Universal Works is one of the better brands coming out of the UK right now. While the minimalist approach might not have that wow factor for some, the fact that founder David Keyte has names like Paul Smith & Maharishi on his CV more than makes up for it. Pretty impressive for a man who started adult-life as a coal miner. At present, his line is sold at Bloomingdales and Fenwicks and has already been featured in GQ, FHM, Arena and Time Out. We’re into the working-class influence in the Bakers Jacket, part of the second Collection released by Universal Work for Spring/Summer 2010. Made of lightweight Chambray cotton, the cut is functional with a simple button front fastening and symmetrical pockets, placed for as much practicality as they are for design.  Available at Oi Polloi and Glass Boutique.

You’ve no doubt already come across these already on your online travels but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to mark the relative resurgence of casual suspenders. It’s no surprise that Japanese heritage brand Edwin – who has been producing denim since 1969 – is behind this latest reincarnation. These here are Edwin Vintage’s Japanese Selvage denims kitted out with leather-strap suspenders as part of their brilliant Vintage collection, made from 13 oz selvage denims produced on shuttle weaving machine with specially developed uneven thread. The result is the same soft feeling fabric you get from your favorite old pair of comfort jeans; that vintage look yet of extremely high quality. Available here.

An essential piece in your wardrobe for this time of year is a light coat, preferably somewhat waterproof. Whether you happen to be looking for a tailored look or something more modern, British brand Oliver Spencer has some fantastic options that are sure to suit your needs. From one end of the spectrum you have the Short Mac Carlyle and Suffolk Jackets in Navy or Khaki. Both give you that classic belted trenchcoat look, with slim tailored silhouette. If you need something more modern and casual, the all new Quay Jacket is young and fresh looking alternative; the hooded jacket pulls on over your head with a half button placket with wooden buttons, and a cream herringbone lining and a drawcord around the hem with leather pulleys. Either way you go, the elegant aesthetic and exquisite craftsmanship blend the youthful exuberance of streetwear stylings, with the focus and attention to detail found on all your favorite timeless classics. Available here.

New Balance took last year’s very bland Gore-Tex collab and injected some vibrant new life, using the flight-jacket/military inspiration route and releasing a Gore-Tex collab MTG580. They are arguably the nicest NB’s since Jeff Staple’s Pigeons although, the flight-jacket inspiration is nothing new in the game. That being said, the interchangeable Velcro “N” logos are fun, and the overall construction using highly durable rough Gore-Tex fabric is something more brands should offer. So if you missed out on the last 3 rounds of Undefeated’s Poorman Weapons, here’s your shot. Available July 2010.

Another smart label doing exclusive tee designs is Cheer Up, out of Surrey, UK. Some days, you just need a graphic tee either as a base layer or a stand alone. And we’ll concede there’s never been a shortage of graphic tee companies, ever. That having been said, adding to a successful F/W 2009 collection, co-founders Edward Thomas and Matt Barnes have collaborated with illustrator and designer Keaton Heston to produce a new limited edition range for the Spring. While the new pieces each represent different aspects of the “feel good” philosophy that we love, the brand has also focused efforts on working with environmentally-friendly suppliers. The designs are playful and fun, while displaying a very fashion-forward aesthetic. Suitable for your casual Fridays, but that make a statement. Available here.

Nestled beside an Art Gallery on a typical Parisian street, resides a creative shop like no other. A place where you become the designer and the artist, tailor-making your very own wardrobe from jackets, to sweaters, to shirts, to sneakers. From N°11 Blue Lagoon and N°22 Paradise Pink to flannel jackets and cashmere scarves, you can have your article hand painted in 180g’s  atelier in over 100 rich, nuanced, luminous colors.

Owner and co-founder of 180g, Nicolas Chevalier first came up with the concept during an exhibition for Donna Karan in New York City with a desire to push his art to the next level, to make it dynamic and surprising. His paintings however, ended up on clothing rather than canvas. From there it didn’t take long before the unique pieces were being well received and launched in high-end shops like Isetan in Tokyo & Harrods in London.

From all that, 180grammes was born. A creative boutique that mixes tailor-made clothing and hand-dyed pieces where people can feel truly connected to their clothing. Most may recall 180g and Chevalier’s work on a collaboration with Nike whereby the Tennis Classic, Air Flytop, and Flash were given the 180grammes treatment. The process allowed for the materials on the models to be custom dyed, achieving a tailor-made type of aesthetic with various premium textiles and custom detailing. The result was an array of metallic and earthy monochromes with a slightly worn and unfinished look.

We recently caught up with artist, designer and owner of 180g Nicolas Chevalier, and toured the workshop.

Like the desert version of the ski-hill snowflake Holiday sweater, the Navajo pattern has been adorned by many for years. Somehow and someway, British label YMC manage to revitalize it and give it a fresh new look. With a chunky knit cardigan of a cotton/linen mix, you can channel your inner Navajo on those cool breezy nights. Available at Glass Boutique.

On our last trip to NYC, we had stopped in at the Ace Hotel for a night cap and were caught really digging the amazingly elaborate attention to detail of the vintage/retro feel of the decor. This feel carries through in their recent collaboration, and unless you remember last years’ release, you would never think a hotel and a footwear brand would have anything in common. Curated by Arkitip, the Ace Hotel Palm Springs have teamed up with Generic Surplus to release a mesh-canvas Shoe and Tote that lends itself perfectly to both the pool-side side of the environment and image of the hotel. This years’ edition comes in different colors, and is made of a breathable cotton mesh upper -perfect for that dry desert heat by the pool. A mesh tote compliments the footwear and allows you to carry your daily essentials around the resort. Available for pre-order here.

Perhaps it’s the changing of the weather, but we’ve been on the lookout for great looking frames as of late. Previously unnoticed on our radar, for whatever reason, Danish designer Han Kjobenhavn has a brilliant collection of traditional-inspired timeless frames. Beautifully vintage lines and artistic direction make up the simple, yet elegant aesthetic of the collection. While each of 5 available styles offer something a little different, they are all classics. Our two personal favorites, if we had to choose, would have to be the masculine Grand Danois frame and the retro-looking Wolfgangs. Each frame is available in multiple colors with various lens options.

Thanks Christina!

Australian footwear label Vanishing Elephant offers up a luxurious take on the classic Desert Boot. Fittingly, the brand is committed to marking a return to gentlemanly style, and achieve this exact goal with this boot. Made of soft leather in an elegant dark navy, the leather sole and contrast stitching give the aesthetic some real modern punch. There’s something to be said about a man who can wear (and pull off) a blue dress shoe, the resulting look is bold and confident. Available at Need Supply.

New to the scene, Herschel Supply Co. Brand looks to simply deliver high-quality bags & backpacks. While the debut collection has all the classics, the overall impression is one of heritage looks, utilitarian design and modern functionalities. Unique bags like the Stadium backpack, features a patent pending hat case allowing you to carry up to 3 hats safe and secure. The Novel Duffle features a separate shoe compartment to keep your kicks away from your kits.

READ MORE for a look at the entire 2010 collection.

There are three major reasons why Uniqlo is one of my personal favorite brands. For starters, the Japanese brand’s entire business models rests on the philosophy of providing high quality products, at the lowest cost possible. Through their New York and Tokyo R&D Centers, they invest heavily in collecting and compiling trends found on streets from around the world, then developing stylish apparel under their own label. Secondly, Uniqlo consistently has some of the most brilliant advertising campaigns seen not only in the fashion industry, but in any industry. Thirdly and most importantly, Uniqlo makes great looking clothes. It’s plain and simple, and their newest Spring collection exemplifies the fashion forward, hip look you get when wearing a Uniqlo piece. Slim cuts, unique silhouettes and an overall very modern style are at the heart of it all for the Spring. Available at the Uniqlo shop.