Csquared Menswear

Red Blue and Black bowties and opulent baroque-print Scarves… Affordable, Cool preppy yet classic essentials to accessorise this winter.

Choose a scarf that is light weight so it’s versatile. Drape the scarf with a bow tie for added movement and casual flair to your look. 

Borrow from Italian style and throw the scarf in a loop revealing the bow ties for aristocratic elegance to your look.

Assorted CSquared Scarves - R250

CSquared Bow ties in Navy, Red, Black & Checkered Bowties - R150

CSquared White Shirt - R650

CSquared Deep Indigo Leather Oxfords Shoes - R 2495

Avail at CSquared Flagship Store in Canal Walk and selected Markham & Stuttafords retailers nationwide. Ask for CSquared*

Now time to live epic, ball hard and enjoy your weekend folks!

Tweet us your outfits and how you rock CSquared pieces.

Stay Stylin’

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CSquared

Subscribe to Csquared Menswear by Email and stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @CsquaredSA for more stylin’ daily updates.

Csquared Menswear is stocked at selected boutiques and premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide. 

CSquared Winter Collection 2013 is available at CSquared FlagShip Store in Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Stuttafords & Markham stores nationwide. 

Shop CSquared ONLINE at South Africa’s ultimate online shopping and style destination for men, ThirtySixMan, and online retailer of international and local fashion brands Zando.com

CSquared Menswear was featured in the Aug 16,2012 issue of Heat Magazine.

Heat Magazine put together all the best bits from MBFWCT including one of the looks from the CSquared x 36MAN Midnight Fashion Express Show.

The Csquared 2012 Mediterranean Resort Collection will be available in store, as well as online store ThirtySixManSeptember 2012.

Get the issue on news stands now. For more onCsquared Menswear press click here.

Stay Stylin’

CSquared

Subscribe to CSquared Menswear by Email and stay tuned to CSquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @CsquaredSA for more stylin’ daily updates.

Boardwalk Empire is an American TV series set in Atlantic City, New Jersey in the Prohibition era. The series has received widespread critical acclaim particularly for its visual style. 

Recently Michael Pitt who plays the role of James “Jimmy” Darmody modeled in Prada Men’s Spring/Summer2012 ad campaign. The Italian fashion house has also released a behind the scenes video of the campaign shoot.

Playing the guitar, boxing a little bit, Michael plays a Hollywood Golden Boy wearing serious Prada threads.

I think Pitt was asked to be the face of the S/S12 Prada Menswear ad campaign is because of his role in Boardwalk Empire. If you have ever watched this show you will know everything is tai­lor made, so it fits per­fectly and everyone looks seriously styling.

Lush tweed and wool suits are worn along with brightly col­ored ties with ele­gant col­lar pins to hold them up. Fedo­ras and news­boy caps were a neces­sity and not a prop. 

Back then, the finishing of cloth was not as refined as it is today and most fabrics were considerably heavier, and consequently draped nicely.The cut of the clothes is certainly different. Suits were fitted snugly around shoulder, and had little to no padding. The trousers were much slimmer than in the 1930’s and did not have pleats. Unlike today though they had a high raise and were of course worn with suspenders.

The fashion is pure American gangster. The way these men dressed showed power and they took such care to perfect their looks, you got to respect that. The blue coat above blows my mind, with wide lapels and the black collar. 

By taking a few elements from this era as inspiration you can add this mafioso swag to your modern day look:

Enoch ‘Nucky’ Thompson

Played by Steve Buscemi, is part politician/ part gangster and All style.

He rules Atlantic City in a range of tailored three piece suits with his signature red carnation pinned in the button hole. The red carnation serves as a perfect accessory to all his looks, giving them a stylish pop of color. These days wearing a red carnation everyday may not as fashionable but with accessories such as bowties, pocket squares or shoes you can definitely add to the elegance of your outfit as Nucky’s red carnation did for his.

Csquared Brogues R899, Csquared Wayfarers R699, Csquared Checked Bow tie R175, Csquared blue with white polka dots Pocket square R175.

Jimmy Darmody

Played by Michael Pitt is the former protege of Nucky, which is evident in his style. Soldier turned gangster Jimmy sported a more casual look in earlier episodes but as his status rises so does his sharp style.

The above blue and grey check 3-piece suit is by far one of my favorite looks from the show. Simple, elegant and sharp.  A great modern twist on this would be:

Csquared shirt R595, Csquared waistcost R599, Csquared tie R175

Albert “Chalky” White

Played by Michael Kenneth Williams, is a racketeer and unofficial leader of the African-American community in Atlantic City.

I loveChalky’s style! His flamboyant tailoring with lots of check patterns and he’s not afraid to wear a bow tie! This is a man after my very own Csquared heart. The Csquared Winter Collection 2012 is bursting with checks and bright, bold bowties and ties which makes achieving Chalky’s look easy.

This show deserves every award it wins. It is an amazingly true depiction of life and fashion in the 1920’s but then again no one does the 1920s gangster era quite like Martin Scorsese. 

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

Stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @CsquaredSA for more stylin’ daily updates.

Csquared Menswear is stocked at selected boutiques and premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide.

SkattieTV is the work of the ingenious minds of Malibongwe Tyilo of Skattie, what are you wearing? and Sandiso Ngubane of Trends beyond Threads . Mali explains the idea behind SkattieTV on his blog “I have always felt that Fashion Week does not get enough attention on our tv screens, and when it gets on the interviwers often focus on tv celebrities at the expense of getting strong opinions from the people who work this industry day in day out, you hardly ever hear the opinions of these people who are really passionate about fashion. SkattieTV is an attempt to in a small online way correct that.” 

After the #CsquaredRed MBFWJ Fashion Show Mali and Sandiso went around the tents to find out what the critics thought of the show. And the result of that is below:

In case you missed any of the commentary, we at Csquared were kind enough to spend a few minutes transcribing the video for you.

Sandiso Ngubane (SN): (sic) The Csquared Show and I’m gonna ask a couple of people what they thought of the menswear, come.

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Sandiso chats to Arthur Malan GQ South Africa Fashion Director

Arthur’s Partner (AP): No it was good.

Arthur Malan (AM): No, no, I thought it was really good.

AP: (sic) hats.

AM: The hats were great, the brogues were brilliant. As usual really good cut, fit was fantastic, playing with new luxe jackets this season and obviously the sequins, the panelling of that in the vests is great, yeah colour popping was really good and the braces.

SN: Do you think the other men in South Africa are brave enough to wear those sequined jackets and vests?

AM: I think Csquared is synonymous with event dressing. Really like ..events like  J & B Met. Also I feel like Fashion Week in a platform is not necessarily what you do in a range that’s gonna be in store. It’s a platform as to what a designer can do and its an event and what you feel like expressing and its not about necessarily whats gonna be (sic).

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Sandiso chats to Mary Corrigall Sunday Independent Snr Features Writer & Arts Critic

Mary Corrigall (MC): It’s the Russian Revolution that never took off. Yeah after the flags all we saw was conventional menswear with shirts and jeans and trousers.

SN:  And bowties 

MC: Yes the bowties exactly had absolutely no Russian flavour at all. I mean we’ve seen quite a lot of bowties, I think the smarties vibes has really hit the runways, the fashion cycle has come full cycle so uhhh…

SN: Did you see Fabiani?

MC: I did see Fabiani, which was also exaggerated bowties but I think Fabiani had a bit more of an attitude than Csquared.

SN: Csquared.

MC: Yeah Csquared yeah but maybe that’s something to do with uhhhmm menswear. There are very few designers that are actually ummm advancing a particular ummm attitude style or aesthetic in menswear that is identifiable as belonging to that particular designer (sic).

SN: Yeah, wanted to ask you about the sequined jackets, do you remember those?

MC: Yes I do, or the sequined vests.

SN: The vests and jackets, they also had jackets.

MC: I don’t remember the jackets, I remember the sequined vests, I didn’t mind them so much.

SN: No I would love some of those pieces.

MC: Really. Well ok see I’m not a guy.

SN: But then the difference is I am probably more adventurous than other guys, I don’t know.

MC: I mean it was a bit womenswear. I mean everybody is doing sequins this season. I suppose they wanted to …

SN: Tap into the trend.

MC: I guess so.

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Sandiso chats to Mahlatse James Fashion Blogger and Image Consultant

SN: MJ and I are not known for our penchance for menswear…

Mahlatse James (MJ):  (sic) No.

SN: …Necessarily but anyway what did you think?

MJ: Csquared? Good Collection, ready to retail.

SN: Always, always.

MJ: Exciting quite exciting. I love the color blocking. Quite excited, quite excited.

SN: The sequined jackets, are you getting them?

MJ: I deserve the vest in sequins.

SN: Or maybe just the vest you know.

MJ: And the jacket! Everything in sequins! All of that I deserve it oh my.

SN: I love it. I love the vest but are men brave enough to do it? (sic) we are!

MJ: We men, we can!

SN: We men! We men!

MJ: Dammit we will do it! We will do it!

SN: Awesome.

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Sandiso chats to Bee Diamondhead Marie Claire Fashion Assistant and Chu Suwannapha Fairlady Fashion Director

SN: This is Chu and Bee and they going to tell us what they thought.

Bee Diamonhead (BDH): Chu is actually wearing Csquared. Chu was actually dressed by Csquared.

SN: Okay, lets look at Chu’s look and a Missibaba I see, lovely. What did you guys think of Csquared?

BDH: I think umm, they had good intentions execution may not have been so great.

SN: Thanks, Chu?

Chu Suwannapha (CS): I love the velvet jacket you know, I think, they had (sic) this is South Africa ummm. They just bringing some interesting  detail like the tassels uhhh the elbow patches, the velvet. I think thats more outstanding for me from the show.

SN: The luxe jacket, what did you guys think of that and the sequin vests?

BDH: The sequined jackets! I would love a sequined jacket in my wardrobe.

SN: Are men brave enough to wear them?

BDH: I don’t think South Africa is ready (sic)

CS: It’s not ready.

SN: Chu is, Chu is ready to wear one.

CS: (sic) i love the sequined jacket! I love it! I know I can pull it off but am not sure about those real straight men but I don’t know you know (sic)

SN: We love it though, I mean I will definitely get me one if I can afford it.

BDH: (sic) You know what am saying, can we afford it?

SN: mmmm that’s a (sic)

BDH: That is a question we need to ask!

Do you agree with what was said…share your thoughts?

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

Click here for all the #CsquaredRed MBFWJ Fashion Show pics

Stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter @CsquaredSA for more stylish updates.

Find Csquared at premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide - click here.

Photos: Simon/ SDR Photo

Available for immediate release - 12.03.2012

Csquared Menswear is South Africa’s most cutting-edge formal wear brand, and they proudly showcased their latest collection at this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Joburg on evening of 9th March 2012. The show and after party also marked Csquared’s 10 year anniversary by celebrating the decade of style, elegance and attitude that the brand has brought to menswear in South Africa.

The Csquared winter collection 2011/12 show exhibited luxury and kingsmanship tailoring, while evoking the charm of nostalgia by paying homage to the artistic construction of the royal uniform. 

The collection’s theme was “Russian Revolution” and was inspired by the history and stylized opulence of the Royal Russian family. The collection focused on suiting in rich and moody jewel-toned colors made in an array of high-quality luxe and wearable fabrics. There were quirky checked shirts, statement herringbone pieces with a modern edge and structured jackets with detailed epaulettes. Luxurious fabrics are seen in each & every item, from neutral & classic grey to rich plum & emerald jackets

The Cut & Silhouette: Csquared’s A/W 2012 collection focused on sharply cut double-breasted jackets and low-buttoning 2-button suits, with strong shoulder lines balanced with fluid pant shapes.

Styling: Fine 100% cotton shirts and woven tailored pants provided casually styled pieces, while monotone shirts paired with contrasting color bow ties display the trend of “Neutral Blocking”. Outerwear has a laidback smart-casual feel with the fit of Csquared traditional tailoring being the shining star. Non-traditional pattern pairings of herringbone waistcoat and checked shirts brings a chic quirky look together. Our burnished leather trimmed blazer jacket with high sheen leather collar-lapel and elbow patch provides our clients with one of the hottest must have items this winter.

Color: Jewel-bright teals and petrol blues teamed with deep bottle green, violet and vivid sapphire blues contrasted with warm tobacco browns, espresso and camel, black and charcoal grey.

Fabric & Knit: This collection uses luxe wools with fluid suiting material. Bold checks and plaids were tailored with matching or contrasting inner pieces for a play on pattern on pattern. Leather, satin, and Melton were used to give the range a beautiful, warm and rich winter feel.

Print & Pattern:

Micro paisleys, stripes and checks.

Footwear:

This year’s Csquared men’s footwear features multi colored brogues, suede lace-ups paired in grey-patterned socks and neutral or tan brogues paired with bright socks to give every step of your day a flash of color below your turn-up’s.

Accessories: Bow ties, bow ties & more bow ties! Scarves, suspenders, vintage metal badges, leather bags, hats, hard belts to complete a #Topswag Stylin’ yet masculine winter look.

The One Must-Have Item from the Csquared Collection?

Our burnished leather trimmed blazer jacket with high sheen leather collar-lapel and elbow patch, provides our clients with one of the hottest must have items this winter and sound investment piece to wear throughout the seasons.

House of Monatic Head of Brands; Mark Gooding when interviewed after the show said “I am lucky to have such talented creative people around us, thanks especially to Jan Malan & Wayne Govender who helped make this vision come true. Csquared shows have always been heavily stylized and I think the Russian Revolution fitted the theme perfectly. We explored a few new elements to our collection which we are looking forward to seeing in stores for A/W 2012 season”. The turnout of the #CsquaredRed show showed the fashion critics that customers’ love for menswear is as strong as ever in South Africa; #TOPSWAG entrants, celebs, fans of Csquared’s social media attended the show proudly and packed the show venue to its brim.

Csquared designer Wayne Govender (L), Head of Brands Mark Gooding (R)

Wayne Govender is the newly appointed Csquared designer and #CsquaredRed was his first show! “I am honored and exhilarated to be working for the Csquared brand, renowned for its deep tradition in tailoring. Csquared’s winter collection experimented with new cuts, colors and embellishment.” When asked what his favorite piece from the collection was Wayne exclaimed “The Coat! We designed the coat in different shapes and in various proportions so that, it is a versatile item that could go easily from day to night. By far the most important accessory this season is the bow tie, which we are dubbing as the new “tie”. The already popular Csquared velvet bow ties have names like the “Mont Carlo”, and the “Frank Sinatra”… how is one to resist the urge to accumulate a few throughout the season!”

However the #CsquaredRed Fashion Show was only the beginning of the night with the official after party held at the trendy Taboo Nightclub in Sandton. After 2 intense months of campaigning and a whirlwind trip to Cape Town, Csquared Menswear crowned its 1st social media campaign  Csquared TOPSWAG Style Icon Search refreshed by Peroni Winner Mvelo Ncube. Mvelo walked away with instant fashion fame, R30 000 in Csquared designer-wear and the ultimate VIP experience in 2012.

Csquared #TOPSWAG Style Icon Winner Mvelo Ncube walking in #CsquaredRed MBFWJ Show A/W 2012.

SocialWOO social media and PR also made sure that the #CsquaredRed show and Csquared’s #TOPSWAG social media campaign conclusion ended on a highly-buzzed note that will only bring bigger, better and more exciting things for Csquared and the menswear industry in 2012.

FOR MORE INFO ON MVELO NCUBE,  PRESS QUERIES, INTERVIEWS, PRODUCT REQUESTS OR DETAILED RAMP LOOK DESCRIPTIONS PLEASE CONTACT:

SocialWOO - Social Media Marketing and PR

Sianna Wu – Account Executive

pr@socialwoo.co.za

@Social_WOO

Contact SocialWOO Office 10am-6pm +27 79 379 8920

All images by Simon/SDR Photos