Sunday, October 11, 2009

First Look: Martin + Osa


I just got a first look at the new arrivals over at Martin + Osa, and I must say that I'm really excited and proud of the brand. Their imaginations and creativity must be moving at the same rate as their lives are in motion. Flirty and fun tops for women, paired with rugged motorcycle inspired jackets, mixed with classic coats, dashed with a few sequins and the perfectly placed ruffle. For men, I'm loving the utilitarian nature with a stylish side for the outwear. It's the vintage inspired military jacket you actually want to wear because it fits perfectly in all the right places. Casual coolness is woven into the plaid and stripes, and there's even a washed tuxedo style shirt. Tshirts offered are just as expected - interesting enough to catch your eye, but not so busy that you get motion sickness trying to figure out just what exactly that graphic is supposed to be. And the fabric - like your favourite tshirt, from the very beginning. Not exactly thrilled with the limited and lackluster accessories for men, but the pizazz and panache of the double dyed khaki wash straight fit denim definitely makes up for this! Here's what I love:



Double-Dye Khaki Wash
Style: 3410/1096
US$89,50

STYLE:
This is an every guy, everyday jean. A rise that sits at the waist makes this fit comfortable and completely versatile.
FIT:
• Sits at waist
• Easy through the hip + thigh
• 17" narrows at leg opening
• Five-pocket style

FABRIC:
• 100% cotton, 11 oz.
• Tacking at waist + pockets


Wash Details
WHISKERING refers to the lines that naturally develop on denim when worn over + over before washing. They are creases that form behind the knees, to the sides of the zipper and at the top of the thigh. We apply whiskering by hand to lend a well-worn look to a new pair of jeans.
SANDING is the action of scraping away the top layer of dye from the jean. We do it by hand with fine grain sandpaper for the most precise results.
• Logo button, rivets, embroidery, patch
• Machine wash





Waxed Nylon Motorcycle Jacket
Style: 3820/2180
US$170.00

STYLE:
Inspired by authentic motorcycle gear + outfitted with a quilted lining for warmth, this jacket in water-resistant waxed nylon is the ultimate in roadworthy winter style.
FIT:
• Modern slim fit
• Covered zip + snap placket
• Elbow patches, snap cuffs with gussets
• Five zip welt pockets
• Hem hits at hip
FABRIC:
• Shell: 100% PU waxed nylon
• Lining: 100% cotton jersey
• Midweight
• Felt lining inside collar
• Machine wash




Zip Mac
Style: 3830/2185
US$240.00

STYLE:
A quilted lining + a zip/snap placket transform the classic trench coat into a cold-weather essential. Water-resistant cotton-poly handles the elements in style.
FIT:
• Modern slim fit
• Covered zip + snap placket
• Adjustable snap cuffs
• Outer vertical welt pockets
• Vented button hem hits mid-thigh
FABRIC:
• Shell: 65% cotton, 35% polyester
• Lining: 65% polyester, 35% cotton
• Midweight
• Interior leather piping
• Dry clean





Double-Layer Poplin Workshirt
Style: 3315/7001
US$69.50

STYLE:
Washed for softness + detailed with a nod to its heritage, our vintage double-layer shirt is your new favorite, inspired by a workwear essential.
FIT:
• Straight collar
• One-button cuffs
• Two chest patch pockets with buttons
• Shirttail hem with side-seam gussets
• Hits at hip
FABRIC:
• Double-layer cotton
• Navy plaid exterior
• Black check interior
• Double-needle stitching
• Machine wash




White Tuxedo Shirt

Style: 3330/7994
US$79.50


Winter Trench
Style: 1840/0332
US$195.00
STYLE:
A button-out metallic lining + overlapping lapels transform our seasonless favorite into a chic essential for cold weather. The fitted silhouette gives it feminine style.
FIT:
• Fitted silhouette, removable self-belt
• Metal button placket, overlapping lapels
• Hook-and-eye closure at spread collar
• Adjustable cuff belts, button pockets
• Vented button-tab hem falls above knee
FABRIC:
• Shell: 64% cotton, 36% nylon
• Button lining: 100% quilted polyester
• Midweight
• Gun flap, storm yoke, epaulettes
• Dry clean



Sheer Layered Tank
Style: 1110/8395
US$49.50

STYLE:
Asymmetrical tiers of ruffled fabric give this fashion-forward tank pattern + soft texture.

FIT:
• Easy-fit, slight A-line silhouette
• Scoop neck with button keyhole at back
• 1" shoulder straps
• Shaped hem hits at low hip

FABRIC:
• 65% polyester, 35% rayon
• Lightweight
• Top-applied layered tiers of self-fabric
• Machine wash

Instantly revs up the flirtiness and fun to otherwise boring pants suits. Perfectly professional when paired with a great wool gray skirt and navy or black cardigan, and but equally as exciting with your favourite denim and a jacket for night.




Long-Sleeve Cascade Ruffle Tee
Style: 1140/8394
US$44.50

STYLE:
Raw-edge ruffles of silk chiffon add delicate texture to the long + lean silhouette of this feminine tee.
FIT:
• Long + lean silhouette
• V-neck
• Long sleeves
• Raw-edge hem hits at low hip

FABRIC:
• 100% modal
• Lightweight
• Ruffle detail with silk chiffon layer
• Machine wash

I definitely recommend putting this under a great black or navy pants suit for the office, and then easily transitioning from day to night by throwing on your favourite denim and keeping the blazer and shirt on. Add sexy heels, a light and airy scarf, and your favourite bag - and the night is yours to own!


Denim Western Shirt
Murky Depth Wash
Style: 1310/6511
US$79.50

STYLE:
Finished by hand for a lived-in look + feel, our western denim shirt is updated with a fitted silhouette + authentic details like pearl snap buttons + a curved back yoke.
FIT:
• Fitted silhouette with princess seams
• Pearl snap-button placket
• Straight collar, one-snap cuffs
• Two patch snap-flap pockets
• Shirttail hem hits at low hip
FABRIC:
• 100% cotton
• Lightweight, soft feel
• Subtle grinding on collar + cuffs
• Interior tonal piping in collar + cuffs
• Machine wash

I love this shirt. To add a splash of colour and character, I'd wear this shirt with a bright yellow or orange tank underneath and leave a few more buttons undone for a casual luxe. Keep the sleeves a little more unrolled and even a little sloppier for a less formal feel. To emphasize the vintage feel and texture of the fabric, I'd pair this amazing shirt with white pants, or even tuck it in to a great white skirt and accessorize with chunky brown leather belt. Just keep the western accessories and appeal to a minimum, or you'll look more like you belong at a rodeo show and less like on Rodeo Drive.

Ponte Button Tab Skirt
Style: 1750/2068
US$79.50

STYLE:
A sophisticated mini in softly pleated ponte with a touch of stretch. Button tabs on a shaped yoke + slant pockets add feminine trouser detailing.
FIT:
• Slight A-line silhouette sits at waist
• Side zip with mini hook-and-eye
• Shaped front yoke with button tabs
• Front slant pockets
• Hem falls to mid-thigh

FABRIC:
• 86% viscose, 12% nylon, 2% spandex
• Lightweight, soft feel
• Front + back pleats below waistband
• Woven trim inside waistband + hem
• Dry clean

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Joseph, as per usual you are 'on top of it!". I love the mens double dipped jean...my good friend Marko needs some new stuff! THANK YOU for including me in your blog. I love it.

Tanis