Founded in 2001, Los Angeles-based Howe has merged fine European fabrications and tailoring techniques with an influence that president and designer Jade Howe dubs "cowboy punk meets English Country Gentlemen." I know it sounds crazy, but, I kid you not, the line kind of looks exactly like something a cowboy with an obsession with the Sex Pistols would wear to high tea at Madonna's English country manor. I mean this in the best possible way. Howe is a top to bottom men's premium sportswear collection that includes denim and non-denim bottoms, T-shirts, woven shirts, sport coats, and vests, as well as classic three-piece suits with a rock and roll aesthetic. The current collection combines influences from the West Coast alternative music lifestyle with the fine, cultured feel of English tailoring. "Metrosexual" men with an eye for fashion are won over when they see the original graphics, treatments and details of Howe shirts and other products.

Designer Jade Howe knows how to dress the clientele - artists, musicians, creative interpreneurs and a new type of business/street professional Howe refers to as "indie executives," because he feels a close connection to them.

"We articulate an authentic point of view that our customer relates to," Howe has said. "He responds to the fact that we are developing a lasting look, not just a trend."

Jade Howe has dressed some of the coolest and most well-known arbiters of the alternative lifestyle. Franz Ferdinand, Tony Hawk, Weezer, Rob Patterson of Korn, Chester Bennington of Linkin Park, and The Rock all have a hankering for Howe. In 2005, Stuff Magazine awarded Jade Howe the Stuff Magazine Style Icon Award along with Kanye West, Giorgio Armani, Kings of Leon and John Varvatos. Stuff recognized Howe for the cultural impact of his brand's look and the lifestyle it connotes.

But Howe doesn't work alone. What better to pair with a snazzy How Blazer than a pair of Howe jeans? That's where Per Welinder comes in. Welinder, a famous champion pro skater-turned businessman launched Howe Denim Jeans with Jade Howe in 2002. Subsequently, Sportswear International named Howe the best new collection in 2003. Howe can be found in department stores nation-wide and online. Shop away punks, cowboys, and English gentlemen!