Openzedoor

Visvim ss12: Back to the roots

2012-01-31T05:07:00.000-08:00

Hiroki Nakamura seems to have packed up his Navajo tent and headed back home for this season's Visvim collection, which apparently takes its inspiration from Japanese culture, right down to the wooden flip flops. Vibram sole, I'm guessing.

Victoria's Secret Swim 2012: come on in ...

2012-01-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

Girls in paradise. What more would you expect from a Victoria's Secret swimwear shoot?

Shot in Tahiti and Turks & Caicos, and featuring Candice Swanepoel, Lily Aldridge, Miranda Kerr, Edita Vilkevičiut and Michaela Kocionova in case you wanted a bit of background.

Nanamica field jacket: sharp

2012-01-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

Here's one from Nanamica, which has come on in leaps and bounds since it popped up out of nowhere (as far as I am concerned) a few seasons ago. This is thneir interpretation of the field jacket, and in true Japanese tech streetwear style is fashioned from Gore Tex with taped seams and all manner of waterproof pockets and little details that only the true jacketnista will notice.
Available from End

Futura sprays a wall in a gallery

2012-01-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

Futura's a bit more discerning in his choice of walls these days, which is why he opted for the Galerie Jérôme de Noirmont in Paris for his exhibition entitled Expansions. Part of this involved a large mural, the painting of which was captured on film.

Futura 2000 - Galerie de Noirmont - Paris - Live Painting from Guillotine on Vimeo.

Ten C A/W 2012: brighten up

2012-01-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

It had crossed my mind that a clothing company with only seven pieces in its armoury, no matter how iconic or timeless, might have a relatively short lifespan.

Even with its limited runs and exclusive distribution I could see a time when retailers were holding so much stock that they really didn't need anything from the next collection seeing as it would be no different from the last.

Then, first of all, the stuff started selling out worldwide. More recently, the 2012 collection was released, and they have introduced colour and some new muted shades to spice things up, which makes it a near-certainty that I will be tracking down another piece.

Acquisition: Visvim Armiger Folk

2012-01-22T04:41:00.000-08:00

These were a bit of an impulse buy the other day, I knew if I slept on them they wouldn't hang about. Cerise colourway, lined Italian leather uppers, the obligatory Vibram sole, pure craftsmanship.

The Soloist: Deer. Oh Deer

2012-01-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

I've been hearing a lot about the Soloist recently and my interest was piqued enough by the release of a reindeer skin jacket that looked like it had been thrown together by a couple of Inuit in the dark for me to Google it.

So I've now found out that this is a streetwear-type brand by Takahiro Miuyashita which, when mentioned, has the words 'cool', 'edgy' and 'casual' close by. Oh, and 'artistic', which has always been a kind of non-word to me considering anything could feasibly be called artistic.

Each piece is hand-dyed in five key colors using The Soloist patented “Earth dye” treatment, whatever the fuck that is. Nice palette though.

Oh yeah, and that model in the pictures? The one with a sick-spattered cloth over his chops? That's him, Takahiro Miyashita. This stuff might look better if it was on someone else.

Girls Friday: Rhianna for Emporio Armani

2012-01-20T10:00:00.001-08:00

Either I'm going mental or this Rhianna shot for Emporio Armani looks identical to the last one. Not that I'm complaining.

APC wax mac chasseur: pull!

2012-01-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

If you haven't got a wax jacket in your collection these days then you're going to struggle to keep up with the shooting party, so to speak. Hence, presumably, French brand APC's waxed offering.

This doesn't deviate too far from the Barbour Beaufort and the like from which it takes its cue, but it does have an altogether sharper silhouette. Oui indeed.

Available from Oi Polloi, and elsewhere, I guess.

Nanamica Gore Tex campus jacket: blue

2012-01-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

For a brand with such technical credentials in terms of the fabrics and processes they use, this jacket has a decidedly understated, almost college blazer, beatnick air to it. I guess that's why they called it the campus jacket.

But it does have a hood, and it is blue. Result.

Diemme footwear S/S 2012: generation game

2012-01-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

No prizes for guessing the inspiration behind the recently reborn Diemme footwear. The Italian brand's heritage might date back to the 19th century but it can thank that new upstart from Japan for its second coming, that much is obvious.

That said, this is not a collection to be sniffed at. Those offbeat designs are looking very wearable.

Nike Air Max '97 Midnight Fog: Dreams of yore

2012-01-16T04:47:00.000-08:00

There would have been a time, about, well 1997 I suppose, when I would have wet myself if I'd seen a pair of these in this colourway.

So I can see the appeal of these, even if wearing them couldn't be further from my mind.

These are different to the 97s we all grew to know and love, made using their seamless Vac Tech system, which essentially vacuum moulds the uppers to any shape they care to make. I'm guessing you could stand in a shallow stream in these and not get your feet wet, if that's your thing.

Girls Friday: Chrissie Chau

2012-01-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

James Bond: The Spoof who loved me

2012-01-12T10:49:00.000-08:00

Before you click this I think you should know that I am a fan. In fact if I could be James Bond for a day I would consider my life complete, as long as I got to be him when he wasn't about to be cut in half lengthways by a circular saw. Or have his nuts whipped.

Mercedes x Mastermind G550: Ahaaaaaaar

2012-01-11T06:43:00.000-08:00

Mastermind Japan have gone all Jack Sparrow on this Merc G550 and made it look like the Black Pearl on wheels, minus the main sail, obviously.

On another note, Mastermind's designer and founder Masaaki Honma has just announced that spring/summer 2013 will be the brand's last, preferring to go out on a high with the hope that it will live on through collectors and the vintage market.

If only Nigo had thought of that.

Girls Friday: Morning wood

2012-01-06T05:39:00.000-08:00

Beats a pair of jim jams any day

Vintage watch guide: spend it well

2012-01-05T11:18:00.000-08:00

Say what you like about Rolex watches, they are one of the only timepieces that will more or less hold their value over the years, and in this day and age could even give you more of a return than sticking your money in the bank. If you get the right one, your investment could be very wise indeed.

That's why Ben Clymer has come up with the vintage watch guide, and why his first guide is on Rolexes. Read before you buy, if you've got any sense.

Hostem: Sparce

2012-01-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

I love boutiques like this, it's like who's had all the clothes? The good thing about Hostem which can be found on Redchurch Street just round the back of Shoreditch House, is that you get the place pretty much to yourself because people think it's one of those East End museums.

Seriously though, if you can find the clothes they are half decent, and there is a bit more on the ground floor, like a candle or two. And it's a damn sight better than the other end of the scale, where they cram so much on the rails it's all creased to oblivion and looks like a jumble sale.

And the owner is a friend of a friend, I'm told, and he's from Essex, so really you should go there. No, really.

Wooster: wrapped

2012-01-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

I've been looking for a new scarf for a while and then I see Nick Wooster wearing this. And it's precisely what I've been after.

If it had been anyone else I might have had a hope of tracking it down, but this is a man who is well documented to entertain style from the full spectrum of brands and affordability. This scarf could be £20 from Uniqlo or £2k from Balenciaga.

One thing I do know is that it isn't any of the brands I would usually favour, which rules out most of Japan.

Whatever. The hunt is on.

Roy Lichtenstein: Joining the dots

2012-01-02T11:56:00.000-08:00

That bloke who became famous for the giant comic book pictures has had a go at a few landscapes in China. It's all about the dots, really.

Now showing at the Gagosian Gallery in Hong Kong, if you're over that way.

Blade Runner: The original sketchbook

2012-01-01T06:53:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe Bladreunner is 30 years old this year and I will never cease to be amazed by the complexity of the sets and the vision of an apocalyptic future which seems even more of a possibility as the years go by. Here's a chance to look at the thinking behind that world, as you get to peek at the original sketches.

Open publication - Free publishing

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T09:43:00.000-08:00

I probably won't end up like him tonight, but I hope some of you do. Happy New Year to the lot of you.

Here's a few pics I found while trawling the interweb.

Jaclyn Swedberg on Twitter: Chirp

2011-12-30T19:27:00.000-08:00

Playboy playmate Jaclyn Swedberg knows how to use her Twitter account. What's that they say about pictures speaking a thousand words?

Via Kineda

Heritage Research spring summer 2012: for brighter days

2011-12-29T11:47:00.000-08:00

Winter never really arrived but you can bet that the day you get a bit of this Heritage Research through the post from End will be the day we get 6' of snow.

All the same, it's shaping up to be a fine collection, and the day will come when it's just right to slip on that windcheater.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T04:01:00.000-08:00

The Dark Knight Rises: A clue

2011-12-21T04:12:00.000-08:00

I've been wondering when we would start getting clues as to the last in the Dark Knight trilogy of Batman films, and lo and behold, we have a trailer. And you know what? After all this waiting, I'm still none the wiser.

Lucy McLauchan: drawing on rubbish

2011-12-20T04:02:00.000-08:00

Beat13 / Lucy McLauchlan "Tacit" from Beat13 on Vimeo.
We have some of Lucy's pieces at home and I was on the lookout for something new when I stumbled across this. Which has given me a great idea for some of the old shit I've got lying around at home.

Transformers Fall of Cybertron: clunk, click

2011-12-17T04:35:00.000-08:00

This, as far as I can tell, is the trailer for a video game which is being released at the end of 2012, which means there's no sign of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley or any other living person, or even, for that matter, earth.

Doesn't alter the fact that it's a good trailer though, and I love the soundtrack.

Girls Friday: Mob handed

2011-12-16T13:09:00.000-08:00

For your Friday titilation, the Married to the Mob lookbook.

Aston Martin Cygnet: Little blighter

2011-12-15T04:55:00.000-08:00

Let's make no bones about it - the Aston Martin Cygnet is nothing more than a rebadged Toyota IQ. If you look at the opening shot of this video you can even see the arse end of one that they have yet to start work on.

But Aston Martin is at pains to point out that this is an IQ which has essentially been pimped by them. It has been given the Aston paint job, grills, mean look and a badge.

When this was first announced, the word was that the Cygnet would be available only to current Aston Martin customers. I don't know if that policy has changed, but an ugly car will always be an ugly car, regardless of the badge it is wearing.

Wtaps B-3 sheepskin: shear warmth

2011-12-14T02:53:00.000-08:00

You can't beat a shearling this winter but if you want something a little different to the brown and beige that you would normally get, take a look at WTaps' B-3. They've taken the classic B-3 and dipped in some indigo dye. It probably wasn't quite that simple, but you get the idea.

And in case I didn't show the M-51s they just released, or you missed them, I've added them down below.

Banksy: sign of the times

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

So up pops another Banksy where you least expect it, expanding on the long-running vermin theme.

I can't be sure but that looks a bit like Spitalfields, or maybe Hoxton, and that there is a road sign just begging to be removed.

Let's see how long it stays up.

Girls Friday: Olivia Munn

2011-12-09T04:38:00.000-08:00

She likes playing game. Video games.

For sale: Visvim 7-Hole '73 boots

2011-12-08T06:00:00.001-08:00

I love these boots, but I have some new ones, so these are on the block. Warn with love, cleaned with care, rare as rocking horse turds. Navy and sky blue, US 9.5.

£380 shipped within the UK, plus another £30 for international, Paypal only, no exceptions.

Uniform Experiment x Alpha N3-B parka: toasty

2011-12-06T01:47:00.001-08:00

Now we're getting weather along the lines of what we should be getting at this time of year, thoughts turn to ever-warmer garments. The US military's N3B parka should do the trick in terms of keeping the chills out, especially with that hood trim, and with the Uniform Experiment treatment you get an added sartorial twist.

Girls Friday: Here's Rosie!

2011-12-02T03:11:00.000-08:00

I think this Rosie Huntington-Whiteley shoot was in the UK GQ the other month, but now it's in the Russian one, which is as good a reason as any to feature it here.

Muppet posters: a bit of an animal

2011-12-01T03:17:00.000-08:00

This poster collection has been released in conjunction with the forthcoming Muppet movie and features each member of the band. They are available to buy as limited edition prints. More details when I get them, or try Googling.

SNS Herning at DSM: near the toilet

2011-11-30T03:14:00.000-08:00

Here's SNS Herning's stall at Dover Street Market, right near the portaloo but the look of it. But don't try relieving yourself in there - in this emoprium of all that is weird and pricey, that there is a changing room.

Visvim 7 Hole '73: run of the mill

2011-11-29T04:06:00.001-08:00

Now don't get me wrong. This is a nice pair of boots and are without doubt impeccably made. They are also a little bit more true to the original Vietnam-era jungle boots from which they are inspired. But it's those soles, you see? They're not white are they? Which means that Visvim has just trotted out the sort of thing that, to put it bluntly, any two-bit bootmaker might come up with.

If you're wavering on the white sole because everyone is sticking Vibram to their feet because of you Hiroki, at least give us the choice.

Pendleton x Sophnet: it looks warm

2011-11-26T09:45:00.000-08:00

It will, I am assured, get cold in the UK by the end of the month, because despite the protestations of my other half, as far as I am concerned, it's still warm out there.

So if you are one of those types who have been holding off on buying your winter coat (as retailers claim), you'll be delighted to see this collaboration between US outdoor equipment maker Pendleton and Sophnet of Japan. You'll also be pleased to note you'll have to go to Japan to get it. Where it will be cold.

Via slamxhype

Girls Friday: racy

2011-11-25T03:27:00.000-08:00

Here's a little addendum to the Fiat 500 Abarth post from last week. It pretty much sums it up, really.

Dieter Rams: back to basics

2011-11-24T04:40:00.001-08:00

If you have an interest in design you will be aware of the impact of Dieter Rams on the objects of today. Which makes this video worth a look

Blec le Rat: who needs cake when you have a can

2011-11-22T11:33:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that Blec le Rat, the pioneer of stencil art, the man responsible for inspiring the likes of Banksy and all manner of other street artists, is 60.

Which does drive home the fact that you could be a graffiti artist as well as a resident at a home for the elderly if you wanted to.

Blec celebrated his birthday with an exhibition consisting of giant sprayed canvases, which, while they may not feature the kind of witicism that made Banksy famous, do feature a certain charm.

McLaren cars: produced in luxury

2011-11-21T03:21:00.001-08:00

I've been seeing this copper-coloured sports car driving around my town for a few weeks now and could never work out what it was until now.

It is most definitely a McLaren, judging by these pictures, which is pretty cool in a town where most of the fast cars are Porscehs with the odd Ferrari for good measure.

These are turned out in a state of the art production facility near Woking, Surrey which was designed by Norman Foster and has one of its two floors completely buried below ground. If you're going to build cars for a living, you'd surely want to build £100k sportscars in something that looked like the garage of the Starship Enterprise, wouldn't you?

Via Freshness

Girls Friday: Wang Ruo Yi

2011-11-18T12:17:00.000-08:00

Somewhere, in an office ...

Fiat 500 Abarth: coming to America

2011-11-17T04:05:00.001-08:00

This has been on my wishlist since it was released in ... oh ... 2008? At the rate I'm going it looks like you're going to be driving it in the US before me (unless you count the test drive).

But just seeing this in its black and red finery has brought the little Abarth back on my radar.

Incase leather iPad case: skinned

2011-11-16T04:29:00.001-08:00

There appears to be jack all to post about at the moment so in the interests of filling your blog-sized hole with something, anything, I thought I might garner your opinion on iPads. I might get one. Just might. I know I'm a bit late but I have never been one of those queue-up-for-hours-for-the-latest-Mac types. I'd have preferred to queue for something like a sweatshirt.

So if anyone could tell me the benefits of an iPad 2 over the much-reduced iPad, and whether getting 64gb carries any kind of advantage if you already have a Macbook on which to store your shiz, and whether I really need the Wi-Fi+3G option, feel free to comment.

In return I give you some pictures of an iPad case (by Incase). Fair deal?

Rapha Continental RBC Gran Fondo: Sigh

2011-11-14T04:25:00.001-08:00

I had a knee operation last Monday which has essentially put me out of action in terms of cycling or running until after Christmas. So all I can do is watch videos like this and dream of getting back on the bike. Terrible.

Girls Friday: Helena Christensen

2011-11-11T03:30:00.000-08:00

When it comes to the likes of Helena Christensen it really is a case of once a supermodel ... as these photos by Guy Aroch will attest. Either that or there's a gallery of supermodel paintings stuffed up in an attic somewhere, decaying ...

Ten-C field jacket: details

2011-11-09T08:44:00.000-08:00

So the Ten-C snow smock went back to The Bureau and within seconds they had sent out the field jacket, complete with shearling liner, and although it was far too warm to wear the two together a couple of weeks ago, the temperature is at last plummeting somewhere near acceptable levels for them. As you will hopefully see from these pictures, the jacket and the liner look just as good separated as they do buttoned together. Three jackets for the price of ... well, three really. But there is pleasure in compatibility.

Rolex Tudor Submariner on a Nato

2011-11-08T02:01:00.000-08:00

It has been almost a year since my initial ill-fated attempt at putting a Nato strap on my sub. That resulted in me smashing the face to pieces on the bathroom floor.

Half of the time since then has been spent with the sub languishing with Rolex rather than on my wrist, waiting for them to sort it out. And only now have I felt confident enough to fit another Nato. This time I went for a gunmetal grey strap with black PVD hardware, inspired by the creations of Project X, in particular the sub they created for Daniel Craig.

Probably won't be long before the bracelet goes back on, but it's nice to have a change now and then.

Enemy to Fashion jungle boots: look familiar?

2011-11-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

Enemy To Fashion | The Niche Market - Jungle Boots from enemy2fashion on Vimeo.

Visvim's 7-hole '73 boots are clearly influenced by the jungle boot issued to US forces during the Vietnam war, so I guess it was only a matter of time before someone took the originals and stuck a Vibram sole on them.

This is the Vietnam Jungle Boot as created by Enemy to Fashion exclusively for the Niche Market. As well as the addition of the Visvim-influenced Vibram sole, it also includes some other natty little extras including an all-seeing eye on the canvas, so you'll never feel alone.

Available here, a shed-load cheaper than their Hiroki- produced cousins.

Via Slamxhype

Girls Friday: Kate Upton is back

2011-11-04T03:35:00.000-07:00

Kate Upton in a bikini and on Video. Beach Bunny boom!

Visvim Study and Practice: the collection

2011-11-03T05:50:00.000-07:00

To celebrate its ten-year anniversary Visvim has launched a commemorative book, Dissertation on Self-Verification: 2001-2011 and launched an exhibition at GYRE in Tokyo.

As well as all that, there is this collection, which doesn't look too bad.

The Bureau: a good place to go to look good

2011-11-01T03:28:00.000-07:00

Shop from journeyfor on Vimeo.

With all this economic turmoil going on at the minute, shops should be bending over backwards to secure our custom, so it seems odd to me that, frankly, they aren't.

It doesn't take a lot - a hello is a start, a discount helps. But above all that, the simple acknowledgement that you are more than just another foot in the door, that you might actually care about what you are buying, is what will ensure that I put my hand in my pocket, and more importantly, come back.

Being considerate to your customers is a tough call when you're talking about shopping online, or over the phone, but it is possible, as The Bureau Belfast has proven. I truly wish I lived close enough to the shop to visit regularly, but the customer service I have received from there is no less thorough even with a few hundred miles and a sea between us.

I cannot recommend the Bureau highly enough.

Visit the shop at www.thebureaubelfast.com

Yuketen F/W 2011: cold enough

2011-10-31T03:36:00.000-07:00

We might still be basking in record temperatures for here in the UK, but the east coast of the US has just had a fairly hefty dump of snow, which is a stark reminder that winter is but a snowflake away and that if you haven't got your Yuketens yet, you'd better hurry up.

If you wanted more reason, check out this lookbook, which is complemented by the Yuketen menwear line, known as Monitaly.

Bring on the white stuff.

PS: I've also added a couple of pics of a cordovan keyring they've just released.

Sophnet x Visvim: nice kicks

2011-10-30T15:11:00.000-07:00

The shoes that Visvim releases in collaboration with Sophnet are always pretty tasty and these are no exception. Nice trainer sole, suede moc-toe upper. Looks nicer than some of the stuff Hiroki's been putting on his own of late.

Vive Le Tour 1962: riding into nostalgia

2011-10-29T03:51:00.000-07:00

Vive le tour! from Bear Thunder on Vimeo.
I wasn't there, I wasn't even born. But that doesn't make this little film of the 1962 Tour de France any less endearing. The glory days of cycling, may they return very soon.

I found this via the Bureau's new tumblr website, which is well worth a look.

Girls Friday: Anais Pouliot

2011-10-28T03:28:00.000-07:00

Never have a battered pair of Nikes looked so good. This is Anaid Pouliot, shot for Twin #5.

Via Fashiongonerogue

Jose Parla: how it's done

2011-10-27T03:13:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick look into the creation of Jose Parla's recent ‘Character Gestures’ exhibition at OHWOW Los Angeles.

Fascinating stuff. I tried a bit of caligraphy stuff like this once. It wasn't pretty.

Persol: made by hand

2011-10-26T03:44:00.000-07:00

Made by Hand from Persol on Vimeo.
Only when you pick up a pair of Persol glasses do you realise the quality and workmanship that has gone into them. This video provides a glimpse into the production process. No wonder Steve McQueen was so keen on them.

Stone Island Ice Jacket: shiver

2011-10-25T03:12:00.000-07:00

R&D VIDEO: 5515 STONE ISLAND ICE JACKET AW’011’012 from Stone Island on Vimeo.
Stone Island are well known for using space age fabrics made of stuff like metal. This time they've developed something that changes colour according to how cold it is.

The jacket starts off yellow, for warmth and gradually goes black in line with the drop in temperature. Like frostbite.

Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium edition: snap

2011-10-24T03:32:00.000-07:00

Leica are about to release a special edition of their D-Lux 5 camera under the Titanium badge, which means the tasty little point and shoot is going to get even better. Well better looking at least.

Visvim film: Indigo Cowichan indigo dying

2011-10-23T03:06:00.000-07:00

Interesting little film from Visvim here about the art of indigo dying. Apparently the sweater featured in this retails at sometghing like $7,000 (about £4,000). You might want to get yourself a car instead.

Takashi Murakami: homage to Yves Klein

2011-10-22T03:55:00.000-07:00

I do like a bit of Takashi Murakami it must be said. All that 'real flat' stuff that's become his trademark.

Now he's bucked his trend with this homage to the post-war European artist, Yves Klein, who was known for leading the Nouveau réalisme movement. None of your real flat here, there's more texture than an anaglypta wall.

You could say it has depth.

Girls Friday: back with a Yasmin

2011-10-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the lack of titilation last Friday. I was having a break. But we're back with Yasmin Le Bon, shot by Bryan Adams. Simon must be very proud.

Visvim Serra Hiker: It would be winter without them

2011-10-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

Here we go then, another winter approaches and out comes another version of Visvim's now legendary Serra Hiker. Mine have long since gone to a more deserving owner, but this year's have piqued my interest, if only for a passing moment.

Nice distressed leather and other updated touches.

www.visvim.tv

Ten-C snow smock: never say never again

2011-10-19T15:43:00.000-07:00

I told you about that jacket that I went mad about, the one that I'm selling half my wardrobe to finance. Well this is it - the Ten-C Snow Smock.

Aside from the very cool Ten-C website and the one or two (literally) retailers stocking it, I could find virtually no information on this.

So here are a few detailed pics of what is a true gobsmacker of a jacket.

James Bond's Rolex 5513: in case of emergencies

2011-10-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

This is the Rolex watch used by 007 himself in Live and Let Die when he sawed himself out of a sticky situation using the buzz-saw on the crown. It also had a high-intensity magnetic bullet shield apparently, which would put any other sub in the shade as far as technical wizardry goes if it was actual life.

But it wasn't so these things won't work. But you do get a watch Bond, or Roger Moore had on his wrist before he traded it in for a Casio. And he signed the back, bless him.

Personally I preferred it on Sean Connery, with a Nato strap nonetheless, but I'm funny like that.

Expect to pay between $230,000 and $450,000 for the privilege of owning it.

Up for grabs: half the wardrobe

2011-10-17T06:25:00.000-07:00

I had an epiphany the other day and made the somewhat rash decision to sell an awful lot of my jackets in order to fund the purchase of one, which I have been going on about here.

So without further ado, I bring to you the sale of the century, all up on Ebay now and all stunning aditions to anyone's wardrobe. In fact when I look at these pictures I do actually wonder what the hell I am doing, but just wait till you see what I got.

Moncler V Wasi Jacket £460

Mackintosh Black Watch Denny coat £220

Woolrich Woolen Mills hooded vest £110

Visvim long sleeved green top L £50

Visvim 18L E-Cat messenger bag £130

Supreme London: stocking up

2011-10-11T04:05:00.000-07:00

Leopard trenchcoat

I've been like a kid in a candy store since Supreme opened in London.

This brand is ideal for me. Limited production runs, a street style ethos, and just inside what I would define as affordable. What's more, there's always a little surprise when you purchase stuff. Such as with the Club Jacket, which turned out to be manufactured from British Millerain waxed cotton.

Here's a few shots of the jackets I've picked up.

Club jacket

Ten-C: out of reach

2011-10-10T05:44:00.000-07:00

There is a limit to the amount of money I am prepared to spend on a particular garment. This is often dictated by the price I expect to achieve for items I might sell in order to pay for it.

If a garment falls above this price bracket, it doesn't mean I will dismiss a purchase. In fact it actually means I will move heaven and earth to find the money to pay for it.

Although in the case of Ten-C, I would say the movement of heaven and earth would still not cover the cost. Because buying the jacket is just a part of it. In order to get the full Ten-C experience, you need the whole caboodle. That means the jacket, the liner, and the sheerling hood liner.

But at least I would know that I have a jacket 'for life', according to the designers, who you might not be surprised to learn, cut their teeth at Stone Island and CP Company. This I guess must be a little bit like wearinga puppy.

As for getting one of these, I'm waiting for the end of season sales. I hope they make it.

Grils Friday: Caroline Winberg

2011-10-07T02:30:00.001-07:00

Norse Projects A/W 2011: Everywhere

2011-10-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

Norse Projects - great stuff, seems to be stocked everywhere. Which is OK if you're the sort of person who thinks Superdry is exclusive, but I can't help thinking that they would have done themselves a lot more favours by limiting their distribution.

That said, this is a fine collectionfrom the Nordic brand - on point and well made.

Find it, well, everywhere.

Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T01:47:00.000-07:00

It seems weird commenting on the death of someone on this blog, which steers so wide of anything remotely to do with current affairs, but in the case of Steve Jobs I felt I should at the very least acknowledge the man.

He is, after all, responsible for the creation of the computer I use to write this blog, as well as all the computers I have ever owned. He is the reason I listen to music the way I do, make phone calls the way I do, and the reason I swear at that damn predictive text everytime I try to send one.

He has, in short, transformed my life, and that of millions of others across the globe.

There's not many people I can say that about.

Rapha Focus Oakley Jawbones: keep your eye out

2011-10-05T03:00:00.000-07:00

According to Rapha USA, these Rapha-branded Oakley Jawbone sunglasses in the Focus team cyclocros colours will be available from October 10. But they won't be for sale - you will have to bid on them in an online auction, to raise money for the Focus cyclocross team, and the starting price won't be cheap.

For the record I can personally vouch for these being the absolute best sunglasses for cycling, but at £200+ a pop I'm not entirely sure I would risk them on a cyclocross course.

Still, in those colours they look good, even if you might look a bit of a berk if you started to wear them off the bike.

Check www.rapha.cc on October 10.

Supreme Harmony Korine decks: scary boards

2011-10-04T03:38:00.000-07:00

The latest skateboard collab from Supreme will be released on Thursday and will feature the haunting images of writer, director and filmmaker Harmony Korine.

Harmony Korine is known for working in all kinds of media and focusing on various aspects of youth culture and street life as well as stuff like personality disorders, dysfunctionality and mental disorders.

I'm not entirely sure I could sleep at night knowing one of these is in the same room as me.

White Mountaineering A/W 2011: go for a hike

2011-10-03T03:34:00.000-07:00

White Mountaineering have finally released something that doesn't look like it should be on the shoulders of a travelling shaman with this gilet and backpack.

Both the gilet and the backpack even go a little way towards bearing out the name of the brand, seeing as they look a little like you could go mountaineering in them.

So top marks there, definitely. Apart from that bottom pic that looks like a Morrocan rug. They just cannot leave those patterns alone.

Via Slamxhpe

Acronym Fall/Winter 1112 video: what price protection?

2011-10-02T03:01:00.000-07:00

ACR-FW-1112-M from ACRNM on Vimeo.
What price would you put on concealed pockets, detachable pouches, jacket slings, techno hoods, expansion panels, quick release keyrings, 100% breathability and waterproofing?

Think of a number and Acronym will probably have doubled it. But then you do get to act out the part of ninja assassin on your very own street corner.

And that, I'm sure you will agree, is priceless.

You can buy it here.

Visvim FBT kudu: a new skin

2011-10-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

The FBT is one of the first styles produced by Visvim and an enduring classic. Many have tried to imitate it and woefully failed.

Just to make sure it goes a little further, Hiroki has enlisted the help of some kudu deer. Or to be more precise, their pelts. Which gives those elks a bit of a breather, at least. I'm sure those kudu will be delighted to know they've contributed to such a worthy piece of footwear.

Girls Friday: How to play rugby

2011-09-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

LYNX - Rules to Rugby from Soap Creative on Vimeo.
Rugby would be so much more fun if it were played by girls, as this instructional video quite aptly demonstrates.

Comme des Garcons Junya Watanabe Fall/Winter 2011 - first time for everything

2011-09-29T03:04:00.000-07:00

I've skirted around Comme des Garcons in the past. Not because of any particular hatred for the brand but more because I haven't seen anything that really catches my eye and I often find the stuff just a little over-worked.

This collection looks a bit better though - either that or my eyesight is on the wane.

Via Slamxhype

Jaguar C-X75 from the Dunhill perspective

2011-09-28T03:58:00.000-07:00

Dunhill has a thing about cars, always has had. So when Jaguar unveiled its C-X75 concept at the Paris Auto show, the people at the gentleman's outfitters must have been salivating over their car coats at what they could do to pay tribute to such a feat of engineering.

The C-X75 offers a nod to the XJ-13 that was built in the mid-1960s for Le Mans and is powered by four electric generators, two jet turbines and a diesel engine.

Quite a machine, and very fitting for a Dunhill film.

Rapha hidden Alps film: look and ye shall find

2011-09-27T15:10:00.000-07:00

The Hidden Alps from Rapha on Vimeo.
Another nicely put together piece of cinematography from those chaps at Rapha, who certainly have developed a knack for making their clobber look as good as it actually is.

Which is handy, because this is the first glimpse of the new A/W 2011-12 collection, in its shades of precious stones.

For the film Rapha took its riders up the Colle delle Finestre, or the 'Hill of Windows', which is one of Italy's toughest climbs, even if it doesn't feature as much as the other cols.

More info to come soon, no doubt.

Read more here

Critical Dirt: border riders

2011-09-26T03:56:00.000-07:00

CRITICAL FILM from e r t z u i ° film on Vimeo.
This sounds like a whole bunch of fun - cycling along the former border between East and West Germany, all 485km on it. It sounds like a something between a road cycle tour and cyclocross, which I think it actually is.

The event is called Critical Dirt and runs from September 30 until October 2 but if you were thinking of taking part you're out of luck because the 80 entries sold out in minutes.

So enjoy the video.

Bape x Star Wars: someone hand me a phaser

2011-09-25T03:35:00.000-07:00

A long time ago in a galaxy far far away there was this clothing brand from Japan that became really pretty cool mainly because of the select media types it chose to be associated with and the quirky cartoon-like nature of its designs which also had a kind of respectable undertone because they centred on apes and played quite a bit on the planet on which apes lived, called the Planet of the Apes.

Well that was then and that was that star system. Somewhere along the line tastes in this brand changed, initially in Japan, where people soon got a sniff of what a sell-out the founder of Bathing Ape, Nigo, was becoming. Then some real gorillas, or gangsta rappers as they are also known, started to take interest in the brand and before long Bape, as it was known then, had transgressed from cool to crap.

A similar thing happened to this brand called Star Wars, the reputation of which was decimated by a succession of appalling prequels, leaving only the design of costumes and the original films to stand it up. But then the creator George Lucas got greedy and as he slowly licensed away the last traces of respectability, along came Bape.

And this is the result. The bastard offsrping of a dying brand and an overmilked movie franchise.

And as a former fan of both of these entities, I am slowly weeping into my keyboard as I type.

Bape x Star Wars launched in the New York Bape store last week.

I am in the process of finding a shuttle off this rock.

Nigel Cabourn short down puffa: cool up north

2011-09-24T03:32:00.000-07:00

You might think that one puffa is much like any other and in some respects you would be correct. But when it comes to Nigel Cabourn you can expect that little bit more. Such as a design inspired by some key moment in adventuring history and the kind of manufacturing that only British craftsmen can deliver.

So the short down puffa is manufactured from Norwegian cotton canvas, has a goosedown filling, is trimmed with a sheep collar, and has a detachable fur trim hood.

It has a yolk of leather (one detail we'll be seeing a lot more of this year) and leather arm patches for when you're sliding down that mountain with nothing but your elbows for brakes. Factor in drawstrings in both hood and hem, wood toggles, two side pockets and elastic cuffs and you can see why Cabourn makes clothes which will last you a lifetime.

Available at Present.

Supreme London store opening: I wasn't there

2011-09-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

It was all because of this

I've done my fair share of waiting outside shops. There was many a Saturday morning back in the day when you would find me queueing outside Busy Workshop with all the other Bapeheads for a chance to get my paws on a shark hoody.

But I never did get my head round waiting there overnight like some of the true (mainly Japanese, it must be said) devotees. Which is why I only ever managed to get second best, which was usually something like a purple camo crew neck sweat. Although I did once grab a Kaws chomper hoodie.

It should be noted, however, that not a single item I have ever qeueued for is still in my wardrobe, and that goes for Supreme as well as it does Bape. In fact I disliked my Supreme Damien Hirst box logo tee so much that it was on Ebay within a day of me waiting for hours outside Dover Street Market to get it.

So when I turned that corner off Wardour Street into Peter Street yesterday afternoon and discovered that the small gathering outside the new Supreme store was just the beginning of the queue which started again at the Co-Op up the road (so cars could get through) and went from there round the corner past the loading bays, I didn't feel like hanging about.

And for the first time ever I also felt a little bit old, seeing as I had just come from work and wasn't wearing a snap-back cap, a chambray shirt, skinny chinos or Vans Era.

So I hoofed it. I was later tweeted by someone who told me he had waited 18 hours in the queue. For a t-shirt.

To add insult to injury, my invite to the opening party must have got lost in the post, so these pics have been lifted with great care and many huge thanks from Hypebeast, Better Never than Late, and Firmament.

I'm going to try and get in there again in a little while.

Just imagine turning around to find that yellow thing staring at you

The crowd looked a bit cock-heavy to be honest

Insert names of people I should know here

Viewed from the front or the back it was still a massive yellow plastic thing

If I had got this close I would have considered it a success

Add caption

Leopard camo

Big white plastic thing

Bubble camo

If she got this at the store, what was she wearing when she came in?

Eddie Chen and Aaron Bonderoff

Futura still does it

Girls Friday: Jessica Jane Clement

2011-09-23T03:53:00.000-07:00

She's the star of the Real Hustle, whatever that is, and she makes a good canvas for a tattoo. This is her photoshoot for Loaded magazine.

Visvim x Mastermind Gila Moc Folk: haunting

2011-09-22T03:22:00.000-07:00

When these Visvim Gila Moc Folk were first released, one of the regular contributors to Fuk.co.uk quite accurately likened them to something Timothy Claypole from Rentaghost might have worn.

For those unfamiliar with the show, it was a Seventies children's show featuring, if I remember correctly, a ghost dressed as a jester, who pranced about in a pair of pixie boots. With bells on.

That comparison kind of tainted my opinion of the shoes a bit, compounded a little by the £700 price tag.

But now Mastermind have been to work on them I might just be tempted.

Like fuh ... fuh ... faaaaaah ...

Mark Gonzales for Supreme London: blobart

2011-09-21T03:17:00.000-07:00

If you saw yesterday's post about the new Supreme store in London you can't have missed a big yellow blob man which looked like it had escaped from the set of Flubber.

He is a Mark Gonzales creation, and along with a few cartoon murals, is part of the artwork he has been commissioned to do for the shop.

Check the video for an inside look into the man's work. What a great job.

Supreme London: about time

2011-09-20T15:46:00.000-07:00

Just when I was beginning to think there was jack all to post about, along comes news of a Supreme store in London.

It's right in the middle of Soho, just off Wardour Street and in perfect trotting distance for all the skater-types working in the media companies around there.

It opens on Thursday so I'm probably the last to hear about it.

Supreme
Peter Street
London
W1F OAA

Thanks to Slamxhype for the heads up and pics

Nigel Cabourn A/W 2011 interview: the man himself

2011-09-19T15:36:00.000-07:00

Nigel Cabourn AW11 from LN-CC on Vimeo.

The advent of a new season in menswear just wouldn't be the same without a Nigel Cabourn interview. This is the bit when the man himself waxes (should that be beeswaxes, given his love of treating his jackets in the stuff?) lyrical about the inspirations and materials in his collection.

It is also the bit when you consider once again remortgaging the house for one of those cameraman jackets.

Loopwheeler x Monocle cardie: Jersey sure

2011-09-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

Japan makes the best denim, the coolest kicks and I'm even quite fond of sushi. Now it turns out they make the best sweatshirts too, by means of Loopwheeler.

These garments are manufactured on Loopwheel looms, hence the name and are widely regarded as being the Rolls Royce of sweatshirts.

As with anything Japanese apart from Uniqlo, you'd be hard pushed to find Loopwheeler stuff anywhere in the UK, although Monocle Magazine have just collaborated on a line of shawl neck cardies, which are rather tasty if you ask me.

White Mountaineering Pertex jacket: I detect a pattern

2011-09-17T03:12:00.000-07:00

I had high hopes for White Mountaineering once. I truly thought I had found a possible contender for the place of Visvim in my heart. Then came the patterns. Not just as a detail, but everywhere, on everything from knitwear to Gore Tex (or in this case Pertex) jackets. And it wasn't just one or two variations on a style. Patterns, it has become apparent to me, are White Mountaineering's trademark.

Which is fine if you are a hippy or a Nepalese goatherder (have I written these words before?) but the look of a monied crusty spouting peace and love while wearing a £2k jacket is a bit much for me.

That said, there are elements I like about this jacket. All on the inside, where there's no pattern.

Girls Friday: Rihanna in the back

2011-09-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

And you thougth Megan Fox looked good in Armani

Visvim Skagway Estlin: capping it off

2011-09-15T03:46:00.000-07:00

Might as well complete a hat-trick of Visvim posts with a closer look at the Skagway Estline, which given the other Visvim releases this year is shaping up to be the pick of the bunch.

It's pretty much the standard Skagway, which takes more than a nod from Converse Chucks, with the addition of a brogueish shaped toecap. That's the only way I can describe it really. You might also call it a Western tip. I made that up too.

My money's on the beige.

Via Freshness, available at End

Visvim laminaria: the new pack

2011-09-14T03:48:00.000-07:00

The Laminaria has become a staple of the Visvim collections, and has been released in all sorts of colourways and contrasting panels. Here's the latest. My money's on the beige (below).

Visvim and Yuketen: get the sole white

2011-09-13T03:32:00.000-07:00

The thing that attracted my attention to Visvim was the addition of a white trainer sole to an otherwise fairly traditional shoe. It looked good.

When Yuketen came along and brought with it the white Vibram sole on its Maine Guide Boots I was again suitably impressed.

Now it seems that Visvim and Yuketen, having exhausted most other possibilities of variations to their creations, have decided to start using dark brown or black soles. This might well be a sight more practical but if I wanted practicality I would go to Clark's.

White soles are what made you, Visvim and Yuketen. Without them, you're just another pair of everyday bootmakers.

And before anyone says anything, I realise that both Visvim and Yuketen have previously used dark soles, such as crepe and the like, but to me they are unremarkable. And, I also realise that Yuketen cannot be held entirely to blame for the dark soles on the Maine Guide boot below, because it is a collaboration with Inventory.

Bearbrick x Stussy iPod speaker: teddy boom

2011-09-12T03:27:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't get your hopes up about how good this will sound, seeing as his ears are the speakers, but that doesn't stop me wanting one of these Bearbrick x Stussy iPod speaker systems.

Available from Stussy outlets globally now.