Even though Uniqlo doesn’t have the reach that H&M does, it’s really giving H&M a good run for their money collaboration wise. After partnering successfully with Steven Alan, Opening Ceremony, Shipley & Halmos and Gilded Age in the past, here comes a sneak peak of the newest collaboration between Uniqlo and Jil Sander dubbed +J. Jil Sander has always been a favorite of mine, and while my personal collection doesn’t extend past 2 shirts, I’m delighted that my stock will undoubtedly grow with this collaboration without breaking the bank.

“Jil Sander’s creative role at Uniqlo extends beyond the +J collection to the brand’s other apparel and accessories for men and women. But it is understood that the designer is focusing her initial efforts on the fall/winter launch of this newly created collection, flying frequently between her home in Hamburg, Germany and Tokyo. The +J collection will be sold at Uniqlo’s flagship stores in major cities and on the brand’s own website.”

That logo is straight killing it, although, I would expect nothing less from German design. No word yet on an official release.

[SOURCE]

Now I know your remember this little guy from art class in high school and don’t even front like you don’t miss him. Design-focused firm Wolk Design who have been renowned for amazing residential and commercial buildings on top of furniture, came up with the Chair Construction as “a one-of-a-kind sculpture that functions doubly as a chair and as art. The human hands holding up the chair are interjecting and assuming the role of support, creating an illusion that tells a narrative of parts that are missing. The red disc is part of the design and included with the chair.” Another addition to their quality portfolio which already includes the Absolut Chair.

Since April, the Adidas 3Way project has already seen some of the most interesting takes on core Adidas Originals models in years. 3Way’s project brief was simple – 12 retailers from across-the-globe were split into 3 groups, roughly working by region, with each group given the same collection of five models to rework – Superstar, Stan Smith, Samba, Nizza and Forum. You know the Samba from its training shoe origins but you’ve never seen it like this. The onetime terrace favorite in its more outdoor-friendly silhouette (as opposed to the affordable, almost ubiquitous 5-a-side ‘flatter’ version) is also pretty bike-friendly. That’s a bonus in the era of fixed-gear mania, but made over with a shuttlecock inspiration via China’s ACU and Japan’s VA. That’s something very, very different, yet it makes a certain sense, seeing as this model could easily accommodate badminton too. The Samba is available exclusively at Crooked Tongues.

Read More

Oozing all kinds of freshness is relatively new Parisian label Hype Means Nothing, racking up several collabs in its very short lifespan. Although not usually a fan of portrait tee’s, there’s something about the artistic merit of these photographs with a little fun and style. HMN’s first collection of tee’s pokes a little fun at the expense of celebrities by featuring their printed faces in black and white (for the most part) pretending to wear “fashionable sunglasses”. They’ve even got an M.J. version. You can check out the official site or order them at endclothing.

Parkour is one of those sports that causes envy, I wish I would have gotten into it a long time ago because now I’m just too lazy to get started. Its actually considered a discipline similar to a martial art than to a sport, it focuses on moving from one point to another as smoothly, efficiently and quickly as possible using only the abilities of the human body. Wiland Pinsdorf’s Samparkour short movie was shot in HD with 35mm lens adapter showcases the beautiful city of São Paulo (Brazil). It features Zico Corrêa who uses every obstacle like a new possibility.Where people see obstacles, Zico sees a challenge.

I have this odd relationship with Lanvin. I keep buying, they keep releasing, and I can’t catch up. Definitely one of the more understated releases from Lucas Ossendrijver from Lanvin considering this purple model and the green ‘pearl’ model, this all grey canvas high top sneaker features the usual Lanvin quality complete with satin inserts. While I do love this high top silhouette, along with the low top, I have to wonder when they’ll release a new model together. For the price, even though you’re paying top dollar for luxury from a top fashion house, I would strongly prefer something a little bit more flashy like the aforementioned purple or pearl models. A friendly, reminder to get your Lanvin’s broken in before you wear them. Available here.

One thing I’ve noticed is that Red Wing owner’s really stand behind them and will either keep a pair of Red Wing boots forever, or replace their existing pair with the exact model and color. For the loyal followers of the U.S. legacy brand, a summer solution in a familiar model – the boater. Originally available only in Japan as of last year, odd for an American-born shoe, it’s now available on our side of the Pacific and rightfully so. These beauties are made from a durable, rich leather, and are hand sewn close to the small town of Wabasha, Minnesota close to Red Wing’s home base. For those that love to go sockless, the leather lining conforms to the foot and wicks away moisture. Available in three colors, but the navy is our favorite. See them all after the jump. Available here.

Read More

One of the most recognizable icons of 1960′s Mod fashion is back, the Brutus Trimfit short sleeve red tartan shirt. Originally launched in 1966, the Brutus brand has just been re-launched by the original family so the quality and authenticity of the product is guaranteed. The origin Mod fashion is pretty simple, it was just short for modern/minimalistic style and the men’s short sleeve red tartan shirt was THE fashion accessory to have in the day. The re-issue is made with the original Trimfit specs, button details and cut to the cuff. Each shirt comes with a handkerchief in the pocket insert and can be worn inside chest pocket, an amazing little detail that a Staple Design favorite of mine also has. The shirt is available in red tartan and navy or black gingham. You can order them here.

Read More

We’re all pretty salty over here missing out on Bread & Butter in Berlin especially when it comes to sneak peaks like this one from Jack Spade. The upcoming Spring/Summer 2010 collection from Jack Spade features familiar models in fresh colors and in some cases, multi-colored. Moderately priced for high quality canvas, the upcoming collection doesn’t see any huge departures from Jack Spade’s claim to fame, but will include messengers, backpacks, duffles, laptop cases, peripheral cases, and a tri-colored, larger tote. Even though the market for high quality, durable canvas seems to be saturating the market season after season, for understated, simple, luxury, you can’t go wrong with Jack Spade. Check out the rest of the collection from High Snobiety.

It’s not a new concept, but the mismatched sneaker combination seems to be making a bit of a comeback in some circles. In the 80′s I was into the mismatched Chuck Taylor’s. Earlier this week the Bread & Butter x Asics GT Lyte II “Salmon & Butter” Pack (see if after the jump) was released and although they aren’t necessarily meant to be worn mismatched, the pack definitely lends itself to wearing one Salmon and one Butter sneaker at all times. For those that don’t know, salmon to represent Japan (Asics) and butter to represent Germany (B&B). Up next is the upcoming collaboration between NSW and Japanese brand swagger featuring the Terminator Hi with a right “Mint” and left “Chocolate” in a reptile skinned texture. Available in select swagger stores across Japan.

Read More

I’m more of a cap man myself but Panamas have stayed stylish ever since they gained popularity when Roosevelt wore one in his visit to the Panama canal. Now Still Life and Marc Jacobs have decided to put their mark on the iconic 50′s hat by introducing a very limited collection of colorful hand crafted Panamas that ooze enough style to be worn by Victor Lazlo himself.

Melbourne, Australia-based artist Michael Steele has been making waves online for his latest series of artworks dubbed “The Cluster Series”. Visually portraying references in the media, memories, people, textures, technologyall with a cartoon-esque feel, when all pieced together, you get these amazing pop-culture infused explosions. The one above called “90′s mix” includes among other things: Robocop, a Floppy Disk, Duracell battery, star from Super Marcio Bros., and a Lego man’s arm. Others are aptly named “Phone Home”, “Slimeball”, “Nature’s Return”, “Invaders”, “Chanel Surfing” and “Retro Humb”, complete with Atari. Check out all his works here.