Nownesstoday presents a new film about Japanese tattoo master Horiyoshi III.
Johnny Shand Kydd (who you may remember from last week’s post) captured the master at work, getting at the core of his process.
Some words about Horiyoshi III -
Born Yoshihito Nakano in 1946, Horiyoshi III had his epiphany when confronted with a Yakuza (Japanese gangster) sporting a full body tattoo—or “suit”—at a public bathhouse as a young boy. Inspired, he visited the studio of his later master, Horiyoshi I, for his own tattoo, and subsequently became his apprentice at the age of 25. Now based in the suburbs of port-city Yokohama, Horiyoshi works from a secluded, quiet atelier, crammed with skulls, Japanese Noh theater masks and even a dragon-print umbrella from Vivienne Westwood. His status as the most respected tattoo artist in Japan is confirmed by his adoption of his master’s honorific title, which he aims to pass down to his son, Kazuyoshi Nakano.
The video also offers a preview of the recently released Horiyoshi III clothing line, which transfers some of the splended designs he inks on skin to garments. I wrote a brief ramble about the clothing several weeks ago. Seems fitting to link it, so here goes – Horiyoshi III.
While these Rodarte sweaters, which are now available at OC, may not keep your completely warm this winter, they will certainly set you and your wallet in a new class. Made from 57% superkid mohair and 10% alpaca, the crewneck sweaters should be layered with a couple of undergarments unless you, like the model, have some proper tattoos that will accentuate your day. Big money.
More looks at the delicate Rodarte Mohair Crewneck Sweaters after the click.
Esquire UK’s blog digs into their closet for a look at five of their favorite “chunky knit sweaters for the Winter. They are indeed fine picks but I personally would have rather seen five true brands rather than doubling up on the Banana Republic offering. The Gantuk by GANT knit is a wonderful standout from the set.
More looks at Esquire UK’s Five Favorite Chunky Knit Sweaters after the click.
The one good thing about having people to troll the Japan newsfeeds is how much we discover about the West. The Japanese buyers do an excellent job of hunting down the heritage brands and bringing back some attention to their offerings. Take these Jamieson’s of Shetland sweaters for instance. In certain settings, they would go unseen but in the hands of the Japan trendsetters and buyers, anything can happen. (beams)
SHIPS plays a bit with the naval jacket theme with this toggle zip-up sweater. The toggles, buttons, and color sure do make it look peacoat influenced but what it lacks is the weight. It’s a great fitting piece which again offers something unique to the wearer. Priced fairly well as well, as most things are at SHIPS Jet Blue.
Today we came across the beautiful Duffle Shirt of Japanese brand Corona. Rather than a shirt, it is actually a wool sweater with elements taken from the classic duffle coat, making this the perfect Fall knitwear companion, especially on those cold, yet sunny days of the season. Its a casual piece, and it stands out of the crowd nicely, due to its great details. (Utility Coop)
More views of the Corona Duffle Shirt follow after the jump.
With a nod to Sami culture, the “Trajja Herk” sweater from Denim Demon continues the brands progression with garments that complement the core product. This item features traditional south Sami colors in the strips and a handmade antler button. Reindeer and antlers, too, speak to the cultural heritage inspiring the piece.
Denim Demon’s “Trajja Herk” will soon be available at Atrium NYC, Oi Polloi, and Tenue de Nimes.
Made in Scotland from bionic merino wool comes a nice set of wool sweaters from C.H.C.M. Super bionic soft to the touch, the sweaters come in three flavors of silver, green, and camel color with ribbed neck and sleeves. I know French men who would rock these all season.
More looks at the C.H.C.M. Merino Wool Sweaters after the jump.
Two great sailor style sweaters from French clothier Armor Lux. Both are produced in wool and require hand washing, so if you’re not the most gentle of types, consider being kind these garments – or else! Find them now along with many more Armor Lux look at Caliroots.
More views of the Armor Lux Striped Sweaters after the jump.
French designer Lucien Pellat-Finet, known for his cashmere creations, has worked with artist Marc Quinn in his Spring/Summer 2009 Collection. Marc Quinn is part of the YBA (Young British Artist) group, alongside Damien Hirst.
The art of Marc Quinn was applied to cashmere sweaters for both men and women, as well as to towels in the new Lucien Pellat-Finet Spring/Summer 2009 Collection.
We think the collaboration works well on the towel, for a sweater it might be a little extreme, at least it is for us.
More images of the collaboration follow after the jump.
