We’re pretty sure no one’s shocked by Gourmet popping up on SL now, or at least we’ll avoid accusations of being all over the place. There is a method to this madness. We’ve always thought a high top was just a high top whether it came from Lanvin or Gourmet. In fact, you could argue that Lanvin have been slacking in their high top macking over the last few seasons. Gourmet? Not so much. (Oki-Ni)

We’re not fans of phrases like ’shower proof’. It just sounds like faint praise to us. Furthermore, what happens if the shower turns into proper full on rain? Which handily brings us to this showerproof jacket from Undercover, which will keep your body dry during a shower. Your head will get wet though, because it doesn’t have a hood. If you can get over that and the Undercover pricetag, this is the jacket for you. (Browns)

Using hunting as inspiration for jackets is nothing new, but we still like it when it’s done nicely. Other things we like: curved pockets (straight ones are a little hard for things like putting your hands in them) and the back vent, which makes it a solid choice for a spring jacket. Also, who’s the guy in the picture? He should start a blog or something. (Opening Ceremony)

This three-lengths trench coat form the Dior Homme line is a prime investment in your wardrobe. The trench features a well-formed cut that assists in a stand out look. Kris Van Assche does it right for Dior Homme.

More looks after the click.

Started in 1990 in Reading, Pennsylvania, Bill’s Khakis has been one of the many companies to keep all their production stateside. “With a few thousand dollars and a dozen or so part time jobs, the business slowly grew from a ‘trunk of the car’ start-up to a full time enterprise.” Today, they’ve increased their presence to over 500 select retailers in the U.S.A. The “Limited Surfside Poplin” shorts are made of light 3.1 oz cotton and are available in various colorways. Solid shorts from a legend in the industry.

Junya Watanabe delivers another collection of overcoats with Mackintosh. The limited designs Watanabe produces with Mackintosh are often referred to as the “Eye” Collection. The classic “M65″ jacket is an iconic piece that many designers have done again and again. But this season, Watanabe re-creates the M65 with amazing detail and precision. The hooded detail, drawstrings with leather toggles, and multiple pockets make to be a perfect jacket for cooler Spring nights. Union has them.

More looks after the click.

Ah yes. Springtime and the straw hats come through. These two flavors in sisal from Borsalino will make all your friends jealous. The deep navy blue looks incredibly strong on the sisal. “Lightweight fedora from Borsalino, made from a Navy colored sisal straw. Features a navy ribbon band & a 6cm brim tipped with the same navy ribbon.” (chcm)

More looks after the click.

Wallpaper* turns of onto another excellent book; this time on the subject of bicycle design. Michael Embacher’s Cyclepedia: A Tour of Iconic Bicycle Designs, look at the last 90 years of bicycle design. This book documents the classics as well as the more forward designs (both good and bad, but mostly good) that has spanned the decades. Truth is, the fundamentals in bicycle design have remained the same for almost a century. How bike builders have built upon those fundamental is what makes cycling exciting. My favorite is the 1968 Duemila. From Thames & Hudson.

Available from Amazon.

More looks inside Cyclepedia: A Tour of Iconic Bicycle Designs book after the click.

The Palladium line of shoe compliments their offering with a selection of bags.  Their messenger bag – available in black and olive – comes in a canvas finish and is well priced around $88.

More looks after the click.

Designboom takes a look at Capetown’s Design Indaba Conference which invited “an international selection of recent design graduates to present their work in the form of Pecha Kucha. among this year’s delegates, was homegrown South African, Laduma Ngxokolo who shared his fashion collection which interprets Xhosa beadwork aesthetics into a range of men’s knitwear for Amakrwala.” Ngxokolo’s range of knit wear was made for the Xhosa’s traditional rite of passage from boyhood to manhood.

More looks after the click.