Guest Post: Rowing Blazers by Noah Pelletier

Rowing Blazers x Luke Edward Hall Launch Party

Robin and I have long shared a mutual love of classic clothing, stately interiors, antiques, and unapologetic glamour shots. We met in the college group at our church in 2008, and were fast friends. We’ve been friends for 10 years now, of which almost 7 of those I have been living in New York. But that hasn’t changed a thing.

I was excited when she asked me to do a guest post on her blog covering a recent event I went to for the launch of a menswear collaboration between two of my favorite artists.

I’d been counting down to the end of July ever since I heard that one of my favorite designers Luke Edward Hall would be collaborating with the classical menswear brand Rowing Blazers.

Rowing Blazers was created by Jack Carlson, and inspired by his vintage blazer collection, sportsman and their wardrobes, and his time at Oxford. His unique perspective on men’s style was the perfect foundation for Luke to add his own artist’s touch – infusing Grecian symbolism, and punchy colors with the more traditional stripes and collars of rugby shirts, oxfords, hats and sweatshirts. The collection is described as below on the Rowing Blazers website:

“This limited edition capsule is based on a series of five illustrations by London-based artist Luke Edward Hall inspired by the ancient world: a Greek vase; the mask of Tutankhamun; a discus-thrower; a set of ionic columns in ruin; and a statue bust.”

This collab brought together two creatives I so admire, their unique sensibilities combined to create something fresh, compelling, and not to mention wearable! –Like all good design, it pays homage to the past through subtle and not-so-subtle references.

After seeing the collection teased on both Luke and Jack’s accounts for weeks prior, I was excited to receive an invitation to the launch party on July 25th at the recently opened Rowing Blazers Clubhouse. You can imagine how thrilled I was when I got to the bottom of the invitation and read “Artist will be in attendance.”

I immediately RSVP’d for two and set a few goals for the evening: (All of which I accomplished – as the accompanying photos will attest.)

1. Meet Luke, his boyfriend Duncan, and Jack Carlson
2. Take photos with them
3. Give a concise, but genuinely passionate confession of how much I love their work
4. Buy some pieces from the new collection
5. Enjoy myself

I took my trusty sidekick/best friend Royce with me and we headed to the Rowing Blazers Clubhouse.

Walking into the RB Clubhouse is like entering an exclusive men’s club where everyone can be a member and the staff is glad to see you. The walls are covered in vintage menswear illustrations, pennants, ads, text, and framed photos. They’ve recreated the atmosphere of a jovial rec room, and the ping-pong table and Foosball only add to the fun.

We had a delightful evening chatting with the other guests while looking over all the amazing pieces for sale. The Rosé didn’t hurt either! After much deliberation I bought the yellow striped Rugby shirt with the pink statue bust on it, as well as one of the corduroy hats. Once the temperature drops you know what I’ll be wearing first.

In addition to the LEH x Rowing Blazers collection, the RB Clubhouse offers menswear classics, accessories, and some vintage objects. Not to mention a selection of the Rowing Blazers they’re known for. My favorite of which was the Croquet Stripe Blazer with multicolor vertical stripes!

I highly recommend a trip to the clubhouse, or you can of course shop online if you don’t live close.

Notable attendees:

Luke Edward Hall @lukeedwardhall

Duncan Campbell @jduncancampbell

Jack Carlson @jackcarlson

F.E. Castleberry @fecastleberry

Rowing Blazers @rowingblazers @rowingblazersmoodboard

 

ROWING BLAZERS CLUBHOUSE: 161 Grand Street, New York City

SHOP ONLINE: https://rowingblazers.com/collections/luke-edward-hall

Noah lives in Brooklyn, New York and works in Manhattan as a luxury décor director

@noahpelletier

Noah.pelletier@gmail.com

 

August 13, 2018 by thedressdecoded | 2 Comments