Two tone shoes are always on the peripheral of trendiness – which is good if you’re thinking about buying a pair. They’re never so in that you’re forced to put yours into hibernation for fear of looking like every tom, dick and google reader . And they’re never so out that you end up looking like you’re dressing for the tweed run. Not that you pay any attention to trends, you’re cleverer than that.

Take a leap to see the other shoe.

Korehira Watanabe is one of Japane’s last swordsmiths. He has honed his craft for 40 years while attempting to recreate the mythical Koto sword.

Read and see more at Etsy.

It’s Nice That lets us know about the works of James Hopkins. The Brighton and Goldsmith’s graduate has made meticulous and, most of all, fun work that plays with perspectives. It’s the sort of thing we visit art galleries for. Enjoy the sculptures.

Take a leap to see more.

It’s like a Euros clash of sorts. A battle which many of my close Italo friends would love to witness on the pitch but alas, this is a loving collaboration. Italy’s Buttero works with Portuguese boutique, Por Vocação on a pair of derby shoes which should remain off the pitch. Buttero has an almost Japanese-like obsession with a perfect finished product. The leathers and stitching always look exceptionally clean. We’re assuming these derby shoes will be no different. Made from vegetable tanned horse leathers, the shoes are available in three colorways: taupe, dark brown and black, as well as greased finish takes on uppers of the latter. Distinct. Find the at Por Vocação.

More looks after the click.

Curated lets us know about this important work by Ai Weiwei:

“What an incredible image this is. Created by China’s Ai Weiwei and titled Forever Bicycle, it is an impressive feat. Now if only he could attend his own show. This piece is part of the larger show fittingly called Absent. After his imprisonment, the Chinese government is keeping close tabs on the most prominent artist the country has produced in the recent past and is not allowing him to attend. Let’s just hope he continues to stay a free man (of sorts) and another unjust imprisonment is not in his future.”

See more over at Curated.

Noah Emrich of NOVH helps GANT Rugger get the word out on their Holiday 2011 collection with a series of photographs styling various New York City creatives in their wears. Putting clothes on real people clearly helps showcase how at least one part of the universe gets outfitted in GANT. The line is of course available globally. Find more on their Holiday 2011 look at GANT Rugger.

More looks after the click.

Here’s something all geeky folks will enjoy. Created by Jesse Eisemann, the Super Mario Bros inspired map artwork is perfect for any nostalgic New Yorker who misses the old days when plumbers solved things by jumping on things and headbutting bricks. It’s available to buy from Imagekind.

Public art exhibitions are essential in every city. The Mondrian SoHo does its part with a newly installed exhibition of minimalist, Sol LeWitt’s photography. 150 of LeWitt’s photographs of the Lower East side are exhibited on the Lafayette Street side of the hotel, photographed around 1979. The expanse of the exhibition runs more than 60 feet in length with images scaling to 20 feet in height. The project has been organized in collaboration with independent curator Adam Shopkorn, the LeWitt Foundation and Paula Cooper Gallery. Stop at the Mondrian for a look.

Photography: ©Estate of Sol LeWitt / ARS. Courtesy Paula Cooper Gallery, New York

More looks after the click.

Here’s a layer level for all the urban cyclists who will continue to push on through the cold ice and snow. The Mission Workshop Merino wool pullover will add that extra resistance layer to the elements. Features the easy to reach storage wells you’ll need. Made from New Zealand merino wool. Prepare for the ride with Mission Workshop.

More looks after the click.

The Autodromo watch company develops driving watches that play homage to the classic dashboards of European sports cars. They launched three new models today, the Veloce, the Brescia and the Vallelunga, each retailing for $425; a very reasonable price for most consumers. Each has a distinct look on the face while housing Swiss Ronda quartz movements and K1 sapphire-coated glass on the inside. Very clean looks with little to no bells and whistles (sans the Veloce with its date display). Looking at the watch faces on the Autodromo’s, you’ll note where the look comes from. Via Hodinkee.

More looks after the click.