“Understated British Elegance”

Aquascutum keeps to the above tag with their current spring/summer 2010 limited collection. The London firm is all about attention to detail and fine tailoring. They’ve been at it for awhile – since 1853, when they invented the first waterproof cloth – and has at various times been a favorite of every British male in my family.

On the right you’ll see the Northam Raincoat in beige. It’s a contemporary take on the garment that made Aquascutum famous so many years ago. Like most of the brand’s outerwear, expect that it is made with care in Corby, Northamptonshire. While suits and shirting fall into the collection, Aquascutum is at its best protecting us from the elements.

More looks after the Aquascutum Spring/Summer 2010 limited collection follow.

Eames fans take not – on April 8, 2010, Chicago auction house Wright will host a sale celebrating the good and unique designs of Charles and Ray Eames. Included is the above DKW chair in enameled steel, leather, and walnut. There are also enough DCW chairs going to the block to satisfy a rather healthy rush of interest.

The sale features Eames Design Archive of John and Marilyn Neuhart. About the archive -

As official archivists of Eames Office output for more than 30 years, the Neuhart’s meticulously chronicled the work of Charles and Ray Eames and compiled thousands of images, original ephemera, films and documents. The Neuhart’s amassed nearly 100 binders containing photographs, copies, negatives and clippings of nearly all Eames Office production as well as thorough records of the 1976 exhibition Connections: the Work of the Office of Charles and Ray Eames, a scenic cloud backdrop from the Eames Office, a scale model of the Eames Office as it was at the time of Charles Eames death in 1978 and a copy of the complete inventory of Eames’ projects for the IBM Corporation including records from the Mathmatica exhibition. The Eames Design Archive of John and Marilyn Neuahrt is a comprehensive and scholarly collection that attests to the Eames’ iconic reputation as leaders in mid-twentieth century design.

Though not particularly engrossing, the online catalog is worth flipping though just to get a sense of the duo’s range with each of their iconic designs. Really nice to see things side by side, and their are a few oddities as well. The auction will begin at 12 noon on April 8, Wright is located at 1440 West Hubbard, Chicago, IL. (via Curated).

More Eames goodies after the jump.

Palladium re-enters the UK market with an inventive “expedition” celebrating the traditions of pirate radio. Beginning in the 1960s, decaying anti-aircraft became the hubs of original pirate radio scene. The structures remain on the River Thames, provide a locale for Palladium’s investigation of the scene – which remains vibrant atop inner city tower blocks all around the UK.

Palladium’s London Pirate Radio is playing now.

Prada’s spring/summer 2010 look book hammers down a few things we’ve been noticing. For one, people are pretty darn excited about shorts. Prada’s version happen to come a little shorter than some others, and the fabric choices appear less traditional in terms of seasonal affiliation. Secondly, we’re finding that mock turtle necks are making a comeback.

Check out the Prada Spring/Summer 2010 Look Book after the jump. (via modeman).

Brooklyn’s Epaulet have worked with Fall River, MA’s Vanson Leathers on the “Waxed Triton” Jacket.

The project takes inspiration from the British Isles in two ways – a nod to the Scottish invention of waxed cotton canvas and the Cafe Racer favorite Triton bike (fusing elements of the Norton Feather Bed and Triumph Bonneville). The Scottish connection is furthered by a choice Royal Stewart tartan lining. Vanson, obviously, has great tradition in motorcycles and holds the distinction of being the largest motorcycle leather manufacturer in the United States. This jacket, like all of Vanson’s textile range, is produced in El Salvador. Limited to 14 pieces.

Detailed images of the Vanson for Epaulet “Waxed Triton” Jacket after the jump.

As an Easter treat, we’ve dug out a process feature we had locked in our vaults. Neil J Christopher, founder of ARN Mercantile, doesn’t get as much blog love as other workwear folks but with this process and an upcoming full feature, we’ll be trying to redress the balance. In this process feature Christopher talks about his ongoing collaboration with Nigel Cabourn.

Around since 1896, Seil Marschall believes “Our hands are the best machines.” That ethos alone makes describing their product quite easy – handcrafted, handsome, outdoor luggage.

The Canoe and Day packs are both of acceptable size for city use. Both are built of waxed cotton with nice leather accents. If we were being nit-picky we’d pick the day pack – something lovely about a leather bottom, don’t you think? (From No. 6).

Loads of looks after the leap.

We’ve featured these before but now they’re out in a summery suede we’ll feature them again. As we stated before, we’re anti-tucking denim into boots. Not as fervently against as, say, Mister Mort, but we’re not fans nonetheless. And, seeing as you didn’t ask, we much prefer the roll up look with these. As for the boots themselves, we’re big fans of the beige suede colouring, it’ll mesh pretty well with everyone from your standard indigo denim to some olive chinos. (ASOS)

To celebrate our owners store opening in Berlin (Don’t you know about Soto?) and because we like magazines, we’re showcasing Eine Magazine uber Orte. Magculture turns us onto this Berlin-based magazine, which in their words ‘makes a convincing case for print’. We’re not sure there needs to be a case made for print – does anyone other than publishers think the iPad will save publishing? – but it’s a good looking magazine nonetheless. (Eine Magazin)

Take a look at spreads after the leap.

MacArthur Genius Award-winner Tara Donovan’s Untitled exhibition opens up on April 4, 2010, at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Highlighter are the sculptor’s layered installations created with common everyday materials (think paper cups, pencils, and electrical cord).

Lean more at IMA. The exhibition runs through August 1, 2010.