This is a recommendation that will serve as a reminder for those in the United States of America, as news for those in the United Kingdom, and as a matter of jealousy for everyone else. Last September, the fragrance BLACK FLEECE BY BROOKS BROTHERS launched in New York to compliment the clothing line of the same name designed by Mr. THOM BROWNE. It is the first scent that Mr. BROWNE has worked on, and it is immediately lovable, being classic while also fruity. The bottle is a handsome creation and worth objectifying on its own. Outside of the US, the fragrance is now available at the BROOKS BROTHERS store on Regent Street in London, and will soon also be on sale at HARRODS before entering into wider distribution three months later.
THE DAILY RECOMMENDATIONS
SPRING SCENT EXTRAVAGANZA #2
BLACK FLEECE
TWENTY SEVEN APRIL, 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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THE SHOP
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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
Lineage of Influence:
It is a lovely looking object, nice shape, great colour. I might pop to BB today to see what it actually smells like.
World Man About Town:
Stampede to Brooks Brothers!
Mr Cheap Date:
The bottle looks like something I’d keep Granny CheapDate’s ashes in. In a good way natch.
Mr Cheap Date:
Any aroma update yet, Mr ofInfluence/ Mr AboutTown? Your public awaits…
Anders:
I read that Black Fleece was nominated for a Fifi Award for Best Fragrance Packaging, which sounds like a hoot in itself. I don’t know if it actually got the award but this bottle looks great. I love grey porcelain.
World Man About Town:
I actually like the bottle. There is a certain retro-apothecary element to it.
There is a lovely perfume shop in Havana (Cuba) called Habana 1791, where you buy the scent you want that they mix to the strength you wish and they bottle it in porcelain bottles similar to this.
lineage of influence:
I might try and get there today if work doesn’t get in the way again.
World Man About Town:
I have tried it and my veredict is not that exciting. This is part of the retro-50s, barber-scent, Mad-Men inspired scent that is just lazy, conservative and too traditional for me. It reminds me of the intention of last year’s Prada for men toappeal to a segment of the market looking for post-modern perfume varieties. I am still a fan of citrus, flower, and powerful, well-balanced scents. This was over in my skin and my appreciation in five minutes.
Mr Cheap Date:
Oh dear. How disappointing. Kind of like the fragrance version of the party leaders’ debates. Looks like it’s all about the bottle. Once again, paralleling the party leaders. Spooky! Thanks for the info Mr Town.
World Man About Town:
But Mr Cheap Date, these things are very personal, so you should try it. Not for me, though.