Thursday 19 January 2012

G Star Raw – Jeans You Won’t Want to Take Off


When you find the perfect pair of jeans, you’ll want to live 24-7 in them, as Zac Efron did when he put on a pair of G Star jeans.


G Star Raw creates jeans to fall head over heels over. And some argue that to get the best out of your G Star jeans you should wash them as little as possible. In fact, quality G Star denim can become like a second skin thanks to their durability - and by resisting washing your G Star jeans too often you’ll create that much sought after distressed denim vibe.

G Star Raw – The Zac Efron Effect

Actor Zac Efron wore the same pair of G Star jeans for eight weeks straight. He was reported to be very serious about breaking in his pair of G Star jeans in order to get a dirty, worn look. By wearing G Star jeans without washing them, day-in day-out, it’s possible to get rid of that stiff quality new jeans can have, create the lived-in whiskers and creases at the front of the pants, and still retain their quality and depth. Beautiful designer jeans like G Star should look like an easy and natural second skin.

Breaking in G Star Jeans

Everyone knows that new jeans have to be broken in – and in fact washing our clothes every week is something of an obsession. But when it comes to G Star jeans or any designer brand, washing frequently can impact on their durability and life cycle. Zac took his G Star denim seriously when he wore them everywhere he went. He told the press: “I wore them all throughout High School Musical 3… I even wore them hiking. You have to wear them everywhere to get them right.”
The dirty, distressed look simply can’t be achieved without genuine, authentic wear. Although you can buy stone washed or faded jeans to fit fashion, you can’t beat the real deal.

G Star for Denim Devotees

The actor has become something of a teen heart throb since High School Musical, and no doubt what Zac does, hordes of fans will follow. And there’s no doubt that the G Star clothing range has now attracted a whole new fan base. But it seems Zac is trying to break away from his teen heart-throb image. The denim devotee’s most recent role was in the more grown-up movie, Me and Orson Welles. And although he may not have had to don a pair of G-Star jeans for the role, he seems to be more proud of the movie than any of his teenage movies. He said to the press: “It's the first time I've ever watched a movie [that I'm in] and in the end I'm like 'OK! I didn't check my watch once!”
When you do finally give in and wash your G Star jeans, turn them inside out and keep them on a cool wash to help maintain the colour. If you want a faded effect – opt for a hot wash of 60 degrees.

Time for a Revival of Classic Men’s Hats


At one point British men were iconic to the world when it came to styling and fashion. Not today. Is it time for a revival of classic men’s hats and tailored style?


When you think back to the 1930s, 40s and 50s and think of iconic British actors like Cary Grant, the words ‘dapper’ ‘elegant’ and ‘gentleman’ spring to mind. Something about the era when mens hats were worn as an essential part of their wardrobe spoke volumes about the care, civility and character of the times. Today, for many men it seems fashion is all about jeans exposing their pants, over-sized t-shirts or slack, shapeless sports clothes. But when a man does wear a hat, whether it is in the fashion pages of a magazine or walking down Oxford Street, it can create that ‘wow’ factor. Men’s hats speak volumes saying to the world this man is self assured, confident and aware of good styling. The way a man wears his hat expresses his character, status and attitude.

“Wither the well dressed gent?”

Perhaps it’s the clear and dramatic changes in men’s fashion in just a few generations, from debonair to dowdy that has triggered articles such as the one by MT Hughes on the Guardian’s Comment is Free website, on the ‘sad decline of the tweed-clad gent’. He writes that not only do men’s hats and sharp tailoring need a revival but men’s fashion needs a drastic turnaround after “the horrific decline in male attire.” MT Hughes fear the well-dressed male is close to extinction. Classic men’s hats have been replaced by ‘louts in Lycra.’  Hughes believes men’s fashion, from their hats to their shoes, is indicative of an intellect, culture and sophistication. That wearing polyester and fleece on the streets of London is not suggestive of a city housing the world’s oldest museums. “Let us hang our heads in collective shame,” he writes.

The Clothes Reflect the Man

Hughes believes the fact men’s hats are not worn as part of their day-to-day lives says something more than the fact that the fashion stakes have fallen, but that society is ‘impoverished’. He believes tweed, linen and corduroy is the Holy Trinity of British style, but these garments are now ridiculed by the youth, he laments: “Is there anyway to rekindle the flame of British élan?” Hughes goes on to say that the decline in men’s styling is even expressed in the world of politics, criticising politicians for looking more like managers of Iceland. “Have none of these twerps read Shelley?” he asks. Hughes, we tip our hats to you…

The History of Jewellery Design


The first pieces of jewellery ever worn by man are believed to from the Homo Sapiens in Africa, dating back to 75,000 years ago.


The history of jewellery is a long one. Rich in culture and influences from around the world, it been around for many years and entered into so many different eras including Ancient Greece, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Romanticism period, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Jewish jewellery and Asian jewellery.

Established jewellery making was a big part of ancient Egyptian culture. More than 5,000 years ago, gold was the chosen metal in Egypt and this is still reflected in their modern jewellery today. Gold was luxurious and rare and symbolised power in the community. Jewellery was so symbolic to the Egyptians that it was continued to be worn through death and into the afterlife.

Early Jewellery – Function and Design

It’s suggested that the very first jewellery designs derived from the natural materials around us. This included materials such as animal bone, teeth, shells, carved stone and wood. It is believed that the first ever pieces of jewellery were for functional purposes only and it wasn’t until later that they were used for adornments.  There are theories that the very first gem stones were picked from alluvial gravels and river beds.

Ancient Egypt used gold jewellery to represent wealth and social status, and soon religious meanings became relevant. Because of the Turkish influences found in Persian jewellery, it is strongly believed that there was a great deal of trade happening between Europe and the Middle East.

Jewellery: Derived from “Jouel” 

The word “joule” was anglicised to create the word “jewel” and this is where the word “jewellery” derives from. One of the oldest forms of body adornment, jewellery is still used for the similar reasons today. Just like the Egyptians, the way we accessorise ourselves can be a reflection of our social status, how affluent our families are, and our religious beliefs. But in the modern day, the rings we wear on our finger can symbolise love, marriage, commitment while a bracelet or a pair of earrings or chamilia charms can reveal insights into our personal lives or our sense of style. Fashion can be defined by the way we dress ourselves and this includes every single detail – from a top and skirt, to our footwear and outerwear, our choice of accessories, the way we wear our hair and the necklace and handbag to match – every feature matters. This is what modern jewellery has evolved into today.

Henley’s Clothing: men’s designer clothing success story secures expansion deal


Henley’s, the men’s designer clothing business, has doubled in size over the last two years – and they’ll be opening more stores in the next 18 months thanks to a new £1m deal


Henley’s Clothing has announced expansion plans including the opening of new retail stores over the next 18 months thanks to a £1 million deal with the Royal Bank of Scotland.

And the Manchester-based men’s designer clothing company has announced that its turnover has doubled in the last two years as the style of its fashion clothing catches on in the UK.

Henley’s: an edgy impact on the high street
Men’s fashion gets better all the time and there are some top brands available. Mens fossil wallets add to a great outfit and many people now go for a men's Barbour quilted jacket to keep the cold off. Henley’s was founded in Manchester in 2000, and has grown in popularity ever since. Men generally like the label’s look because of its innovative and exciting design.

The company’s designs bring an edgy impact to the high street, and pay meticulous attention to the fit, fabric and finish of their garments. They specialise in T-shirts, cargos, denim, knits, and hoodies and other jerseys. These clothes look fab with smart boots or simple cheap Converse.

Meanwhile, the fact Henley’s produces six short order runs a year means each article is a rare piece of fashion – while every garment retains the company’s overall distinctive look.

Expansion planned for Henley’s
Henley’s has stealthily grown in the last seven years. In 2005 its turnover was £6.2 million – and its latest figures, reported in the Manchester Evening News, show that the figure has doubled to more than £14 million. The company reckons it will break through the £20 million barrier this year.

Because of its success, Henley’s has been able to secure a working capital deal with the Royal Bank of Scotland. The £1 million funding will allow Henley’s to invest money in future expansion without going short of the cash needed for its day-to-day business.

Wednesday 18 January 2012

Rolex watches – a 20th century phenomenon


It seems extraordinary to think that such an everyday item as a wristwatch only became commonplace in the 20th century, due partly to Rolex watches


The birth of the wristwatch

Up until World War I, wristwatches were considered an item of ladies jewellery, and men used the pocket watch.  One major revolution in the popularity of the men’s wristwatch was the vision of Hans Wilsdorf, a German living and working in London, In 1905 he took a risk on commissioning low-cost watch movements from a Swiss-based manufacturer, and placed them in quality cases.  He then sold the composite watches to jewellers who in turn sold them as their own products.  Wilsdorf’s marketing skills meant that his company soon flourished, and the Rolex watch was born. 

The Oyster

1926 saw the birth of the product which became synonymous with Rolex watches – the Oyster watch.  Rolex watches already had the reputation of being durable and keeping excellent time, but the Oyster had the added advantage of being watertight.  There are various legends around the name – one is that it came to Wilsdorf over dinner when he was having difficulty opening an oyster.  Another is that it is due to its shape.  A further theory is that it has to do with being a watertight pearl of a watch.  Whatever its origin, the Oyster is still one of the most popular Rolex watches today.

Wilsdorf the showman

On October 7th, 1927, Mercedes Gleitze swam the channel whilst wearing an Oyster Rolex watch. Wilsdorf’s claims that the Oyster was water-tight couldn’t have been proved in a more imaginative and high profile way.  Following the channel swim, Oyster Rolex watches were displayed in fish tanks in jewellery shops across the country, giving the brand an association with marine and sub-marine applications.

Time and Date

In 1956 the Oyster Perpetual Datejust was introduced onto the market, being the first Rolex watch to display the date as well as the time.  This was just one of the many innovations in watch technology that Rolex made over the years.  These include the first watch to spell out the day of the week on the watch face, the first automatic winding mechanism, a deep-sea diving Rolex watch and a watch that allows the wearer to tell the time in two different time zones.

A sporting chance

Rolex continued its association of sporting events when in 1959 it sponsored the Daytona International Speedway 24 hour endurance test.  Rolex watches have become associated with many international sporting and arts events, and the company has Enterprise Awards for individuals making a difference within the fields of ecology, the environment, science, technology and culture. Check out http://www.thejewellerychannel.tv/ for superb Rolex and Ice watches and much more.