01. Record sleeves of the month (above)

“Here’s the latest batch of music release packaging that’s caught our eye of late. Top of the pile is the special edition of  the new UNKLE album, Where Did The Night Fall – released May 10 on label Surrender-All.” (Creative Review)

02. Norse History for Bostonians

“When not choking on the sickly sweet taste of 21st-century despair, Rowdy Geirsson maintains www.scandinavianaggression.com and attempts to promote the glorious (or inglorious, as the case may be) deeds of Vikings past and present. Here, he discusses special topics in medieval Norse history with the intention of maximizing ease of comprehension among Bostonians and other pertinent New Englanders (Connecticuters excluded).” (McSweeney’s).

03. Adventure Playground: John V. Lindsay and the Transformation of Modern New York

“In recent years it has been scarcely possible to walk down the major streets of New York (especially in good weather) without coming across a film crew at work: fleets of specialized vehicles, and dozens of dedicated craftspeople — directors, cinematographers, camera operators, production designers, property masters, gaffers, grips, and, of course, celebrated or world-famous actors and performers — busily transforming the everyday landscape of the city into the setting for some larger-than-life, cinematic vision of urban life. Similarly, it is scarcely possible to walk today into a movie theater, or look at a television screen, and not soon find New York City serving as the setting for — and often enough the subject of — romantic comedies, thrillers, police dramas, science-fiction fantasies, or any of a dozen other film genres regularly shot on location. Over the past decade, no fewer than 200 feature films, and hundreds more episodes for television, have been shot each year on the streets of New York, a total that no other American city — not even Los Angeles — can match. Thanks to this pervasive filmic presence, audiences across the country, and indeed around the world, have come to know New York as well as — or better than — their own hometowns.” (Design Observer).

04. Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh ‘counting the days’ till Arsenal move

“The Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh says he is “counting the days” until completing his free transfer to Arsenal, and says he will prove he was worth the wait.” (Guardian).

“Chilled Dubs. “Serenity” by Kabana, taken from the ‘Mr. Cloudy Serenity’ compilation E.P. Released on the ever impressive Silent Season label [SSCD05]. 2009. This E.P was a limited edition of 100 copies on dual slot recycled CD sleeves made from 20pt chipboard and contains 100% Recycled Fibers that FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified. Each CD is numbered and came with Silent Season stickers.”

This story has been making the rounds on the tech sites the last day or so. London’s Berkely Hotel is offering some of it’s guests a special 3000$US room rate that includes a well stocked iPad for use during your stay. “When the iPad comes out in the UK later this month, the hotel will offer the iPad to its guests staying in certain suites during their staLast weekend marked the introduction of an iPad in the suites, which are offered for reading the daily newspapers, or visiting the local attractions as chosen by the hotel’s Concierge. This comes after another hotel chain, the InterContinental, started using iPads in hotel lobbies across London, New York, Buckhead Atlanta and Hong Kong, to give directions for nearby venues and attractions.” (gizmodo)

Is it cheaper to buy your own iPad? Yes. Will this lead to iPads as a commodity? I hope so.

Complex Geometries has been on the Selectism radar for some time. Today, Fashionisto gives their take on the CG Autumn 2010 collection. “Evoking ceremonial imagery, Complex Geometries embarks on a journey for the fall 2010 season in search of truth. A mix of loose concealing silhouettes and revealing fabrics, the latest outing plays tongue in cheek with a dark sensibility. From hooded jackets and knit leggings to elongated sheer numbers, Complex Geometries continues a focused vision, while offering a selection of individual pieces that possess enough character to shake up any wardrobe this coming fall.”

More looks at the Complex Geometries Autumn 2010 looks after the click.

The backlog from Baselworld is massive. Just ask the watch centric blogs. Where we would come in and cover a great number of products day to day, these bloggers take a different approach. Perpetuelle is one of those sites that continues to drop what they consider to be the best from the show. Example: their look at startup Ressence.

“As founder of Ressence Watch, Mintiens made his debut at Baselworld 2010 with his ‘platform watch’ –  a watch featuring a rotating dial plate and time scales without any amount of superimposition (ie no hands cross or go over the others).  Intrigued upon seeing his concept — unlike anything I had seen before — I contacted Benoit with the hope of gaining a deeper understanding of what is behind Ressence Watch.  Thankfully and quite kindly, he obliged.  What follows is my interview with him, with images of his new watch concept shown throughout.”

More looks at the Ressence Type 001 and Type 002 Watches after the click.

The better known higher end fashion houses are well exposed at this point in history. While some may claim that they are too known to the market (where does luxury become commercial), we’ll continue to point out that their goods, especially accessories for men, continue to offer strong returns to your closet. Givenchy’s Autumn/Winter 2010 accessories are up there. We showcase a few select items in leather from the collection. Tell us what you think. (cqc)

More Givenchy Accessories for Men Autumn/Winter 2010 after the click.

We covered Orland Carreras’ Spring 2010 collection not too long ago… As followup, they have sent over some first looks at their Autumn 2010 coffering for your viewing pleasure. The line offers contemporary takes on men’s fashion without the distraction of trying to remain too far in trend. If you want to see more of the collection, feel free to stop in at these fine retailers: Ron Herman, Tomorrowland (Japan), and  Harvey Nichols for starters..

A few more looks at the Orlando Carreras Autumn/Winter 2010 collection after the click.

“Born British, raised on the streets of New York”

Kangol’s Spring/Summer 2010 campaign Future Reflections takes cues from George Lucas’ THX 1138 and Stanley Kubrick’s Clockwork Orange. “Tradition, quality, and craftsmanship are fundamental to Kangol headwear SS2010.  Tropic anchors the collection and welcomes the new Duke Trilby and a fine assortment of blocked jacquard patterns.  Bamboo is a staple in natural knits with the new Mowbray pork pie shape.  Moss Stitch and Side Stripe elevate natural fibers to stylish heights.  Spiral Knit uses a luxurious blend of spring-weight merino and tencel yarn. Liberty Art Fabrics are offered in an Italian-made capsule collection.  Italy also provides the Kangol Heritage and Neo Checks.  We return to Japan for Toki Sen-i Japanese Jersey and Kowa denim and twill.  These Kangol classics are made with pride, and are designed to function with a continued focus on style.”

A full look at the new Kangol campaign after the jump.

With great pleasure, we introduce Feedbak.

At base level, Feedbak exists as a student organization focused on apparel design. Drawing combined expertise from business and design majors, Feedbak serves as a fashion think tank. Students go through a complete simulation of running a small apparel brand – designing, producing, marketing, and selling a complete line.

Pendleton Woolen Mills sponsors the project, providing access to the materials required to see the designs to finished product. Each year, the Feedbak line presents its latest at the Cornell Design League Fashion Show. Of course, they’ve also created a look book.

We were inspired by the vision of a stranded expedition team, waiting for a signal of hope. In a jagged landscape they keep vigil. One perches on the precipice, sharpening his knife on shrapnel, humming an old song while his comrade swigs from a canteen at his waist. The water tastes like rust and redemption as he swipes at dry lips with his collar. The last man scans the horizon, seeing nothing but the winter sun rising through a fog.  The survivors stand. In the interim, undaunted.

Full looks at Feedbak’s collection follow. Keep it up guys, and congratulations on the level of dedication that goes into the success of the organization.

Much like the plumber’s rule, this new Hermès travel belt folds in like a stack of cards. In some ways, this new form is very convenient. Not only do the pivot points stand out for their function, but they add a touch of shine to an “ordinary” leather Hermès piece.  Look for it in July for around 580€.