The Perfect Gift: John Derian

Finding the perfect gift is akin to an intense session at Soul Cycle: it's hard work, but always completely worth the effort.

And yes, we all know gifts should be personal, beautiful, practical and reflective of both the receiver and giver. But sometimes you find yourself at a loss, roaming Barneys and thinking "this spatula is really something" - right? While some spatulas are indeed something (Le Creuset has an excellent assortment) I'd prefer to give something slightly more substancial, unless you're dealing with a regular Martha Stewart-type (in which case the spatula is beyond thoughtful). 

With this in mind, on a recent jaunt up The Bowery I was pleased to discover John Derian's flagship store (at 6 East 2nd Street). The endless selection of hand-made (in NYC) coasters, paperweights and platters are beyond charming and make for the perfect gift on so many occasions. We're talking coral platters for housewarmings, monogrammed paperweights for weddings, large skull bowls for dinner parties - you get the point. I finally settled on a large domed elephant coaster (because everyone loves a good elephant) - which can easily double-up as a trinket-holder. 

Nicole Kidman may or may not be a fan too - just sayin'.

*A selection of John Derian coasters are available online. Click here for details. 

Leathery Love: Alexander Wang

I'd say leather pants have come a long way since Ross wore a pair on an episode of Friends. That is to say, I hope so.
Over the past few seasons we have seen a progressive rise in leather trouser-power. There was Acne, Bottega Venetta, Hermès (swoon), and of course Versace (didn't Donatella basically invent them?). But in terms of RLM (Real Life Menswear), the leather trouser thing is akin to seeing a wild Javan Rhino - essentially it's rare.

Unlike most people I know, I continue to credit Kanye West with a few great things: 1. writing The College Dropout - easily one of the best hip hop albums ever; 2. forcing Kim Kardashian to refrain from wearing bandage dresses; and 3. wearing leather pants day-in day-out for almost a year. I don't know if Kanye perpetuated the trend per se, but I will say his continued efforts in the leather-pants-department demonstrates their wearability to real men - so that's something.

Bearing all of the above in mind, a shopping excursion late last year had me trying on my very first pair of leather pants by Alexander Wang. Although originally intended for women, the fit was perfect (something I never argue with) - the feeling was mutual. To break-it down, the black stretch jersey provides comfort while the soft panels of lambs leather give fantastic structure. So maybe I should be grateful to the pioneering efforts of Ross Geller after all. Not for getting it right or wrong, but for planting the leather-pants seed in my sartorial sub-conscience. 

Alexander Atkins, wearing Alexander Wang leather pants and a Dries van Noten sweater, photographed by Sabrina Reddy in New York City.




*Wearing T by Alexander Wang leather pants, Dries van Noten sweatshirt and cashmere beanie by Rick Owens. 

Play Time: Commes des Garçons x Converse

While news of a Commes des Garçons Play x Converse collaboration may be dated, isn't news still newsworthy if relevant?

For me nothing is more pertinent than easy day-in-day-out shoes. And while living in New York inherently means being on-the-go, these kicks, dear reader, are the ultimate go-to on-the-go shoes. I know you might really be feeling your Nike high-tops or current Lanvin suede sneakers, but recently I'm all about wearing my heart on my feet. Besides, these hearts have eyes (which means they're actually things) - how could I possibly resist?

Of course everyone did the regular Chucks thing throughout high school (I did the Miu Miu variation, they sadly died in grade twelve). But it was my St. Andrews landlord who really upped the ante wearing white converse paired with a classic steel Rolex (in a I'm-severely-aristocratic kind of way). Basically I dug it, and still do. 

So the point is; if it ain't broke, don't fix it. And if you really must do something, collaborate, and add some Japanese designer hearts. 

*Commes des Garçons Play x Converse are machine-washable (yay!) and available at Barneys. Click here  for details.

The New York City Beanie

Something obvious happened at New York Fashion Week: every Tom, Dick and Harry did the oversized beanie thing.

Perhaps we're all having a string of bad hair days? It's possible but let's be honest, this trend is everywhere. Practically speaking I get it, it's really cold (damn-you windchill factor!) and there really is nothing worse than freezing ears. 

Frostbite aside I've long been a fan of the basic beanie, especially my Missoni number. But I'll admit the oversized thing and I only recently became acquainted, and boy am I pleased we met! Paired with classic tortoise shell Ray-Ban Wayfarer's, some token camouflage, a Prada windbreaker and a standard grey hoodie (for good measure, you know?) - the oversized beanie has quickly become an integral part of my urban uniform. We'll reconvene in Spring, but I can pretty much guarantee the beanie and I are going to be hanging out for a while.

Happy Weekend!

*The olive cuffed acrylic-blend beanie is available to purchase at American Apparel. Click here to purchase.