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...