L-R: Romain Bernardie James, Antoine Floch, Olivier Migda. (Photography: Mathieu Missiaen)

A new tradeshow hits Paris and New York this year in the form of MAN. Looking to bring something different to a crowded market and working on the basis of Quality before Quantity, a select line-up of brands includes Bleu de Chauffe, Kitsuné Tee, Steve Mono, Jojo Messenger and Fred Perry Laurel Wreath. A resident of the French capital, heading up the team is Antoine Floch who takes time out to tell us a little about his new venture, the Paris menswear scene and working with creative agency Les Imaginers.

Read the interview at the click.

Michael Halsband has been shooting since the 70s. Growing up in NYC meant he was never short of subject matter. “There was Central Park and the Bandshell, West Side, the Riverside Park scene and all the kids that hung out there… Once you tapped into anyone who was connected to that scene you were drawn into it very naturally”.

He went on to work at Rolling Stone Records where small projects turned into shooting Mick on the ‘81 “Tattoo You” tour and Keith Richards for Rolling Stone Magazine. Working with the likes of Warhol, Basquiat and Klaus Nomi, Michael’s career has been an eventful one. Have a peek round his Flat Iron apartment courtesy of Freunde Von Freunden.

Click for images

Johan Lindeberg’s BLK DNM opens their first non-online shop, Pop 1, this week in New York City. Buyers and browsers will find a wide selection of the BLK DNM offering from denim, jackets and beyond. Find them at 237 Lafayette (between Prince and Spring).

The NYC offices of Widen+Kennedy are throwing a pop-up shopping experience called, simply, SHOP. 40 brands from NYC, including, Nicholas K, Isaora, Burkman Bros., Highland US, Steven Alan, Siki Im, Rogan, Loomstate, Anna Sheffield, Saturdays NYC, are taking part in the event. Food and music from some big names should be expected. Find them at 150 Varick Street.

NYT profiles Al Abayan’s new shop, Patron of the New. “For those with fond memories of No. (N)ine, the acclaimed but now defunct Japanese men’s wear line whose practically hidden Washington Street outpost he ran for eight years, this will come as no surprise. True to his boutique’s name, Abayan is in constant search of stimulation for jaded palettes.”

Saturdays Surf NYC has been a favorite stopping point during any of our Soho visits since they opened in the Spring of 2009. This summer the empire expands, just a little, with the launch of a full in-house collection. Designed by the trio of owners – Morgan Collett, Josh Rosen, and Colin Tunstall – the gear mixes surf and city. It is, as you’d imagine, casual and fun. Emphasis on shorts with well detailed knits.

Check out the full collection from Saturdays after the leap.

“This season, (capsule) commissioned Berlin-based artist Tina Berning to illustrate her vision of our community. Berning produced two complementary pieces, one inspired by our men’s show and the other by the debut of our women’s. Her signature, figurative illustration style, often on found paper, manages to speak volumes with a whisper. ” (capsule) hits NYC on Jan 18-19.

ACE Hotel NYC continues to drop the exclusives on their staff. Kinda makes you want to work there just to get access to the collaboration goods. “The staff at the Portland Ace have worn Jack Purcell shoes since its debut, and for NYC, Ace is partnering with Converse on special Chuck Taylor All Star shoes. An American icon, Converse is indelibly linked with the independent spirit and attitude of countless musicians, artists and athletes. Simple, understated, synonymous with rock & roll and coveted by all walks of life, we think Converse is a perfect fit for Ace.”

More looks at the Converse for ACE Hotel New York City after the jump.

As mentioned before, Self Edge is about to opens doors on their new NYC location at 157 Orchard. The shop which will carry a slew of hard to find denim from Japan and beyond. It also happens to be a collaborative effort with the 3sixteen boys. “We have partnered with Kiya Babzani of Self Edge San Francisco to open Self Edge New York, which will carry the entire 3sixteen collection every season, as well as product manufactured in small numbers exclusively for the store. SENY will become 3sixteen’s marquee retailer in New York.” Expect the same quality of customer service you find at Self Edge’s San Francisco location in NYC with a few surprises…

Richard Chai is the latest designer to take over ODIN’s single brand concept shop, DEN, in NYC. “The Den space reflects a minimal and architectural approach, one that parallels the Richard’s design sensibility.  The installation will carry a large part of his Men’s Spring 09 collection that was presented in Paris along with some new and exclusive pieces cut specially for the store.  In addition to the men’s collection will be a small capsule of Richard Chai womenswear, which features such signature design elements as French seaming, arc details, and refined tailoring. Also showcased in Richard’s installation will be the artwork of his friend, artist Daniel Peddle. His collages, created from found and recycled papers serve as the backdrop for the store.”

More images from the Richard Chai install at DEN NYC after the jump.