Easing into the Cold Weather

No one wishes to hasten a return to the dark mornings, bitter winds and lashing snow that are regrettably attendant aspects of the New England winter. The biggest challenge for dressing this time of year is managing the wide temperature swings that can bring warm afternoons into chilly nights. Anyone with even a passing interest in clothes begins to long for their cold weather wardrobe. Winter - with no blossoming flowers, long evenings or al fresco dining to divert the mind - brings into focus what really matters: and that is the wearing of chunky, tactile fabrics. The winter clothes begin to call from the back of the wardrobe: cashmere, corduroys, flannels and tweeds.

Cashmere
If you want the best and only organic cashmere in the world, you need to go to Mongolia. Cashmere goats live in extremely cold and harsh climates, think -40 degrees winters that can last longer than most places in the world. To survive, Cashmere goats grow long, fine fibers to protect themselves, a third longer than other goats from other regions. Longer fibers equals stronger cashmere. Old school hand combing is the only cruelty free cashmere because shearing goats can be "very stressful" on these goats that have already endured such brutal winters. Even though it takes more time & effort to hand comb, this old-school approach is still the best thing for these goats and the fibers in our sweaters. The harsh geography of this area means that only a very limited number of goats are combed by hand every spring. To make an average-sized sweater, you will need wool from approximately 4 adult goats. Cashmere fibers are some of the only fibers in the world that are hollow. This means that the fiber is very good for blending with other materials, instantly making the material lighter and softer. Cashmere is such a coveted fabric because it is long-lasting and adaptability to temperature due to the high moisture content of the wool. In the winter it will keep you warm and insulated, yet it will ensure you stay cool in the summer.

Corduroys

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When it comes to casual winter tailoring, Corduroy is hard to beat. Corduroy is, in essence, a ridged form of velvet, with a “cord” or “wale”. The width of the cord is commonly referred to as the size of the "wale" (i.e. the number of ridges per inch). Both velvet and corduroy derive from fustian fabric. Fustian is a variety of heavy cloth woven from cotton, chiefly prepared for menswear found in the construction of trousers, jackets, casual shirts and suits. A pair of cords is a winter necessity. Wear with chunky knitwear or a tweed sportcoat and you have a foolproof cold-weather ensemble. Pair a corduroy suit with a simple oxford shirt and suede loafers for an effortless look that perfectly walks the line between casual and formal.

Layer with Flannels

Thick flannel shirts are to autumn what crisp white tees are to summer. We like them in heavier, coarser fabrics – made with dyed yarns, not printed, and are a bit more insulating. Layer them open as mid-layers between a thick cotton t-shirt and some outerwear. 

The key to shopping for flannels is to look for a Made-in-USA tag, as those are often a bit sturdier with old-school details such as cat-eye buttons, chin straps and chainstitch run-offs. Busy plaids sometimes hide snags and coffee stains until you get them into natural light, so inspect carefully. And when buying online, double-check measurements. The fit on these things can vary wildly, even within the same label. Flannel shirts don’t need to fit perfectly, but they should be in the ballpark. 

Tweeds

The tweed’s appeal is undeniably universal. When it comes to winter dressing, it’s hard to find someone who’s not enamored by its charms. Originally produced in Scotland, tweeds are smooth and tightly woven reminiscent of traditional checks. They carry the distinctive colors and patterns of Scottish estates such as bark, moss, and heather. They wear warmer than summer fabrics, making them fit exactly in the middle. These secondary shades complement nicely with a well chosen tie and square. Genuine Harris Tweed is harder to beat in its incomparably rich handle and substantial weight. Genuine Harris Tweed is a tweed cloth that is handwoven by islanders at their homes in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, made and finished from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the same location. This definition, quality standards and protection of the Harris Tweed name are enshrined in the Harris Tweed Act 1993.

What is Labor Day?

Labor Day is always the first Monday in September and was the idea of Peter J. Maguire. Some more recent research says it may be his brother's Matthew's idea but it is not entirely certain. Peter was a labor union leader who in 1882 proposed a celebration honoring the American worker. The founders were looking for two things: a means of unifying union workers and a reduction in work time.

The organizers of the first Labor Day wanted to create an event that brought different types of workers together to meet each other and recognize their common interests. However, no government or company at that time recognized the first Monday in September as a day off. The issue was temporarily solved by declaring a one day strike in the city. All striking workers were then expected to march in a parade, eat and drink the rest of the day. The New York Tribune's reporter who covered the event felt the entire day was one long political barbecue, with “rather dull speeches.”

The date chosen was simply “convenient,” according to Maguire, because it was midway between Fourth of July and Thanksgiving. Although the day’s focus on organized labor has diminished over the years with the decline of manufacturing jobs and workers, the holiday has become a way to mark the end of the summer season and the start of the school year.

Faburiq recognizes the importance of this day for two reasons. Our small team consists of the small but skilled textile workforce in New England area; and our mission to create accessories that not only serve as complements to your wardrobe but with a "dress for success" style and attitude in mind. From the humble beginnings of the average manufacturing worker to the guy in the suit. Labor Day has come a long way and is something worth celebrating for.

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Author: Aruña Chong Quiroga

Ref: The Conversation: "Have we forgotten the true meaning of Labor Day? It’s not about the end of summer" by Jay L. Zagorsky

Style Tips of Sir Roger Moore

 

Proportion is Key.

Wide legged pants? Make sure you have a wide lapel on your suit jacket. Slim cut pants? Slim fit jacket with a more subdued lapel. Having even proportions throughout your outfit is the key to looking slim and filled out.

 

Embrace a Bold Print.

Do yourself a favor next time you are out shopping and buy a print that speaks to you the most. Having a bold print is an immediate upgrade to your closet. Whether you pick plaid, stripes, polka dots or even houndstooth, you will be unique in a crowd.  Moore was never afraid to be bold.

Rocking that Bow Tie.

Often called the “warm weather neck wear”,  a bow tie adds a smidge of quirkiness to a formal look. Moore’s Bond is always ready to complete a mission or order a martini in his bow tie.

 

Bold Tuxedos.

One of the most famous photos of Moore is of him in his white tuxedo jacket. He pulls it off brilliantly all with an air of sophistication. Although menswear has come a long way in terms of color and print options, it still has room to grow. Channeling your inner Roger Moore doesn’t necessarily mean purchasing a white suit. Sky blue or mint are other bold options available.

With these four tips, you’ll be walking around in style in no time.

Author: Kayla-Marie Bienwald

Tieology - The Psychology Behind NeckTies

What are you trying to say when you wear that rectangular piece of silk? As one of the few expressions of creativity and personality allowed to men, a tie has quiet a bit of responsibility. It can convey an emotion, a mood, a situation, and above all the elegance of the wearer, since his choice of a tie is an expression of his inner self. True markers of style continue to include neckwear in their wardrobe.  Every man should have a strategic neckwear wardrobe. Neckwear is not part of a necessary uniform but more of a telling adjunct. A few well-chosen, quality ties - low-key and luxurious, rather than hyper-stylish, can make all the difference in the world. Simplicity of cut, quality construction and materials, and discretionary taste are the hallmarks of fine neckwear.

“Dress up your sportswear and dress down your formal wear.
– Luciano Barbera”

Since New York tie maker, Jesse Langsdorf, came up with essentially the method of making a modern tie 80 years ago, the only thing that has changed is why men wear ties. Ties are no longer viewed today as a sign of conformity or social imposition; ties these days are seen as simply ornamentation. Essentially purposeless and increasingly worn at one's own discretion, ties are now above all statements of the wearer's personality. These strips of silk, cotton or linen have become accessories laden with meaning.

A navy with white polka dots: a decidedly dressier but fun approach tells people that you're a really fun guy once your business suit comes off at night.

If your choice is a conservatively striped power tie, perhaps you want your professional, no-nonsense persona to shine through. It’s not a coincidence that many politicians wear red-colored ties with light shirts and darker suits. Red is the power tie because red always comes back to strength and passion.

In the last decade, a pink tie most often but not always signals a “solidarity with women".

Consider blue as the all-purpose tie hue and also the safest color to wear. Blue ties are always a good investment and it has a calming effect. The tie that looks smart with almost any suit is also a pristine approach to a navy blazer. Not forgetting patterned blue ties that tend to give off a classic professional feel and can be worn in a global business environment without sending the wrong message.

A silk foulard in a discreet geometric print is the classic tie to wear with a solid or striped business suit and striped dress shirt.

But perhaps a bow tie is more your speed, because you are a free-spirited nonconformist with an intellectual or creative bent. Or maybe not. That's the beauty of the tie. A man may be all of the different things his tie implies, or none of them. But you can't be a slob and wear a bow tie either. Bow tie wearers have to wear them like they mean it and perfecting the art of wearing bow ties says something  about them. If he chooses right, his tie will say what he wants it to.

But even though your tie may be speaking for you, it is typically women who are the ventriloquists. Almost 60 percent of ties being purchased are by women; many men are products of the fit-to-be-tied fashion statement.

So, regardless of your necktie preference, consider ties as an essential equipment in your wardrobe simply because as Harry Anderson puts it, "Neckties are the modern man's desire to dress in art".

Author: Aruña Chong Quiroga

Ref:  BBC Archives: The Psychology of Tie Colours by Alina Dizik; The Book of Ties by Francois Chaille; Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down by Jodi Balkan

Embracing Formality

Braces, referred to in the United States, as suspenders have existed in one form or another since the birth of trousers or pants. Braces are not something to be afraid of, nor are they to be thought of as antiquated or overly formal. When dressed appropriately, they offer a comfortable blend of function and form, modernity and versatility, helping you stay comfortable in your pants whilst allowing them to hang properly and drape cleanly throughout the day.

But, before all that, let’s begin at the beginning because there’s much more to braces than simply an alternative to the belt that holds up the pants.

The creation of the modern trousers, as we know it today, is attributed to George Bryan "Beau" Brummell (known as the 'Ultimate Man of Style' and his friendship with the Prince of Wales, the future King George IV) and his tailor, Jonathan Meyer.  This was in the early 1800s at his Conduit Street workshop in the London district of Mayfair. "Beau" Brummell is credited with introducing the modern men's suit, worn with a necktie, establishing it as fashion and as a staple in today's men's wardrobe. In order to create the stretched, slim look of Brummell’s trouser legs, the straps securing the hems needed to be countered by suitable supports at the waist. Brummell’s design incorporated a foot-strap to keep the trouser-legs taut and straight – a feature that still exists on the bottom half of British Guards and Cavalry dress uniforms.

Around 1820, Mr. Albert Thurston invented the perfect product to pair with the new trousers. He used leather loops to attach braces to buttons that were sewn onto trouser waistbands. The braces could then be easily transferred for use from one pair of trousers to another. Whilst the leather loops remain a feature of the majority of Albert Thurston braces produced to this day, the configuration of the brace-straps has changed over time. Albert Thurston still remains the premier choice for proper English-made braces today. All of Faburiq's leather loops used on our suspenders are made with English leather, inspired by the inventor himself.

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Initially thought of as ‘underwear’ to be worn exclusively beneath a waistcoat, it was distasteful to wear suspenders if a vest or another piece of clothing did not cover them. As recent as 1938, exposing them was against the law on Long Island. But by the turn of the twentieth century, suspenders were increasingly becoming an accessory to take notice of, a statement piece that enhanced one’s tailored look and a demonstration of one's knowledge of how to dress.

From a practical viewpoint, correctly fitted suspenders allow you to completely forget about slouching through the day and hitching your pants up. There is nothing less elegant than pants pulled-tight with a belt that seldom stays where you want them. Suspenders eradicate that problem, hanging pants elegantly and immovably from your shoulders. They allow for your pant waistband to be looser, therefore a little roomier than if you were to wear a belt. This is not only comfortable but allows for the pant to fall through the leg more naturally. In the same breath, they allow for one to wear pants with a slightly higher rise that sit atop, rather than across the hips for a classically elegant aesthetic. Suspenders come in either button-in or clip-on variants. Button-in are more traditional and grown up. Buttons are always supplied with button-in designs, such as Faburiq's suspenders.

Suspenders also add color and character to a tailored ensemble; try a simple navy suspender with grey flannels and a tweed jacket, or else wear a pair with subtle spots or stripes under a navy blazer with a denim shirt and chinos for an understated look. Generally speaking, the narrower suspenders feel less formal, hence a good place to start for smart-casual dress. For suiting, try the wider width suspenders and complement them with the colors in your tie or accessories. Whichever style, pattern or composition of suspenders you choose, they are more than worthy of your attention and experimentation this season. They will certainly make the perfect discussion or point of distinction. Embrace them and enjoy.

Author: Aruña Chong Quiroga

Ref: "Well Hung: The Ups and Downs of Trouser Braces"  Mason & Sons | Nov 2015

Faburiq In Art Basel Miami 2016

Faburiq was honored and thrilled to be part of Art Basel Miami 2016, in collaboration with Suntory Whisky Toki and Japanese artist and designer, Jay Shogo.

Using only Sharpie permanent markers, and 20 to 100 Sharpies per painting, Jay's art can be seen at “5POINTZ” in New York City, “Wynwood Walls” in Miami, and various locations across Tokyo.

Faburiq's pocket squares were carefully selected and curated for over a period of 2 months before the final pieces were determined for the artist to do a unique painting over. The artwork was then framed and displayed at Toki's event in Art Basel. In the spirit of the sterling and iconic whisky brand, the display was very Toki driven. Toki means "time" in Japanese and the vision is about old traditional luxury meeting the new and modern luxury.

As a men's clothing brand, we are proud to not only represent gentlemen's haberdashery but that the accessories we make are indeed wearable pieces of art. Needless to say, we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be included in this elegant display that embodies timeless fashion, inspiring art, and an appreciation for tradition and history.

Photos by TOKI & Jay Shogo

Author: Aruña Chong Quiroga

A Taste of Bourbon

On a recent visit to the Georgia's Lake Country between Augusta and Atlanta, we were very fortunate to experience Southern hospitality together with a taste of Bourbon. Bourbon is a type of whiskey along Scotch and Rye. Whiskey, spelt with an "e" is produced stateside, while many other countries call their product “whisky.” 

American whiskey often celebrates individuals who represent idealized values—independence, pragmatism, and guts—of the American frontier. It’s a patriotic formula that markets well, even though many of the stories behind the brands are false. For example, Elijah Craig is occasionally credited with inventing bourbon and Evan Williams is often called Kentucky’s “first” distiller, even though historians have long dismissed the claims. Believe it or not, the first Whiskey Bourbon brand in America was of Jewish origin, created by a Jewish immigrant by the name of Isaac Wolfe Bernheim. Isaac's last name came from Bern, Switzerland, which his family fled for Germany in the fourteenth century. Then, 500 years later, Bernheim left for America. Along with his brother, they started the first Bourbon distillery in Paducah, Kentucky. The saga matched any frontier tale, but in spite of that Bernheim still felt that his ethnic surname would draw prejudice if he used it as a brand. He compromised by placing the Anglo-Saxon “Harper” after his own first two initials to create the I.W. Harper bourbon.

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Homemade Mint Julep

If you ever visit Heaven Hill distilleries, the largest family owned distillery and second biggest holder of bourbon stocks in the nation (behind Jim Beam), it is worth seeing the Bourbon Heritage Center that sits on the company’s grounds in Bardstown, Kentucky. Built into the architecture, the wooden rafters above the tasting room are held up by iron supports shaped like the Star of David. You have to look carefully for them, though. The gesture is subtle, even though it carries the weight of some of bourbon’s first and most famous names.

Bourbon, whose name comes from an area known as “Old Bourbon” in Kentucky, is distilled from corn. For a whiskey to be considered bourbon, the grain mash must be at least 51 percent corn. On top of that, by law, the mixture must be stored in charred oak containers and cannot contain any additives. From “Mad Men” episodes to modern nightclubs, neighborhood bars to interoffice gifts, bottles of bourbon have been popping up on our collective radar in the last several years.

Here are our few favorites and two cocktails we savored in the company of Southern charm that will do wonders for our internal temperatures this winter. Why not give Bourbon a taste this New Year?

Woodward Reserve

Appearance:   Clean, Brilliant Honey Amber

Nose:   Heavy with rich Dried Fruit, hints of Mint and Oranges, covered with a dusting of Cocoa. Faint Vanilla and Tobacco Spice

Taste:   Rich and Rounded, smooth with Citrus, Cinnamon and Cocoa

Finish:   Silky Smooth, almost Creamy at first with a long, warm satisfying finish

Knob Creek

Appearance:   Deep, Dark Amber

Nose:   Notes of Maple Syrup, Toasted Nuts and Oak

Taste:   Silky Smooth, almost Creamy at first with a lingering warmth

Finish:   Long and Smooth, with more kick than most

Bulleit

Appearance:   Medium Amber in color

Nose:   Gentle Spiciness and Sweet Oak Aromas

Taste:   Mid-palate is smooth with tones of Maple, Oak and Nutmeg

Finish:   Long, Dry and Satiny with a light Toffee flavor

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Author: Aruña Chong Quiroga

Ref: "The Jewish Origins of Kentucky Bourbon" by Reid Mitenbuler, The Atlantic | May 2015

         "The Real Difference Between Whiskey, Bourbon, Scotch and Rye", The Huffington Post | March 2016

Exploring Arimatsu

Arimatsu village is one of Japan’s hidden treasures, whose history never seems too far from the past. The town is the birthplace and probably best known for its traditional textile craft, Shibori, used for kimono and various designer garments today. “The whole town is really beautiful. People here live and breath their Shibori craft,” explains Sebastian, whose textile affections inspired his trip. It’s like a living museum - people still live here, and the town is filled with contemporary designer boutiques and modern local bistro and cafes. You can also enjoy the scenery of the village’s serene Zen forest anytime of the day. 

Arimatsu (有松町 Arimatsu-chō) was a town located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Today, it is approximately three-and-a-half-hours by Shinkansen (新幹線) from Tokyo. It is now part of Nagoya, a town filled with Tokugawa and Edo treasures. Shibori, also known as “Japanese tie-dye”, is a form of resist dyeing in which fabric is folded, tied, twisted or wrapped to create patterns and various motifs. The variation of methodology and motifs it has created are given different names and each has symbolic significance. 

One of the main attractions to learn and experience Shibori in Arimatsu is the Shibori Kaikan Museum. The true treasure is on the second floor where you’ll see the Shibori Craftswomen from Arimatsu. “I was introduced to Okasan Aiko during my visit where she demonstrated the different Shibori techniques. She showed me the different processes of Shibori from Kanako (regular tie-dye), Kumo (wrapping), Nui (stitching), Arashi (pole wrapping and twisting), Itajime (shape resistant/clamping) and many more Shibori techniques. The Shibori collection displayed is breathtaking, most of them dyed with the natural and traditional dye – Indigo or Japanese Blue. Shibori fabric has an amazing texture. The tiny knots that are hand tied not only create a visual pattern, but also a raised texture. The tools and vintage technology varies within the different processes of Shibori. Workshops are held where various techniques are taught by the Master Shibori craftswomen,” explains Sebastian. 

"Shibori needs patience less than time and more than heart because it's a craft beyond words. Devote to such a craft only with love." Shibori Craftswomen of 有松町 Arimatsu-chō

As Master Aiko continued wrapping her Kumo Shibori, she talked about the Annual Shibori festival, a celebration of the Shibori art and the town itself, held the first weekend of June along the old Tokaido highway. The festival floats with performances of Dashi floats and Karakui mechanical puppet shows performed by Shibori Komachi and Fukuotoko (lucky men). Some of the old historical houses are open to public offering a peek into truly traditional homes.

Many old historical houses from the Edo period still line the Tokaido road. Shibori designer boutiques, cafes and serene local shrines could be found in the backyard of Arimatsu village. The vivid art of Shibori is truly a cultural experience beyond time and history, and today, placing its mark on contemporary fashion. Experience Shibori within Faburiq’s haberdasheries and shop the story!

*If you would like to know more about Kimono fabrics click here and if you would like to know more about Shibori fabrics click here.

Authors: Alexander Sebastianus and Aruña Chong Quiroga

西陣織: Nishijin Weave - A Japanese Traditional Weave

Weaving is a method of fabric production in which two distinct sets of yarns or threads are interlaced at right angles to form a fabric or cloth. This year, our team was fortunate enough to visit the Nishijin district of Kyoto and acquired a thorough understanding of the technique and origin of the Nishijin weave. We are very excited to begin including this lavish fabric in our upcoming collections.

Nishijin is a district in Kamigyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan, and (by extension) a traditional textile produced there and famous for Nishijin weaving, more narrowly referred to as Nishijin-ori (Nishijin fabric). Nishijin is Kyoto’s traditional textile center, the source of all those dazzling kimono fabrics and obi (kimono sashes) that you see being paraded about town. Nishijin produces the most sophisticated and lavish Obi you will find in Japan.

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                                       A stunning Geisha's Obi in Kyoto.

The beautiful fabrics woven in the Nishijin district are seen as a symbol of Kyoto and developed over 1,000 years alongside Kyoto's history as the former capital of Japan. Nishijin-ori‘s origins are from an ancient Japanese family, the powerful Hata clan, who immigrated to Kyoto from China around the 5th-6th century. Settling in the Uzumasa district of west Kyoto, they introduced silkworms and the manufacture of silk textiles to the local people. By the 8th century, the royal court had created an official branch to supervise the textile artists and their production. In other words, these were state-owned textile operations. 

In the 15th century, Kyoto suffered a long period of civil war, the Onin War, between the East and the West, and many artisans fled Kyoto to places such as the town of Sakai, south of Osaka. When the conflict finally ended, the weavers returned to Kyoto to resume their craft. One group of artisans settled on the site where the western army had been camped during the war. This is the origin of the name 'Nishijin,' which means west position. Nishijin’s literal translation is the West fort. Since then, the name has been used for the method of weaving to create designs and patterns using dyed threads in Kyoto.

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Supported by the patronage of both the Imperial court and great samurai lords, the weavers continued to adopt new technology. By the early Edo Period (1603 to 1867), there were some 7,000 looms crammed into an area of 1.6 square kilometers. A combination of disastrous harvests at the end of the 18th century with Japan's capital move from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, Nishijin weaving seemed threatened with extinction. But the Nishijin weavers showed an amazing resilience and spirit in preserving their craft. Observers were sent to Europe to study the textile industry there, and advanced Western weaving technology and equipment were introduced from France and Austria, such as the jacquard loom and the flying shuttle. By the 1890's, only 20 years after the shift of the capital, the Nishijin weavers had fully adapted modern technology to their ancient art. By adopting modern technology with their age-old craft, the Nishijin weavers were able to create a stable business in inexpensive machine-woven fabrics for everyday use that supported the production of the elaborate and luxurious hand-woven fabrics that are the purest expression of the Nishijin style.

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                                                                                                            Many Obis.

Nishijin Obi comes in many colors, including gold, and it is glamorously thick and rich, not to mention quite heavy as well. Nishijin Obi is rather expensive items, but one is enough to last for a lifetime. Their quality and craftsmanship are remarkable and orders from famous couture designers around the world are not uncommon. The Nishijin style of weaving uses yarn dyeing, in which yarns of various colors are woven to make patterns. This technique is both time-consuming and labor intensive compared to other techniques, but it is indispensable for creating the elaborate and beautiful hand-woven kimono fabric.

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                    Contemporary designs utilizing the Nishijin Weave is popular amongst couture designers.

Today, the clacking of looms can be heard all around the Nishijin area. The vitality of this district is a testament to the pride and dedication of Nishijin weavers through the ages and the important place that Nishijin occupies in the hearts of Kyoto people.

Author: Aruña Chong Quiroga

A Classic Boston Wedding

The Couple: Alexander and Alexandra Ross

Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Venue: The Boston Harbor Hotel

Photographer: Shane Godfrey Photography

Story: The bride wanted the groomsmen's accessories to match the bridesmaids' dresses. When she showed us the color hue of the dresses, it was a no brainer to pick from our selection of Indigo or more famously known as "Japan Blue" fabrics. It was a truly "blue-themed" wedding. The matriarchs from the bride and groom's families wore blue, with many family members adorning this classic and gorgeous color palette.

Groom's Pocket Square: White Maple Tree Pocket Square w/hand-rolled edges. Solid white kimono wedding silk and intricately woven into it's background are the "matsu" (pine tree), "sasa" (bamboo grass), "hagi" (japanese bush clover), "kaede" (maple leaf), "kiku" (chrysanthemum) and "ume" (Japanese plum).

Groomsmen's Pocket Squares: Kikko (Tortoise Shell) Indigo Pocket Square w/hand-rolled edges; Oshima Tsumugi Silk, Double Ikat Technique

Author: Aruña Chong Quiroga

How To Dress for the Kentucky Derby

This is by far one of the best illustrations for the Modern Derby Gentleman we have come across so far. We possess an unparalleled color palette here at Faburiq and to us the accessories make the outfit. Vibrant Kimono accessories against classic Derby tradition. It can't get better than this.

Starting with the pants, whether you are aiming for a smart or casual aesthetic, it should always be an eye-catcher as long as it pairs well with the right shirt and blazer. A great dress shirt in a complimentary color will go a long way. Don't shy away from gingham, striped or even a floral shirt to turn it up. Some gents even have monograms on all their shirts like my better half! The jacket is what brings everything together. If you want a polished look, a classic navy or seersucker blazer is always in style. If you want to have a little more fun, a nice chalk stripe or windowpane suit will certainly make heads turn. We recommend sporting the 3- button side vent for a more polished look but this is more of a personal preference.

Next is the tie, the little detail that counts. Most gentlemen wear a necktie, but a bow tie is always an appreciable option. If you never wear bows, try it out and you may like it. Watching the Derby wouldn't be the same without our bowties! 

For gents that rock pocket squares, the purpose of the pocket square is to complement the rest of your look: either by harmonizing or contrasting with your other accessories. If your tie has a pattern or print, then choose a color from that palette to bring your ensemble together through your pocket square. Equally, you could choose a pocket square that is a shade lighter or darker than the core color of your ensemble. Don’t be shy to bring out an accent color on a subtle pinstripe or checked shirt, it's all in the details. Alternatively, if you want to make your pocket square the focal point of your look, you could opt to clash your pocket square with your tie and, of course, the rest of your outfit. With this, it really is a case of ‘the bolder the better’: experiment with vibrant colors and eclectic prints from our wide selection of Kimono Pocket Squares.

For shoes, the most important thing you need to know is that they should be worn sockless.

Top it all off with a fedora or bowler hat for that Kentucky Derby look. Men's Derby hats are generally solid in color and inspired by styles from the 1920s.

Now that you've tied on a bowtie with a bourbon in hand, be confident in your Derby outfit. No matter what you wear, it’s how you wear it Gentlemen!                                                                                                                                  

Seen below is one of our favorite Derby ensembles: A Green Windowpane Blazer Jacket paired with the Mocha Kame Bow Tie and Beige Hana Pocket Square. On the left is the Red and White Sashiko Bow Tie.

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Author: Aruña Quiroga