Object | Pierre Hardy - 110 Sneakers

Pierre Hardy has long been a favorite of mine and his sneakers have become somewhat of a classic in fashion circles. Though I'm not generally a huge sneakers fan I find myself wanting more or less every one of his models.

One of my current obsession is this one, the '110', a mid-height sneaker, made in dark blue suede with nice contrasting white cotton piping, white laces and a strap across the ankle. Sneaker perfection. (Buy)

Inspiration | On The Way To Work

Object | Adam Kimmel - Western T-shirt

We don't often feature t-shirts, much for the same the reason we rarely do posts on pants. There's just not a lot of stand-out options out there, at least not visually. The ones that stand out are usually the tacky ones, and instead it often comes down to fit which is something rather personally and also something that doesn't really translate to a blog post.

But this one from Adam Kimmel manages to stand out, in a positive way. Kimmel's SS10 collection was inspired by western culture and the marlbouro man and this is his interpretation of a "western t-shirt". The shoulder detailing is reminiscant of a western shirt and the printed horn reinforces that vibe. Almost makes me wanna get a cowboy hat to match.
(Buy)

Object | Opening Ceremony - Safari Jacket

Maybe it makes me colonialistic, or whatever, but I've always had a soft spot for the safari style. There's just something masculine and elegant about it. Maybe it's the combination of militaristic elements, gentlemanly flair and outdoorsy ruggedness. Whatever it is, safari is one of my favorite summer styles.

Unfortunately, nice safari-style items rarely comes by. Every five years or so, somebody does a safari-inspired collection and then there's the occasional Ralph Lauren piece but apart from that, the options are sparse. So when I saw this safari jacket from Opening Ceremony, I thought "Finally!". I've been looking for something like this for years. Stylistically speaking, this is perfection. Now I just need to try it on..

(Buy)

Style | Classic Shades

The sun is becoming a more and more frequent part of my days, which is always a welcome thing. But that also means that it's time to start thinking about what type of sunglasses to sport during the next six months.

I always have problems deciding which ones to go for. Which ones are in this year, which ones works with the shape of my head and with my style? There are a lot of things to consider when choosing your shades.

Fortunately there are a couple of classic models that will never go out of style (as long as you wear them for the right reasons), which let's you skip all those questions and just enjoy the weather.

Ray Ban Aviators

Persol 649

Ray Ban Wayfarer

Persol 714

Ray Ban Clubmaster

Object | Gant Rugger - Waxer

Another colorful jacket for rainy days, this time from Gant's youthful line Rugger. Although it might not be quite on pair with the one from Nigel Cabourn, it will still do the trick. And the red colour is quite nice.
(Buy)

External | Paraboot - Made In France

Once again we bring you an article from french Redingote, this time promoting "Made in France" and more particular footwear brand Paraboot. And just as last time, an english translation can be found below.

(Read)

For a long time now people have become more and more aware of the origin and production of products.The "sneaker addicts" and streetwear fans have been replaced by the "Monocle Men", suddenly obsessed with videos of manufacturing and craftmanship, which has only reinforced this trend that is evident today.

Suddenly, three-quarters of the American brands quickly got bumped by reinforcing their "heritage" and starting to film their manufacturing processes one after another, thus creating a general obsession with the American continent.

So obviously, this article has no intention of misscrediting brands like Alden, Levi's or Pendleton who have played the game of the trend, highlighting their true heritage when everyone seems to seek it, but rather to stress that the "Made in France" could also have some wind in their sails.

There are indeed prestigious labels in France, although some brands have to relocate their production. Paraboot, on the other hand, continues to manufacture 350,000 pairs per year in the valley of d'Isère by their 200 artisans. The brand has nothing left to prove: they produce beautiful and authentic sturdy shoes in the same way they've done since 1919, and although Richard-Pontvert, the founder, have brought the concept of rubber soled boots from the americans, the mark is the only one in the world today to manufacture its own latex soles.

A very respected tradition, but never at the expense of innovation. Thanks to this invaluable know-how, Paraboot has managed to produce flawless derby shoes and half hunts, moccasins, and others that have made this brand enormously respected. Also, for new afficionados of workmanship, Paraboot shows on their website photographs of meticulous craftsmen, beautifully crafted leather and old hands dirty at work. In short, everything is there to seduce them, especially now with the shoes to boot. The name? The Michael. A legendary pair from 1945 made for farmers, loggers and workers of that time ...

Object | Band Of Outsiders - Rugby Shirt

Like the polo, the rugby shirt often meets mixed reception but in my mind it's a definite classic. And just like polos they've recently received an update from Band of Outsiders.

The colorways is amazing in a great dark green colour with white stripes across the chest. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the collar, which seems a bit off. Maybe it's a bit large or maybe it's just the styling in the picture.

(Buy)

Inspiration | Lunchbreak

Object | Nigel Cabourn - Mandalay Jacket

I don't know what it is about yellow rain jackets, but they've been on my mind a lot lately. I don't think I would wear bright yellow on any other piece but they seem oddly natural on rain jackets for some reason. Maybe it's Take Ivy that has influenced me, maybe it's just some hidden urge to wear something a bit more attention-grabbing than my usual outerwear.

Whatever it is, I seem to be in luck as there actually is a number of options out there right now. My favorite so far is this one from Nigel Cabourn. Modeled after a vintage jacket from the british army, the jacket is made in a PU coated cotton and silk blend that is lightweight enough to be packed-away. It also features a foldaway hood, drawstrings, two flap wents in the front and a fishtail vent in the back as well as two front flap pockets. Now if only it was available in my size..
(Buy)

External | Why Does This Pair of Pants Cost $550?

Though we've recently experienced one of the biggest recession in a century it's still possible to find pants that cost as much as $550 or even more. New York Times investigates why the pants costs so much. Are the pants worth what the designers charge for them?

In the end they arrive at the maxim of fashion: clothes are worth whatever people are prepared to pay for them.
(Read)

Object | Band Of Outsiders - Cardigan

The time just between spring and summer can be tricky time. Often too warm for a regular jacket but sometimes too chilly to go without anything but a tee or a shirt. That's when a cardigan comes in handy.

This one from Band Of Outsiders comes in a super-soft cotton cotton/cashmere-blend and has some nice pocket detailing. It might not be time to skip the jacket just yet, but it never hurts to plan ahead.
(Buy)

External | "Go To Hell" Pants

Redingote has an article about the "Go To Hell"-pant, the embroidered pants that are a symbol of all things preppy. Maybe the perfect touch to re-new your wardrobe this summer?

And if your french's a bit rusty you don't have to worry. Just click the read more-button and you will find an english translation below. (Read)

It's time we get out of our long torpor. The world continues moving while we're absent. I'm sure you all haven't missed out on the opening of the new Ralph Laurenstore in Paris, an event that has titillated the entire internet-world of fashion for the last two weeks. We don't need to say anything more about that, except to advice you to go and take a look at 173 Boulevard Saint Germain. They've done a really nice job.

The opening also came at the right time, right in the middle of the craze for American clothing, for which Ralph Lauren

It is rather strange that the preppy wave that has been raging in France for quite some time hasn't yet reached into the corners of the upper-class world of clothing overseas. Even if they have paid into the false seersucker, heraldry and the more democratically college lettering, the collections of this movement have remained fairly conservative when it comes to pants. Chinos, denim, some velvet, but anything more daring than that has rarely been seen.

A real effort on the "go to hell" must have seemed a bit risky commercially but it would nevertheless have been a good way for a brand to get noticed, to affirm their understanding of this universe that's primarily composed of codes.

Obviously absent from Take Ivy, the bible of the genre (which will be reissued soon and which is available for pre-ordering), since the collection of pictures therein are from a university setting, therefore there isn't any question of finding one ounce of "go to hell", an attitude that is more country club or golf course, a kind of thumbing one's nose at the formal customs during the weekend.

It seems that opinions differ on it's true definition. Basically garish trousers, or even trousers made assembling various throws, it seems that today the name retains it's true meaning when referring to trousers adorned with small embroidered animals or objects, since the rest has become much more wearable and democratized.

First appearing in the 60's they can also be seen as one of the earliest examples of the humor of young WASPs wanting to mark a slight departure from the wardrobe of their parents.

Named by Tom Wolfe in an article for Esquire in 1976, Lisa Birnbach actually mentions them in "The Preppy Handbook" which she co-wrote. The specialist on the issue, Ivy Style, has an excellent and very exhaustive article on the "GTH"-style which will allow you to delve deeper into the subject.

In any case, it will be an excellent way to really push it to the limit this summer.

Object | Dries Van Noten - Patterned Silk Waistcoat

Remember the "Elegance"-cardigan by Dries Van Noten? This waistcoat has similar belt-detailing as well as a subtle pinstripe pattern in the front and a silk red pattern in the back.

Usually I'm not that keen on wearing waistcoats. In fact, I've never done it except as part of a suit on formal occasions. It's not that I'm opposed to the waiscoat as a stand-alone piece, in fact I find that it can look real sharp when done right. It's just that it never seemed like my stile. But this one's got me thinking that maybe I just hadn't found the right one, although I'd prefer if the front and back were uniform. (Buy)

External | Cinema À La Prada

We recently mentioned the increase of films made by fashion labels as means to promote their brand and collections. The Wall Street Journal has a longer piece on how the internet and digital technology has made films an effective and creative way to reach out to the customers. They also list a number of said films. If you've got some time over they're also definitely worth looking up. (Read)

Inspiration | The Terrace

Object | Umit Benan - Cotton Jacket

We featured this one in beige in our style-post on spring jackets a few days ago, but the blue version is nice enough to earn a post of it's own.

Umit Benan crashed onto the scene last season to much attention and appreciaton. This season his inspiration is Cuba and the resulting pieces are pretty spectacular.

This single-buttoned cotton jacket is one of the many highlights. The nicely done pocket detailing gives the jacket an adventurous feel and for the really adventurous there's even a pair of matching Cuban-style trousers to complete the look. (Buy)

News | The Documentary And A Dream

Once again swedish label J. Lindeberg releases their bi-annual book called "The Documentary And A Dream". Not only does it feature the lookbook for their SS10-collection but also art works, interviews, collages and a selection of other interesting images. 180 pages that are definitely worth flipping through. And if you weren't fortunate enough to get one of the 100 printed hardbacks, you can still check it out online. (Read)

Object | Kitsuné - Chino Pant

Few garments are as classic and versatile in the spring as a pair of khaki pants. It might seem basic, but with a pair of really nice khaki pants, you can combine them with almost anything and build your summer outfits around them.

There are a lot of options out there in a number of styles and price ranges. These ones are from french Kitsuné and are simple and clean in their design, just as they should be. No need to complicate things. (Buy)

Object | Vans - Rata

Lately (or rather since I saw the customized version in Patrik Ervell's SS10 show), I've really been into wallabees. The reason I still haven't pulled the trigger yet? Well for one, I can't decide whether they look good or are ugly. Secondly they're kind of clunky.

Vans might be the solution to my dilemma though, as they've made this wallabee-inspired sneaker called Rata. The same characteristic toe, but a slightly sleeker silhouette. (Buy)