When we hear L.L. Bean, we usually think of Roger Ebert, a function-over-fashion approach to business and those sweet-ass hand crank radios we always hope will turn up in our stockings. Whatever your association, the fact remains that the mail-order and retail company is a freaking American institution. To celebrate their 100th anniversary, the company has recreated some of its classic illustrated catalog covers as actual photographs. Creative Director VP Marcia Minter says of the project: “These covers have such a strong storyline. The process of creating them was more like directing a movie that it was a typical still photo shoot.” Based on this sample, we’re inclined to agree. Homeboy is a grumpier old man than Jack Lemon and Walter Matthau combined. See more of the original covers in their new Guaranteed to Last book. (designboom)

More looks in our gallery…

The Moment gave some love to a new book documented more than 100 years of L.L. Bean clothing. Guaranteed To Last: L.L. Bean’s Century Of Outfitting America
cover the story of L.L. Bean’s beginnings in 1910 across 224 pages. With $400 borrowed from friends, an unknown hunter from Maine invented the “Bean Boot” which would forever change the course of outdoor footwear. To help get the word out regarding his new waterproof boot, Bean obtained a listing out out of state hunting license holders and mailed them their first L.L. Bean circular, which launched his nationwide mail order business.

The Guaranteed To Last features a cache of photographs, illustrations and ephemera from the L.L. Bean’s  century old archives. Coming January 24, 2012. Published by Melcher; available from Amazon.

Selects images from the book after the click.

Your options just expanded in the L.L. Bean world. Their Signature line has delivered (late) some new season proper boot additions. The blue waxes canvas bean boot is a nice standout as is the use of different sole materials. Not sure how I feel about the crepe on a big boot but some may love it. (si)

More looks after the click.

Well, by now you all have probably heard that the L.L. Bean Signature Collection is now available online. The closest we got to a preview were some borrowed images of the duck boot but in our opinion, the boots were expected (many of our writers are from New England where these boots are simply a staple and have been for decades). More importantly, other looks from the collection warrant a preview, which we’ll get to over the course of the next few months. For now, we profile the “vintage field watch” from the L.L. Bean Signature Collection. It runs about 25$US less than the J. Crew Timex Military Watch. Which do you prefer?

More looks at the L.L. Bean Signature Collection Vintage Field Watch after the click.

Looks like a normal Bean bag right? Well it’s a bit more original than one might assume. Back the 1920’s the L.L. Bean company produced a 30oz duck canvas bag used to haul ice around the hills of Maine and New England. Heritage Research was able to get the Bean to reproduce a run of these rugged totes sized medium with long double strength handles, reinforced flat canvas bottom and overlapped seams.” The double-stitch finish rounds it all out.  This is a serious tote available at Oi Polloi.

More looks at the LL BEAN Tote Bag for Heritage Research after the jump.

Eric Wilson writes in today’s NYT’s regarding a change in market of sorts for Maine’s L.L. Bean Company. “It now happens that L. L. Bean, like other outdoor companies, is planning an updated look with a collection called L. L. Bean Signature. The company has hired a name designer, Alex Carleton, the founder of Rogues Gallery, as its creative director. In March, it will introduce the line, including tailored linen blazers and buffalo plaid shirts for men and camp jackets and a madras shirtdress for women.” We’re looking forward to see what Mr. Carleton brings to the market with “Signature.” More to come…

Read the full story at The New York Times.