Archive for May, 2009

Product Kudos to Starbucks Via™

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

Every once in a while we stumble across products that so simply and naturally fill a void in the marketplace, that we did not realize the void had been there until that new product arrived. We have to take a moment to comment on what a great product we think Starbucks VIA™ Ready Brew is. It is only available in Seattle, Chicago, and London right now, but it is in our mind the first truly great cup of instant coffee. It tastes like freshly brewed from your favorite barista.

Imagine the convenience of taking these small packs on the road with you to enjoy that great cup of coffee wherever you travel. It’s made with the highe-quality 100% arabica beans in a proprietary, all-natural process.

We like to think Road fills that void in men’s fashion by providing men with clothes that are extremely comfortable and stylish at the same time and don’t require a lot of thinking and effort to wear. Extreme comfort, ease of coordinating, and I look great all the time, perfect.

Mango, India, Paisley, Inspiration for Apparel Designs

Monday, May 25th, 2009

Road co-founder Raj Shah lives the Road life.  He is constantly on the go and inspired by the experiences from his journeys.  On a recent business trip to India, Raj was particularly excited because he knew that it was mango season there, not just any mango, but Alphonso mango season.  Alphonso is the best mango in the world for its sweetness and flavor, and is also considered by many to be the best fruit in the world.  It is mainly grown in western India.

After an 18 year ban, the import of the Alphonso mango to the United States was again allowed.  You may be lucky enough to find the “king of fruit” in the U.S. this time of year.  If not, let us know we might be able to help.

That very mango from India is also the inspiration for the kidney shaped paisley design so familiar in fabrics and fashion.  In the early days of the pattern it was used to decorate the clothing of royalty, crowns, garments for the court, and textiles for the general population. 

Today paisley is still found prominently in men’s fashion and is periodically even found on a number Road styles.  

 

paislymango

D List Magazine Features Road Apparel

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

See Road Apparel featured on page 68 of this month’s issue of D List Magazine  (May 2009).  D-List describes Road Apparel as “rakish threads that blend sophistication and leisure.”  

Check out D List Seattle’s newest lifestyle magazine.

D List Logo

Sig Hansen Visits Road

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

We were thrilled to host Sig Hansen at Road Apparel yesterday.  The star and face of Discovery Channel’s, “Deadliest Catch.”  Upon meeting him, it is obvious why his show is so popular and he is so successful.  His energy is infectious, he has great vision, he sticks to his core beliefs, and his travels and experiences give him great insights.

See what Sig Hansen is up to.

Sig and Raj at Road

Sig and Raj at Road

Road Applauds Gates Foundation Work and Style

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

Being an international company, Road Apparel and its people care very much about the work we do, but also about giving back to our local and global communities in terms of time, money, and effort.  We are awed by and applaud the generosity of spirit and global impact of our Seattle neighbors at the Gates Foundation.  

As you can imagine we were also humbled and thrilled to see Bill Gates sporting Road apparel during a visit to Nigeria.  

See Bill Gates wearing a Road shirt in recent article on MSNBC and in the Gates Foundation Annual Report

See more information about the fabulous work at the Gates Foundation

Men’s Fashion Faux Pas

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

What are the top ten men’s fashion mistakes. I’ve heard from the women about these:
socks with sandles, novelty apparel (hearts, smiley faces), in your face designer logos, backpacks at the office, shiny suit, loose clothes, bling,

Check out these men’s fashion faux pas

What else?

Father’s Day Gifting

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

What are some good Father’s Day gifts……….I have great memories of taking my dad to baseball games for fathers Day….freezing during a San Francisco Giants at the old Candlestick Park and flying him to Baltimore to see the Orioles at Camden Yards.

I never bought him a tie, and my kids have never seen me wear one.