Gant Rugger X Close Up and Private F/W '11/12

bravo sergei!

A–COLLABORATION GANT RUGGER FALL/WINTER 11/12 COLLECTION

This publication is the result of a unique visual collaboration between Sergei Sviatchenko and Gant Rugger Denmark.

Opened last year, the Copenhagen store was quick to reach out to the city's stylish and creatively influential men.

Top of their list was Sergei Sviatchenko. Not only is he one of the countries most respected living artists and undoubtedly one of Denmark's best-dressed men, but his world-famous online gallery Close Up and Private also celebrates the kind of menswear Gant Denmark is built on - a wardrobe for the modern man inspired by American Ivy and European classics.

Many consider Sviatchenko's work as a revolutionary approach to fashion photography. It's a totally fresh and dynamic style inspired by his work as an abstract painter and collage artist and also his infectious love of clothes.

It didn't take long before Gant Rugger Denmark and Sergei Sviatchenko pooled together on this, their first collaborative project:  A–COLLABORATION GANT RUGGER X Close Up and Private FALL/WINTER 11/12 COLLECTION

Originally dating as far back as 1914, GANT is synonymous with ivy league and classic preppy style. GANT Rugger is the brand’s younger label. Lead by Stockholm-based designer Christopher Bastin since 2009, GANT Rugger is a pure expression of the brands authentic American heritage.

With cropped blazers, fair isle sweaters, rugged chinos, washed denim, ribbed cardigans, winter weight madras shirts, signature popover button-downs and an array of outer-wear, GANT Rugger’s winter collection 2011/12 provides close up and private’s Sergei Sviatchenko with a rich palette of texture, colour and design with which to work.

Preview | TAKE ÅRHUS LEAGUE

a mash up up of epic proportions...

A simply captivating editorial spread that will be relevant when the kids of today are fully grown...unless the world ends in 2012...[insert bad joke here].

Summer's not even here and things are already heating up..."BOOM-SHAK-A-LAKA!" Alright...now that I've got that out of my system its time to start talkin' shop. February looks to jump off with Copenhagen's Fashion Week which will showcase the release of  Close Up and Private's TAKE ÅRHUS LEAGUE. The editorial is an unbelievable array of imagery brought to you by Close Up and Private and the good folks over at Danish Men's Magazine EUROMAN. The editorial shot at Aarhus University looks to capture real students wearing modern preppy powerhouse brand such as Gant, Gant Rugger, Ralph Lauren, and Tommy Hilfiger just to name a few. These photographs are not depicted in the "CUAP style" we are so use to seeing illustrated in Sviatchenko's art, but instead looks to take on a more classic, timeless approach reminiscent of Take IVY. With the resurgence of classic menswear otherwise known as "The Prep-edemic," it's safe to say this issue is a definite MUST COP. So if you haven't already, mark your calendars for the release of the February issue's of EUROMAN. I know I will!

Sincerely,

AFS

*Additional Information

Aarhus is the 2nd largest town in Denmark. Sergei's oldest son studies there and happens to be one of the guys featured in these photographs.

Other Brands in the editorial include:

Norse Progect, Our Legacy, NNO7, Mads Nørgaard, WoodWood, Henri Lloyd, Lacoste, and Acne

First Look | Close Up and Private S/S 2011

come closer...come closer...(okay that's close enough)

Close Up and Private

NOTHING I say can do this imagery/collection justice PERIOD. Having said that allow me to get close up and "personal" with a brand that continues to mash up Art in the form of photographs, paintings, and videos. The on-going project by artist Sergei Sviatchenko continues to capture the spirit of modern style, as seen through the subtle shades of the individual. Through these details a complex discourse between clothing, fashion and image takes shape, offering fresh perspectives on contemporary fashion and identity. A Gentlemens' brand to say the least which in this day and age is simply refreshing to see. By no stretch of the imagination do I consider myself Sartorially Inclined or Unabashedly Prep, but I love each and every image Sergei captures in these photographs, especially the pairing of the overalls with the bow tie. I would have never known an unlikely pairing would compliment each other so beautifully. Close Up and Private's Spring/Summer 2011 Collection is a nice reminder to continue to tighten up my "Grown Man Game." Hats off to the gents over at CUAP for churning out some amazing pieces. I can't wait to see the full line up.

I suggest you check out CUAP's "The Etiquette of a Modern Classicist" which is a great measuring stick to see if you're on the right path to gettin' your grown game "tight" and "right" like the experts. And remember...do your part, be responsible, and spread the word!

Happy reading,

AFS