Blackbird just received shipment of the Wings & Horns Leather Service Boot. As noted, "Wings & Horns soaked these black leather boots, tied them in a tight ball, and allowed them to dry, giving them a totally unique texture and shape."
A very interesting presentation seeing as most shoe are sold crease free.
Larger views of the Leather Service Boot after the jump.
PingMag has a great write-up on the history of the Japanese School Uniform. Its history goes way back - "The school uniform, seifuku, in Japan started over a hundred years ago, in the Meiji period. According to the Tombow Uniform Museum, first a more formal kimono, shirt and hakama combination was selected by the Ministry of Education, to “escalate” the profile of students."
Though not dedicated to menswear, this story is a very nice read into one aspect of Japanese culture that many in the Western world seem to obsess over. And for those looking to buy your own modern Japanese school uniform, visit Conomi!
When Jamie Hayon was asked to redesign a handful of the retail spaces for Camper shoes, his imagination did not stop with the actual build out. With his recent transformation of Camper's Milano store into a gallery-concept shop, Hayon included new shoe designs to complement the build-out. As noted by Dezeen, "the shoes combine influences from English bespoke footwear, from dance shoes, and from Camper’s 'sporty' injection-moulded soles." Hayon for Camper Shoes are available in many of your favorite bright bold colors.
More views after the jump.
Singapore born designer, Rivy Ng, has a resided and worked all over the USA. In 2004, he opened MadCornerShop and debuted the Rivy Ng line. His latest collection offers some interesting overlays of scarves on vests and cardigans. Made of 88% linen, the offering is available in grey, black, and skin tones. Available now online from AR.
More detailed views after the jump.
UTS Watches of Munich, like most small watch manufacturers, has a controlled yearly output - in the ballpark of 200 or less. The simple reason is because only one man assembles and tests UTS watches. His name is Nicolaus Spinner. Mr Spinner does it all - from designing, to engineering, to assembly. Clearly when you buy a UTS timepiece you are taking comfort in knowing that Mr. Spinner built the machine.
Their latest offering, the UTS Stealth PVD Diver, is bomb like. The features are simple and striking. The engine, an automatic ETA caliber 2824-2 movement, is housed in black PVD coated case stainless steel that is fabricated from a solid block of stainless steel. The UT Stealth PVD Diver is as simple as that.
Thank you Mr. Spinner and UTS for another salary killer.
More views after the jump.
Engrave Your Book takes customized laser engraving to one of the most commonly carried of books - moleskins. Anyone can log onto EYB and upload their own artwork for engraving on any of the fifteen different moleskins they offer. Spine engraving is also available on many models.
But do not overlook their "Artist Series" collection. The Series consists of fourteen beautifully etched works that shine in their detailed subject matter and are sure to draw the attention of jealous PDA users. Visit engraveyourbook.com for more information.
Views more of the "Artist Series" moleskins after the jump.
Independently run, all girl, roller derby is yet again making a comeback on US shores and is rashing up th bodies of fierce racing women from Coast to Coast.
The Emporio Armani Skorpion Quadline Roller-Skates lands with perfect timing domestically in the USA to fill that missing gap between performance and performance-luxury rollerskates. Manufactured by Skorpion, they feature an adjustable footplate that fits virtually any type of footwear and "Quadcoil" springs aid in maneuvering and control. And lets not forget the ABEC 5 R/S bearings - super low friction when cruising on track or street. Available now in black for 425$US (via Aquire).
More views after the jump.
The fine people at Skeleton Legs pointed us at Copenhagen based label Won Hundred's Spring/Summer 2008 collection. Producing premium looks at casual prices, Won Hundreds rides the line between streetwear and contemporary fashion. Their latest is no exception.
More views after the jump. View the full lookbook on their site.
Ryuichi Sakamoto is an icon to many. His musical compositions, especially with YMO have influenced not only the Japanese but musical groups making electronic beats worldwide. He is also a humanitarian; often speaking out against war, and promoting human rights whenever possible.
Sakamoto is also an environmentalist. He's one of the first musicians to work on offsetting the carbon footprint in staging his live performances and founded "More Trees" to help support the cause.
Now, with the help of the Makoto Yuu, More Trees has produced a bicycle for the cause. The "More Tree" Cruiser based on the Sweden's "Kuronan" bike is finished in a spectacular black wash that runs from the grips to the pedals. Openers has an excellent photo essay online showing the More Trees bike. It is absolutely gorgeous.
Many more views after the jump.
Alexander McQueen's Spring/Summer 2008 collection is beginning to arrive in shops worldwide. With this outing, McQueen mixes the prep and casualness of trousers and jackets with above the knee shorts with tonal blues, polka dots, and more.
Runway views available after the jump. Find select Alexander McQueen wears at oki-ni.
Add this one to your library. "The Vivienne Westwood Opus offers a startling insight into Vivienne Westwood, her manifesto and her stunning designs, which reflect the passion of her collections. Since it is a very personal and special project for the Grand Dame of British Fashion, only a very limited number of 900 copies will be available to the public worldwide."
The Opus will be available in 9 different covers (100 copies per cover) with each personally signed by Ms. Westwood. Available now.
"Treading confidently beyond the dilapidated definitions of a fractured culture in the digital age" is how Los Angeles based 3:33 Footwear describes their offering of maccasin, sneaker, and house slipper-esque shoes. All handcrafted in Portugal (viva Benfica!), 3:33 Footwear is available at finer shops in the US.
More views after the jump.
When I troll the newsstands for new magazines to pick up and read, its usually done based on how little I can read of the foreign print. I'm all about Russian magazines right now. But some people pick up rags based on recommendations and a new Top 12 List has just been published by fashionindie.com. Unlike the recommendations inside of the book from Magazine which we covered a few weeks ago, this top list is a bit more strict to fashion rather than design or culture.
Well worth a read before your next visit to the newsstand.
WATM turns us onto another new boutique this time up in Vancouver. Roden Gray is a new addition to the BC landscape already a great destination for shopping.
"Roden Gray maintains a careful mix of the known to up and coming brands, leaning toward casual separates" including Comme des Garcons, Obedient Sons, Filson, Nice Collective and Wings + Horns.
Roden Gray can be found at 231 Cambie Street, Vancouver BC. That's Canada in case you didnt know...
From Denmark to London, Peter Jensen develops simple clothes that are neither too subtle nor too obvious. His Spring/Summer 2008 menswear collection can compliment any man's wardrobe during the coming seasons.
More views after the jump.
Yes, I said satchel. Malcolm Fontier is product designer who since 2006 has been independently designing bags and wallets which are as they state "100% vegetarian." Rather than using traditional leathers, Malcolm and his team use polyurethanes and canvas to construct silhouettes for a good variety of day accessories.
Take for instance "The Interpretor" shoulder bag. Not short on pockets and storage, the boxy shoulder bag can accommodate a day's worth of necessities including your laptop and lunch. Pricing in a 215$US, it is a great alternative for those socially conscious about using leathers. Also available in brown.
More views after the jump.
Alexandre Herchcovitch has taken his Spring/Summer runway show back to a darker place. Unlike his past few S/S collections, which remained warm in tone, his 2008 runway is a return to dark colors that blend a variety of fabrics and chemicals to produce an almost black metal view of spring and summer. Clearly, the Brasilian designer is unafraid to buck the trending forecasters in producing a collection is is clearly unique to his vision.
Explore his Spring/Summer 2008 runway show and all his past collections. Do not pass over the video section.
If you read Selectism on the regular, you may be aware of the coverage we give to heritage brands; especially when they are re-absorbed by the international markets. Gant with BEAMS+ and Woolrich Mill come to mind.
But when I ran across this true piece of vintage American heritage wear on Reference Library, I found it well deserving of a bigger audience. Check these two incredible sweaters from the early 1940's. These PSU lettermen's sweater and crew are pure example of that very time and place. You can see the lettermen rocking these throughout campus. Very solid example of America's heritage in varsity fashion.
You can see the original auction here. Sold as part of a lot for 1325$US.
"Big Labels are Fucked." Thats a quote and its final as stated by Wrath Arcane, a living and breathing independent line out of Cleveland, OH, folks! Rather than running off to NYC, Brian O’Neil and Sean Bilovecky stayed in good old Ohio and are banging out some true "streetwear."
Their Concept Hoodie available now at Blackbird. Have no fear, their S/S collection is coming asap. Love it.
