Vanishing Elephant SS12 A Further Look

Having previewed the Vanishing Elephant SS12 collection some time ago, we get a more in depth look at the full collection. The collection overall has a nice relaxed fit without losing the shape of the pieces, the suiting is perfect as they a they can be worn separately for layering or as the two piece for a more formal feel. The shirting as usual is a highlight with lightwieght fabrics and a host of great colours and some interesting subtle patterning. I think overall the collection is great to pick a few items to weave into the summer wardrobe just what you would expect from an aussie outfit...

Lightning Bolt Baracuda Jacket

The origins of the Lightning Bolt Surfboard can be tracked back to 1968 when Jack Shipley met Gerry Lopez while mutually shaping for Surfline Hawaii. The Bolt became an icon of the revolution of shortboard surfing. Their clothing brand is a far more recent endeavour but with the rise in popularity of brands such as Saturday Surf NYC their new found popularity is not unsurprising. While their collection comprises mostly of staples such as boardshorts, t-shirts and vests they have had a habit over the last couple of seasons to produce gems such as their Baracuda Jacket for SS12. In a beautiful honey yellow, falling somewhere between a varsity jacket and a windbreaker. The beautiful cotton/nylon construction material really distinguishes this from the crowd and the colour is crazy, available now from Oi Polloi...

New Balance USA 'Tall Tales' Pack

Another day another New Balance. The brand really are making even greater strides than the previous 2 years could have forecast, it seems everything coming out of the NB camp whichever side of the ocean seems to be gold. This trio of terrifically crafted 574's makes up the American Made 'Tall Tales' Pack. Each take their colorway inspiration from a male icon of US folklore and with rich suede and mesh uppers and as always with NB a high quality finish I really all three, tracking them down in the UK could be an issue though...


Johnny Appleseed

John Henry


Paul Bunyon

The Bureau SS12 Lookbook

Belfast's finest The Bureau is one of my favourite stores in the UK, not only is the retail space unbelievable but their clothing selection is consistently outstanding season in season out. Their SS12 lookbook showcases their eye for great clothing. Captured very subtly in natural lighting by Christopher Martin the selection includes looks from Engineered Garments, Merchants & Missionaries, Batten Sportswear and Nigel Cabourn among others. I think they have really managed to capture the tone of the store and highlighted some really important pieces for Spring Summer. The Madras short and jacket by Engineered Garments is my pick from the collection what is yours...

Kenzo x Vans Era Collection

I think its fair to say Kenzo are mounting a fairly aggressive assault on the industry since their first catwalk show back in January. With Opening Ceremony founders Humberto Leon and Carol Lim now at the helm don't expect this to be the last collaboration we see from the Parisian brand. But when they achieve results as good as this it is very much welcome. These neon, net patterned Era's are the first in a slated line of Vans collaborations. Given that Leon and Lim were both raised on the West Coast its probably not a surprise to see how such a collaboration was born. I can't wait to see what is next for this brand which seems to be moving a some pace in recent weeks, watch this space...

The Origins Of Field Notes

I'm sure your all familiar with the Field Notes brand which is now well established in the memo book world and has developed a large following. What is probably lesser known is the origins of the brand. On the eve of their 14th seasonal limited edition they have released this wonderful video. I was blown away by co-founder Aaron Draplin's absolute enthusiasm as he guides you through his obsession with the vintage farmers note books that he has carefully collected over a 20 year period that led him to bring the Field Notes brand to fruition. Having now begun to catalogue these items into an online library it is truly inspirational to see Aaron's dedication to showcase these throwaway promotional memo books and by doing so increase awareness and prevent the loss of true american field heritage, enjoy...

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...