‘The game ain’t changed, it just got more fierce’. That was a line from The Wire (we’ve been rewatching it, forgive us) but it could easily apply to the online retail world. There’s been an explosion of online boutiques over the last year, but End remain one of our favourites. The site is easy to use, the pictures are well-sized and the buying is top notch.

Case in point: This A.P.C bag. We’re not 100% on the story behind this bag, but we’re guessing it didn’t quite make it into production – although how this didn’t make it and that awful backpack did is anyone’s guess. End’s product description describes the piece as ‘highly limited’ and, judging from the fact that it’s not even on APC’s site, they’re not messing around. (End)

The song remains the same, detailed shots are after the leap.

Published in 1947, the Textile Brand Names Dictionary was devised as a simple resource for those entering the textile business. Leafing through its pages readers could establish which names were in use, and thus avoid any potential issues. As Steven Heller points out in a new essay on Design Observer, the book might just be the first primer on how to select a name and logo. In his short piece, Heller neatly sums up the Dictionary and gives historic perspective to the issue of a good trademark. Worth checking out.

We’ve grown a bit tired of ‘design your own’ sites that don’t allow us to do anything of the sort. A prime example of this is Rugby’s continuation of their ‘make your own’ collection. While we like the additional pieces they’ve made available, If all you can is add a patch and a sewn name, then it’s not a new design – merely customisation.

In Rugby’s case, the fact that you can’t do much is a gift in itself. Their design is usually a little heavy handed, so it’s nice to have the option to do away with the oversized emblems and calm the piece down a bit. (Rugby)

We know Stansfield will hate us for saying this, but workwear has become a popular trend this winter. Whether that’s a good thing or not is an another discussion (one we might have on this site sometime), but there’s no denying that there are people who simply see it as another trend, rather than a shift in the way we approach our clothes.

What’s this got to do with Mjolk, you ask? Well, if it were styled right this piece could easily pass as a workwear-like piece. It wouldn’t stand in the court of Cabourn, but if you’re only wearing it in front of other bloggers who’d know the difference? It’s not like the bloggers aren’t just following trends anyway. Just don’t let them see the satin back. (ASOS)

Take a leap to see detailed shots and ASOS’s little drummer boy-esque styling.

Sometimes we don’t give labels the props they deserve. That’s been the case with Soulland, who’ve been one of our faves for a while now, despite the lack of e-ink we give them. We didn’t feature their SS10 collection because everyone else was, but we loved it all the same.

The Fader have a nice Q&A with the 23-year old (is he still 23?) founder Silas Adler. The interview focuses on Soulland’s SS10 accessories, his recent move to France and why he had women in his new shows. When asked about his new fedora/cap hybrid he replied:

The hats were made at this factory here in Copenhagen. It’s been around since 1946 and they’ve been doing handmade hats for all kinds of people. Now there’s only one guy left at the workspace, he took the place over from his dad 40 years ago. I just went there and had a chat with him about this idea we had for a fedora—basically instead of a brim all the way around, it has a peak like a cap. He has said that in his 40 years of making hats he’d never seen anything like it.

Read the full interview here.

Trendland gives a preview of the Tim Soar Spring/Summer 2010 collection. “British designer Tim Soar showcased his menswear collection entitled ‘Folding Diagrams for a Spread Squash’, further elaborating ,  ’A spread squash consist of pulling in (nearly) opposite directions to form a new shape within an existing base.’ I love that metaphor for deconstruction, though I am not really seeing much of that in this collection. It feels like a serious throwback to something of eighties rockabilly inspired minimalism in conjunction with some novel detailing.” YMMV.

More looks at the Tim Soar Spring/Summer 2010 collection after the jump.

The Rogues Gallery Tote is simply one of the most durable totes on the market. I gave a red leather version of this tote to a special someone this past Christmas. Since then, I have not seen her without her tote. So, it is no surprise to me to see J. Crew working with Rogues Gallery on a collaborative model. “Handcrafted in Maine by the edgy, maritime-loving folks at Rogues Gallery, this tote is quite possibly the ultimate sailcloth bag. Made from vintage Dacron sails (so quantities are limited) and finished with hand-spliced, marine-grade rope handles, this is as authentic as it gets—and each one is made just for us, with a ‘Rogues Gallery for J.Crew’ interior label.” Available for pre-order from J. Crew.

Larger looks at the Rogues Gallery for J.Crew Tote Bag after the jump.

The newly launched Gselect online shop has a pair of ceramic speakers from designer Joey Roth which deserve a look. “Their 4″ full-range drivers and T-class amplifier, encased in acoustically dead porcelain and cork, create a remarkably simple path from source to ear. System includes a dedicated amplifier based on the Tripath 2024 T-Amp, oxygen-free copper speaker cables with banana plug termination, and interconnects for RCA and 1/8″ sources.” Look for them in October.

01. Hangers From Newspapers

“Ryan Frank, a London based designer, created these clothhangers entirely from reclaimed British newspapers.” (notcot)

02. Amanda Blank – “Might Like You Better” (Rusko Remix)

“Philadelphia born and bred, Amanda was raised with her older sisters in a row house in Germantown by her artist ex-hippie parents.  She quickly learned the value of individuality and the need for outspokenness. A quick glimpse at her interests conveys the dynamic nature of Amanda’s character, ranging from the radically raw to the sentimentally sweet.” (rcdlbl)

03. Cricket Edition Marmite (above)

“The Marmite package lends itself really well to the form; the size, shape and even the weight of the package is absolutely reminiscent of a cricket ball. The stitching detail on the side is very realistic and the print quality very good. Another great representation of Marmite’s brand associations and extensions.” (dieline)

04. CreativeCraft: Andy Kehoe

“Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Andy Kehoe spent his childhood watching cartoons, reading storybooks, and doodling. If you’ve ever seen Mr. Kehoe’s work, you know his dedication to his craft paid off. He also pursued more formal training as well. Following what Kehoe describes as “a long and expensive tour of art schools” he finally ended up at Parsons School of Design in New York, where he studied illustration. Following that stint, he began exhibiting his work in galleries across the country. His most recent show, this past April’s “Living in Twilight” at Jonathan LeVine Gallery in New York, was Kehoe’s introduction to the art world on a larger scale.” (cpluv)

Highsnobiety checks in on the latest hi-top sneakers from Kris Van Assche. “For fall, Belgian designer Kris Van Assche has released another collection of creative sneakers. Intricate super-high tops with velcro details and side closures in the usual minimalist palette of black and white define the release. Materials include premium leather and suede uppers. Made in Italy.”

More looks at the Kris Van Assche Autumn 2009 Sneakers after the jump.