Back in the ’80s, Tumi pushed boundaries in the luggage game by throwing ballistic nylon into the materials mix. They are at it again with a new super-light polypropylene thermoplastic composite material called Tegris. Created by textile and chemicals manufacturer Milliken for use in body armor, NASCAR vehicles, protective gear for NFL players and now for the Tegra-Lite line, Tegris is tough enough to handle all sorts of abuse—and really, what good is a bag that can’t sustain a two-story drop? These drop at Tumi stores nationwide this spring.

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Follow us as we step through the doors of MHL’s first London store, located on Old Nichol Street and yet another addition to the Redchurch street massive. Margaret Howell has always kept the utilitarian label on a relatively low exposure level. As with the mainline, fiercely protecting the brand has created a continuous buzz and sense of exclusivity, both of which have kept her legion of loyal followers faithful to this British fashion institution. The space is very much in line with MHL and Margaret Howell stores worldwide. As you’d expect light, wood, simple fixtures and a sense of space are the preferred look.

Placing the clothing at the centre of attention, there’s very little to distract from what MHL does best – creating the kind of gear you’d happily fill your wardrobe with and wear for the rest of your days. The Spring/Summer 2012 collection had just dropped when we paid a visit, even more reason to take the tour.

Photography – Ross Trevail

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Junya Watanabe Man offers this Bandana Print scarf, legitimately allowing you to wear this pattern once again. Yeah, we’re talking to you, guy who spent his teens with one tied around his forehead in an ill-judged homage to Axl Rose. Behind you is that other guy. The one who attempted the neckerchief then realised his neck/head proportions meant he looked more like a stewardess. This substantial alternative is 100% wool and will work with just about anything; work garms, weekend garms, indoors-wear, thanks to the understated shade of blue and subtle paisley pattern. Goodhood has them.

Longtime favourites Kapital make the slow march out of Japan and into more accessible retail spaces. Something most definitely to be cheerful about. Londoners will be pleased to hear it is gracing the shelves of indigo and wood emporium Anthem who we featured back in September. On the other side of the pond, Hickorees finds itself on that select list of stockists and have chosen superbly with their first drop. We picked out this tote mainly because it embodies everything the brand excels at.

Taking antique Sashiko fabric, consisting of thin layers of quilted and worn cloth, and turning it into a simple modern tote is something very few labels could do with such skill. As traditional Japanese Boro (a sister technique) begins to creep its way into fashion vocabulary, this will become one of those items that may look a little freakshow at first but will no doubt find itself replicated by less knowledgeable parties. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery after all. Find it at Hickorees if it hasn’t already flown out.

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Maybe not the most fashionable backpack you’ll see this year, but undoubtedly one of the most rugged. Chrome has always been a front-runner where durability and wear-ability are concerned—this happens when you spend over 15 years making sought-after bags for bike messengers—but we too often associate their wares with those undoubtedly functional but rather unsightly seat-belt buckle clasps on the ubiquitous shoulder bags.

This Yalta bag, however, keeps it nice and simple. While not as minimal as Outlier’s recent entry in the roll-top backpack field, the Yalta has the advantage of four colorways (as opposed to Outlier’s white-only). Jungle—happily not a cammo print; just a nice olive green—Asphalt and Snow are nice monochromatic entries. The 3M Night, meanwhile, is black with a reflective front panel, which is eminently useful while outrunning cars on a bicycle. Make no mistake, these bags are tech (waterproof; built in laptop sleeve; EVA foam back panel; sternum strap … ) but with most of the tech hidden away, they are in crossover territory.

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Hats off to Grain & Gram for this great little video offering a look at the workings of accessories favourites MAKR. Founder Jason Gregory skates, sews and sketches his way through the film and, with the help of his bearded associates, creates those totes, wallets and keyfobs we love so much. All crafted in their Florida studio – unsurprisingly one of those perfect spaces that makes you go ‘ooohhh’ –  this is a behind the scenes look at a small company making big waves. An interview also accompanies the film, we recommend you check it out.

More from MAKR in our archives.

Do you remember when we interviewed the guys behind brand new tradeshow MAN? If the answer’s no then head back in time to here. Well, its first outings in NYC and Paris were a resounding success so we thought we’d share a few images from the floor to give you an idea of what went down on Rue Froissart in the Marais district. The MAN team offer us an exclusive look at their images from the show.  Well-dressed peeps and some top notch goods from the likes of  Kitsuné Tee, Bleu de Chauffe, Jojo Messenger, Steve Mono, and Fred Perry Laurel Wreath.

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Photography – MAN

Some will argue this, but the NATO strap is going to stick around for some time. For one thing, having strap or bracelet options for timepiece keeps your look refreshed as often (or not) as you need it to work for you. I’ve moved back onto a rubber strap for my Breitling, but who knows how quickly I’ll get bored with that shit too. The NATO strap in the original nylon take is a proper summer addition and in today’s world, you can choose between countless color options. We recommend sticking with the solids, though.

For those looking to get a little dirty and break in some leather, consider the DaLuca Leather straps, available in solid colors of blue, green, and Horween leather browns. You’ll pay a bit for them as they range from $145 – $175 (Horween raises the price as does the PVD blasted hardware options). Wear what you like. It is your watch at the end of the day. (gq)

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Vim Beget, a small accessories line out of Seattle WA. presents the  Cervidae VT Wallet. A single piece of 2oz vegetable tan leather is moulded into a five compartment accordion style wallet  for cash, loose change, cards and anything else you wish to store away. The entire line has a dark, more modern feel than most handmade leather goods on offer at the moment, but there is a nod to the past with the fastening;  lift-the-Dot snaps on the front flap were originally used to secure WWII military utility pouches. Find the Cervidae VT here.