The Best of Martin Dingman Leathers Available Here in Fort Wayne, Indiana

You know that momentary high you get from a whiff of supple, handsome leather? Well, that heady aroma contains everything we love about specialty menswear. It smells of luxury, quality, and authenticity, and of timeless pieces that wear well for years. It also contains hints of the je ne sais quois of a well-dressed gentleman.

If we sound a bit melodramatic, it’s because we are. Fine leather just does that to us.

Especially Martin Dingman leather.

Martin Dingman’s leather goods, which include shoes, belts, wallets and more, exude all of the above. His products last forever, both physically and stylistically. Because the aesthetic of his pieces is classic, they lend themselves to years of use in near-perfect condition. Also, his pieces just look amazing. As proof of this, check out this picture of Mad Men’s John Slattery in GQ sporting a Martin Dingman belt. Amazing, right?

The man behind the magic of Martin Dingman is none other than…you guessed it…Martin Dingman. This world-renowned leather craftsman has spent his life in menswear, doing everything from working in department stores to launching a bow tie line to designing Cole Haan accessories to his current leather goods and apparel lines.

His company is based in Arkansas, where he grew up. According to his website, his products are inspired by the beauty and integrity of the Ozarks.

It’s clear from the exacting details in every Martin Dingman piece that he loves his work just as much as we do. Every stitch is solid, every cut is precise, and the leather itself is among the best in the world.

CJM carries a number of Martin Dingman products, including the best MD shoe selection in Indiana. Learn more about that here.

If we’re wrong for loving Martin Dingman, we don’t want to be right.

Come see what the fuss is all about here at Christopher James Menswear. Also, we have a bunch of new fall products we’re sure you’ll love.

Find us here.

Come See What’s New with Samuelsohn this Season at CJM in Fort Wayne

This Thursday, October 9th, Christopher James Menswear in Fort Wayne will be hosting its first-ever Samuelsohn trunk show. Trust us, you don’t want to miss it.

Samuelsohn is a Canadian-based clothier and is one of the best made-to-measure menswear designers in North America. They have more than 100 years’ experience making suits, sport coats, topcoats, and trousers of the absolute highest quality. All of their jackets are fully canvassed and they have more than 500 fabrics for you to choose from.

Samuelsohn’s collections are luxurious without being stuffy, classic but not dated, and top-tier but still accessible. It’s the perfect clothier for the modern man.

Some of Samuelsohn’s made-to-measure fabrics are classics and have a permanent place in their collections, but most others are unique and change every season. (We did mention they have more than 500 fabrics, right?) Therefore, you must come see what’s new for Fall/Winter 2014 at our trunk show this Thursday. Play designer with everything from polka dots to paisley (or just a classic neutral if you prefer–we love neutral too), and let us craft you a suit that fits you perfectly and aptly expresses your personality and style.

Even better, Dorian Anderson, a Samuelsohn representative, will be in the store to answer your questions about Samuelsohn’s latest looks, styles, and fabrics.

Mr. Anderson will also be showcasing new belts from the best American belt maker there is: W. Kleinberg. You’ll love the exotic mix of alligator, crocodile, ostrich and more.

So gentlemen, mark your calendars for this Thursday, October 9, 2014 from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Christopher James Menswear in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

We will see you there.

Until There’s A Cure, There’s a Camp

As we’ve mentioned, Christopher James Menswear in Fort Wayne is hosting a three-day trunk show this weekend, October 2-4. We will be showcasing the latest styles from Allen Edmonds, Coppley, Robert Talbott and Scabal.

But that’s not all. We will also be supporting a really great, and very important, cause.

Camp Watcha-Wanna-Do is a local, weeklong summer camp for children battling cancer, and 5% of our sales this weekend will go to the camp.

To say Camp Watcha-Wanna-Do is an inspiring place would be an understatement.

Campers spend a week on the beautiful Blackman Lake, about 40 miles north of Fort Wayne, playing in the water, hosting evening bonfires, riding horses, fishing, making crafts, learning archery and so much more. As their website says, Camp Watcha-Wanna-Do turns, “children living with cancer from patients to craftsmen, swimmers, climbers, and ‘outdoorkids.’”

Oncology nurses, doctors, volunteers, and counselors attend all activities, so kids can get away from the hospital while their parents have peace of mind. Campers are also allowed to bring a sibling along for the week if it makes him or her more comfortable.

Camp Watcha-Wanna-Do began in 1992 as a one-week resident camp for 38 children surviving cancer. The program was a huge success and in less than three years, more than 100 kids a week were hiking, swimming, and playing away their worries of cancer.

The camp is also a long-standing member of Children’s Oncology Camping Association International, which provides networking and program opportunities to help provide a safe and memorable experience for campers.

The camp is free to participants, and available for kids ages 7 through 17.

Learn more about Camp Watch-Wanna-Do here. Donate to the camp here.

Please help support this amazing charity by attending our “Sweet Clothes, Sweet Cars and Fine Cigars,” trunk show this weekend, October 2-4. The fun and goodwill kick off at 4 p.m.

CODICE, Italy’s Finest Knitwear, is Right Here in Fort Wayne

When it comes to understated elegance, Italians are the exemplars of well-heeled gentlemen. They are known for their sartorial sophistication and ease, and though never flashy, they always stand out in a crowd. Christopher James Menswear wants the well-dressed men of Fort Wayne to possess this polished ease as well, which is why we carry CODICE (pronounced KO’-DI-CHE), an Italian line of mens sportswear and knits that are elegant, simple, and classic.

All CODICE products are made in the small village of Reggio Emilia, Italy, and are not available online. According to Schuyler 4 Ltd., the company that distributes CODICE to Europe, the U.S. and Canada, e-commerce is not in the cards for the brand. CODICE founder and designer Giorgio Filippi told Schyler4.com that “Retailers will ask me, ‘Do you sell online? Do any major retailers sell your products online? The answer is NO and NO. And their reply is ‘Good.’”

The new CODICE fall items are out now, which Filippi describes as “window stoppers,” which means pieces that stop you in your tracks because of their uniqueness, elegance, and freshness. See more of the CODICE Fall/Winter 2014 collection in the video below:

Also, if you notice in the video, Mr. Filippi says this season’s knits are designed to go perfectly with ALBERTO pants. Well, guess what? We have ALBERTO pants too. See our blog post about it here.

Come see our selection of this season’s CODICE apparel. You really can’t get it anywhere else. (Just note that when you wear it, it’s not out of the realm of possibility for strangers to start speaking to you in Italian…yes, it looks that good.)

Find us here.

Robert Talbott Will Be on Display at the Latest CJM Trunk Show in Fort Wayne

We’ve already blogged about two of the four vendors that we will be featuring at our “Sweet Clothes, Sweet Cars, and Fine Cigars” trunk show this weekend in Fort Wayne (Allen Edmonds and Coppley), and now we’re going to blog about the third vendor, Robert Talbott.

Robert Talbott is one of our favorite brands and best sellers at Christopher James Menswear. They make mens clothing that is luxurious but accessible, timeless, and versatile. The Robert Talbott aesthetic is decidedly all-American, with touches of the company’s California roots.

Here’s a preview of this season’s RT looks from their Fall 2014 Look Book:

If you like what you see here, you’ll be excited to know that plenty more of it will be on display this weekend at our trunk show.

The trunk show will be held October 2-4, and the fun starts at 4:00 p.m. on the 2nd. It will be held at Christopher James Menswear, located at 6410 W. Jefferson Boulevard, in Covington Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

We look forward to seeing you there.

New Coppley Fall 2014 Will Be Featured During October 2-4, 2014 Trunk Show

New fall fabric swatches and designs from Coppley are in here at Christopher James Menswear in Fort Wayne, and we can’t wait for you to see them at our THREE-DAY trunk show this weekend, October 2-4.

That’s right, three days of your favorite lines including Coppley, Scabal, Allen Edmonds and Robert Talbott. In today’s post, we are going to talk about Coppley, and what you can expect from this season’s collection.

As always, Coppley’s exquisite quality and extensive fabric selection remain the same, but several things are new:

Fits and silhouettes
Coppley Fall 2014 is a blend of traditional and modern, with fits to accommodate both older and younger perspectives. Meaning, the standard fits are generally on the slimmer side, but of course, your suit can be tailored to your preferences, should you want a more classic look.

Color scheme
Coppley’s color palette this season is comprised of classic neutrals: black, grey, blue, and tan. However, there is an overall “greying effect” to each fabric, which adds understated elegance. But don’t worry—it’s not all neutrals. To craft a more compelling look, Coppley has incorporated subtle pops of color, either by blending a fabric with indigo, aqua, or cranberry colored threads, making a deep burgundy tie to pair with a brown suit, or an olive vest to go with a deep blue button-down shirt.

Small but important details
Coppley has also added new tipover buttons, buttonholes with contrasting thread colors, elbow patches and contrast stitching which can help you create a more interesting, fashion-forward look.

So, mark your calendar for our three-day trunk show this weekend and explore all Coppley has to offer.

If you come on October 2nd, you’ll be able to snack on food and drinks from Casa’s, listen to the smooth sounds of Alicia Pyle, and check out some of Fort Wayne’s sweetest cars, courtesy of SweetCars.

Don’t miss this event!

We Have New Donald Pliner Fall Shoes Here at CJM in Fort Wayne

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Donald Pliner makes some of the best shoes in the biz, and we proudly carry the best selection of Donald Pliner shoes in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

As proof of this big claim, check out a few of our new Donald Pliner fall styles:

Come in and try these bad boys on! We have even more styles than pictured here. You know where to find us. (If not, you can find us here).

Come Try On Our Excellent Selection of Allen Edmonds Shoes at Our October Trunk Show

On October 2-4, 2014, Christopher James Menswear in Fort Wayne, Indiana will be hosting a fabulous three-day event and trunk show, “Sweet Clothes, Sweet Cars and Fine Cigars,” showcasing your favorite (and ours too) brands including Allen Edmonds, Robert Talbott, Scabal and custom clothing by Coppley.

First, here is some info about the event:

While it is a three day event, you’ll only be able to snack on food and drinks from Casa’s and listen to the smooth sounds of Alicia Pyle while you check out some of Fort Wayne’s sweetest cars, courtesy of SweetCars on Thursday, October 2 from 4-8 p.m.

Also, our neighbors at Riegel’s Pipe and Tobacco and Cunningham Optical will be participating along with us. Chat with Burberry Eyewear representative Chris McCann and get a straight razor shave from barber Tim Harrigan.

Even better, the event is for a great cause: 5% of our sales during this event will be donated to Camp Whatcha-Wanna-Do, a summer camp for children surviving cancer.

Now, here is info about Allen Edmonds:

Allen Edmonds makes the best men’s dress shoes and accessories in the biz. Presidents, popes, and celebrities all wear A.E. In fact, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush all share something in common: On Inauguration Day, each wore a pair of Allen Edmonds shoes.

It is obvious why Allen Edmonds is the best of the best. T
heir shoes last for years, and owners typically repair rather than replace. President George H.W. Bush wrote a letter to the company thanking them for a pair of shoes they gave him, but signed it saying, “The problem is all my other pairs of A.E.’s still are in great shape; but these will be a great addition.”

Each Allen Edmonds shoe is crafted via a 212-step process that is a mix of machine and hand, and done right here in the United States, in Port Washington, Wisconsin.

So, come check out CJM’s trunk show on October 2-4, 2014, and sample the latest Allen Edmonds shoes.

Also, stay tuned for upcoming blog posts on the three other vendors we will be presenting: Robert Talbott, Scabal, and Coppley.

ALBERTO Jeans Available Right Here in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Alberto Denim

Jeans are as American as apple pie, but we must admit that sometimes, the best denim comes from our stylish neighbor across the pond: Europe. In the case of ALBERTO, a beloved line of high-end jeans and dress pants, it’s Germany.

From their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Mönchengladbach, Germany, ALBERTO crafts perfectly fitting, stone washed jeans that are classic and streamlined. They don’t go overboard with decorative hardware or laser burnished whiskers or honeycombs (the faded creases behind the knee), for an uncluttered and comfortable denim look. It’s what they call “smart dressy,” which I think means their jeans look great (and appropriate) in business settings too.

There is much to love about the brand, but if there is one thing ALBERTO is most proud of, it’s their fits. There are four: slim fit, regular slim fit, modern fit, and comfort fit:

The slim fit is for the younger guys who like a skinnier, fashion forward look. The waist is low-rise, and the overall silhouette is designed to emphasize the figure.
The regular slim fit offers slim limbs and narrow legs, but isn’t as trim as the slim fit.
The modern fit features a lower rise with a modern silhouette. Perfect for the guy who likes clean lines but isn’t necessarily onboard with the skinny trend.
The comfort fit is a loose cut leg with a comfortable rise and casual leg width.

ALBERTO doesn’t mess around with its fits either, so if you buy a pair this season, you can rest assured that the same fit will be there next season, just the way it was when you first fell in love with it.

Their jeans also come in a number of different washes, all of which look a little vintage but are still sharp enough to pair with your favorite sport coat the perfect dinner or Friday night ensemble.

We are ready for fall with a new shipment of ALBERTO jeans and we’d love for you to come in and try on a few pairs. Chances are you’ll become a repeat customer. Find us here.

An Ode (Kinda) to Robert Talbott

Robert Talbott is one of our favorite brands here at Christopher James Menswear in Fort Wayne. We sell a lot of their stuff, and for good reason. Robert Talbott is high quality clothing and neckwear, made for men who like fashion and dressing well. Their aesthetic overall is classic and American, and their pieces can be worn for years and still look on-point.

They are also the best manufacturer of the seven-fold tie, which we love here at CJM, and is especially great for the upcoming fall season. (It’s a tie made from a single piece of silk that is folded seven times in a special pattern, to eliminate the need for a liner. It’s draping is just amazing.)

Here’s just a little history of the Robert Talbott brand:

It started as a cottage industry in the 1940’s, in Carmel, California, by husband and wife Robert and Audrey Talbott. Mrs. Talbott sewed silk neckties in her spare time, just as hobby and made them for her husband and friends around the holidays. The ties were exquisite. Realizing her talent, the Talbotts went into business selling high-end bow ties. They catered to a very niche market–well-heeled men who saw the value in higher-priced neckwear.

While Audrey toiled away in a bedroom-turned-workshop, Robert peddled her creations at mens clothing stores all along the west coast. Though Audrey was the heart of the operation, she preferred to stay behind the scenes, and therefore they named their business the Robert Talbott Tie Company (it would later be changed to simply Robert Talbott).

The Talbott’s hustle eventually led to success, and they opened their first store in 1953. Several years after the shop opening, they added long neckties to their offerings. While their product was high quality, they still endured years of ups and downs trying to convince more men to pay a higher price for neckwear. Finally, the tide of fashion rolled in their favor and by 1969, they were a million dollar company.

They relocated their headquarters to a larger facility in Monterey, California, and remained dedicated to making high-quality products. As technology developed, the Talbott’s reluctantly incorporated new machinery into their production process, concerned that a machine would lessen the quality of their ties, which they proudly crafted entirely by hand. They only used technology that did not compromise quality.

Today, after almost 70 years in business, Robert Talbott has perfected it’s production process, now a mix of hand and only the best machinery, and sells ties and clothing to raving fans around the world. They are still based in Monterey, California with offices in Italy. They use the best fabrics from around the world, and stay true to their Monterey Bay heritage by making clothing that exudes all-American, west-coast style.

Their seven-fold tie is probably their most recognized product, an accessory that was popular in the 1900’s, but fell out of favor during the Great Depression, then which Robert Talbott resurrected in the 1980’s:

Several Robert Talbott seven fold ties

Christopher James Menswear carries a ton of Robert Talbott apparel, including shirts, sweaters, and neckties. We love it, our customers love it, and we’re sure you will love it too. We just got in some new Robert Talbott fall product, so stop by and check it out this weekend. See you soon.

Find us here.