Reflecting on Achievements | Paul Smith Life-proof Collection

Ripstop Field Jacket | Loopback Sweatshirt | Long Sleeve Stripe Tee | Cotton Linen Chinos | Levon Trainers by Paul Smith

Pocket Square by Paul Smith

Water Resistant Bomber Jacket | Cord Chore Jacket | Long Sleeve Zebra Tee | Navy Cord Trousers 

by Paul Smith

Artist Stripe Socks by Paul Smith

Photography by Jordan Bunker

There comes a point in our lives when it would serve us well to take a step back and reflect upon what we've achieved. It's very easy for us to become consumed by the projects we work on –  the hours we spend on social media and the miles of road we cover – without giving a second thought to just how much we have grown.

In a world where any acts of boast could easily come off as an "I'm better than you" remark, I've always been conscious of how I come across online. But there are some occasions that we need to give ourselves a break, and celebrate the achievements we're proud of. For me, this project that myself and Jordan Bunker collaborated on with Paul Smith is one of those occasions.

The Life-proof collection, PS by Paul Smith resonated with my love of colour, design detail and the notion that practical clothing doesn't need to be hung on the peg until that daytrip to the great outdoors comes around. Our aim was to show the collection off as it was intended; in rain, shine and everything else the unpredictable Leeds climate could chuck at us.

What makes this project really special for me is that the man himself + the brand he's built is one of  the main reasons why I became so fascinated with fashion + design when I was a young teenager. And to say that 15 years on I'm working alongside PS to create content is an huge achievement for me personally. It's also a testament to how much my working relationship with Jordan has grown – constantly pushing ourselves raise our work to the next level. I can now see why reflection is regarded so highly.

Is reflection a part of the way you work? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

The Paul Smith AW17 Collection is available here.

This post is brought to you in partnership with Paul Smith. Your support of the brands + businesses we work with helps make this blog happen.

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Conscious Thinking with Crowther/Plant

There's something special about brands who choose to make their goods in England. We love those who utilise our country's manufacturing industry, and Margate's very own Crowther/Plant are no exception.

Drawing inspiration from their coastal surroundings, designers Cat Crowther & Emrys Plant have developed a brand that champions ethical menswear. From the outset their goal was to create products that were made responsibly and have as little impact as possible. With their environmental consciousness at the forefront of what they do, Cat & Emrys are able to have control over their footprint and also encourage the British manufacturing industry. Working with recycled and organic fabrics helps maintain their sustainability as well as choosing processes like natural indigo dying, which they continue to do on location in Margate.

Their most recent collection plays host to a handful of sports-luxe garments and printed tees - inspired by Margate's chalk reefs, calm waters and burning sunset skies. With an overall natural feel, Crowther/Plant's unstructured silhouettes and Indigo pieces offer something incredibly unique.

You can find out more about the brand  over on their website and if you're visiting London Fashion Week Mens on the 6-9th of January then be sure to check out their showroom space in 180 Strand. For anyone looking to try out something from Crowther/Plant you can get  20% discount on your order by using the code "margate friends" right now too.

You can find James at - Get Your Bron On | Instagram | Twitter

Outfit | GANT Opens at Victoria Gate, Leeds

Black Field Jacket by GANT | Black Gilet by GANT |  White Oxford Shirt by GANT

I have always called the North of England my home. People love to say "it's grim up north", but, if I'm honest, that has to be one of the daftest sayings going – it's anything but. For me, the brand new Victoria Gate building in Leeds sums my feelings up perfectly: out of the dark comes the light.

The imposing, angular and slightly eerie facade of this modern shopping arcade plays on the perpetually changing climes of Leeds city centre. With each bolt of light effecting your viewing pleasure, Victoria Gate's modern design proves there's more to the north that has-been cliches.

It's a funny looking place for sure; a little space-age, a tad modernist and slightly surreal, but the Eastgate Quarters isn't all front. Designed by architect Friedrich Ludewig, the space is home to some fantastic new retailers, including one of America's most loved sports-casual brands, GANT.

Lambswool-Cashmere Jumper by GANT | White T-Shirt by GANT

For the opening the new store we've teamed up with GANT to share two looks from their Fall '16 collection. I mean, damn, this just falls right into my wheelhouse, don't you reckon?! American prep, classic sportwear, timeless smart-casual tailoring – the majority of the collection would fit seamlessly into my wardrobe.

For the first outfit I choose a monochrome look, which was a little out on my comfort zone, but I think the overall feel works well. I'm wearing the black Down Collarless Gillet over a classic white Oxford Shirt, with their (very appropriate) black waterproof Field Jacket.

The second look brings in my love of colour and classic Americana together, with the bright blue chunky lambswool-cashmere jumper, plain white t-shirt, classic fit navy chinos and off-white Converse 70s. It may be getting colder, but I haven't seen the last of my sneakers just yet.

Leeds is a city packed with interesting places and creative people. If you have a day to explore make sure you also stop by Northern Monk Brewery for their delicious Mocha Porter, Bellgrave Music Hall for £1 pizza slices and La Bottega Milanese for your coffee hit.

The new GANT store opens 20th October, at Victoria Gate shopping centre, Leeds, LS2 7JL.

Photography by Jake Millers.

This post is in partnership with GANT. Thank you for taking the time to support the brands + businesses that make this blog happen.

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Beer + Design | Vedett Belgian Beer with Attitude

Blogging isn't just about sitting behind a computer screen all day. We're often out-and-about, meeting new people and making new friends. A few weeks ago, the guys at Albam invited us to il Cicchetto on Old Street to meet their friends from Vedett. Clothing and beer - what's not to like?

Vedett is a Belgian beer in a pretty distinctive bottle. As well as serving up their Extra Blonde and Extra White, they also put out some De Koninck Anno 1833 - a nutty, slightly burnt lager - and a Liefmans Fruitesse On The Rocks. Come on, no prizes for guessing what’s in the last one. It’s a fruit beer full of tart berry flavours that I’ve not seen in London before. Very punchy!  

Vedett's website is pretty cool too. Full of small quirks and animations. Check it out here! - Nik

You can find Nik at - Conrad's Beer | Twitter | Instagram

Ardour Brand Coach Jacket | Made in UK

No stranger to the B+S, Ardour Brand has recently released their take on the iconic American Coach Jacket. A part of their IV Bear line, which pays homage to classic American sportwear pieces, the brand venture into outerwear for the first time. The Coach Jacket has made a resurgence over the past couple of years, and for good reason; for me being one of the most versatile styles of jacket out there.

Good for most seasons, the lightweight Coach Jacket has a out PU coated cotton/nylon outer, making it suitable for both a soggy afternoon on the bleachers or or nipping around in the summer. It also features a white twill lining, two decent sized oval pockets, one inside pocket, waxed lace drawstring hem and adjustable cuffs. Both materials and garment construction have been sourced in the UK. The chaps behind Ardour Brand share a similar love and admiration for sportwear and Americana as me, so it's exciting to see their brand grow and build a bit of momentum.

The IV Bear Coach jacket comes in two colours, Maroon + Old Gold, available here. Also see Ardour Brand x Ebbets Field Flannel Stadium Cap.

Thanks for visiting,
Mat

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Sub-Saharan Adventures - Packing for Namibia

I'm heading off to Namibia in a week’s time and spent this weekend attempting to pack. I've never been, so knowing what to take has been difficult. Like most travellers, I want to travel light, but it's their Autumn (or as good as) and temperatures will vary from below 10C to above 30C, there could also be a lot of rain.

These are the perfect conditions for a pair of Merrell Chameleons. Not the most fashionable of shoe, but a lightweight walking trainer, great for the hiking we might do, and for when standing in a puddle attempting to push the car out of the mud. A pair of Converse will also accompany me for those few nights we'll spend in the towns. A trip to South America taught me that they're the best trainer for being squashed in a rucksack without being ruined.

I've been told to cover up from the sun and insects, so aside from the mountain of t-shirts and the couple of jumpers and hoodies I'll be taking, I'll also pack some Levi Commuter 511 chinos and a pair of Gap cargo pants. I'm not sure if you can buy the Levi's anymore, but they're built to be sturdy and have some fancy type of nanotech that keeps them clean, apparently. The cargo pants have large pockets, useful for holding my giant Nokia 6310i which is (unfortunately) replacing my iPhone for the fortnight. Bring on Snake 2!

My bag will mostly be full of practical clothes. Boring I know. Dust, mud, and sleeping in a tent just don't mix well with anything remotely expensive. I will take one luxury item though, a pair of Sunspel chino shorts. A tan colour is probably the only one that can get dust stained without anyone noticing.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Finally, I'm packing my - now slightly old - Nikon D3000 camera. Hopefully I'll be returning with lots of animal shots, rather than just strange shapes seen through a mud splattered lens.

I've never been to Sub-Saharan Africa before, so if anyone has any tips please send them through to me! - Nik.

You can find Nik at - Conrad's Beer,  Twitter + Instagram

Mr Benn’s Adventures With Turnbull & Asser

Classic British children's cartoon Mr Benn has been immortalised in the form of a limited edition range of pocket squares, by London shirt markers Turnbull & Asser. Four original pieces of artwork have been design by the cartoon's creator + illustrator, David McKee, taking the audience of one of many of Mr Benn's infamous adventures. Each design is based around the show's first episode, "Red Knight", which aired back in 1971.

Limited to 50 pieces for each design, the Mr Benn's Adventures Pocket Squares will be available exclusively this May at Turbull & Asser.

I'm in London for a couple of days so sorry if I've not replied to your comments + emails!

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Murdock London at Hackett Spitalfields | Barber Service Review

Last week myself and Hollie took advantage of half term and headed down to London for a few days - We stayed at CitizenM on Bankside, as we loved the Glasgow hotel so much. If you're looking for a great hotel at a decent price then I'd recommend checking them out. On Monday morning we escaped the noise and took a trip down to Spitalfields. After a belly-full at Canteen (my new favourite place, thee best poached eggs!) we arrived at Hackett for my appointment at Murdock London. 

Murdock has featured on the blog a few times now (here, here), and knowing I was a fan of their products the team got in touch and invited me down to sample a Full Beard Re-Shape and Cut-Throat Shave. I'm not usually one for treatments but I figured I'd be in capable hands with these fellas so I thought, "let's give it a shot". This branch of Murdock is actually situated at the front of Hackett's Spitalfields store, a small but perfectly equipped space. Being one of Hackett's concept stores, I was eager to have a proper nose around - It's filled to the brim with menswear and paraphernalia from Hackett's own brand and selection of concessions, sourced from around the world.

I was warmly greeted by my Barber for the day, Sam, a proper gent. After a brief consultation we decided it was best for me to go shorter. I've had a bit of a beard for a few years now (admittedly not a very good one, it falls into the chin-fringe category. I wasn't blessed.) and I wanted a change, as I've started to grow sick of its inability be a full-on Eric Young.

Sam explained that if your beard can't quite live up to something out of Jonathan's 100 Beards, 100 Days, then you just have to make best with what you've got. Solid advice to be honest. After that I was perfectly happy for him to go nuts, after all Sam's the expert.

The first step was to trim my beard + mustache down, define a new shape and determine an appropriate neckline. We chatted about the Sam's passion for Barbering, the product range, blogging and how the partnership between these two British brands started. I was quickly put at ease and therefore thinking less-and-less about those bloody Sweeney Todd scenes. After 30 minutes of prep - Including immense smelling lotions, balms, creams and five tremendous minutes of the hot towel treatment, I was finally ready for a traditional Cut-Throat Shave!

Several Murdock products were used in preparation for the Cut-Throat Shave - Including the Daily Face Wash, Pre Shave Oil and Eye Serum. A weaker man would have drifted off by this point. After a heavy dose of traditional Shaving Cream (which I've been using for a couple of years and highly recommend for the smell alone), I was ready for the main event.

I'd never experienced a Cut-Throat Shave before, my only knowledge extends to old western films and memories of my late-grandad shaving in front of the mirror. As you can see from the images it's a very delicate operation and one which only a skilled person should attempt. Sam worked his way around my neckline, cheeks and back of my hairline in around 15 minutes and I didn't feel a thing.

Post-shave I was treated to another set of balms, oils and my choice of cologne. I went for the spicy  Black Tea, which has subtle hints of leather and tobacco. Bearing in mind this was my first experience of a proper Barber service, I was extremely impressed. My face never felt so good and I was left smelling pretty amazing for the rest of the day too. Just ask Hollie! Admittedly it might look as though I don't have much beard left but I can assure you it looked better than the previous knotty mess.

Before visiting Murdock the thought of having a grooming treatment had never crossed my mind, but it was an very enjoyable experience indeed. Sam's knowledge and passion for the craft was a big factor towards the overall experience, which I thought was worth mentioning. Combine that with Murdock's quality British-Made products + charming store interior and you're on to a real winner! Highly recommended.

Please note - I was offered this service for review purposes, all options are 100% honest and based on my own experience.

For a full list of Murdock London's current services visit here. Murdock at Hackett - Spitalfields, 75-77 Brushfield St, London, E1 6AA.

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