When I walked into the Ace Hotel in Portland, OR this past Spring, I was told to keep an eye out for the cashmere blankets on the beds. These were the inspiration used in developing the special sized throw blankets for Number (N)ine to accentuate their Fall 2008 collection, known as "My Own Private Portland." But the connection to the Ace went even further. As Artikel von Lisa described for Ultra back in February, "’My Own Private Portland’ …opened with an Ace Hotel voicemail message… And Portland-made Pendleton wool blankets were folded on each seat at the show…They’re now at Number (N)ine’s Manhattan flagship store…"

We’ve also been told to keep an eye out for some new collaborative works coming for Winter 2009 with the opening of Ace’s New York hotel including pillows and more.

Number (N)ine now worked with Vans on a pack of Old School’s with Vans. Featuring a similar pattern on the upper like the Number (N)ine x Visvim Gore-Tex jackets, the pack consists of 3 colorways. It will be released on the 10th of May. Via Honeyee.

Honeyee has launched yet another impressive feature on their site today. This time they present the new Number (N)ine Spring/Summer 2008 collection. With great photography and styling the new collection is being presented. Also the Visivm x Number (N)ine Gore-Tex jackets that appear in the feature look very interesting, fusing the style of Number (N)ine with the technical know-how in this area by Visvim.

Just in case you are curious, currently Number (N)ine has flagship stores in Tokyo and also in NYC. The store is a complete experience, thus make sure passing by it when you are around the Meatpacking District next time.

Check it out here.

As part of their Spring/Summer 2008 collection Japanese brand Number (N)ine has released a new hi-top sneaker. Similar to the Converse Chuck Taylor, the canvas sneaker features a black/white pattern on the upper and interesting lacing.

They are now available at Cliff Edge.

Number (N)ine has become one of our favorites in recent years. In case you are in NYC or Tokyo, make sure to visit their flagship stores, it’s a real experience. Their upcoming Spring/Summer 2008 collection stays in the grey and black tones and distances itself from graphics. The clothes are in general cut very large and worn very relaxed, also the brand suggest layering in their new collection.

Some outfits work and look good, inspiration as usual comes from the world of rock and Nirvana in particular. But we are a bit disappointed by the collection, because it has no pieces that really stand out, one could almost call it boring. The last collection was much better and more interesting than this one. True Number (N)ine fans will of course still go for it! Our favorite pieces are the ones inspired by the classic duffle coat, which are probably the most special ones.

You can view the complete line here.