Off the Cuff. Classic. Modern. Style.

Sette Neckwear’s DC Trunk Show: April 21, 2012

On April 20, 2012, By OTC

Every now and then OTC is contacted about a brand that is so well executed it effectively redefines its product’s category. Sette, maker of incomparable seven-fold neckties, is such a brand. You are invited to visit with Sette’s founder and peruse their beautiful neckties tomorrow, Saturday, April 21. Read on for the event’s particulars.

Founded by former White House press officer Peter Watkins, the idea for Sette (the number seven in Italian) came when he had the chance to spend some time with the Italian prime minister’s personal tie maker. Seeing the opportunity to create equally elegant neckwear for American dignitaries, luminaries, social and media leaders, and business executives, Watkins outlined his somewhat audacious plan and went looking for a craftsman capable of bringing it to life. Enter designer Robert Jensen.

Bob Jensen has been at the forefront of high-end neckwear for more than 30 years. Apprenticed to legendary American neckwear icon Robert Talbott in 1979, he quickly became a leading force behind Robert Talbott’s global presence and the designs of its iconic neckties.

By the mid-1980s, Jensen was lead designer at Robert Talbott and was the first to bring back to the fashion world the traditional method of creating a seven-fold necktie. A complex and exacting task, only a very few artisans have perfected the skill, and even fewer the level of Bob Jensen.

Now Sette’s lead designer, Jensen has elevated the seven-fold necktie to yet another level, one that makes it an heirloom; something to be cherished and passed down father to son. Crafted in limited editions, each tie is designed, cut, folded, stitched, and finished by hand to exacting standards. Every element of the design is thought through – even to the point of printing the Sette label into the tie’s design. The tie’s keeper is the only separate element that breaks the continuous flow silk. Even the bar tacks are shaped into a number “7″.

Even the tie’s packaging is carefully considered. Hand-folded and hand-placed into a beautiful presentation box, your Sette tie is less a purchase than it is an investment in the art of dressing well for life.

We encourage you to see for yourself the design, quality, and elegance which are the hallmarks of Sette neckties. Tomorrow – Saturday, April 21, 2012, from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., the Sette trunk show will ensconce itself at the legendary Washington, D.C., Mayflower Hotel, in the Delaware Board Room.

Email concierge (at) setteneckwear (dot) com, or tweet Sette at @SetteNeckwear and they will set you up.

OTC Recommends: American Giant

On April 11, 2012, By OTC

When Bayard Winthrop founded American Giant, which makes perhaps the best sweatshirt we have laid eyes and hands on, he had a very specific mission.

As the former CEO of Chrome bags and with a handful of other start-ups under his belt, ranging from real estate to high-tech, he knew how to drive down cost, outsource production and maximize return. And, in starting a made in the USA clothing line built around classic everyday staples, he chose to ignore all of that profit maximizing experience. Really, no kidding.

For someone genuinely fascinated by how companies operate, mission and vision philosophies, economic strategy, marketing and brand development, and the business of style (as is yours truly), Bayard is a great interview.

Perhaps his philosophy was best summed up when he pointed out that he had no interest in making a $300 pair of American jeans for a heritage brand-focused customer. It didn’t excite him. But, making the best possible crew neck sweatshirt and retail it for $59, now that was a challenge!

He and his team, based out of San Fransisco, are fixated on “the best.” The best fit, the best design, the best materials, and the best construction. They have recreated the sweatshirt of James Dean and Steve McQueen – the one that you stole from your big brother back in 1975 and never gave back.

More than just the product, obviously important in any retail endeavor, they also want to create the best customer service experience. From ordering to packaging, Bayard wants you to love American Giant. As an internet-based retailer, that’s vital. Have they achieved this rather lofty goal? We think so.

Remember the old-fashioned, heavy duty sweats that seemed to last forever? The well-made sweatshirt that felt sturdy and tough but also soft and comfortable? They nailed it. The good news is that they plan to roll out some other product soon. Next in line; t-shirts.

The American Giant team sent along a hoodie and button cardigan (who knew that was so cool?) for our review and not only are they now default loafing-about wear, they are a sort of inspiration. The design and construction are both excellent and well thought-out. Trim, yes. But faux-retro “heritage fit” – often code for “skinny teen fit” – no. American Giant sweats are meant to be on the lightly fitted side so that you are comfortable, but not ballooning. The XL is perfect for an average sized 5’10” editor-in-chief, and the details are many. A pieced design that allows for movement and flexibility, just enough body length to stay in place when reaching or stretching, thick ribbing at the waist and sleeves, and rock solid construction to age well.

They have not simply fallen into the whole heritage schtick, they have honored a classic wardrobe item that in many ways is a cypher of American casual style. What did Rocky Balboa wear for his run up the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s 72 steps? Tough, reliable, and all American grey sweats.

That is the essence of a sweatshirt – crew neck, hoodie, cardigan; put it on and get something done. Build a boat, run some errands, plan your future, or grab a beer and sit in the back yard. A good sweatshirt works with anything. Washing the car with jeans, your favorite Pink Floyd t-shirt, Vineyard Vines ball cap, and some old docksiders? Perfect. Khakis, loafers, and an ancient LL Bean hunting coat on a chilly afternoon. Looks fine.

You can also put it on, curl up in bed sick as a dog, and conduct and interview with American Giant’s CEO. Wore that thing for two days.

Michael Bastian On His New Suiting Collection for Barneys New York

On April 9, 2012, By OTC

OTC Recommends: Dahlgren Socks

On April 5, 2012, By OTC

Portland, Oregon, based sock maker Dahlgren has been making technical socks for the outdoorsy crowd since 1978. Not only have they been fixated on creating the most comfortable and technically superior socks possible, the family-owned company has also kept an eye on the casual wear market.

With a variety of styles, colors, designs, and thicknesses for men and women, Dahlgren socks are a great addition to your casual wardrobe. They are durable and well-made, hold their colors and most importantly, hold their shape.

OTC has spent a couple of weeks road testing their Metro argyle socks and the verdict is in. They are some of the best and most comfortable socks we have ever worn. Actually, they are being worn right now, in navy. They are an excellent match for jeans or khakis and the rich, muted colors are a welcome reprieve when you don’t want to shout, “Look, I’m preppy!” with your socks.

Unlike other argyles we have tried, these thin, comfortable socks – a blend of superfine alpaca and merino wools – have a great, supportive fit that adds no bulk or ridging. Using Dahlgren’s ECO-Dri™ and patented Dri-Stride® technologies, these socks also work to keep your feet dry and happy.

Made completely in the USA, these socks are a family affair and the company is now being led by its second generation of Dahlgrens. And where some brands use terms like “technical” and “innovative” as marketing fill, these folks mean it. Dahlgren owns six patents related to actual innovations made in sock technology. Their Dri-Stride® technology, most evident in the firm, supportive fit of the sock’s body, is explained here.

OTC x Frank Clegg: Bespoke Leather Goods

On March 28, 2012, By OTC

When we first sat down with master leather craftsman Frank Clegg to discuss the idea of creating a leather goods collection, it was an idea not fully formed. Our thought was to start with some basics, but to interpret them in a more luxurious way while still keeping practicality and function front and center.

After tossing around some options, we settled on an iPad case; one that could easily fit into a briefcase or be carried alone, have a classic design, and be right at home in the boardroom. What we didn’t want was something flashy and overdone, just a little elegance to balance out its utilitarian nature. Frank suggested we modify his iPad case using a different leather and a touch of alligator for the slip-in tab.

He also suggested we pair the OTC iPad case with a matching alligator iPhone sleeve. iPads and iPhones are common tools that require some degree of protection, and for those who prefer to keep their technology open and un-encased, the options are at times uninspired. The idea was to create a practical ensemble that would make sense for every day use.

So, how did they turn out? Beautifully.

There is a masculine, classic quality to both OTC x Frank Clegg pieces that speaks of a refined elegance made practical. These are simple designs, which are often the most difficult to execute due to the obviousness of any defect.

The iPad case’s wax-infused harness belting leather is dense and sturdy, but also soft and incredibly pliable. The unique alligator tab adds just the right amount of show but is well-balanced by the case’s body. Flashy this is not. The stitching, construction, and attention to detail are all exacting.

The iPhone sleeve is an unexpected favorite. The exterior is constructed entirely of book matched alligator and lined in the same wax-infused harness belting leather, but here almost paper thin. The phone easily slips in and out yet remains snugly in place when inside. It’s inherent elegance is in fact a foil to the iPad case’s reserve.

With the iPhone sleeve we have a true luxury item; one that could, as alligator often does, scream, “notice me!” Instead, because of its size and simplicity, it’s more of a discreet, “yes, I’m handmade.” As you might suspect, we here at OTC are not ones to typically anthropomorphize things They are simply that good.

Frank did a superb job and created luxurious accessories that have been used every day since the box arrived from Fall River, Ma. They regularly garner stares and comments, compliments and questions – mostly, “where did you get those?”

A true artisan, Frank Clegg is not new to this business and you can read more about him and his background in an earlier OTC article.

His expansive skill set and perpetual design aesthetic means that he can customize almost any of his existing designs and create whole-cloth new collections with little difficulty. It is a natural passion. Prefer green signature tumbled leather over chestnut belting harness? No problem. Need a shoulder strap with a 13 inch drop instead of 15 inch? They can do that.

Want a set just like OTC’s? Just give him a call – and more than likely, he’ll be the one to answer the phone. But be quick, this is a very limited edition run.

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