Max Benjamin: Perfect Scents.

I've always been a bit crap at making a home from home. Having rented places since the age of 18, it's always seemed an effort to alter my living environs when the landlord's dictatorial or your budget's constrained. The whole thing involves expense and effort, which I'm not sure I could justify when there are boots and things to be bought.

Still, something like the below birthday gift from my all too generous friend Doireann is the perfect solution to my male interiors-related incompetence.

^ Dodici by Max Benjamin perched on the new apartment's windowsill - a blend of essential oils of rosemary, Sicilian lemon and marjoram on a backdrop of Tuscan lavendar. It's mild and inarguably beautiful.

^ Dodici

Max Benjamin candles is Irish-owned and run by brothers Mark and David Van den Bergh, who've named the brand after their sister Orla's two sons, Max and Benjamin. Family history aside, the brand is essentially the prime purveyor of luxury natural wax candles, with fragrances ranging from lemongrass and ginger to French linen water.

^ Fig Leaves & Cedar

^ Lemongrass & Ginger

Although each and every product is delectably packaged, what really sets this duo apart from other chandlers is their appreciation for 100% natural wax (blended from soy bean, canola, beeswax and coconut wax), and their refusal to use the cheaper, dirtier alternative - paraffin wax i.e. the kind that leads to a fug of artificial stink reminiscent of toilet cleaner.

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Shop online or see a full list of international stockists here.

Q+A: Stighlorgan.

London-based accessories label Stighlorgan, may not be an indigenous Irish brand but it's undoubtedly and enthusiastically waving the Irish fashion flag abroad. I've ranted countless times about the difficulty of establishing yourself as a designer or brand in Ireland what with a whirlwind of financial crises and what seems to be a general reluctance to invest in homegrown talent, and although Stighlorgan's status might strike some as problematic (an 'Irish' fashion brand, based in London), I'm - instead - proud to see they're smart enough to acknowledge the fact they'll find success sooner across the Irish Sea, and proud to say they've not lost sight of their roots.

Here's what they had to say...

MM: What is Stighlorgan?

Stighlorgan is a newly founded modern Irish accessories brand.

MM: Who founded the brand, and why?

The people who founded Stighlorgan are from the suburbs around Stillorgan, Dublin. The whole project started as a conversation amongst friends, discussing the potential in establishing a modern Irish brand. There is unusual style and honest aesthetics within Ireland, especially Dublin, that has inspired us for years. We felt that there was an opportunity to portray our view of modern day Ireland to the world. Since the brand has been established by Irish creatives living in or outside Ireland, a constantly moving collective, it has come to adopt 'travelling' as its identity, which is again we feel, a very Irish feeling.



MM: The brand takes its name from the Irish for Dublin suburb "Stillorgan" (Stighlorgan) - why is this?

The word 'Stighlorgan', is a compound word created by combining the two Irish words that make up the original Irish name for the suburb Stillorgan; 'Stigh lorgan'. It is still pronounced in the same way as the modern spelling; 'Stillorgan'. Aside from the fact that we grew up in the area and we wanted a name that had a familiar echo to us, we felt that the Irish spelling, the silent 'g' in particular, maintained an older Irish feeling to what is otherwise a more modern brand.

^ The Driscoll bag, crafted from bridle-style leather

MM: The 'About' page describes the brand as being 'From Ireland' but based in Hackney - is your designer Irish?

Yes, our designers are Irish. The head office is in Hackney. With the customer we are approaching in mind, we felt this was an ideal location to launch the brand.

To be honest, we are fascinated by Ireland's presence abroad. The inspiration behind the Stighlorgan's accessories collections lies heavily within the Irish culture of travelling. We are hugely inspired by the younger generations whose lives are built around the idea of settling in a location and growing to understand it, only to move life to a new location and begin the process again. Young people have become the ultimate nomads.



^ Roban - leather-trimmed canvas rucksack

MM: Who, or what, inspires the designs?

From beautifully simple, and almost minimal towns and landscapes across Ireland, to modern day inner city Dublin, we find inspiration everywhere that represents this sharper, more modern side to Ireland's aesthetic. This modern aesthetic often differs so much from the stereotypical image of Ireland.

Each season, our mood, style and design is inspired by an aspect of traveling. Our wordsmith, Davin, writes short stories to define the season; poems which create the backdrop and feeling expressed in our seasonal lookbook. This is how we want to continue to work; seasonal trend and moods that intertwine with stories, poems and words.

There is an area of the brand called Around Stighlorgan, which is featured on our site. We built this as a platform that could be used to promote Irish creative talent, working in and outside of Ireland. In the coming months we are going to begin introducing the handful of writers, photographers and musician whom we work with. Their work which we showcase on Around Stighlorgan is also an important inspiration for our accessories collections.



^ Finn - leather-trimmed cotton canvas flight bag

MM: Where are your materials sourced and where are the Stighlorgan products manufactured?

Materials are sourced from a diverse range of countries depending on requirement and expertise. The wool and our knitted items simply had to come from Donegal, Ireland, and linen cotton webbing and leather small leather goods could only come from Italy.



^ Cian - Donegal wool cashmere blend scarf



^ Boann - genuine pewter buckle rope webbing belt

MM: What are the plans for the future of the brand?

It has been just under 2 months since we launched our first collection to the world. Our SS12 range has had an even better wholesale reaction than the first. So, we're keen to continue to make accessories that we feel show a new side to Ireland.

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Shop all the above styles and more at Stighlorgan

ASHER x NICOLA: A Pop-up Collaboration.

Is it just me or is it at this stage a bit yawn-inducing when a designer states they've collaborated with Gaga? I mean, it's a feat, but who hasn't done it at this stage? Thanks to formidable side-kick stylist Nicola Formichetti, Gaga's secured herself a steady stream of eager, fresh fashion talents, which she showcases for all of thirty seconds of a red carpet appearance. Getting your meat dress or frog frock on her back is not to be sniffed at, but you'd better have something more to feed the press when they come calling or else it's a sad case of flash-in-the-pan fashion.

^ NYC-based designer Asher Levine

Thankfully, one designer has bridged the gap between anonymity and widespread celebrity endorsement whilst retaining all of his original sartorial fervour. New York-based Asher Levine, has collaborated with the best of them: Gaga, Scissor Sisters, Black Eyed Peas etc., but also manages to produce stand-out menswear collections season in, season out. I'm eager to natter about his AW 2011 collection, but for the sake of sparing your having to squint, I'll shut up for now and let you soak up the simple sexiness of his collaboration with Formichetti's New York pop-up concept NICOLA.

ASHER x NICOLA is a line of handmade, technically dyed tees crafted from natural fibres and available at various price-points. What these price-points are exactly I'm not entirely sure, so you'll have to head to NICOLA, where the collab. is exclusively stocked, for more info.

NICOLA is at 57 Walker St., Tribeca.

For more on Asher Levine, stay tuned or check here.

Portrati from Papermag

ASOS Urban Tour AW11: Marketing Made Mindblowing.

It's been a long week, and for those of you not clacking over the cobbles of Somerset House for London Fashion Week, I'd suggest the following for viewing during a moment of leisure...

^ ASOS Urban Tour in London teaser feat. Lil' Buck, Baby Bang and the world's best street-dance crew. Head to ASOS.com to see all the footage.

The ever ingenious online retailing superstore ASOS has looked to the likes of Burberry Prorsum's interactive campaign of last year, grasped the significance of fusing video editorial and online shopping, and has built on the premise resulting in the creation of what I can only describe as an entirely fresh and f**king incredible experience.

^ ASOS Urban Tour in Paris feat. world's best skating crew

Known as the ASOS Urban Tour AW11, the interactive menswear video campaign will feature short films of various singing/dancing/skating subcultures from several major cities across the world inc. (amongst others) London, Paris, Berlin and Tokyo; the idea being you watch an exceedingly well shot and edited piece of film featuring unfathomably talented guys do their stuff, and whilst vulnerable in your moment of awe, you inevitably click the appropriate link and purchase their looks 'cos, you know, if you had that hoody or that plaid raincoat, you'd be able breakdance or beatbox with the best of them.

My cynical analysis of this campaign's savviness aside - these videos are undeniably inspiring and worth a watch, whether you choose to purchase or not.

The campaign launches in London and will travel to several other cities in the coming weeks. Watch out for Tokyo - all kinds of incredible.

Topman LENS Autumn Winter 2011: Introducing Uniforms, David David and Daniel Jackson.

Another season, another incredible LENS offering from high-street favourite, Topman. The past few seasons of this collaboration between lesser-known designers and Arcadia's jewel in the menswear crown has seen some attention-arresting, yet wearable designs come to the market at affordable prices.

For Autumn Winter 2011, it's looking just as good, with the addition of three new designers to the roster: David David (he of the graphic prints fame), Uniforms for the Dedicated and Daniel Jackson (of the Surface to Air accessories collective). Returning to the project are Dusty, Dexter Wong, New Power Studio and J.W. Anderson.

Here are few personal favourites worth a look-see...

^ J.W. Anderson Wallpaper Jumper - £70

^ Dexter Wong Cotton Jumper - £60

^ Dexter Wong Trousers - £60

^ Dusty Crewneck with shoulder panels - £70

^ Dusty Crewneck - £70

Shop all these styles and more at Topman, and keep checking back for the rest of the styles as the new designers drop.

Q+A: Eayrslee.

Considering it's been about an eon since we had a Q+A here, I jumped at the chance of getting to know Brooklyn-based design duo Eayrslee better when they got in touch with shots of their appetite-whetting accessories. Their range of leather and canvas accessories is delicious, and I don't mean that in so much an opulent, over-ornate sense, but more the comforting, no-frills, belly-filling satisfaction sense.

These are accessories imbued with love and oozing Brooklyn ease - for both men and women.

^ Design duo Eayrslee (Eayrs & Lee)

MM: What is EAYRSLEE?

EAYRSLEE is the amalgamation of ideas, needs, and wants of Mimi Eayrs and Joanne Lee.

^ The Park tote

MM: How did you come to establish the brand? Do you both come from design backgrounds?

In the economic downturn of 2010, we both found ourselves out of employment and shuttling between freelance jobs. We were carrying our entire lives for the day in totes and backpacks, but finding it hard to transition from day to night without feeling and looking out of place. From this need, the Nicholson bag was born, a handsome briefcase/ backpack we don't feel awkward taking to dinner.

^ The waxed canvas and leather Nicholson

Mimi has a fine arts degree from Parsons and has worked as a graphic designer and art director for the past 8+ years. I have a degree in psychology from UC Berkeley and a fashion design degree from FIDM, and have been designing bags and accessories for the past 9 years.

MM: What inspires you?

Stylish grandmothers, old photographs...

MM: Your designs strike me as being both beautiful and functional. What comes first for you two - form or function?

The chicken or the egg...maybe function edges out form by a millimeter. Is that the right answer?

^ The Dean tote - aimed at women according to the online store but I can definitely see some men working this as a kind of weekender?

MM: Finally, can you tell me a bit about the manufacturing process, the materials you use etc.?

We mainly use leathers sourced in Argentina and Italy, the final product is manufactured overseas at reputable factories we personally visit.

Check out Eayrslee to shop all the styles featured above and more.

Lernert & Sander for Fantastic Man: Figure-skating and Fashion.

Genteleman's style bible, Fantastic Man, and fashion's favourite Dutch artist duo of the moment, Lernert & Sander, have today launched a collaboration composed of several short fashion films combining figure-skating and the current Autumn Winter season's fashion.

Now, figure-skating may not immediately connote the best of sartorial taste (neon lime-green minis, sequinned billowy shirts) but trust this pairing of menswear aficionados and artists interested in sourcing new ways of perceiving fashion to cook up something both beautiful and groundbreaking in its off-kilter presentation of the pieces we see paraded for a period of about twenty minutes during a banal catwalk show.

Produced by the White Lodge, the first in the series debuts today on Fantastic Man's Daily Recommendations page, and features Mr. Lawrence Evans (currently training for the 2104 Winter Olympics) perform a demanding upright catch-foot spin in what's perhaps the least eye-pain inducing ensemble to ever grace an ice-rink: sparkling v-neck jumper and t-shirt by Prada and leggings by Pamela Mann (styled by Jodie Barnes).

^ Fantastic Spin #1 in Prada. Each film presents a particular selection of AW pieces via a full 360° spin of high virtuosity in super slow motion. The elegant, yet awkward action is accompanied by original music composed by Danny Calvi.

Lauding artists Lernert & Sander, Fantastic Man Editors Gert Jonkers and Jop Van Bennekom said: "Lernert & Sander's way of looking at fashion is both unconventional and un-anecdotic", which is a fairly accurate observation. With this film, the collection is presented in a manner a world apart from the fleeting glimpses of the fashion show built on narratives of luxury, with the result that the garments become the focal point, not the myth constructed around them.

Granted, it's tough to ignore the perfectly sculpted contours of the skaters showing it all off, but that, I suppose, isn't really what's up for discussion here.

^ A still from a film to come featuring the AW collection from Calvin Klein.

For more from Lernert & Sander, check out their Natural Beauty film for Nowness, which sees Belgian model Hannelore Knuts have 365 layers of make-up applied to her poor face in one day, taking her from fresh-faced to grotesque.

Find the latest issue of Fantastic Man here, and keep checking back daily for the latest film in the series.

Sean McGirr AW 2011.

Cockroaches (beetles?) and kimonos. For the Autumn Winter 2011 season, Dublin-born, primarily London-based designer Sean McGirr has chosen to meld insects, elements of both traditional and street Japanese dress with a firm shoe-gazing nod toward punk. And, surprisingly enough, it works.

^ Sean McGirr AW 2011

As somewhat of a precocious one-to-watch, McGirr has had himself and his work featured here and in several other notable fashion publications, often getting papped in his immaculately put together looks, traipsing from to show to show at London Fashion Week. Having graduated with a first class honours degree from LCF this past June, Sean adds another accolade to his already fairly extensive list - he's already held positions like production development assistant at Burberry and assistant to Vogue Hommes Japan's Fashion Editor Shun Watanabe.

Add to this a Summer stint at fabric specialist company Singtex in Taiwan, and, most excitingly, a new collection, and you've got yourself much more than the average Irish fashion grad.

For more visit Sean McGirr

Find the collection at Candy in Tokyo.