Things Is Cool

2012-02-13T22:07:00.000-10:00

Amazing Beards #20

2012-02-01T19:24:00.001-10:00

Zach Galifianakis.

Steve Jobs.

U.T. Curran.

O'Mast

2012-01-31T22:04:00.000-10:00

You want to see this documentary by Gianluca Migliarotti about the Neapolitan tailoring tradition. DVDs can be purchased online at The Armoury or Drake's.

Saint James S/S 2012

2012-01-30T19:12:00.000-10:00

It only happens twice a year, but it's a day-brightener for you when you open your mailbox, its hinges rusted from the salt air, and find an envelope containing the Saint James media kit. (It is, after all, the little things.) The French clothier, whose motto is, "Né de la mer" ("Born of the sea"), consistently produces some of the best lookbooks out there. Below are the images--both for men and women--for the upcoming Spring/Summer season. Looks for the ladies can be found here.

Saint James S/S 2012 for the Mademoiselles

2012-01-30T19:11:00.001-10:00

Saint James' playful beach style is so good. Here are the images from the Spring/Summer lookbook for the ladies.

Alden Indy Boot in Suede Marble for Très Bien Shop

2012-01-30T18:32:00.001-10:00

You're obviously late to the party; these are sold out. However, they're just too good, so this entry is for posterity. While you love your Natural Chromexcel Indys, you're really feeling the look of marble suede on crepe/leather sole.

Interview: Jack Uesugi of a1000x

2012-01-29T16:43:00.000-10:00

a1000x (A Thousand Times) is the brainchild of Hawaii high school junior Jack Uesugi. The goals are simple: to showcase and promote artists, to produce interesting products, and to highlight and help good causes around the world. As if you needed another reason to check them out, a1000x is kicking things off by giving away an iPad 2. Just ‘like’ them on Facebook for a chance to win. Mr. Uesugi recently took some time to sit down with Things Is Cool to discuss being a young entrepreneur, his love of art, and the desire to give back.

THINGS IS COOL: All right. Let’s get into this. What is a1000x?

JACK UESUGI: a1000x basically means that whatever you do, you want to do it big. When we came up with the idea, we wanted to say, “Whatever you do, do it a thousand times better. Put a thousand times more effort in.” It’s a website that will allow us to promote artists and spread local [Hawaii-based] art throughout the community, to market the artists, and to print and sell shirts that the artists design. The idea of the whole project is that I love art, but I’m not much of an artist myself. I prefer the business side of it, and I know a lot of artists and am fortunate to have a number of resources. My family has a screen-printing business and my mom is a photographer. It just seemed dumb to not jump on the opportunity.

T.I.C.: We’ve known each other for a while, and I’ve always known you to be creative and resourceful. Have you always thought entrepreneurially?

J.U.: Yeah, I guess. As a kid I had my own little business reselling vegetables from the farmers’ market.

T.I.C.: Right. I remember.

J.U.: And I used to go every Wednesday…I mean, I even brought it to school.

T.I.C.: You were in, like, 7^th grade—

J.U.: 6^th grade. [laughs] I’ve had a few businesses. This is like my fourth.

TI.C.: That’s crazy! What else were you doing?

J.U.: I was just reselling things and making things to sell. I was selling T-shirts in elementary school. I mean, it was for fake money that we could spend at the little gift shop at school.

T.I.C.: Did you design them yourself?

J.U.: Yeah. I designed them.

T.I.C.: How old are we talking?

J.U.: I was in 5^th grade. [laughs]

T.I.C.: 5^th grade…wow. So then in 6^th grade you went into the vegetables--

J.U.: Well, I’d been doing the vegetables in elementary school. I did it for like four years in total. It ended in 7^th grade.

T.I.C.: Thinking back to when you were an elementary school kid, did you say, “I want to be selling something; I want to figure out a way to make money”? Or were your parents encouraging you?

J.U.: I never got an allowance, and as a kid, my dream was a car. [laughs] When I grew up I knew I wanted a car, but I didn’t have any money for one. So, as a kid, I was like, “All right, I’m gonna save up all my money from now until I can drive so that I’ll have enough money to buy a car.” So I didn’t spend any of my money and I just saved up for like ten years. [laughs]

T.I.C.: Well, you’re 16 now. Do you have a car?

J.U.: Yeah, I have a car…Success. [laughs]

T.I.C.: You buy a new one?

J.U.: No, but I have a car. And I had money left over.

T.I.C.: Nice. What are you driving?

J.U.: An ’01 Sentra. It’s not necessarily driving in style, but it has wheels.

T.I.C.: It’ll get you around the island.

J.U.: And it’s reliable.

T.I.C.: Exactly. I’m curious how you went from selling produce—I think I remember eggs in there—

J.U.: Oh, yeah, I did that, too.

T.I.C.: How’d you get from that to a1000x?

J.U.: The inspiration came from an art party that we had at my uncle’s house. There were a lot of artists there and I was meeting a lot of new people, and I just kind of thought to myself, “These people are all really great, and if I could get them together on a site, that would be perfect.” I had always loved art, but I’m shy about my own art. I don’t like to display it. But I thought that if I could do the T-shirts, that would be a way to showcase other people’s art. And since many of these artists are well established in the community here, it’d be bound to be a hit.

T.I.C.: You’re referring to the art community here in Hawaii.

J.U.: Yeah, I want to stay focused on local artists before I think about branching out.

T.I.C.: So you just started reaching out to artists?

J.U.: In the beginning, I was introducing myself to a lot of new people who I didn’t know. I wanted to start off at the top. I knew I wanted to talk to the guys who are at the top of their game and get a team together, so to speak.

T.I.C.: Who’s on the roster?

J.U.: I've been doing work with John Hina from 808 Urban. I’ve talked to people like Estria. I just met Aaron Martin. I’ve been working with John Koga, Lawrence Seward and others. Hopefully, I'll get in touch with Andrew Rose as well. I figured if we could partner with established artists, it would be a good way to attract and build connections with younger artists.

T.I.C.: A number of the designs and product seem pointed to a younger, hipper crowd.

J.U.: Yeah, we have a bunch of graffiti artists right now. For T-shirts, I’m really looking for more graphics.

T.I.C.: But you see a1000x as being more than just shirts.

J.U.: Right. Down the line, I also want to do prints. And accessories. Like working with wood for our artists who do sculpture. For now, though, I’m asking the artists to come up with something that inspires them that would look great on a T-shirt. And we’re looking to do collaborations with other brands as well. I think what sets us apart is that our products are limited edition. Each individual piece is numbered.

T.I.C.: In a year, where do you see a1000x?

J.U.: Hopefully, we’ll have our product available through a few retailers, have grown our presence through social media, and have gotten some good press—in magazines and elsewhere. I’d like to be known and appreciated within the Hawaii community.

T.I.C.: And maybe make a little money in the process. How does that work?

J.U.: If an artist makes a design for a T-shirt, for example, they’ll obviously receive a cut from the sale of each shirt. We also plan to make quarterly donations to charity.

T.I.C.: Any charity in particular?

J.U.: We’ve got a few ideas. I’m talking to my friend, John Hina, a graffiti artist who goes by the name “Prime.” He’s with 808 Urban along with Estria, and he’s involved in a number of groups that give back to the community. Water Writes is a mural project that promotes the efficient use of water in Hawaii and around the world. That’s a possibility because it would be supporting the younger generations by letting them express themselves through art and art programs.

T.I.C.: How are you balancing running the business and going to school full-time?

J.U.: Right now sports are killing me.

T.I.C.: Swimming?

J.U.: Yeah, and golf starts up soon. I find myself working on a1000x when I have any free time. On weekends I’m attending events and blogging for the site. Once this really gets going, it’s only going to get harder. But I’ve set goals, and I’ve got to meet them. I have to finish what I started.

Latitude Supply Co.

2012-01-27T23:02:00.000-10:00

The four guys who make up Latitude Supply Co. are launching the brand's debut collection, which consists of shorts, pants, shirts, and outerwear. All of the nautically inspired pieces are made in downtown Los Angeles.

Stone Island Outerwear Sale

2012-01-25T19:44:00.002-10:00

Some great pieces are on sale at Stone Island. You've selected a few outerwear highlights. It would be a tough decision, but you would definitely be keeping warm in one of these if you lived somewhere cold.

43431 VENTILE®_GHOST PIECE

40225 OPAQUE NYLON TELA

556A5 DUFFLE COAT IN FELTED WOOL

41225 OPAQUE NYLON TELA

44326 MIL_SPEC_DIAGONAL WOOL

45644 LIQUID REFLECTIVE JACKET

43451_DAVID – OVD

Margaret Howell A/W 2012

2012-01-23T20:15:00.000-10:00

A selection of looks from the Autumn/Winter 2012 collection by Margaret Howell.

"Free Aloha" by Dark Fall Productions

2012-01-22T11:18:00.001-10:00

Being a lover of East Coast surf, you were excited about the film, Dark Fall, and it goes without saying that you're even more stoked to see Dark Fall Productions continue to succeed. The Dark Fall boys from NJ recently made a short that captures some of the highlights from this winter at your home.

More Hamilton 1883

2012-01-22T11:01:00.000-10:00

As you've mentioned before, shirting really doesn't get much better than Hamilton 1883. Some pieces worth checking out include plaids in "cotton cashmere" as well as new ginghams and oxfords.

Royal Hem S/S 2012

2012-01-21T07:39:00.001-10:00

The new Royal Hem collection for Spring/Summer 2012 pays tribute to the world of the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta. It blends British regimental sobriety with the crisp elegance of Italian tailoring. Suits and jackets in lightweight cottons, satins, and iridescent linens are alternated with cotton weaves and jersey. The seasonal color palette is in line with the theme of the collection; regal reds, rowing greens, royal blues, grays, and whites are combined into striped patterns, checks, and micro-patterns. Also, new washes and treatments are evident in, for example, light frost dies and vintage-inspired fabrics, which give certain pieces a “worn in” aspect. Finally, the Jabito line (jacket/suit), which made its first appearance last season, has been adapted for the Spring/Summer. Here, Jabito features a jacket and pants in lightweight wool with micro-jacquard patterns, which create a uniquely complimenting suit. Below are some images from Royal Hem's latest lookbook.

Teahupoo - Shot By Chris Bryan

2012-01-19T21:41:00.003-10:00

Chris Bryan Films.

John Nouanesing Furniture

2012-01-18T20:37:00.001-10:00

While you're on the subject of sick tables, you'd better not forget to include the designs of John Nouanesing, a 25-year-old artist/designer who lives in Anglet. The dripping red-hotness is called, "Paint or Die but Love Me." You'll be hitting him up next time you're in Basque France.

Nelson Platform Bench

2012-01-16T19:54:00.000-10:00

George Nelson's platform bench, which he designed in 1946 as part of his first collection for Herman Miller, is also in the running for your next coffee table. Nelson calls it "honest" design.

Laccio Coffee Table

2012-01-15T11:14:00.000-10:00

You're searching for a new coffee table and this Bauhaus beauty is at the top of the list. Designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925, the Laccio table and companion Wassily chair are constructed from tubular steel, much like the frame of a bicycle. They're exclusively manufactured by Knoll.

Appropriato at Acrimony

2012-01-11T20:32:00.000-10:00

Acrimony, the excellent San Francisco boutique, has a few items on sale from Japanese label Appropriato. You may remember that you had a chance to handle some of the brand's pieces at last summer's (capsule) NYC, and you were very impressed. The peacoat and quilted blazer are sharp.

New Hasso Accessories

2012-01-07T10:04:00.003-10:00

The following new additions to the product lineup of Colombian accessory brand Hasso mark the third collection for designers Nicholas Hurtado and Andrés Niño. All pieces are made with the finest full-grain leather, cotton canvas, and brass hardware, and are crafted by Columbian artisans.

Method Furniture

2012-01-03T17:49:00.001-10:00

You are interested in Scotland's Method Furniture. This two-person enterprise is built on the unique relationship between architect Marisa Giannasi and second-generation cabinetmaker Callum Robinson. The two design and craft luxury, hand-made furniture. Two pieces that catch your eye are pictured below--the "Equilibrium" table and the "Flux" credenza.

2011 Music Highlights

2011-12-31T15:56:00.001-10:00

While 2011 saw the release of great albums from The Antlers, James Blake, Bon Iver, Death Cab for Cutie, Kendrick Lamar, Real Estate, The Roots, Shabazz Palaces, and The Weeknd, to name a few, two records really stood out to you.

Wu Lyf – Go Tell Fire To The Mountain

These four lads from Manchester, England, are artists. In the span of three weeks in the dead of winter in St. Peter’s Church in Ancoats, they recorded Go Tell Fire To The Mountain, a sonic experience infused with reverb-heavy riffs reminiscent of Austin post-rockers Explosions in the Sky and underscored by solemn pipe organ chords. Over these lush soundscapes, the shouted, throat-rasping, oft-unintelligible vocals of Ellery Roberts are an indelible mark of humanness. Certain phrases jump out, evoking feelings and inciting emotions. The contrast between the rawness of the vocals and the richness of the musicality make for a sound the band calls “Heavy Pop”. There’s a tightness to Wu Lyf’s self-produced and released debut that must be attributed to the ecclesiastical site where it was recorded; St. Peter’s Church is as much a part of the sound of this record as any musician. All of the elements that make up Go Tell Fire To The Mountain are perfectly aligned. Consequently, so is the album’s composition. This is a complete work and must be heard as such.

Youth Lagoon – The Year of Hibernation

Trevor Powers was a student at Boise State University when he recorded The Year of Hibernation at home and released it under the name Youth Lagoon. With its cozy melodies, electro-synth rhythms, and cooing vocals, the album is the sonic equivalent of a warm woolen blanket: wrap yourself in it and be soothed. Powers explores a spectrum of emotions from heartbreak to loneliness to anxiety to hope. And while the scale of the tracks ranges from whispered intimacy to surging swells, the record’s mood is consistently sensitive and vulnerable.

Russ Short/Craig Fineman

2011-12-30T07:08:00.001-10:00

Stylemaster Russ Short rides a Bonzer in California. Shot by legendary surf photographer Craig Fineman.

Stone Island S/S 2012 Lookbook

2011-12-19T17:15:00.000-10:00

A wee look at a few of the goodies that Italian brand Stone Island has in store for the spring.

TWOTHIRDS S/S 2012

2011-12-15T17:18:00.002-10:00

Basque brand TWOTHIRDS released some images of their Spring/Summer 2012 collection, which features a clean and simple aesthetic. And don't forget these guys have a conscience. They partner with Oceana, a global ocean conservation organization, in a variety of company initiatives and in creative community activism. TWOTHIRDS also donates ten percent of the proceeds from each sale to Oceana.

H by Harris

2011-12-14T16:32:00.000-10:00

London's H by Harris was founded in 2009 by Harris Elliott, a designer and stylist. He was after a simple, provocative, stylish laptop case, and not finding one, he constructed his own. Now H by Harris is a complete collection that includes, iPad cases, backpacks, totes, and duffles.

Thanks, Peter, for passing along this quilted leather goodness.

Wu Lyf | "We Bros"

2011-12-09T00:11:00.000-10:00

Sheep Breed: Romney

2011-12-07T19:54:00.000-10:00

Formerly named "Romney Marsh" sheep, and sometimes called the "Kent", the long-wool breed popularly known as Romney originated in southeast England and was established by 1800. The breed thrives on several continents, but is particularly abundant in New Zealand, where both its wool and meat are chief exports. Romneys are remarkably versatile and adaptable, in part due to their ability to stave off foot rot and liver fluke. Romneys also produce a heavy fleece that maintains through winter; a healthy, mature ram can yield upwards of 10 kg per year. Because their wool has a high average fiber diameter (AFD), it tends to be very strong and can thus be used in making rugs and carpets. Their long, lustrous fleeces are also sought by hand-spinners.

Amazing Beards #19

2011-12-06T21:09:00.000-10:00

Georges Bizet.

William James.

John Brown.

Travelteq x Tenue de Nîmes | Limited Ed. Laptop Bag

2011-12-05T21:34:00.000-10:00

Travelteq and Tenue de Nîmes, both responsible for holding down their share of hotness in Holland, collaborated on this limited edition laptop bag. 50 of these hand-made pieces were produced at the Travelteq factory in Tuscany from vegetable-tanned Florentine vacchetta leather and Japanese selvage chambray. The bag contains eight compartments, of which three are zipped, including one for a cigar and one for your 15-inch laptop.

Tyler Bradt

2011-11-30T21:07:00.001-10:00

Tyler Bradt is a 26-year-old Montanan who makes his living boating down rivers. Here he is in his whitewater kayak in Norway:

In 2009, he set the world record for the highest waterfall ever run in a kayak by hucking the 189-foot Palouse Falls in Eastern Washington. In this interview, he recounts the experience in detail. You now feel compelled to watch the footage of the free fall:

Tyler's remarkable feat is included in the 2010 film, Dream Result, which is about the limits to which an elite group of paddlers are pushing the sport of kayaking. Here is the trailer:

Yo! MTV Raps Trading Cards

2011-11-26T13:20:00.000-10:00

You scored these trading cards at a vintage shop a couple weeks back. Could you have spent 220 cents better? Probably. But these are a pretty good throwback to the golden years of hip-hop. Obviously, the crown jewel of the lot is the elusive Black Sheep card, but Eric B. & Rakim is not a bad second.

Oybō Socks

2011-11-24T09:14:00.000-10:00

Because you live in tropical paradise, you almost never wear socks. However, if you were to wear some, they would be from the first collection by Oybō, a new company based in Venice, Italy.

Amtrak's Onboard Wireless Signage

2011-11-15T22:28:00.001-10:00

These are such clever designs to promote Amtrak's onboard wireless internet. Via: 10engines/Ads of the World.

Royal Hem F/W 2011-2012

2011-11-11T10:26:00.000-10:00

Below are some images from the newest look-book from Italy's Royal Hem, a brand that specializes in tailored jackets and outerwear. Stuff you're excited about: 1) a range of patterned wools, 2) four-button, single-breasted sport coats (flip the collar up, add scarf), 3) unstructured cotton jackets, 4) double-breasted tweedy yes.

Horseshoe Curve | Altoona, Pennsylvania

2011-11-10T00:01:00.035-10:00

Horseshoe Curve was the Pennsylvania Railroad's solution to the problem of how to cross the Allegheny Mountains. Designed by John Edgar Thompson and Herman Haupt, this feat of engineering became operational on February 15, 1854. Since then, it has served continually as Pennsylvania's main line to the west. It was widened from one track to four between 1898 and 1900, but one track was removed in 1981, and there have been three ever since. More than 50 trains a day use the Curve, including Amtrak's Pennsylvanian.

Be Linen Movie 2

2011-11-09T06:52:00.000-10:00

Benoit Millot, whose initial Be Linen Movie was exceptional, just released a second short about flax, this time delving into its technical applications.

Auguste Rodin | The Eternal Idol (1889) | Musée Rodin

2011-11-08T20:33:00.001-10:00

Photo: Pierre Vallet.

Bonomi | Virgo Faucets

2011-11-06T20:06:00.001-10:00

Bonomi is a century-old Italian company making some of the finest taps and fittings. The concept behind the Virgo line is that the faucet represents an extension of the pipes that carry the water into your home. When dispensed, the water forms a perfect line with the tap head. Flow and temperature are controlled are on the top.

Outlier Liberated Wool Peacoat

2011-11-02T19:34:00.000-10:00

Below is T.I.C. favorite Outlier's take on the classic peacoat. Of course, being an Outlier product, it maintains the classic peacoat silhouette while being infused with all kinds of technical twists that make it not only highly wearable, but also more comfortable and functional. The Liberated Wool Peacoat uses an innovative cut and a 2.5 layer softshell fabric to create a cold weather jacket in which one can move freely. It's made in NYC using Swiss fabric and custom Corozo buttons.

Alan Stokes on a Bonzer in England, 2003.

2011-10-29T16:48:00.000-10:00

Wise words from Malcolm Campbell followed by some good surfing.

www.bonzer5.com

Run of the Mill F/W 2011

2011-10-28T00:00:00.024-10:00

The boys from Run of the Mill are at it again with some tremendous items for Fall/Winter. Their perfect take on the double monk returns in sand suede and scotch grain. They've also brought back their signature spread collar shirts in a variety of fabrics perfect for the cooler seasons. Great stuff from Lawrence, Jon, and Jeremy.

How Persol Sunglasses Are Made

2011-10-26T08:42:00.000-10:00

Your New Campbell Brothers Octafish

2011-10-17T19:33:00.002-10:00

As soon as you're feeling better, you're going to throw a 7-inch center fin in this thing, wax it up, and take it for a spin in the Pacific.

Amazing Beards #18

2011-10-12T10:00:00.000-10:00

Brody.

Tennyson.

Lieutenant Colonel Karl Friedrich Henrich von Trebra.

Swims Penny Loafer

2011-10-10T00:01:00.000-10:00

Norwegian brand Swims started out by redesigning the galosh before moving into footwear and apparel. You recently acquired a pair of their Penny Loafers, a playful and waterproof take on the prep classic. The outsole is made of non-marking natural rubber, making these perfect for boating. The footbed is anti-bacterial, odor-resistant, and ridiculously comfortable. You've already given them a wee splash through the Pacific and are pleased to report that they stay on in the water and can be easily rinsed free of sand and salt. It's a good idea to size down one size, as they tend to run big. You typically wear a size 8-8.5 (US), and the size 7 is a perfect fit.

Red Wing Factory & Tannery

2011-10-05T15:01:00.010-10:00

The folks from the Amsterdam Red Wing shop had a chance, about a year back, to tour the factory and tannery in Red Wing, Minnesota. They made the following video.

Come Hell or High Water

2011-10-04T20:13:00.000-10:00

Come Hell or High Water, the latest Woodshed Films release, is a project that waterman Keith Malloy has had in the works for a while. It's about bodysurfing, and it just premiered at La Paloma Theater in Encinitas. You can look for the DVD in your local surf shop.

Barena F/W 2011

2011-09-30T00:01:00.002-10:00

Barena's latest collection is again a perfect blend of refined tailoring and rugged functionality.

Margaret Wise Brown

2011-09-29T18:46:00.000-10:00

Percival A/W 2011 Film

2011-09-27T00:01:00.006-10:00

The Percival crew did a great job on this little film, which features the A/W 2011 collection.

Lavenham Chambray Capsule Collection

2011-09-26T00:01:00.000-10:00

Check out the four offerings in the A/W 2011 Chambray Capsule Collection from Lavenham. Each piece is lined with pink gingham.

Drake's Cashmere Ties

2011-09-25T21:38:00.000-10:00

These will be lovely in the colder months. You can see knotting one up for an evening around the hearth with loved ones. Just be careful to not spill your toddy on it.

PUMA | "peace starts with me" Films

2011-09-25T16:14:00.002-10:00

PUMA is presenting the works of seven international filmmakers as open content to be shown at the World Peace Festival 2011. Words and images below appear courtesy of PUMA.Peace.

“peace starts with me” is a new annual PUMA.Peace commission. This year seven international artists and filmmakers create original works. Curated by PUMA Creative Chief Curator, Mark Coetzee, and produced by Shooting People, these films encompass a diverse range of styles; including 35mm live action, experimental animation and fine art. Conceived as 30 to 90 second films to facilitate online as well as live screenings, the works are based on the idea that “peace starts with me”. PUMA.Peace commissioned these films under an agreement with the artists that they can openly be downloaded and shown, without any fees, thus acting as ongoing tools for peace—for all. The filmmakers range from world-renowned award-winning artists, to recent graduates; all were selected for the quality and scope of their work and their sensitivity in interpreting this year’s theme.

“The goal of our PUMA.Peace initiative is to create programs that foster a more peaceful world than the one we live in today,” said Jochen Zeitz CEO of the Sport & Lifestyle Group, PPR, Paris, France. “Each of us can make a difference in this world as individuals, as corporations and through strategic partnerships. Moreover, at PUMA we feel that we are uniquely positioned to contribute to making the world a better place for generations to come.”

Magali Charrier

Magali Charrier is an experimental filmmaker and animator and a gruadate from the Royal College of Art in 2010. She juxtaposes live action and animation to investigate the moving body and its failings.

“Peace starts with me. Here. My body. Through fragmentation and dislocation, this film explores the body as a place where inner conflicts and tensions are played out. A frenetic collage gives way to a more serene version of the body. Peace comes as a sudden breath born out of chaos.”

Tom Gran and Kayleigh Gibbons

Tom Gran and Kayleigh Gibbons graduated from the University of the West of England in 2010. Their first film Scunner premiered at Encounters Film Festival and was screened throughout the world. This is their second project together.

“For us, peace is about letting go. We all have the potential to destroy each other and our resistance to letting go of our defenses makes confl ict much more dangerous. Our film follows a society of living threads as they desperately support hundreds of bladed objects in mid-air.”

Max Hattler

Educated at Goldsmiths and the Royal College of Art, Hattler has made over 20 moving image works and has shown at exhibitions and film festivals worldwide, winning many awards.

“My film is about mirroring and feedback— abstract patterns and shapes fill the two sides of the screen, taking us on a journey from disharmony to peace. Conceptually, it’s about how violence breeds violence and love breeds love. Only by turning the other cheek can we bring about change, understanding and peace.”

Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor

Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor studied theatre at Dartington College of Arts. Over the years their films have screened extensively around the world including screenings at Telluride, Rotterdam, London, Sydney, Thessaloniki, Edinburgh, Hong Kong, Singapore, Pusan, Durban and Morelia.

“Our film is a portrait of a community, united in a celebration of peace. What starts as one individual ends in a large and spectacular group portrait, with people from all backgrounds standing together and sharing a moment of tranquility. Peace starts with me and gradually expands to include everyone. We are all connected.”

Noriko Okaku

Japanese-born Noriko Okaku studied at the Chelsea College of Art and Design, and the Royal College of Art. Her art ranges from audiovisual work, to performance and experimental animation. She has had solo exhibitions in galleries in Japan and Europe.

“Peace is always in your life, if you look for it. In my film, the word peace is concealed within an abstract landscape—at times clearly discernible, at others hidden. The film is meant to seem chaotic. Like the principles of Yin and Yang, positive and negative, peace exists within chaos and vice versa.”

Jacco Olivier

Jacco Olivier lives and works in Amsterdam, where he studied at the Rijksakademie. He is represented by the Victoria Miro Gallery in London; the Marianne Boesky gallery in New York; the Thomas Schulte Gallery in Berlin, and Ron Mandos Gallery in Amsterdam. His work has been exhibited extensively worldwide since 2003.

“My film is an abstract visualization of the feelings and imagery that haunt me in the transitional space between sleep and wakefulness. I am a slow starter—every morning, before I can approach the world worry-free and open-minded, I need to first drain the negative. Only then am I happy and at peace with myself.”

Bill Porter

Bill Porter grew up on the isolated, wind-swept coast of North Cornwall. Since graduating from the Royal College of Art, in 2008, he now works as an animator/director in London and has screened at various animation festivals and galleries around the world.

“Two fighters face one another in the ring, surrounded by spectators in masquerade. The bell sounds and the fighters jump into action. The spectators become more and more frenzied as the blows get harder and the fighters less guarded. Finally they peak and, exhausted, slump into one another—a moment of peace.”

Swims Advertising

2011-09-23T19:57:00.000-10:00

Nico turned this one up. Swims are a longtime favorite at T.I.C.

Hamilton 1883 | Fall 2011

2011-09-20T06:00:00.038-10:00

You're not going to lie: it's exciting when Hamilton 1883 drops new shirting. The designs for this fall utilize a variety of interesting fabrics, diverse in both weight and pattern. The fit of these pieces is on the slimmer side, which works perfectly for you. You don't hesitate to say that Hamilton 1883 are the best-fitting and best-made shirts you own, an all-around excellent investment.

Lacomare, Riou, and Aranburu in Namibia

2011-09-20T00:01:00.000-10:00

www.french-connexion.tv

Supreme F/W 2011 Highlights

2011-09-19T20:43:00.001-10:00

Where it is.

Bally Switzerland: Modern Craftsmanship Since 1851

2011-09-19T20:29:00.000-10:00

In Aisce F/W 2011

2011-09-19T00:01:00.062-10:00

In Aisce, which in Gaelic means "In Vain", is a New York-based label that debuted in 2010. Designer Jona operates out of an old factory building in industrial Brooklyn, where he is involved in every aspect of design and construction. All garment production is executed either in-house or at two small, family-run factories in the Garment District. The 28-year-old Jona is obsessed with craftsmanship, which means that In Aisce is a rare blend of creative design (see the moody and whimsical looks below) and quality.

In Maine

2011-09-18T14:07:00.000-10:00

Photo: Sam Stein.

Nike Air Max 90 Hyperfuse

2011-09-14T19:24:00.002-10:00

You're liking these in either neon green or gray.

Billy Reid S/S 2012

2011-09-12T08:11:00.018-10:00

Billy Reid’s work over the last few years has done a brilliant job bringing together several facets of contemporary menswear. There are pieces in every collection that appeal to men who seek style, to men who just want comfortable, well-made clothes, and to men who want functional garments in which to work or hunt. With his most recent collection for the upcoming Spring/Summer season, Reid again caters to a wide audience.

Reid, who is based in Florence, Alabama, is keenly interested in vintage-inspired Americana and the Southern prep aesthetic, and he mingles the two styles with great success. The double-breasted suit in khaki cotton is perfect—slightly cropped and ready for the city or the country club. Truncated linen sport coats, including some in plaid, are paired with patchwork shorts and sneakers. Suede shoes anchor crinkled linen suits. A bone-colored, double-breasted cotton trench is the outerwear highlight. For the woodsman, Western-inspired chambray work shirts and unbuttoned henleys in ring-spun cotton are casually layered.

As solid as the men’s offerings are, it’s Reid’s development as a designer of women’s clothes that stands out in this collection. Simple, flowing dresses and skirts convey the easy essence of summer, while sheer, billowy pants and trim blazers are effortlessly cool.

The interconnectedness between Reid’s men and women is evident in the neutral color spectrum, which includes browns, grays, and whites, and in several patterns and fabrics. In all the looks, there’s an easy-going, breezy air, and in keeping with his previous seasons, Billy Reid’s most recent work does not appear to take itself too seriously.

Photos: GQ.

Outlier | Storm King Parka

2011-09-12T00:01:00.030-10:00

Outlier's Supermarine Cotton is made using the longest staple Egyptian cotton fiber, woven together in a dense weave that swells up and seals when exposed to water. It's highly breathable, extremely water-resistant, and completely windproof, which makes it the perfect fabric for the Storm King Parka. It looks to be not only sharp, but also technical, with taped seams, Prim S closures, a two-way Riri Aquazip in the front, and half pit zips.

Buckler S/S 2012

2011-09-11T07:59:00.019-10:00

There’s a certain amount of flair inherent in an Andrew Buckler collection that comes from his ability to add his own flourishes to classic silhouettes. It also didn’t hurt that the British designer paraded his presentation of sporty streetwear literally on the street, converting a section of NYC’s Meatpacking District into a cobblestoned runway. The outdoor staging accentuated several of Mr. Buckler’s design influences for the season, namely the steel- and iron-work in New York architecture and industrial America as shown by photographers like Lewis Hine. This Buckler collection brings together the precision of the former and the grittiness of the latter. Sharply tailored blazers and angle-zip jackets are paired with knee length shorts or denim in various states of distress. Trousers have a more relaxed fit and are rolled above the ankle. Hoods abound; sometimes they’re sculptural (as on a white and gray striped sweatshirt), but more often they flow as detachable swaths of jersey worn with a leather jacket or as an independent accessory.

Primarily natural fibers (in particular, linen and cotton) are used to full effect in crafting comfortable looks that maintain their edge. In much the same way, a muted palette of grays, blues, blacks, and beiges adds an air of seriousness befitting the industrial American laborer. Mr. Buckler, who comes from a family of architects, understands the importance of simplicity in design, and the effectiveness of this Buckler collection is in its ability to find subtle ways to inject a little swagger into traditional forms.

Photos: GQ.

Stone Island | Liquid Reflective Jacket A/W 11-12

2011-09-08T22:00:00.001-10:00

Stone Island gets lots of love from you, and for good reason. You've experienced their work first-hand over the seasons, and the fit and construction are always top-shelf. The newest iteration of the Liquid Reflective Jacket looks like some futuristic blazing hotness. Be mesmerized by the video.

Janelle Monáe | The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III)

2011-09-08T20:57:00.001-10:00

Next level.

Thanks, Mike.

Phillies Catcher Carlos Ruiz in S.I.

2011-09-07T20:00:00.000-10:00

You're an inspiration, Chooch. Thank you.

Kent Wang | White Paisley Cotton Pocket Square

2011-09-04T17:43:00.000-10:00

You'll probably need one of these.

The Romantic Filipino

2011-09-03T17:44:00.001-10:00

This was at the Goodwill store in Wahiawa. Obviously, a must-have. As it turned out, someone had stolen the tape inside the box. It remains a mystery why they would not have also stolen the amazing album cover. In the end, the checkout clerk didn't feel it was right to charge you for a box with no cassette in it. Score!

Gant Rugger F/W 2011 Video

2011-08-29T18:39:00.000-10:00

Marshall "Major" Headphones

2011-08-23T00:01:00.000-10:00

Marshall, a company that has been manufacturing some of the best amplifiers anywhere for the last 50 years, has shrunk their sound skills down into headphones. These have the classic Marshall look, with the headband being made from the same vinyl used in their amplifiers.

Bon Iver | "Holocene"

2011-08-22T20:24:00.004-10:00

Obviously, Iceland is number one on your list of places to visit. The scenery in this music video is breathtaking. But you would argue that the more noteworthy achievement here is the beautiful telling of a simple story of human imagination captivated.

Carga Summer Bag

2011-08-22T00:01:00.021-10:00

Carga's Mauro Bianucci, an architect and designer, is making some beautifully designed bags out of Argentina. While he typically works with recycled wool felt and vegetable-tanned, locally sourced leather, below is the brand's first model constructed from cotton canvas, the Summer Bag. And, as Brad points out, the bags are made in a family-owned factory in Argentina.

Adam Replogle

2011-08-20T12:56:00.004-10:00

This little clip of Santa Cruz legend Adam Replogle has been around a while. You remember seeing it on the S.C. surfboard website years ago, and for some reason it always makes you psyched to go surfing. Maybe it's the New Order song.

TWOTHIRDS F/W 2011

2011-08-18T00:01:00.001-10:00

Basque lifestyle brand TWOTHIRDS takes its name from the fact that two-thirds of the planet is covered by ocean. The founders, surfers from San Sebastian, created an environmentally conscious streetwear brand. They partner with Oceana, a global ocean conservation organization, in a variety of company initiatives and in creative community activism. TWOTHIRDS also donates ten percent of the proceeds from each sale to Oceana.

2011-08-16T18:01:00.002-10:00

Giada Forte S/S 2011

2011-08-15T00:01:00.037-10:00

Giada Forte represents the third generation of a family with strong roots in clothing manufacturing. Her grandmother started a knitwear factory in Italy, which her mother then took over, and now she and her brother, Paolo, are continuing the family tradition. The shots of Forte's Spring/Summer collection highlight the brand's passion for fine silks and delicate fabrics.

Markisa Milli Travel Pack

2011-08-13T10:15:00.000-10:00

Since you might be looking for a new backpack, this Markisa bag is on sale at Zumiez for $70.

Great point.

2011-08-12T00:01:00.054-10:00

You're thankful to have had the chance to put your ping-pong skills to the test this summer by battling a couple of your friends, Jesper and Douglas, who happen to be Swedish and happen to be talented table tennis players. They would not call this a coincidence, and the video below may be proof. Whatever the case, when it was cloudy or the surf was terrible (sometimes the case in southwest France), it was hours of all-out, shot-making intensity betwixt the lot of you.

Vybz Kartel in The Fader

2011-08-11T17:17:00.001-10:00

The summer music issue of The Fader (a great magazine, by the way) featured two covers, one of which included Jamaican dance hall sensation Vybz Kartel. You love dance hall music and are fascinated by the whole scene, so this was an interesting read. Great work by writer Eddie "Stats" Houghton and photographer Michael Schmelling. Read it here, or click scanned images below and enlarge.

Grenson x Tenue de Nîmes Wingtip Brogue

2011-08-11T00:01:00.001-10:00

"The wingtip brogue was originally a country shoe. The holes in them were functional back then, rather than mere decoration: they'd let the water out when worn across the bogs." Learn more about this shoe here.

Sarah Nicholas Williams Limited Edition Prints

2011-08-10T00:01:00.003-10:00

You saw these two prints and several others by Sarah Nicholas Williams at the Erica Tanov NYC store. They definitely embody the kind of well-executed whimsy that you want on the wall of your kid's room.

Martha Davis Slipper for Men

2011-08-09T00:01:00.068-10:00

You've been searching for a proper slip-on shoe for some time, and you may have found the winner. Martha Davis is a San Francisco-based shoemaker who learned her craft in Italy. She mostly makes footwear for women; however, she's also designed these suede, leather-lined, Italian-made beauties.

Also available in orange.

Saint James A/W 2011 | Part 1

2011-08-08T00:01:00.024-10:00

You're always excited to see the new looks from Saint James, and there's nothing disappointing about the latest collection. Who doesn't love a little beachy French style? Perfect for brisk autumn strolls in Biarritz. Photos are broken into two posts; St. James for the mademoiselles is below.

Saint James A/W 2011 | Part 2

2011-08-08T00:00:00.002-10:00

Maurie and Eve

2011-08-07T09:12:00.002-10:00

Australian label Maurie and Eve is named for designer Kelly Davies' grandparents. Davies continues to produce bold collections with the help of her brother, Scott Davies, and Maya Clemmensen.

2011-08-06T10:15:00.000-10:00

John Singer Sargent, Madame X (Madame Pierre Gautreau), 1883-84. Oil on canvas. 82 x 43 inches. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

2011-08-05T09:42:00.002-10:00

Louis de Silvestre, Maria Amalia of Saxony, 1738. Oil on canvas. The Prado, Madrid.

Travelteq | Trash Canvas Messenger

2011-07-29T10:10:00.001-10:00

Travelteq are changing it up a bit with their newest bag, the Trash Canvas. Made in Italy, it features solid canvas construction with vegetable-tanned leather, and it includes more external pockets than previous Trash models. It still has six internal compartments, four of which are zipped, including a shock-resistant one for your laptop.

Paris

2011-07-28T03:06:00.007-10:00

2011 Gant Rowing Race Ad

2011-07-26T00:01:00.003-10:00

Fan va galet! Your friend from Sigtuna, Adam, is second from the left in this Gant Rowing ad. You may recognize him from the seventh pic down in the "Biarritz" post.

And here's a video from the event.

Biarritz

2011-07-25T00:01:00.005-10:00

Bamford/Rolex Milgauss for Colette

2011-07-23T09:08:00.006-10:00

You saw this beautiful Bamford-modified Rolex Milgauss at Colette. 16500 €.

Pratesi "Ghirlandaio" Attaché Case

2011-07-22T00:01:00.001-10:00

In cognac croco-embossed leather.

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas

2011-07-21T00:01:00.007-10:00

Madrid

2011-07-20T00:01:00.005-10:00

Outlier | The Anorak

2011-07-19T07:02:00.003-10:00

Today, Outlier released The Anorak, a limited edition piece available on their web-store. It uses a pullover construction with two way side ventilation. The magnetic front piece is fully adjustable so you can protect ya neck in the style of your liking. The 3XDry Cotton Linen fabric has a sturdy hand feel that combines the soft touch of cotton with the crisp handle of linen and the unparalleled performance of Schoeller's 3XDry treatment.