JOHN VARVATOS OPENS NEW MADISON AVE STORE

John Varvatos - the name conjures images of cooler-than-cool rockstars, exposed brick, hip leather jackets...so why Madison Ave?

The Upper East Side is known for being one of the tonier neighborhoods in NY, so a tough, urban sportswear brand MIGHT seem like a bit of an odd choice - but let's not forget Varvatos' tailored presence, which is large enough to surprise anyone only familiar with Varvatos' casual collection.  Sportcoats, even suits are a big part of the runway collections each season, and the new Madison Ave store showcases a more elegant side of the line.

Styled like an expensive Manhattan residence, the new store also showcases Varvatos' rock heritage with a giant custom mahogany turntable setup, as well as hundreds of famous and not-so-famous photos of musicians curated by Mr. Varvatos himself.

JOHN VARVATOS CANVAS CHUKKA

John Varvatos USA - $198

This marvelous shoe is a hybrid of a couple styles...canvas, with a rubber bottom like an athletic shoe, with a high-top like a chukka boot.  Additionally, the footbed has incredible arch support with special shock-absorptive insoles.

NEW ARRIVALS - JV STAR

JV Star - $180

Whether paired with an elegant sport coat or a t-shirt and jeans, this canvas oxford is a wonderful way to prep for a sunny Spring.

NEW ARRIVALS - COATED COTTON JACKET

JV Star USA - $315

This little jacket is a great choice for Seattle's willful, unpredictable Spring weather - the waxed finish will keep you dry while the light cotton fabric will be cool and comfortable.  Try this piece out instead of a traditional jean jacket and see where it takes you!

NEW ARRIVALS FROM JOHN VARVATOS

Silk cardigan with leather trim - $525

The latest arrivals from John Varvatos have hit the floor! Sophisticated shirts, knits, and jackets in dark, subtly tinted shades of black and grey.  Check out our favorites soon - this collection is guaranteed to disappear quickly.

SHOTS FROM MILAN - JOHN VARVATOS

Butch is in Milan right now for the Fall 2014 buy, and had the opportunity for a seat at the Varvatos Collection runway show...check out these snaps from the show! KISS performed at the event - that's Gene Simmons in the 2nd photo.  (Edit- the above photo is a professional shot taken at the show).

WHAT ARE YOU WEARING TONIGHT!?

New arrivals from Giorgio Armani and Maison Martin Margiela

Do you have the PERFECT outfit for New Years? Tell us about it - on facebook or in the comments section below!

If you DON'T have something spectacular to wear tonight, don't forget we're open until 6 and validate parking at the WAC garage  - let us give you a sparkling NY makeover.

New arrivals from John Varvatos and By Malene Birger

CHRISTMAS WINDOWS

Outfits by John Varvatos

Outfits by Fuzzi and Maison Martin Margiela

JOHN VARVATOS 'DYLAN' SLIP-ON

"Dylan" - John Varvatos - $350

The "Dylan" slip-on is the perfect example of John Varvatos' aesthetic. It's a classic Venetian slip-on loafer, with a modern sensibility...a little worn, a little chunky, and a little bit casual, but still something you can dress up when you need to.  Best of all, because of the weather-treated suede and the rubber sole, it'll stay looking exactly the way it started, step after step.

JOHN VARVATOS EDITION 300

If the cherry red dream machine from Ferrari we posted yesterday isn't your thing, perhaps something in sleek minimalist black over titanium?  John Varvatos collaborated with Chrysler this year to create the John Varvatos 300, a stylish iteration of the classic "300" muscle sedan. Varvatos' car features a color combination and interior appointments chosen by the designer himself, and is limited to 5000 piece - 0001 of 5000 of course belonging to the designer himself.

ROCK AND ROLL WINDOWS

Outfits by Jean-Paul Gaultier

Outfits by John Varvatos

WILLIE NELSON AND SONS FOR JOHN VARVATOS

Willie Nelson and sons are featured in this season's collaboration with John Varvatos - the Rock and Roll ambassador of the fashion world!

Enjoy John Varvatos' FW 2013 collection in store this weekend, today 10-6 and tomorrow 12-5.

JOHN VARVATOS TRUNK SHOW

Join us today (10/4) and tomorrow for John Varvatos' FW 2013 trunk show! We're celebrating with a special "Casual Friday happy hour" from 5-6:30.

Enjoy special order garments from John Varvatos, in both dress and casual modes.  We will also be serving Pike Brewery microbrews and our favorite 'designer' snacks, as well as cool Jazz and Blues-rock, Varvatos-style.  Can't make the casual Friday? Don't fuss - join us tomorrow instead, from 10am-6pm, and don't forget, we validate parking at the WAC garage with purchase. 

For more info, and to RSVP, please shoot us a line at promotions@BUTCHBLUM.com, or give us a call - 206-622-5760.  

8 REASONS TO WEAR JOHN VARVATOS

Waxed linen sport jacket - $1345
Striated merino cardigan - $525
Waffle stitch shawl collar cardigan - $525

One of our favorite resources, John Varvatos provides the Northwest man with simple, sophisticated urban fashion with a little bit of a rock-and-roll edge.  Some of our favorite reasons to love Varvatos:

1. John Varvatos' aesthetic is eternal - no worrying about whether your new garment will go out of style.

2. Because these garments are so well made, you actually might end up wearing them for a lifetime.

3. Varvatos clothing is innately casual, but can often be easily dressed up, making these garments extremely versatile.

4. The Varvatos collection is hip enough for a 20-something, yet is comfortable and age-appropriate for the older guys.

5. The ladies at Butch Blum LOVE the fit of a Varvatos jacket, shirt, jean or sweater - no better way to show off your best assets.

6. Varvatos' preferred color palette is subtle enough to mix easily with your existing wardrobe, whether you're a banker or a punk-rocker.

7. The waxed linen jackets Varvatos makes every season are weatherproof, so your ultra-cool garment can double as rain-wear.

8. Because we also carry the diffusion label John Varvatos USA, a fabulous JV look can be had at (almost) any pricepoint!

CHEAP TRICK IN JOHN VARVATOS

Cheap Trick in John Varvatos

On August 27, the rockers in the band Cheap Trick wore John Varvatos - designed outfits for the opening of JV's new 3000 square foot boutique in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Varvatos has long had a symbiotic relationship with rock and roll, claiming it as the main source of inspiration for his designs.

Check out the latest from John Varvatos and Varvatos' diffusion label USA★ in store now!

The band pictured with the designer

KENT'S PICK - VARVATOS USA ★ JACKET

John Varvatos ★ USA - $545

I think this is one of the neatest pieces I've seen in its category. It's an eye-catching color (one of this season's signature colors, actually) but not particularly difficult to wear, and it has a really nice attention to detail. The interior is softly constructed with minimal canvas and no lining, so the wool can breathe properly. Nicely done, Mr. Varvatos!

Kent Rogers
MTM specialist, Blogmaster

JOHN VARVATOS FW 2013

 This season Mr. Varvatos showed a subdued palette of muted neutrals in textural fabrics, including pieces in wool flannel and linen blends in the same show! Varvatos' obsession with tailored basics continues with variations on the blazer and waistcoat theme, often with his signature 12-18 functional buttons.

Check out the latest and greatest from Varvatos, newly arrived in our Pre-Fall selection!

Merino shawl-collar sweater - $525

NEW ARRIVALS - VARVATOS LINEN/COTTON CHOCOLATE SLACK

Cotton/linen slack - John Varvatos Collection - $315

Who says you can't wear a cotton/linen slack during the fall?! John Varvatos Collection just sent us this incredible pant, which is a soft, textural (but not papery-wrinkled) fabric and a medium-slim leg, perfect for year-round wear in Seattle. Pair this with your favorite unconstructed jacket from LBM 1911 for a casually tailored look.

JOHN VARVATOS USA LEATHER JACKET

Leather and canvas jacket - $845

This lightweight calfskin jacket from John Varvatos' "USA*" collection features an intriguing contast lapel - linen over leather - that gives an extra little touch of texture.

VARVATOS DERBY BROGUES

John Varvatos Collection - $498

Varvatos takes the classic derby and re-imagines it for daily casual wear, using an innovative double-lacing and a distressed cement color that is anything but ordinary. Wear these with a casual cotton or linen suit, or pair them with your favorite pair of slim jeans for a rocker look a la Varvatos' collection.