Layers.

The sun has got his hat on... hip hip hip - blahhh! The fickle month of April, that typically has us Brits drenched in the wet stuff and cowering under our stereotypical "Made in Britain" waxed, waterproofs. Has been replaced by a serene scene of scented carpets and our usual stagnant city air is now laced with the delicious and distinct scent of sizzling fat on smoldering barbecues. With our pagan G-D blessing our usually drizzly isles with glorious sunshine, we have come one in worshiping the sunshine. Layers have been shed, baring almost all on our tiny high-rise balconies to bathe in our pagan G-D's warm kiss.   

Though for I, the little spy, the early coming of summers bliss is bitter sweet. Bitter because I have been stripped of my final month of layering. I revel in tiers of fabrics and contrasting textures and summer prevents just that. Instead we plod along in yawn inducing tee's and knobbly knees, exposed by shorts in various shades of boring. 

Impatiently I await for autumn's return. Until then I look to Dana Lee's impeccable FW11 collection, which consists of simplistic layers of rag-knits, hopsack shirting and marino wools in the most delectable colour pallet of deep burgundies, orange rusts, lavenders and olive greens.

Pics courtesy of Dana Lee

Shop.

It's not often that we men are gifted with a concept store, distinct from the predictable units we have all grown to know and loath. All too often, our temples of sartorial grace, conform to stockpiling that which we our told to honour and obey, by the clerics of fashion.Yet, there our but a few whom dare to not play along to the same hymns of an orthodox playlist. One of a Kind, is one such concept store, that acts as a haven to the discerning gentleman. A haven of unique goodies, that make you wanna scream hallelujah.

I had a little natter with the folk behind the concept, to gain a greater insight into the store and the creator... Enjoy.

Whats the story behind your concept store, One of a Kind?

After returning to Australia in 2001, from living overseas. I noticed a gap in Sydney - there were no stores like the ones I had been shopping in. So in 2002, I opened my first store, "Our Spot", then in early 2010, I opened One of a Kind. I wanted to open a little neighbourhood menswear store, stocking Australian designers, second hand pieces and accessories. The space became available, the vine was in bloom and it was open 3 days after I came up with the concept.

When buying pieces for the store, what's the single most important factor? 

These Days, price has definitely become an important factor, though, aside from that, the story behind the brand is important to me and I buy the pieces that I like.

What can we expect from One of a Kind in future months?

This month we see the exciting arrival of the AW11 collections. Further down the track I'll be working with many labels to feature shop-in-shops. I've also got some interesting window displays planned and another group of art shows in November.

Looking into your well groomed crystal ball... what do you see as the next big trends we folk should be on the look out for?

I think the next trends to come through, are beautiful tailoring, organic fabrics and colours. One label using organic fabrics is Dana Lee - this combined with Dana's impeccable designs makes it definitely a label to watch.

What was the sole thing that gravitated you to wanting to work in fashion?

Skateboarding.

Casting your mind back, what's the earliest piece of clothing you remember wearing as a child?

When I was five, I had a cool pair of Adidas Roma's.

What was the last item you purchased, your most coveted item in your wardrobe and what have you been desperate to get your mitts on?

Last item purchased, J Crew dessert boots... Fave wardrobe item - Rag & Bone Work Jacket and I am desperate to get a Isaac Reina Wallet and Buttero sneakers.

Finally, what's your biggest Fashion NO!?

Ugg Boots outside of the house.

BIG thanks to the beauts at One of a Kind + watch this space for the eagerly anticipated online shop.

Wrong.

Learning curves... Correction - mistakes! Many I have made in my younger years, all of which had been self inflicted tears to a "Best in show" ribbon, I pinned strategically to a make-believe best dressed ego, that was cultivated and pruned to convince myself that a kaleidoscope of colours and prints, draped over my awkward frame was a-ok... how wrong I was! A uniform of  Zebra print - high tops (shiverrrrr), stabilo yellow CK T's and the nothingness of 90's (the era that fashion forgot) diluted - stone wash, straight cut denim. Are just a few of my "Dont's" that would take pride of place on the Vice wall of lame.

For fear of a relapse, I seek distraction from the garish and the laboured (Ehem - Louboutin's of the male kind). Dana Lee provides just that. She's a man's man when it comes to design, where simple trumps the overdone and attention is placed on that silly old thing, known as wearability. Lets take a looky look at Basics that are not so basic in muted shades of deliciousness.

Laundered Blazer - Palm Rice Print

Classic Shirt - Organic Muslin

Weekend Fleece - Jade Pigment Dye

Loose Chino - Guava Pigment Dye

3/4 Twill-Sleeved Henley - Plum Over Dye

Loose Chino - Slate Pigment Dye

Jean Jacket - Generic blue Stone Wash

Classic Shirt - Indigo Floral Rice Print

Classic Jeans - Generic Blue Stone Wash

Linen Shaker Knit - Smoke Blue

Linen Shaker Knit - Jute Colour

Classic Jeans - Generic Blue Stone Wash

Pics courtesy of Dana Lee

Awash with denim deprecation

I, like many of you beauties, squander hours of my play time obsessively stalking digital look-book's, editorial pictorials and other fancy shmancy bits and bats. Inspired - indeed I am, many a daydream of endless delicious goodies are spawn from this true unrequited love of mine. However, I find myself gradually developing a distain (bitterness might be the word I'm looking for) for the unblemished mannequins whom are draped in the very goodies that keep me awake at night. Am I alone in my archaic opinion that a piece of cloth is no more or less desirable on the shoulders of perfection... Lust is born from the textile itself and its craftsmanship not the mundane and benign pre-pubescent frolicking model. Times are changing and our obsession with street style photography proves the very point that we take more interest in what Average joe and Jane are wearing than 6ft jack and Jill.  I, we spy with my little i embrace my imperfections (not so true when it comes to my monobrow) and I revel in all my average traits. One such designer whom agrees is Dana lee, She says NO to the predictable and says YES to the flawed. Her spring summer look book not only features a simple yet inspired collection but a cast of misfits whom don't fit the ideals of Wintour and chums. I applaud Dana Lee for championing the masses.... All in favour say aye!

Pics courtesy of Dana Lee