New Breitling Breitling Exospace B55 Connected

December, 2015 Breitling is pleased to announce its most innovative watch, the Breitling Exospace B55 Connected. The new connected chronograph is developed, assembled and tested in Switzerland, and exemplifies how the smartphone can work with the watch to improve functionality and user-friendliness

With two-way communication between the two, the Breitling Exospace B55 Connected multi-function electronic chronograph also receives notifications of the smartphone’s incoming emails, messages (SMS, WhatsApp) or phone calls (with caller’s name or number) as well as reminders of upcoming appointments. Exospace B55 users can utilize their smartphone to perform certain adjustments (time-setting, time zones, alarms, display and operating parameters, night mode). Conversely, the user can upload from the chronograph to the smartphone the results of various measurements (flight times, recorded times with split times, lap times, etc.) so as to be able to read them more easily, store them or share them via email.

The cutting-edge Exospace B55 was unveiled to a select group of Breitling guests, international visitors and press last night at Breitling’s flagship boutique, with Breitling Vice President Jean Paul Girardin and Breitling Brand Ambassador and astronaut Mark Kelly introducing the landmark watch.

“The latest Breitling instrument in a long line of technical innovation, the Breitling Exospace B55 watch remains the absolute master.” said Jean-Paul Girardin, Vice President, Breitling. “It was pure logic to use the technology of connectivity with a smartphone to enhance the functionality of our chronographs with truly useful and easy to use functions.”

“If we consider Breitling’s heritage, we can see that they have a long history of developing cutting edge technology,” said Mark Kelly, Breitling Brand Ambassador and former astronaut. “The Exospace B55 Connected is the latest chapter in their storied history.

The Breitling Exospace B55 is currently available at Breitling Boutiques and select retailers.


Exospace B55: Breitling Reinvents the Connected Watch

In creating its first connected chronograph, Breitling has applied a new philosophy placing the smartphone in the service of the watch so as to enhance its functionality and user-friendliness. With the Exospace B55, the brand reaffirms its position in the vanguard of electronics. The instrument of the future, designed for aviation professionals.

Performance is Breitling’s leitmotif in each of its technical advancements. It was also the core driver for the brand in developing its first connected chronograph. There was no question of turning a watch into an extension dependent on a smartphone yet less efficient than the latter. The chronograph remains the absolute master and the connection is primarily designed to improve its functionality. Two-way communication enables the two instruments to form a perfectly complementary pair in which each is used for what it does best. Since the main assets of a smartphone are its screen and its ergonomic interface, owners of the Exospace B55 can use their phone to perform certain adjustments (time-setting, timezones, alarms, display and operating parameters, night mode). The result is a considerable gain in comfort and efficiency. Conversely, the user can upload from the chronograph to the smartphone the results of various measurements (flight times, recorded times with split times, lap times, etc.) so as to be able to read them more easily, store them or pass them on. The new connected watch system devised by Breitling thus facilitates the use of the chronograph functions, in keeping with the spirit of authentic instruments for professionals. An authentic life companion, the Exospace B55 multifunction electronic chronograph also receives notifications of the smartphone’s incoming emails, messages (SMS, WhatsApp) or phone calls (with caller’s name or number) as well as reminders of upcoming appointments.

The ultimate pilot’s instrument

This next-generation chronograph is distinguished by its resolutely technical design featuring a sturdy and light titanium case equipped with a rotating bezel complete with rider tabs, and an exclusive TwinPro strap in two-tone rubber. This compendium of innovations houses an exclusive Caliber B55 with analog and digital display, equipped with a range of original functions tailor-made for pilots. These include an electronic tachymeter, a chronograph recording up to 50 split times and a countdown/countup system that is useful in enabling a sequence of countdown and timing operations. An eminently aviation-oriented “chrono flight” device serves to record “block times” (times elapsed from the moment the plane begins to taxi towards takeoff through to when it comes to a halt at the end of a mission) and flight times, while memorizing departure dates and times, arrival times, as well as takeoff and landing times (Block and Flight Times functions). User-friendliness is enhanced by a particularly simple and logical control mode, involving function selection by rotating the crown, and activation/deactivation by means of two pushpieces. The two ultra-legible LCD (liquid crystal display) screens feature a backlighting system that may be activated merely by pressing the crown – or when the user tilts his wrist at a more than 35° angle (Tilt function) – that proves particularly effective when the hand is gripping aircraft controls or a steering wheel. Powered by a rechargeable battery system, the exclusive new multifunction Breitling Caliber B55, a SuperQuartzTM movement ten times more accurate than standard quartz, is chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute). A surefire means of charting a course towards precision, reliability and performance.

Movement: Manufacture Breitling Caliber B55, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC, thermocompensated SuperQuartzTM, analog and digital 12/24-hour LC backlit display. 1/100th of a second chronograph, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), Countdown/Countup (or MET Mission Elapsed Time), flight time chronograph, lap timer chronograph, electronic tachymeter, countdown, 2nd timezone, 7 daily alarms, perpetual calendar with week display, battery change indicator. Case: black titanium. Water-resistant to 100 m/330 ft. Unidirectional ratcheted rotating bezel. Sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides. Diameter: 46 mm. Dial: Volcano black. Strap: TwinPro.

Iconic 20th Century Luggage Brand is Back!

Wall Street Briefcase

December 2015 NYC, Belber, the Philadelphia-born trunk maker and luggage specialist that became the world’s largest luggage manufacturer in the first half of the 20th century, returns as a unisex leather goods brand after being dormant for four decades. Belber will launch its first line of bags and accessories inthe21st century in December 2015, bringing the original brand and its values back to life.

From the start, almost 125 years ago, Aaron and Henry Belber created products for women and men alike. Asearlyasthe20’s, the Belber team included women in the creation of patents and innovations. Function was always at the heart of the brand and Belber wanted to offer the same functional features to both men and women. This first collection, “A New York Diary”, is a resolutely unisex line of bags and small leather goods for the professional urban traveler. Inspired by the colorful experiences of the mysterious Mr. and Ms. Belber indifferent corners of the City across the four seasons (represented by its first four color combinations),the full range will be available online from December 2015 on www.belber.com. Authorized retailers launching inSpringSummer2016 will be announced soon.


Wall Street Briefcase

Bringing a contemporary, qualitative, fresh take on bags and accessories for the modern professional without gender distinction, Belber is aimed at urbanites whose dynamic lifestyles call for products that perfectly combine style and function with a twist of humor and aesthetic surprise. In true Belber tradition, the first capsule is elegant and understated, impeccably crafted, rich in color contrasts and with great attention to detail in the finishing touches. Clear but subtle brand markers give each item a strong identity without altering the clean designs. The new Belber maintains the essence and inspiration of some of the original vintage iconic pieces from the 1940s and translate them into a product that fits the needs of today’s customer.

 

About the Brand

Belber is a love story with the best from the past, as modern as tomorrow and relevant today. Since1891, the Belber name has been synonymous with style, functionality and innovation at accessible price points with in the high-end leather goods market. Founded in1891, by Aaron and Henry Belber, the brand is a fascinating journey of creativity and business excellence across family generations of European descent and American spirit.

Currently, led by a group of entrepreneurs with decades of experience in the Luxury and Fashion industry, the new team has turned a passion for unique, timeless pieces into a vibrant first line of essentials of undeniable quality and craftsmanship. Belber’s voice is currently in New York, its heritage remains in Philadelphia and the team operates between the USA and Hong Kong.

For more information on the brand, please contact Olga Dolapsakis at press@belber.com or visit the company’s website:

www.belber.com

Indochino Seizes the Spirit of Sprezzatura

Thursday, 23 April - Vancouver, BC - Know the rules and how to break them: Sprezzatura embodies the look of Indochino’s new collection as it continues to dominate the custom suit revolution. Summer 2015, launching today, debuts quintessential menswear looks juxtaposed with vivid colors and graphic patterns to create the appearance of effortless style.

“Sprezzatura is about having fun and living life with gusto. It’s an absence of fear in regards to color, pattern and texture and their shameless combinations,” said Tom Kearnan, Indochino’s Director of Merchandise. “Taking color cues in the natural world and architectural elements from urban cityscapes, we set the bar for summer sartorialism.

“Completing this conceptual campaign is some of the most vividly arresting photography we’ve captured in recent years as we evoke the spirit of Sprezzatura.”

Lightweight fabrics seamlessly transition the wearer from warm days to crisp nights. Cut from cotton, linen, wool and luxurious wool blends, Indochino’s suits offer comfort and breathability that will remain cool in the heat of summer. Fresh patterns and colorful highlights add a contemporary twist to taupes, slates and indigos. Featured pieces include the Taupe Windowpane Suit, Slate Blue Birdseye Suit and Luxury Indigo Stripe Suit.

Statement pieces include rakish patterned jackets and vibrant cotton shirts, setting the wearer apart from the crowd whilst integrating into any wardrobe. Highlights are the Forest Green Pebbleweave Blazer, Textured Indigo Windowpane Blazer, White Dot Shirt and Blue and Yellow Dobby Shirt.

The essence of Sprezzatura manifests in whimsical accessories such as silk bicycle-print ties in pink, aquamarine and navy, multi-dot ties in teal and gray, and patterned pocket squares in a cornucopia of colors.

Suits start at $449 USD and shirts at $79 USD, making Sprezzatura achievable for everyone. The collection is available now at www.indochino.com and in Indochino showrooms.



About Indochino

Indochino (www.indochino.com) is a worldwide leader in custom men's apparel helping guys in their pursuit of success by offering well-fitting and beautifully designed clothing that is high in quality, fairly priced and risk free. All Indochino garments are made-to-order, with more than 30 complimentary suit customizations and over 20 shirt customizations including monogramming, linings, buttons, lapel- and vent-style and more. Suits start from $449 USD and shirts from $79 USD.


The Indochino showroom is a place for men to shop the brand in person. Showrooms display the brand’s full offering of suit and shirt fabrics and accessories. Customers work individually with an Indochino Style Guide who assists them with measurements and suit design options. The finished suit is shipped to the store or the customer’s home, with customers invited to return for a second fitting to perfect fit. Indochino opened its first showroom in Vancouver in 2014 and has since opened locations in Toronto, New York, San Francisco and Philadelphia.

Content and pictures courtesy of:

Sarah Mayer
Indochino
sarahmayer@indochino.com

Ziggy and Stephen Marley for John Varvatos S/S2015 Video

January 6, 2015, New York, NY — John Varvatos is proud to feature Ziggy Marley and Stephen Marley in the Spring 2015 advertising campaign. The legendary black and white imagery was shot in Austin, Texas by distinguished rock photographer Danny Clinch. Dressed in John Varvatos tailored clothing, the Marley Brothers were photographed for a timeless family portrait.A six-time Grammy winner, Emmy winner, humanitarian, singer, songwriter and producer, Ziggy Marley has released twelve albums to much critical acclaim. Ziggy’s musical immersion came at an early age when he sat in on his father’s recording sessions at the age of ten. Since then, he has released 8 best selling albums as front man of Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers and has released five solo albums. Stephen "Ragga" Marley is the second eldest son of the reggae legend Bob Marley and Rita Marley. He was raised in Kingston, Jamaica and began singing professionally at seven-years old with his older siblings Ziggy, Sharon and Cedella, as The Melody Makers . The singer, songwriter, musician, and producer has consecutively landed #1 on the U.S. Billboard Reggae Album Chart for his solo album and earning a total of eight Grammys (two as a producer) for Best Reggae Album.

The John Varvatos Spring 2015 ad campaign marks another milestone in the brothers’ careers. “‘It’s always better when I’m able to do projects with my younger brother,’ Ziggy explains. ‘I don’t dress up very often, but when I do, I wear John Varvatos.’” Stephen Marley adds, “From the jungle to the palace, John is a lion!” According to Stephen Niedzwiecki, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of YARD and longtime Varvatos collaborator, “We wanted to strip down the concept of the image to a purely a beautiful, truthful portrait of two siblings. Just them. Nothing else. We wanted their faces and their body language to naturally express their bond and love for one another as brothers and music collaborators.” John Varvatos adds, “The Marley family is legendary. Ziggy Marley and Stephen Marley are carrying on this legacy in their own authentic way. Working with them has been incredibly inspiring. They are truly a magical family.”



Additionally, on February 5th a documentary-style short film conceived by YARD and directed by Clinch will debut on JohnVarvatos.com in celebrations of their father’s 70th birthday, which is the following day. “There is a spirit of freedom and rebelliousness in Marley’s music. Ziggy and Stephen carry on these traditions with great pride. Whether dressed up or dressed down, it doesn’t matter, their sense of self and style is legendary just like their father and this comes across in the short film,” says Danny Clinch. In the brand’s Spring 2015 campaign, Ziggy Marley wears a black crocodile jacquard two-button peak lapel Jake tuxedo, black linen henley, and black Ricards dress shoe. Stephen Marley wears a black one button peak lapel Austin tuxedo, grey classic fit dress shirt, black silk tie, and black Richard cap-toe dress shoe. This latest John Varvatos campaign follows 21 seasons conceived by Yard and photographed by Danny Clinch, all of which underscore the brand’s affinity for rock ‘n’ roll style-makers. Past collaborators include Ringo Starr, KISS, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Page and Gary Clark Jr., Paul Weller and Miles Kane, Green Day, The Roots, Dave Matthews, ZZ Top, Franz Ferdinand, Perry Farrell, Cheap Trick, Alice Cooper, Velvet Revolver, Iggy Pop, Chris Cornell, Joe Perry, Ryan Adams and Slash.




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ABOUT JOHN VARVATOS: Launched in 2000 with a collection of tailored clothing and sportswear, John Varvatos now represents an entire men’s lifestyle that includes footwear, bags, belts, eyewear, limited edition watches, men’s fragrances, and John Varvatos U.S.A. Collection and Boys’ line, as well as Converse by John Varvatos. The designer has been recognized three times by the CFDA with an American Fashion Award for New Menswear Designer (June 2000) and Menswear Designer of the Year (June 2001 and June 2005) and was honored as GQ’s “Designer of the Year” in 2007 and The CNN Style Award’s “Menswear Designer of the Year” in 2013. In October 2013, John released his first book entitled John Varvatos: Rock in Fashion , which documents the elements of rock style that are intrinsic in the music community. Further rooting the brand in music, John Varvatos entered into a strategic partnership with Republic Records to formally launch John Varvatos Records in February 2014. The collection is distributed in freestanding John Varvatos boutiques and better department stores throughout the world.
Visit us at www.johnvarvatos.com 

ABOUT ZIGGY MARLEY: A six-time Grammy winner, Emmy Winner, humanitarian, singer, songwriter and producer, Ziggy Marley has released twelve albums to much critical acclaim. His early immersion in music came at age ten when he sat in on recording sessions with his father, Bob Marley. As front man to Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers, the group released eight best-selling albums that garnered three Grammys, with such chart-topping hits as "Look Who’s Dancing," "Tomorrow People" and "Tumbling Down." Ziggy's first solo album, Dragonfly (RCA Records), was released in 2003. His second solo release, Love is My Religion (Tuff Gong Worldwide), won a Grammy in 2006 for “Best Reggae Album.” His third solo album, Family Time (Tuff Gong Worldwide), scored him a 5th Grammy award for “Best Children’s Album.” In 2011, Ziggy released his critically acclaimed 4th studio album Wild And Free, which earned him a Grammy nomination, as well as his first ever comic book entitled MARIJUANAMAN. Ziggy Marley Organics, a GMO-free product line including flavored coconut oils and hemp seed snacks, was started in 2012.

The products are distributed throughout the US and are available in over 1000 stores nationwide. His 2012 live album “Ziggy Marley In Concert,” recently earned him his 6th Grammy award for “Best Reggae Album.” To coincide with the release of his latest album “Fly Rasta,” (which is also nominated for a 2015 GRAMMY Award) Ziggy released his debut children’s book “I Love You Too,” a coproduction of Akashic Books and Tuff Gong Worldwide. The multicultural picture book is based on one of Ziggy’s most beloved songs of the same title from his Grammy Award-winning album “Family Time,” which explores a child’s relationship with parents, nature and the unstoppable force of love. Involved with a breadth of charities, Ziggy leads his own, U.R.G.E. (Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment), a non-profit organization that benefits efforts in Jamaica, Ethiopia and other developing nations. The charity’s missions range from building new schools to operating health clinics to supporting charities like Mary’s Child, a center for abused and neglected girls. Visit Ziggy online at www.ziggymarley.com. Follow Ziggy on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, MySpace and Google+.

ABOUT STEPHEN MARLEY: Stephen "Ragga" Marley is the second eldest son of reggae legend Bob Marley and Rita Marley. He was raised in Kingston, Jamaica and started singing professionally at seven-years old with his elder siblings Ziggy, Sharon and Cedella as The Melody Makers. The singer/songwriter/musician/producer has consecutively landed #1 on the U.S. Billboard Reggae Album Chart for all of his solo albums and has earned a total of eight Grammys for Best Reggae Album. He won this accolade as a solo artist for Mind Control, Min d Control Acoustic and Revelation Part I: The Root of Life, as producer for Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley’s Half Way Tree and Welcome To Jamrock and as a member of Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers for Conscious Party, One Bright Day and Fallen Is Babylon . His forthcoming album Revelation Part II: The Fruit of Life , will be released on Ghetto Youths International, his label co-owned with his brothers Damian and Julian.

The album is the second installment in a two part series, following Revelation Part I: The Root of Life (2012). Whereas The Root of Life is a celebration and preservation of roots reggae filled with powerful messages, enriching spirit and live instrumentation, The Fruit of Life will utilize a diversified sonic palette to express the far-reaching impact Jamaican music has had on various genres, especially hip hop. The new album features a variety of guest collaborations with Rick Ross, Dead Prez, Rakim, DJ Khaled, Busta Rhymes, Wyclef Jean, Shaggy, Black Thought (of The Roots), Bounty Killer, Sizzla, Capleton, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Ky-mani Marley, Jo Mersa and more. In 2014, Stephen toured the United States throughout the spring and summer to gear up for the release of the upcoming album. Visit Stephen online at https://twitter.com/stephenmarley and Facebook 

ABOUT DANNY CLINCH: An acclaimed music photographer and documentary filmmaker, Clinch has captured some of the most recognizable names in music, including Cash, Springsteen, Dylan and Tupac, just to name a few. The organic feel and texture of his work lets the subjects breathe and the music flow. His work has appeared in such publications as Vanity Fair, Spin, Rolling Stone, GQ, Esquire, the New Yorker and the New York Times Magazine, and his photographs have appeared on hundreds of album covers. For more information, please visit dannyclinch.com 

ABOUT YARD: As strategic image-makers, YARD employs a parallel approach to incorporating creativity and strategy into defining and executing stylish multi-platform campaigns for fashion, beauty, luxury lifestyle and entertainment brands. An agency of brand storytellers and stewards, YARD acts as a true extension of its clients’ teams, leveraging deep consumer insights to create and revitalize brands. For more information, please visit.www.yardnyc.com
 
Press Contact: John Varvatos James Schuck JamesSchuck@johnvarvatos.com
Tuff Gong Worldwide Michelle Rodriguez michelle@tuffgongworldwide.com

John Varvatos Fall/Winter 2015 Men's Collection

John Varvatos has always sought to distinguish his contributions to men's fashion from everyone else's by creating looks that were rich with edginess, sharp tailoring and refined fabrics. And, this season he doesn't disappoint with his new fall and winter 2015 line "A Dandy in New York", the styles are classic Varvatos and they represent everything that has made him a maverick in the industry.

“A Dandy in New York,” is how John Varvatos describes his Fall/Winter 2015 men’s collection. “I was inspired by Bob Dylan in the Sixties, his influence went beyond his music and reached a stylish and timeless elegance. Dylan could be any cool young guy today in the iconic Richard Avedon photo, walking with a contemporary awareness of style and ease. The Poet’s Walk in New York’s Central Park is the ideal scenario for this collection, created for the guy who wants to dress up, mixing rocker chic wardrobe pieces and elements of a masculine and utilitarian aesthetic. The result is a unique and evergreen figure, characterized by details and accents that become synonymous with a sophisticated, yet casual concept of cool elegance. A well-defined silhouette, simultaneously perfect and comfortable with soft and intense fabrics, refined colors and precious and energetic accessories, draws a perfect and constantly flawless figure.”

A yearning for ease, spontaneity and an everlasting naturalness dominates the Fall/Winter collection, which is a celebration of a universal way of being dandy, of lightness and of a quintessentially casualness of masculine attitude. The idea of an informal and stylish man and a wardrobe with innovative energy this season is multiplied and reinforced with the iconic John Varvatos sophisticated rock-n-roll sensibility. The silhouette is sleek and strong, yet constantly comfortable with unexpected accents: trousers are cut shorter to show boot details and paired with slightly long single-breasted jackets to complete the solid look, giving it a youthful patina of elegance.

Elements of formal wardrobe are interpreted in new and precious alternation: suits are enriched with hand beading on jacket lapels and on the side of sartorial-cut trousers. Utilitarian details on solid, but still modernized on jackets, punctuate the cosmopolitan figure. Jacquard fabrics express the dandy attitude, as well as, irregular and shifting dots printed in cashmere to strengthen timeless suits and warm knits. Trousers add a proud patina to the look: stretch leather jeans are paired with flawless camel coats or with cashmere-wool sweaters enriched by leather finishing, thus creating an assertively tough twist.

The play of texture completes the idea of a return to a kind of formal casualness with a constant dash of toughness and youth; the clean lines are intensified by the firm focus on the fabrics. Hand stained leather; suede and extra-light shearling evoke an easy attitude in a new, sophisticated, yet everyday life interpretation. Sleek and modern short coats are worn on top of suits: a light nappa leather, as well as, tweed or plaid cashmere sport urban details like zippers or soft leather belts. This gives a visual emphasis on the waist. Motorbike jackets punctuate the outwear pieces as a celebration of this loose, romantic attitude. Knitwear completes many outfits adding a dash of fantasy: sweaters in salt-and-pepper create a wool effect; masculine turtlenecks are worn under classic suits or biker jackets, as well as, formal coats.

The colors span from classic black to charcoal tones, as well as, chocolate, wine and tobacco. The palette is highlighted by sober and elegant camel and natural vicuna colors; intense greys and nightly tones dominate the whole collection. Fabrics are precious, yet roughly lived in, intense and tactile: wool, cashmere, nappa leather, shearling, suede, brushed vacchetta and embossed calfskin give a rich textured quality to create a timeless, yet unexpected mix for a forward-looking, masculine figure.

Accessories complete this flawless yet relaxed look. A new silhouette for boots features a narrow toe, metal chunky zippers and strong unexpected sculpted heels done in suede, burnished leathers and rich fabrics from tailoring to strengthen the stylish allure, in addition to iconic leather motorcycle boots enriched with metal details. Leopard printed weekend bags, fingerless gloves in leather or dark wool, and checked top hats enrich the confident look. Oversized, Dylan inspired sunglasses and sartorial tweed guitar cases are the final elements to add a stylish twist.



Pictures and content courtesy of:

john varvatos
26 West 17th Street, 12th floor
New York NY 10011
phone: 212.812.8050
www.johnvarvatos.com