Cockpit Proudly hangs in the George W. Bush Library 

Positioned at the Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. the doors of the George W. Bush Library opened May 1st 2013. Honoring America’s 43rd President Mr. George W. Bush, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) introduced the 13th Presidential library and  museum dedicated to Bush’s eight year legacy, highlighting critical events and issues during the administration of George W. Bush. 

The 14,000-square-foot museum introduces exhibits on the September 11th terrorist attacks, The Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Hurricane Katrina, the Florida recount, and other historical events. Special features include a full size replica of the Oval Office, and the beautiful Texas Rose Garden. 

Cockpit USA is proud to be supplying  the Navy Issue G-1 pilot’s jacket  to the George W. Bush Library gift shop. Made from 100% goatskin and manufactured to military specified patterns, this garment is supplied to the U.S. Navy Museum, Coast Guard units andother special operations units. As an official supplier to the U.S. Government we produce more the 95% of our goods in America and are truly proud to be a part of such a historical project . 

The dedication of the George W. Bush Library also brought President Barak Obama, and former president Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, and H.W. Bush (George W’s father) paying homage to the reign of President George W. Bush and the historical events that our country has faced.

The George W. Bush Library 

2943 SMU Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75205
Phone: 214-346-1557

 

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Project Las Vegas Trend Report 

In what was a perfect mingling of bespoke, contemporary, and street-wear fashion, Project Trade Show served as a blank canvas for international brands to showcase their Fall 2013 collections. Strategically curated by Tommy Fazio, president of Project Tradeshow, it seems the overall floor layout was well received by exhibitors and buyers alike.

Among the coveted offerings of celebrated designers Michael Bastian, Timo Weiland, and Gant collections, The Tents proved to be the shows core destination. Positioned outside the Mandalay Bay’s convention center; crisp white tents and matching carpets created a calm and poised environment for its elite attendees.    

Handsome boxy overcoats, tweed suiting, and graphic knitwear trended throughout The Tents, while innovative and editorial designs could be found almost everywhere. Charming Cigar jackets by Ian Valerdi were shown in a green and blue plaid and boasting a beautiful safety pin pendent. Traditional motocross jackets constructed of pony hair and military green leather skins were found at BLK denim. While a casually striking Benton stripped three-piece suite by Ernest Alexander could be found on the floor’s main display, Thorocraft and Swims showcased contemporary weatherproof footwear.

The main floor of Project appeared to be carefully merchandised by brands, genre and design esthetics. Returning for a second season Slate & Stone showcased unconstructed wool overcoats in heather grays and camouflage prints. Cockpit USA, the celebrated leather outerwear company, introduced the  “Soft Shell” collection. A modern take on current military fabrics and designs including the renowned Molly System. The effortlessly supple non-denim collection by Alex Maine, introduced classic red, white, and blue to the brands made in America menswear basics. 

Printed trousers trended throughout the show, however the cotton leopard twill pant and parka at Oxford Lads stood out beautifully next to the brand’s colorful cut and sew printed shirting. Designer Trey Alligood of Madison Park Collective showcased fit focused dizzy prints, alongside twill trousers adorned with leather trimmings. The debut denim collection of Kato by Hiroshi introduced funky Japanese denim prints and a classic 12.5 oz. wool lined denim jacket. While Comune denim experts debuted their mens footwear collection, boasting a sturdy recycled tire sole, the brand’s women edition really caught our eyes. Smoky dyed washes and desert like dyes graced beautiful white denim.

Wrapping up the show’s sartorial offerings, footwear brand favorite Wolverine introduced raw suede hide on their classic boot, while Bed Stu offered an array of fine dandy finishings.

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Las Vegas Market Week- The ones to watch  MRKet Trade Show, beginning February 18th -20th Vanguards Gallery is showcased at the Venetian Hotel in the ballroom lounge. It sees the return once again of Michael Macko and BKLYN Dry Goods collaborating on a visually striking display of counterbalanced menswear selects. Returning brands Circle of Gentlemen, Bugatchi, and J. Plones are showcased alongside Well Bread footwear and Blue Claw Co. accessories. Project Las Vegas tradeshow, at the Mandalay Bay convention center will be on display February 19th -21st. Accentuated by category the shows initiatives are as follows: The Tents is a curated section spotlighting influential and award winning designers such as Michael Bastian, Ian Velardi, BLK Denim, Carlos Campos, and Timo Weiliand each of which have been individually selected by Project President Tommy Fazio, who made his debut with the recent Project NY. Project MVMT is a progressive street wear concept showcasing fresh brands En Noir, Supra, and Diamond, alongside a women’s capsule entitled “Street Hearts” featuring designers Coco & Breezy, Hilz Biz, and Love and Made all creatively paved out by media guru Kenny Mac. Shop the Floor the online media platform integrates buyers and exhibitors together through an interactive market place. This innovative avenue offers exhibitors a virtual canvas to display campaign artwork, contact information, and product information.   Throughout the show’s prominent floor, the invigorating designs by contemporary brands are not to be missed. Cockpit USA’s modern capsule of current military silhouettes feature Soft Shell outerwear and current military Molly System designs. Swedish brand Fjall Raven debuts a Greenland wax to their celebrated outdoor outerwear. Slate & Stone also makes its return for a second season with offerings of  unconstructed lightweight sport jackets. Capsule Las Vegas positioned at the Sands expo center, Hall G, is shows off an innovative selection of opulent menswear and premium street wear brands on February 19th & 20th. Favorites to return include Billy Kirk, Shades of Grey by Micha Cohen, and Nicholas K alongside Gilded Age, Reining Champs and Penfield. Intricate zip-away, high performance designs can be found at Pedaled, while dapper dandy prints for the modern guy and his “small fry” are at Barque NY. 

Las Vegas Market Week- The ones to watch 

MRKet Trade Show, beginning February 18th -20th Vanguards Gallery is showcased at the Venetian Hotel in the ballroom lounge. It sees the return once again of Michael Macko and BKLYN Dry Goods collaborating on a visually striking display of counterbalanced menswear selects. Returning brands Circle of Gentlemen, Bugatchi, and J. Plones are showcased alongside Well Bread footwear and Blue Claw Co. accessories.

Project Las Vegas tradeshow, at the Mandalay Bay convention center will be on display February 19th -21st. Accentuated by category the shows initiatives are as follows:

The Tents is a curated section spotlighting influential and award winning designers such as Michael Bastian, Ian Velardi, BLK Denim, Carlos Campos, and Timo Weiliand each of which have been individually selected by Project President Tommy Fazio, who made his debut with the recent Project NY.

Project MVMT is a progressive street wear concept showcasing fresh brands En Noir, Supra, and Diamond, alongside a women’s capsule entitled “Street Hearts” featuring designers Coco & Breezy, Hilz Biz, and Love and Made all creatively paved out by media guru Kenny Mac.

Shop the Floor the online media platform integrates buyers and exhibitors together through an interactive market place. This innovative avenue offers exhibitors a virtual canvas to display campaign artwork, contact information, and product information.  

Throughout the show’s prominent floor, the invigorating designs by contemporary brands are not to be missed. Cockpit USA’s modern capsule of current military silhouettes feature Soft Shell outerwear and current military Molly System designs. Swedish brand Fjall Raven debuts a Greenland wax to their celebrated outdoor outerwear. Slate & Stone also makes its return for a second season with offerings of  unconstructed lightweight sport jackets.

Capsule Las Vegas positioned at the Sands expo center, Hall G, is shows off an innovative selection of opulent menswear and premium street wear brands on February 19th & 20th.

Favorites to return include Billy Kirk, Shades of Grey by Micha Cohen, and Nicholas K alongside Gilded Age, Reining Champs and Penfield. Intricate zip-away, high performance designs can be found at Pedaled, while dapper dandy prints for the modern guy and his “small fry” are at Barque NY. 

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Capturing the tried and true hallmark of classic “American Spirit”, William Buckley unveils his debut menswear cover story as fashion director of the renowned trade publication MR Magazine. 

The handsome pages feature American made designs of brand favorites such as, Cockpit USA, Pendelton Woolen Mills, and Billy Reid. The New York menswear fashion spread is photographed by the talented Benjamin Stelly, featuring the dandy modeling efforts of Ryan Bertroche and Tucker Des Lauriers. 

On a more personal note, it’s quite the pleasure indeed to see the hard work of two dear friends come to fruition. William & Benjamin, well done lads! 

-R

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Cockpit USA Catalog No.4 

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Established in 1975, Cockpit USA, the official suppliers to the U.S. Air Force debuts the 4th edition of the brands well acclaimed army, air force, and fashion catalog. The iconic A-2 and G-1 bomber styles are offered in a array of authentic and replicated historical designs. Sleek Motocross and textile M-43 styles are fashioned to a modern fit, while luxury shearling and sheepskin parkas conclude the jacket offerings. Key styles such as the ‘USS Forrestal Carrier’ pays homage to the Vietnam war, while ‘The Tuskegee’ A-2 jacket boasts embroidered patches hand picked by Cockpit’s Jeff Clyman and the Tuskegee Airmen NY chapter. A capsule of women’s jackets inspired by the famous ‘First Lady of Aviation’ Amelia Earhart are showcased alongside a custom WASP (Women’s Air Service Pilots) piece dating back to WWII. Adorable miniature MA-1 and G-1 jackets are available in toddler and kid’s sizes alongside the camouflage aviator kits, pilot gloves and sherpa hats that complete the American lifestyle brand’s collection.

Photographed by the ever charming and talented Theodore Samuels, the new Cockpit USA cover features the handsome Adrian Zuniga and Diego Beltran and was styled and directed by myself with the wonderful efforts of my dear friend Barret Wertz (photo shoot). The overall updated design is a modern interpretation of Cockpit’s 35 years of award winning catalog business. The layout and design of this catalog was creatively directed by myself, Rudy Gonzales working alongside Jeff and Jacky Clyman, Rosa Kaftan, and Carl Garrett.

On a more personal note, it is a true pleasure to see months of hard work and dedication, producing the catalog with little to NO Photoshop and In Design design experience, come to fruition as the completed, polished product - it feels like quite the accomplishment indeed! When creating a design for a company there will always be tweaks and adjustments, and little things one would do differently (including the ‘Urg… Why did they have to use that photo’ moments). However, I couldn’t be happier with the final product, especially when Jeff Clyman himself proudly states “This catalog takes us out of the 80’s!” 

-R 

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Civilian Pilot Training- S/S 2013 


Celebrated as the official supplier to the U.S. Air-Force, Cockpit USA’s heroic lifestyle has become a source of military fashion. The contemporary brand Civilian Pilot Training pays homage to a un-funded flight program established in 1939 responsible for transforming thousands of youth into pilots throughout the United States. 

Debuting modern silhouettes inspired by authentic uniforms, Civilian Pilot Training’s Spring 2013 showcases an array of sturdy outerwear, casual shirting and swimwear.

Light weight Unconstructed Ammo Pocket jackets are offered in khaki and olive. The brands cleverly designed ‘Tactical Shirt System’ offers a functional tie keeper and throatlatch available in tinted back and indigo chambray shirting.

Printed swim shorts of water-paint camouflage, mini airplanes, and Pin-Up girls, are adorned with oversized orange grommets and twisted rope tie closures. French Terry Cloth knits boast a varsity logo and are shown in hues of blue, green, orange and red. A capsule of domestically produced aviation graphic tees complete the spring collection, the perfect guide to a casual guys ensemble.

Please see some sneaky images of the Spring 2013 collection and be sure to check out the brands Fall 2012 collection available later this month. 

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Las Vegas Market Week: S/S 2013 

The Las Vegas trade week for Spring & Summer 2013 was surely a busy one. With the beautiful and talented Rosa Kaftan at my side we dressed in our best ensembles, and within three days time covered Project, Capsule, ENK, and Pool. Marking only four of seven shows off the list, it’s needless to say there was plenty to be seen.

Positioned at Mandalay Bay, running from August 20th- 22nd Project showcased over three hundred Men’s and Women’s brands. Cockpit USA premiered light ammo pocket outerwear, alongside tinted black and indigo chambray shirting. While Ivy Prepster teased us with printed dickey bows, the charming Steven DeLong at Ernest Alexander  showed hand printed neckties personally painted by Alexander himself. Serving up quite the dish was the handsome Kortney Hastin as he debuted Norman Russell, a beautiful domestically produced denim collection. We then secretly indulged in the sequined blazer and printed shirting found at Emperor 1688. Colorful short shorts turned heads at Pantone, while United Blue’s hand crafted accessories brought us back down to earth, removing one pound of trash from the ocean with every item sold.

Capsule introduced over 170 brands at the Venetian. One of my personal favorites, Barque showed his new take on Benton stripes and dapper prints. Favorites Penny Stock, Billy Kirk, and Billy Reid debuted their classic Americana threads. Eastland offered the traditional boat shoe in pop colors of orange, blue, and yellow.

ENK located at the Wynn hotel, added an additional floor of women’s section. Though it was difficult to get into the show, we were very pleased with over 200 brands to view. Sandast, a lovely Los Angles based brand had me drooling over the well made nostalgic accessories. While the handsome NY Based collection introduced traditional knits in bright green, fuchsia, and blue. 

Always a must see, I paid a quick visit to Rojas who sparkled with his coined sneaker collection at Pool Trade Show. Then picked up my new favorite ring at Lok’d jewelry for only $10 located at the cash and carry section adjacent the Project Trade Show. 

Please check out the Sportswear International coverage by Christopher Blonquist and myself!!! Also sneak a peek at the handsome faces who prove to be quite the distraction below. 

-R 

From left to right: Image 1: Christopher Blomquit, myself, and Rosa Kaftan. Marc Gamerio and friend in Vince. MR Magazine’s John Jones and Elise Diamartini. Image 2: The forever handsome Alex Badia of WWD, Cute floral gal and myself. Kortney Hastin in Norman Russell booth. Image 3: Ivy Prepster, Rojas, Altru, Ernest Alexander.  Image 4: Elise and I, the beautiful Pamela of J.Fold, William Buckley, and Maxim of Project Trade Show. Image 5: Acoustic Denim, United Blue, Park & Ronen, and Number LAb. Image 6: The Emperor 1688, AdamThomas Eisenhut, Steven DeLong, Frederick Marfil. Image 7: Rosa Kaftan Image 8: Myself, Jacky Clyman, and Rosa Kaftan. 

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