2012/07/31

NEW YORK SUBWAY ART







I really like those signs in the New York Subway and how those mosaic letters show us the way underground, but what is the story behind it:

The first “signs” in the New York City subway system were created by Heins & LaFarge, architects of the IRT(Interborough Rapid Transit). In 1904 they established the now-familiar tradition of mosaic station names on platform walls. The name tablets were composed of small tiles in both serif and sans serif roman capitals. The BRT (Brooklyn Rapid Transit)/BMT (Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit) followed suit under Squire J. Vickers, who took over the architectural duties in 1908. Neither line had a uniform lettering style even though the designs were prepared in studio and then shipped in sections to the stations. Thus, there is a surprising amount of variety within the mosaic station names. Smaller directional signs—with arrows indicating exits from each station—were also made in mosaic tile in both serif and sans serif roman capitals. Vickers simplified the decorative borders surrounding the name tablets but did not alter the lettering styles of either the IRT or the BMT. However, when the IND  (Independent) was established in 1925, he created a new style of sans serif capitals to accompany the stripped-down decoration of the stations. These letters, inspired by Art Deco, were heavier and more geometric than the earlier sans serifs rooted in 19th-century grotesques. They used larger tiles than the IRT and BMT mosaics, though the IND's directional mosaic signs employed lighter sans serif capitals and were made up of smaller tiles. (text via Aiga)

2012/07/30

MENSWEAR THROUGH THE EYES OF NAM

















Nam is a streetstyle photographer and runs a blog called StreetFSN. He has a keen eye for details, he shows you everything you should know. He shows you what to wear this season, whether it is flower prints, camouflage, patched jeans or....you name it.

(pics via Street FSN)

2012/07/29

IT'S IN THE POCKET







We all know that knitted ties are the "bomb" and we all wear them with proud. That said what do you think of knitted pocket squares? MS and Co., who are based in Portland and on the market since 2010 invented them. The pocket squares come in 3 colors just enough to pop off your summer blazer.

2012/07/26

GO WEST....












Like the Pet Shop Boys sang "Go West"

GANT opened it's first West Coast outlet @ Venice Beach, located in the coolest street of L.A. called Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Make a stop when you're hitting the beach for a GANT Rugger shirt or a pair of Gant by Michael Bastian chino's. The clean and classic interior with it's vintage gym floor fit's like a glove to the collegiate GANT collections. So. CAL. finally can enjoy East Coast Prep. (pics via GQ and Urban Daddy



2012/07/25

DRAKE'S FALL/WINTER 2013











Drake's brings us for Fall/Winter 2012 some smart styles. The brand has taken it's inspiration from mid 19th century Britain and classic Savile Row tailoring. Dandy meets traditional, not just in handmade ties, but also in knitwear from Scotland and shirts from Italy. Time to check the Drake's site! (pics via selectism).



2012/07/24

GUERRE DID IT AGAIN













Guerre from Guerreisms posted some pics on his blog of MRket show New York. 
MRket is a global fashion trade show for menswear brands. Representing the best in classic and contemporary clothing, sportswear, accessories and outerwear from the US and abroad.