Issue #20 | Texas Style
On the red carpet at SXSW, a gorgeous watch from Japan, new store alert, and more
Greetings Front of Book readers,
I returned this week from a few days in Austin for South By Southwest, where I caught the red carpet premiere of FOB reader David Gauvey Herbert’s new docuseries for HBO. It’s called Ren Faire, directed by wunderkind Lance Oppenheim, and it’s about this strange town in Texas that hosts an ongoing renaissance faire, led by a mad king whose underlings are angling for his favor, Succession-style. Dave also produced and directed a short doc at the festival called Frank, about a 99-year-old lawyer in New Jersey. Frank picked up the Jury Prize in the short doc competition. Congrats, Dave!
The trip got me thinking about a few things style-related. The first of which is:
1. Texas Style
You have to love the swagger of true blood Texans. While SXSW attracts people from all over the world, the most stylish people there were the (presumably) actual Texans, who would pop up here and there in unapologetic Texas style.
I’m not sure I could personally pull it off, but when it works it works: The cowboy hat (more versatile than you might think); western shirt tucked into fuck-right-off straight leg jeans ready for work and play; the brilliant turquoise accessories; and, last but not least, the boots.
It’s such a bold, ultra-confident, don’t-try-this-at-home look. And I love it. God bless Texas style.
2. On the SXSW Red Carpet
I’m entering the jacket (and/or blazer/sports coat) phase of my style evolution, and at the Ren Faire premier I broke out my new J. Mueser made-to-order Glenn Check Navy Tweed Waverly Jacket. I got this in February and I’ve already worn it on a half-dozen occasions.
Why did I choose this one? I was looking for one jacket for cooler weather, and one (eventually) for warmer weather. I also want both to be in that sweet spot between casual and formal. I love the look of J. Mueser’s tailoring, and I wanted something that would never go out of style. I’ve always been a fan of herringbone patterns, and I felt that the soft tweed navy check—as opposed to black or brown—gave the jacket a slightly more casual, modern feel. So did the patch pockets and natural shoulders.
It’s so easy to match this sports coat with most of my wardrobe. If I want to go casual, I can go with a polo or light sweater and jeans. More formal, a dress shirt and tie with wool pants. For the SXSW premiere, I wore a western denim shirt from the Italian brand PML Clothing (for just a touch of that Texas style), my white selvedge jeans from Drake’s, and (not shown here) my beloved snuff suede loafers from Alden. The outfit felt just right—neither over- or underdressed, comfortable, and, most importantly, me.
3. A Brand I Just Discovered: Kurono Watches
My good friend and collaborator Mike Magers, who lives in Austin, made me deliriously jealous when he showed me his new brown lacquered watch from Kurono Tokyo. I almost feel guilty sharing this brand here, since it’s such a hidden gem, but whatever, they have an Instagram account with a large following. (Sorry, Mike!)
My lord, these watches… The streamlined, hyper-minimalist style is right up my alley, and the craftsmanship is off the charts, especially considering the price, which, for a watch like this, is surprisingly affordable. They’re also made in limited runs, so they’re tough to get. The exquisite Kurono Grand Urushi Aoyama, with hand-made urushi (a kind of Japanese lacquer) dials, in green, red, and brown, are made in sets of 188 and only available in their Tokyo shop.
(...checking credit card points for flights to Tokyo…)
4. New Store Alert: Merz B. Schwanen
German T-shirt magicians Merz B. Schwanen opened just their second store in the world on Canal St. in New York. I haven’t had the chance to visit yet, but Merz’s Ts are incredible. You’ll see them worn by the likes of Cillian Murphy and Jeremy Allan White. The brand also crafts traditional loopwheeled sweatshirts and sweatpants, as well as knitwear and casual shirting, beanies, and socks. It’s a great addition to a growing menswear alley on Canal St., including Drake’s and Knickerbocker. Welcome to town, Merz.
5. Weekly Inspiration: Dawn Staley
Who says amazing courtside fits are reserved for load managed NBA players and Lou Adler? South Carolina Gamecocks coach and American basketball Hall of Famer Dawn Staley is absolutely shaming NBA coaches and those stupid pajama-track suits they wear these days. Gucci hoodies, tie dye cardigans, pristine Louis Vuitton sneakers… and the Gamecocks are the best women’s team in the country! Can’t wait to see what Dawn brings to March Madness…
*(Rec via old pal Allan Pulga)
A Note From My Dad
A few weeks ago I wrote about my Buck Mason Donegal tweed coat, as well as the trend of men wearing super high-waisted pants. My dad had a few thoughts on both:
Do I love that tweed coat? You bet I do! The one you have looks wonderfully comfortable, yet has just the right classy look. I’d wear it even if it hurt, but of course the opposite is true. I’d wear it just to hang around home. I’m a little long in the tooth for fussing about whether I look good, but I’d make an exception for something like that coat…
I forgot this in my note to you about the high-waist pant. Nobody wore them when I was a kid except sons of mothers who MADE their hen pecked nerdy boys wear them. No explanation was ever offered but to be forced to wear such things was a worthy reason for suicide. To this day they make me cringe.
Thanks, Dad.
And thanks for reading, everyone. See you back here next week.
Mitch
Question? Comment? Suggestion? Caught a typo? Email me at mitch.moxley@gmail.com