While it isn’t exactly Lou Reed taking Metallica by the hand, Richard Chai assuming the position of Creative Director at Filson presents a surprising pairing. We’re certainly not predicting a Lulu-esque fiasco, but we can easily picture a younger Reed stumbling confidently down the avenue in Chai’s breezy, androgynous creations. We can also picture James Hetfield pretending to be rugged in a pair of Filson’s hearty overalls. Here’s what Chai is saying: “Our partnership will be rooted in everyday wear—approachable with unexpected fabrications and details that are signature to my collections, all while staying true to the heritage of the Filson Brand.”

Bottom line: this should be interesting, so watch for a full showing this fall that includes a capsule collection of classic Filson jackets dipped in Chai. -jt

Photography: models.com

London via Amsterdam via Portugal, Under returns for its first Spring/Summer collection. Unfussy quality underwear, attention to detail with thoughtful touches like removable labels and covered buttons. This collection takes inspiration from various eras of Americana so expect extensive use of waffle fabric, long-sleeved undershirts, chambray, and marl jersey. These guys go to lengths to make sure each piece retains its shape and colour wash after wash; goodlooking and durable, a pretty decent combination.

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There’s nothing like a Norfolk Jacket to make you feel like an extra from a BBC period drama.

Worn by hunters, Princes, Rifle Corps volunteers and nineteenth century cyclists, it still remains the ultimate belted blazer. Strangely though, for something which can feel very costume-y, as long as you steer clear of the knickerbockers it’s a rather easy jacket to wear. This one from Free & Easy’s Rugged museum shop is a particularly nice example. Elbow patches, football buttons, chin strap and pleated pockets. Edward VII would be proud.

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Highsnob delivers looks from Carhartt’s Adam Kimmel line for Spring/Summer 2012 collection as shown at Pitti Uomo.  ”The collection releases for the first time this coming July for Fall/Winter 2011. The upcoming SS12 line plays mostly with black, beige and of course the signature blue tones of the New York designer. Made up of t-shirts, crewneck sweaters, jackets, blazers, as well as some mesh caps, it would not be a Kimmel collection without a couple of reversible pieces as well. The line stays true to both brands and is certainly something to look out for.”

More looks from Highsnobiety.

Europeans are about to get lucky. Real lucky.

Carhartt, in celebrating its American legacy, has announced “US Classics.” Proper contemporary workwear, reworked “to fit the European consumer.” Essentially, the collection is all the stuff you want from Tractor Supply tweaked for the fashionable.

Some irony there, perhaps… but, also enough to excite us just a little. After all, the biggest issues with standard Carhartt are cut and consistency. Perhaps US Classics is a step forward. Or, perhaps it is just a little ridiculous. We would love your thoughts on the collection.

Take a full look at US Classics.

A short history on the Dickies workwear company.

Tough Duck, a third-generation family owned brand, has “been manufacturing durable clothing for over 70 years,” There clothes are “100% cotton work garments” that are made of quality craftsmanship for tough jobsite conditions. The vest has a 12 oz. Cotton duck exterior with 6 oz. quilted polyester insulation which makes up for a really warm jacket. A couple details: 2 colorways, drop back kidney warmer, 2 chest pockets and heavy-duty brass zipper allows for an almost bulletproof vest. This would make an awesome layering vest for an already thick jacket. The vest is available at NorthernTool.

More looks at the Tough Duck Lined Vest after the click.

HS gives a “detailed” look into the Levi’s Workwear collection by Billy Reid. “The line is made up of denim, fleece jackets, washed out crewneck sweaters, shirts, t-shirts and a tote bag. We really like what we are seeing and admire how Levi’s balances these days their mass market and more focused niche initiatives.”

View all the details of the Levi’s Workwear by Billy Reid Collection at Highsnob.

“Visiting menswear designer Billy Reid at work, this video looks at the craft of deconstructing garments, as inspired by a visit to the legendary Levi’s archive.” (coolhunting)

Sepetember’s GQ features a look at the forthcoming Levi’s Workwear by Billy Reid Collection. Here’s Mr. Reid discussing how the collection’s inspiration started rolling. “The Levi’s archive numbers something like 7,500 pieces, so we sent them some signature elements from our fall line—our peacoat, our chino—and they pulled some stuff for us to look at. The thing that stuck out immediately was an old blacksmith’s work apron they’d recovered in New Mexico or somewhere.”

More looks at the Levi’s Workwear by Billy Reid collection after the click.