We last showed you a Stone Island video of Carlo Rivetti’s tour of the Italian manufacturing and research facility. Stone Island’s reputation for uncomprimising materials and finely-executed details is again cemented with some selections of this SS 11 collection, which includes the brand’s signature attention to the dying and finishing of garments. Stone Island garments are dyed and given unique finishes in-house, and the results are staggering. One example of a garment with a unique finish is one outerwear garment wich has a nylon monofilament mesh meant to resemble the metallic sheen of a sports car. Other fabrics are more muted or subdued, depending on the “recipe” for the garment dying that the designers apply. The collection is divided into two categories, according to the two-pronged philosophy of the company–LAB and LIFE . Predictably, the LAB approach looks into the aforementioned focus on materials and treatments, while the LIFE branch looks to make the garments usable and distinct. Check the video to get a look at the extensive collection and see the emphasis on quality for yourself.

Ben Sherman’s button-down shirts have been a British menswear classic since they began production over 50 years ago. The Ben Sherman SS2011 Modern Classics line follows their trusted formula for success by taking traditional tailoring and adding their own signature details like button-down collars and tabbed pockets. This season’s inspiration comes from WWII–era crewmen and aviation garments. And the line doesn’t just embrace the aesthetic details of the clothing worn by these hard-working men, but also the high quality fabrics they would have worn. Some of the pieces are made using fabrics from British Millerain, a company that has been making waterproof wax coated fabrics for sailors, soldiers and sportsman since 1880. Other fabrics used in the collection include Japanese selvedge twills, chambrays, and Oxford cotton. The line includes all the Ben Sherman staples, from a blazer, to a Breton-striped henley, to the classic polo. But the definite standouts are the lightweight anorak jacket with a high collar to protect you from the elements (at sea or in the city) in a rich navy blue or a warm caramel, and the plaid button-down with chambray patches at the back yoke and elbows.

For seasons, men could only pine after Christopher Kane’s pieces and sublime prints with little gratification from occasional releases of iconic prints, such as the gorilla and the atomic bomb, in men’s sizing. But, this year, Kane debuts a men’s wear collection for the men who have been waiting, and it does not fall short of expectations. Kane continues to work with prints, especially with those of the galaxy and stars and sky which he has been obsessed with (and we have seen these mesmerizing prints in his women’s collection). And in terms of material, he opts for a high dose of sensuality to go with the sublime prints. Light, paper thin leather have been used on hoodies and blazers, which gives the idea of Spring/Summer dressing a new edge (even though some might not quite agree with the unconventional use of leather during these season), and a good portion of the collection is made from cashmere and silk from one of the oldest Scottish woolen mills, Johnstons of Elgin.

First, there are the enviable fashion cream of the crop who can pull off anything, as this are the men whose very existence imply versatility. These are also the men who can pull off covert espionage like no others, with an uncanny knack for blending into his surroundings like a chameleon. Then, there is Japanese label, nonnative’s Spring/Summer 2011 mission– creating a collection of clothes with different styles that every man can pull off. The new collection, “The Bluffer’s Code”, may be nonnative’s new creative venture, as the label has slightly side-stepped its outdoor roots, and gotten a little more refined, a little more mature.

Recently, we showed you a piece from ts(s) that was a good showpiece for their attention to detail and craftsmanship. Now, we get a look at their collection, which should impress to a greater degree. Standout pieces include a patchwork 4-pocket blazer that appears almost gradient, as the shades of brown are subtle shifts in color. Another plaid, lined sport coat has a pinstripe lining as well as very subdued details like a second pocket above one front pocket. Very few pieces in this collection are solid, as stripes and bold colors dominate the outerwear pieces. Some have vertical stripes, and other rely on bold plaid designs. Each piece seems to go after the lived-in look, similar to brands like Engineered Garments or Post O’alls. The fits appear to be moderately slim, but certainly more generous than many of today’s menswear designers. As far as the bottoms are concerned, one pair of pants includes belt loops as well as overall buttons for a more vintage, high-waisted look. Another pair has a heathered pattern, while the lone pair of shorts features a small circle, vintage-looking pattern that we seem to be seeing more and more of on garments from Japan. Keep your eye out for this up-and-coming brand, as this collection suggests that we will have much more to show you in the subsequent collections.

Relaxed, and a chic disheveled look which says “I care enough, but not too much”, Daiki Suzuki rolls out another winning season of American great with Engineered Garments (even though Suzuki will no longer be in charged of Woolrich Woolen Mills). Spring/Summer 2011 sports a collection of artfully crinkled vintage-looking floral blazers, safari inspired olive button downs, shorts to go with the blazers and printed zip-up hooded jackets in washed Hawaiian prints for a sportier, outdoor look befitting a Sunday of lazy fishing. Everything is cut for comfort, and trousers are no longer precariously fitting. Think Allan Quatermain meet American workwear, and you will get just about the idea.