It’s been a long time since we’ve posted anything new on the site but we promise you it’s all in good reason- these last few months have been solely dedicated to revamping the brand and we are finally at a point where we can present it to you all.  In fact, the first opportunity is for those of you who are in (or will be in) the Los Angeles area, next weekend TEM will be debuting all of the new product exclusively at UNIQUE LA’s 5th Annual Spring Show.

What is UNIQUE LA you ask?  Well, it happens to be the largest independent design show in the country that is curated specifically with MADE-IN-AMERICA goods directly from over 350 designers and artist.

In preparation for this two day event we are producing a limited amount of goods to be sold exclusively at UNIQUE LA and we can’t wait to share them with you!

We hope to see as many of you there as possible!  For more information on the event click here.

Tailored Essentials is a new men’s accessories brand based out of Los Angeles, CA and Brooklyn, NY.  All of their pieces are handmade in the US, and currently they are sold exclusively here through The Essential Man.

For purchase, click here.

It’s been almost 3 years since The Essential Man site launched (and almost 2 years since launching the store) and everything has come full-circle…I am very pleased to announce that the 1st collaborative project is with MS&Co.- the company who has been supporting the TEM vision since day one.

You ask “why notebook sleeves?”- well, it really was a no brainer, plus it was the most logical and organic decision…especially since I already carried my “essential notebooks“ in MS&Co’s original “selvage denim sleeve”- so when I pitched the idea to Phil (founder) he automatically saw the vision.

For purchase, click here.

The 5-panel “essential cap” is the foundation of The Essential Man brand..after the success of the first release, I am very pleased to follow up with the second installment but this time introducing a black and navy version.

I used the same minimal approach as before and focused my attention on the details. Everything was well thought out- from the selection of the fabric to the color of the thread.  This cap should easily become an essential part of your lifestyle.

For purchase, click here.

Greetings Everyone!

First and foremost I want to thank you all for believing in me and for supporting my vision. I’m sure those of you who have been following my kickstarter campaign have noticed that my project was “not successfully funded” and I must admit it still stings a little because I really put my all into this project. However in hindsight I realized that despite my project being unsuccessful on record, it was a huge success in reality.

Starting with the preparation for this project, I spent many hours practicing a speech for my video- though I ended up not using it in my video, the repetition of the information gave me clarity and solidified my vision for my brand which ultimately gave me the confidence to speak about it freely with any and everyone (something I definitely didn’t do before). Also since exposure was a major component to having a successful kickstarter, It forced me to get out and interact with people and spontaneously share my brand with strangers (something else I definitely didn’t do before). I also reached out to many publications, most didn’t respond, but the ones that did, responded with immediate support and featured my brand (something that probably wouldn’t have happened without this project). You guys are getting the picture I am painting- overall, this project was a success!

I want to assure you all that despite this campaigns failure (on record)…it is not the end for my collection. I am already taking the appropriate steps to still produce a limited run of my garments for Spring 2013. Currently I am working on updating my website and getting things back and rolling real soon! Until then, I want you all to know that I really appreciate you from the bottom of my heart for being apart of my journey.

The best has yet to come from me and The Essential Man. Peace and love.

Respectfully,
Lorenzo Diggins Jr.


Click here.

When I say “I have something that everyone can appreciate”, it’s not an exaggeration- with these rewards I really took the time to produce an assortment of products of great quality and value.

$20 Reward: TEM Coffee

With this reward I had the opportunity to partner with LA Coffee Club in order to get a very fresh supply of locally roasted coffee to accompany your new TEM Coffee Mug.

$25 Reward: TEM Canvas Tote

With this reward, I simply wanted to offer an item that could be used over and over again, and these canvas totes are exactly that.  They are the perfect size for everything from running daily errands to simply shopping at your local farmer’s market.  Plus they are thin enough to fold and store away while still being durable enough to carry heavier items.  A true essential piece.

$30 Reward: Original TEM Printed Artwork

With this reward I had the opportunity to partner with my friend Victoria of Paper & Type in order to present you guys with some original artwork to beautifully accessorize the walls of your home.  These prints are produced on premium recycled paper using eco-friendly inks.

$40 Reward: Limited Edition TEM x CP Graphic Tee

With this reward I had the opportunity to collaborate with Los Angeles based artist, Simon Fobi (better known as Cheese Politics) in order to create a special design specifically for you guys (the backers), and this is what we came up with!  Please don’t sleep, ONLY 60 t-shirts will be made.

(more…)

Greetings everyone! I know it’s been a long time since I last updated the blog…but I promise you it’s all in good reasoning- I have been working tirelessly on developing the Spring/Summer ’13 collection for The Essential Man, which will be my first full collection for TEM!

With this debut collection I am not trying to reinvent the wheel, I am simply bringing a new perspective to the items I deem essential by fusing my minimal design sensibilities with the perfect combination of street and contemporary fashion- the foundation of The Essential Man.

In order to prepare for my collection debut, I launched a Kickstarter project.

(more…)

Phil of MS & Co. shared his latest product with me about 2 months ago prior to it releasing and I was so excited for him; it seems like he keeps figuring out ways to bring something to the game.  This time around he has introduced Silk Knit Pocket Squares.

(more…)

Older »