Cary Randolph Fuller recently toured the Schott factory. She shares the discoveries of her visit – in step-by-step detail – with us here.

Who can blame her for trying to walk off with that Perfecto?

Consider this a ‘look but don’t actually buy’ post. These Whyred boots are best suited to the early half of the spring/summer season – which, bizarrely, is still January – but they’re still handsome enough for us to feature. With all our money going on chambray jeans, sunglasses and coloured chinos we wouldn’t actually buy these now but if you’re desperate for black high top desert boots (and who isn’t?) you can get these at Whyred’s recently launched online store. (Whyred)

Yeah, so this is a pick that borders on obvious – not that there’s anything wrong with that. If you’re overdosing on white trainers at the moment (like we are) these are a nice, if pricey, alternative.

You already know the deal about Common Projects – super soft nappa leather, hand made, stitching techniques commonly reserved for shoes and all that noise – so we don’t have to keep banging on about it. They’ll also go rather well with powder blue or olive chinos when the sun finally rears it’s head. If you’ve got the spare coins, these are definitely worth the money. (C Store)

There’s plenty – and we mean plenty – of extra looks at these after the leap.

Picasso: Themes and Variations is on view at MOMA through August 30, 2010.

Featuring approximately one hundred works, this exhibition explores Picasso’s creative process through the medium of printmaking, tracing his development from the early years of the twentieth century, with depictions of itinerant circus performers in the Blue and Rose periods, to his discovery of Cubism. It follows his evolving artistic vision through decades of experimentation in etching, lithography, and linoleum cut, demonstrating how each technique inspired new directions in his work. The exhibition focuses on specific themes, showing how Picasso’s imagery went through a constant process of metamorphosis. Printmaking, in particular, allows this fundamental aspect of his art to become vividly clear, since various stages in building a composition can be documented. One series of lithographs shows Picasso progressing, step-by-step, from a realistic depiction of a bull to one that is completely abstracted into schematic lines. Other series reveal changing interpretations of the women in Picasso’s life, as they become the subject of his art and a catalytic force behind his creativity.

The exhibit has a superb web component, which is especially effective in exploring print techniques. Picasso’s themes, as you’d imagine, are well covered too. Visit the site here. Waste the whole morning there. (via Curated).

Très Bien recently added an editorial section to their site and their first interview was with Mr McNairy. An in-depth read, they talk about his influences, collaborations and why his shoes are made in England. When it comes to the latter topic, he gives an interesting answer:

‘There are almost no factories in the U.S. to make those shoes. The few that exist aren’t really interested. My whole thing has always been modern, traditional, Anglo-American sportswear. The button down shirt originated in the UK. The traditional dress shoe industry, Savile Row–the whole thing grew out of the UK.’

Read the full interview here.

01. Remembering Lena Horne

“An unprecedented number of obituaries and appreciations of Lena Horne, following her death at 92 on May 9, streamed over the internet and can now be found at IJS. From all over the United States but also from Canada and Great Britain, they celebrate the life and career of this extraordinary singer, actress and activist who was the first African American performer to be signed to a Hollywood contract not as someone to portray menials, but as a glamorous presence in her own right. Initially, she was only featured in musical numbers, but in two widely distributed all-black feature films, “Stormy Weather” and “Cabin in the Sky,” she demonstrated her acting skills. Prior to that, she had established herself as a jazz singer, recording with the bands of Noble Sissle, Charlie Barnet and Artie Shaw, and under her own name. It is primarily in this role, which eventually became the dominant one in her career (her outspoken views on racism and friendship with, among others, Paul Robeson, got her in trouble during the McCarthy era) that her legacy is represented in our archives.” (Rutgers).

02. Ask an Academic: In the Buff

“Nudity is our most basic state, yet there are few things that cause the same extreme mixture of titillation and horror. Still, if one looks closely, it’s everywhere. Mass nude weddings with as many as sixty couples take place every year at the Hedonism resort in Jamaica. There’s nude sky diving and nude boxing (so-called “bouncy boxing”) in Australia, nude skiers in Austria (brr), nude synchronized swimming in Spain, strip poker, naked flights (no hot drinks are served, to prevent scalding), organized nudism, anarchic streaking, Janet Jackson at the Super Bowl. Why does donning the birthday suit get us in such a tizzy? I recently wrote to Philip Carr-Gomm, a psychotherapist, writer, and author of “A Brief History of Nakedness,” to ask his opinion.” (New Yorker).

03. How England won the World Twenty20 (Above)

“It might have been 35 years in the making, but some will argue that only made England’s triumph in the World Twenty20 in the West Indies on Sunday all the sweeter.” (BBC)

04. Meet the New MOCA Logo, Same as the Old MOCA Logo

“Museums are great at keeping musty artifacts around, but L.A.’s Museum of Contemporary Art actually brought a dead icon back to life on Tuesday. Fresh off of the announcement of actor/director/artist Dennis Hopper’s show and the appointment of Jeffrey Deitch as curator, the museum has decided to dig up a 30-year-old logo, designed by Ivan Chermayeff and Tom Geismar, who designed identities for NBC, Mobil, PBS, and National Geographic. (So fresh is the decision that the museum’s Web site still hosts the old identity.)” (Fast Company).

I’m keeping this post all New England. Bailey Works Bags is a famous name up here. Where CHROME may be to SF, Bailey Works is to Boston and New England (except Bailey Works is better. Sorry SF).

Hilton’s Tent City is also a very well known spot across the street from the Boston (TD Bankorth) Garden.  It’s an outdoor life destination in this town. They have been at their Friend Street location for as long as anyone can remember. Back when I was attending university in this fine city, we use to frequent Hilton’s Tent City for the best outerwear. There is no better in Boston.

Hilton’s is about to launch a new line of one offs and collaborative efforts with some of the finest names in the outwear and outdoor game today. Under the name “Friend Street” ( a clear homage to their territory) they are planning out some great items including this messenger with Bailey Works. Their messenger bag will be produced from 1970’s vintage tents sourced from Hilton’s own new old stock.  ”They are waxed, thus waterproof on the exterior. In addition, they have a custom buffalo plaid print on the interior tarp lining. A nice touch is how [they] retain characteristics of the original tent; notice the use of the corner grommets as pocket flaps. Each tent will produce roughly 10-12 bags.” 24 are being made.

More look at the Bailey Works Bags for Friend Street Messenger Bag after the click.

We took a week off, but here’s the next feature in our guest blogger series. There’s no shortage of classic menswear based blogs out there right now, but for our money Start With Typewriters is one of the best. SWT’s approach is decidedly light-hearted, going against the po-faced grain that’s gaining popularity.

Another reason we like Start With Typewriters is their ‘wear and tear’ series, where they take a look at what happens when you’ve used a product for a year or so. So, with that in mind, we felt it only right to ask them to do a special wear and tear for us. Read their review of the Quoddy boat shoes after the leap.

More shorts gentleman. Cheap Monday has some plain front options such as these blues (mood of the day) which are about as versatile as a pair of socks. “Classic summer shorts.. Zip fly and button closure. Side slit pockets and pockets on the back.” Need Supply has them.

More looks at the Cheap Monday Plan Shorts after the click.

“Samurai Blue” is looking at you. Dunhill gets is right with their off field suiting for the Japanese National Football team during this year’s FIFA World Cup in South America. I just do not see how any other off field suit will beat this look. Sleek fitting and proper. As OPENERS mentions, the “St. James” fit is borrowed and reworked to include some prominent emblem placement that make this writer ask – which Japan player is going to donate his remnant suit to me when the tournament (or their bid) is over?

More looks from the Dunhill Suits for Japanese National Football Team for 2010 after the click.