In the extremely wooly image above can be seen a pair of Afghan slipper socks. They are also called ‘BUSKASI’ and are exactly the footwear for a lazy weekend spent indoors. This current incarnation is a modification on traditional tribal footwear and was developed in the ’60s by an enterprising merchant who added the leather sole, changed the heel shape, and set up a cottage industry of war widows knitting unravelled blankets and sweaters provided by foreign aid organizations. Today they are 70% wool and 30% rayon and available in all conceivable colour combinations. Readers unable to find them at their local fair trade importers can buy them online through a website that will try to cater to particular colour requests.
THE DAILY RECOMMENDATIONS
SLIPPER SOCKS FROM AFGHANISTAN
SIXTEEN JANUARY, TWO THOUSAND AND TEN
THIS WEEK
THE LIBRARY OF PREVIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS
THE MAGAZINE
THE MAGAZINE
N° 14
AUTUMN & WINTER 2011
The new, 14th issue of FANTASTIC MAN features the phenomenal fashion designer Mr. RAF SIMONS on the cover. Photographed at his home in Antwerp, RAF is seen wearing select pieces by RAF SIMONS and JIL SANDER – both brands he designs for. Other interesting men profiled in this issue include: the fabulous magician Mr. DAVID COPPERFIELD, the interior-decorator extraordinaire Mr. RICKY CLIFTON and the hailed London-based chef Mr. YOTAM OTTOLENGHI. Furthermore, FANTASTIC MAN explores new grounds in CHINA through a 37-page fashion reportage inspired by the stylistic characteristics of the men of Beijing. The remainder of the 268-page issue is full of absorbing stories, photographs of some gloriously useless PAPERWEIGHTS, style investigations, tips and tricks for the upcoming Autumn and Winter seasons, and a delightful new format in which we have conducted insightful conversations with three gentlemen of note: KIM JONES, DIRK SCHÖNBERGER and JOHNNY MARR, the famed guitarist of THE SMITHS. This new section is aptly titled ‘THE CONVERSATIONS’. Order now
FANTASTIC EVENTS
A REVISIT OF FABULOUS EVENINGS HOSTED BY FANTASTIC MAN
Periodically, FANTASTIC MAN hosts a marvellous dinner, proper cocktail or a full-out rumbling party. Please find below a small selection of past events that took place at rather exquisite locations around the globe.
An Intimate Cocktail, New York 2011 Disco Dance Party, New York 2011 The Super Show, Berlin 2010 The Super Show, London 2010 Absolut Fantastic, London 2009 No Labels, Stockholm 2009 Fantastic Man Fragnance Launch, Paris 2009 Fantastic Man No. 8 Dinner, London 2008 The Gentleman’s Jeans Launch, Paris 2008 Fantastic Man No. 2, NYC 2005 Fantastic Man No. 2, Paris 2005
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CONTACT
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THE SHOP
THE SHOP
CURRENT & BACK ISSUES
FANTASTIC MAN may be purchased conveniently online. Most recent issue No. 14, for Fall and Winter 2011, features Mr. RAF SIMONS on the cover. A number of back issues are also available, including issues No. 13, No. 12, No. 10, No. 9 and No. 6. All orders are handled by Bruil & van de Staaij and can be delivered worldwide. Order now
SUBSCRIPTIONS
SIMPLY THE BEST WAY TO OBTAIN FANTASTIC MAN
Subscriptions are available worldwide. A one year subscription of two issues will be €20 for Europe, $22 for the USA and $32 for the rest of the world (airmail). Please visit our subscription service BRUIL & VAN DE STAAIJ to get your subscription on-line, or e-mail to info@bruil.info for more information. For subscriptions in the USA, please visit EXPRESSMAG.
UNDERWEAR
Underwear is generally worn beneath another layer of garments and thus aptly called ‘underwear’. These delicious mesh numbers, seen above on three particularly athletic chaps, are the result of a collaboration between THE WHITE BRIEFS and FANTASTIC MAN. Made from lovely organic cotton the briefs, vest and T-shirt, are available to order from The White Briefs, and are available to purchase in shops round the globe. Whether they are received as presents, or bought for one’s self, they are to be worn – in any case – with utter joy. Order now
SHOPPING TIPS
The fourth edition of THE GENTLEWOMAN features fascinating conversations with women who are masters of their respective crafts, like actress Olivia Williams, author Jennifer Egan, fashion recruitment mogul Floriane de Saint Pierre, CEO Apollonia Poilâne, jewellery designer Gaia Repossi and actress Sofie Gråbøl. On a different note, the BUTT 2012 calendar features 47 hot guys, 3 particularly handsome statues and one suggestive helmet photographed by twelve BUTT friends such as Wolfgang Tillmans, Alasdair McLellan and David Benjamin Sherry. Furthermore, after a two-year hiatus, BUTT 29 is here. The extra thick, double issue is spread out over 144 pink pages. This issue of BUTT is a gay guy's A-to-Z of hot and fascinating homos.
(All orders are handled by our distributor Bruil & van de Staaij, or Vrolijk.nu)
COMMENTS
john:
if that triangle pattern were green, these would be perfect as christmas joke gifts.
Capstick:
If you want to kill the love and passion, go and buy your “Buskasi” right now!
Elvis:
Imagine living in a place with extremely cold floors. That’s my place.
You could wear those old man slippers or something a little bit more playful!
I know I had a pair of these stashed away somewhere in the exact colour and pattern as above. When I found them and pulled them on i remembered just how comfortable they were and how warm they can get!
Your feet will never be happier than inside these knitted Cadilac’s!
Barry Sockman:
They are quite simply sex-on-a-stick my bemused & bewildered friends! Several pairs have found their way into my possession & the ladies just won’t leave me alone…& whatsmore, your toesies will be cosy as never before…I know what you’re thinkin’ & yes, I am a slightly camp Afghan sock salesman! But everything I say is true! Ask my many wives. Buy them now & your inner hippy will rejoice! Your inner punk will probably recoil in shame, but who cares? You’ll have warm feet!