Sepetember’s GQ features a look at the forthcoming Levi’s Workwear by Billy Reid Collection. Here’s Mr. Reid discussing how the collection’s inspiration started rolling. “The Levi’s archive numbers something like 7,500 pieces, so we sent them some signature elements from our fall line—our peacoat, our chino—and they pulled some stuff for us to look at. The thing that stuck out immediately was an old blacksmith’s work apron they’d recovered in New Mexico or somewhere.”

More looks at the Levi’s Workwear by Billy Reid collection after the click.

The iconic bag stylings of the Fjällräven are moving into their 50th year with two special make-ups in celebration of another half century to come. ”The 50th Anniversary bag will feature unique details like leather detailing and reflective panels on the instantly recognizable Kånken frame. Perhaps the most beloved in Fjällräven’s line of durable outerwear, the Kånken has been a staple of schoolchildren all over the world since 1978. This limited-edition backpack is perfect for longtime Fjällräven fans and those discovering the brand for the first time.”

“Robin and Julia directed these visuals for Natasha Khan early 2010. This is a short edit of around 20 mins of footage produced. They were projected behind her singing with a string quartet, it was ace.” (via +kn)

The “no-label” Freshjive line makes a significant change in their approach for Spring 2011. The once “street” driven line which has roots in various circles – from streetwear, to skate and surf  - takes a wonderful stroll into new ground that appear more menswear focused, thanks to the help of their new creative director. “Bringing in creative director Mark Wiesmayr, who has worked with Tsubi, Urban Outfitters and Blue Blood, Freshjive is stepping away from its street wear roots, in the direction of a more men’s, designer-contemporary line while maintaining its street culture sensibility… Choosing to move forward without visible name branding, the new Freshjive has a focus on rustic modernism, in both texture and form, celebrating the masculine relationship between avant-garde design and heritage aesthetics.” Welcome.

Many more looks from the Freshjive Spring 2011 collection after the click.

Another brand we discovered at (capsule) show this week in Vegas is Pennsylvania’s GALT,showcasing their first season of leather goods. They’re all handmade in Italy (a far distance from PA). Hardware is made in Italy or Switzerland – both work of course. “There are no visible logos on the exterior of the bags or wallets.  All of the bags share the extended zipper pull, which is the closest element to a logo the bags share.  All of the designs are simple and meant to give each bag a purpose rather than covering the bags with useless details.”

More looks at the GALT leather bags offering after the click.

David Report previews Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre’s upcoming exhibition, The Ruins of Detroit.

Opening on August 27, 2010, at Stockholm’s Gun Gallery, the show presents a series of photographs detailing the decline of the Motor City’s once great downtown. The story line isn’t new, of course, but the images are nonetheless stirring. Crumbling ball rooms and wasted apartments open a window to the sad realities of urban devolution.  Without the rejuvenative narrative of art like, say, Thomas Cole’s The Course of Empire, the works of Marchand and Meffre can focus only on degradation. Poignant, but ultimately more documents of time than anything else.

The Gun Gallery, Runebergsgatan 3, Stockholm.

A nice little parcel arrived this afternoon at our office in Boston. The folks at Rugby sent over this package containing a limited edition pair of U.S.A. made selvedge slim denim with matching a (Italian made) necktie. The denim is produced domestically at “Cone Denim’s White Oak Plant, one of the oldest denim mills in the United States.” 100 pairs of the denim were produced and “rendered in ultra-dark indigo-wash.”  The necktie comes in a mid width silk finish with a proper skull hit (the same hit is found on the matching patch on the denim. They toss in a “Rule of  the Game” stylebook to remind us of how gents should be. Well done overall.

Hot on the heels of their “Icons” goods shown at (capsule) this week in Las Vegas, come the Jack Spade “Composition” leather goods set which pays homage to those marble notebooks that you may still be rocking. Supposedly Eddie Vedder does. “The above composition pack references the timeless marbled black and white notebooks, and in fact takes that inspiration right down to a white and blue notebook lining on the wallets. Look for a release at Jack Spade retailers this spring.”

More looks at the Jack Spade “Composition” Leather Goods at Highsnob.

You can always rely on Lanvin for a few things. Firstly, great design and secondly, the ability to make any other purchase you make seem like a bargain. Take this Camo backpack for instance. At over 900 smackers (we need to bring that back as a phrase) it makes the H by Harris bags we’ve been obsessing over seem like a comparative bargain. Although, if you’ve got enough money to purchase either of these then you’re unlikely to be looking at price tags.  (Browns)

Polaroid love is everywhere these days. PAFA, in Philadelphia, has a winning exhibition of Warhol’s Polaroid’s up at the moment. Several brands have used the medium in social marketing pushes. And, now, wise folks have employed the aesthetic for a set of note cards.

These stem from the “From the Love of Light” project and include 20 cards, each with a different image. Jenifer Altman, photographer, is responsible for the selections. UO has them. (via Retro to Go).

More looks after the jump.