Independent Irish-based design studio Superfolk is known to tribute their homelands heritage and traditions through their designs. Headed by Gearóid Muldowney, the brand typically emphasizes traditional materials found locally, combined with using traditional construction techniques to produced a thoroughly innovative end-product. The Aran Bag Collection combines natural materials like wool and leather to produce a contemporary looking series of bags that just look like they’re the culmination of years of manufacturing. Like a comfortable Aran knit sweater, the lining on bags like the Pinemartin look as natural as they feel. A smooth, buttery leather outer encases a soft wool interior that will not only keep your laptop safe, but will actually make you bad when taking it out. The Superfolk Aran Bag Collection will be featured at the Stockholm Furniture Fair from February 9-13th.

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Paris boutique Starcow has just released a preview of some jackets from Penfield’s upcoming Spring/Summer Collection for 2010. The Massachusetts brand is celebrating their 35th anniversary this year, and it looks like one of the highlight pieces of the collection will be a re-issue Original Pac-Jac. Like the K-Way, this iconic lightweight jacket was big in the 80s, becoming a staple in the wardrobes of everyone from outdoor enthusiasts to trendy urbanites. The equally stunning Vasson Jacket in beige and blue (after the jump) is also another great example of why Penfield has become one of our favorite brands as of late. These should be dropping soon at a retailer near you.

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A Bathing Ape has done something interesting with this weekend bag, that is to say, a simplified design. We never got on board with anything BAPE camouflaged, but they often get things right when they go understated and not over extending their brand on everything from Tempur seat cushions to TePe toothbrushes to the newly launched fishing equipment collaboration with Daiwa. This small weekend bag caught our eye, without catching our eye. The color scheme works, as does the tan suede bottom and matching logo. Given it’s relatively small dimensions, we think it could make a pretty decent camera bag too. To be released soon.

Hunting gear making its way into the city isn’t all that out of place than spotting mountaineering garb in the city, and while many are attempting to enter the market with ‘outdoor-inspired’ pieces, most of the time you’re best to stick with the classics. Perennial outdoor outfitter Orvis, aside from getting the cut and color accents down pact, have also put a lot of time and research into this Ventile Hunting jacket. It has been thoughtfully constructed and cut from the world’s best hunting fabric— Ventile, a cotton fabric that runs the gauntlet of briars and thorns without a snag, yet can efficiently transport moisture vapor away from your body to keep you cool. All stress points are bar-tacked, and all seams are double stitched with side seams “rear-facing” to reduce wear. Weatherproof. Waterproof. Thornproof. Lightweight. Breathable. Available here.

READ MORE about how Winston Churchill inspired “the world’s greatest hunting gear: Orvis Ventile”.

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We’ve gone on in length about the benefits of a tote and whether you’re a believer or not, we’re not sure anybody can ignore round 2 of Undefeated’s recently dropped Flight Helmet Bag included with the navy Poorman Weapon Converse. Lavenham’s signature diamond quilt pattern is perfect for those among us who can’t do the full quilted jacket thing. Incidentally, this is what Lavenham’s outerwear is known for and what they’ve been doing in the UK since 1969. As for the nitty gritty, it’s a deep marine diamond quilted tote bag with webbing handles, front patch pocket & corduroy trim and made from 100% Polyester shell with 100 gram quilted wadding. And yes, still produced in the British Isles. Available here.

Back in the 70s, the quilted jacket and pant were all the rage on ski hills, from the Alps to the Rockies. One of the main purveyors of the trend was Italian label ellesse by Leonardo Servadio. In its heyday, the brand found fans in the world of top athletes as well as the European jetset and aristocracy. Fifty years later new life is being breathed into the brand due to the creative direction of Mauro Massarotto. Drawing on a eclectic color palette representing and inspired by the brand’s history, the collection includes everything from down jackets and trench coats, to polo shirts, tracksuits and high & low top sneakers. The retro look is made fresh with an injection of vibrant colors and high-quality materials, with most pieces being made right in Italy. Yet the brand’s roots in Tennis and Skiing is still ever-present, maintaining ellesse’s reputation for combining sportswear functionality with street-level fashion styling. More from the relaunch Fall/Winter 2010 Collection after the jump.

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Premier curators of British-style, Hackett Mayfair make an interesting array of products outside of their usual traditional British garb including this rug, that also doubles as a throw, scarf and blanket. As with their scarf we featured earlier this year with their wonderful logo, this is woven in Scotland from extra fine Merino wool. Available here.

While mostly known for amazing collaborations with the likes of Grenson on some pastel brogues and Tricker’s on four pairs of brogue boots, Kurt Geiger has been out with some amazing stand alone pieces as of late. We’re particularly fond of these chukka deck shoes dubbed the Hi Sounds Lace-Ups. With the likes of Sperry Topsider and even more recently, 3sixteen x Quoddy’s collaboration on a chukka deck shoe there aren’t any shortages of great selections for Spring. In fact, Sperry’s collaboration with Scott Sternberg from Band of Outsiders were so great we’re banking on a second go. The only real question when it comes to choice, is US-made or UK-made? Available here.

Following up on the “Che” print released back in August, Ernesto Yerena continues his Latin-American Political figure collection with another Cuban Revolutionary. Fidel Castro is a man who evokes very contradictory sentiments, especially in the US where he is seen as everything from a hero to pure evil. His contribution to Latin American culture cannot be questioned, and it is in this light that Yerena is highlighting the Cuban leader. While his time working for Shepard Fairey and his affiliation with Studio Number One is very evident, Yerena demonstrates great technique. Honestly with what we’ve been seeing coming out of Obey as of late, this is better that his mentor’s own work. The “Fidel” print is available in two colorways, red and green, with each running as an edition of 50. Available at a random time today here.

Watch a short video-teaser on the making of the Fidel Print after the jump.

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Nothing says Spring like a crisp Baracuta Original G9 Harrington – Baracuta’s single biggest contribution to menswear dating back to 1937. Who among us can resist that icon Fraser Tartan lining and retro yet relevant logo? I’ve been partial to the Vintage Fit models which happen to fit me like my dad’s throwback Baracuta G9 I stumbled upon not too long ago. Even though they’ve expanded their list of materials to include Italian fabric, satin and cashmere, one can’t go wrong with the original Teflon exterior with Fraser Tartan interior. Featured up top is lightweight version of the harrington with an all over gingham print for those that want a little pattern to their classic. And for those looking to go more street than English country, you still might be able to find some of original Comme des Garcons x Baracuta and Stussy x Baracuta jackets on eBay. Available here.

LH favorite A.P.C.’s Petite Standard jeans in raw denim have become a real staple in a lot fashionable men’s closets.  The term ’standard’ is indeed becoming fitting.  Now, A.P.C. is releasing the Petite Standard cut in trouser form, made from 100% Gabardine cotton.  The Petite Standard is a five-pocket, slim cut with just the slightest tapering below the knee.  It’s a smooth look for all seasons, and the colors on offer just enhance it even more; available in army green, orange, and white here.