The pursuit of the perfect sleeve requires cutting-edge imagination paired with a timeless style. Fine clothes and records are ideally made with an attention to detail, materials, and sustainability. In recognition of whose who’ve gotten it right, we’re taking a look at the design and practices of two menswear clothiers and two vinyl manufacturers -- and editing our interpretations of the ingenious work they create.

Britain’s Vinyl Factory proves that tailored touches aren’t just for immaculately-fitting suits. Like Italy’s iconic fashion house Corneliani, the Vinyl Factory specializes in luxurious designs with precise craftsmanship and decades of success. The Vinyl Factory’s pressing of Four Walls / Paradise Circus -- a 12’’ where London’s haunting electronic musician Burial remixes two tracks from Massive Attack, exclusive to this edition -- is a stellar display of their uniquely personal approach. Pressed on heavyweight 180g vinyl, the record is packaged in a hand-numbered, gold-glittered, screen-printed sleeve, and the artwork is designed by Massive Attack’s Robert Del Naja. Printing only 1000 copies worldwide, the Vinyl Factory’s Four Walls / Paradise Circus 12’’ is made to be cherished by a select few -- which is a sentiment that Corneliani shares.


Like vinyl records, menswear is an industry that sells novelty and builds on tradition. Embracing both the practice of expertise craftsmanship and the potential of technology, Corneliani is a landmark of grand tailoring with the continued ability to look forward, while retaining and refining their triumphs in the past. Corneliani’s sport coat has the two button notch lapel and double vents of a traditional sport coat but the cashmere blend, neutral-toned windowpanes, and heather blue color impart a versatility that allows it to be dressed down or dressed up, as shown here with a Seaward & Stearn bow tie and Zanella pants. Corneliani’s light grey button up is another eccentric take on a staple, since the herringbone print isn’t one typically seen on dress shirts. Their creativity and stylistic coherence is also shared by the vinyl pressing plant, Something Else, and the french clothier, Façonnable.


Something Else and Façonnable also have a penchant spinning tradition. The former’s production of Tom the Lion’s box set houses all of the London artist’s releases, as well as a selection of live sessions, rusty images, and lyrics printed on bible paper in a mock leather slipcase with foil blocked gatefold sleeves; the uncoated colored vinyl discs is another whimsical touch. An added bonus: Konstantinos Gargaletsos’ lion artwork would hang well in any den. Specializing in well-made rarities, Something Else and Façonnable stand out for their use of bold colors, unexpected fabrics, and provincial elegance. Façonnable expresses their craftsmanship and heritage with their lambswool sweater in a rustic orange rind hue, shown here with Michael Kors’ corduroy navy blazer, Hiltl’s drab twill pant, and Chelsey by Joseph’s plaid cashmere scarf. Sharing the same color aesthetic and practice, Façonnable and Something Else remind us that the everlasting connection between music and fashion is one tradition that still feels fresh.


-- Marissa Muller, Marketing Coordinator