Wear It Like McQueen: 2013

20131231

Wednesday 1/1: Happy New Year!

Wishing You All A Stylish '14

For all your style needs in 2014, Shop InforMANt. Cheers!

Wear It Like: Patrick Dempsey - Tuesday 12/31 Edition

1. Raleigh Deim Jones Slim Fit Selvedge Jeans @ Mr Porter

2. Tod’s Ankle Boot @ farfetch

3. Loro Piana V-Neck Baby Cashmere Sweater @ Mr Porter

4. 120% Lino Washed Linen Shirt @ Matches

5. Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope @ InforMANt

6. The Standard Belt by Sailormade @ InforMANt

Sounds:

20131230

Wear It Like: Patrick Dempsey - Monday 12/30 Edition

1. Lumina Graham Navy Windowpane Shirt @ Lumina Clothing

2. Artfully Disheveled The Mechanic Necktie @ InforMANt

3. J Crew Ludlow Herringbone Linen Blazer @ Mr Porter

4. Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope @ InforMANt

5. Lumina Ayden Selvedge Denim Jeans @ Lumina Clothing

6. ALL BLACK by ACL Mushroom Ox Shoe @ InforMANt

7. Monolith Men’s 14K Gold 1CT Diamond Band @ InforMANt

Sounds: Everything by Radio Citizen @ Amazon

20131229

Sunday 12/29 Edition

Presley.

Check out these Elvis Tees and more from Informant Daily's shop.

20131228

Saturday 12/28 - Hang Your Hat: NYC

The penthouse of New York City’s Pierre Hotel hit the market for a record $125 million in late April.

But the property, which belonged to late investor Martin Zweig, has yet to find a buyer, and recently had its price slashed by 24% to $95 million, according to The New York Daily News.

Zweig initially listed the apartment for $70 million in 2007 but later pulled the listing; he died in February.

The apartment encompasses three floors and was originally the hotel’s ballroom.

The 16-room spread is listed with Sotheby’s International Realty.

The apartment is a triplex, taking up floors 41, 42, and 43 of the Pierre.

via Sotheby’s International Realty

It formerly housed the famous hotel’s ballroom, and “the living room is considered the most magnificent privately owned room in the world,” according to the listing.

via Sotheby’s International Realty

There are 16 rooms in total, including five bedrooms.

via Sotheby’s International Realty

It offers 360-degree views of Manhattan.

via Sotheby’s International Realty

The apartment has four adjoining terraces — a rarity in NYC.

via Sotheby’s International Realty

The apartment has its own interior elevator.

via Sotheby’s International Realty

There are separate guest suites and staff quarters, as well.

via Sotheby’s International Realty

Even if it sells for the reduced $95 million asking price, it will be one of the most expensive private residence ever sold in New York City.

via Sotheby’s International Realty

The Pierre, located on 61st Street and Central Park, is one of the most iconic properties in New York City.

Wikipedia

Can't swing the price tag of this Castle in the sky? Check out these accessories from Informant Daily’s shop. They are a little more manageable and will still make you feel like a King.

20131227

Wear It Like: Peter Sarsgaard - Casual Fridays 12/27 Edition

1. Duluth Wanderer Pack Guaranteed For Life @ InforMANt

2. Number:Lab Tech Jacket @ InforMANt

3. Monolith Men’s 14K Gold 1CT Diamond Band @ InforMANt

4. The People’s Movement Marcos Black/Gum Track Shoe @ InforMANt

5. Valentine Goods Ostrich Cell Cover @ InforMANt

6. Levi’s Vintage 501 Selvedge Denim Jeans @ Mr Porter

Sounds: Behold by Jerry Fehrenbach

20131225

20131223

Wear It Like: Peter Sarsgaard - Tuesday 12/24 Edition

1. Jean Machine JM1 Slim Leg Jeans @ Matches

2. Richard James Quilted Harris Tweed Bomber Jacket @ Mr Porter

3. Monolith White Gold Mens 1CT Diamon Band @ InforMANt

4. Fyasko Bogart Fedora Hat @ InforMANt

5. ALL BLACK by ACL Brown Leather Track Shoe @ InforMANt

6. Gallant & Beau Carnaby Socks @ InforMANt

Sounds: Between Two Points by The Glitch Mob

20131222

Wear It Like: Peter Sarsgaard - Monday 12/23 Edition

1. Harper Peak Lapel Herringbone Charcoal Suit @ Reiss

2. Esposito Seamed Button Down Shirt @ InforMANt

3. Cutler and Gross Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses @ Mr Porter

4. Gallant & Beau Kings Rd Socks @ InforMANt

5. Vogas Barcelona Old Burgundy Sendas @ InforMANt

Sounds: Everything by Radio Citizen @ Amazon

20131221

Saturday 12/21 Edition - Speed: 2014 Aston Martin Rapide S

Tucked under the long hood of this gorgeous four-door Rapide S lies Aston’s 5.9-liter V-12, which is mounted 0.7 inch lower than the former Rapide and sees an increase in output. Horsepower jumps from 470 to 550, while torque went from 443 lb-ft to 457. The company also says that the S will cut 0.4 second from the previous car’s 4.8 second 0–60 time. Top speed is now 190 mph. Check it below:

via InformantDaily.com

20131219

Wear It Like: Mark Ruffalo - Friday 12/20 Edition

1. Rag & Bone Grey Philips Cotton Jacket @ Mr Porter

2. Lumina Chadbourn Navy Twill Chino @ Lumina Clothing

3. Lumina The Graham Classic Blue Oxford Shirt @ Lumina Clothing

4. Artfully Disheveled Six Shooter Necktie @ InforMANt

5. Valentine Goods Crocodile iPhone Case @ InforMANt

6. Premiata Distressed Ankle Boot @ farfetch

7. Sailormade Standard Belt @ InforMANt

Sounds: Halycon On + On by Orbital @ Amazon

20131218

Thursday 12/19 Edition: Deals

InformantDaily.com

Click "Shop" and enter McQueenVIP at checkout for 15% off sitewide, exclusively for Wear It Like McQueen readers.

20131217

Wear It Like: Mark Ruffalo - Wednesday 12/18 Edition

1. Jean Shop Washed Selvedge Denim Jeans @ Mr Porter

2. Number:Lab Thermal Tech Top @ InforMANt

3. Monolith Mens 14k White Gold 1CT Diamond Band @ InforMANt

4. Baskit Urban Basic V-Neck @ InforMANt

5. Hey Dude Vinci Blue Brogue Oxford @ InforMANt

6. Karma Mantra Black Onyx Mala Necklace @ InforMANt

Sounds: Dream Big by Gramatik

20131216

Wear It Like: Mark Ruffalo - Tuesday 12/17 Edition

1. Gant by Michael Bastian Perfect Chinos @ East Dane

2. Avallone Antique Leather Money Clip Card Holder @ InforMANt

3. Janette J Stud Cross bead Bracelet @ InforMANt

4. Boglioli Button Blazer @ farfetch

5. James Perse Linen and Cotton Blend Henley @ Mr Porter

6. Sailormade cargo Belt @ InforMANt

7. Avallone City Messenger Bag @ InforMANt

Sounds: Toca’s Miracle by Fragma @ Amazon

20131215

Wear It Like: Mark Ruffalo - Monday 12/16 Edition

1. Levis Vintage 1960s Slim Fit @ Mr Porter

2. Voyager Bracelet by Sailormade @ InforMANt

3. “Anatomical Heart” Necklace by Perry Gargano @ InforMANt

4. The Standard Suit Jacket by Ninh Collection @ InforMANt

5. Esposito Seamed Button Down @ InforMANt

6. The Standard Belt by Sailormade @ InforMANt

Sounds: Siesta del Sol by In Credo @ Amazon

Sunday 12/15

Keith in Paris, Helmut Newton, 1978. via

20131214

Saturday 12/14 Edition

Few people have lived a life as interesting and varied as Helio Ascari. Hailing from South Brazil, he was blessed with photogenic genes and spent most of his young adult years as a well-paid international model working with some of the foremost magazines and photographers. But a few years ago, he experienced a personal, existential seismic shift and realized he didn’t want anything further to do with the lights and cameras of the fashion world. Instead he wanted to return to the passion of his childhood; meticulously crafting objects of long-lasting value with his bare hands. He attended the United Bicycle Institute in Ashland, Oregon, and went on to form Ascari Bicycles. Together with his design/business partner Gary Mathis, they build some of the most beautiful, vintage-inspired bicycles you’ll ever feast your eyes upon. Even the king of American Sportswear, Mr. Ralph Lauren commissioned him to make one of his outstanding creations for his heritage-inspired RRL line. He currently splits time between Williamsburg, Brooklyn and his main bicycle workshop in Portland, Oregon. Welcome to the enchanted life of Helio Ascari …
After being a well-paid fashion model for so long, when did you realize you were sick of the industry and needed to pursue something different with your life?
I grew up working in steel and wood factories in the south of Brazil. The process of design and development of a product, and seeing the final product was such a delightful experience to me. When I was working as a model, I had the opportunity to not only see the world but also to improve my sense of values, which was fundamental for the creation of my own company. Yes, I was a well-paid fashion model but my mind and heart were always in those factories from my childhood. I always had a fascination for the process of transforming materials into objects. I find true happiness when I have my lathe and torch near me.

How did building bicycles become the career you decided to pour all your passion into?
I have always had a passion for combining elements into objects. I started restoring bicycles at the age of 8, and since then, it instantly became a passion that never left my heart. It was only a matter of time and money for me before I made this a career.
You’ve stated that making your handcrafted bicycles is your way of creating products that have lasting and staying power – can you elaborate on that?
Yes, I think that we surround ourselves nowadays with so many disposable products, things that leave no memories. I always mention that our bikes can last 200 years or more, because I wanted to create something that can be passed from generation to generation – classic in design and using only the finest materials available.

What differentiates an Ascari-handcrafted bicycle from anything else on the market?
I think that what makes an Ascari different is passion; the amount of passion we put in each one of our bikes is intangible. We constantly hear people saying that what we are making over here is art. So I can say that the passion followed by art and design is what makes an Ascari unique. Of course, it is also a combination of the many unique elements we use in the bike.

When it comes to the division of labor, how does it go between you and your partner Gary Mathis when it comes to building a custom bicycle for a client?
Gary is a well-known frame builder, and he’s been working in this industry forever. He is my mentor on the construction process. When we met, we had an instant connection – we have so much in common. There is a mutual collaboration going on, and we build my designs together.
Also how do you make it work being bi-coastal, having a garage in Portland but maintaining a presence in NYC?
I make it work by constantly traveling back and forth. NYC has been an unbelievable experience in my life; it brings me so much inspiration and opportunities. I say that NYC is the only place in the world that you can be whoever you want, including yourself. On the other hand, having Ascari workshop in Portland has given us recognition and respect amongst frame builders. Handmade bicycles are huge in Oregon.

Bicycles are getting faster and lighter with use of carbon graphite frames and other technologies – how do you feel about these advancements?
I think that it is awesome to see new technologies coming alive. We can not run against the advancements of technology, and every improvement allows us to create new designs and enhance our performance in so many ways. But we have to ask ourselves: “Why go faster and lighter?” It all depends on what exactly you are looking for. I particularly like looking back to move forward, meaning I like how things were done in the past. I like to rescue the preciousness from the past, and keep the classics alive.
What was the biggest lesson you learned at UBI with regards to building bicycles that you hold sacred to this day?
Oh man, I learned so many cool things, but UBI helped me to rescue something that was asleep inside of me for years. And of course, that’s where I met my business partner Gary Mathis.

Can you briefly explain the pride and accomplishment you felt when you got to make an Ascari bicycle for Ralph Lauren?
Mr. Lauren has inspired so many designers around the world and I was one of them. For me, it was a dream come true. It was a blessing to have this iconic personality endorsing my creation.
Why do you think bicycle culture is experiencing such huge popularity right now?
First of all, it is a Planet’s need. I think that people are realizing more and more that we need to create a more sustainable environment. Secondly there is a whole fashion movement around bikes right now – it has become very fashionable to have your brand linked to bikes. Actually there is no better way to expose your style than commuting in a bicycle.

Let’s talk about your fashion aesthetic. You have a very well-tuned vintage style – 1930′s hats etc – how did you gravitate to this look?
Undeniably my vintage style comes from lessons I learned from my father. He taught me good taste with personality. But part of it also comes from my old soul – I’ve loved old stuff since I was a little boy. When I saw RRL’s windows for the first time, I felt an unbelievable connection to my roots.
There is harmony and rhythm between my work and my look.

Lastly switching speeds, being that you are from Brazil and an innate soccer fan – who are going to be the last two teams standing in the upcoming 2014 world cup?
Oh man, I would love to see Brazil against Italy.

Check out the world of Bespoke Bicycle Making at www.ascaribicycles.com

Story by Geo Hagan for Style. No. Chaser. Photography by Ben Ferrari via InformantDaily.com