The GQ Eye gets on about this Art Nouveau Diffuser Set from the D.L.& Co. family of fragrances. “The four classic Art Novaeu fragrances are offered in this exquisite sample pack.  1.4 OZ vessels provide approximately two months of fragrance diffusion each.” As GQ puts it, “I think it was the cool ye-olden-Gothic-apothecary style black box that kept me from rewrapping it and sending it to an aunt. I brought it home, set out the bottle marked “Cassis”, stuck some of the provided sticks in it…” Guys, you pad can smell as good as your partner’s.

“Swide returns with its innovative ‘Pre-Show Diaries’, in which Dolce&Gabbana exclusively preview their fall/winter 2010 menswear collection ahead of the catwalk show on January 16th at Milan’s Metropol theatre.” (via fashionindie)

Designer, Christophe Decarnin, continues to output a good selection of men’s looks with Balmain’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection. The looks pull from a variety of inspirations including classic looks from varsity crew, to airforce ready leather jackets and utility shirts.

More looks from the Balmain Men’s Spring/Summer 2010 after the click.

The enviro-friendly people at Veja deliver a trainer that fits well into a world of simple clean looks. “From the founders of Bonpoint comes Merci, a dynamic fusion of lifestyle store and charity shop. Created through this connection is the collabo- ration Veja + Merci : an exclusive trainer in the Tauá style, made with organic cotton canvas.” The organic cotton canvas is grown in Brasil while “the sole is made with wild rubber harvested by the Seringueiros rubber tappers.”

More looks at the Veja for Merci Canvas Sneakers after the click.

Narrative have been one of our favourite footwear brands for a while now, so it was only natural that we ask founder Scott Emerson for his top 5. Scott’s choices were an eclectic one (and not in the faux hipster way) ranging from Q-Tip to Fingers Inc.  Take a listen after the leap.

This winter, the new acquisitions exhibition at Portland Museum of Art focuses on black-and-white photography, one of the strengths of the institutions growing collection. Running from January 9 to February 21, 2010, the exhibition features 37 photographs ranging in subject from early 20th-century agrarian life to contemporary portraiture. Artists represented include Chansonetta Emmons, Verner Reed, and Jon Edwards. (via Curated).

Selections from the exhibition follow.

There is more to Grand Rapids, Michigan’s culinary output than the “wet” burrito.

Koeze company has been producing magnificent Cream-Nut natural peanut butter since 1925. The company was founded in 1910 by Albertus Koeze, the brand slowly developed offerings related to, and natural to, the peanut butter business. For example, they roast a fine nut. They also package said nuts in fantastic decanters (see above).

In 2000, Albertus’ great grandson Jeff founded Koeze Direct, which allows us all easy access to the grand tradition of “Good as Gold” Koeze nuts.

The Cream-Nut is really without peer.

Only a few designer shoes pass the ‘are they worth the coin’ test nowadays. Whether they’ve been slacking in their macking or simping in their pimping, we’re just not into most designers SS10 collections. Bottega Veneta are a rare exception, making at least one shoe a collection that’s worth robbing a bank for. It goes without saying (except it doesn’t really, because we are saying it) that these suede derbies are this seasons ‘to rob for’ shoes. Better get your ski masks on. (Browns)

Take a leap to see detailed shots.

Yeah, you’ve seen it before, but it’s on sale now so we’re reloading it. The AW09 CDG shirt collection was one of the most coveted yet (we don’t know one place that still has that duffle coat) and this jumper is just one great piece from a standout collection. If we had to pick a beef with this piece, it’d be the frayed ends; they’re not a dealbreaker, but it’d take some adjusting to. The price is now a relatively cheap (compared to the starting price of £350) £184. (ASOS)

Take a leap to see another shot of the jumper in action (or as in action as a jumper can be).

The New York Times magazine, T, has a new interview up with famed stylist Nicola Formichetti. T have taken an interesting (read: odd) angle to the interview, naming him ‘Mr. Gaga’, ignoring that he’s been working with her for relatively a short period of time. Considering his work with Gaga, it still seems that Formichetti isn’t that into the celebrity side of fashion, as noted by his answer to this question:

Many people in the business have a love-hate relationship with fashion. Is there something you’re not so crazy about?

There’s way too much celebrity in fashion. I don’t really like working with celebrities, so I try to stay away from that whole machine. But of course I have met some incredibly nice and creative people who just happen to be a “celebrity.”

Read the full interview here.