Category Archives: design

Topo Designs Hip Bag

Here is another new addition to the Topo Designs family, the Hip Bag. I am a fan of waist/hip bags (but I would only wear one over the shoulder), they are very functional on the bicycle or motorbike, fitting just the essentials and allowing for a place to put sunglasses, gloves etc after getting off the bike. I really like what the folks over at Topo Designs are up to, quality products all made in the USA with really classic designs.

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Naturalis Works: Oliver Spencer

Here is a great insiders look at the creative process of British menswear designer Oliver Spencer provided by G.F.Smith, an independent paper company working on a video series titled ‘Naturalis Works.’ I am a big fan of Oliver Spencer for what he does, it is one of those brands that has really honed in on its own particular style and does it well with great details, nice materials and clean fits. The video features Spencer working through the process on a garment from design to riding his bicycle to the factory to where his products are made, nice moves. Thanks to OEN for the tip.

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Trusst by Flavie Halais

Here’s an extremely well executed video featuring two of my good friends, Andrew Ly and Melissa Matos, the founders and directors of Trusst. The black and white treatment here really fits with their aesthetic, and I think the pari do a great job explaining their inspirations, motivation, and direction. A bit of an aside from the type of stuff we normally cover here but a great watch if you’ve any interest in the more conceptual ‘high fashion’ side of this biz.

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Light My Fire: Product Range 2011

Light My Fire is a Swedish camping accessories company that specializes in products that create fire and the implements used to eat and prepare what ever it is that you will be cookin’ up in the backwoods or your own backyard. The company’s most popular products are the Spork and the Firesteel 2.0, which is a fire-starting device that works in the harshest conditions, both wet and dry. All the products seen in their range are made and designed in Sweden, with emphasis on low-tech, high quality, durable goods. Check the video below for demos (I recommend muting it) and keep reading for a look at the other products in their line, ranging from mealkits, knives, salt and pepper shakers to tinder sticks…

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Same Stance, New Generation

Harley Davidson continues their push to tap new markets, and this video sees them build on the themes that have been the centerpiece of their advertising campaigns lately: Americana, heritage, passion, timelessness, youth, and how a Harley is more than just a bike. I definitely appreciate what they’re trying to accomplish here, but it’s hard to discern if this new image of cultural depth is a marketing ploy (as the company is still climbing back from near-bankruptcy), or if this really is the HD of the present and future. Regardless of motive or intention, this is a great short film, beautifully shot and damn convincing.

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Actual Pain ‘All of them Witches’ Collection

We couldn’t not post the new Actual Pain All of them Witches collection, as the bringers of the Pain are serious favorites with the 8485 boys. This new run brings the realness yet again, with plenty of new designs to die for (literally), such as Immortal Mickey, King of Pugs, Knock Knock Motherfucker and the Zlog colab, Hell on Wheels. Now the only question is ‘witch’ ones to cop? Hit the jump for more…

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Martin Spring/Summer 2011 At MASH


Our admiration for the MASH SF brand should be pretty evident by now to regular readers; the San Francisco track bike crew has steadily been expanding their business ventures over the past few years, from beginnings as a film project to now having recently opened a retail storefront. Mike Martin has provided the main creative direction through MASH’s evolution, and also operates his own menswear line, blending cycle functionality and clean design in a way that should make his contemporaries very jealous. Here’s a look at the s/s 2011 offerings from Martin Clothing, as seen at the MASH e-store. So many standout pieces, and with very reasonable pricepoints it’s not surprising many are already sold through… keep reading for more.

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Svensson Shoes Spring/Summer 2011

Swedish magazine/label/design collective Svensson has released this great looking footwear range for the spring/summer 2011 season. The line features four styles, the Army Shoe, Canvas shoe, and the Leather shoe in high and low cuts. The shoes are all made in the town of Montegranaro, Italy which has been a maker of fine footwear since the beginning of the 1900′s. I love the look of the Army shoe, modelled after German, Belgian and Austrian military footwear. Check the video below…

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