CLASSIC STYLE I am very happy to say that Classic Style magazine is at it again. The summer issue just came out and, at the risk of sounding like a shill for the publisher, it is great. Shifting gears little bit, this issue broadens the editorial content to touch on style and etiquette with “But…
Author: OTC
The Journal on Ralph Lauren’s Empire Building
This week, the Wall Street Journal presented a fascinating analysis of the Polo/Ralph Lauren/RRL/Rugby/Lauren/Chaps marketing and branding empire. Click here to go directly to the article. The article,” Polo’s High-Stakes Balancing Act,” breaks apart the myriad brands and labels that fill Ralph Lauren’s empire and explains how they all fit together and form a solid…
From Classic Style’s Editor in Chief!
Michael Key, Classic Style’s Publisher and Editor in Chief, was nice enough to send a quick note on my recent review of his great magazine: “Thanks for the kind words and especially for the support. I really enjoyed reading your review in your blog. You are confirming that we are hitting exactly what we are…
New Issue of Classic Style
I just wanted to remind everyone that the second issue of Classic Style magazine is on the stands and I am happy to say it’s worth the $5.95. The magazine has filled an interesting niche for those who love the past but aren’t necessarily trying to live there. It’s not a magazine for reenactors, rather,…
Polo’s Rugby: A Strong Play
I recently had the opportunity to visit Rugby up in New York City. I have long been intrigued with the brand concept but have not had a chance to make it into one of the stores. This is embarrassing as I essentially work a lunchtime walk away away from the Georgetown location. And I must…
Men’s Footwear: Finding your Sole
Men’s relationship with shoes is often a lazy one. Being guys, we tend to see shoes as utilitarian, something we need, but not something on which to dwell. However, once the moment comes to look good, maybe a wedding, an interview or a big date, we’re scrutinizing our footwear like a panicked drill sergeant. The…
Brooks Brothers New Classic Look
Brooks Brothers recently launched its Spring “Generations of Style” ad and I have to say, it’s looking pretty good. While it’s not cutting edge or breaking new stylistic ground, the design team has struck a nice balance between the Jazz Age Americana of Ralph Lauren and classic elegance of British classicism. There is a pleasing…
Making Corporate Casual Look Good
Remember the 1990s? Back then, the rules that governed the very concept of business attire and professional decorum were being tossed out the window wholesale. Casual Fridays were the coup de grâce of good taste and the work world devolved into a sea of pleated khakis and denim shirts. Now, I don’t want to totally…
Great New Magazine
I just picked up a copy of a great new magazine that debuted this month, “Classic Style.” While there are several new very good men’s style magazines on the stands, several of which I recently reviewed, this one has a distinctly individual look and I think it’s a keeper. An interesting approach was taken with…
Friends in High Places
I would like to mark an important moment in the life of my blog. A full-circle type of thing. I was just reading the Holiday 2006 issue of Menswear and came across an excellent interview with Jon Green, one of New York’s foremost custom tailors. Among his many excellent sartorial guidelines covering such things as…