Howdy!
Another menswear substack
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First, please bear with me as I figure this out. I tend to overthink things so I figured the first step doesn’t need to be perfect — it just has to happen.
We’ll keep things pretty loose and fun, but generally, I’ll be posting about menswear.
I spent the first several years of my career working leading copy and editorial at DTC menswear startup in Montreal and later at Canadian luxury menswear emporium Harry Rosen where I attempted to imbue a bit of joie de vive into a 70-year-old brand. I brought Matty Matheson on board (he wore some beautiful suits to some big red carpets), edited the brand’s “magalog”, made some fun social videos, interviewed designers like Officine Générale’s Pierre Mahéo, toured Brunello Cucinelli’s HQ in Solomeo and learned a lot about luxury. And now it’s onto the next thing.
We’ll also see about sharing some stuff around travel, design, and maybe a bit of food and drink? Let me know what you’d like to see from me and we can do this together!
Davide Baroncini, Founder of Ghiaia Cashmere, Believes in Brick & Mortar
A couple of months ago, I spoke with Davide Baroncini of Ghiaia Cashmere for SHARP Magazine. We chatted for two hours and could have talked longer—he’s a very generous and gregarious guy who had plenty of interesting insights on starting a brand, his expertly aspirational use of social media, and why shopping in person isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
I also spoke with Alix Rutsey, former menswear buyer for SSENSE, who onboarded the brand over there. She shared some great insights that, unfortunately, were cut for space in the print edition I may as well share here:
“People want to be like Davide. If you visit his store, he’ll take you on a romantic journey through his products, explaining why each piece is perfect for you. This kind of experience is rare outside of ultra-luxury shopping. He’s offering a service that people aren’t getting elsewhere. He’s genuine, and his products are fun.”
When the pandemic hit everyone jumped to say that IRL shopping was so over, but guys like Davide prove that it’s so back (when done right). I really look forward to stopping by his store the next time I’m in L.A.
Read it here
LIBERO
Need to give a shoutout to Toronto’s Libero, another brand of Italian persuasion, is now being carried in Toronto’s Uncle Otis, the brand’s first Canadian stockist. Founder and friend Adam Appulgliesi hosted a little get-together there on Thursday night and he’s created a really strong little “collection” including the semi-viral ‘ROMA’ cap and the stalwart ‘Le Mans’ jacket. In the brand’s earliest years, Adam’s nonna was literally sewing garments made to order. Great to see him grow and have guys like Kit Harrington, Adam Pally, and Steph Curry rep the brand. Go check it out.
SOME CLOTHES
Wrangler 100% Cotton Regular Fit Jean — I just picked these up for $40 on Amazon and they’re pretty perfect. Well-fitting up top (if you’ve got bigger thighs like me) and a nice, normal straight leg. Fits true to size. $41 CAD
Libero Spaghetti Western Shirt — I need another denim shirt like I need a hole in the head right now or I’d consider picking this up from Libero. Nice sturdy and structured 10oz denim. Works great as an overshirt. $425
Another Aspect Melange Cardigan — Big-time grandpa vibes from Copenhagen’s Another Aspect here. Very nice. $360
Lemaire Wrap Coat — Big coats only! $1,925
Natalino Prince of Wales Jacket — The importance of a toothy sport jacket this time of year can’t be overstated. Wear it over an Oxford, a T-shirt, a western shirt, really whatever you want. A good price as well. $716
Some Links
Is a $910 Fleece Actually Worth It? - Interesting article in the Times about Rier’s $910 (that’s $1255 Canadian pesos) fleece but also upscale fleeces in general that are made, not from petroleum-based microplastics, but actual wool.
Designer watch? I’ll keep my £25 Casio, thanks — For the non-watch guy watch guys.
How ‘Shoe Doping’ Changed Marathon Times Forever — in ways we still don’t fully understand.
There is the Barbican and then there’s everywhere else — Check out Snake/Sami’s thoughts on one of my favourite places.
Until next time…
