Heschung AW13

Heschung have been making shoes deep in the forests of France since 1934, however I must admit they are a new discovery to me.

Family owned and run, production is procured in a factory close to the Marne-Rhine canal in the north east. With both a Norwegian welted and Goodyear welted composition the offerings are well rounded. Rugged soles give more classically typical designs a more practical all weather use.

For more info on the brand and their online store you can go here.

At the moment the only stockists in the UK are in London, The Garbstore & Milk, failing that you'll have to venture across the Channel.

Source: Men's Reverie

Hackett AW13

Jeremy Hackett may not be in many peoples good books this Christmas after his comments published in the Sunday Times accusing the British tailoring industry of being untrustworthy and the textile industry of not being able to provide his 'Essential British Kit'. However there's no denying the rise and rise of the Hackett brand in more recent years, and with the old boy as the archetypal ambassador they have positioned themselves as a forerunner in the British #menswear revival.

Since 2005, and the appointment of american Michael Sondag (former Tommy Hilfiger) as Creative Director, they have gone from a fairly poorly judged suitor popular with football casuals and rugby fans to a well tailored heritage embodiment with a growing sartorial collection for the more distinguished buyer and the inclusion of a broader more eclectic collection i.e. tartan, tweed and fair isle, for those outside the big cities.

This winter the recent inspiration of classically styled film and TV bears heavy in the collection with an emphasis on a character, the 'leading man'. Problem currently is that you need a film stars bank balance to support a Hackett laden wardrobe.

Photo Source: Hackett

Neighborhood FW13

If you're a fan of Lupe Fiasco you'll be well aware of the Neighborhood brand or at least the name. Shinsuke Takizawa's counter-culture led label takes its inspiration from motorcycle gangs, militaria and traditional clothing. Based in Harajuku, Tokyo and Shibuya, Hong Kong the clothing label has been popular with Americana enthusiasts for several years, now people like those at The Goodhood Store are bringing them to the UK.

Below is their Autumn/Winter lookbook:

Photo Source: Men's Reverie

Naissance AW13

Naissance is the baby of Takashi Kumagai, a Japanese photographer with plenty of fingers in pies. In his native Japan he is also a renowned stylist and branding expert as well as having turned his hand to shop design for New York based brand Saturdays Surf NYC, who collaborated with Gap back in 2012 as part of their young American designers initiative.

Like a lot of Japanese brands there is a heavy Americana influence and for AW the amalgamation of heavy fabrics, tailored outerwear and workwear inspired pieces.

The thing I enjoy about these brands is that there is a simplistic relaxed demeanor to their composition. The wearer looks comfortable and un-fussed yet you can see that careful consideration has been made in each choice.

The workwear aesthetic will be big again this winter and the introduction of tailored cords and flannel trousers will accompany the usual selvedge denim.

Photo Source: Men's Reverie

Woolrich Woolen Mills AW13

Back in 2006, building on the success of his Engineered Garments label, Daiki Suzuki set about bringing back an American manufacturing tradition to menswear. A wool-rich town and community was built around the activities of the mill.

The original Woolen Mill was founded in Pennsylvania in 1830. Working with original fabrics and patterns Daiki developed the brands first collection for WP Lavori (a high end men's clothiers) in Corsi, Bologna.

Since 2010, with Mark McNairy in the driver's seat, the brand has thrived and is revered for its dedication to outerwear Americana.

The garments are made to tested specifications with hidden elbow patches and re-enforced stitching for durability.

Synonymous with strong plaids and wonderful fabrics the excitement always builds for Autumn/Winter collections from these guys and this season is a strong effort.

Photo Source: Men's Reverie