Engineered Garments – Spring Summer 2013 Collection

A firm favourite here at End, Daiki Suzuki’s Engineered Garments come back time and time again with collections consisting of reinvented workwear classics. The Spring/Summer collection for 2013 is no different, with a number of innovatively executed pieces utilising a variety of heritage and contemporary technical fabrics. Infused throughout the whole collection is a real celebration of all things summer, inspired in many ways by the conditions in which Daiki designed the whole range, during one of the hottest New York summers on record.

The Ground Jacket, an EG staple, rears its head in 2013 draped in a particularly eye-catching floral print. Taking inspiration from classic Hawaiian prints but never surrendering from to function it with its detachable peaked hood, elasticated cuffs and drawstring hem. Bold printed designs have proved to play a big part in the SS13 collection, with a highlight of the collection being two new iterations of the Baker Jacket. Paying homage to heritage tailoring, a particular highlight is the Navy paisley Print version, constructed in New York’s Garment District and showcasing Daiki’s flair for prints.

The impeccable attention to detail which we have come to expect from Engineered Garments is present in every piece of this collection, be it in the SS13 version of the Windbreaker’s unique pocket design or the remarkable finishes on the Round Collar Shirt.

Band Of Outsiders – A/W’12 Collection - Endclothing

When it comes to Hollywood natives, Band of Outsiders, you can be rest assured that each season will bring a solid collection of well made and carefully considered garments, always staying true to their creative ethos and brand direction without neglecting the need to make each offering its own. AW12 sees Hollywood agent turned designer Scott Sternberg taking inspiration from casual Western fashion, with some ideal layering pieces for the cold winter season as well as a great juxtaposition between traditional workwear patterns and fabrics which seamlessly fit with Band’s exceptionally cut suits. This latest delivery also includes pieces from Sternberg’s This Is Not A Polo range, a collection of essential wardrobe staples executed with the use of some carefully considered fabrics, adding a touch of luxury to every piece.

Paul Smith x Barbour – ‘Land & Sea’ A/W’12 Capsule Collection

A collaboration between two of the most revered names in British fashion history, Barbour and Paul Smith blend their unique styles to create a collection that showcases what both brands are renowned for. The collection pays homage to Barbour’s roots in the North East England, taking inspiration from the traditional, and in some cases almost extinct, industries of the area such as Shipbuilding, Fishing, Mining and Farming, lifestyles that Barbour has unwaveringly served throughout its history. The four-piece ‘Land & Sea’ collection melds together the South Shields-based label’s rich heritage and fabric nous with Paul Smith’s quirky, idiosyncratic detailing, using Sir Paul’s ever-growing collection of trinkets as source for his contemporary styling. The Fieldman Jacket utilises the classic silhouette of Barbour’s Beaufort Jacket, adding patches in a variety of weights to give the coat a rugged, well-worn aesthetic – inspired by the patching used by Northumbrian farmers on their own jackets – whilst demonstrating the true craftsmanship that goes into each piece. The Seafarer Jacket is inspired by an antique sail found by the Nottingham-based designer, constructed from 8oz beeswax cotton with original boat demarcation numbers reverse stitched on certain panels. Both jackets feature a breton wool lining with finishing touches such dual branded snap buttons and side seam tab.

The jackets are neatly complemented by the Stevedores Shirt in two shades of chambray. Inspired by the workers (known locally as Stevedores) who handled the goods on and off the boats in the Port of the Tyne, the shirt has hints of Paul Smith’s tailoring pedigree whilst utlising more workwear inspired details such as reinforced ergonomically tailored elbow patches in soft corduroy, giving the shirt a casual feel.

Maison Kitsuné Autumn/Winter 2012 Preview - Endclothing

Founded in 2002, Kitsuné have developed beyond their Parisian roots encompassing influences from around the world to create freshly balanced collections that emulate the travels of founding partners Gildas Loaec and Masaya Kuroki. With the help of London based design studio Åbäke, they have melded their passion for fashion and music, intertwining them into one of the most dynamic labels around.The Autumn/Winter 2012 collection takes influence from the British Tweed Run – an old cycling club that runs through the centre of London celebrating all things tweed – taking its sporting aesthetic and introducing a typically Parisian twist. As ever, designer Masaya Kuroki marries sophisticated tailored cuts with a laid-back leisurely look that nods toward driving culture as well the collection’s cycling influence. The first drop consists of simple polos, luxurious knits and classic shirting bookended by a small collection of accessories. The shirting is a typically authentic affair with a clean cut Oxford Shirt in a traditional blue hue sat aside the Worker Shirt constructed from a brushed cotton and available in a Navy or Red check. The range of pique polo shirts showcases Kuroki’s passion for tailoring, with each design having a slim and sharp silhouette.

Typical of an Autumn/Winter collection, the range of knits and outerwear cater for every eventuality of the temperamental British weather. The Classic series – V-Neck Sweater and Cardigan – are ideal for the cooler months of Summer with their fine 8-gauge knit lambswool working effortlessly with the shirting from the range. Alternatively for the cold snap, the Cable Knit Crew available in Light Grey and Beige works as a great layering piece. The Unlined Parka is the highlight of this first drop. With its robust cotton twill construction in traditional Khaki, the jacket represents the wholistic ideal of the collection – work and leisure.

The collection is rounded off with a superb selection of accessories such as the cotton mix Scarf, calfskin Solid Belt in Plum and Havanaas well as Kitsuné’s continuing collaboration with esteemed master perfumer James Heeley bringing a range of candles in Blueberryand Blackberry aromas, adding a touch of fruit-filled class to any room.

Our Legacy 'Everyman' Collection

The collection is based around essential, staple garments that make up the backbone of any man’s wardrobe, as well as handily complementing some of the more daring pieces.As usual, designers Cristopher Nying and Jockum Hallin have made shirting the base of the collection, producing classic, timeless pieces in a range of washes and materials that stick religiously to the simple, sharp aesthetic you come to expect from the Stockholm-based label. The silhouettes have been limited to three of Our Legacy’s best; the 1940s, thwe 1950s and the ever-popular Generation Shirt. Sitting alongside the shirting is the Great Sweat. One of the most versatile pieces of a man’s wardrobe, the sweater is available in a casual Washed Purple as well as the luxurious Navy Silk, constructed from a premium cotton/silk mix fabric which has a worn-in, easy-to-wear look. Rounding off the ‘Everyman’ range is the Classic Chino, made from a durable Portuguese Cotton Twill with a heavy vintage wash which adds a touch of functionality to the collection. - via End Clothing

WTAPS 'Better Than Yesterday' Spring / Summer 2012 - Endclothing

"Building upon the foundations of Spring/Summer’s first drop, the second instalment of this season’s WTAPS collection brings together a selection of accessible, essential clothing which harnesses the designer’s core values. Founded in 1996, the Harajuku-based label has garnered a cult following for its uncompromising pursuit of functional excellence, basing their whole design ethos on ‘Placing things where they should be’. This considered approach towards garment design and production results in pieces which, as well as sitting perfectly alongside one another, also work in tandem with the wearer. The second drop from Nishiyama fits perfectly with the collection’s name, ‘Better Than Yesterday’, which takes classic pieces from recent history and develops them with modern day materials and production techniques, essentially redesigning the product completely to enable it to fit seamlessly into modern day living. The backbone of the delivery is a range of simple, premium cotton tees, the standout of which being the baseball-inspired ‘Ian’ Tee, with its authentic screen printed branding and three-quarter length sleeves – available in Navy or Red. This range of tees works fantastically well with both shirts; such as the cotton twill Union Shirt which comes in a Red or Green Plaid Twill; and the military-influenced Buds Shirt, which boldly uses authentic military touches such as ID Tags to add a touch of character to the overshirt.

Similarly, the sweats in the collection work tremendously well alongside the rest of the range, with the vivid colour of the Hellweek Hoody and the military gym-influenced Offset Hoody both utilising premium cotton with unwavering attention to styling and detail. This uncompromising attention to detail is exhibited perfectly in the range of accessories with bookend the collection, the standout piece being the luxurious Tanker Tote Bag, constructed from Military spec cotton canvas and a premium pebble grain leather the bag takes great influeces from vintage Hermès design. Offering an incredible level of durability and utility, as well as a truly timeless look, this is a bag that will serve you faithfully for many years, if not a lifetime, whether used for short trips or your everyday carry"