One of our editors pointed me at something special in the Colette store, but my eyes immediately were drawn to this Cube Fontaine by Claire Fontaine. Something about the surfaces of this cube looks difficult to decipher. “The Cube Fontaine by artist Claire Fontaine is a hijacking of the famous Rubiks cube. The 6 sides of color are replaced by views of the surface of the sea. Manipulating it gives unique and contradictory images. This poetic object mixes the solid of the cube and the liquid of water while discreetly evoking ecological disasters that surround us.”

The Standard continues their support of the arts with a small collection of scarves from some strong names in the scene today. “In a follow up to their artist t-shirts collaboration last year, The Standard has commissioned three artists representing LA, NY and Miami—Thomas Campbell (for CA), José Parlá (for Miami), and RoStarr (for NY) to design art printed on a limited edition run of silk-cashmere scarves (only 100 pieces of each design produced). These artists are known for their graphic language and the ‘pattern-like’ feel often associated with their artwork.The lightweight scarves, just in time for summer, were inspired by The Standard cities and represent each artist’s signature style”  The 50/50 silk/cashmere scarves will run you 225$US. A nice extension for these artists.

More looks at The Standard Limited Edition Artist Scarves after the click.

Oh shit. They’re due in stock soon (sure it says sold out – but they’ll get more) . Not surprised really. The Monocle massive can move anything. This time around the print mag turns to Gitman Brothers for some shirt love. “These short-sleeved summer shirts, developed in collaboration with American heritage brand Gitman Bros, are in a classic slim fit with button-down collar. They are available in white, blue and navy.” The Monocle Shop has them.

More looks at the Gitman Bros Shirt for Monocle Magazine after the click.

OC carries two shopper style bags from the great Want Les Essentiels De La Vie brand. The mustard and black colorway is complemented with the expected leather strappings that finish the bag off well. 100% organic cotton as well. Proper day bags which will be used for years.

More looks at the Want Les Essentiels De La Vie Logan Shopper Bag after the click.

Michele De Lucchi was born in 1951 and studied architecture at Florence University. From 1992 to 2002, De Lucchi served as director of design for Olivetti. Among many other commissioned activities, he has also produced experimental projects for Compaq, Siemans, and Vitra, and exhibited around the world including being well represented in the Centre Georges Pompidou perminant collection.

The Estense (or extended) cabinet was designed by De Lucchi in 2009. Made of walnut, the cabinet comes in an addition of just six, each signed and numbered.

For those interested (or wanting just a little more background on De Lucchi) head to Moss.

View the Estense cabinet with open doors after the jump.

Here’s a new book from Allan Peterkin and Nick Burns on the art of shaving, entitled, The Bearded Gentleman: The Style Guide to Shaving Face. “For centuries, men have been growing and styling their facial hair, wheth- er for the sake of vanity, religion, or cultural considerations, but most of us don’t give it a second thought. The Bearded Gentleman is an authoritative yet lighthearted guide that offers detailed information on some fifty specific facial hair styles: where they come from, how to grow them, and how to maintain them.”

Pre-order is now from Amazon.

One of our favourite magazines, Apartamento, just released preview images of their upcoming issue. There’s no shortage of beautiful independent magazines coming out right now, but Apartamento’s writing style is chatty and down to earth – the opposite of these boringly stoic magazines doing the rounds. We haven’t got our hands on it so we can’t tell you about the articles yet, but we can say that it’ll look as good as ever. (Bruil)

Take a leap to see spreads from the magazine.

Totally pains me that there are no installation views of Bicycles, a newly opened off-site exhibition from the Oakland Museum of California at the Oakland International Airport. The focus is on Northern California bicycle culture, with emphasis placed on Oakland and the East Bay. It draws from the Oakland Museum of California’s collection and incorporates the work of local frame builders and highlights bicycle clothing, accessories, and ephemera as well.

All in all, Bicycle has the potential to rise above the normal tedium of the typical airport exhibition. The installation opened on April 30 and will close on September 10, 2010.

Despite lack of images, and as we have a jetset readership, it seemed worth noting the installation. Should you happen upon it, please send us some pictures.

Here’s a summer trainer with a (small) difference. There’s no prizes for guessing where the influence for these trainers come from, but the laces give it enough of a twist to make it worthwhile. And, as with all things Japan, you’ll have to get your proxy on. (Mindtrive)

Take a leap to see alternate colourways.

Secret Forts has a great Q&A with the brothers from The Hill-Side. Covering their recent studio move, their fabrics and their relatively quick start. On the latter Emil had this to say:

‘To date every aspect of The Hill-Side’s development has exceeded our expectations. When we first started making these ties we thought we might sell a few of them to very niche shops, mostly denim-centric places. It’s not like we invented anything really new, but it does feel surprising that our stuff has been as widely accepted and appreciated as it has. The whole thing has kept us so busy that we haven’t really had time to look up from what we’re doing long enough to take it all in. Now the challenge is to keep up the momentum, but also to manage our growth and expansion so that the brand doesn’t burn out. We need to continue to innovate and keep people excited about our products. This comes in to play in so many ways, from hunting for new fabrics, to introducing new designs, to how we photograph and style the products, to seeking out collaborators, to the shops we choose to partner with.’

Read the full feature here.