Friday, July 31, 2009

Necktie Party Redux

Last night's event was great fun and I was delighted to see so many folks come down for the night! Nothing like a necktie party in the middle of the hottest week in Seattle's history to test the will of friends and followers of MC. I'm truly grateful to see so many smiling faces and decorated necks!

Enjoy this handful of snapshots from last night. It was a thrill to offer door prizes to those who came by, and I'm excited to begin making a new vest for the evening's lucky winner.


Russell Scheidleman never lets us down by always wearing something distinctive...a great hat paired with a clerical collar.

Yours truly perched on my sewing stool calling out give-aways and winners!
Door prize winners Tracy and Susan show off their winnings. Traci currently rides a string of good luck, also winning the RICE vest later in the evening.

Lauren and Coral arrived with beautifully tanned bare summer necks and each left with a new ascot to add to their wardrobes.

MC's marketing wizard Mitch works the crowd with all his charm and might, keeping glasses full and tickets in the hands of every guest.

Jeremy in his summer stripes and jaunty scarf!
Sohroosh Hashemi dons a great option for such a warm evening...untucked and with shorts. Looking great.
Bravely rocking 3 at once; well done!
Dance treasure Catherine Cabeen goes for the glam...jewels are the new necktie!


Anthony Curtis faced the MC challenge and beautifully executed the Merovingian (Edeity) Knot we highlighted a few weeks ago. This is the first time I have seen one in person, and I think the standard has been perfectly set.
Former students and a very fun group...fiber gals from UW playfully pose in front of our wall of ties.

Sassoon stylists Todd and Boyd from their salon on 5th Avenue enjoy bubbles out front of the shop. So great to see them!Artist Cody Blomberg and local writer and foodie Matt Wencl clowning around and looking great.

After the crowds cleared we were all still smiling - the hard work and support of these failthful, wonderful people are what really make this all possible. MC loves you all!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Necktie Party Preview | Candids

The racks are full, and thanks to the help and diligence of my MC team (that's Henry and Debbie!) we have a beautiful wall of neckties and ascots to strut tonight. Nothing like hosting a party to make sure the joint gets a spit shine and polish before guests arrive. We're trying to look our best and can't wait to see you looking yours!

Come to the party! Its gonna be a blast!



Wednesday, July 29, 2009

C-Press | NW SOURCE

Thanks to Alison Brownrigg at NW SOURCE for plugging our party TOMORROW NIGHT!
Will you be there?

Monday, July 27, 2009

WIN THIS VEST | Necktie Party on Thursday!


REMINDER! THIS THURSDAY!
JULY 30TH, 2009
7:30 - 10:00 pm

MICHAEL CEPRESS STUDIOS
SUMMER NECKTIE PARTY

SPECIAL SUMMER DISCOUNTS! DOOR PRIZES! A CHANCE TO WIN SOME MC OF YOUR VERY OWN!

MICHAEL CEPRESS STUDIO | SHOWROOM
w417 E LORETTA PLACE
SEATTLE, WA 98102

ALL ARE WELCOME! BRING FRIENDS!
DRESS YOUR NECK!

MC Celebrates the Life of Merce Cunningham




Friday, July 24, 2009

Sweet Inspiration | Ya Ho Wa

Currently Reading: The Source: The Untold Story of Father Yod, Ya Ho Wa 13, and The Source Family

Currently Obsessed with: The STYLE of The Source Family





Monday, July 20, 2009

DRESS YOUR NECK | JULY 30. 2009


FEELING KNOTTY?
COME TIE THE KNOT WITH MC!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
THURSDAY JULY 30TH, 2009
7:30 - 10:00 pm

MICHAEL CEPRESS STUDIOS
SUMMER NECKTIE PARTY
&
STUDIO OPEN HOUSE

SPECIAL SUMMER DISCOUNTS!
DOOR PRIZES!
A CHANCE TO WIN SOME MC OF YOUR VERY OWN!

MICHAEL CEPRESS STUDIO | SHOWROOM
w417 E LORETTA PLACE
SEATTLE, WA 98102

ALL ARE WELCOME! BRING FRIENDS!
DRESS YOUR NECK!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

MC STYLE TIP #20 | Color

MC STYLE TIP #20: Shy with color but still want some in your look? Extra colorful socks and undershirts peeking out can add exceptional interest to more basic, subdued outer layers.


Today I proudly lift a pant leg to show off my purple stripes and well worn oxfords.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

C-Press | Seattle Magazine July 2009

I was excited to see my Portland pal Adam Arnold and I get some ink in the current issue of Seattle Magazine. Be sure to grab a copy and check out my model Jared Putnam looking great and wearing his MC so very well...

"On may 7, Seattle's annual THAW Fashion Show showcased fashioned from local, independent designers, including chic menswear designer Michael Cepress..."

Monday, July 13, 2009

MC STYLE TIP #19 | Cuts

MC STYLE TIP #19: Adding consistency to your look happens with great hair every day. Bouncing between barbers or stylists too often can leave you unhappy. Stick with your trusted stylist for each and every cut.

Bear in mind that the stylist needs to know you trust them as well. The stylist/client relationship takes time and needs preening before they'll know what you like and you'll know how to communicate that to them. It is a feather in their cap and added structure for their business knowing that you'll keep coming back. Its a better night's rest for you knowing you'll wake up to a head of hair that can and will always make you look amazing.

Friday, July 10, 2009

MC STYLE TIP #18 | Bling

MC STYLE TIP #18: Men's jewelry means more than rings. Modern gentlemen consider tie tacks, lapel pins, brooches, hat pins, buckles, bracelets, watches, bangles, cuffs, fobs, hip chains, button covers, shoe clips, pendants...

Wear them one at a time. Wear them 55 at a time!

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Sweet Inspiration | Edeity

Patrick helps us move forward with MC STYLE TIP #3. Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce the Edeity Knot. Thank you!, Huzzah!, Bravo!, Patrick! Well tied, my friend!


This one is so stunning. I liken it to Russian nesting dolls or Eva Zeisel pottery, keenly stacked and sorted by size like a family set of dinnerwear or her mother and child salt and pepper shakers.

And don't let the handsome picture of such a well-tied knot fool you into thinking this is something randomly lifted off the internet. This knot is the handiwork of a Seattle-to-Japan transplanted Modern Gentleman!

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Nod

Thanks to Mr. Christopher Jones for another nod to MC on the Examiner! Tips all around!

And start cutting those trouser legs, folks!

MC STYLE TIP #17 | Beck's Vests

MC STYLE TIP #17: Do you wear vests but dislike how tucked shirts puddle out the bottom [see Becks A] ? High-waisted pants will cure all ills! Your shirt will never peek out, and the transition between your vest and trousers will be perfectly smooth. [See Becks B]

Becks A

Becks B

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

SIGNS | ----> | <----

Our morning was spent making these new signs for the shop...a little something to continue to help steer traffic in our direction and make MC look its best.

The color felt refreshing and I was delighted to be able to hand the entire project over to my wonderful intern Henry. His deft hand and keen eye really helped make them look great. Art school isn't gonna know what hit it when he starts up in fall!

MC STYLE TIP #16 : Cut Short

MC STYLE TIP #16: Make last year's pants this year's shorts. Your tailor can cut and hem to any length to make old faves like new for this summer.

Try to think beyond daisy dukes. Wool trousers could be cut down to an equally polished looking short...as a component in a full suit, even. Sturdy cotton pants could become cuffed uniform-style shorts. Linen pants could become soft 3/4 length capris...

Monday, July 06, 2009

Sweet Inspiration | Margin


I first photographed, then cut out and saved this note at the very end of a bolt of cloth. I have no idea what the written mark says or what the stamp beside it may signify....but I DO know that it is very, very beautiful.

Sweet Inspiration | Winds starting to HOWL

The beast is on the prowl...



For you impatient sorts, or those who can't stand '80s Starship, scroll ahead to 2:00 on the recording to hear and see Grace HOWL!

In the past when I have spoken of her concentrated passion, intensity and intuitive theatrics as a performer (see HERE and HERE) this is the sort of thing I'm talking about.

When was the last time you really HOWLED??????

MC STYLE TIP #15 | Poise

MC STYLE TIP #15: Suits are often best when cut to flatter. Proper fit should be snug, not loose/soft to keep you poised and looking smart.

The coat should gently hug or pinch a tiny bit at the underarm and shoulder. The length of the coat and sleeves is up to you. A more modern look opts for something especially slim and trim...avoiding especially long and full sleeves. Tradition asks that your entire suit adequately conform to your entire body and mask the aspects you're wanting to conceal and showcase the ones you're most proud of! Rules are great and are often worth following, but break them with care!

Friday, July 03, 2009

MC STYLE TIP #12 RE-DONE | was / IS

WAS:

MC STYLE TIP#12: Opt to wear an undershirt whenever possible. We should never see through a button-down shirt, and wearing a layer beneath will protect and extend the life of your shirts.

IS:

MC STYLE TIP #12 RE-DONE: Consider how and why you wear your undershirts. Offering a view through a shirt can be the perfect choice or a unfortunate mistake. The pragmatic wearer pairs an undershirt to correspond with the cut of his outer layers, to discreetly protect them and your body. A more adventurous approach considers the undershirt in other ways. Showcase it? Hide it? Flaunt it? Embellish it? Consider its powerful potential, would you please?

Erk's many points are too valid, and too close to MC's true feelings to not re-vamp this one. Erk IS a modern gentleman.

MC STYLE TIP #14 | Morale

MC STYLE TIP #14: If you see someone on the street looking great, tell them how you feel. Keep our collective style-morale high and our streets looking beautiful.

For instance: when passing by a very perfectly dressed young man yesterday I simply said, "I love your hat. Its perfect and you look really great today!"

And what was so perfect about his look, you ask? He was wearing a lightly rumpled beige cotton button-down shirt (think 1940s safari), fitted brown cotton trousers, carrying a vintage leather shoulder bag and wearing an ivory-colored straw panama hat with a wide brim and black band. It all served as the perfect counterpoint to his dark skin and fashionable facial hair. The look was comfortable and he wore it well....nothing forced, no struggle, seemingly effortless but wholly considered. Bravo smart young man at Olive and Bellevue! I wish I had my camera along to play Sartorialist for a minute.

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Visualizing #13 | Bands


#12 Redux | This volley is worth full exposure | Thanks Erk and Mr. C | MC encourages you to BREAK

5 Comments:
Blogger Mr. C said...

One of my major pet peeves - the crew undershirt exposed at the opening of the button down. Has MC officially endorsed the v-neck? Or the a-shirt?

9:17 AM
Blogger MC said...

MC endorses wearing the undershirt that is most appropriate for the outer-shirt you're wearing. Yes, you're right in saying that the undershirt should never show. So, if you're wearing a button-down shirt closed to the top with a necktie, opt for a crew neck undershirt. A summery short sleeved shirt would call for an A-shirt. The v-neck is always a great option for under a v-neck sweater....or dead sexy on its own with a pair of jeans. Don't be shy.

12:48 PM
Blogger Mr. C said...

I never am. :)

3:43 PM
Blogger Erk said...

I'm loving the tips!

But, as you might suspect, I'm at odds with #12. Why should we never see through a button-down shirt? Similarly, why shouldn't we see undergarments peeking out (at the neck, etc.)? These aren't tips so much as rules, and I'd like to keep my options open... to reserve the right to showcase the layering of outer garments and underwear... to feature see-through when it seems appropriate or particularly piquing... xo

11:01 AM
Blogger MC said...

Fair enough. You're right...#12 is a rule, not a tip. That said, MC maintains that rules are meant to be broken. And for skillful breaking, we must first learn the rules. When you're ready for a good rule-break, please let me know and I'll make note here on the blog. We celebrate the rules whether in-tact or broken!

12:55 PM