5 Amazing Men’s Shirts for Fall

by

It won’t be long til the remaining summer heat dissipates into crisp autumn air. Put away the t-shirts and take a look at these five shirting selections for Fall. Black Pinstriped Patchwork Button-Down by Junya Watanabe Junya has got  shirt-making down to a science at this point in his career. Details abound on this joint from … Read more

Highland Spring/Summer 2014 Presentation

by

Highland hosted a presentation for their Spring/Summer 2014 collection this past Thursday at the downtown landmark Santo’s Party House. In true Highland fashion, the presentation was an amalgamation of disparate influences and felt more like a college house party (complete with free PBR) than a fashion show. The presentation had the models lifting weights at times underneath a poster of Arnold in his prime.

There’s some new additions to the line everything from denim jackets to knit beanies. The stand pieces for me were the iridescent MA-1, the 3M  jacket and the graphic-print sweatpants. The plain jerseys were also a really nice take on something that fashion designers are trying their hardest to play out.  The footwear which was provided by converse were painted by Highland to look like Adidas. Many of the looks were styled with a basketball shorts in a variety of designs.

The rest of the night featured a series of musical performances by Lakutis, Rat King and Gobby. The whole thing had a nice hazy 90’s music video feel to it and it was great to see the local support that Highland is getting (not to mention a recent Drake cosign).

In a week that’s often times very corporate, manufactured-feeling and filled with pretension, Highland just threw a good party for their friends and supporters.  Be sure to check out my interview with Lizzie and Cramer from Highland in case you missed it the first time around.

See the looks after the jump

Read more

FacebooktwitterreddittumblrmailFacebooktwitterreddittumblrmail

Nexus VII Fall/Winter 2013 Lookbook

by

Since I’ve known about Nexus VII I’ve always appreciated the outerwear pieces they’ve put out. In particular I felt like their gore-tex shells were some of the best out. I was looking forward to seeing what the Japanese label had in-store for Fall/Winter 2013 and they didn’t disappoint. What I like about lookbook is that the photography and styling both have a vintage feel, but the individual pieces definitely enter more experimental territory. A fantastic Air Force inspired leather jacket is in the mix alongside some ill sherpa lined shearlings. More technical pieces are here too including layered weighted shirts,  down pieces and vests.  Be sure to click through and see the rest.

Put your proxy to work these items will be dropping on their webshop very soon.

Read more

FacebooktwitterreddittumblrmailFacebooktwitterreddittumblrmail

Lanvin Goatskin Racer Sneakers

by

It seems this is the year of the ‘ugly’ designer sneaker. Recent Adidas collaborations with Rick Owens and Raf Simons have pushed the envelope in terms of sneaker design in unorthodox directions. These releases have all been pretty divisive in terms of their public reception.

Lanvin has created a design that is sure to be both coveted and hated. These sneakers seem to draw design heavy inspiration from the Nike Air Max 90 (through the shape of the mudguard and the plastic panel covering the middle lace eyelets). I also see traces of Prada Sport American Cup in here. What sets these apart is the wild colorway and quality of materials. These feature cream goatskin leather with metallic and webbed panelling and an interesting mesh material on the back heel. To round it out, this particular colorway comes with patterned laces and a bright orange midsole with heavy grey rubber tread (which itself seems to scream New Balance). While you’ll be sure to attract some hate if you get these, I really think this is a pretty special sneaker, and the best colorway this model was released in. Love it or hate it, I think you have to admit this is some next-level shit right here. These and a two other colorways are available at LN-CC for $957.

Read more

FacebooktwitterreddittumblrmailFacebooktwitterreddittumblrmail

Dieter Rams exhibition at Paul Smith Mayfair Store

by

Legendary Braun designer Dieter Rams has had a huge impact on the design world inspiring everyone from Steve Jobs to Jun Takahashi. The Paul Smith Albemarle Street store in London is host to a exhibition of Dieters product pieces ranging from turntables to radios. Lucky collectors will be able to actually purchase these archival items at the shop. The selection was made possible through assistance from Das Programm, an organization of Dieter Ram collectors. The exhibition runs until October at the Paul Smith Mayfair store located at No. 9 Albemarle Street, London.

More images after the jump

Read more

FacebooktwitterreddittumblrmailFacebooktwitterreddittumblrmail

New Balance M998RO

by

These New Balance M998’s are part of an American Rebel pack. Made in the USA from buttery red suede, this is that rare sneaker which does an all red colorway justice. Red shoes to me always run the risk of looking a bit clown-ish, but these avoid that embarrassing territory. High quality construction and restrained color-blocking vault this model into the running for one of the best New Balance releases in 2013 thus far. This is gonna be one of those sneaker purchases that you’ll be glad you made years down the road.

You can get them online at Crooked Tongues.

Read more

FacebooktwitterreddittumblrmailFacebooktwitterreddittumblrmail

WTAPS FW 2013 Collection

by

While the WTAPS lookbook with Tet did not reveal much about the pieces in the collection, these outfits from WTAPS show things in a bit more detail. For the Fall/Winter season it seems the brand has veered away from it’s heavy militaristic aesthetic and into the realm of simpler casualwear looks.

Once again the concept of lifism is referenced and outlined below. While these images don’t give too much insight into the details of the clothing, I’m still excited to see some of individual pieces in stores.

The philosophy of ‘Lifism’ is one concerned with the individual’s experience. In our present endeavours, progressing through our routines and daily grinds, we trigger the nuances that give us the unique experience that is our own life. As such, the most important moment to the individual is the present one – defining that which has come before it, and shaping what will come in the future. Only through ‘being’, can we start ‘living’.

See the looks after the jump

Read more

FacebooktwitterreddittumblrmailFacebooktwitterreddittumblrmail

The North Face Purple Label FW13 lookbook.

by

While the North Face brand in North America hardly inspires with its increasingly safe output, Japan-based North Face Purple Label has been consistently pushing new territory since it’s inception a few years ago. The Fall/Winter 2013 continues this trend with a tonal, well-styled lookbook. This is one of those rare lookbooks where both the girls and guys sides of things are styled excellently.

There’s alot of greys, tans and blues this time out and the outerwear appears technically sound, with a mix of down jackets, shells and vests layered over minimal shirting and trousers. There’s also a few tasteful knits thrown in to complete the collection. All in all this is a nice lookbook to reference if you’re looking to try something new this Fall/Winter but still want to mix in the staples you already have (New Balance sneakers, dry denim etc). Look for items from the collection to drop soon at select retailers including nanamica.

See all the looks after the jump 

Read more

FacebooktwitterreddittumblrmailFacebooktwitterreddittumblrmail

XXBC Collection 1

by

Having known Alex Lee and Will Thomson of XXBC (Twenty B.C.) for some time, it’s great to see their work come to fruition in a hard-hitting debut collection. The lookbook is an amalgamation of the their personal inspirations in photo form. The two have been successful in turning their own unique personal style into a full-fledged brand. The initial collection intersperses sweatshirt material with vintage fabric cut in a relaxed slouchy fit.  They provided me with the word-association like assemblage of reference points which pretty much sums up where collection 1 is coming from.

“Almonds & braided pretzel twists. USPS winter uniforms. Hurricane Chris. Makaveli Branded Clothing. Dior Monsieur. Christopher Moltisanti. Ramen. Starter. Kacy World Colors. Mark McGwire. Dollar pizza. Regular-ass dudes. Word art. Shirts with flames or dragons on them. Scarface varsity jackets. Recess. Dapper Dan. Tommy
Hilfiger. Cash Money Records. Crosby Deli. Coogi suits. Norma Kamali 1981. Your grandmother’s living room sofa. FUBU. eBay. Jersey City. New York City. XXBC. Collection I.

Check out my previous interview with Alex and Will (founders of XXBC) HERE

Photos by James Parker
Creative Direction by Will Thompson, Alex Lee and Rhamier Auguste
Model: Erica Lusha
Hair/Make-up: Michela Wariebi

See the rest of the lookbook after the jump

Read more

FacebooktwitterreddittumblrmailFacebooktwitterreddittumblrmail

WTAPS FW13 ‘Lifist’ Lookbook

by

WTAPS presents a simple approach to their Fall/Winter 2013 Lookbook. For being a Fall/Winter collection not many of the items here seem suited for colder weather. Most of the pieces here don’t stray far from basics like t-shirts, jeans and t-shirts. The creative direction is in line with head designer Tetsu Nishiyama’s philosophy of being a lifist. In short that term has come a harmonious lifestyle where work, play and relationships are balanced. The lookbook features photos of TET himself doing everyday activities: skating, working on his motorcycle and getting a haircut.

More images after the jump.

Read more

FacebooktwitterreddittumblrmailFacebooktwitterreddittumblrmail