The name probably won’t mean much to you, and that’s not surprising, because before becoming an independent stylist, Bérengère Claire, from Lorraine, worked in TV and cinema. She decided to embark on a solo adventure during a year spent in New York.

She created her first collection, drawing inspiration from her surroundings and the eclectic New York style. Her concept is to bring together the two different sides of America, the puritanical and good-thinking on one hand, country and a bit rough and ready on the other. A bit of a risk, but it works quite well!

Checkered patterns are at the heart of her designs, and the new 2008 collection is no exception to the rule. Her logo is a nod to American universities and her roots. Personally, I find the results good and consistent with what seems to be quite a British twist.

It’s available from €125 from Aimecube Paris or direct from her site. Also, if you’re looking for a gift for your loved one, have a look at the dresses and tops, they’re pretty sexy…

So, are checks IN or OUT?

Here is the next and last instalment in our range of hoodies. Some might criticise me for a lack of originality, but talking about hoodies without mentioning BAPE is a bit like talking about hip-hop without mentioning Biggie! But stop right there! Let’s not get distracted, let’s get back to the question in hand.

Founded by Nigo in 1993 in Tokyo, it’s one of Pharrell’s favourite brands. Globally known and respected in hip-hop circles, each piece is deliberately made in limited numbers to keep them desirable and rare. They used to sell for high prices, and weren’t always worth the money, but fashion isn’t about being rational, is it?

BAPE positions itself as top-of-the-range and fun streetwear, their hoodies are unusual to the point of being a bit weird: bright colours and all-over bling are key (you either love it or hate it!). You can, however, find some more discreet styles, that concentrate a bit more on detail…

The production is detailed and the materials are chosen with care. You pay a premium for unusual styles, so don’t bother trying to find them for less than €300 in stores! The distribution is highly limited, and it is difficult to predict new arrivals, but it’s always worth checking Colette in Paris.

(There are many sites offering BAPE at really low prices, but I’ve not tried them out and can’t guarantee the authenticity of products… You’ve been warned! )

This is the first part of our sunglasses special. Oliver Goldsmith is an English brand created in 1926 which saw its heyday in the 60s. At the time, it was represented by the actresses Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren.

In 2005, Clara Goldsmith, the founder’s granddaughter relaunched the brand using her grandfather’s artistic heritage. Around 30 models were re-released. And this new era came with new icons: Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue, Jude Law, Jessica Simpson and Gwyneth Paltrow all posed for Oliver Goldsmith.

And this year, the arrival of designer Brian McGinn (an Irishman? Yes sir!) aims to bring new styles whilst using the know-how and hand crafted 100% British style.

My favourite: the “Carl”, with its large acetate aviator frame. These are distinctly retro sunglasses available in tortoiseshell, black, transparent and green!

On sale at ESPLE, 40 rue Saint Sulpice Paris 6 (see the discount voucher below) and for non-Parisians from Men a la Mode (€198). Discover the rest of the collection on the Oliver Goldsmith site.

It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for: as promised, here’s the the latest installment in the hoodie special. And this week, all eyes are on Sixpack.

Created in 1998, it was one of the labels that were part of the street culture movment. Avant-garde and ambitious, this daring brand made waves. It launched unknown artists, constantly searching for new talent, a quest that eventually opened doors to the International stage. The label forged itself a name and an image, and the whole community welcomed it: from artists to DJs, graphic artists to writers, fans and newbies, everyone was interested.

And today its reputation is made, as you can see! The artwork is remarkable and so is the quality! Mainly known for its unusual t-shirts, the brand offers some styles as hoodies! And they’re rather good, worth a look…

They’re available from €115 from their online store, or from Lazy dog at the Citadium.

Alchimie Forever is a range of cosmetics created in 2000 by a couple of Swiss doctors, specialists in cellular aging mechanisms and aesthetic medicine.

These treatments, designed and produced in Switzerland, target free radicals. To do so, each Alchimie Forever product uses natural antioxydants such as green tea, grape seed, tomato, rosemary, blueberry or even turmeric.

The men’s range currently contains 3 products: two anti-aging serums, a moisturiser and a antioxydant defense gel (still to come: an eye contour gel).

The twin anti-age serums

One is made with green tea, the other with rosemary, and they are packaged separately to maximise the benefits of each ingredient. They are formulated to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and brown spots and can be worn under a moisturiser (ed: from the age of 30 to prevent the first few wrinkles). My first fine lines seem to have benefitted from it. It’s quick to use, so much so that it’s easy to find the time to use it regularly. Note that the green tea gel is lightly tinted so I advise that you mainly use it in the evening.

Royal Cream Moisturiser
This cream is moisturising and rejuvenating, and is made of jojoba, basil, grape seed and vitamin E. It’s pleasant and very rich, and I would highly recommend it to men with dry skin! Let me know how you get on…

Antioxydant defense gel
A gel that refreshes and rejuvenates the skin, made from green tea, rosemary, turmeric and tomato. This is my favourite of the whole range! Use it every morning, it’s a really great way to start the day on the right foot…

€48 to €69 from SkinStore

And we’re back to one of our hot topics of the moment: waxed
jeans. In their new collection, Diesel also offer a waxed style: the Keever. A very nice pair of regular slim cut jeans that’s one of their “top-of-the-range” styles. An area that Diesel should
maybe offer more styles in to prove their jeans know-how.

€250 from Diesel Store and their other stores.

I’m making the most of the opportunity to show you something else that’s new: the spring-summer 2008 Saxedo.It’s still black, still slim-fit
(semi-slim -ed), but they’ve added a strip of braid down each leg, which looks extremely smart!

It goes for €140, and it would seem a victim of its own success.

This is the first time that I’ve used a Braun razor. And I started with what seems to be the best at the moment: the Braun Pulsonic 9595. A top-of-the-range razor that has a top-of-the-range price tag to boot. When I saw it at this price, I thought it must be an mp3 player and a mobile phone too. But not at all. It’s just a razor. Or is it? Time for the test drive…

Design / Handling

The razor has a metallic fascia. The back has a rubbery cover. It’s simple, with no flourishes. Nothing flashy, just a large handle and sleek lines. The first impression is of quality, which is confirmed when you hold it. It’s really solid. It’s a bit like holding a tennis raquet. Advantage!

Technology

Surprise, surprise, you turn it on by pressing ‘on’, and a blue LED lights up. The main feature of this razor is that it vibrates (the Pulsonic system). Apparently, it produces 10,000 vibrations per minute! That is, of course, difficult to check, but you can feel it vibrate, and hear it make a noise. A buzz that quietens down to a purr when you touch it to the skin.

The head is made up of 3 flexible parts: the shaving foils and the cutting blades. The Pulsonic uses cross-cutting technology. Of course, you can’t really tell, but the shaving foils and the cutting blades move in opposite directions.

At the base of the handle, there’s an LCD display that allows you to see when it needs charging and when it needs cleaning. You can rinse the razor under the tap, or use its dock that offers automatic cleaning.

Results

I have now been using this razor for a month. I have been really surprised by its effectiveness. On the face it gets rid of all hair in a few seconds. On the neck, which is always the most sensitive area, it is also really effective: there are really only a few areas you have to go over by hand. Efficient and pleasurable! The vibrations may be not good for the hairs, but they feel good on the skin!

Normally, I only shave very rarely. Just a trim every 3 or 4 days so my beard doesn’t get too long. This razor must be good because it makes me want to shave again!

One final point, not a negligable one either, is the price: €329 (How much???). Which is twice as expensive as most electric razors (and have you seen the price of disposables nowadays? :). It is in no way just a razor, but it is rather a lot of money to spend!

So of course, you need to make the most of it. If you have to shave every day, and if you’ve tried everything else and are still not convinced, the Pulsonic is perfect for you. If not: -I’m sure you’ll find something else to decorate your bathroom with

Pulsonic range, $219.99 on sale from Amazon

We’re going to kick off the new season with a discovery: Boëge. If you’ve been dreaming of a high-quality polo shirt or t-shirt, with fresh design, in a choice of colours, you’re going to love this brand!

The cotton used is really top quality! If you’re in Paris, I strongly recommend you go and have a look for yourself. The design marries simplicity and originality perfectly, and the styles are offered in a wide range of colours.

The brand is currently only available in Japan (from Isetan in Tokyo), in the United States (from H.Lorenzo in Los Angeles) and in France (from 66 and Galeries Lafayette Homme). The first few items have just arrived! Could Boëge be a new favourite for spring/summer 2008?

RRP for the polo shirt: €140/ More info on Boegepolos.com

Looking for the killer belt? This is one of the hot topics on the french forum. I found a belt on there that I had already seen during the sales: a croc-style leather one from Bill Tornade. It’s really classy with its rectangular metal buckle!

And in the same style there is another, thinner one, to wear with smart trousers.

€56 reduced from 80 on Le Bazar Parisien.com

Grey is the new black. And this jumper combines a classic winter essential look with an unusual touch that makes it unique. It’s perfect with a white shirt.

€120 from IKKS

Tony is also on Fenêtre sur papillon (Art, Culture, Pleasure)