NYT’s Suzy Menkes has written a great retrospect on the eve of  Comme des Garçons 40th anniversay and the launch of their “temporary brand called ‘Black.’ “Rei Kawakubo created black as the color of fashion’s rebel yell. She might have pronounced later, in her enigmatic way, that “red is the new black” and made that vivid color — checkered or regal — part of her repertoire.”

Well worth a read over at New York Times.

The good people at Supernews are reporting that a new Comme des Garçons concept is soon to launch in Japan’s Anoyama hood. “Remember the comme des garçons x louis vuitton store on aoyama’s kotto dori? well, that’s gone now. but what will launch at that spot very soon is black comme des garçons, a new and yet unknown concept store that’ll stay open for two months only. we thought you’d like to know. location: 5-12-3 minami aoyama.”

Super groupies of the CdG are rejoicing. We’re very much excited to see what develops with Black CdG.

Matches pulls out the year end sale with a great discount on this black fedora from Superfine. This easy to wear hat may work as a late gift for the man of the house. Toss on some Mad Men re-runs or place it next to his Mackintosh overcoat. (via ft)

We all know about the world of automobile customization; those small shops that take already high end vehicles and fashion them with both design and performance enhancements. McLaren comes to mind. Incredibly, in the world of chronographs and wristwatches, the same after-market world exists.

Pro Hunter in the UK is one of those after-market companies specializing in turning already legendary Rolex’s into one of a kind gems of metal. Take a look through their site and check out the custom Rolex Daytonas in Black and Red bezel (bonkers), Submariners, Seadwellers and more. But let us now focus on what we consider the best of the Pro Hunter series – The Ceramic GMT 2008. This thing is so ridiculously good it makes me want to curse. They start with a Rolex Anniversary GMT ref 116700, and add a Black dial, black bezel, AR coating the full body and glass,  a minimal black military NATO wrist strap. Its about the best looking GMT on the market. Each Pro Hunter Rolex is limited to 100 units. 

View more of the Pro Hunter Rolex offering for 2008 after the jump.

A nice cardigan from US Rags (and also made in California) featuring black with white polka dot prints on the exterior and a nice contrast prints on the inside. Great price too at only 59$US via Alter Brooklyn.

View the full US Rag Black Polka Dot Cardigan after the jump.

DNR is reporting this morning on some moves from Polo Ralph Lauren towards the opening of solo standing purple and black mens stores. "Freestanding men’s stores for Black or Purple Label may be in the cards for Polo Ralph Lauren. As those labels continue to expand their reach, adding more product categories and offerings, the company is considering breaking them out as separate retail concepts."

Read the story at DNR.

This is a Raf by Raf High Top Sneaker available this season from oki-ni.com in black and white. The style is executed in all one colour including the lace and the sole. There is an embossed RAF logo on the tongue and an application on the heel. The sneaker comes in black and white and is available now. If you are looking for something simple, yet in premium quality, these might just be perfect.

Yesterday we presented to you the two metallic colored Kiefer Hi’s, a collaboration of Visvim and Sophnet. Here is the third one in the series that released. A little more subtle in terms of color, this style also features a zipper in the side, much like we are used from the Mastermind Japan collaborations with Visvim. Just like the other two gold and silver colorways, this one also comes with the embossed scorpion. Pics via Fourstar.

For the new year A Bathing Ape has once again some strong collaboration aligned. Recently we showed you the first SpongeBob collaborations that are hitting stores now. Here we present you a new Disney collaboration on a Mickey Mouse doll. The doll comes mostly covered in the black Bape camouflage print and comes in a matching black camouflage pouch. The doll is now available at CliffEdge.

As part of their Spring/Summer 2008 collection, Nexus VII released a new Gore-Tex Half Jacket. Taking much of its inspiration from a classic trenchcoat, the Half jacket is a modern and more sporty take on it. It comes in all black with tonal logo embroideries. Via Revolution Information.