You want a Shoreditchian (in a good way) suit? Go to Mr Start. It’s the place to go if you want to wear a better suit but aren’t quite ready for the bespoke stuff. They’ve just released this spring/summer lookbook, which handily shows how a super cool guy like yourself would wear such a suit. Apologies for the lack of appropriate slang in that last sentence, we’re just not hip anymore.

Take a leap to see more.

There is a circle of headphone audiophiles that profess their love for wood. They discuss a very special sound or “resonance” that comes from the vibration of sound through and past certain woods. I am no expert in the niche of wood, but after experiencing a few hours with Thinksound’s ts02+ earbuds, I may have to explore more.

Thinksound is a new audio start-up from New Hampshire that focuses on two very important goals: delivering the best sound possible and keeping the environmental footprint of their products to a bare minimum. You will note their eco-friendliness straight off from their packaging: earbuds and accessories sit inside a recycled cardboard tray; the external box is made from recycled material as well. Thinksound takes the concept of eco-friendliness further by using PVC-free cabling. The wood housing is of course sustainable as well. For those who put importance on design, the wood grain is a pleasantly distinct look on the earbuds and I have yet to find a similar look in this market.

But we’re here for sound, first and foremost. We tested the $90 Thinksound ts02+mic. They do an admirable job of delivering very good sound through your iPod or portable player with not much compromise in sound. While the mids and highs are not as prominent and detailed as other earbuds on the market, the Thinksound ts02 performs above the fold:  vocals are clearly heard through the music and on the all important bass end, the ts02  shines very well. I personally like my bass to be full body in sound without the harsh and overbearing rumble. You get that with the ts02+mic model.

For the mobile user, the ts02+ includes a microphone with call/music control. Those looking to use these earbuds in loud environments such as subways, airplanes and offices will be more than impressed with the noise isolating seal of the ts02. In fact, it is one of the better sealing earbuds I have tested in some time (they include multiple earbud sizes for your comfort).

The Thinksound ts02+ will easily get a thumbs up from “bass heads” as well as those looking to enjoy traditional acoustic, folk and rock sounds through a pair of earbuds without compromising too much on details found in the high end. It is difficult not to recommend them at this price when you have options in woods: choose between black chocolate and silver cherry. Also available without mic for $80.

Photography: Jeff Carvalho/Selectism.com

More looks after the click.

We featured the new Saul Bass design book, Saul Bass: A Life in Film and Design, not too long ago with a look at the printing process. Today, we bring a more informative video look at the actual film title sequences that the designer is know for.  As we mentioned, his daughter, Jennifer, worked with historian Pat Kirkham on bringing together more than 1,400 photos and illustrations of his work for the new title. Highly recommended for lovers of design and film. Available from Amazon.

Benetton is not one to shy from the controversial, at least not in COLORS and advertisement campaigns; the last dating back more than 10 years. After a decade away from the consumer spotlight, Benetton returns with a full-frontal attack using a very similar formula of visual provocativeness in their quest to regain the consumer while putting the spotlight on the issue of cultural tolerance.

The Benetton UNHATE Campaign launched today through major newspapers and media channels and helps put focus on their UNHATE Foundation which seeks to ” contribute to the creation of a new culture of tolerance, to combat hatred, building on Benetton’s underpinning values. It is another important step in the group’s social responsibility strategy: not a cosmetic exercise, but a contribution that will have a real impact on the international community.”

An absolutely important cause in today’s world.

Highsnobiety has much more on this one.

More looks after the click.

189 alert us to the Inspired Series by Shwood Eyewear, this episode focuses on primitive wood sculptor Patrick Dougherty who creates some amazing pieces using traditional weaving techniques and a lot of elbow grease. As the site puts it, “I think what is most inspiring about the work that Patrick does is the fact he brings together groups of people that have never weaved before and works with them to create something remarkable.There’s quite the sense of community in this project, not just in the diverse range of people helping to create, but the viewing experience for the locals too.”

We’ve been getting a little carried away on the sock front of late, we’ll make no apology. This is what happens when Summer says ’see you later’. Still holding out for some cashmere numbers for those luxury feet situations,  in the meantime the reasonably priced Goerke Socks from premium line Mr Bs at Aldo would put a smile on our faces. Fairisle socks are always welcome round these parts. The design team at Mr B’s went all the way to Japan to find machines capable of creating these intricate patterns. It paid off. More at the Mr. B’s Gentlemen’s Boutique.

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Denham offer the ‘RECUT’ version of The Nautilus jacket for winter wear. This naval inspired piece is filled with technical specifications but its most interesting feature is the removable cowl – hood and shoulders – that leaves behind a plain tunic inspired by Royal Navy issue. Add to that heavy ripstop canvas from Dutch military tarpaulin, leather pulls and all manner of pockets and toggles and you’ve got yourself something suitable for all seafaring adventures. Find it at Denham.

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Backpacks are still here. Perhaps that’s because, aside from the heritage/70’s outdoors-men association, they’re actually the easiest way to carry a heavy load.  HMG, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, build their product with functionality foremost on their list. Mike St.Pierre, a chef from NYC, would escape the kitchen for walks in the Adirondacks on the weekends. He started to think about ways to reduce the weight of his gear, the answer came in the form of light but durable Cuben Fiber, “a high-performance, non-woven, rip-stop, composite laminate developed in the 1990s by a nuclear weapons physicist and an aerospace composite engineer.” An idea turned Maine based business, they offer several ultralite packs designed for hikers, climbers, cyclists and campers.

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Oliver Spencer adds a personal touch to his accessories for Autumn Winter 2011 with these Oli Gloves. The mitten/fingerless option has become a bit of a must if you hope to make any use of your smartphone while out and about this winter. Sure, you could just take your gloves off, but if you can keep at least 50% of your hand warm while you send that picture of a dog in a hat then why not. Moss green wool, with peanut suede palms for added grip, find them flipped or unflipped over at Oliver Spencer.

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01. component of a larger project (pictured)

We smell a trade show project…. (Gingerland)

02. 50 best: reissues of 2011

“Encompassing not just straight-up reissues but also first editions and compilations of archival material, our 50 best reissues isn’t just a celebration of music from days gone by; it’s also an opportunity to draw links between past and present, to examine how the records of yore have impacted upon the records of now. We’d even go as far as to say that the choice reissues in any given year can tell you more about what’s going on musically than any run-down of contemporary offerings could – after all, if you want to cut to the quick of any culture, you look at its canon. The canon – ever-shifting, ever-evolving – tells you what the culture thinks it is, what it wants to be.” (Fact Magazine)

03. SPD 47: Richard Turley’s Favorite Magazine

“Richard Turley (SPD 47 Co-Chair), Creative Director, Bloomberg Businessweek

Favorite magazine: ‘Sup Magazine

Music magazines are cursed by the paradox of musicians never having anything interesting to say, yet people asking them loads of questions anyway. And whilst I can’t claim to have read everything in ‘Sup, it’s such a great-looking mag I have to buy it just to feel like I read it.” (SPD)

04. FLANDERS FIELDS & FLASH POPPY FOLLY

“Should have finished writing this yesterday on Remembrance Sunday perhaps. Didn’t though. Today still want to consider the bad taste and general naffness of the flash poppy upgrades that are increasingly popular. On the TV show I go to known as the X Factor (to style the presenter), flash poppies are everywhere. Luckily my style co-operative agrees with me that an egalitarian paper and plastique option is only appropriate one.” (Style & Error)