Yuri Suzuki’s The Physical Value of Sound is on view at Clear Gallery in Tokyo until May 2, 2009. The above video has the artist explaining some of the works shown. (via David Report).

If the Richard Chai jacket did not suit your fancy, consider this short waist “blouson” jacket from Raf by Raf Simons available now at Browns. “A black blouson jacket with a high neck that fastens with two large buttons. Concealed button down front. Two front pockets. Long sleeves. Ribbed knitted cuffs and hemline.” Very well done and proper for the Spring or Summer.

More views of the Raf by Raf Simons Blouson Jacket after the jump.

Ah yes, Spring is upon us. The sun shines as the lovely weather comes into form, but there is still a touch of the slight breeze. A cotton jacket will do the trick. This Richard Chai jacket for Spring/Summer 2009 is perfect in it’s Navy blue finish. Lightweight and well constructed. Find it at better retailers in your neck of the woods. (hfweb)

More detailed views of the Richard Chai Cotton Jacket after the jump.

Although Alejandro Ingelmo only started doing his men’s footwear line in AW08, it’s gained a cult following in a pretty short amount of time. As far as high end trainers go, it’s probably the closest to Lanvin’s crown (although some Rick Owens fans might disagree). This AW09 collections sees them focus on snakeskin effects, used to varying degrees throughout the whole collection. There is also an increased amount of material mixing with the suede, full grain leather and the aforementioned snakeskin all used on the same shoes.

Check the rest of the collection after the jump.

Naïve documents the extraordinary renaissance of Classic Modernism, from the 1940s to 1960s, in contemporary graphic design. This compilation introduces a new wave of young designers who are rediscovering the stylistic elements reminiscent of classic graphic design such as silkscreen printing, classical typography, hand lettering, woodcutting and folk art and integrating them into their work. Inspired by 20th Century American legends such as Saul Bass, Charley Harper and Alexander Girard, the burgeoning designers and their work showcased this in this book are inspiring, ranging from illustrations, poster art, editorials, book covers and record sleeves to stationary and textiles.

Naive: Modernism and Folklore in Contemporary Graphic Design is edited by R. Klanten and H. Hellige, and published by Gestalten.

Another bag collaboration hit stores today as the Viktor & Rolf collaboration with Samonsite  is available from Browns. This is certainly more grown up than the Raf Simons/Eastpak collab – although given Samonsite’s usual customer would be around their mid-thirties, that’s to be expected. The bag has an interesting shape that seems to straddle between a bowling bag and a vintage doctor’s holdall. Get it from Browns.

Sometimes hype gets the better of the blogging world. This was especially true with the first Raf Simons for Eastpak collab – which ended up being a bunch of Eastpak bags with a logo and an inflated price tag. Their SS09 collection is much stronger though, as you can see from these canvas tote bags which has just hit Browns.

Check after the jump for detailed pictures.

Get the beige tote here and the navy tote here.

I know one German that would jump all over this piece even though it would be too short on him. N. Hoolywood comes Stateside via Opening Ceremony. Seems like Opening Ceremony is on a tear with bringing in the most sought after of Japan fashion houses. Keep it coming. This collar free button down with an interesting panel on the sleeve is available now.

More views of the N. Hoolywood Panel Sleeve Shirt after the jump.

01. Nick of All Trades

“Nick Koenig’s East Village apartment is crowded with instruments. In the building where Philip Glass once lived, the recent Tisch grad is now the principle noisemaker. Sprawled across Koenig’s living room are drums, guitars, a harmonica, countless keyboards, even a (highly coveted) vintage Suzuki Omnichord—in short, a lot of loud toys… (Interview)

02. Ten Graphic Design Paradoxes

“I’ve just finished writing a book about graphic design. Yep, just what the world needs — another graphic design book. In my defence, the book is about the stuff that doesn’t get written about much. It deals with subjects like rejection, envy, and plagiarism.” (Design Observer)

03. JOSEFS Brewery

“The JOSEFS Brewery is a small brewery founded in 2002 and located in Sauerland, Germany. It is an integrative and social company. The brewery’s employees are mainly physically handicapped…” (Dieline)

04. Calculators: Japan vs. Germany (above)

“Omron 86R & Braun 4 776 calculators. The Braun’s font is clearly Akzidenz Grotesk, but the closest I can find for the Omron’s font is Univers 53 Extended. Any better ideas? “ (ISO50)

05. Predicting the Retail Bounce-Back

“Have we hit bottom yet? That question is being debated even following the agreement by global leaders at the G-20 Summit in London last week to pump another $1.1 trillion into the International Monetary Fund and take other steps to jump-start the U.S. and world economies.” (Portfolio)

Written by Geoff Manaugh, designed by McFadden and Thorpe, and published by Chronicle, The BLDGBLOG Book is out now. The same content you’ve come to expect from Geoff’s excellent site, compiled and neatly illustrated. (via Curated).

Sample page views after the jump.

Pre-order BLDGBLOG Book at Amazon.