Supreme Düsseldorf
From Saturday 4th to Tuesday 7th February, Smart Turnout will be exhibiting their A/W 2012 Collection at the Supreme Show in Düsseldorf.
Find us at:
Stand no. 3D12
Supreme
Bennigsen Platz 1
Kaiserswertherstraße / Ecke Karl-Arnold-Platz
40474 Düsseldorf
Come and visit to view and enquire about all of the new collection, featuring trench coats, blazers, knitwear, trousers, shirts and accessories, all in Smart Turnout’s signature preppy style.
With Burns Night coming up now is the time to embrace the colours of Scottish regiments and institutions.
The traditional stripes of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regiment have proved popular worldwide, having been adopted by tie wearers worldwide in a variety of different colours beyond those traditionally associated with the Scottish regiment. However, being sticklers for tradition we have kept the historic colours, green, blue, separated by narrow red and yellow stripes, and you can find them on everything from socks to watchstraps.
Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Watchstrap
The Argylls have had other influences in design, their famous diamond pattern being adopted by Scottish golfers. This can now be found on Smart Turnout socks and jumpers, and with the jumpers being made in Scotland, there are few ways to embrace Scottish fashion more.
Black Watch Argyle Jumper
If the Scottish Saltire is more what you are looking, this is provided in the insignia of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Including the St Andrew’s cross of the Scottish flag, and the Lion Rampant of the Royal Standard of Scotland, their insignia combine two of the most significant symbols of the nation.
Royal Regiment of Scotland Enamel Cufflinks
The more obvious Scottish pattern of choice is tartan, and this features in the design of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers products. Raised in 1689 to defend the city of Edinburgh, the regiment has a long and illustrious history, remaining independent and avoiding amalgamation until 2004 (one of only 5 to do so). Today it’s red and white checks are redolent of Scotland, and bring to mind the history of the nation.
King's Own Scottish Borderers Tie
So whatever you are planning to do this Burns Night, do it in style with some authentic Scottish patterns.
This week the Smart Turnout team are at the leading menswear trade show, Pitti Uomo, in Florence to exhibit our A/W 2012 collection and see what the trends will be in men’s fashion this year.
From what has been seen at Pitti, it seems that the trend for smart, traditional, tailored clothing in menswear will continue, with many designers showing jackets and blazers in old fashioned tweeds and heavy wools, but with a narrower cut that gives a nod to 60’s design as well as more recent styles.
Following on from that, here is a sneak peek of what to expect from the Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection from Smart Turnout.
‘The collection sees the influence of the 1960’s Ivy League campus, with lettered pullovers inspired by those of exclusive fraternities, and the cricket sweaters and rugby shirts indicative of the sporting life these young men led.
Smart Turnout A/W Collection at Pitti Uomo
‘Smart Turnout’s origins are never lost though, with the scarf collection inspired by historic regiment of the British Army. Regimental colours also feature in the details of many pieces, from blazer linings to shirt plackets to trouser buttons, the A/W collection brings British heritage alive.’
Smart Turnout A/W Collection at Pitti Uomo
So there you have it, a quick look at the overall trends for next season and a preview of what is coming from Smart Turnout.
Tomorrow is the 5th of November, Britain’s annual celebration of fire and pyrotechnics to mark the near destruction of its parliament in 1605.
Guy Fawkes Night at Windsor 1776
I’m sure most of you know the history of the night, celebrating the aversion of disaster when Catholic radical, Guy Fawkes was caught placing barrels of gunpowder underneath the House of Lords. But did you know it was originally a national religious holiday to celebrate the divine intervention that prevented such a catastrophe? An English Thanksgiving if you will.
As with any significant national moment, Smart Turnout wants you to look your best. We love Guy Fawkes Night as it is a chance to really layer up and dress in some brilliant autumnal hues, and with the weather this year, this is one of the first opportunities to do so! We would therefore recommend one of our navy cricket sweaters, long sleeved of course, the pure wool keeping out any November chill. Then add to the layers with one of our woollen scarves, stay classic with the blue, red, blue of the Household Division or go for something brighter such as the red and yellow of the Royal Artillery. Finally, a pair of our soft cotton socks adds the perfect finishing touch to any outfit, there is a huge range to choose from, just remember with the colour; a good contrast is better than a bad match!
Navy Cricket Sweater and Royal Artillery Scarf
So enjoy bonfire night, keep warm, keep safe and keep away from any gunpowder toting revolutionaries with a mad look in their eyes!
The pieces you need this season
The days are getting shorter and sometimes there is a definite chill in the air; it’s fair to say that autumn is now here. It’s time to pack away those summer shorts, delve into the woollen knits and wrap up warm before heading out. But are you worried about looking swamped in too many layers? Smart Turnout are here to help with a guide to essential garments for the colder months ahead…
Royal Dragoon Guards Socks
Socks are a key piece in any wardrobe come autumn. Be daring and switch your old grey socks for a paired in bright British stripes. Available in a variety of colour combinations they are a perfect way of adding colour to the dreary autumn days. Our socks are made in pure cotton, ensuring both a smart look, and supreme comfort.
Royal Artillery Scarf
The wearing of academic scarves started, unsurprisingly, in Britain to combat the winter cold. But students quickly used the scarf to show pride in their institution’s colours. Create your own identity and keep warm this autumn by wearing a brightly coloured wool scarf- a perfect way of looking smart and staying warm.
Black Watch Jumper
Jumpers are one of the most versatile pieces in any wardrobe. They can be worn with almost any outfit, and with a vast range of colours and styles, you will always find the right one to suit you. Our Argyle jumpers are perfect for an updated but traditional look. The pattern can be complemented with a jacket and chinos, or can be worn under a suit to give a contemporary twist. And as they are made in pure wool you know you will be kept warm.
Household Division Webbing Belt
A tough belt is a staple in the autumn, and our webbing belts are just the thing. Made of a tough wool blend, the texture is just right for cool weather, and is tough enough to see you through many seasons, and in a range of bright stripes that can add colour to any outfit. The fact that these are the colours of some of Britain’s most renowned regiments only enhances their rugged credentials.
Princeton Watchstrap and Heritage Watch
Watches are an essential all year round, however your look can instantly be updated to follow the changing seasons simply by changing your watchstrap. From more traditional military and university stripes, to bright and bold block colours, any look can be achieved. And although we can’t promise the watchstraps will keep you warm, we can ensure you that you will look on trend and sophisticated throughout the autumn and into the winter.
So head to Smart Turnout to stock up colourful autumn essentials.
Behind the Scenes with Smart Turnout
Earlier this week London Fashion Week turned its attention to menswear, and what clothes men will be wearing in the spring and summer of 2012. At Smart Turnout we had an exclusive look behind the scenes and have decided to share some of the key trends for next season, to give you all a preview on what will be in when we reach the spring.
Backstage at the Mr. Start Show
What struck us most was the influence that elements of British Clothing were having on the styles that were being showcased. This was exemplified by the catwalk shows, which saw traditional British pieces, such as mackintoshes and linen jackets updated in slim fits and with bright colours and contrasting buttons, proving that this summer’s trend for colour blocking has not gone away.
Looking Smart in Mr. Start
As more and more designers delve into the archives, we saw a resurgence in waistcoats as part of a three piece suit as well as on their own, and the use of smart, tailored shorts, which all point to the continuation of the trend of formal wear as casual wear, with men wishing to stand out turning their backs on sloppy dressing.
All of this can only be good for Britain, British designers and fans of the smart British look, who can all see themselves at the height of style for another season. It means that while we can look forward to wearing our favourite textured pieces this winter with woollen pieces, tweeds and corduroys all featuring in collections, but also, come the spring, we can indulge in more lightweight, tailored pieces, in linen, cotton and wool blends, all in a range of colours. The future is bright indeed.
Rugger Down Under
The long awaited 2011 Rugby World Cup kicked off at the weekend, and even though we are only a fraction of the way through there are stories aplenty; Scotland’s close calls against Romania and Georgia, England’s struggle to subdue Argentina and of course, for Wales fans, the agonising match against defending champions South Africa.
But what really interests us here at Smart Turnout are the origins of the team’s names and colours. We know all about how organisations like to define themselves with colours, from schoolboys to military units , so we thought now would be a good time to explore this aspect of rugby.
The All Blacks of New Zealand are perhaps the team most famous for their colours (the name says it all really!). They chose black to differentiate themselves on their first tour of the home nations back in 1905. The British journalists covering the tour quickly came to refer to them by their unique kit choice of ‘all black’, and the rest is history. The Springboks of South Africa too, famous for their green and gold strip, got their name as a result of that original All Blacks tour. Their captain, Paul Roos, wanting to avoid the fate of New Zealand in being defined by their kit colour, insisted that the team were to be named the Springboks, and they have been known as that ever since. They have now gone on to become one of the most successful sides in the history of the World Cup, being crowned champions twice.
The decision to be named after a national icon has been picked up on since then and in 2011 we can see all manner of names on the World Cup draw. From the Australian Wallabies and Argentine Pumas to the Romanian Oaks, Japanese Cherry Blossoms, and even Les Bleus of France, there is representation for all sorts of flora, fauna and colour.
So let us know your rugby stories and whose colours you are wearing, at Smart Turnout we have stripes in just about every colour.
There’s less than a week to go until father’s day, but don’t worry if you still don’t have a gift yet, Smart Turnout are here to help.
Father’s day, despite it’s obvious importance in all of our calendars today, is a relatively recent celebration. Father’s, in one form or another have been around since the dawn of time (literally!), but only got their own day in 1908, when the town of Monongah in Virginia wanted to commemorate the fathers lost in a mining disaster the year before, leaving 1000 children fatherless. Even then, it took until 1972 for Richard Nixon to make the holiday official, so despite his dodgy politics, American fathers have reason to thank him for recognising their need for a national celebration.
Despite its sombre and rather humble beginnings men around the world have found ways to have fun and express themselves on their day. In Germany Father’s day is seen by many men as an excuse to go out into the fields for a drinking session, traditionally taking a cart load of beer and schnapps with them. While in Thailand it is traditional to wear pink to celebrate fathers day, with king Bhumibol Adulyadej donning a baby pink blazer for the 2007 celebrations.
While we don’t stock shocking pink blazers at Smart Turnout (unfortunately), we do have many other suitable fathers day gifts. Why not treat your dad to one of our ties in bright summer colours, or make his day with some new socks (men can never have enough), and ensure he has no reason to take to the fields with a cart load of beer and a bottle of schnapps!
Prince William the story so far….
It has been a royal week in every respect. Many lined the streets of London to see Prince William and long term girlfriend (Kate Middleton) tie the knot at Westminster Abbey on Friday. As the future King of England has now settled down and married, we at Smart Turnout decided it would be a good idea to look back over his life.
The highs, the lows, the medals and the honours, we at Smart Turnout are proud to bring you…
William of Wales exposed:
From humble beginnings…. in no way
Prince William was born at St Mary’s Hospital London as William Arthur Philip Louis on 21 June 1982 to Charles and Diana. He is second in line to the British throne directly behind his father Prince Charles.
As a young child he was nicknamed Wombat by his parents and was at the age of seven reported to have expressed a desire to be a policeman. His younger brother Prince Harry is said to have piped up: “Oh, no you can’t. You’ve got to be King.”
Prince William began his school career at Eton, a prestigious English school in England known for producing future Prime Ministers. Whilst at Eton, William will have worn the tradition Eton tailcoat and uniform. William studied geography, biology and history of art receiving grades A-C in all subjects.
Take inspiration from the future king - get the Eton look
After finishing his studies at Eton he took a gap year and spent the time serving in the British Army which began his many military honours. Once his gap year was completed he attended St Andrew’s University where he met his now wife, Kate Middleton, a fellow student.
You might be the future king but I'm still not writing your essay for you
Prince William became attached to the military and served a number of regiments gaining a number of honours. Some of the highlights of the future king’s military service achievements include:
Serving for the Blues and royals in 2006 where he became ranked as a second Lieutenant in December 2006. The Blues and Royals remain dear to the royal family. So much so that William’s younger brother Harry even wore the Blues and Royal colours on his brothers wedding day to honour him.
For your own piece of history see this Blues and royals watchstrap
In 2008 Prince William served in the Royal Marines and took part in a secret underwater mission as well as helping to identify and capture a small vessel that had been transporting an approximate £40 million worth of illegal drugs. He was also said to be a popular and well liked member of the crew.
Get the look
In 2009 William began a serving member of the RAF. After training as a helicopter pilot the young prince was presented with his wings by his father Prince Charles William participated in his first rescue mission in 2010 as a co pilot. William along with a colleague, rescued a man who was seriously ill with a suspected heart attack.
For the authentic RAF colours
On Friday in a day hallmarked as historic in British history and certainly historic in British fashion we all watched our future King and his beautiful wife confirm their long term commitment to each other. Prince William wore the famous tunic of an Irish Guards Officer and cut a dashing figure in red. The prince holds the honorary rank of Colonel of the Irish Guard and the regiment were said to be delighted by his decision to honor them on such a momentous occasion.
The happy couple celebrate amid cheers of thousands
Kate Middleton was stunning in Sarah Burton by Alexander McQueen and drew cheers from her arrival right up until the now famous balcony kiss.
So what did you think of the outfits? Did you watch the big day?
We at Smart Turnout would like to send our congratulations to the royal couple and wish them every happiness.
Smart Turnout goes beyond fashion in Harvard undressed.
Seven lesser known facts about Harvard University
In the UK there are a certain number of American universities that we know about. Harvard, Yale, the Ivy Schools. These universities are famous worldwide for their stellar reputation and various pop culture references. If you need more proof of the wide influence of these universities look no further than our Harvard inspired clothing and accessories range, showing us even their colour choices are well thought out. So, at Smart Turnout we have decided to have look deeper and uncover a few lesser known facts about one of the United States most popular and respected universities.
We are proud to present – Harvard undressed.
‘One should never trust a woman who tells one her real age. A woman who would tell one that, would tell one anything.’ – Oscar Wilde
Harvard University was founded in 1636 by John Harvard who gave his name to the school. Harvard can boast that it was the very first college in the entire United States and began to attract the best and the brightest. It is one of the eight schools that make up the Ivy League, which also includes Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Penn, Princeton, and Yale.
‘Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can.’ – Danny Kaye
The Harvard shield has the words Verita as the motto which has been split up into three separate words. For those of you without knowledge of Latin, Veritas stands for “Truth” The design originally had the last part of the logo reversed to represent the truth is never being known to us in its entirety. This design still exists on Harvard school buildings; however, in modern times the TAS faces the correct side in order to suggest that the truth can be acquired through knowledge.
Even Harvard think the trurth is out there....
Pro football is like nuclear warfare. There are no winners, only survivors.’ – Frank Gifford
Harvard isn’t just about academic excellence. Surprisingly Harvard has a reputation for football that was originally so brutal that people died playing the game! Unsurprisingly that certainly isn’t that case today! To keep the students alive and generally improve safety Harvard stadium was created. The stadium was the first built for college athletics in the United States. Today the capacity of the stadium is at 30,000
‘An encyclopaedia is a system for collecting dust in alphabetical order.’ -Mike Barfield.
Harvard is all about work work work work work isn’t it?
Harvard attracts a surprisingly diverse number of students and is certainly no stranger to pranks dating back a number of years. In fact Cannonballs tossed out of dormitory windows during the Revolutionary War times made the dents in Yard sidewalks – serious play. In addition to this only one volume of John Harvard’s original library survived a devastating fire because it was sneaked out by a student as a joke.
If it hadn't have been for those pesky kids....
‘It isn’t necessary to be rich and famous to be happy. It’s only necessary to be rich.’ Alan Alda
So can Harvard lead me to riches and power? Well potentially yes…Out of the nine justices currently on the Supreme Court, six of them studied at Harvard Law School. And not only this but Seventy-five Nobel Peace Prize winners are affiliated with Harvard so all in all looks promising. However, if you haven’t got the time or the money, don’t despair you can still have the look. Grab a little Ivy luck with this beautiful silk tie in Harvard colours.
Not guarenteed to win you a noble prize but you'll look great!
‘The image is one thing and the human being is another…It’s very hard to live up to an image, put it that way.’ Elvis Presley
Does that mean all graduates are super serious? Definitely not! Graduates aren’t all traditional academics. Oscar winner Natalie Portman holds a degree in psychology from Harvard no less, as does Tommy Lee Jones. However, we should note that Harvard can not necessarily help you break in to Hollywood. Other notable graduates include, T.S Elliot in 1914, Theodore Roosevelt and a number of military names including Leonard Wood general in the US army, 5th Cheif of Staff of the US Army, Military Governor of Cuba and Medal of Honour recipient…
‘If at first you don’t succeed, failure may be your style.’ Quentin Crisp
So if I go to Harvard I can’t fail? Well no you still can but you would be joining the 2% of students in the history of Harvard who have ever failed. If that doesn’t inspire some serious cramming we don’t know what will!
The person who made this flyer was in the 2%
So there we have it, Harvard exposed. And if you want to see more of Harvard’s influence on fashion have a look at our full range now.
