Off The Shoulder

You may have guessed winter is not really a thing here. Nevertheless layers are always appropriate, no matter the climate.
With all that in-mind, on a recent walk through San Francisco's Mission (and with King Henry the Shiba Inu in-tow) I got a-layering. Everyone's been doing it, only now there's been a development. Namely the whole coat-off-the-shoulders thing (preferably camel - Celine or MaxMara) has become the ideal laissez-faire addition to any layered situation (which in my case also included a henley by emerging talent Handvaerk). 

Aside from the fact that Kimye are complete addicts (and might in-fact be partially responsible for a MaxMara revival), the off-the-shoulder look is legitimately great provided you actually manage to keep said coat on your shoulders (it can be a bit of a balancing act). Perhaps it's all about hating the concept of arms / sleeves in general? Thankfully any shoulder slippage can be negated, or better still remedied entirely by a good pair of reflective shades. But then again isn't everything? 

- Alexander Atkins, wearing Acne, Handvaerk, and L.G.R, photographed by Cara-Beth Rodgers in San Francisco.

Spike Jonze is a Fantastic Man

If you're sitting at your desk thinking about something to do, know this: Fantastic Man is fantastically fantastic. Seriously.
In short, read it. With that said you're probably going "Should I be into this? I'm already a GQ subscriber!". Well that's great and all, but this is better. Why? It just is.

For starters Fantastic Man is completely original, witty and showcases real style (which, let's be honest, is pretty hard to come by). Turning each page means being inspired. Take their ROTATION production (in collaboration with Dior Homme) for instance. Each week a new video showcasing a key look from the Kris Van Assche-designed collection for A/W 13 is released - but on dancers who are vogue-ing out. The Daily Recommendation on the Fantastic Man website is also worth bookmarking, simply because each item (from the benefits Chanel's Hair Mist to layering denim) is thoughtfully presented and perfectly curated. In short the whole thing is worth your time. And mine.

- Photos by Alexander Atkins. For bi-annual subscription information click here.

The Missoni Vibe

Does everybody remember watching That Seventies Show? Because I'd say the whole vibe is very Missoni circa now, no?

(We'll just negate bell-bottoms for good measure.) If you're searching to capture the essence of my favorite Italian brand I'd recommend a kaleidoscope - an incredibly unique kaleidoscope (which is to say one that induces a vortex of cashmere knitwear, abstract florals and zig-zags). You'll remember I'm partial to this vibe - and if you've ever spied Margherita Maccapani Missoni's instagram you'll discover (with moderate-to-severe degrees of envy) that she in-fact lives this vibe. As a result I'd say the only prints we should all ever consider wearing are Missoni. They consistently get 'it'. 

Take this shirt for instance. The neo-cubist print could easily lean on offensive but (and cleverly) the peachy terracotta tones are subdued and washed-out (yet not in the slightest meager looking - think perfectly-aged Mediterranean villa). Also the boxy and relaxed tailoring calls to be worn untucked. It's the ultimate go-to, adding a hint of color to the dreariest of winter days which, let's face it, are a-coming. Put simply it works. 

- Alexander Atkins, photographed by Catia Macedo in Los Angeles, wearing Missoni and Alexander Wang.

Stephen Webster's Thumbs Up!

This story begins in Beverly Hills (which means it's going to be good) and deals with the notion that more is always more.

So if you're one of those minimal 'I paint everything white and love clear acrylic furniture' types, well, this probably isn't going to be your thing. But don't click away just yet. You might surprise yourself - I know I did. 

In fact I only recently became interested in the idea of layering rings, probably because I've been stacking bracelets for a while and things always seem to creep-up on me (that is to say my fingers were becoming insanely jealous of the outrageously fun wrist parties I was hosting just a couple of inches away). So in an effort to satisfy every last extremity and in the name of pavé, pierced skulls and studs I ventured back to Stephen Webster's flagship on Rodeo Drive and got a-stacking. The result? A resounding (and quite literal) two thumbs up! 

For starters the various black rhodium pavé 'spinner' rings are clever in that they give you something to do in moments of boredom (aside from twiddling your thumbs). Each is part of the 'Highwayman' collection and features black, blue or yellow pavé sapphires. Also I will forever be partial to a solid studded band. Why? Any grouped-stud situation will inevitably remind me of a belt I once owned (a nod to a fleeting Blink-182 style moment - don't ask). But when push comes to shove (which often is the case when shopping for jewelry) I'm always going to be drawn to the skull. It's the whole overtly and unapologetically badass thing, which is entirely not me and therefore completely alluring. I mean who doesn't like a pierced skull ring? This one features a black rhodium plated shank and a rose gold plated Union Jack motif, so that's something. 

A quick Google search unanimously dictates Stephen Webster as putting the rocks in rock'n'roll, but his reality is actually far more romantic (albeit dark, moody and mysterious). And while an on-going courtship of the Ferry's and Bowie's of the world serves to satisfy his deep-rooted obsession of glam-rock, for me Webster's aesthetic boils down to two fundamental things: careful craftsmanship and exceptional design. Both are executed with ease. 

- Photos by Jessica Craig and Alexander Atkins. 

Stephen Webster Beverly Hills is located at 202 North Rodeo Drive. Call 310 246 9500 for information.

Vintage Knits: Louis Vuitton

When I go vintage shopping I have one simple rule. If the glove fits I'm buying it. Hesitating is a complete waste of time.
This trusty mantra was exactly what was going through my mind during an overdue and much needed visit to Wasteland in San Francisco. Perhaps now it's best to mention I'm a recent convert to the whole vintage thing. The idea, but really the smell were both very odd (eau de grandmother's-moth-ball is not exactly my favorite, anything Tom Ford is). But then you grow-up and get over it. You also discover the small miracles your local dry cleaners are capable of. 

So with sleeves rolled-up, nose firmly pinched and eyes sharp I began scanning the racks. Rocker tees, leather pants, plaid coats, hats - you probably know the drill. Then a glimmer of hope. A soft crewneck sweater in the most perfect shade of taupe. And then came the insane realization, 'Fuck - I just found a Louis Vuitton!?'. No previous vintage find (and there have been a few) was ever so exciting. Is that shallow? Don't answer that - I don't really care. The point is I found it, tried it, bought and now I'm here, wearing it. It's everything in that it's 1) Louis Vuitton (duh) and 2) not obnoxiously Louis Vuitton. I'm all about understated luxury and this, my friends, is the definition of. 

- Alexander Atkins, wearing a vintage Louis Vuitton sweater and a Forever 21 camouflage beanie, photographed by Irene de Jong in Los Gatos, California.

Starry Eyed: Forever 21

When Shakespeare said, "It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves" he actually meant to say, "wear stars".

Like, you know, on your shirt, collar and sweatshirt. Essentially it's about wearing your destiny, and as an avid Shakespeare reader how could I not heed The Bard's advice? Stars had a big moment back in 2008 (YSL, Chanel et al. got celestial). But that was then, this is now. And 'now' is all about a great crewneck. They're easy. They're classic. They also look great with anything, on anyone. So it's pretty clear the basic crewneck should be a staple in every wardrobe. What's more this Fall will be all about the crewneck sweatshirt. Only a print-heavy version. Let's call it 'the crewneck 2.0'.

Here's the real point; thank god for Forever 21. Accessible and on-trend, their star print crewneck and short-sleeved shirt mean serious intergalactic fun. Paired together they become a force to be reckoned with. It goes without saying they will both be a huge part of my Fall essentials. It's that simple. Beam me up Scotty.

- Alexander Atkins, wearing Forever 21's Slim Fit Star Shirt and Star Print Sweatshirt, photographed by Irene de Jong in Golden Gate Park, California.

Essentials: Acne Studios Wallet

Wallets are everything in that they a.) hold your money / credit cards / etc, and b.) they actually reflect your personality.
So in the spirit of always putting your best foot forward (which, by-the-way, should always be the priority), you may or may not be in need of an upgrade - and by that I mean get an upgrade. It's time.

Personally it's always been about that perfectly compact wallet situation. Something that isn't fussy or bulky but still makes a statement. I did the Gucci Guccissima thing for a while and yes, it was spectacular if you're going for the whole chic euro-trash vibe, but I've moved on (even if I haven't entirely gotten over this song). Currently I use a crocodile card holder for everything. It's very minimal which has it's pros (no cash or that dreaded jingle of coins) and cons (no cash and no coins to jingle at all). Basically I got it because I loved touching the croc's spine - which, admittedly, is weird. 
The real point is that I recently discovered Acne's zipped leather wallet. The bright bolt of blue means you'll easily find it and it's got a zip, which actually is a big deal. Zips equate to you being able to have the option of coins (yay laundromats?). Aside from the aforementioned practicalities, in true Acne style it looks pretty damn good - which doesn't hurt one bit when settling-up. So that's always something.

Browse and shop Acne's zipped leather wallet here.

- Photos by Alexander Atkins

The Watch: Daniel Wellington

So this one basically was a no-brainer. I'm from Wellington and my brother, well, he's called Daniel. Need I say more?

Apart from that little coincidence (is there ever such a thing?) I'd be lying if I said I wasn't loving this watch. It's got an unoffensive preppy thing happening and it's very sophisticated. But more than that it's also easy. And by easy I mean it goes with everything - honestly.

Daniel Wellington, who actually was a real person, inspired Filip Tysander (the founder of Daniel Wellington - confused yet?) to fuse classic timepieces with weathered Nato straps. Why? Well Mr. Wellington wore his Rolexes this way, as did James Bond in Goldfinger. The idea was about being unpretentious while remaining gentlemanly (you know, the whole je ne sais quoi relaxed debonair thing). Essentially the strap has the unique ability to dress-down any dressed-up look. De-formalizing if you will. And all while staying sharp - which, by-the-way, is alway the point. 

If your budget is more dash than cash then Daniel Wellington is the perfect option. I usually pair mine with several bracelets and charms because nothing beats a good wrist party. What's more the strap is completely interchangeable and each is named after a prominent British university town. Technically I should have worn this one (because I went there) but instead I chose both the Exeter and Belfast straps. After all, two straps are always better than one...

Learn more about Daniel Wellington and shop the collection here.

- Photos by Alexander Atkins

The Motley: Atlas Cologne

It's moments like this I wish they'd finally invent the smeller-net, because The Motley's Atlas cologne is just that good.
But alas, we're not quite there yet. Instead you'll just have to make-do with my (hopefully decent) description of the various aroma compounds and essential oils used in 'Formula 0142' - The Motley's very first foray into the world of fragrance. I'll be sure to elaborate, I promise. Consider this Smell-ology 101. I know, I'm excited too.

The Vibe:
Here's the deal (and by the way, this is always the deal): I'm not interested unless the packaging is worth mentioning. Well you guys, thank god - because this is the epitome of solid packaging. I'm digging the whole apothecary vibe that's happening. The label has a this-was-made-exclusively-for-me thing going on which, obviously, I like. What's more the bottle arrived in a fully customized tin case promising to ignite inner-notions of 'mystery', 'adventure' and 'nostalgia' - which are always good (oh, and major props on the cursive - that's a nice touch). 

The Smell:
Because the cologne is compounded and hand-poured in Los Angeles using a 10% concentration of fragrance-oil means a small splash is decisively potent. This is all incredibly fitting as Atlas the Titan held up the celestial sphere of planet Earth (translation: he was strong too, but you probably already knew that). The dominant notes including Algerian Atlas Cedar, American Oakmoss, Amber Musk and bergamot means the fragrance is intensely musky and masculine. The addition of Indian cardamom combined with an infusion of cloves not only adds spice, but also evokes the spirit of a world traveller. Smells good? I thought so.

The Destination:
Anywhere really. The perfectly compact bottle (1 fl. oz) means this puppy is perfect for planes, trains and anything else (yachts?). But if I had to pinpoint a location (go on, twist my arm) I'm definitely into being transported to any Balearic Island, wearing Atlas, and more than likely listening to this.

To discover more about The Motley's Atlas Cologne, and to purchase click here.
-Photos by Alexander Atkins

The Essentials: The Aran Knit

Yes, it's still hot. But because autumn is hopefully looming I thought I'd grin and bear it, and wear some serious knitwear.

As I've mentioned before, it's good to plan ahead. So now that fall fashion is being flung at us every-which-way we turn (TV, Instagram, those annoying pop-ups - you get the picture) I'd say the retail gods are sending a very clear message. Namely: get shopping. So Voilà! Here it is. The white knit sweater. A staple for the upcoming equinox courtesy of Mr. Neil Barrett, who, in case you are wondering, is consistently exceptional.

There's something so right about a solid white knit. Something so luxe and exceedingly debonair. Call it what you will (a chunky-knit, an aran-knit, a cable-knit, whichever), the point is it's a beacon of luxury and heritage. Ultimately the wearer exemplifies sharp yet easy dressing. It's so fresh. What's more the whole thing screams fun in an, 'I enjoy stone-skipping' and, 'why yes, scallops sound marvelous' kind-of way. (I'm painting a picture of the Kennedy's in Hyannis Port, for those of you who may be confused.) Also, the fact that I bought this knit a while ago during a visit to Barneys (an exceeding dangerous trip I might add) as an impulse and not as a pre-mediated thing only adds to the my final point. Which is this: a full-on white knit sweater should be a staple in any and every man's wardrobe. White suits literally everyone, as does looking and feeling a million bucks. It's that simple.

Alexander Atkins, wearing Neil Barrett knitwear, Acne jeans, Dior Homme Blacktie Sunglasses and carrying Louis Vuitton's Poche Documents, photographed by Camille Labat in San Francisco.

*Click the arrows above to browse and shop this story.

Summer Layering: Forever 21 Edition

It's right around now that layering becomes a topic. I get it, we all love the sun - but there's nothing like that cool breeze.

You know; it's that slightly chilly (perhaps even goose bump-inducing) spell. A respite of sorts that will make you go: "it's definitely time to grab something and throw it on". I'm a huge proponent of the cold spell. BRING ON said spell - please. Not only do I do better in cooler weather (i.e. I can actually think again), it invariably means options - something everyone loves. You see, I believe that summer menswear must involve more than just shorts and tees. But I get it. It's easy to adopt an entirely myopic approach to summer shopping. And as the mercury continues to rise there really is nothing worse than sticking (quite literally) to your shirt - or even the awkward sensation of that lonely bead of sweat dribbling down your back (don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about, because you do). But the point is, as with most things, think ahead. 

In the spirit of keeping things simple (life's short etc), I'm all for throwing a loose shirt over a graphic tee. It's about creating dimension. The graphic tee alone is fine, but the additional layer adds perspective and of-course interest (in a peek-a-boo kind of way). Thankfully Forever 21 has a plethora of graphic tees and shirts to choose from, which basically makes the whole light-layering concept super easy. So no excuses, get layering. 

Alexander Atkins, in Forever 21 (including this James Dean Tee), photographed by Camille Labat in San Francisco.    

*Click the arrows above to browse and shop a few of my favorite Forever 21 tees.

The Giveaway: Aesop and The Paris Review

My generous friends at Aesop not only satisfy every skincare need imaginable, they're also offering you an exclusive gift.
That's right,  it's giveaway time - and get this: there's enough custom-designed packages for twenty winners! Essentially it's a no-brainer, but just to make it even clearer here's some very simple logic: we all love free stuff ergo get involved. Now onto the details...

As you already know, Aesop is all about the experience. That is to say their products induce instant bliss and reap real results (have you tried the Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Hydrator?). What's more the means by which these benefits are delivered truly embody perfection (and are all part of the aforementioned experience). A marriage of incredibly streamlined packaging covered with some of the finest examples of the written word (from the likes of Osler, Twain and Emerson) means your top shelf retains an effortlessly and intellectually curated look (something any bathroom snooper would most definitely admire - and let's be honest, there's always a bathroom snoop). 

Up for grabs:

In a unique partnership with The Paris Review, Aesop is now offering Mr Essentialist readers complimentary copies of the current Summer Issue (which includes works by Ben Lerner, Patrizia Cavalli and Lydia Davis). Founded in 1953, The Paris Review is much lauded for intelligent fiction, poetry, essays and art, not to mention an expansive collection of longform interviews with noted writers – many of whom were first published in its pages. In the words of one critic, it is ‘one of the single most persistent acts of cultural conservation in the history of the world.’ You'll also receive a carefully chosen selection of samples (including Parsley Seed Cleansing Oil, the Cleansing Masque and a travel-sized Body Cleansing Slab). 

How to enter:

It's simple. 'Like' Mr Essentialist on Facebook and shoot me an email. The first twenty emails will receive a response with a unique promotional code and instructions on applying it at check-out. Remember codes are limited and provided on a first come first serve basis. 

*Click the arrows above to browse and shop a few of my favorite Aesop products.

Dayne Arron Watai: The Vintage Tee

Let's be honest: a ripped-tee-and-Prada-shades weekend look is worth talking about. Really, what else are you doing?
So ok, you're probably going, "I'm beyond annoyed you're even suggesting ANYTHING weekend-related on a Tuesday". I get it (I do, really). It's like those people that open emails with 'Happy Monday'. (Seriously you guys, stop. 'Hi' is absolutely fine and Monday's are rarely 'happy'.) But despite all that (or in spite of it, your choice), there's no time like the present to be inspired. Besides, over here it's always about carpe-ing that diem. 

By now I'd like to think I've made my feelings known regarding Ziggy and Pink Hair. If not, well hello. I'm Alexander and I'm drawn to the whole rocker thing (on some level at least - who isn't?). I definitely have an appreciation, even if I'm not scouring eBay for vintage tees on my lunch break. There's something über-fascinating about being with a 'devotee' (aka addict) when they finally discover that one super beat-up (read held together by numerous safety pins) long-lost tee in a store and subsequently have zero qualms about its $500.00 price tag.

But back to the real point, which is: I'm into documenting how other people dress. Their subtle stylistic nuances, how they choose and put pieces together - it's everything. So when Dayne visited and decided to rock a seriously ripped Joy Division tee I most definitely was game. I like the high-low element. It's grunge meet glamour. For starters the tee obviously reminds me of my all-time favorite Joy Division song. As for the Prada sunglasses, well they're just exceptional (what else do you expect?). Together the whole thing conveys serious ease, becoming the perfect get-up to rock-out in.

Dayne Arron Watai, wearing a vintage Joy Division tee, Prada Sunglasses, T by Alexander Wang leather pants, Classic Doc Martens and a Degs and Sel skull bracelet. Photographed by Alexander Atkins in San Francisco.

While we were shooting I chatted with Dayne about style rules and influences to live by. Here's what he's thinking:

1. On what to where, when: "It's easy to decide what to wear here. The weather definitely plays a huge factor in my decisions. Then whatever color I feel like wearing."
2. On style influences: "Hedi Slimane and Willy Cartier. I also love Diane Boulenger and definitely am inspired by Fabien Baron. And of-course Cara."
3. On San Francisco: "I love the city. The food, the neighborhoods and the diversity. The bars. I love the shops in Hayes and on Haight Street - oh and obviously the coffee."
4. On Music, right now: "I've gotten into Walk the Moon - but specifically the song 'Ana Sun'. Also there's this YouTube channel. It's called 'MajecticCasual' with a ton of awesome tracks."