As we have pointed out many times over, there are technically two variants of the Filson Black label – one for Europe and one for North American. To put an end to the confusion, the North American line is now referred simply as Filson Black. Thanks for the clarity.

Richard Chai has his hands and design work all over these looks. Refined cuts and an attempt to modernize (with respect) the original intention of the Filson garments will make this collection appeal to those well beyond the borders of workwear soldiers.

Our gallery features the complete collection from Filson Black including the bag collection.

More detailed looks on the following page.

Let’s be honest: on paper, very little separates a tote bag from a purse. They both carry stuff and go over a shoulder or in a clasped hand. In reality, however, a tote can be a very masculine carry-all beloved for its form and function. This is why we are presenting you a tensome of bags that are manly things for one reason or another. Man bags that you can carry with confidence.

Other Guides:
6 Socks for Showing Off
6 Leather Cash-Money Wallets
10 Shoes, No Socks

See our 10 manly totes after the jump…

Rugged gear that looks refined—a simple enough thing to ask for, but a tough pair of ideals to deliver on. Filson has the balance down, (Richard Chai in the driver’s seat does not hurt). This small duffle is adorable in a way, but you could just as easily see a commando of sorts hoisting it—packed with firearms—through a third-world villa. Just look at the teeth on that zipper!

One of us has a Filson tote similar to this olive green god that gets used primarily as a diaper bag. Putting it over the shoulder always feels the like starting point of grandest adventure. Tell you what: It is the manliest diaper bag at ballet class and still gets lots of cooing from the mothers. Blackbird has it.

More looks in our gallery…

I have two young kids, so the closest I usually get to a night on the town is a skate and a movie. Truth be told, this is as fun and fruitful as anything I used to do after work in my 20s. When I am rolling about town on a skateboard, on my way to a movie, my mind goes to a quiet place where choices are reflected upon, the future is given ample consideration and ideas are born. I also usually have a little love affair with my skateboard, my shoes and whatever functional stuff I am wearing or carrying. It is all very emotional, and by the time I am sitting in the darkened theater, I am putty, ready to be moved by a piece of moving art.

Photography by selectism.com

Read about my skateboard ride to see the new Woody Harrelson vehicle, Rampart, after the jump.

Following on from our preview chat with its founders, we made our way to  Jacket Required this week, with Victoria House in Bloomsbury playing host. Part 2, The Return, The Sequel, The Arthur 2 : On the Rocks of menswear if you will, its second outing was a sizeable affair in comparison to its debut, with more brands then you can shake a King of Clubs umbrella at. We got a little snap happy so we present to you the first of two servings of Jacket Required Autumn/Winter 2012.

Featuring: London Undercover, Denim Demon, Ma.Strum, Anerkjendt, Brutus, One Nine Zero Six, Filson, Maiden Noir, Brooks, Universal Works, Mark McNairy, Mr Start and Carhartt.

Click for images

Photography: Ross Trevail/Selectism.com

L-R: Mark Batista, Craig Ford, Andrew Parfitt

Time flies. Seems like just yesterday we were rooting through the offerings on display at Jacket Required’s first ever showing in London town. Craig Ford, Mark Batista and Andrew Parfitt have been working hard to step things up for this second outing. The brand list, now well over double in size, is still a select line up of labels, both British and from furtherfield, all of which represent their ethos of  ”quality of brand, diversity of offering and uniqueness of experience”. Our previous coverage is worth another look if you are just aquainting yourself with Jacket Required.

We asked the guys to give us their take on last season’s happening and look to  Jacket Required Autumn/Winter 2012 kicking of this Sunday at new venue, Victoria House in Bloomsbury. Brands old and new include; The Superior Labor, Filson, Bedwin and the Heartbreakers, Universal Works, Garbstore, Human Made, Sanders and many more tasty names. We will be bringing you more on how it all panned out. For now, click on.

Images: Jacket required

The Richard Chai/Filson affair was front and center this morning at Richard Chai’s Autumn/Winter 2012 runway show, part of New York Fashion Week, and not just in accessories (as mentioned earlier in the week, Chai is now creative director of Filson). Fabrics and textiles used throughout Chai’s collection look to be sourced from Filson’s own archive and fashioned in a manner that really does hint as a merging of two styles: the boxy fits – standards in the Filson collection – make their presence on the runway along with more tailored long coats. The inspiration as noted is Richard Chai “in the wood.” It certainly looks to be the case in a positive manner.

Photography: Selectism.com

More looks in our gallery…

While it isn’t exactly Lou Reed taking Metallica by the hand, Richard Chai assuming the position of Creative Director at Filson presents a surprising pairing. We’re certainly not predicting a Lulu-esque fiasco, but we can easily picture a younger Reed stumbling confidently down the avenue in Chai’s breezy, androgynous creations. We can also picture James Hetfield pretending to be rugged in a pair of Filson’s hearty overalls. Here’s what Chai is saying: “Our partnership will be rooted in everyday wear—approachable with unexpected fabrications and details that are signature to my collections, all while staying true to the heritage of the Filson Brand.”

Bottom line: this should be interesting, so watch for a full showing this fall that includes a capsule collection of classic Filson jackets dipped in Chai. -jt

Photography: models.com

Now, when it comes to all things Filson, the borders become hazy in Europe. The Italian minds that hold the license (or agreement – we tend to not ask about these matters) do Filson somewhat differently than their parents back in Seattle. That is not to say that in any way one does things better than the others. In fact they do it similar but the touches and fits are the defining lines. With that said, we present a preview of the Filson Red and Black Label collections as presented, shown and quite possibly developed in Italy.

Photography: Luca Merli/Mensreverie.com/Selectism.com

View more looks in our gallery…

An umbrella is a strong gift for just about anyone in your  life: from your moms to your little niece. We should all be thankful for rain (in moderate quantities) but that is no reason to get wet. We select a short list of our favorite umbrellas – all perfect for the holidays. We fun the high and low of umbrellas here: from the moderate mini stowaways to a massive golf umbrella that could keep a family dry.

Read and see more umbrellas after the click.