While there’s a been a major boon in online retailers in the last couple of years, Oi Polloi are known for being one of the first (and best) to do it. We recently caught up with co-founder Steve Sanderson to find out about how Oi Polloi’s origins, their own label and their magazine, The Rig Out (which the interviewer Glen Kitson worked on).

G- I know working with you on the Rig Out we try to keep it simple, to be uncontrived. It’s almost trying to sell fashion to blokes who wouldn’t admit to being interested in style or fashion?

SS- I’d rather try and make things look real, than looking at some model staring off into the distance for his long lost love…. That stuff is nonsense. We’d love to develop what the Rig Out is; there are loads that could be done with it. It’s a nice way of doing different types of projects, we can work on projects with brands and do nice little stories and put our stamp on things. Rather than doing it all though the Internet, its almost as a reaction from all the blog type sites, its not against them but things are nice in print. People like it because its real, that why people still prefer to buy vinyl or CD’s as opposed to downloading music.
We like paraphernalia, its real. Its tangible.

Read the full feature here.

Modeled after Swedish Army Parkas of the 1950s and 60s, the Nigel Cabourn Swedish Parka is made of a 50/50 cotton and nylon blend. Details include envelope pockets and Corozo nut buttons. Get it from those nice Mancunian blokes at Oi Polloi.

Full look after the jump.

Check out this set of hand crafted moccasins from Oi Polloi. The crepe sole makes the ride on these incredibly soft. “Made from extra heavy, quality Swiss hides that are tanned in England by a small, family owned tannery. Using a process that no one in the world has been able to duplicate, the fibers of the leather are tightly joined, yet are pliable enough to allow the leather to mould to your feet and breathe.”

More views of the Oi Polloi Moccasins after the jump.

We’re big fans of Oi Polloi here at Selectism, so it’s interesting to see how co-founder Steve Sanderson dresses. The Guardian’s close-up feature quizzes Sanderson on his personal look, if he gets everything from his shop (yes is the somewhat obvious answer) and what influences the way he dresses. A point he brings up is how youth cultures have changed.

He says, “I grew up in the early 80s (I’m 42 now) and then there was a lot more separation in youth culture than there is now. There were skinheads, rockers, football casuals (even though I don’t like that term). I always felt that I was crossing genres, because I was going to heavy-metal clubs but dressed in sports casual gear. That cross-pollination of pulling looks from different areas is where I’m coming from.”

Check out the rest of the interview here.

Manchester’s Oi Polloi, working with Etnies Plus, has devised four styles of footwear hedged on subtle details. All feature the Oi Polloi Magpie motif. As with each Etnies Plus release each pair is individually numbered. 

Some more words on the collaboration:

"The shoes maketh the man is what we were told when we were growing up, which must have had some kind of impact, as we’ve been left mentally scarred with what can only be described as a slightly fanatical obsession with shoes," said Steve Sanderson, Co-founder of Oi Polloi.  "One day we were talking to the nice chaps at etnies about the merits of geography teacher shoes, and how we were keen to make some shoes of our own. Not long after, the wheels were in motion, and as if by magic, the etnies Plus Oi Polloi Collaboration was created!"

Full preview after the jump.

Levi’s Vintage is on a tear right now. Taking advantage of what many consider to be their own heritage, they have begun a re-introduction of their classic wears. This coat is no exception. "Levi’s Vintage 1920’s mackinaw wool coat in dark green check. An exact replica of a rancher coat Levi’s were producing in 1912…Thigh length, 3 button double breasted with belt and high fastening neck" and more. Available at Oi Polloi.

"YMC suede leather, 2 eyelet chukka boot on a Stan Smith sole unit. With moccasin toe stitch detail, leather base and heel panel sections, slightly padded ankle, waxed string lace and full leather lining. Genius design, absolute beauties…" Avalilable now from Oi Polloi.

Ever since an Italian company licensed Woolrich, we have been impressed with the development of the line. Today we see American workwear with a vintage touch, Italian influence, designed by a Japanese designer and it could not be better. You get the best out of all three worlds.

"Daiki hasn’t pulled his designer punches this time, it’s possibly the most perfect collaboration we’ve seen, the quality of each piece is outstanding, but never over done. Daiki’s understanding of functional clothing is out of this world, if you’re looking for a jacket or shirt that’s going to last you a lifetime, will never go out of fashion and never really be in fashion (thank god), this stuff was made for you."

A first selection of the Woolrich Woolen Mills Fall/Winter 2008 collection is now available at Oi Polloi.

More images after the jump.

The Baracuta G4 jacket maybe similar to a Harrington, Burberry’s golf jacket, or even Baracuta G9, but take it in a bit. It has a slighty slimmer form, belted, and keeps that easy two pocket look in focus. Oi Polloi is stocking three versions of the Baracuta G4 jacket – original, slim, and vintage fit. And they keep the vintage Baracuta check interior liner! A great summer look for the yacht or mini-golf.

More views after the jump.

Oi Polloi has teamed up with British working gear company R.Newbold in producing a heavyweight charcoal cotton polo with features reinforced, 2 button placket and double-layered shoulder panel. Available now from Oi Polloi.