Gearing Up | ‘Helden’ The Line
Pour some sonic syrup down the ole’ ear canal while we transition into our new look. Orchestrating the event is none other than the Thin White Duke himself. Nuff’ said.
Henceforth, enjoy.
A Celebration | Ayrton Senna’s Winning Way
Today we celebrate a man who knew the limits of racing like no one else – a man concerned with the pursuit of truth and self-understanding, to push his own limits to the edge of his human capabilities. We are talking about the young Brazilian who took Formula 1 by storm and became the youngest 3- time Formula 1 World Champion – Ayrton Senna.
On this day 18 years ago, a life of passion came to its end too soon at the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola.
“Few people do really know myself, they just don’t understand… somebody that has left behind thousands of miles away family and friends… Being so young, and always in a fighting way… Nothing has ever come easy”
Lightbox | Elbow Grease and Grime – 1942
Brought to my attention by a friend of mine, we give you a fantastic set of images from the Office of War Information made available by the Library of Congress. Depicting the hardy efforts and faces behind aviation production and American life, are iconic Kodachrome transparencies by Americana photographers Alfred Palmer, Jack Delano, John Vachon and Howard Hollem.
Bringing back 1942 in all it’s rich and saturated glory are these dramatic images that include glimpses of the Douglas aircraft assembly plants, North American Aviation and the Chicago & North Western Railyards. Take a step back into 1942 and take in the sights and sounds of the noblest of modern times. A big thanks and tip of the hat to James for sending this our way. More images after the jump. (more…)
DRIVEN | The Bolivian Badlands
Tucked away in the heart of South America, we rendezvoused with a very special vehicle – the Hummer H1 Alpha. Set in the jungles of Bolivia, we beat on everything from pavement to bedrock while tickling the engine block of a vehicle that can’t be shaken. Weaving our way West through the sprawling mountains, we descended into mountain valleys and shuffled alongside tropical ravines. Emerging through Los Valles of Bolivia, we took in the scenery of a landscape capable of wildly morphing at any turn.
A little get away of sorts, we escaped society with a mildly packed backpack and only the clothes on our back. Our voracious machine filled the void with its 6.6 liter groans, and we were more than happy to oblige. For more of our retreat into the Bolivian Jungles, head on over to UrbanDaddy’s DRIVEN.
The Sartorialist | Lunch for 25
Marking The Sartorialist’s first video debut, Scott Schuman reveals Lunch for 25. Featuring the dapper cognoscenti at Pitti Uomo, the heavyweight summit includes cameos by Nick Wooster, Simone Righi and of course Mr. Schuman. With the aid of Garance Doré, frame after frame of well executed personal trimmings mark a visually awesome assembly. If only we could be a fly on the wall at such a meet – that role surprisingly went to Kanye West. For now pull back a chair and pour yourself a limoncello, The Sartorialist’s Lunch for 25 will provide the dash of sprezzatura.
Treading | Red Wing Iron Rangers Black Harness
Our love for the craftsmanship by the hand of Red Wing grows deeper with each encounter. Put through the toughest of paces, the Red Wing Iron Ranger’s in Black Harness have the swagger for the meditatively formal and for the outright tough. Part of their Heritage collection, the No. 8114′s are a cap toe boot made of Black Harness leather featuring an even more durable Nitrile cork sole. Channeling the classic with a 6″ ankle, its form is reminiscent of boots built with a nod to sophistication in comparison to its tactically inspired contemporaries. In conditions threatening the worst of outcomes, a light wash restores them to in-rank inspection passing status. Rakish attitudes may ensue. For a list of stockists, head over to Red Wing Heritage. More to come of the Iron Rangers on foreign soil.
TGT for DRIVEN | 1968 Porsche 911
Shaped by the brilliant mind of Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the iconic first generation 911 would come to define the Porsche marque more so than anything to date. The Classic Car Club of Manhattan invited us to immerse ourselves in the car that started it all. Spending a day in upstate New York at the Orvis Sandanona grounds for a day of sporting clays and cars, we absorbed the intoxicating vapors of performance and made realizations that only the CCCM can afford you. For more on the “Steve McQueen” Porsche 911, head on over to UrbanDaddy’s DRIVEN.
Strapped | Horween Leather NATO Straps
Our friends at Gabarro Straps have turned us on to yet another fantastic product. Made of Horween’s renown shell cordovan leather, it is the most handsome addition to a Submariner since, well, ever. Providing the necessary warmth to the classic tool watch is tough, especially if you’re not sporting a 5512, sans gilded hour markers.
Evoking that devil-may care, bound-for-adventure attitude, Horween leather NATO straps classes it up like none other. Providing that measured dose of character, it ages unlike any other similar material and improves with time. Contrary to ordinary leather straps, it darkens and replenishes itself with your own bodies oils. Better still, it is supple and remains so without ever taking on any odor. And to our surprise? It wears as slim, if not thinner than ballistic nylon NATOs.
Although it carries a hefty price tag relative to the short-lived lifespan of ordinary straps, it justifies itself in long-run, only to become something you can call uniquely your own.
Doing It Right | The Redford Shuffle
We don’t often break protocol and bring you a Doing It Right midweek, but when we do it’s because of a moment like this.
Rockin’ Aviators better than General McArthur are few and far between, but Mr. Redford here does it like he penned the book himself. While exiting his chauffeured Buick Electra outside Mary Lasker’s in New York, a fantastic sartorial moment was caught on film. Channeling every bit of “The 3 Days of the Condor” a full year before its production, truly says a lot about the pictured gent.
Study up, most things done right have already been done before.
Workworn | A Shirt to Live In – Homespun
It seems that the good folks at J.Crew have gotten yet another thing right besides their now longstanding In Good Company collaborations and brand relationships. Joining the pack is Canadian newcomer Homespun Knitwear.
Based out of Vancouver, Homespun Knitwear is responsible for the faithful recreation of 1930s undershirts that are sure to take a beating. Having both long sleeve and short sleeve henleys, they are more versatile that one might imagine. Not to mention they are damn comfortable.
Using unbleached yarns and use of ultrasoft Canadian cotton, these shirts are sure too please. Think a James Darmody look without the skullcrushing tendencies. Do yourself a favor and get yourself a pair while you still can – you won’t be sorry.
TGT for DRIVEN | Range Rover’s Evoque at Whistler
Last month, we spent a day with Range Rover in Vancouver getting the first look at their newest incarnation of off-roading luxury, the Evoque. Set in the mountains of Whistler Blackcomb, a private stretch of the famed mountain was prepared for us to push the limits of the new Evoque. Through sun, rain, gravel, light rock-crawling and snow, our English thoroughbred pierced the scenery at Whistler Mountain only to arrive looking better that when it was delivered to us, as a mud covered object of irony. For more on the Evoque’s ascent of Whistler Blackcomb, head on over to UrbanDaddy’s DRIVEN.
Weathered | J.W. Hulme Co.
For those of you needing an introduction, J.W. Hulme Co. is the purveyor of fine leather products out of St Paul, Minnesota. With an enduring history in curating the needs for adventure, the skilled hands at J.W. Hulme do not skimp when it comes to craftsmanship and use of quality materials. Up for your viewing pleasure with close ups of their well thought-out trimmings and finishing touches, is their Weekend Satchel.
Featuring their ultra rugged but supple Greystone canvas bolstered by a full leather bottom, this bag will take a beating. Weather you have 12 gauge shells strewn along the bottom or a respectable selection of ambassadors from your wardrobe for a weekend outing, it puts the “man” into gentlemanly.
For more images click through. Note: Boykin Spaniel not included.
The Viewing Room | Boardwalk Empire Threads (Pt. 2)
Boardwalk Empire is back with a big shotgun bang right through some gangsters back. We are talkin’ the bespoke threads of Costume Designer John Dunn and Martin Greenfield. Now in it’s Second season, the duo are bringing back TV’s best-dressed Golden Boy in new light, and we bring you the style highlights in all their glory. For more images, read on.
The Greasy Garage | The Thirteen
Just So has put together a spot for Dunhill and Jaguar commemorating the iconic XJ-13. Built to compete at Le Mans, it would feature a DOHC V-12 engineered to crush the competition. It was to be a car that could comfortably redline at 180 mph. But before it would see competition, a 1968 Le Mans regulation to even the playing field as a result of elevated costs was implemented. It banned any engine greater than3.o litres, and made the Thirteen ineligible for competition. The XJ13 Prototype was quietly rolled into the garage and was forgotten for sometime.
In 1971, a revived interest in the Thirteen materialized when Jaguar would offer its first production V12 within a Series 3 E-Type. In an attempted photo-op to capture both in each others company, the Thirteen carreened off the track due to a rear tire blowout. It would sit garaged until a private restoration took place over the next two years. (more…)
A Gentleman’s Primer: BBC’S The Perfect Suit
Kickin’ off your day is BBC’s ever informative primer on the perfect suit. Alistair Sooke takes you down the streets of London, and down Savile Row to have a conversation with Patrick Grant of E. Tautz. While you may feel like dismissing the following as a beginners discussion of suiting and formalware, you are guaranteed to learn a thing or two a gentleman may not have learned in the trenches of menswear.
Approved for bespoke junkies and off-the-peg addicts. Set aside reservations, hunker down, and learn a thing or two. Runtime: 60 Min.
An Unlikely American Classic: The T-Shirt
Seeing as summer has quietly come to an end, we decided to close it with a last minute salute to an unlikely American classic. The T-shirt, while not usually finding itself at the sartorial winners podium, has a fairly young history. We won’t concern ourselves with the uncertainties of said history, such as its first recorded use, an already greatly debated question. We will however concern ourselves with its emergence as an acceptable form of casual garb not limited to the barracks.
After it’s introduction in the Spanish-American war, the T-shirt found itself exclusively used as a form of underwear for soldiers. Through trickle down it became accepted in American society as a way to keep a gentleman from sweating through those old button downs and oxfords. It wasn’t until WWII, that American GI’s on the European war front, observed both civilians and European soldiers using the t-shirt as a form of casual wear.
A GI befriends a young French lady on the French Riviera.
The Morning Tune | Can’t Hardly Wait
Jump starting your day with a needed zap in the derriere, is The Replacements timeless riff and vocal gruff off of Can’t Hardly Wait. We know music is a bit out of character for TGT, but we all can do with a listen. Like starting your day with an unforeseen third shot of espresso, this is the musical equivalent.
TGT for DRIVEN | Le Mans at Lime Rock Park
A few weeks ago, TGT was dispatched by UrbanDaddy’s DRIVEN to join the American Le Mans at the North Eastern home of racing, Lime Rock Park. There we spent a day with Lime Rock Driver’s Club Director, Simon Kirkby, to discuss vintage Le Mans cars and the pecularities of the track experienced behind the dashboard of a nimble BMW M3 courtesy of LRP. Secluded in the sprawling hills of Northern Connecticut, Lime Rock park functions as home of the Skip Barber Racing school and gentleman driver adrenaline-junkie’s. Head on over to UrbanDaddy’s DRIVEN for the full story.
Weathered | RRL Straight Leg Raw Denim (Part 2)
The second installment of our denim journey by the hand of RRL Raw denim is at hand. Today we feature the same previously photographed jeans, however after 6 months of continuous wear. Crotch blow out imminent. Given that we plan on wearing these RRLs till they start falling off, we enlisted the support of NY based Denim Therapy for their reinforcement and rehabilitation. In the third installment of our denim journey, we will take a look at the work behind Denim Therapy that has brought its name into the public conscious, at least among individuals who invest serious coin in their jeans. More to come.
TGT on Foot | Veuve Cliquot Polo Classic 2011
The Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic was in full swing Sunday on Governor’s Island. As the influx of people created a sprawling line spilling onto the streets of the FDR highway, thousands of New Yorkers gathered for the highly anticipated event. Greeting the attendees was snap happy Bill Cunningham at the entrance of the Battery Maritime Building documenting the peacockers, the dandies, the curious and the avid equestrian aficionado. Fortunately we knew exactly who we were – the equestrian enthusiast.
Opening the event was none other than the gent from the land down under, Mr. Hugh Jackman as Master of Ceremonies. After a few words by himself and the US VSP President, a stellar match between Black Watch and Team Veuve Cliquot was underway. Argentinean Polo star and face of Ralph Lauren, Señor Ignacio “Nacho” Figueras was present as team Capitan and all around ladies man barreling down the field with fancy-mallet-work atop his polo pony. Ladies swooned and the bubbly flowed freely. At half time the field was flooded with spectators to stamp down the hooved divots and grass caps. After a feuded match, the Black Watch polo team took the gold with a 6-5 victory.
Overall, the range of attire was diverse stretching from Figueras-Polo-Ad inspired style and period Gatsbyesque flare. Waist coats, saddle shoes, brogues and club collars dotted the style scene in what proved to be eclectic flore and fauna for the advanced people watcher. As for ourselves, we grew nostalgic of our horse mounted days at the Haras La Alhambra horse breeding facility and the South American equestrian culture. Granted, our experience is with Arabian and Andalusian horses, but we drew appreciation from all of our quadriped companions regardless of blood lines on Sunday. As such, we end with the appreciation of the nimble polo pony and the skilled horseman, Ignacio Figueras and his natural sense of horsemanship. More photos to follow.
Doing It Right | Nicholson’ Dimes
Only Jack Nicholson could do any harm (or good) with a dollar in hand. A light tweed sport coat and a young Angelica Huston can get you in the swankiest of social functions, of course a prize winning grin is half the battle. And to be honest, it was a battle won before it began. Dress fresh, wear a smile and tip well. If you’re on the post recession budget constraint, be gratuitous with your compliments – Nicholson says it best:
“Just let the wardrobe do the talking.”
- Jack Nicholson (2002)
Smokin’ In The Boys Room – Steve McQueen & The Boys Republic
Few men knew how to stick it to the man like Boy’s Republic alum Steve McQueen. Known for his incorrigible bad boy attitude and troubled youth, Mcqueen was admitted to the California Chino Hills Boy’s Republic at age 15.
Fast forward 17 years later, he struts back in with the swagger he had the first day he set foot in the boy’s academy. With a silk pocket square, skinny silk knit tie, and white button-collar shirt in hand, he was there to visit his young alum. To that day and on, he maintained amicable rapport with the academy and provided friendship to the rowdy youngin’s. Performing regular visits and allegedly responding to every piece of mail addressed to the Bad Boy graduate himself, his run in’s with the academy were frequent and evolved into his own scholarship fund to the excelling roughneck academic.
Still breakin’ the rules, he returns to smoke a cigarette in his old dorm room while entertaining the boys and getting to know his youthful pen pals. Browse the following pictures by veteran Life Photographer John Dominis and digest where attitude and style meet at a crossroad for a full on collision of cool. And if anyone ever tells you, you can’t wear a tie with a button-collar shirt just say, “Yes, I can, I learned it at the Boy’s Republic”.
Weathered | RRL Straight Leg Raw Denim
Being the denimheads that we are, we decided to try our luck on a different make of highly regarded denim. Procured from the establishment of Ralph Lauren’s RRL store, the denim at hand is a thicker more supple denim. Made in the good ole’ US of A, in comparison to its French and Japanese cohorts, the selvage denim comes unmercerized and unsanforized. This means the indigo is not painted on the cotton, and that it is not chemically treated to avoid shrinkage. The denim comes in its virgin state with its trademark racing stripe that is only visible with a turned up cuff, indicating its selvage denim DNA.
