As we still sit firmly in Spring, or for some of us a season more like Winter-lite, it seems appropriate to shine a light on the sock, still keeping us warm around the ankle area while we await better days. Everybody has a drawer full of these things, many of which have seen better days, but sometimes you have to get fancy on your sock situation. Maybe you’ve bought some trousers just that half inch to short, perhaps you’re a roller or a cuffer, maybe you sit down a lot – a reclining leg exposer. Whatever way, if you’re socks are visible to the world make it count. These six are loud, proud and mean business, let your feet do the talking.

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8 Jackets for Spring and Summer

See the 6 socks on the following page.

FREE/MAN point towards this store lookbook from VMC in Switzerland. Describing themselves as “THE original store in Switzerland for vintage styles and American and British sportswear”, established in 1986, their current line up of brands is pretty solid, including the likes of Kapital, Arn Mercantile, Woolrich, LVC, Iron Heart Jeans, Monitaly, Rising Sun and more. The lookbook is the usual bearded man affair but manages to feel like a fresh take on a popular set-up.

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The second offering from Kapital for Spring/Summer 2012, Indigo Indio is everything you’d expect it to be. Imagine the Martha Marcy May Marlene commune without all the sinister business and covered in denim, you’re half way their. Plenty of patchwork hippy business, incredible craftsmanship mixed with a little bit of madness. A nice follow on from our close-up post earlier in the week. More over at Bandanna Almanac.

The guys at East London store Anthem have been waiting quite a while for their shipment of Kapital to arrive from Japan. Overseas deliveries can be cruel like that. All is right with the world now though, as some of the most extraordinary garments to land on these shores are now out on shelves – it seemed rude not to stop by and say hello. We’ve shown a lot of fan-love to Kapital in the past, seeing everything up close, it feels justified.

Detailing in the form of traditional Japanese Boro and tattoo inspired embroidery, silver concho buttons on heavyweight knitwear, incredible raw denim and patchwork faded indigo, a shawl collared coat that nearly brought on the vapors. A great mix of challenging and more staid garments, we could go off on one about the socks alone but we’ll let the images do the talking. Thanks to Anthem for the tour.

Photography:Ross Trevail/Selectism.com

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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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The good folk at Bandanna Almanac were lucky enough to get a tour of Kapital label Kountry’s factory. In the spirit of giving they’ve shared the results up on their blog. Anyone familiar with the label will know the intricate detailing and well balanced distressing that goes into each garment, so getting to peek behind the curtain feels like a bit of a privilege. Plenty of indigo, industrial washing machines, dyeing vats, patchwork and hand-finished garments to keep the fans happy.

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The Bandanna Almanac takes a look at this impressive vest from Kapital. Based on the classic Brown’s Beach Jacket with the trimmed pockets and metal snaps, the Japanese label has of course added some unique touches of their own.

Zig-Zag stitching on the lower half, straight stitching on the top, pocket rivets, heavy cotton and a softer wool on the inside this is a sturdy piece for colder weather. Superb.

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Indigo aficionados The Bandanna Almanac present Kapital’s Spring Summer 2012 lookbook. This is the 30th catalogue from one of Japan’s most celebrated labels, each one as inventive and patchwork heavy as the next. Surf Cowboys has all the elements you’d expect from these guys. The collections don’t vary wildly season to season but why mess with something so spot on. The perfect combination of traditional Japanese fabrics, old world American classics and eccentric layering. Take a look.

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Kapital lookbooks are always worth a flick through, the Japanese label prides itself on creating something a little out of the ordinary every season. You’re unlikely to find any white backdrops or harsh studio lighting when it comes to these guys. Travelling the world to shoot on some extraordinary terrains, this time they offer us ‘Colorado Hippies’, rocky, snow tinged goodness and plenty of eccentric layering you’d expect from one of Japan’s finest.

Japanese lifestyle brand, Kapital, show us some new items for 2011. The new “No.EK-51” jacket has a 100% cotton exterior. The shawl style collar and oversized fit make this a very versatile jacket. With all the different style parkas out in the market, this has very modern aesthetic to it. This would make a solid layering jacket for those rainy days. The piece comes in black and olive it’s only available at CottonSheep.

More looks after the click.