CARL THOMPSON

The path of British Designer Carl Thompson is on a journey of expanding his creativity into a lifestyle. With an entrepreneurial spirit he explores Men’s Fashion, Lifestyle, Grooming & Travel. In this post we will explore the many facets of Carl Thompson’s creative lifestyle

Jason is the Founder, Content Curator and Web Developer of StyleTopain a Men’s Style website and platform.

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INTERVIEW QUESTION 1 : WHAT DOES STYLE MEAN TO YOU?

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GALLERY ONE : "A MAN'S STYLE"

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INTERVIEW QUESTION 2 : WHAT ARE THE STAPLE PIECES THAT YOU BUILD WITH IN YOUR STREETWEAR AND SUITES?

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GALLERY ONE : "KIND OF BLUE"

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INTERVIEW QUESTION 3 : WHAT RECENT POST ON YOUR BLOG HAVE YOU FAVORED AS OF RECENT?

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GALLERY THREE : "THE MESSAGE"

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INTERVIEW QUESTION 4 : WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO DESIGN YOUR FIRST SHIRT AT HAWKINS AND SHEPHERD?

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INTERVIEW QUESTION 5 : WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND EACH SHIRT?

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YOUTUBE PRESENTATION

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HAWKINS & SHEPPARD
CURATED SHIRTS

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INTERVIEW QUESTION 6 : WHAT IS OUR TOP 3 PLACES THAT YOU HAVE VISITED WITH THE LAST FEW YEARS?

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GALLERY FIVE : VACATION

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SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS

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From Formal to Streetwear, Carl Thomas is a versatile and balanced gentlemen that dresses for the mission and occasion.  Taking inspiration from the fashion he loves, Carl created Hawkins & Sheppard in 2013 with a mission “to design and build, a classic yet contemporary distinctive luxury shirt.” In 2014 he decided to take his creativity and interests further by launching his Men’s Style Blog, self-entitled Carl Thompson, that covers Men’s Fashion, Lifestyle, Grooming & Travel. In this interview we will explore the many facets of Carl Thompson’s creative lifestyle and motivations

“A man’s style can tell you many things about him.” - Carl Thompson

Photo Credit – Instagram @charliesawyerphotography

Post :  How to Layer Clothes | Men’s Style & Fashion | London Street Style

“..how to layer clothes, why is layering so important in men’s fashion and what the hell is layering season?”

Photo Credit – Instagram @rebeccaspencer_photography

Post : How to Make The Most of Your Suit | One Suit Styled Formal to Casual

“The smartest version. I’ve used my Hawkins & Shepherd blue and white cutaway collar shirt to give the look some lift.”

Distinguished, determined, focused and versatile can be a good description of Carl Thompson style.  His ability to adapt traditional looks in various forms is the key to his successful approach.

WHAT DOES STYLE MEAN TO YOU?

“Style is mainly about the message you’re communicating about yourself to other people. It’s a sign of respect, or disrespect in some cases. If you’re modality in life is a bit slap dash, then your style will reflect that. 

A man’s style can tell you many things about him. What is his attitude towards life if he turns up to a meeting with his shirt untucked, with toothpaste down his tie, what are your first impressions? 

I once saw a lawyer turn up in court with a rip in his trousers, I thought to myself, I’d fire his ass for that. 

They say you should never judge a book by its cover, and that theory holds water to a certain extent, but then again you can still tell a lot by the cover if you’re going to enjoy the book or not. “

"Rules from suitwear transcend into streetwear." - Carl Thompson

AN INTERVIEW WITH
CARL THOMAS

Photo Credit – Instagram @twentyfirstcenturygent 

Post : A Casual Suiting Style | Outfit of the Day
“..how to layer clothes, why is layering so important in men’s fashion and what the hell is layering season?”

Photo Credit – Instagram : @tuula_rose

 

 

Kind of Blue – Living in the blue invokes a powerful range of options that can communicate stability and professionalism and trust. Blue has been used to reveal and project a depth of character that can have subtle or strong influences on your audience, Within various industry blue is used to portray trust, faith, (brand) loyalty, friendship and tranquility.  Carl takes the versatility of the blue suit and applies four dynamic looks of Business Casual to Smart Casual styles pieces that elevate the suits possibilities.

WHAT ARE THE STAPLE PIECES THAT YOU BUILD WITHIN YOUR STREETWEAR AND SUITS?

“For suits you have to have an understanding of occasion and climate. For that you should at least have a modicum of knowledge of fabric. If you’re visiting a hot country knowing that having a thick woolen suit will cook you alive. But if you’re looking to build a suit wardrobe you should start with 3-5 white shirts and have them on rotation. 

Then I’d look at colour and make sure you can interchange different blazers with different trousers or chinos. 

Neutral colours and simple weaves will get you extra mileage if you’re on a budget.  A crisp Navy suit serves many different occasions, as does a grey suit. Although in my experience, women aren’t too fond of men in a grey suit. Grey can do what it says on the tin, fade you into the wallpaper some. “

“I’d look to make something of those grey and navy suits and invest in some flannel blazers. With flannel the wool is boiled so it piles, this gives the blazer more texture and differentiates you from a typical ready to wear business.  Start with clean, fitted shirts, invest in blazers and trousers that are neural toned in color with fabrics that offer a more interesting texture. Mohair, Flannel etc.”

“I’d say you’d need to start looking at brands or models that interest you, seek them out on Pinterest and identify the looks you’re after.  Here you can be as bold as you like, but I wouldn’t go full peacock unless that is your personality. Your clothes shouldn’t be making up for your deficiencies. For example, why go bold if you’re a classic introvert.  I’d say with streetwear you can dial back the logos, the heavy brand motifs, that’s no for me personally. I like a lot of Reiss and Belstaff stuff because they’re not so ostentatious. You’ll stand out if the clothes are fitted. There’s a tendency for casual wear to ignore the tailored/fitted rules that run doyen over the suit industry. 

Personally I’d say some rules from suit wear transcend into streetwear. I.E decent fit, white tee goes with everything, remember to go casual if the occasion merits it. If you’re unsure always phone a friend or venue and ask what the dress code is.”

“Style is mainly about the message you're communicating about yourself to other people” - Carl Thompson

Identifying what a Staple piece is will up your wardrobe. Statement pieces are the dominant fashion item within your look, its attributes stand out the buy its color and size. 

Photo Credit : Instagram : @brolimitsoldier

WHAT RECENT POST ON YOUR BLOG HAVE YOU FAVORED AS OF RECENT?

I got to run my mouth with this one with a ‘Why I love London’ Blog recently. I could talk all day about London and those articles come very easily to me. I love writing in general and am happy to review products, though sometimes it can get a little tedious researching the growing trends in beard oils. 

I can talk about London, style, fitness, dating and the quicker I write the more I enjoy it. 

 

"Your clothes shouldn't be making up for your deficiencies." - Carl Thompson

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"Coming to work was never a chore its a passion, its what drives me." - Carl Thompson

WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO DESIGN YOUR FIRST SHIRT FOR HAWKINS AND SHEPHERD?

“What was it like? It felt great. It took a long time to get together. People think it’s the money investment that’s the biggest gamble with setting up an enterprise of this nature. It’s not. It’s time. 

Your time is the only thing you’ve got and for me it’s the most priceless of all commodities at the moment. At times it feels like another plate I need to keep spinning, but that comes with all projects. If it was easy and enjoyable 24/7 everyone would be doing it. 

It was a very proud achievement for me. Still is. No one gives you a pat on the back for creating an e-tailor store. No one knows about the early starts and the patents you have to file on designs, the trouble shooting, the production problems you incur. But it is what it is. It’s there, it’s a great product, it’s a great service. I’m very proud of it. “

Hawkins & Shepherd offers Shirt Subscription Service’s  that are high quality handmade shirt. As featured in the Independent our unique shirt subscription service will take into account your style preferences – including collar size and type, shape and fit – and send you a new shirt, either on a monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly basis.

"I saw that there was room for classic well tailored formal wear with a bit of an edge."
- Carl Thompson

WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND EACH SHIRT?

The inspiration starts with; ‘would I wear it?’ I’m not going to design anything I wouldn’t wear myself. I don’t tend to look at trends. When it comes to shirts it’s more about the quality, the stitching and the composition of the shirt. 

"Hawkins & Shepherd carries both sides of my family name, so I created a shirt we can all be proud of... this shirt existed in my imagination"
- Carl Thompson

Hawkins & Shepherd offers Shirt Subscription Service’s  that are high quality handmade shirt. As featured in the Independent our unique shirt subscription service will take into account your style preferences – including collar size and type, shape and fit – and send you a new shirt, either on a monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly basis.

Hawkins & Shepherd offers Shirt Subscription Service’s  that are high quality handmade shirt.

View Site for subscription plans that match your financial means.

​Body Colour : Blue
Body Pattern : Stripe
Collar Colour : Blue
Fit : Slim Fit
Collar Type : Business 180
Cuff : Double Buttoned with Cut Edges
Fabric Material : 100% Cotton
Fabric Yarn Count : 2/80s x 2/80s

Body Colour : White
Body Pattern : Plain
Collar Colour : White
Fit : Slim Fit
Collar Type : Pin Collar Penny Curve
Cuff : Double Buttoned with Curved Edges
Fabric Material : 100% Cotton
Fabric Yarn Count : 100s x 2/100s
Buttons : Mother of Pearl
Embroidery : Front Placket in Orange
Collection : 13

Body Colour : Cream with wine & navy
Body Pattern : Check
Collar Colour : As Body
Fit : Slim Fit
Collar Type : Button-Down
Cuff : Single Buttoned with Cut Edges
Fabric Material : 100% Cotton
Fabric Yarn Count : 2/100s x 2/100s
Buttons : Mother of Pearl

Body Colour : Blue
Body Pattern : Stripe
Collar Colour : White
Fit : Slim Fit
Collar Type : Penny Curve Cutaway
Cuff : Double Buttoned with Curved Edges
Fabric Material : 100% Cotton
Fabric Yarn Count : 2/100s x 2/100s
Buttons : Mother of Pearl
Embroidery : Left Cuff in White
Collection : 13

"Putting on a shirt in the morning should give you confidence for the day ahead." - Carl Thompson

WHAT IS OUR TOP 3 PLACES THAT YOU HAVE VISITED WITH THE LAST FEW YEARS?

I took a quick break out to Tanzania last month and just utterly decompressed. Two amazing resorts that I’ve reviewed on the site, of course it’s always a working holiday when you have a camera in hand.

Lastly, I’d say that you should check out the new VIP grooming experience you can have at Tom Ford’s salon in Covent Garden. It’s a very sleek design, the interiors look reminiscent of something from a Christopher Lambert movie from the early 90’s. 

"Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire" - Carl Thompson  -

“Your speed doesn’t matter, forward is forward and for every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness. Today I’m continuing my journey from Philippines to Australia. I really needed this trip, it’s been eye opening and fulfilling in so many ways. When I have kids (and I will because I’m thinking positively) I’ll make sure they realize the importance of travel and seeing the world. I just hope the world is still as beautiful when they are able to.”
– Carl Thompson

“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire” – Carl Thompson 

” Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office, mowing your lawn, picking up your dry cleaning or that daily commute. So climb that mountain, walk those beaches, find that hidden waterfall, enrich someone else life with love and pass on your wisdom ” – Carl Thompson

“There are an infinite amount of winners in life, so long as you’re not trying to win someone else’s race. You’ve got to run your own race if you want to emerge the victor. A fancy existential way of saying, find your niche, become the authority.”
– Carl Thompson

Carl Thompson’s contribution to men’s fashion is to encourage his audience to transition their personal style to the environment they desire to shine in. His commitment as a designer is found in the details of his work in both his shirt designs and his chosen wardrobe. His personal Men’s Style Fashion blog continues to explore and expand into various avenues that have become a trusted platform among his readers. Carl has ventured into the jewelry market with his new accessories brand entitled “Diondreyers“. The Brand presents unisex bracelets, necklaces, and rings. The first collection is the brand is entitled “Damaged Collection”.  We will explore Carl’s new Brand in an upcoming post about his entry into the market and where he desires to go from there.

Photo Credit – Instagram : @twentyfirstcenturygent 

Subscribe to Carl’s social media channels for updates on new creative content.

Read More

INTERVIEW QUESTION 1 : WHAT DOES STYLE MEAN TO YOU?

Read More

GALLERY ONE : "A MAN'S STYLE"

Read More

INTERVIEW QUESTION 2 : WHAT ARE THE STAPLE PIECES THAT YOU BUILD WITH IN YOUR STREETWEAR AND SUITES?

Read More

GALLERY ONE : "KIND OF BLUE"

Read More

INTERVIEW QUESTION 3 : WHAT RECENT POST ON YOUR BLOG HAVE YOU FAVORED AS OF RECENT?

Read More

GALLERY THREE : "THE MESSAGE"

Read More

INTERVIEW QUESTION 4 : WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO DESIGN YOUR FIRST SHIRT AT HAWKINS AND SHEPHERD?

Read More

INTERVIEW QUESTION 5 : WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND EACH SHIRT?

Read More

YOUTUBE PRESENTATION

Read More

HAWKINS & SHEPPARD
CURATED SHIRTS

Read More

INTERVIEW QUESTION 6 : WHAT IS OUR TOP 3 PLACES THAT YOU HAVE VISITED WITH THE LAST FEW YEARS?

Read More

GALLERY FIVE : VACATION

Read More

SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS

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JASON HOWELL

Jason Howell is the creator, designer, writer, model, and fashion curator of StyleTopian. Jason selects fascinating Fashion Icons and influencers, Designers, and Brands to explore their ideals, talents, skills, and method that make them successful contributors to the Men’s fashion industry and beyon