NYC-based designer Derrick R. Cruz is the force behind Black Sheep and Prodigal Sons, a continuing narrative involving accessories pieces / art objects. Creating an aesthetic based around Native American mythology, occult imagery, and funerary objects, his work rides a fine line between wearable and gallery-specific. While I’ve never really been one for accessories, I love when designers reinterpret found bone, claw, stone, wood, etc in to work that is either meant to be adorned or simply admired. With Cruz I also really enjoy his usage of leather as the means to bond everything together. These beautiful shots come from a series entitled ‘Theft of Light,’ and while the cynical among us could perhaps pass it off as more hipsters looking sullen in the forrest, I think this shoot came together perfectly… keep reading for more images.
I previewed the Odyn Vovk spring/summer 2010 lookbook last week, now here’s a glimpse of what is to come for fall/winter 2010. The collection titled ‘Three Fold Path’ is a more casual take on Austin’s signature style, with a more loose and draping silhouette. The model choice of Tony Ward is perfect, with his more masculine look and Lemmy-esque handlebar stache, it fits perfect with the overall vibe. I can’t wait to see the rest of the collection but for now keep reading for the full preview…
The Desert Boot has been a staple in my footwear rotation for a while now, as the classic style is easily worn, dressed up or down. I have a pair of Clarks Desert Boots in black and wear them quite often, but have been looking for something a bit different. So when I saw the Acne Dessert High 1’s from their spring/summer 2010 collection I fell in love, from the cinnamon color suede upper to the flat crepe sole, three eyelets (different from the Clarks 2 eyelets), and finished with wooden beads to give them more of a moccasin look. These are the perfect look and definitely something I would like to sport with a good pair of khakis come summertime. Keep reading for more looks…
In lieu of the fact we haven’t posted any cycling content in far too long, here’s an truly inspirational clip about Rahsaan Bahati and his efforts to give back to the community where he grew up, the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles. Bahati is a championship cyclist who rose above the cycle of violence, drugs, and gangs that plagues so many youth in Compton; now, besides training for the 2012 Olympics, Bahati (alongside Cannondale) is sponsoring a cycling team comprised of students from Crenshaw highschool, where he first discovered cycling and how it could free him from the negativity of his environment. What I enjoy most about this video is it begins to dispel the myth that cycling is a sport of middle-class white people: the wider range of demographics involved in cycling, the better off the sport will be in the long run. You can keep up to date with the Bahati Foundation both on Twitter and Facebook.
If there is one line in particular really made a comeback in 2009 it would have to have been Gitman with their Gitman Vintage collection. Here is a look at the entire new collection for spring/summer 2010, which consists of a wide range of fabrics and patterns from madras, plaids, seersucker and cabana stripes, to striped oxfords and colorful chambrays. The collection “pays homage” and takes inspiration from their spring/summer 1984 collection. I love all the styles, there is so much great variety and they have such a nostalgic, retro feel to them. Keep reading for the full collection…
Being a vintage connoisseur I can always appreciate a good find, so when I came across these vintage L.L. Bean boots from the on Ebay I was so stoked. The boots are a hunting style that were made in the 50’s or 60’s and are still in new unworn condition. The styling of these boots are amazing, with a ribbed gum rubber sole and simple raw canvas upper. If L.L. Bean made these today I am sure they would be a huge hit, I know I would want a pair. These vintage beauties are even in my size, 9 US, but with a ‘buy it now’ of $250 I think the seller knows what they have, a vintage treasure. Keep reading for a few more pics…
Brooklyn/Connecticut designed and manufactured label The Hill-Side has been a favorite of the 84/85 team for a while now, both for their solidly classic aesthetic and made-in-America values. Featuring a wide range of ties, handkerchiefs, scarfs and bandanas, their spring/summer 2010 collection continues to be something any man could use in their wardrobe, and the above picture might as well be me: simple oxford with a knit tie tucked in between buttons 3 and 4. This lookbook does an excellent job of showcasing the pieces as they’re meant to be worn, and proves the point that accessories still have a place in summertime outfits… keep reading for more shots from the collection (thanks to Selectism for the images).
Opening Ceremony is at it again, this time colaborating with Levi’s for this cordorouy collection for spring. The collection features three classic Levi’s styles; the Trucker jacket, a button down, and the 505 model slimmed down in a pant, short and cut-off. I personally have always been a big fan of cords, they are that classic ‘grandpa’ style that you just gotta love. This collection (all made in the U.S.A.) is done in a spring color palette of Teal, Fuchsia, Lavender, Olive, Currey and more. This cord colab will be available at levi.com on Feb.15th. Keep reading for more looks from the collection…
