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Su Misura Made to Measure is the Art of Personal EleganceOur promise is to deliver perfectly tailored apparel designed for your individual character from an unparalleled collection of Zegna fabrics. From personalized suits to entire wardrobes.
FEATURES 4 Welcome Letter
6 Grand (Re)Openings28 Jewelry at Wilkes Bashford72 SFJazz Gets a New Home
FASHION18 Friends & Trends
26 Q&A with Manolo Blahnik34 The New “Luxury Casual”
36 Spring Magic56 Colorized
74 6 New Rules for Business Casual 82 It’s Time for a New Tux
DEPARTMENTS 10 Happenings
70 Spirits: Bespoke Booze 84 At Your Service
Wilkes Bashford375 Sutter Street
San Francisco
415.986.4380
450 Stanford Shopping Center
Palo Alto
650.322.7080
RETAIL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Wilkes BashfordCONCEPT /CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Andrew Mitchell-Namdar
MERCHANDISING DIRECTOR
Tyler Mitchell
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Karen Alberg Grossman
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Hans Gschliesser
MANAGING EDITOR
Jillian LaRochelle
PROJECT MANAGER
Lisa Montemorra
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION
Peg Eadie
PREPRESS
Dot Generation, Stamford, CT
WILKES ART DIRECTION & COPY
WSAA, Inc., Westport, CT
BUSINESS JOURNALS FASHION GROUP
PUBLISHER
Stuart Nifoussi
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Britton Jones
CHAIRMAN AND COO
Mac Brighton
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Christine Sullivan
FASHION FORUM MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED IN 11
REGIONAL EDITIONS FOR MEMBER STORES OF THE
APPAREL FORUM COPYRIGHT 2013. PUBLISHED BY
BUSINESS JOURNALS, INC, P.O. BOX 5550, NORWALK, CT
06856, 203-853-6015 • FAX: 203-852-8175; ADVERTISING
OFFICE: 1384 BROADWAY, NY, NY 10018-6108, 212-686-4412 •
FAX: 212-686-6821; ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE PUBLISHERS
ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ADVERTISERS CLAIMS,
UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS, TRANSPARENCIES OR
OTHER MATERIALS. NO PART OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY BE
REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE
PUBLISHERS. VOLUME 16, ISSUE 1. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.
COVER: LORO PIANA
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Two years and two world-class renovations later, Wilkes’ San Francisco Townhouse and Palo Alto stores are fully (re)opened and ready to welcome you!
Finally, our space refl ects the level of our products and service! We took on the project to create this synergy as we strive to make Wilkes Bashford one of the fi nest retail experiences in the world.
Thus far, the response to our transformed stores has exceeded our expectations. We’re even surprised ourselves at how well it turned out!
Now that the crews are gone and the dust has settled, we can focus 100% on customer service.
As you will see, we left no stone unturned in creating the ultimate retail environment. Even the fi nest details were attended to in order to maximize your experience and our ability to serve you better. We’ve updated and integrated our computer systems. We’ve opened and sped up a second elevator, making it easy to buzz around the store. We added a lot of windows,
so you can see textiles in natural light. We’ve created beautiful service bars on every fl oor, so we can welcome you to our home with an elegant hot or cold drink. Our Penthouse boasts a stunning lounge, complete with a fl atscreen and a cozy fi replace. As we strive to always improve, please give us your input.
One thing that hasn’t changed is our associates, the heart and soul of our stores. Spring is a time for new beginnings... Come fi nd an associate or one of us and let us show you around!
Friends from far and wide joined us — and title sponsor The Italian Trade Commission — as we unveiled the Townhouse’s historic renovation with 7 fl oors of food, fashion and fun! Guests were treated to a fashion show of the season’s exciting new looks, entertainment that ranged from ribbon dancers and fortune tellers to a whiskey tasting bar and the sounds of SFJAZZ: a diff erent jazz group on each fl oor, which truly made the event unique!
After completely renovating our Palo Alto store, friends gathered to celebrate its magnificent transformation and a new chapter in Wilkes Bashford history. Guests enjoyed entertainment that ranged from magicians to contortionists as well as the finest foods and wines of Italy as they discovered new designer boutiques, jewelry and more! A great time was had by all!
HAPPENINGS LUNCHEONS & FASHION SHOWS & CHARITY EVENTS & MORE!
What an amazing night! Guests gathered in the Penthouse at Wilkes Bashford San Francisco to catch a glimpse of the latest Isaia creations, hang out with their associates and enjoy fun and games all night. A percentage of proceeds from the evening benefi ted the Steven D. Cannata Scholarship fund.
Thanks to all who attended!
FOOSBALL & ISAIAFASHIONS MATCH!
Above: Alex Turner, Tyler Mitchell, Brian Wilsey, Joey Cannata; Below: Chris Qvale, Alan Malouf, Jason Goldman; a friendly foosball competition.
HAPPENINGS LUNCHEONS & FASHION SHOWS & CHARITY EVENTS & MORE!LUNCHEONS & FASHION SHOWS & CHARITY EVENTS & MORE!
Wilkes Bashford partnered with the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and Simon Mall to host an exciting afternoon to remember.
Guests were “taken away” by the exciting clothes, jewelry and accessories at this past fall’s Simon Mall Fashion Show.
SIMON FASHION NOW IN PALO ALTO
Luncheon and laughter made this an event to remember.
Models present the season’s hottest fashions, jewelry and accessories.
Every locket reveals a story. What’s your story?
From left to right: four-image locket in 18k gold (also available in sterling silver without diamonds), two-image
rectangular gate locket designed in sterling silver and 18K gold, two-image oval gate locket with diamond
border in 18k gold, two-image teardrop locket in 18k gold, two-image vine locket designed in sterling silver
and 18k gold, and two-image stone locket designed in 18k gold and sterling silver.
T H E L O C K E T C O L L E C T I O N
m y s t y l e . m y s t o ry .
mon i c ar i c h kos ann . c o m
HAPPENINGS LUNCHEONS & FASHION SHOWS & CHARITY EVENTS & MORE!
Champagne, caviar, and jewelry…the perfect mix for a spectacular night out in San Francisco!
Scores of local fashionistas gathered at Wilkes Bashford San Francisco in support of PAWS, a privately funded organization focusing on the healing impact of animal companionship.
Thank you to Paul Morelli, Oscar Heyman and Yossi Harari for helping us support this cause!
BE-DAZZLEDFOR THE SEASON
Bedazzling in black, Stephanie Mitchell and friends model the latest jewelry trends; Paul Morelli; Tyler Mitchell and Mayor Willie Brown; customers peruse the jewelry counters.
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LUNCHEONS & FASHION SHOWS & CHARITY EVENTS & MORE! HAPPENINGS
3/1-2 BRIONI TRUNK SHOW SAN FRANCISCO3/2-3 BRIONI TRUNK SHOW PALO ALTO3/8-9 SARTORIA PARTENOPEA TRUNK SHOW SAN FRANCISCO3/12-13 BRUNELLO CUCINELLI FALL TRUNK SHOW SAN FRANCISCO3/15-16 BRUNELLO CUCINELLI FALL TRUNK SHOW PALO ALTO3/15-16 ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA TRUNK SHOW SAN FRANCISCO3/21-23 KITON TRUNK SHOW SAN FRANCISCO4/5-6 ISAIA TRUNK SHOW SAN FRANCISCO4/24-25 MICHAEL KORS FALL TRUNK SHOW SAN FRANCISCO4/25-28 KITON TRUNK SHOW PALO ALTO
SPRING 2013 TRUNK SHOWS & EVENTS
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF EVENTS, GO TO WILKESBASHFORD.COM
Mary Beth Mayo, Rosemary Baker, Kimberly Hooper, Jennifer Brandenburg, Karma Roberts, Kate Morrow, Guest, Claire Kostic
Wilkes Bashford and Tyler Mitchell with Jennifer Brandenburg;
guests enjoy modeling the latest jewelry trends.
SAN FRANCISCOBALLET LAUNCH GALAWilkes Bashford and the San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary partnered up to host a cocktail reception celebrating the San Francisco Ballet 2013 Opening Night. Guests toasted to the past San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary Gala Chairs while sipping cocktails, noshing on hors d’oeuvres and wrapping up some holiday shopping… all for a great cause!
A percentage of the evening’s proceeds benefi ted the SF Ballet.
Shirley DavisAssociatePalo Alto
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1. Coclico2. Henry Beguelin3. Vince4. Tory Burch5. Manolo Blahnik6. Kimberly McDonald
&friends trends
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1. Paolo Costagli
2. Nancy Gonzalez
3. Hermès
4. Loren Jewels
5. Jimmy Choo
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Annalia BiagiAssociateSan Francisco
1. Temple St. Clair2. Rag & Bone3. Rag & Bone4. Valentino5. Temple St. Clair6. Akris
Meri MorganAssociate, San Francisco
&friends trends
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1. Michael Kors2. Stella McCartney3. L’Agence4. The Row5. Reed Krakoff6. Akris7. Giorgio Armani8. Nancy Gonzalez
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1. Missoni2. Missoni3. Proenza Schouler4. Rag & Bone5. Pilot6. Sam Edelman7. Stella McCartney8. Cole Haan
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Horace Mack Associate, San Francisco
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1. Ermenegildo Zegna 2. AG Jeans 3. Brunello Cucinelli 4. AG Jeans
1. Boglioli2. Brunello Cucinelli3. Tod’s4. Luciano Barbera
Lorrin MullinsAssociate, San Francisco
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&friends trends
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Steven CoxAssociate, San Francisco
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&friends trends
1. Michael Kors2. L’Agence3. Pucci4. Valentino5. Valentino
ITALIAN TRADE COMMISSION 33 EAST 67TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10065-5949 212 980 1500 [email protected] WWW.FASHIONITALIANSTYLE.COM
THE ITALIAN TRADE COMMISSION GLADLY SUPPORTS THEMITCHELLS FAMILY OF STORES AND ALL THE ITALIAN BRANDS CARRIED IN THEIR STORES
AGNONABONTONIBRIONIBRUNELLO CUCINELLICHRISTIAN LOUBOUTINERMENEGILDO ZEGNAETROFINAMOREGIANVITO ROSSIGIUSEPPE ZANOTTIGRAVATI
INCOTEXISAIAJIMMY CHOOKITONLORO PIANALUCIANO BARBERAM MISSONIMANOLO BLAHNIKMISSONIOSCAR DE LA RENTAPIAZZA SEMPIONE
PRATESIPUCCIRENE CAOVILLAROBERTO CAVALLISARTORIA PARTENOPEASANTONISERGIO ROSSITOD’STORINOVALENTINO
The Canary Islands.
It was an accident actually. I was studying set design when I met Diana Vreeland—she took one look at an actress’ shoes in one of my set drawings and said, “You should do shoes.”
Joy—and maybe passion.
So many, many things. It depends on my mood—it could be a painting I just saw or even a fl ower in my garden.
I had fun doing the shoes for Sofi a Coppola’s Marie Antoinette.
115mm—that’s high enough, don’t you think?
I met Ms. Parker years ago in a boutique onSunset Boulevard called Madeleine Gallay—we fell in love instantly. Sex and the City certainly has had a major impact on my life and career.
Yes, and some, like platforms, in the most vile ways possible.
I never talk about any of my clients—if you see my shoes on them then you know who they are.
Well, I’m still just getting started!
Valentino was a master as was Mr. Saint Laurent.
For many years—I adore the whole family—it started when I met them in Greenwich.
MANOLO FUN FACTSWhere do you currently live? I still spend a lot of time at my home in the Canary Islands.
What is your favorite vacation spot? Sicily
What are 5 things you can’t live without? Turner Classic Movies, chocolates, my books, socks and terry cloth robes.
What’s your favorite book? Movie? Il Gattopardo—both the movie and book.
What’s on your “bucket list”? I want to keep reading, reading, reading!
chain and pendant by S Y L V A & C I E
WILKES BASHFORD FOR JEWELRY?
FEATURING OSCAR HEYMAN
TEMPLE ST. CLAIR
KWIAT
PAUL MORELLI
SYLVA & CIE
KIMBERLY MCDONALD
PAOLO COSTAGLI
KATHLEEN DUGHI
POMELLATO
IRENE NEUWIRTH
LOREN JEWELS
ASSAEL PEARLS
NAM CHO
ASHLEY PITTMAN
RENEE LEWIS
MARTIN BERNSTEIN
SYNA JEWELS
ELIZABETH & JAMES
COOMI
YOSSI & many more
INTRODUCING JEWELRY AS
EXCITING AS OUR LEGENDARY
FASHIONS
One of the most anticipated additions to our newly renovated stores is the major expansion of our jewelry departments! We invite you to discover cases and cases of world-class diamond, fine and designer jewelry... all specially chosen to suit the tastes and lifestyles of our discerning customers. Our GIA-Certified jewelry buyers have years of experience, longstanding relationships with many of the world’s top jewelry houses and an eye for spotting up-and-comers. Our highly knowlegable jewelry experts are here to help you make just the right selection for that special gift, special outfit or special occasion. We are humbled by the extraordinary talents of the designers you will see in our stores! Whether you’re looking for an heirloom-quality necklace of rare colored diamonds or fun bangles for your next vacation, you will find it in our new jewelry departments!
FROM THE WORLD’S MOST TALENTED DESIGNERS...
PRESENTING EXPANDEDJEWELRY COLLECTIONS FOR LIFE’S GREAT OCCASIONS!
MEET OUR NEW JEWELRY SPECIALISTS!LEFT: MARYAM BOODIANI, PALO ALTO RIGHT: OLIVIA BAZIW & HANK STENNER, SAN FRANCISCO
rings by O S C A R H E Y M A N
PRESENTING NEW & ARTISTIC WAYS TO SHOW YOUR LOVE...
chains and amulets by T E M P L E S T . C L A I R
PRESENTING GIFTSTHAT WILL ADD SOME MAGIC TO HER LIFE...
from Diamond Nouveau Collection by P A U L M O R E L L I
Discover our stunning new Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana, Ermenegildo Zegna, Kiton and Brioni boutiques! Our boutiques include expanded “luxury casual” collections from each designer. Ours will be the newest generation of Loro Piana’s signature boutique and the only one of its kind in San Francisco. Our Zegna boutique is designed by world-famous architect Peter Marino. All of our new boutiques are custom built by Italian craftsmen!
Gone are the days when a man’s wardrobe consisted of a few suits and some jeans and khakis. Following the lead of women’s wear — which long ago shifted from suits to separates — as the workplace has become more casual, a new way of men’s dressing has emerged. Many men who once wore suits every day now reserve a suit for special occasions... but that doesn’t mean they dress for work as if they were going to a ball game. Hence, the evolution from suit to “luxury casual.” When is “luxury casual” worn? For the well-dressed man, a large percent of the time. It’s ideal for the offi ce or the board meeting, whenever a suit is not required. It’s perfect for a nice dinner or a country club. It has the sophistication to take you to the theater, a party or an art opening... you get the idea.
The key pieces in “luxury casual” are a mix of various components. The sport jacket is most important element of “luxury casual.” It is unconstructed and may be cashmere, linen, leather, suede, velvet or even a fi ne wool/cashmere sweater. The pant ranges from wool or linen dress slacks to cords or cleaner, darker denim. The shirt is a sport shirt that may be layered with a “dressy” tee and/or polo. A zip-neck cashmere sweater often makes the scene, or sometimes a great vest. Accessories have also joined the evolution. The standard men’s go-to shoe wardrobe used to consist of dressy wing-tips and docksiders. Today, great boots, dressy casual shoes and a pair of brown suede shoes are a must to complete your relaxed and casually elegant look. Men’s lightweight scarves, popular in Europe, are
starting to fi lter in here as well. Which designers to look for? In our stores, the leaders in “luxury casual” are Loro Piana, Brunello Cucinelli, Ermenegildo Zegna, Kiton and Brioni. Loro Piana, a major innovator in this space, represents timeless luxury.... it’s about buying classic pieces of the fi nest materials that you can wear for a long time. Brunello Cucinelli’s styling is more fashion-driven, with trimmer fi ts, sumptuous fi bers and earthy palettes with pops of color. Ermenegildo Zegna’s brand of “luxury casual,” as you’d expect, is more of a direct evolution of the suit, with sleeker lines and slightly more structured sportcoats. Kiton, which is from Naples, is more “high fashion,” while Brioni, from Rome, is a bit more elegant and dressier.
BRUNELLO CUCINELLI
AGNONA
OSCAR DE LA RENTA
PAMELLA ROLAND
JIMMY CHOO
REED KRAKOFF
BRIONI
OSCAR DE LA RENTA
AKRIS
BOGNER
All that is All that isfresh lies fresh lies
ahead in the ahead in theseason of season of
beginnings. beginnings.Awaken to a kAwaken to a
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Delight in the yyyy
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Spr ing 2013
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COLORIZED In pring 2013, color is readyfor its close-up. Bolds & brights. Navies & neutrals.Sharp contrasts. A splash of tangy citrus brings yourlook to life... and red has never been red-hotter!
This spring, experiment with the unexpected.
Photography: Sergio Kurhajec
Hair and Makeup: Claire Bayley
Styling: Wendy McNett
s
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ETRO
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BETTYE MULLER
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VALENTINO
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AGAVE
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ROBERTO CAVALLI
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ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA
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LORO PIANA
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DELMAN
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THE ROW
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KITON
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ISAIA
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MANOLO BLAHNIK
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1494 Club: A New York-basedwhisky club directly targetinghigh earners, 1494 honors theprivate social clubs of the 19thcentury. Founder DavidClelland has secured an undis-closed townhouse inManhattan where memberscan convene for tastings andcurate their personal collec-tions. Founding Members($175,000) gain access toScotland distillery and golfcourse trips via private jet,while Collector memberships($25,000 and up) also boastmany perks. “I wanted to offeran experience, and a lifetimecommitment for collectors,”says Clelland.
The Whisky Dog: FounderNicholas Pollacchi is an affa-ble, stylish young Scotsmanwho has worked all angles ofthe whisky trade. What he feltwas missing were private tast-ing events customized to meeta company’s or individual'sneeds. Meet The Whisky Dog.“We’re all about sitting downwith the client and creatingthe kind of experiencethey want to create. Is itfocused on high-end, rareproduct, or is it a one-to-oneScotch 101 seminarwith younger execu-tives?” asks Pollacchi.In addition to offer-ing a large range ofspecialty whiskies,Pollacchi can cus-tomize events toinclude extras likefine cigars, a bespoketailor, food pairingsand musical entertain-ment.
Branded Whisky Clubs:Groups like the GlenlivetGuardians, 1801 ChivasBrotherhood and theCustodians of The Dalmoreprovide extra perks for yourfavorite brands. Sign up onlineand gain access to early releas-es of new expressions, private
tasting events and more.The GlenlivetGuardians, for exam-ple, have sole access tothe Guardian SingleCask Edition (about
$300), and to a three-day "WhiskySchool" at theSpeyside distillery,including the
opportunity tobottle yourown whisky.
The Scotch Malt WhiskySociety of America: Thisbranch of the popularEdinburgh-based Societyallows members the opportuni-ty to sample and buy rare sin-gle-cask expressions, custom-made for SMWS. Bottles areidentified by number (i.e. CaskNo 106.18) rather than distill-ery, to allow the whisky tospeak for itself. The date of dis-tillation, number of bottles andtasting notes are printed oneach bottle. Membership is$229 (which includes a kit withfour sample whiskies), and anannual renewal fee of $60.Members also get discountedadmission to tasting events.
spiri
ts
Single malt fans have more options than ever to customizetheir drinking. By Robert Haynes-Peterson
BESPOKE BOOZEIt’s an excellent time for connoisseurs of single malt Scotch whisky. Distilleries are expanding, pro-duction is up, with more iterations of fine and rare releases than ever before. For those seekingeven more unusual drinking options, a cottage industry of whisky clubs and concierge serviceshas arisen to assist in customizing your whisky experience like never before.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SAMPLING FINE AND RARE
WHISKIES (OR STORING YOUROWN COLLECTION), ARE
INCREASINGLY POPULAR.BUT THEY DON’T ALWAYS
COME CHEAP.
Wilkes Bashford is not the only San Francisco institution with a new home! All of The Bay Area is abuzz with excitement over the newly opened SFJAZZ Center, currently in its fi rst season!
The SFJAZZ Center can now, under one roof, deliver on its mission to reach, develop and nurture current and future musicians and audiences by providing rich, innovative, interactive and informative programming in jazz appreciation, creation and performance.
The Center was designed by award-winning architect Mark Cavagnero, acoustician Sam Berkow, theater designer Len Auerbach, and constructed by lead contractor Hathaway/Dinwiddie. The Center includes its main performance venue, the state-of-the-art Robert N. Miner auditorium, which adjusts from 350 to 700 seats, the 80-seat multi- purpose Joe Henderson Lab, café and bar from Charles Phan of The Slanted
Door, digital learning lab, retail shop and administrative offi ces.
Conceived to be a home for artistic conversation and exploration with events that incorporate other arts, including poetry and visual arts, into a jazz context, the SFJAZZ Center is truly one of the most exciting and innovative arts institutions in San Francisco and the world.
For more information or to buy tickets, go to SFJAZZ.com.
Revelers at the Grand (Re)Opening gala of the Wilkes Bashford Townhouse were treated to an unprecedented jazz experience. Beginning with being greeted by a brass ensemble outside the doors of our Sutter Street store, guests entered a true “world of jazz,” a sultry and spirited soiree with a different SFJAZZ group on every fl oor! Conceived as a collaboration between Wilkes Bashford and SFJAZZ board member, writer Robert Mailer Anderson, it was a spectacular realization of a vision to make the gala a treat to allthe senses. “It was so exciting to fi ll the new Townhouse and Palo Alto stores with the vibrancy and music of SFJAZZ for their relaunch extravaganzas,” said Mr. Anderson. “A match made in STYLE!”
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You heard it here first: CasualFridays are becoming less casual,even on Fridays, even in the summer!The new Business Casual is just as relaxed but nowhere
near as sloppy. Clothes that fit. Colors that flatter.
Luxury fabrics that beg to be touched. (Well,
maybe not in the office…) Score points with the
boss, with the women, with your mother…
Look better, feel better, perform better. Here,
in the pages to follow, the new rules for
Business Casual.
PERFORMANCEENHANCING
NEWRULES FORBUSINESSCASUAL
Take note.
PHOTOGRAPHY: STEPHEN CIUCCOLISTYLING: JOSEPH UNGOCOGROOMING: VASSILIS KOKKINIDIS FOR FORD ARTISTS
Rule1IMPORTANT: IT’S OKAY TOLOOK LIKE THE BOSS! You’ll never be deniedan opportunitybecause you look tooprofessional. On theother hand, clothes thatwork for the gym orbackyard could verywell hold you back. Asthe saying goes: Dressfor the job you want,not the one you’ve got…
shirt CALVIN KLEINtie J.S. BLANK suit BRUNELLO CUCINELLI
shirt ETONtie J.S. BLANKsuit BRUNELLO CUCINELLIbag MOORE & GILES
v-neck GRAN SASSOjacket ERMENEGILDO ZEGNApant MASON’S
Rule2A SPORTCOAT IS ALWAYSAPPROPRIATE! Why not try a modernunconstructed version,(unlined, minus the padding)worn with a lightweight knittop or shirt and tie? (Bowsare back, especially foryoung guys!) Note too thefive-pocket pants in non-denim fabrics. Fit is key!
shirt ETONbow tie ETONjacket CANALItrouser BOSS
BEST FOOT FORWARD. Women know, and guys are learning: it’sall about the shoes! For spring 2013, welove lace-ups in soft leather or suede;have fun with color!
Rule3
shirt HUGO BOSSpant ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA
shoe BRUNELLO CUCINELLIpant ERMENEGILDO ZEGNAshirt HUGO BOSS
Rule4FOCUS ON ACCESSORIES.Cool socks: check! Perfectwatch? Essential. Bracelet?Adds personality. A greatbag or backpack? Ofcourse! And don’t overlookyour belt and wallet. Makesure they convey theimpression you want tomake.
shirt ETROjacket ALLEGRIwatch HERMÈSbelt, pant HUGO BOSSbag MOORE & GILES
Rule5INVEST IN A GREATSPRING JACKET! Since you don’tneed a wholewardrobe ofthem, picksomething reallyspecial. (Suede inthe spring is veryItalian!)
scarf ISAIAjacket CANALIpant ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA
Rule6JEANS IN THE OFFICE: Unless you’re meeting withformal clients, jeans areokay. Just make sureyou’re wearing perfectlyfitted premium denim inan even-tone dark wash.Paired with a sportcoat, acardigan, or even a shirtand tie, dressed-up denimis fine with us. (Just ditchthe big baggy stuff andwear great shoes!)
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v-neck ROBERT GRAHAMjacket ISAIAjeans ETROshoes TO BOOT
shirt, tie ETONjacket ERMENEGILDO ZEGNAjeans AGAVEshoes MAGNANNI
Vest or cummerbund? Either still works.
Bow tie or “regular” tie? While a bow tie is still the more classic formal choice, a “regular” tie is also a great modern look, but it should be a dress tie, rather than a tie you would wear to work. A dress tie should be a solid black, white, gray, silver or the color of your choice, in silk.
Do I still wear my shiny shoes? Today’s dress shoe also has a slimmer silhouette, so they’re okay, as long as they’re not chunky or boxy. Today, most men wear a great black suede or formal black leather shoe... Dedicated “tux shoes” are no longer needed!
Plain white dress shirt or pleated or bibbed shirt? More fi tted, pleated or bibbed shirts are very much in style. Some tux shirts are simpler with less detail, but a plain white dress shirt is not appropriate to wear with a tuxedo.
Studs and cuffl inks? Yes! It’s your opportunity to have fun and show your personality! We have a stunning selection of unique cuffl inks and studs.
Is a black suit passable as black tie? If you want to be a bit less formal or more “creative” in your black tie, a good black suit may be worn, but dress it up with more formal accessories.
Should I wear a pocket square with my tux? You may and if so, a simple white square will do the trick.
If you are like most men, you may be under the assumption that if you’ve ever bought a tuxedo, as long as it still fi ts, you can wear it for life.
Unfortunately, this notion has led to the advent of many men walking around in some very dated-looking formalwear!
Like in men’s suits, there has been a big shift in the way a modern tux should look and fit. Today, tuxedos also have the new, more form-fitting silhouette, which includes a slimmer leg and jacket, a shorter jacket and a flat-front pant.
(Pleats are out!) Lapels are narrower and still may be shawl, peak or notched. Three buttons are another tell-tale sign of an outdated tux, while either one or two buttons are fine.
While most tuxedos are in the standard black, elegant midnight blue tuxes have also made a nice comeback and are a great-looking alternative. Tuxes may also still feature decorative trim in either satin or grosgrain.
So if your tux is looking boxy or baggy, the pants have pleats, the shoulders big pads or there are three buttons... come in and see our stunning men’s formalwear in a broad range of designers and price points.
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BUTTON UP A loose thread or button can be just the thing that unravels your day. Bring in any suits or outerwear with buttons that need assistance, and we’ll re-attach or tighten them for you, on site and free of charge. We like to see you looking your best, down to the details.
GIFT CARDSA Wilkes Bashford gift card is the gift that always fi ts! Our gift cards are available for purchase in store or over the phone, in any denomination. If you can’t make it to the store, just give us a call — we’ll wrap the gift card up and ship it to the recipient for you!
CLOSET CLEANINGIn order to help you better integrate your new seasonal purchases with the old, we off er our clients a complimentary closet consultation. One of our professional sales associates will personally visit your home to inventory your closet, providing suggestions on how to creatively mix and match your existing wardrobe. One of our experienced tailors can also be on hand, to provide any fi tting or re-adjustments you may need. And if you so desire, we will provide a photographic catalogue of your wardrobe for further reference.
EXPERTISEOur long-term sales associates have been with us for an average of 16 years, and are passionate about counseling our customers and advising them on all clothing and accessory matters. They are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that your shopping experience is a pleasant one, and they’ll even take a trip to your home or offi ce to give you a personal closet consultation, providing suggestions on how to creatively mix and match your existing wardrobe.
PICTURE PERFECTTrust our professional sales associates to put together the ultimate outfi t and coordinate you from head to toe. To alleviate confusion when you get home, we will happily photograph your ensembles, providing a catalogue you can refer to time after time.
COMPLIMENTARY ALTERATIONSIn order to ensure that the fi t is just right, we off er complimentary alterations on all of our clothing. Down to the detail of the stitching, we ensure each article is tailored specifi cally to you. Our on-site team of world-class tailors is ready to assure that you always bring home a perfect fi t.
SERVICE IS PARAMOUNT.It impacts every facet of our business, from our ability to bring you world-class fashions to the friendly, knowledgeable sales associates who help and guide you. You, our customers and friends, are ultimately at the heart of all that we do, and we strive to constantly exceed your expectations. If for some reason you feel that the level of service we provide does not meet your expectations, please let us know.
BY APPOINTMENTOur personal shoppers are available to make your experience here as eff ortless as possible. For your convenience, they will pre-select a wardrobe to fi t your clothing needs, placing the garments in a private fi tting room. Once our associates have learned your style and needs, they can keep an eye out for specifi c items you might be looking for in the future. Call our stores for more information.
CLOTHING DONATIONS Service is important to us, not only in our store, but also in our community. We will help you clear out those unwanted items that have been cluttering up your closet, while providing for a good cause. All discarded items will be donated to a local charity — we will coordinate the donation and make the delivery ourselves.
COMPLIMENTARY GIFT WRAPWe off er complimentary gift-wrapping for your purchases, on any day you want. You concentrate on choosing the perfect gift; we’ll do the rest.
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPSDeveloping lasting personal relationships helps our sales associates select items that they know you will enjoy, and ease your shopping experience.
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