New Barton Perreira Sunglasses Have Arrived at Spectacle

Brand new Barton Perreira sunglasses are available now at Spectacle.  The new Summer 2013 pieces have unique names with interesting background stories.

The Burroughs in Gold Vintage Brown and Royal

The Burroughs is a new style to Spectacle.  Barton Perreira came up with the name based on the influential Beat Poet of the same title.  The sunglasses' classic round shape with bold lenses make it a stand-out piece of eyewear.

The Libertine in Rose Gold with Cinnabar Polarized lenses

Like The Burroughs, the Libertine also has a significant designation.  The style is called the Libertine inspired by Pete Doherty of the British rock band of the same name.  It is also inspired by The film The Libertine's main character - actor Johnny Depp.

The Libertine in Silver with Poison Ivy Polarized lenses

According to Barton Perreira, "the confident swagger of the Libertine will get you through your misadventures with a minimum of regret and the maximum panache!".  The Burroughs is available now at our Queen St. West boutique and the Libertine will be available soon at our new Distillery District shop!

PopUp 120 Showroom Opens in Toronto

Fashion movers and shakers braved Toronto's recent heat wave to make an appearance at one of the city's newest hot spots, PopUp 120. Located on the unique, developing corner of Argyle Street on Ossington, the crowd was eager to mix and mingle along with a cold beverage.

PopUp 120 is a retail extension of its original national clothing supply and distributor business, Agency One. According to owner, Ken Georgopoulos, “We wanted to create a space that serves as a marketing and PR function for each of the brands that we carry.” Just to name a few, Popup 120 carries: Religion, House of Gods, and various collaborations including Alexander Wang, Phillip Lim, and Dries Van Noten.

Collage with owner Ken

Georgopoulos says his inspiration for opening PopUp 120 came from his trip to Paris during Fashion Week a few years back, when he stumbled across a showroom. “I took a look inside to see what was going on and basically, it was Opening Ceremony using a retail space for their wholesale activities... you see examples of it in New York, London, and Paris, so I thought it would be good to have something like that to bring to Canada as well.”

Be sure to stop by PopUp 120 soon to check out the great showroom atmosphere!

Written by Christina Cheng, Freelance Journalist & Stylist at Spectacle

Happy Birthday Hunter S. Thompson

"If you're going to be crazy, you have to get paid for it

or else you're going to be locked up"

- Hunter S. Thompson

Today is iconic American author and journalist Hunter S. Thompson's birthday.  He is most famous for his work Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas which later became a film starring Johnny Depp.

Hunter S. Thompson is also credited with creating the concept of "Gonzo journalism" - a highly personalized style of reporting where the author becomes so involved with the writing process that they themselves become a central character.  Thompson's works remain highly influential still today and he is even the theme behind Garrett Leight's new eyewear campaign.

 

A still shot of Garrett Leight's new campaign

Happy Birthday to Hunter S. Thompson and if you're looking for a Summer read, we highly recommend Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

Cory Monteith was found dead in a Vancouver

Cory Monteith was found dead in a Vancouver, British Columbia, hotel room on Saturday, July 13. The actor, who played heartthrob Finn Hudson on "Glee," was 31 years old. The cause of death is not yet known, but Vancouver police ruled out foul play. An autopsy will be performed on Monday. Look back at Monteith's recent years in photos.
 
 

-->

Johannes Huebl and Olivia Palermo Style

He maybe known as Olivia Palermo’s boyfriend, but when it comes to style, model Johannes Huebl clearly has his own point of view . He is the exceptional example of what classic style should about.  Always hold on to basic pieces as wardrobe staple.

Interview with Johanes Huebl

Can you name four things you cannot live without when you travel?
My Tumi weekend bag, a cashmere scarf for the plane, my iPod and Bose Headphones and my Mac.

What are some of your favorite places to shop when you are in New York? Europe?
I like Barneys when I'm in NY, they have a great assortment of basically everything a wardrobe needs. But I do get most clothes in London and Paris. Suits and shoes come from London, my favorite shirts I buy in a Paris shop, where they have my measurements now and I can even email them and they send them over.

When all else fails what is the go-to-piece in your closet?
I have not been in the situation that all else has failed and I do not really take my dressing all too serious, but I guess any of my suits, good shoes, belt and a watch carries you anywhere and I haven't felt overdressed in a suit yet.

In your opinion, what is the one thing a man should own in his closet?
A good suit.

How would you describe your personal style?
Modern elegant, almost no addiction to trends, polished look.

Can you name someone famous or not whose style you admire?
My girlfriend's (Olivia Palermo) style is pretty good. She has an incredible eye and sense for fashion (women's only though.)

Style is not solely about what you wear but manners as well and how one carries him or herself. What are some bad habits you find irksome? A text-a-holic is one of mine.
Attention disorders and the lack of focusing are habits I find difficult to deal with. Blackberry's on the dinner table as well and how about not putting makeup on while you are enjoying your company? I like the idea of the classical definition of a gentleman and I have a little patience for ignorant, rude and intolerant people.

Are their any trends in menswear you wish would just go away?
Summer scarves and plaid shirts.

What are you coveting this Spring/Summer 09?
My summer vacation and in fashion: My tan suit.

What was your latest purchase?
A Corneliani suit that I bought in Paris.
But I do wear other clothes that suits J
I love my Prada jeans. I have a great selection of shirts that I almost wear every day and my favorite leather bomber jacket that I would probably wear every day
if possible!