The absolute best thing about the bags coming from Ally Capellino is that they’re built for life. Using materials that are meant to be worn, used and loved, all pieces feature very  little to no exterior branding. Capellino explains, “People should add something of themselves, so that the bags become theirs not mine” – words to live by. Straight from Shoreditch, East London, where her studio and boutique are both based comes a the Fjell Rucksack made especially for Scandinavian brand and shop Norse Projects. The bag is a classic hunting style, and is made from high quality British waxed cotton with bridle leather detailing. And though a little out of character for Capellino, the collaborative label is displayed prominently  on the front. Available here.

A few years ago, Stones Throw was known mostly for housing two of hip hop’s greatest producers, Madlib and the late J Dilla. Recently however, with the emergence of Motown revivalist Mayer Hawthorne, the California-based label is turning more heads. Soul music has been making a bit of a comeback, with the likes of Aloe Blacc (also on Stones Throw), Sharon Jones and Hawthorne getting serious mainstream spins. Outside of Blacc’s hugely successful ‘I Need a Dollar’ single, Hawthorne has been making the biggest splash; 2009′s A Strange Arrangement earned him accolades from fellow blue-eyed vocalist Justin Timberlake and, perhaps best of all, Ghostface Killah.

Hawthorne’s interpretation of vintage soul is both authentic and disarming; the production isn’t what one would expect from, say, a Timbaland or a Danger Mouse. This is roots music, and for the handful of music videos he’s put out director Henry DeMaio provides the perfect compliment. DeMaio appears to have locked himself in as Stone Throw’s in-house videographer, having worked with Aloe Blacc, Dam Funk, Strong Arm Steady and Madlib. Videos for Hawthorne, including ‘Your Easy Lovin’ Ain’t Pleasin’ Nothin” (above), capture the stripped-down spirit of his record. The shaky hand-held camera and absence of any major post-production combined with the poolside setting and cheeky choreography embody that fancy-free spirit of 60s soul. On the flip side, DeMaio’s video for Hawthorne’s bittersweet ‘I Wish it Would Rain’ is a slightly crisper production, albeit still stripped of all the bells and whistles that are commonplace today. The focus is on the music, as it should be.

Originally leaked last week, the new Mercedes-Benz CLS is now being officially revealed, almost a month before the planned announcement during the 2010 Paris Motor Show. This new 4-door coupe is instantly one of the best looking in its class, mainly due to some mean design on the front full-LED headlights. Overall the CLS is exactly what you would expect out of an important Mercedes-Benz release; striking lines, brilliantly designed interior, stock full of technological innovations. Cars like this show you why Mercedes is light years ahead of the competition, as this CLS is in a class of its own.

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On paper, Visvim has done everything right as usual: 14 oz. dual ring-spun denim, 4 different slub lengths blended for varying texture, pure indigo dye from Japan’s finest denim mill in Okayama, custom Visvim buttons and rivets, elk leather patch on back and a hidden zip pouch in back pocket. On body, is a different story. Thinking that these would fit like all Japanese denim brands, that is to say, smaller, was a major oversight. And moving up a size didn’t help either. The cut is far from perfect for some, though it’s not far off to assume the fit is perfect for others. Issues with a ballooning thigh and wide leg opening leave this loyalist far from satisfied, though, if you’re more of the bottom heavy variety, you can count me jealous. Available here.

Considered the fastest watch in the world, last week Parmigiani released the new Bugatti Super Sport to coincide with the release of its namesake supercar. Making sure they spared no expense in making it as exotic and extreme, the watch contains the 372 movement – a successor to the 370 which worked using a transversal movement – the new watch features another extrodinary movement which transfers power to the watch face at a 90 degree angle. This first edition will be limited to 30 pieces, with white 18ct gold and carbon face, but varying models will be produced in the future, to a total of 200 pieces. At $259,000, it seems like a drop in the bucket after you’ve just spent as much as you have on your new Veyron.

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After and incredible first day in Pebble Beach and after acclimatizing to the somewhat rarified air of the events, we were taken to Laguna Seca for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. We checked out the cars being showcased and prepared in the pits while some of the worlds greatest and most storied cars held no caution as they flew around the track as they had during their glory days. The highlight of the day was the seeing the new Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport lead out no fewer than 30 Type 35c, which proceeded to battle it out at full speed on the course. Day 3 we started bright and early at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, while checking out even more exotic cars on the 18th hole of the golf course we were invited to drive the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG… Followed by a ride in the Bugatti Veyron, both incredible, both brutally fast, but so different as well.

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A look at the neat head office and showroom for Cheap Monday by design and architecture firm Uglycute based in Stockholm, Sweden. Have a look here. Photographs by Mikael Olsson.

You may have already gotten a look at the full Fall/Winter 2010 collection from A.P.C. last month, but now that they are officially in shops, we’re finally starting to get up close with some of the pieces. Jean Touitou appears to have strayed a little further from the subtle military influence this season and instead favouring a style that’s arguably a little bit more British than French. Plaids, argyles, bow ties and corduroys round out the collection, though we’re particularly fond of the workwear inspired cotton flannel above. Available here.

One of the best things John & Mary’s handcrafted line up of bags is this quote from John Stuart Mill that governs their entire operation, “One must always act so as to produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people, within reason.” As a rule, they place the utmost importance on functionality and durability and marry it with classic aesthetics from their Los Angeles base. There, they work closely with a small family-owned local factory where production of the canvas-leather bags are handled. Available here.

Parmigiani Fleurier was nice enough to invite us down to Pebble Beach this week to see the release of their newest creation, the latest embodiment of their relationship with legendary car maker, Bugatti. We spent our first day at the Quail, a car show/garden party of sorts… drinking wine and discussing the technicalities of some of the most important cars in the world, which are scattered around us. Events of the day included the release of the latest and last iteration of the Bugatti Veyron, the Super Sport, which among being a cleaner overall design, includes a larger engine and was able to reclaim the fastest production car title again.

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Buying well made and well packaged items should seemingly go well hand in hand even though men’s skincare products often miss the mark. Such is not the case however with Portland General Store’s old-fashioned shave soap formula which they describe as, “It is not a scent for every man – this is a powerfully masculine scent. Elegance, strength, and charisma describe the fragrance of this shaving soap . . . a deep woodsy and amber fragrance with a surprising hint of spice that reveals itself over the hours . . . notes include vetiver, labdanum, vanilla, woods and fruit.” While that all sounds nice and well,  we’re drawn to the the old-fashioned packaging that screams grandpa’s medicine cabinet. Available here.

With roots on London’s historic Jermyn Street at British clothier Turnbull & Asser, the Fayed and Goncalves brothers are bringing the bespoke philosophy to ready-to-wear for the next generation. The brothers decided to try their hand at catering to the offspring of the Turnbull regulars who appreciate old-world craftsmanship on slimmer, more modern cuts. Designed and manufactured in England with materials sourced from British and Italian textile mills, Bespoke combines classic Americana with British mod wit. In a few short seasons, Bespoke‘s take on velvet, herringbone tweed and cashmere for blazers, cardigans and trousers have been well received both at home and on this side of the pond. We managed to catch up with 3 of the 5 that make up Bespoken just as the Fall/Winter 2011 collection is set to drop.

LH: We’ll start with the formalities, who are you, what are your respective rolls and what did you guys do in your previous life?

Paulo Goncalves: I guess you can say we’re a bit of a mixed bag.  There are two set of brothers – James, Sam and Liam who grew up in their family business of Turnbull & Asser in London.  Carlos & myself grew up in NY working in finance and advertising, respectively.  We collectively make it work, and being brothers and all, it keeps us honest despite the occasional headbutting (not in an Noel & Liam Gallagher sort of way). We’re all extremely passionate about this brand and what we do, so its definitely a collaborative effort.

LH: Growing up in and around Turnbull & Asser and given your backgrounds, it seems you could have gone in a variety of different routes and just as easily given up on clothing, so what about clothing makes it so appealing to you guys?

Sam Fayed: Honestly, it was something we could all relate to, born out of a frustration of our own.  Being guys in our 20s & 30s, we felt that its been difficult to find a menswear label that marries fine tailoring & construction with more contemporary fits and styles.  It was through working the sales floor at Turnbull where we were exposed to just how customers reacted & appreciate the quality and details, down to where it’s manufactured.  We thought we would bring this to a younger audience, and along the way, round out our personal wardrobes.

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