Fashion Director’s Picks: Project

A hop, a skip and a jump from MRket, just down the corridor in the Jacob Javits Center, Project and Project Tents were busy with all sorts of inspired initiatives. Their ongoing blogger project headed by Canadian-based Marcus Troy is always strong, and the addition of live illustration by Sunflowerman (who illustrated MR‘s Prep Essentials cover), a partnership with Cadillac to offer attendees car service, two interactive photo booths and the introduction of a special Japanese designers section curated by show president Tommy Fazio kept attendees engaged.

Stof

This Tokyo-based sportswear brand is actually unisex, offering knits, sweats and outerwear manufactured domestically. Illustrated details contrast nicely with the military and utilitarian silhouettes. Retail prices range from $200 to $700.

Noah Waxman

Noah’s shoes are fantastic, and no one knows that to be more true than Project, who awarded him best footwear in show. The celebratory team arrived to present the award while I was at the booth, so I got a glass of Moet as well as some super shots of shoes, of which the bison leather shearling-lined boots were outstanding. Retail prices range from $375 to $750 at Nordstrom and better men’s specialty stores.

Craft Atlantic

Aimed at the tech-savvy traveling man, Craft Atlantic offers tailored clothing and sportswear in technical performance fabrics. All made in Italy, the quality construction and functional details add substance to the upscale collection. $115 to $800.

Vince

What started as a collection of simple essentials has grown into a global brand, including tailored clothing, footwear, outerwear, and their iconic knitwear. The sophisticated simplicity of the collection endures, and every piece still seems essential. $48 to $1,195.

Todd Snyder

Launched exclusively in Bergdorf Goodman, Ron Herman, and Neiman Marcus for Fall 2011, Todd Snyder has established himself as a huge presence in menswear, and recently inked a deal with the tailored clothing company Peerless, offering nested suits for $795, and launching in Nordstorm.

Todd Snyder x Champion

An update on more classic Champion fare, and another collaboration for Mister Snyder (Cole Haan shoes are also on that swiftly expanding list), the collection includes sweaters, sweatpants and a recurring blazer/varsity jacket hybrid that’s just awesome. $98 to $1,100 at Bergdorf, Bloomingdales, Barney’s.

Del Toro

With humble beginnings in embroidered smoking slippers, Del Toro has expanded considerably. With capsule collections and collaborations including a Navajo-inspired series, and an NBA inspired boat shoe boot from designer Erik Bjerkesjo, the brand is stronger than ever. $295 to $400 at Saks, Barney’s, Nordstrom.

Gents

With their apparel debuting at New York Men’s Day on February 11th, we focused more closely on the brand’s core caps. This season sees the addition of some serious metallics, as well as animal prints and textured leather with a focus on comfort and fit. $49 to $125 at Saks, Nordstrom, Scoop.

Walkover

Established in 1758, the Pennsylvanian-based heritage footwear brand Walkover is returning to its roots with original styles and manufacturing techniques like hobnails to increase the shoes durability. $285 to $450 at Saks, Neimans, Nordstrom.