With the classic Rayban frame shape being used by every other retailer, it might be time to seek out some different frames for this upcoming spring. These Raf Simons sunglasses are hexagonal, but not in a manner that makes them unwearable. Given that they’re quite large, they’d suit a longer face – unless you’re going for the Nicole Richie look. Get them from ASOS.

Henrik Vibskov’s SS09 collection has started appearing in stores and the collection continues it’s challenging silhouette. If you didn’t like Vibskov before, this collection won’t convert you, but if you do then you’ll love his new pieces, like this ‘Laurel’ shirt. This Poplin check shirt is overlong and has a contrast collar and sleeves. Get it from Azita Store.

Maison Martin Margiela’s Spring 2009 collections are starting to hit stores now and we can get a better look at his footwear. On the whole, His SS09 footwear leaves a lot to be desired, but these shoes are the standout of a rather dire bunch. From a distance they look like standard, albeit very nice, shoes. But on closer inspection, you can see that the leather is perforated, giving it a look that’s ideal for spring. Get it from the Corner.

Without question, the canvas tote bag has many great applications. Hauling auction catalogs through January’s New York Americana Week. Working as a substitute for paper or plastic on grocery stores. Acting as ace surface for the application of graphic design. Two of these three applications are assessed in a wonderful piece, “Paper, Plastic, Or Canvas,” by Dmitri Siegel on Design Observer. Valid points throughout make it an entertaining and educational read.

Postalco, a favorite in the world of unique stationary has teamed with retailer, Opening Ceremony, on a series of wallets and notebooks to be sold through their stores in New York, Los Angeles, and Postalco’s Kyobashi Shope in Japan. The collection pulls inspiration from traditional Japanese geometry of the Edo Period (1603-1867). The patterns were drawn on wooden tablets called “Sangaku” and were hung under temple and shrine roofs to pay thanks to god for the discovery of the mathematical theorem.

More views of the Postalco for Opening Ceremony Leather Wallets & Notebooks after the jump.

Oki-ni takes stock on this new leather lace-up shoe from Alexander McQueen. With a square toe box, the McQueen shoes add flavor with a tobacco leather heel detail and waxed camel laces. Very wearable and a great clean look. Just avoid those salty sidewalks. We would hate to see them dry out this winter.

More detailed views of the Alexander McQueen Lace Up Square Shoes after the jump.

One of our favorite daily reads, Arch Daily, just brought some shine to the architecture firm, Johnston Marklee & Associates, who in 2007 worked on two fashion boutiques that would end up living side by side in Los Angeles. “The two fashion boutiques Mameg and Maison Martin Margiela sit side-by-side, in a single building. Their characters are different. Whereas Mameg creates an atmosphere of domesticity and comfort, Maison Martin Margiela creates a jarring world of collage and reflection. That the two boutiques, linked by a reflected-gold corridor, are so close physically and so distinct atmospherically prompted a simple division…” A fascinating look into the Mameg and Maison Martin Margiela Los Angeles shops at Arch Daily.

More great look into the build-outs of the Mameg and Maison Martin Margiela shops after the jump.

Factotum Japan Spring/Summer 2009 Man.

Matt & Nat has been producing bags since the mid 90’s but they’re ready to make the right changes for the environment. Now, they recognize that getting it perfect is not the easiest of feats but they’re willing to try with their “55 Recycled Bottles of Water” initiative. They initiative is set in order to make an eco-friendly vegan bag which use materials from 15-55 recycled plastic bottles to produce their bags (the number of bottles depends on the size of the bag). The output is a leather free bag which will help Matt & Nat phase out PVC’s in their line by the end of 2009. Shine on.

More views from the Matt & Nat Bag line after the jump.

Nick loves this one. A very nice d-ring belt with tabbed leather ends from the House of Tom Ford. The belt comes in a striped cotton merge in a colorway that pulls from the “Italia” inspiration that encompasses his current Spring/Summer 2009 collection. Available now from Colette.

More views of the Tom Ford D-Ring Belt after the jump.