Mr. Ehscheid explains that the reason he likes to wear a Hamilton Shirt is that we were able to modify a shirt (a favorite shirt purchase from Japan) and continually recreate new versions for him.

You may not have to go all the way to Japan to find a favorite shirt…but we can certainly create something similar for you right here in Houston.

A favorite recent press hit “Southern Style:A Cut Above” from the magazine is now available to read online. Check out some Hamilton history and nice pics over on the G&G website HERE. Also…are you following @GardenandGun on twitter?

Photos by Jack Thompson

Check out Daniel Radcliffe in a bespoke Hamilton Shirt, a custom tux by up-and-coming menswear designer Antonio Azzuolo, and his date, the lovely actress Rose Hemingway wearing Oscar de la Renta. Dressed (very well!) by stylist, Sam Spector.

The new collection will feature some very cool versions of our classic oxfords, the softest brushed cottons you’ve ever felt, a new take on the Hamilton western shirt, and we even gave your favorite plaid flannel shirt the ultimate upgrade. Look for the new styles arriving to the website this August.

The new fall/winter brushed cottons – available late 8/12 in light blue, dark blue, bottle green, orange, and yellow!

We fully endorse the use of collar pins here at the Hamilton Shirts Company, they can be a very cool option for those of you who like the look/feel of a button down collar. At our recent press presentations in New York, Kelly Hamilton created some special custom styles including a new version to be worn with a pin. This collar has been specifically designed for this purpose, permanent holes are sewn into the collar to never damage the fabric sticking the pin through. Next time you visit the Houston store or your local Hamilton retailer – try one!

Fantastic Spring Summer 12 Hamilton logo designed by Austin based firm Frank & Victor

Looking back through the history of American design, a specific style of American architecture called ‘Googie‘ caught my eye. This uniquely American atomic age style originated from Southern California and was popular during the late 1940′s through 60′s. This eye catching feel good style, named after a Hollywood coffee shop called ‘Googies’, was a popular architecture style for restaurants, motels, and gas stations. This seemed like just the ticket, so I started looking for examples of googie style located here in Texas to somehow relate it all back to Hamilton. It didn’t take long:

The famous ‘googie’ style roadside sign for the cool Thunderbird Motel located in Marfa, Texas.

Most of the googie patterns that you’ll see used on the Hamilton websites are actually hand screened wallpapers that are available for purchase from a terrific company called Bradbury & Bradbury. Some examples we used here:

Atomic Doodle pattern

Gee Gee Pattern

Continuing with this idealized image of 1950′s Marfa, the collection came together to reflect this vibe along with found vintage postcards of the West Texas landscape that provided our inspiration for our fabrics colors and patterns. Even the names of the shirts this season are derived from the names of towns located across West Texas.

I think the best examples of this idea is the 1883 Presidio Plaid – which also happens to be my favorite shirt of the season. This subtle plaid in either blue with white or wheat with white reminds me of a 1950′s formica counter top pattern. The deceptively simple looking plaid has a very vintage feel, but actually comes across as very modern when made up into a shirt. We show it here worn with jeans, but it looks equally great for a day at work or a night out dressed up with a jacket. The super soft and lightweight Italian cotton is also perfect for the warm late spring/summer days ahead of us. See the 1883 Presidio plaids here:

The Presidio Plaid in blue.

The Presidio Plaid in wheat.