Monthly Archives: December 2009

Ad Appreciation: Ralph Lauren Purple Label

Posted on December 16, 2009 | Leave a comment

Ah, payday… also know as the day of purchasing $20 magazines. And on the inside cover of the new GQ Style there’s a massive foldout for Ralph Lauren Purple Label, which to this day remains probably my favorite series of print ads ever, for their model choices, styling, and overall presentation. Purple Label is an aesthetic I would need jump about 6 tax brackets to fully embrace, but I have a strong appreciation for their take on American luxury, in the same way as I appreciate Tom Ford and his imagery. Highlights from Purple Label campaigns include hyper-masculine models, boldly contrasting colors and patterns, and an uncompromising take modern wealth. I wish I had a scanner so I could share the newest ads, but for now click through to see a few older favorites.

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Ts(s) Spring/Summer 2010

Posted on December 15, 2009 | 1 Comment

Takuji Suzuki has recently released a prieview of his Ts(s) spring/summer 2010 collection, the second coming from this relatively new but very impressive brand. We featured Suzuki’s fall/winter collection here a while ago, with it still being one of my favorite overall collections of the current season, so I was very pleased to get a glimpse of what was ahead for spring/summer 2010.  The collection is with in the same vein as his previous effort with worn-in looks done in relaxed but tailored cuts, paired with nice textures and patterns. Ts(s) has show with only their second collection to be a leader in the new movement of menswear and designers. Keep reading for the full collection after the jump…

Images: Jamoollife

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Wants and Needs: Converse

Posted on December 11, 2009 | 2 Comments

As a former Chuck purist and a semi-recent Vans convert, I feel like there had to be some middle ground to be reached. After a decade of wearing black and white Chucks almost exclusively, I made the switch to Vans Era’s a while back, about the same time I committed to riding my bike every day. There’s never been a style of Converse other than the Chuck I’d considered wearing: anything from the One Star line was always bulky and ugly as sin. However, Converse has been bringing the heat with their skateboard collection, most notably the CTS (pictured above). With the profile/padding of a Vans and the subtle, classic looks of a Chuck, this definitely looks to be my next shoe purchase, as I think it could handle to demands of daily cycling while also providing the necessary style points. Keep reading for a few more current Converse styles (Chucks included) that I’d like to get my hands on.

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Most Anticipated 2010: Pantha Du Prince

Posted on December 11, 2009 | 1 Comment

There is no record that dominates my iTunes top 25 like Pantha Du Prince‘s This Bliss. With a sound similar to former Dial label mate/boss Lawrence (except for the obsession with bells and the slightly ruder basslines), Prince crafts the kind of deeply affecting melodic minimal techno (micro house?) that provides a perfect companion for short, dark, cold winter days. Now signed to Rough Trade Records out of the UK, his new LP Black Noise is slated for release on February 8th, 2010, and I couldn’t be more excited. A European tour opening for Animal Collective was the catalyst for the track above, and first single ‘The Splendor’ is set for 12″ release on December 14th. With otherworldly atmospheres and hypnotizing percussion, Pantha Du Prince should probably catch a lot more fame in 2010, and for all the right reasons. Dig in to his amazing back catalogue of releases on his website.

Pantha Du Prince – The Splendor

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J.Crew Footwear Early Winter 2010

Posted on December 7, 2009 | Leave a comment

J.Crew continues to be seen here on 84/85 because they continue to bring the heat. With their dead-on collaborations and undeniably classic looking staple pieces, they’ve shown they’re really watching the market and working with it, not just within in. The new winter 2010 footwear pieces are a prime example of that, with colabs from Quoddy, Red Wing, Seavee, and Clarks amongst others. The footwear collection is very impressive with a bit of something for everyone. The Quoddy Grizzley boots (pictured above) and Red Wing waxed chukkas are my favorites, but I really like the collabs with Seavees on the sneakers, as well as the Blundstone boots and the Aigle rubber boots. Keep reading for the full collection after the jump…

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ivivva athletica Mural

Posted on December 7, 2009 | 2 Comments

I was recently asked to do a mural for the new ivivva athletica store opening on Johnson street here in Victoria. Iviavva is a new offshoot line for kids from the ever growing Lululemon brand, who as a Canadian line have managed to make a large impact in not only the domestic but also the global markets in a relatively short amount of time. I took the opportunity to paint the store front while it was still under construction to promote the opening. I decided to paint a fun and bold classic style bubble letter piece to brighten the existing facade and have some fun with it. Keep reading for a full look at the mural and thanks to Jim Finlayson for the shots…

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A Closer Look: R. Newbold Fall/Winter 2009

Posted on December 5, 2009 | Leave a comment

With the constant flow of workwear and utilitarian styling being seen here on 84/85, it’s always nice to come across a line that you weren’t aware of previously, and this time it is the Japanese brand R. Newbold. Here is a view in to the lookbook from their current fall/winter collection as well as an editiorial shot for No-Non magazine. The collection is full of classic outdoors/workwear style pieces complimented with unique details and great usage of colour and prints. I am a huge fan of their outerwear pieces including the shawl-collared denim and varsity jackets. This is a line that I will be keeping an eye on, but with it having little to no presence in North America yet I probably won’t see it in person anytime soon. Keep reading for a full look of the collection…

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FACT Mag’s Top 100 of the Decade

Posted on December 4, 2009 | Leave a comment

Probably the only list of it’s kind worth reading, FACT just finished up their picks for the top 100 LP’s of the decade. Encompassing a different spectrum than, say, Pitchfork, the FACT list includes everything from indie to rap to heaps of electronic-based music. And while I may have blown the cover on their choice for #1, head over and read the whole list yourself, there’s a very good chance you might learn something (I know I did).

On an other note, December is going to be a super busy month for Brendan and I, with crazy work scheds and  time-consuming personal projects. Hence, we apologize for the slowdown in posting, but look forward to bigger things popping off early in the new year.

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