Holiday 2015

MB

LUXURY FOR THE MODERN GENTLEMAN

Tux The Season...

Formal Wear Why made-to-Measure?

Gifts For Gents!

Grand Cayman

Our Mission To help men discover the joy of dressing, to help them define their personal style and make it easy for them to access those items. To connect them with the idea that a man can be masculine, but also care about his appearance.

Contents Page 2

The Mission Of Michael Blake

Page 4

Suiting

Page 5

From the Editor

Page 6

The Michael Blake Shoe

Page 7

Tux.. The Season

Page 15

George Town, Grand Cayman

Page 19

Why Made-To-Measure

Page 22

Page 24

Gifting for Gents!

Flannel...cloth for the cold

Michael Blake Suiting The gentleman of taste who want acquire a Michael Blake suit can make an appointment and have a consultation done in the comfort of their home or oďŹƒce. The customer may choose the cut, fabric, lining, and other personalized features that will make the garment, and perfectly match his image . The clients measurements and personal choices are taken, he can then choose from 300 fabrics ranging from 120's to 180's.

The order is then sent to Hong Kong where it is processed and the fabric is cut. After a 3week period the suit is ready for the client to take home.

MB speaks to the taste of men with an appetite for luxury, our mission is to establish men with fundamentals of classic elegance . A true gentleman should be a symbol of the new global lifestyle, an assemblage of all the worlds finer things . Ralph Lauren said "one could live many lives through the way we dress and the places we travel to, even if only in our imagination. We want to celebrate the pleasures of dressing well, living well, and conveying a modern sense of style. A magazine that cherishes men who are elegant in form as well as content.

The Michael Blake Shoe: Shoes are handmade from the finest calf leather using the Goodyear welted construction. Custom hand burnishing make each shoe unique.

The Goodyear welt process is the traditional method for manufacturing men's dress shoes. The benefit of a shoe made using this method is that the shoe can be resoled giving it a longer lifespan.

With our new 3D innovative platform one can create a one of a kind pair of shoes, with a unique mix of personality, style, and taste.

The designs can be distinguished with the smallest details such as a colorful shoe lining and soles and different fabrics and leathers.

Special widths from R to EEE and sizes from 7 to 17.

Tux The Season...

Of The Elegantly Dressed !

Tuxedo options for The Holiday Season

Clothes and manners do not make the man; but, when he is made, they greatly improve his appearance. Henry Ward Beecher If a man’s suit ranks as his most articulate garment during the day, his formalwear should bespeak eloquence at night. When worn knowledgeably, the classic white- and black tie formal present all men at their debonair best.

Although contemporary society is a highly informal one with people wearing t-shirts to work and distressed jeans to dinner, black tie affairs still play a roll in the social lives of the modern gentleman. Black tie affairs are usually reserved for charity galas, formal or evening weddings, or holiday parties they also vary by social organizations. Event organizers are more likely to state the dress code on invitations to such events.

The classic tuxedo jacket is constructed of black or midnight blue material. The original and most formal model is the single breasted style with one button. The double breasted model originated in the 30’s , but is now considered just as acceptable. Tuxedo jackets without vents are the most slimming and formal although side vents can be more practical and comfortable.

The most formal style of lapel is the peaked style.

It has the added benefit of emphasizing height and shoulder width through it’s upward and outward sweep. The shawl collar option inspired the smoking jacket and is also an option. Either style is equally correct. The trouser feature a stripe down the side. The cummerbund is accepted and is a matter of choice for the wearer. The black bow-tie should be a self tie model in silk to match the lapel facing, it’s butterfly or bat-wing shape is left to the taste of the wearer.

During the summer or at anytime in the tropics it’s sufficient to wear an off white dinner jacket with self-faced lapels. In addition to the classic interpretations of black tie there are many modern variations like hues, patterns and designs, but one should always remember style is always understated and simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

FOR MADE TO MEASURE INQUIRIES OR TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT 501-940-6045

George Town Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman, located in the western Caribbean north west of Jamaica the Caymans are blessed with clean turquoise beaches, abundant sun, duty free shopping and some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean. With a population of around 50,000 people, the Cayman Islands is one of the most prosperous territories in the Caribbean. George Town, the capital of the islands, is located on Grand Cayman, the largest of the Cayman Islands.

The economy of the Cayman Islands is based on tourism and offshore banking and finance. Over the last 40 years, the islands have grown to become the world's fifth largest financial center. The Caymans enjoy a vibrant tourist trade, having played host to around 1.8 million visitors in 2012. It is also the second most popular cruise ship destination in the Western Caribbean, with just under 1.4 million cruise ship passengers visiting the port.

Being in the tropics, the weather is always warm and inviting. The average winter high season temperature is around 79° F, while the summer season temperatures average about 8° warmer. The water is always warm.

Cool trade winds blow in from the west, providing some respite from the intense sun. The Caymans have two seasons, winter and summer. Winter lasts from November through the end of April, with an average daytime temperature of 79° F. The winter water temperature averages around 80° F. The summer months extend from May through October, and enjoy an average daytime temperature of 87° F. During the summer months, the water averages a balmy 84° F. The rainy season starts in May and lasts through October, with the two wettest months being May and October. Showers are generally short. March and April are usually the driest months.

Three words can pretty much sum up the Cayman Islands: sun, sea and wealth. The Cayman Islands are a prosperous place. The Territory has a per capita GNP of $43.2K, on par with that of Switzerland, and just below that of the United States. The Territory's thriving financial sector has attracted a large expatriate population; out of the total population of 55,500, fully 44% are expats. It's also an expensive place to live and visit, because it's an island, and over 90% of consumer goods are imported.

Seven Mile Beach, with its white sand and crystal clear water is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Grand Cayman. Despite its name the beach is actually only about five and a half miles long. Named one of the “Ultimate Beaches” by Caribbean Travel + Life, Seven Mile Beach is only one of the many reasons why Cayman is considered the ultimate Caribbean destination and the epitome of an island getaway vacation. The Beach serves as the home to many of the Caribbean's luxury resorts on the Cayman Islands. Seven Mile Beach is public property, and therefore possible to walk the full length past several, hotels and villas, regardless of where you’re staying. There are restaurants open to the public at most of the resorts and several public beach bars.

Seven Mile beach encompasses so many different activities.

Whether you are looking to work on your tan and watch the waves roll in, or partake in some adventurous parasailing or shallow snorkeling in the Caribbean with the family, Seven Mile Beach provides all ages a chance to enjoy what the Cayman Islands and your Caribbean vacation will truly be all about.

Why Made-to-Measure?

Made to measure is the system devised to produce a custom fit, a wide selection of fabric and styling options are offered without the highest investment in time or money. Made-to-Measure garments are cut from standard patterns that have been modified to serve the individual customer and their measurements.

The customer begins by choosing his cloth from a bolt or swatch, then follows a discussion of details and styling, such as pockets, lapels,stitching, lining and vents,, and most importantly the fit. The point is options should be numerous many more than you would get from off the rack. Next his measurement are taken and recorded using our 25 point fit profile so that you will be assured of a custom fit. All of this done in the comfort of our studio or your home or office.

Any gentleman with a certain level of style consciousness knows the appeal of made-to-measure clothing, crafted solely with the owner in mind, personalized garments made with the highest quality fabrics and the most exquisite handiwork .

This is the answer for the modern man's desire for top quality in service and image. Each man is different and wants to express his individuality in an

Each man is different and wants to express his individuality in an unprecedented manner .

Gifts for Gents Maybe you have that modern gentleman on your list that has most of everything, and maybe a little hard to buy for. Instead of the proverbial gift card to his favorite restaurant or coffee shop. let us suggest a few gifts for the Holiday season.

The discipline of writing down something is the first step toward making happen Lee Iacocca.

Mont Blanc Pen

Embossed Croc weekend Bag A quality travel tool that makes the journey easier, and adds a bit of panache

The Shawl collared cardigan a staple in the Modern Gents wardrobe, great for layering, and can easily be dressed up or down

Flannel Not The Flannel The Lumberjacks Wore.

The quintessential cold weather material, with it’s slightly raised surface or nap flannel feels warm on cold winter days. Genuine flannel is made of carded yarns, to give the worsted cloth the nap the surface must be roughed up in a special way.

Double napped flannel means that both sides have been brushed. Though these suits are weather appropriate they may not always be comfortable in an environment that’s well heated these suits tend to be on the heavier side. Not surprisingly the most popular of flannel is the grey, it exudes a feeling of subtle sophistication and refinement.

Gregory Peck popularized Flannel in the movie “The man in the Grey Flannel suit” he wore a suit made

by Huntsman of Saville

The Flannel suit can be worn in a variety of ways, dress it up with a classic shirt and tie or down with a merino roll neck or v-neck. Remember you can split it into separates and wear the jacket and trousers individually. The grey flannel suit is a timeless piece of menswear and a worth while investment for any modern gentleman. With it’s understated luxury and sophistication it makes a versatile and practical addition for any wardrobe.

Gregory Peck popularized Flannel in the movie “The man in the Grey Flannel suit” he wore a suit made by Huntsman of Saville Row.

More than grey the color of flannel is produced by dying