INTRODUCING BB'S CURATED COLLECTION - SPRING 2014

THE TECH GEEK

It’s all ones and zeroes nowadays, isn't it? Take this exquisite blue leather jacket from Gimos ($1995), the craftspeople from Padua who for 50 years have been doing one (1) thing and one thing only: fashioning exquisite leather into contemporary styles that combine elegance, practicality and just enough flash. We've always raved about the technical aspects of Culturata shirts. The fabric is not dyed, the yarn that makes the fabric is dyed. A little bit meta? Well, if you consider impeccably fitting softness meta…not to mention the Cortigiani zip mock ($575)

Anyway, wear your hot new shirt ($215) with a cool new Nicky tie ($195), and jeans by Citizens of Humanity ($265), the company that wrote the code for designer denim. And, should an admirer be overcome and commence ripping them off, we’re here for you. We’ll find you another pair. 

How many reasons can you come up with not to own this entire look? Zero - that’s what we’re thinking.

NEW ARRIVALS - GIMO'S "CERAMICA" JACKET

Gimos - $975

This "ceramica" fabric from Gimo's keeps a wonderfully soft hand-feel while repelling water and snow beautifully. The hypoallergenic fiber-fill keeps you toasty warm, but is still nicely breathable.

LEATHER IN THE NW - HOW DO I DO IT?

Gimo's - $1595

When we show a leather garment to a client, we're often hear some variation on "It's beautiful, but I could never wear that in Seattle, it rains too much." Here's some tips from the professionals at Butch Blum for making a leather garment last in the Northwest, whether it's new or an old favorite:

• Treat your leather and suede with all-weather spray, readily available from shoe repair shops. Don't soak the piece in it, but use enough to evenly cover the entire garment. Let dry, then repeat. (For suede, a quick brushing with a stiff plastic or wire brush in-between sprays will keep the nap from falling flat). This should be done at most once or twice every 6 months, depending on how much the garment gets wet.
• Don't store leather in a plastic garment bag, as the leather will not be able to breathe and will be more susceptible to changes in temperature. Choose a cloth cover instead - one of our signature Butch Blum garment bags will be an excellent choice. 
• If you must iron the item, set the iron on the lowest setting, without steam.  Place a heavy brown paper grocery bag (or similar) on the outer side of the garment, between the garment and the iron.  Iron quickly, without pressing down - leather will burn easily!
• Choose a sturdy hanger - especially one with wide shoulders - so the garment doesn't lose its shape.
• When the garment becomes wet, let it dry naturally but be sure that it does not stay moist too long, as it may mildew. Room temperature (65-70 degrees) should be fine. Do NOT use a machine dryer, as it will shrink the garment and/or damage the piece's natural oils.
• Clean smooth leathers with a damp cloth.
• Regularly brush suede with a stiff wire or plastic brush. Avoid cleaning chemicals.
• Don't spray hairspray or fragrances while wearing your leather items.
• Seek out a professional leather care specialist when the garment becomes badly worn or soiled. Be judicious about cleaning anything- sometimes a leather garment's appeal improves as it absorbs natural dust and oils from your skin, and develops a patina that looks beautiful and feels personal. 

With a few easy steps, a beautiful leather or suede garment can be a great investment - one that will serve you well for many years. 

FROM THE LOOK BOOK: GIMOS LASER CUT SUEDE

Gimos - $1355

Gimo's is an Italian leather specialist that makes an innovative leather garment...using hand-sanding, garment-dyes, and more labor intensive procedures to create their distinctive product. It's also an incredible value, especially compared to "designer" brands in the same category.

FROM THE LOOK BOOK - GIMO'S ABRADED SUEDE

Gimo's - $1575

This leather is perfect proof of Gimo's labor-intensive process, which uses multiple layers of coloring, abrasion, conditioners, and more. The result is a skin that is butter-soft and incredibly supple, molding itself to your body immediately. 

GIMOS DENIM BLUE LEATHER JACKET

Jacket - Gimos - $1795

This is THE coolest leather jacket...and no, your eyes aren't deceiving you - it's blue. A denim-y blue grey that will literally go with any color, much like your favorite pair of jeans. The leather masters at Gimo's spend days on each piece to make sure that the texture, color, and finish are absolutely perfect.

NEW LEATHER FROM GIMOS

Suede jacket (Available in 2 shades) - Gimo's - $1695