This month we’re very excited to have teamed up with GQ to test drive a few pieces from the newly acclaimed Montblanc Extreme Collection. With a rich heritage for crafting some of the most meticulously designed luxury goods, Montblanc introduced this generation of leather accessories, watches, and writing instruments with an edgier, urban aesthetic.
One of my favorite pieces from the collection was the Extreme Document Case. With an optional shoulder strap and perfect sizing, it makes an ideal bag for carrying around your documents, magazines, laptop, chargers, and office supplies- all while maintaining a sleek silhouette. It’s less formal than your traditional briefcase, yet more grown up than a backpack. I was also given the Extreme iPad Case, which has a similar woven carbon pattern as the bag. It does a nice job of protecting both sides of your i Pad with a hard backing and sturdy leather front. Lastly, the most exquisite writing utensil I have ever used, the Starwalker Extreme Steel Screenwriter. Made from stainless steel and plated with platinum, it can function as a stylus for a smart screen or as a traditional pen with a simple swap of a cartridge (I got my rollerball refill for $8).
For this look, I wanted to go for an updated version of something a guy would wear to a speakeasy in the mid-1930s post- prohibition. To do so, I went with one of my favorite houndstooth double-breasted jackets by Ian Velardi and paired it with some corduroy trousers by Ralph Lauren Black Label. Since Fall is all about introducing heavier fabrics and patterns into your wardrobe, I figured….why not!? Under the jacket I went with a classic white shirt from Nicholas Joseph Custom Tailors and a simple navy tie. To add a touch of character to a rather understated look, I added a red jewel-toned scarf and pocket square.
Sportcoat: Ian Velardi | Shirt: c/o Nicholas Joseph Custom Tailors | Tie + Scarf + Pocket Square: J Crew
Trousers: Ralph Lauren Black Label | Shoes: To Boot New York | Sunglasses: Ray Ban
Document Case+ i Pad Case + Stylus: c/o Montblanc
As all of you GQ subscribers already know, our amazing city was recently featured in the September issue for being “Officially the greatest place in America to get your drink on”. In honor of the awesome title, I wanted to shoot from one of my favorite cocktail lounges-Drumbar. Located on the 18th floor of the Raffaello Hotel, their bartenders are as passionate about crafting drinks as an artist is painting his masterpiece. I don’t know about you, but when I see passion like that, I can’t help myself from coming back for more. Another reason I keep coming back is because they do a great job of maintaining the integrity of the venue by attracting all of Chicago’s cool kids and keeping the D-bags out.
Piece of advice…don’t go up to your bartender and order a cranberry vodka. You will be judged.
Location: DrumBar
Photography: Foto By Mateo