Are mens’ waistlines expanding? We ask because there seems to be a large amount of designers making trousers with elasticated waistbands. Stephan Schneider is the latest designer to throw his hat into the ring with these denim trousers. While we like the look of these (anything that edges away from super skinny leggings if fine by us) we are slightly worried about the lack of fly – either button or zip. We understand that some folks like to suffer for fashion, but we’re not one of them. (Opening Ceremony)

Take that leap, see those detailed images.

Summer is here – according to stores that is. This Jil Sander jacket wouldn’t work in winter, but it’ll look great on guys who like to keep a semblance of sharpness during the warmer months. The suit is a little much for even our tastes, but we’re sure someone out there could pull it off. And this is Jil Sander, so expect the price to be in the ‘if you need to ask you can’t afford it’ range. (Browns)

Embrace! finds seventeen artists creating fresh installations at the Denver Art Museum. They essentially get the run of the Fredric C. Hamilton Building and fill it with interactive multimedia, painting, and playful adaption of space. The exhibition remains on view through April 4, 2010.

Embrace! also succeeds in online form – the web component introducing each project and provides a series of photographic and video entry points to the work of all participating artists.

A few selected images from Embrace! follow.

VBS (Vice’s critically acclaimed documentary site) has a great feature on the two founders of Opening Ceremony. Those with a short attention span are advised to give this a miss – this video is 10 minutes long (and part 2, which is after the leap, is also ten minutes long). But seeing as you probably waste more time watching adverts, we’d say this is worth making time for.

Patchwork haters, look away now. The trend isn’t going anywhere so now’s the perfect to pretend you’ve liked it all along and hop on the bandwagon. This shirt is much more palatable than other shirts we’ve shown in our past, but a patchwork – or ‘collage’ if you’re acne – shirt it is nonetheless. A shirt like this is a nice halfway house between the plain and patterned – perfect for the folks who’ve been umming and aahing about whether to hop on the patchwork train. (ASOS)

Take a leap to see detailed shots and some pretty ugly plimsolls.

Fashionisto gives their take on the Ballantyne Spring/Summer 2010 collection. “The most recent lookbook from Ballantyne features Jakob Wiechmann. Bright and chipper, spring’s collection looks to the frequent traveler for inspiration, crafting accessible ensembles from light-weight knits, shorts and relaxed trousers. Rounding out the collection in fun 70s inspired abstract prints, the Ballantyne man turns out to be the ideal image of preppy at the beach.”

More looks at the Ballantyne Spring/Summer 2010 after the click.

Pure lounging is necessary with these “vintage” fleece sweat shorts from James Perse. They’re 80% supima and 100% heavyweight. We say this often but it is simply the truth: James Perse produces some of the best basics on the market. They’ll set you back 110$US.

More looks at the James Perse Vintage Fleece Sweat Shorts after the click.

Buildouts. We love them. Especially when they’re from the brands we love. Check this “mini-mart/convenience” store they set up in Virginia during the North America Handmade Bicycle Show. Ben showed up some views of the pop-up on his Column recently. We’ll expand on it with some more images. “Beverage cooler, magazine racks, shelving, lottery, public postings and a cigarette wall (smartly rebranded by Carey SH with the names of our Continental rides), help to set the store—and a few shiny bikes laying against the front wall complete the quick stop spot.”

More looks at the Rapha Continental Mini-Mart after the click.

01. Peter Booth on Observing the Consumer (above)

“Eastman Innovation Lab brings us a video from Peter Booth, the managing partner and director of Tin Horse. Peter engages in “practice-based innovation” and looks to what people actually do with the stuff they have for insights into design.” (core77)

02. The Secret Code Names Of 37 Sci-Fi Blockbuster Films

“Remember Star Beast? When that creature burst through the guy’s chest, I nearly jumped out of my seat. And who could forget How the Solar System Was Won? Even Leonardo DiCaprio called it one of his five essential films. Confused? Then it’s time for a crash course in working titles, the code words Hollywood studios sometimes use to disguise their movies’ true names, as with the two films above, which ended up being called—were you able to guess?—Alien and 2001: A Space Odyssey.” (coudal)

03. New National Album: High Violet

“Here’s another big name: The National’s fifth LP, High Violet, is due out May 10 in the UK and May 11 everywhere else via 4AD. We chatted with frontman Matt Berninger about it in January” (pitch4k)

04. Chair As Workstation

“I love the idea of this – a chair that is a workstation, with storage cubbies, adjustable work surfaces, task lighting – all built in to a single piece of furniture.” (workalicious)