain the bulk of the fashion industry—even for exclusive designer brands such as Christian Dior or Valentino.

Small European tailors and artisans say they offer something that high-end brands can’t compete with: time and attention. A bespoke suit for both men and women needs at least 40 hours of work and has to be fitted at list three or four times.”

Read the full feature over at Wall Street Journal.

“Understated British Elegance”

Aquascutum keeps to the above tag with their current spring/summer 2010 limited collection. The London firm is all about attention to detail and fine tailoring. They’ve been at it for awhile – since 1853, when they invented the first waterproof cloth – and has at various times been a favorite of every British male in my family.

On the right you’ll see the Northam Raincoat in beige. It’s a contemporary take on the garment that made Aquascutum famous so many years ago. Like most of the brand’s outerwear, expect that it is made with care in Corby, Northamptonshire. While suits and shirting fall into the collection, Aquascutum is at its best protecting us from the elements.

More looks after the Aquascutum Spring/Summer 2010 limited collection follow.

Hat’s off to Billy Reid for supporting the Southern Foodways Alliance in the autumn/winter 2009 collection. The simple cap (shown above) is a wonderful nod to the Reid’s Louisiana roots. Southern charm follows throughout the current selection. Subtle twists on classic knitwear, well conceived jackets and suiting, and a few more accessories that aren’t too shabby mingle with Italian made shirts. A well rounded set of goods.

Sweaters and jackets after the jump.