2014/08/31

THE SOUVENIR JACKET - EAST MEETS WEST









Party-time was at an end for young Americans in 1965. Soon huge numbers of American baby boomers had received draft notices from the government, due to escalation of the Vietnam War. By the mid 70's a total 8,766,00 American soldiers had been sent to "the hell on Earth" located in Vietnam and Cambodia. If they could survive and were able to return to their hometowns a few years later, many souvenir items bought in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Vietnam were brought back home with them. Embroidered jackets were very popular souvenir. There have always been many souvenir shops around U.S. military bases in Japan. Okinawa-made tour jackets had been increasing especially since 1960s because huge numbers of American soldiers were staying at Okinawa bases before being shipped out to Vietnam. (input from Rin Tanaka)

2014/08/30

DRAKE'S LONDON LOOKBOOK FW 14










































Founded in 1977 by Michael Drake, the original Drake’s collection was comprised of men’s quality scarves. A range of English handmade ties and silk pocket squares quickly followed. Today all ties continue to be entirely handmade in London’s East End, on Haberdasher Street. 

2014/08/27

CHAD IS PART OF THE CREW




This week I finally received my very own Todd Snyder x Champion crewneck sweater and an odd short sleeve oxford shirt with jersey collar and jersey pocket.

The origin of the word crew neck is dated back to the 1930's. Named after the sweaters with this neckline worn by oarsmen. For those who don't know an oarsman is a person who rows a boat, especially a racing boat and more than one person you call it a crew.

2014/08/26

WHO'S THAT GIRL?










"I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels."

Sarah Ann Murray is the International Group Fashion Editor for Rake magazine.

Wow, how cool would it be as we as man look that dapper as Sarah Ann does in menswear?
There is a lot for us to win! Why not start today?
Follow Sarah Ann on instagram.

2014/08/25

STORE CHECK - GUIDEBOAT, CO - MILL VALLEY, CA










Growing up in the Adirondacks, many of Stephen Gordon’s fondest memories are of early morning rows on Lake Champlain and of 19th century Guideboats on the waters of the Upper St Regis and Loon Lakes. Acquiring a rare 1892 J.H. Rushton Guideboat a few years back he became intrigued with the idea of helping others create similar memories, young and old alike plying the waters. Gordon decided to build a new Guideboat, an identical Rushton hull design, an affordable rendition, American cherry trimmed, bronze fittings, hand made.

Gordon, no stranger to edited assortments having founded Restoration Hardware, was joined by Chad Hurley co-founder of YouTube, in launching a new Mill Valley, California based concept…a way-of-life purveyor, online and in store. In addition to the Guideboat, the company now builds a turn-of–the-century Maine Peapod and the 1949 Naples Sabot. The company flagship, workshop and offices are all housed in the 19th century historic Mill Valley Lumber Yard.

The northern California flagship store opened in September of 2013 and is comprised of two handsomely restored late 19th century buildings within the historic Mill Valley Lumberyard. They selected and directed the rebuilding of the original mercantile building and the old hardware store, both graced by redwoods, bay and birch, adjacent to Mill Creek, moments from the bustle of Mill Valley’s Plaza yet a world away experientially. Guideboat’s workshop, where they now paint oars and paddles and fit componentry of our boats is built (as is the hardware store) right over the creek and housed within the property’s old woodshop. (pics via Remodelista)

129 Miller Ave
Mill Valley, CA

2014/08/23

EAST MEETS WEST - LEVI'S TEAMS UP WITH PENDLETON & BEAMS






Levi’s unveils the new collection under its ‘60s workwear-inspired Levi’s California label. Teaming up with Pendleton and Beams, the trio provide a collection of upgraded classics from Levi’s’ West Coast roots. 
The collection takes some design cues from Pendleton and Japanese brand Beams. The overshirt uses the same broken diamond pattern that's become a Pendleton signature, while the black denim jacket features quilted lining from Beams. Rounding out the offering are white Tab twill jeans, button-down shirts, and a quilted blazer. Check here for more info.