Surface to Air gives us a full preview of their Autumn/Winter 2009 footwear collection. The collection is entirely fabricated in Europe by the best hands in the craft. Key points include the shape of the models which update a variety of forms while remaining classic and in some aspects timeless in appeal. The range of leathers should be pleasing as well – napa in a variety of shades. In particular, the desert boot is finished in sueded with a chocolate brown napa toecap. A great many choices from Surface to Air.

Many more looks at the Surface to Air Autumn/Winter 2009 Footwear after the jump.

Openers Japan provides looks at the Bally men’s Winter 2009 collection. The new season is based on soothing colors of grey, green, and black tones which are all work when layered together. Motorcross styled pants are mixed in with cardigans and some very fine footwear. We happen to love the patent leather military inspired boots.

More looks at the Bally Men’s 2009 Winter Collection after the jump.

Signs of the Times ran at the Nantucket Historical Society from May to September of 2006. The exhibition covered the changing face of the Island through a wonderful collection of shop signs. Everything from restuaruants to blacksmiths were included.

For those intrigued, Signs of the Times lives on in digital form. Items like the famous Island Record Sign (above) and the Downyflake Doughnut Shop marker (after the jump) tell some neat tales of Nantucket’s past. Plus, sign painting is a such a grand American art form that there isn’t much pictured that won’t elicit some interest.

More signs after the jump, many more at this link. (via Curated).

The Rick Owens Silk Rocket jacket is a work of construction art. Where most lines would leave this jacket on the conceptual steps of the runway, Mr, Owens throws it right at you, almost expecting that an individual will grasp his imagination. “Heavy paneled winter coat in black silk. Coat has a similar cut to the ‘Rocket’ jacket (but with sleeves) – made from thick panels, it has an oversized hood with a massive zip up pocket underneath, an origami cut tail and four hip pockets – two outer ones that zip fasten and two inner ones that are open.”  (oki-ni)

More looks at the Rick Owens Silk Rocket Jacket after the jump.

Palmer and Sons Designs spend their time in Canada dreaming up new models of suitcases and bags to hand make. They clearly take pride in building unique custom products which are built to suit the lives of their future owners. Being based in Canada is a positive as well. The Vancouver lifestyle of cycling has influenced the design of their bags including their latest creation – a custom take on the Gladstone. And if you happen to be in Vancouver, visit them in their  small studio in Downtown Eastside. Tell them Selectism sent you.

Many more looks at the handmade suitcases and bags from Palmer and Sons Designs after the jump. The custom hardware and material is well worth it.

LA Times checks in with a piece on ACE Hotel’s “suite” work with Cali’s own Levi Strauss. “Suite 501″ is exactly what you would imagine it would be – a denim decorated room in the spirit of the Levi’s 501. “A mock-up of the room was on display in a ’20s era house just off Sunset Boulevard in the shadow of the Chateau Marmont on Thursday, a former residence on Selma Avenue that a few months ago became the new home of Levi’s VIP space/entertainment industry networking hub, headed by Sheri Timmons, director of engagement marketing for Levi’s who worked with Ace owner Alex Calderwood on the project.” Marketing works.

After reading Fader’s interview with Soulland, we were intrigued about Soulland’s new hat. So we pulled some strings (that’s how we roll) and now we can show you some backstage shots of Soulland’s SS10 fedora/cap hybrid. As you can see from the shot above, the hat is basically a fedora with a baseball cap brim. We love it (how hyperbolic fashionista of us) but regardless of people’s opinions, it’s sure to be a conversation starter.

Here’s another interesting tidbit of Soulland news for you – Topman’s flagship store in London will be stocking Soulland’s AW09 collection. They’ve been a little cheeky in the press release, calling themselves the ‘exclusive London stockists’ for Soulland – a claim Goodhood might have something to say about.

Once you’ve recovered from the idea of quality menswear appearing at Topman, take a look at more fedora and lookbook shots after the leap.

We’ve been on the lookout for a burgundy slim fit (but not too skinny) varsity for months now and the results have been conclusive; this product doesn’t exist. While we wait for the varsity gods to bless us, we have to make do with this Mihara Yasuhiro jacket.

It’s not too shabby – shawl collar, leather arms and all that jazz. It uses deer skin, wool, nylon and even throws a little cashmere in the mix, just in case you don’t feel luxurious enough when your rocking it. You can’t order this online, so you’ll have to brush up on your Japanese and email the folks at Mindtrive to get hold of this. Rosetta Stone is your friend. (Mindtrive)

Take a leap to see the back of the grey varsity and the all black version.

Now that Ally Capellino’s AW09 collection has ‘dropped’ (as the innanetz kidz would say) we can revisit one of our favourite styles, the Frank backpack. Capellino doesn’t get much blog love at the moment and we’re not entirely sure why (for the record, we’ve been featuring the brand for a hot minute) . The availability factor for those in the US is brought up, but that doesn’t seem to stop most Japanese brands.

But let’s get back to the bag. The song remains the same with the Frank, only the colours have changed. Personally, we’re fans of the olive bag, but we wouldn’t be offended if you disagreed. Okay, maybe a little offended. (Ally Capellino)

You know what we’re gonna say, detailed shots after the leap.