After work I swung by Gant on 5th Ave to pick up my copy of Take Ivy.  The pictures, as usual, don’t do it justice.  If you’re in the city you can pick up your copy at Gant, otherwise try Amazon.

As an aside, I want this Gant Rugger blazer SO bad: http://twitpic.com/2knnte.  Also, sorry to the staff for snapping the shot.  Apparently that’s frowned upon…

I had a great time tonight celebrating the release of Michael Bastian’s collection for Gant and the U.S. reprinting of Take Ivy over at Saks.  Check out the pictures below.  More on the way…

If you follow me on twitter then you’ve seen a few sneak peaks of Michael Bastian’s collection for Gant.  On that front, I’ve some exciting news for you later this week but until then, stop by Gant’s launch event at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York tomorrow, Tuesday, August 31st.  In addition to Michael’s collection we’re also celebrating the U.S. reprinting of Take Ivy!

At the New Museum tonight, Maria Sharapova revealed her new footwear collection for Cole Haan.  “On the court, Maria Sharapova has made a name for herself as an international tennis star.  Off the court, she expresses her love for fashion through her own collection of Cole Haan handbags and footwear.”  Maria and Cole Haan celebrated the release with none other than Todd Selby and Interview Magazine (check out the new Blake Lively feature here).  The Selby’s illustrations were auctioned off (despite the poor quality pictures that my camera(phone) takes, you’ll surely appreciate these illustrations) , and the proceeds went to Common Cents, a non-profit organization that nurtures enthusiastic young people by enabling them to strengthen their communities through philanthropy and service learning.  Check out the collection here.

P.S. – Jenna Gribbon?  Babe.

This morning Frank Muytjens and the men’s design team at J.Crew celebrated the opening of the latest J.Crew Men’s Shop located at 1040 Madison Ave. (at 79th St.).  I wasn’t able to make it to breakfast for Bloody Mary’s (curses!) but thankfully our good friends over at GQ took these great shots of the new store so I didn’t have to.  I plan on making my way uptown tomorrow to check it out and suggest you do the same!

I have the brown wool ones from a few seasons ago and they’re one of my favorite pairs of shoes.  Now corduroy?  I must have these!  Available now at colette.

One of my favorite blogs, FREE/MAN, just posted this great interview with our friend Alex, owner of Montreal’s Rooney.  Well done, guys!

I work just three short blocks from the Brooks Brothers on Madison Ave so gents, please stock up!  I’m particularly fond of the twill jacket and Fairisle shawl collar sweater.  Click here to view the rest of the collection.

No, there isn’t a Spanish version of The Pursuit Aesthetic…yet.  GQ Spain just decided that I was one of the “Kings of Men’s Fashion”, which, despite what my friends over on Madison Ave would have you believe, is absolutely ludicrous.  Still, I’m honored and humbled, GQ.  Muchos Gracias!  Click here to view the real kings (Scott Schuman, Tommy Ton, Jake Davis, Yvan Rodic, et al).

It’s not every day you wear a bow tie.  When you do though, here are some great new ties  from our friends over at Pierrepont Hicks.  And the best part about these?  Well, if you haven’t already noticed – they’re reversible!

Two of your favorite brands have just announced a very exciting new collaboration.  “The Levi’s Workwear by Filson range spotlights the blue-jean inventor’s iconic workwear origins and silhouettes, while utilizing Filson’s superior manufacturing techniques, signature fabrications and iconic styles.  This exclusive collection of built-to-last, highly functional men’s apparel and accessories carries the lifetime guarantee associated with both partners involved and will be sold in select Levi’s and Filson retail stores and on www.levi.com and www.filson.com.”  Arriving in Levi’s and Filson retail stores and on levi.com in August, the collection will range in price from $50 to $228.

“The Levi’s brand has been renowned for its artisanship, quality and reliability since inventing the blue jean in 1873 and [Levi's] partnership with Filson is a natural, authentic extension of these trailblazing brand values,” said Carl Chiara, director of Men’s and Women’s Brand Concepts for Levi’s.  Bill Kulcycki, CEO of Filson, said “The Filson and Levi’s brands have made quality products for well over 100 years that, in essence, have stood the test of time because of their original iconic designs and sturdy materials.”

Shot at Milk Studios in New York City, J.Crew’s creative director, Jenna Lyons, discusses her inspiration for the fall 2010 collection.  Click here to view the lookbook.