New Balance - Excellent Makers

Along with profiles of some high profile NB fans the 'Excellent Makers' series provides a in depth insight into the Maine, USA and Flimby, UK factories and their workers. New Balance have become possibly my favourite footwear brand over the last few years and their pride, attention to detail and their dedication to preserving their heritage is something that really appeals to me. I really enjoyed these and I hope you will too...

Nike HTM Flyknit

Primarily I created this blog to showcase my love of trainers, I have over the last couple of years steered towards other areas of fashion and lifestyle. But I still have a continued love of the creative process and innovation of footwear so it is nice when I am pulled back into the field that brought me to this point in the first place. And the Nike HTM Flyknit collection is just the project to do it, heralding a collision of old and new. By taking processes garnered from knitwear and the continuing innovation of flywire material Nike have been able to create a material which is super lightweight, breathable, superbly well fitting and comfortable. They are calling it the perfect running shoe which is probably a bit premature but it easy to see why there is alot of buzz surrounding this product line. They are easily my favourite looking shoe since the free runs and I love how the Flyknit adds a depth of texture that mesh cannot match, I cannot wait to see how this will be used across the rest of the Nike ranges and to get a pair onto my feet and out on the running trail...

Woolrich Woolen Mills African Print Scarves

Taken from the Woolrich Woolen Mills SS12 collection these 2 African print scarfs will add a splash of colour to any summer outfit. Available now via Garbstore...

Pullover Shirts

Its always a bit tricky to concentrate on Spring/Summer when have last 4 weeks have been focused on the seasons which are over 9 months away, the current weather here hasn't exactly been making me optimistic either. But I have come across an essential wardrobe item for the soon to be scorching (fingers crossed) season ahead. The pullover shirt is a somewhat overlooked item. But the time has come for this mixed up item to take the limelight. Mixing the formal look of a smart button down and the casual feel of the polo shirt. I like the fact you can layer these buttoned to the top with a cardigan or jacket for a sharp look and in the same breath leave it unbuttoned and throw on some shorts and its a beachwear beast. Heres some of the best I have found...

Casio G-Shock GW-3000BB Leatherback

My University days were spent frequenting the streets of Leeds and HIP Store was where a decent majority of my quarterly student loan spendings went on the day they came in. It is therefore nice to see they are getting some major exclusives instore and getting the love they deserve. Which brings me to the tasty treat above. In collaboration with G-Shock fashion photographer and editorial contributor to Men's File Magazine Nick Clements has created the GW-3000BB Leatherback. The inspiration for this unique timepiece comes from early aviation instruments worn by flight crew on the wrist. The detailing is superb with a full grain leather strap and snap over casing. The strap is slightly longer than a standard wrist strap, for a proper fit over a bomber jacket or flight suit. I think this is an amazing well thought out and executed project, they will be limited to 50 pieces and available at HIP, and also I just found out at the Garbstore now...

Marni at H&M

I have to admit that Marni is not a brand I was particularly familiar with compared to previous H&M collaborations, but I have to say having seen the collection and having had time to explore the brands other in house projects I am suitably impressed. Consuelo Castiglioni masterminded the brand in 1994 and continues to be the designer and driving force behind the brand. Known for their energetic prints and fairly bold styling the collection for H&M seems perfectly timed for the current summer trends. Giving Castiglioni license to really showcase what the brand embodies but still delivering a highly diverse and wearable selection of wares. The collection hits selected stores on March 8th and I will definitely be making the trip down to London to pick up some selected pieces including the patterned short sleeved shirt which I love...

Pocket Square Notebook

'Write down your thoughts of the moment. Those that come unsought for are commonly the most valuable' - Francis Bacon At work I am never without a pen and paper but in everyday life it is sometimes cumbersome and impractical to haul around a notebook, this solves the problem in a fashionable solution, available here now...

Dana Lee SS12 Collection

The launch of the brilliant OneEightNine online store has brought a new brand to my attention. New York based Dana Lee has created a superb menswear collection that offers uncomplicated summer style in some of the most interesting colour schemes I have seen. Dana's creative process insures every item is limited, handcrafted and constructed with the upmost care and attention to detail. The thing I enjoy most about the SS12 collection is how the loose fitting light materials, bold colours and the photography conjures up the feeling of 80's American summertime. Look out for it to hit OEN in the next few weeks...

Heather Grey x Mark McNairy

Kazuki Kuraishi is probably best known for his stirling work for Adidas Originals but his concept store 'Heather Grey Wall' in Shibuya Tokyo has been garnering a great deal of attention due to great collaborations including this set of beautiful footwear assembled with Mark McNairy. With two colorways of both Derby Boot and Wingtip Brogue constructed from premium suede and leather in some of the best colorways I have seen even when looking back at the McNairy archives, this is a match made in footwear heaven, feast your eyes on these then get on to HGW as they are already very limited in numbers...

Billy Reid Mens AW12 Collection

Billy Reid initially came on my radar after their very successful collection with Levi's. Since then the brand have become one of my favourite and mot consistent performers in menswear. For AW12 they took it to the catwalk and its no surprise it is their strongest collection to date. It really catapults the brand into the forefront of the current tailoring phenomenon. Their southern american inspired cuts and pastel washed colours that sculpted previous collections are prevalent and bring a refreshing new dimension to the formal looks making them accessible to both casual and formal markets. The knitwear and outerwear was simply brilliance...

Comme des Garcons x Pointer Chester

Pointer continues their successful collaboration with Comme Des Garcons into Spring/Summer 2012 with this beautiful incarnation called the Chester. A clean canvas and suede upper, subtly placed atop a classic tennis sole in beautiful crafted 3 tone double gum & white scheme makes for a seriously nice finish and the perfect alternative deck shoe. Look for these to hit Comme Des Garcons retailers in the very near future...

YMC Mens SS12 Collection

Following the great success and acclaim of their previous AW11 Collection YMC continue in the same vain into their newest offerings. Loose fitting casual cuts are the star of the show and they continue to deliver great combinations of colours. The camel and khaki shades tie the outfits together with a host of blues and burgundies. I think if your going to choose a colour palette for the summer this collection isn't too far from the mark, I particularly like the trousers and the overhead linen shirt which is a compromise between the smart shirt and casual polo...