We love Fall for many reasons; the chill in the air, the turning of the leaves, the smell of firewood burning, etc...; but by far, without a moment of hesitation or pause, our favourite thing about Fall is all the new sneakers. Hence, the aptly named recent drop from the folks at Nike Sports Wear. Look for them at fine sneaker retailers.
We've been listening to this a lot lately, and despite it not being a hot-off-the-press current release, we want to share it with you anyways. It's off their 2010 release "Halcyon Digest," which incidentally is an awesome record start to finish and you should own it. deerhuntertheband.blogspot.ca
Loving our iPad as much as we do it's only natural that we want to protect it. The ingenious design of the Smart Case is truly a thing of beauty to be sure...but we still don't trust it all by its lonesome when we leave the house with it...and especially when we travel. Longing for something simple, but staying away from the staid leather iPad folios that you see every business traveller with, we were fortunate enough to come across the MA-1 Bomber. With an outer shell of nylon flight satin, neoprene padding, and available in 3 mil spec colours, this case means business. Our favourite feature is that it was designed large enough that even with the Smart Case on, the iPad still fits. You can learn more and get yours here.
We've said it before...and we'll say it again; everyone should carry a pocket knife. You'd truly be surprised just how often they come in handy. And speaking of handy, there is no handier than the iconic Swiss Army Knife, the one made in Ibach Switzerland since 1884. We are huge fans of the iconic HBC 4 colour stripe wool blanket, something that holds a special place in the hearts of all Canadians, and now we can carry that with us in the form of the ultra-useful pocket knife. Pardon the pun...but it looks sharp in white. You can get yours here.
Lindsey Adelman collects vintage industrial clamps from manufacturers all over the US and plates them in brass. Leading glass blower Michiko Sakano blows molten glass into each one and lets the form naturally slump, making each fixture truly unique. The Future Perfect has them.
Vancouver based artist, Rodney Graham is exploring what it means to be past your prime and dealing with the varying levels of obsolesce that comes with aging in his latest large format self-portrait photographs. In a recent Globe and Mail interview he speaks to his workOld Punk on Pay Phone “This is the last old crust punk in the world talking on the last pay phone in the world,” Graham says. “I mean, who even uses pay phones any more? Aren’t they just for drug deals?” It’s a character he inhabits with ease, the youthful rebel in old(er) age. “I mean, my leading-man days are kind of behind me,” he laughs. “I’m looking for roles now that I can actually play.” Showing at Vancouver Art Gallery until September 30th with other shows in Berlin and Chicago.
Kelly Wearstler. Among some of our friends you either can illicit sighs of admiration or exasperation when you mention her name. A self-made designer who has the good fortune and talent to cultivate a style that is absolutely all her own. This distinct, maximallist aesthetic has had her venture from designing hotel interiors, furniture and accessories, author and most recently into fashion. Personally, we love her even if her look is a little too much at times but the unique quirkiness and singular vision is pretty admirable. A great example of this is her iconic Souffle chair shown in black here but also available in vibrant colours to make it that much more unusual. Like most of her designs, this is odd but tasteful. Take a look through her website for all of what she does and if you get hooked, click the link to her blog in which she shares her inspiration and process.
We've been wearing a simple and classic Timex watch for the better part of a year. It was meant to be a stop gap until we found "the one". Well needless to say, our search continues for the perfect watch but in the meantime, we occasionally find unique watches we think are worth sharing. This nature inspired watch by WeWood is simple and fun and for every watch they sell, they plant a tree. Available here.
We've been big fans of the Vancouver based Reigning Champ for a few years now...and we are happy to report that they are finally ready to implement their plan for world domination. If you've never heard of Reigning Champ...think James Pearse minus the overcharging. Solid, well made essentials (and even some un-essentials) that have a beautifully tailored fit and manage to be super comfy as an added bonus. We routinely sport a Reigning Champ cardigan, and their pants will be your new favourite travelling companion. They have just completed work on their new website, complete with an online store, and we highly recommend that you have yourself a look. We're big fans of the impending Alpine Heather Parka...but are also eyeing the Shawl Neck Fleece in Herringbone. Decisions, decisions. You can go here to see the collection, and if you happen to be in the Vancouver area, two of our favourite shops; Livestock and Haven, carry them. www.reigningchamp.com
A fresh new video from Sleigh Bells....and it is so very 80's retro and surprisingly authentically so. The sounds is awesome, and we could listen to Alexis Krauss' soft and breathy voice all day long. Of their last release "Reign of Terror." They are touring relentlessly right through to early November, so if you're interested in witnessing the wall of sound that is Sleigh Bells, go here for tour dates and tickets.
We posted about Rosella's eco resin bangles back in May (see post here) when Spring was making it's presence known and we were charmed by their delicate sensibilities. Summer is now winding down and we realize that we are still admiring the fashion stylings of our Canadian compatriots. While the rest of the world seems to be catching on to this beautiful, sometimes bold, sometimes ethereal jewellery, we're continuing to pine for a few chosen pieces such as this trio of thin multi faceted rings available here.
We think the picture above speaks for itself with regards to why this deserves your attention. Welded steel frames, custom webbing, leather strapping with brass buckles and repurposed WWII military fabric. If that doesn't scream cool and durability simultaneously then we don't know what does. We've shown you the sofa, but there is also a chair and ottoman, a loveseat, and a chaise lounger. All totally perfect for the dooms day prepper who wants functionality, but also needs some design flair. More info available here.
We are counting the sleeps like we're waiting for Santa for the new XX to hit store shelves. The reviews for those fortunate enough to get a preview copy are starting to pour in, and they are all glowingly positive. What makes us happy, is that they opted to not stray too far from the formula that garnered them so much success in their self titled debut album. Here, we give you Sunset, which you will recognize as definitely being the sound of the XX. Again we find singers Romy Madley-Croft and Oliver Sim trading verses back and forth with a tight rhthym section to back them up...and the obligatory sparse guitar work. The album, "Coexist," drops September 11th. //thexx.info/
Inspired by the season 16 episode titled "Goo Goo Gai Pan," wherein homer poses as the enlightened one in order to gain entrance to a Chinese orphanage. The 7" tall vinyl piece of desk top ephemera will be released September 6th through Kidrobot stores, Kidrobot.com, and select retailers world wide. Mmmmmmm...enlightenment!
The Mopha Tool Roll is a super cool new way for cyclists to deal with the flats etc. on the road and well we can't really describe it better than they do so..."born out of a desire by a few members of a group of cyclists, known as Mopha, who wanted a simple and highly functional way to carry their cycling tools. Working from their inspiration, and harkening back to the simplicity and quality of days gone by, we delivered a straightforward form comprised of rolled canvas, leather trim and vintage toe strap to reveal maximum function. No more chaffing velcro, synthetic zippers and fabric, or black-hole searches through something manufactured far from home." Available here.
Paul Timman is a well known tattoo artist originally from Ohio and made famous at Sunset Strip Tattoo In Hollywood. After cultivating a loyal following, advising on numerous TV shows and honing his craft, he has collaborated with Ink Dish on a really cool set of plates. The Irezuma collection is inspired by classical Japanese tattoos and is available here.
File this under "why didn't someone think of this sooner." As ingenious as it is, you have to ride a steel framed bike, so you aluminum and carbon types are out of luck. There are two versions of the headlight and taillight available, the Randonner with a machined and polished aluminum body, and the Lode which has a silicone rubber outer that is also available in a range of colours. The lights turn on and off by simply sticking them to the frame and then peeling them off, which couldn't be a more simple design function, an the geometry and materials picked ensure they'll fit a wide range of frame diameters. You can see and learn more here.
The weather has cooled right off where we are...and we are now done with summer and pining for winter. We can't wait to head for Whistler to cut comes fresh turns...the cool blast of winter mountain air smacking us in the face like a heavy weight title fighter. In doing so, we're contemplating updating our gear, and if we're gonna go, it's gonna be the whole way. We are therefore looking at the Burton Mystery, the first board to come out of the Craig Kelly skunk works,or Craig's, Burton's in house R&D facility. The Mystery is super light (Burton's lightest to date), and that's largely due to the tech inside...that being a carbon blend core. For us however, we always vibe first on appearances, and these slick minimal graphics on black is as good as it gets. More info available here.
This is to celebrate the fact we got row 1 tickets to the Friday Metallica show in Vancouver, a show where they are recording for posterity as a 3D concert film. From the stage shots posted online and reviews from the Mexico City and Edmonton shows, it looks like we're in for a really epically huge, pyrotechnic infused treat. For those who are interested, on Monday August 27th in Vancouver, you can see the show in its entirety in a effort to get those final shots for...get this....only $5. Best part...all that cash will benefit the Greater Vancouver Food Banks....and really awesome gesture to be sure. So throw up your devil horns, scream 'Metallica' at the top of your lungs, and then come and join us. If you're not a Vancouver local, this is totally worth at least a 24 hour bus ride. More info available here.
Another week and another epic book from Taschen. With all these great coffee table books coming out in a seemingly endless stream, we're going to have to forgo places to sit in lieu of a room of coffee tables to keep them all on. In this instance, the book has beautiful full page ads from last century in fashion. Chances are you'll see some ads that enticed your parents or even grandparents into what we would consider by modern standards, some fashion faux pas. For the teens and twenty-somethings reading this that are into Wayfarers and neon clothing, you may get a look at just how unoriginal your generation is. Available from Taschen, and purveyors of fine books everywhere.
We can't think of a compelling argument as to why you would need this puppet but we also can't think of one reason why you wouldn't want it. A handmade paper puppet depicting a famous Victorian tattooed tough guy with moving joints and adjustable parts, seriously why wouldn't you want this now? Available through CrankBunny
We've been watching with childlike anticipation the evolution that has been Club Monaco over the last couple of years. The Club has become a much more focused brand, offering collections that are on point with trend and a nice blend of slouchy casual and sharp tailoring. The fall 2012 collection is so far the piece de resistance, which is to say from stem to stern, earrings to wool coat, it is as dialled in as it gets. Preppy styling, quirky cuts, ethnic patterns and the typical unusual pairings that Club has made the mainstay of their new and focused direction are the order of the day, and because they offer everything from quasi-formal items, t-shirts and blue jeans, and even tailored sweat pants, this really can be a one stop shop in terms of your annual wardrobe change-over. Available here.
We're loving this Negative Space Cuff by Mikinora out of Italy. Made in oxidized bronze, this sturdy cuff plays with the idea of the space between the forms while staying simple and modern. Available here.
In addition to actor, writer, artist, sometime student, director, soap star, awards show host, poet, and we're pretty sure he mowed our lawn last week, James Franco is now a fashion designer. Because he apparently can't sit still for like 5 seconds (which is the theme of the movie Cranked which he curiously did not star in) Mr. Franco has been working with 7 For All Mankind in the Fall/Winter 2012 multi-media campaign...for which he directed some short films (which you can preview here). While doing this, he snapped a series of polaroids that have now found their way onto a series of t-shirts for the brand. They will debut online next month and will set you back $89. We have a serious problem with charging that much for a t-shirt...but that's for another day as we could write a whole book about that.
Oooooohhhhh yeeeaaaaaahhhh! It's been a long time since we've indulged in our weekend bag fetish, and boy did we find a good one. Just look at it! We are loving it...so much so in fact that words are failing us. We want to point out the contrasting leather bottom...but what to say! Gah! That's all that comes to our mind is gah. Pathetic...we know, but it's a hella cool weekend bag and that makes us weak in the knees. Moving on, they are pretty fairly priced all things considered, and its a Kickstarter campaign, which means you'll be the first on your block to be sporting a Vinted Goods product. They also do a briefcase, wallet, iPhone case and a backpack...all equally cool but they are no match for the weekender. You can learn more and get yours here.
We posted the teaser for this way back in February, and now, after being an official selection at the Sundance Film Festival, it is making the rounds a limited engagements...and receiving heaps and heaps of critical praise we might add. Unfortunately for us, the only Vancouver screening was a private affair for Van City skate scene insiders at the Red Bull lounge. We are not of this scene and so were not invited (insert an angry/sad emoticon here). We therefore are waiting with baited breath for the DVD release, which we have been told should be sometime in October.
Its always fascinating and insightful to see what people with money will spend their fortunes on. Alan Gibbs has spent the last 20 years commissioning one of the largest collections of abstract outdoor sculpture and artwork at his farm in New Zealand with noted artists such as Anish Kapoor and Neil Dawson's creations being the stand-outs. Our favourite is Dawson's Horizons which is a 45 foot tall pop-art napkin silhouetted against the sky. To tour the farm and the vast art all you have to do is call and make an appointment. Much better than buying Ferrari's and gold chains. Check out the whole collection here. (via fast company)
We are always on the hunt for new lighting, and we were absolutely tickled to find this. Pretty self explanatory what it's all about really. We like how interesting yet un-invasive into your space it is. You can learn more here, and there's a picture after the jump to show you more clearly what it really is.
Gearing ourselves for the fall fashion switchover, we have been turned onto the Nike Safari Deconstruct. The deconstruct refers to the shoe being devoid of all its padding, and lacking the Nike Swoosh, instead opting for a perforation of the pattern. The colour palette and suede construction lend themselves perfectly to the cooler fall weather and falling leaves, and although subdued or even understated, in our humble opinion, these are the kicks to beat this fall. Available at fine sneaker purveyors everywhere, but we highly recommend our personal favourite; Livestock.
If you think the 60's and 70's vibes from photo apps like Hipstamatic and Instagram are just too new generation for you, well how about an app that goes back to the late 1800's? For a measly $1.99, Strut Type does just that, rendering authentic Edwardian-era portraiture and landscape shots. Have yourself a look here if this all sounds like something that interests you.
We love a giant, soft and cuddly bath towel. There is nothing better than getting out of the bath or shower and wrapping yourself in something that is gigantic and luxuriously soft. And seeing that the American Indian patterns are all that and a bag of chips right now, the Pendleton jacquard oversized bath towel is exactly what one needs to round out their bathroom accessorizing. The are several colours and patterns available, and Karma Loop has them. We particularly love the one above, in a pattern and colour called Chief Joseph Denim.
Brought to you by the fine and well travelled New York Times. With everyone's life seemingly becoming busier and busier, a weekend is needed more than ever to recharge. Rather than sit around and watch a marathon of Sons of Anarchy or completing start to finish the latest Call of Duty video game, why not jaunt of the Europe for 36 hours of fun that only the Europeans know how to have? Even in times of fiscal restraint, the average European knows how to relax, and the New York Times have compiled 125 separate weekend getaways that cover the entire continent. Of course, being a Taschen release means that all the wonderful words are supported by equally wonderful photography. Soooo...why not fire up that Amex card and get started on knocking that 125 number down a few pegs. You can get your copy here.
From McSweeney's: "How Music Works" is David Byrne's remarkable and buoyant celebration of a subject he's spent a lifetime thinking about. He explains how profoundly music is shaped by its time and place, and how the advent of recording technology forever changed our relationship to playing, performing, and listening to music. Acting as historian and anthropologist, raconteur and social scientist, he searches for patterns—and tells us how they have affected his own work over the years with Talking Heads and his many collaborators. Touching on the joy, physics, and the business of making music, he also shows how it is inextricably linked to its cultural and physical context. His range is panoptic, taking us from La Scala to African villages, from his teenage reel-to-reel recordings to his latest work in a home music studio. How Music Works is a brainy, irresistible adventure and an impassioned argument about music's liberating, life-affirming power." Available September 12th here.
The Good Life! is a community of artist types that curates content, events and campaigns for established and fledgling companies. They have just dropped a set of professional weighted dominoes, which incidentally is a great all inclusive game that knows no age barriers. Each domino is hand painted with the Good Life! logo, and features a brass bead for spinning. You can see and learn more here. (via coolhunting.com)
We're always on the lookout for space saving furniture pieces and lately have been especially on the hunt for a laptop desk. The Cascade laptop desk fits the bill nicely taking up minimal space and capitalizing on the industrial chic look. Made with recycled barn wood as the back panel with a walnut cantilevered shelf and as a final touch, an integrated cage light acting as a wallsconce. Available through MFEO here. More photos after the jump.
Mr. Bourdain is seemingly everywhere. From out perspective, he has truly become the king of all media, as he's on TV all the time (even playing himself on the Simpsons), has had his fair share of print material success in both fiction and non-fiction, is a popular radio show guest wherever he travels, and has even worked his way into the comic book scene. All that's left is a feature film, as he is now touring like a rock star. No word on what an Anthony Bourdain tour is all about, but we did notice that three of the dates feature something called "Good vs. Evil featuring Eric Ripert." That, we think, will be interesting since Eric is the yin to Anthony's yang. Head overhere to see if you're lucky enough to live near a tour stop.
We know more than a few people who love their cats and dogs like their own children and so when we saw this set-up we knew we had to share. The Zen bed complete with nightstands will make Fido feel special and hopefully keep him out of your big bed. Available here.
Designed in 1950, the Adnet Mirror by Jacques Adnet exemplifies mid-century French modernism. One of the first of its kind, this piece combines the mirror and a durable leather strap inspired by Adnet's work for Hermes at the time. Reissued in 2011 by Gobi it is now made in Denmark and just recently made available at Design Within Reach.
We originally posted this in January...and boy, were we early to the party. The album it hails from, "Give You The Ghost", just dropped yesterday. Like we previously mentioned, this track features the borrowed talent of Bon Iver's Mike Noyce. Out now on iTunes.
Details are few, other than it is not available on the go-to platforms like Playstation or Xbox (still can't figure that one out), and that it is a FPS where you are playing a bounty hunter exploring the depths of the city planet Coruscant attempting to uncover an criminal conspiracy. The images are amazing, and if you watch the gameplay trailer from E3 posted after the jump, they are getting closer and closer to nailing the animation of people...which has always been somewhat lifeless. The animation is so good in fact, you'll forget that this is a video game and not an animated movie. One thing it has going for it is that George Lucas had no hand in writing or directing it, so the dialogue should be good and there won't be some useless character designed to get a laugh from kids. No official word on release date yet, but we'll keep you posted.
We love the name of this chair by Blu Dot almost as much as the chair itself. Fun colours, sturdy steel, modern design and affordable to boot. Check it out on their website along with all the rest of their great furniture.
Remember when the term Zippo was synonymous with lighter? When we were younger we always envied the older kids in the smoking pit who casually flipped open and closed their silver Zippo while we fumbled with our ugly disposable Bic lighter. Well those days are over and smoking is slowly becoming a thing of the past in many parts of the world so what is a company to do? Start an outdoor line and launch the best and most versatile tool ever conceived. The Woodsman is a bow saw, a mallet, a stake puller and a hatchet so basically your one survival tool worth bringing with you when you camp or when you head to the hills when the zombie apocalypse begins. Coming soon to a dealer near you.
Missoni Home is the furniture and accessory line from one of arguably the most recognizable fashion houses in the world. Those colourful patterns which have been worn by the rich and famous for the last 6 decades are now available on everything from sofa blankets to the ottoman we are showing here. Definitely a statement piece and it probably goes without saying that you should save your pennies for this one. Available here.
We're loving the ace & jig Fall 2012 collection and really their whole design philosophy. Based on the concept that clothing should be seasonless, timeless and effortless, their yarn dyed fabrics speak for themselves. Clothing that is not over-styled and that is also steeped in historical, global inspiration, we can't wait to add a piece to our wardrobe and look as comfortable as we will no doubt feel. Available here.
A documentary about the best musician that you've never even heard of. Everyone was expecting huge and amazing things for Rodriguez, even comparing him to Bob Dylan...but he faded away into obscurity. Rumours even had it that he had lit himself on fire on stage, and then pulled out a pistol and blew his brains out in front of his live audience. For the ones that knew of his genius, he was largely forgotten...except for in South Africa, where he was über popular, and was actually the music that influenced a generation. The documentary is about the legend that is Rodriguez, finding him alive in a Detroit suburb, and igniting the career that was supposed to, but never happened. Of note...the film has a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film saw limited release last month, and we're sure that the DVD will available in short order. For your introduction and listening pleasure, we have posted the track "Rich Man's Hoax" after the jump. Also...Rodriguez is playing the Late Show with David Letterman this Tuesday, and for those closer to us geographically, he is playing the Venue on October 11th. For tour dates near you, go here.
One thing we have always admired in the Japanese, if you'll permit us to make a huge and general sweeping statement about a culture, is their attention to details, especially when it comes to aesthetics. Their art, their gardens, their food and even their homes have attention to details and design savvy-ness, yet manage to remain clean and simple in appearance. Cathelijne Nuijsink, a contributor at Wallpapermagazine, is about to publish a book that takes a look at some of the stand-outs in the world that is Japanese homes. Book will be dropping at book retailers everywhere on 30th September. We've posted some more pics after the jump.
Keeping in the theme of the future being now (see post below this one) we give you a new iPhone peripheral that turns the iPhone into a tricorder (Star Trek reference for the uninitiated). Plug in the sensors, and you can monitor things like temperature and humidity, airborne radiation, electromagnetic feedback and even the nitrates in raw food. It also doesn't hurt that they look as good as they do, especially with the addition of unpolished Sapelle. No word on a release date yet, but they are in the final stages of production and are expected to available in late 2012...coincidentally in time for the holidays. More info available here.
We can't think of a single app that for all intents and purposes is as simple and yet obviously so complex as Word Lens. The future truly is now...and even as we type this we are absolutely flabbergasted that we are alive to see something from the realm of science fiction actually become a reality. With the app open, you simply point the camera to a foreign language sign, look to the the screen of your iPhone as it shows you the translation. See what we mean by simple? That being said, whatever magic you have to download to get this to work is obviously complicated. Regardless...the iPhone has now become "the" essential piece of kit for travel. Of course, available in the app store in iTunes.
Did you know that you are required to display 15 pieces of flare at all times. It can be hard to piece that many together...but with these merit badges for Disorderly Goods...you really should have no problem. They have all different kinds, like for always believing the glass is half full, or for growing out of adversity, but we really dig the one above...simply for giving a shit. You can find them all here.
If the recent release of the conclusion of the Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy has you jonesing for more...you're in luck. Based on the classic and iconic 1986 graphic novel and penned by Frank Miller (of 300 and Sin City fame), the Dark Knight Returns finds Batman making a comeback after a 10 year hiatus...after middle age has set in and Bruce Wayne is a little thicker, and little greyer, and a whole lot meaner. Truth be told...this story partially inspired the Dark Knight Rises. The animated film stays true to the source material, with a vintage quality and look that became so popular in the animated series, and even keeps some of the most iconic frames from the original source material. Also...the Bat/Bruce Wayne are voice by non other than Peter Weller. Part 1 is scheduled to drop and a DVD/Blu-Ray release on 25 September, with part 2 to follow next year.
Maybe it's the Scouts training from our youths...but we firmly believe to always be prepared. This is why we always have a pocket knife on us, and if the weather looks the least bit inclement, we sport an umbrella. Right now we are in love with our Senz umbrella...but the above recent collab by London Undercover and YMC has us re-evaluating...and seeing that in a month or two we'll be knee deep in the onset of fall, you best get on getting your prep on. The Navajo print was leaking into fashion lines last fall and winter, and this year it is totally on point. We love the subtlety of the print on the inside, as shown above, but if subtlety is not your thing there is always the all over Navajo print version as well, which we've kindly posted pics of after the jump. More info available here.
From Chicago based design house White Nest, this geometric golden yellow wool pillow caught our eye right away. Great felt material, well crafted design, and perfect colour, this pillow will soon be in our home and should be in yours. Available here.
It has been quite some time since we felt inspired enough to do an Icon of Style post. For a while we were on a roll but then no one felt worthy of dedicating an entire write up to but then we thought of actress Diane Kruger. Most famously known for her pivotal role in Inglorious Basterds, she has a complicated and daring style that lands her front row at all the major fashion shows. We find her personal style actually very hard to pinpoint but we would venture to call it fashion forward, designer heavy and completely fearless. Needless to say she is a beautiful woman but we love the fact she is not bound to the usual constraints of her contemporaries. A lover of Chanel, Gucci and Dior, she boldly wears short metallic studded mini dresses, demure feminine chiffon gowns and masculine sexy pieces that fall somewhere in between. We haven't even mentioned her hair! The following photos can explain more than we ever could so enjoy.
This house is so freakin' skookum that words are failing us. It would start with something about a Bond villain, but then always trails off into salivating mumbles and we end up just staring longingly. It really all comes down to want versus need...and sure we don't need a home like this, but we sure as hell want it. More pictures after the jump. For those that care...it's in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
