We love menswear’s current focus on quality basics, but every now and then you need a piece that’ll stand out. This Cosmic Wonder Light Source cardigan isn’t especially mind-blowing, but adds enough of a twist to the plain old grey cardigan to make it interesting. This may come as a surprise to some, but we don’t speak Japanese (we are seriously considering learning). According to our good ol’ friend google, this is made using organic cotton, which should please you environmentally friendly folk. You’ll need a proxy for this, but the price works out at around £170. (Mindtrive)

Take a look at the back after the leap.

Having recently been lost in the darkness of my basement, searching for a few flashlights to keep around the house has become a priority. Jonas Damon uses fast growing Beech as the primary material for his torch. A simple design keeping close tabs on how a flashlight should work and look, Damon’s creation has natural appeal. Aluminum and rubber are also employed in the construction. The torch is available from Areaware.

We’ve been waiting for these cords to drop ever since we saw Our Legacy’s AW09 collection way back when. Our Legacy have been making cords for a while now, but it looks like they’ve found the perfect cut. The main difference is that they’ve added more tapering from the knee – giving it that ‘New Standard’ cut that everyone’s in love with.

It’s at Oi Polloi right now – although it won’t be for long, judging from how quickly it’s been selling there. While we’re a little salty our sizes are selling out, it’s nice to see some people are still prepared to buy pieces they covet during a tough year. (Oi Polloi)

Detailed shots after that leap.

Style Salvage continue their run of great interviews, this time interviewing Harris Elliot. We featured the H by Harris collection back in June and it looks like it’s going from strength to strength, collaborating with the likes of B Store.

An interesting point Harris makes is about the over design of ‘luxury’ bags.

Generally the market has been over saturated with bags that are over embellished with zips and bits, I have designed a collection that is big on form low on unnecessary detailing, simple to look at, luxurious to touch.

Read the full interview here.

Via our friends at CqC. We missed you while you were on holiday.

Whereabouts continues to produce a men’s line that must not be overlooked.  It is a Japanese line but hang on! They’re stocklist is showing Opening Ceremony LA and NY as boutique retailers (no retailers listed in the EU, then again we know Opening Ceremony has a “special” relationship to those Japanese lines). That is good news for guys that fall well into Tokyo-style cuts. Here’s Autumn/Winter 2009 for your viewing pleasure.

Many more looks from the Whereabouts Autumn/Winter 2009 collection after the jump.

Our friends at En Avant point us to a great photo essay from photographer Todd Selby showcasing the inner workings of Lanvin’s Lucas Ossendrijver workroom. “[Selby] finds a way to capture creatives in their most natural state, showcasing various facets of their work while answering interesting questions in a playful format. Let’s go to check out their inspiration photos and the chic gold elevator.”

More photos in the studio with Lanvin’s Lucas Ossendrijver after the jump.

Designer Soichiro Ito continues his city friendly vibe for SOE’s Autumn/Winter 2009. Fitted suits and casual looks that looks which are sartorial friendly make up the collection. For those in love with the high waist pant or roll up cuff, you’ll find options and/or inspiration for your own day looks here. Pet Shop boys come to mind. “I’ve got the brains, you’ve got the look…”

Many more looks at the SOE Autumn/Winter 2009 after the jump.

The ACE Hotel NYC gives every detail of their establishment serious review. Take, for example, the scent of the hotel, which is now proudly burned into the air through the PIN 12 scented candle from independent perfume brand, Le Labo. The soy wax candles are hand poured and made in the USA (like all Le Labo goods). Here’s how they describe the duo of ACE with Le Labo. “The mix of the two spirits make total sense when you enter the lobby and smell this very particular woody accord that is absolutely timeless and fits so well with the atmosphere.” If you like the smell of PIN 12 enough, be sure to poke the front desk. They’ll have some available for sale as well.

I would point you to the Eugenia Kim website but for some reason there is nothing there at the moment. But I may as well show you some of her belts which you can find at select retailers.  You’ll find basic ribbon belts in there but my favorite is the black leather belt with the side pocket. Again, rolling papers or tobacco should fill it.

More looks at the Eugenia Kim Belts after the jump.