Our friends in Milan sent over some looks from a new forthcoming collection called Esemplare. While full looks will be available in the Fall, we preview some first looks at their pre-collection which features a good deal of jackets which re-imagine classic looks. They put focus on their reworking of the US Army coat but there is clearly more than that to examine.

More looks at the Esemplare Pre Autumn 2010 Collection after the click.

As we we’ve been saying, spring’s the time to start bringing out those leather soles again. And, if you’re brave, you could even take a risk with some suede. If you were to risk a suede shoe in spring, we’d rather it be the waxy kind. Not only does it kill off that ‘boxfresh’ look that can ruin your look, it’ll also start to look better the more beaten up it comes. If you’re into the details, these are goodyear welted – and all for the reasonable price of £175. (Herring Shoes)

There’s a couple of different colourways after the leap, but our favourite is up top.

While we’ve always held the rules of menswear in slight disdain – they’re usually just a tool to stop men from trying anything remotely adventurous – we are aware of their existence. Mixing checks and stripes has long been a sartorial no-no, but apparently Velour pay no attention to these rules; they’ve had the sheer gumption to mix checks and stripes on one shirt. We should hate it, we really should, but it’s so wrong it’s right. (Number Six)

Take a leap to see detailed images.

As we’ve noted before, anyone coming from streetwear into menswear must be a little shocked that everyone they once renounced is coming back into fashion. First high tops got a fashion re-up and now backpacks are getting the same treatment. Like most trendy things, designer tend to get it wrong first time round, so it’s taken until this spring for a host of desirable bags to come out.

This Paul Smith Jeans bag is for the folks who who want to give the whole navy canvas thing a miss this season. It’s not gonna change the world – not that any piece of clothing ever will – but it is a handsome bag (ASOS)

Now that the sheer novelty of bloggers making books has worn off, we can focus on the truly good ones. The Dieline focuses on packaging design and the recently released book, box bottle bag, mixes the best of the blog with some new additions. As you’d expect from a design-related blog, the book itself is beautifully designed – perfect coffee table book fodder. [Pics via iDsgn]

Available now from Amazon.

Take a leap to see spreads from the book

Digging through those Japanese sites can bring some gold. These Sherpa jackets from Nigel Cabourn look exclusive to The Rugged Museum – operated by the minds being Free & Easy Magazine. They’re constructed from what looks to be vintage Harris Tweed – which would be the only proper material to use for this museum.

More looks at the Nigel Cabourn for Free & Easy Sherpa “Tenzig” Jackets after the click.

We were passed these photos of what look to be a new series of Quoddy shoes for Wings + Horns. The website we’re pulling them from is a bit short on details but they’re worthy of a look. Check the choice fabrics on these shoes from a New England classic shoe company for the strong Canadian brand. They’re said to drop in doors in the coming months.

More looks at the Quoddy for Wings + Horn Shoes after the click.

A slightly new take on the Native American style of dress. YMC tries heir hand with this Navajo inspired cardigan. This is not the first nor the last but more another chance to give this look another shot. Your mileage may vary. (glassb)

More looks at the YMC Navajo Cardigan Sweater after the click.

Beautiful Fül

01. London Underground | Emotional Baggage (above)

“While people love to talk about fashion-design crossovers, good ones aren’t that easy to find — which is why the Crafted Fashion collection from Williams-British Handmade is so refreshing.” (T Magazine)

02. Is it time for your covers album?

“Calling all recording artists! Are you considering making a dreadful covers album as a vanity project? Take Pete Cashmore’s flow chart test to see if the time’s right.” (Guardian)

03. WATCHING SHREK IN TEHRAN

“‘You know, it’s not really the original Shrek that we love so much here. It’s really the dubbing. It’s really more the Iranian Shrek that interests us.’

The Iranian film industry has a long and illustrious tradition of high-quality dubbings. In the post-Revolution era, and the ensuing rise of censorship, dubbing has evolved to become a form of underground art, as well as a meta-commentary on Iranians’ attempt to adapt, and in some way lay claim to, the products of Western culture. A single American film like Shrek inspires multiple dubbed versions—some illegal, some not—causing Iranians to discuss and debate which of the many Farsi Shreks is superior. In some versions (since withdrawn from official circulation), various regional and ethnic accents are paired with the diverse characters of Shrek, the stereotypes associated with each accent adding an additional layer of humor for Iranians. In the more risqué bootlegs, obscene or off-topic conversations are transposed over Shrek’s fairy-tale shenanigans.” (Believer)

04. Coach Tim’s Prediction: Manny Pacquiao vs. Joshua Clottey

“Okay, okay! I’ll tell you who I’m picking to win the Joshua Clottey vs. Manny Pacquiao fight. First, thanks for all your inquiries concerning my pick for the fight. It humbles me to know that so many people think so highly of my thoughts on the subject. It especially humbles me when I think back to being so wrong about Pacquiao vs. Hatton and Clottey vs. Cotto. Still, I equate myself to a broken watch in hopes that I am correct at least a couple times per day.” (Eastside Boxing)