Nice Collective: Trilby Hat

 THE ASKMEN TAKE

This item appears in our Spring Fashion Preview 2010.

In a world where bigger is supposed to be better, Nice Collective is on the opposing team. Friends Joe Haller and Ian Hannula founded the San Francisco-based clothing label in 1997. Their original conception: An everyday DJ agency with a nightclub and clothing label mixed in for good measure. That pie-in-the-sky dream fortunately faded, and what we’re left with is a boutique brand of men’s clothing and accessories with a notable voice:California cool meets East Coast edge. After disappearing from runway shows for over a decade (we’re told it was deliberate), the line has reemerged stronger, darker, and yes, online. StoreRoom, Nice Collective’s one-stop Internet shop, launched last year with minimal inventory to complement the label’s not-so-mass-market feel. This hat is just one of a handful of their limited electronic offerings.

UNIQUENESS

Traditional trilbies rose to fame on London’s West End at the turn of the 20th century in a play that gave the hat its curious name. After peaking in popularity during the 1920s, the style -- a severely dented crown that slopes to a pinch at the front -- fizzled out by the mid-'60s. Nice Collective’s rounded take on the trilby, if you want to get all textbook about it, is more consistent with a bowler. But whatever the case, seasonal straw has thankfully replaced the tried and true felted construction for increased breathability. And the brown hatband is a detail you’ll only find on StoreRoom.

 DURABILITY

The Three Little Pigs taught a tough lesson at a young age: Don’t build anything out of straw -- unless, of course, it’s tightly woven and treated to perform like a fortified fabric. Nice Collective’s trilby uses sturdier straw that makes a point of letting you know this isn’t some flimsy panama or a disposable dud from H&M. And unlike many things in life where cost and quality aren’t directly related, the price tag here is proof of a worthy, long-lasting addition to your summer wardrobe.

Men’s Classics Shirt 2011-2012: Ben Sherman Modern Classics shirt collection for Summer 2011

Quirky takes on the traditional polo, solid henleys, and good old fashioned t-shirts make up the Ben Sherman Modern Classics shirt collection for Summer 2011.

They’ve got a bit of personality, but are also subdued enough to fit many tastes and sink naturally into any wardrobe.

Flat Shoes in Summer

This summer is just the right season for everyone to pamper their feet with flat shoes and let them breathe in fresh air.

Flat shoes in Pakistan are the in accessory these days to enhance your summer wardrobe. It makes style and comfort blend in such a way that high heels are no more demanded as one can go for elegant and sophisticated flat shoe at the same time. Flat shoes in Pakistan are being accepted widely in summer since the fashion circuit prevails that way. Everyone should learn the most about the flat shoe trend, starting from who is designing them to what outfit to wear with them.

This summer is just the right season for everyone to pamper their feet with flat shoes and let them breathe in fresh air. Versatile sandals, round toe flat shoes, pointy flat shoes are a few categories. Other trends include flat shoes with multiple straps, gladiator shoes and also khussas and kolapuris if you want to try something ethnic and equally trendy. However, there are plenty of styles and variety available throughout Pakistan in flat shoes that you would be amazed.

There are various styles that depend on the outfit one carries. It does not matter whether you go for elegant and chic flats, a pair of flat sandals can always be a smart investment. Flat shoes come in various embellishments, ranging from multi coloured crystals, metallic straps, silk or satin flowers catch everyone’s attention. There is a high probability that if you are into jewellery and accessories such embellished shoe trends will be highly preferred by you.

Fashion should be made truly functional therefore, comfort of the flat shoes is necessary before making a choice to buy them. Aerosols are a good choice when comfort is your utmost priority. The best thing about the flat shoes is that they look great with whatever you wear them. With a pair of skinny jeans, a pair of whimsical flat shoes looks equally funky.

Flat sandals with unique and outstanding details can change any dull outfit to a more noticeable appearance. Flat shoes in Pakistan are highly popular among them include the khussas and kolaouris worn with churidar pajamas as the flats are available in all sizes and designs. These designs vary from dabka, sequins work, sitara, kat dana, moti work to leather made flats. Thus, such flat shoes can be worn on informal and formal events and not just by women and also by men.

This summer should be made different by adopting a new fashion statement and letting the world know about the flat shoe trends prominent in Pakistan. If hand-made shoes are found to be relatively expensive, custom-made shoes can satisfy everyone’s needs.