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!

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Founded in Osaka in 1998 and now based in Toronto, Creep by Hiroshi Awai is yet another quality Japanese take on classic American workwear.  Here, Awai brings us a tailored, slim cut work jacket in a chalk-striped navy blue.  The jacket has a riveted three-button front with a stand-up collar, and features a hunting-style patch over the right shoulder and assymetrical chest pockets.  One interesting detail is the layered hip pockets with rounded button flap pockets concealing an extra patch pocket underneath.  Available here.

Spring is right around the corner, which means that it’s time to trade in those heavily insulated winter boots for something a little more breathable. But with the winter melt usually comes the daunting task of trying to maintain a shoe’s appearance and some will stop at nothing to keep theirs in as pristine a condition as possible, adamantly avoiding water at all costs. But despite their best efforts, the inevitable will eventually take place, only to leave the wearer in great sorrow and anguish. Now I wouldn’t suggest you go trudging around the damp parts of town with these Cosmic Wonder Light Source boots on for fun, but it certainly never hurts to ‘get your feet wet’ every now and then, both literally and idiomatically speaking. With a distressed leather exterior, they already give off the vibe that they’ve been around the block a few times anyway; kicking up a few puddles, whether intentionally or not, shouldn’t do much to tarnish the boot’s rugged worn-in look. The leather laces and hand-sewn crepe sole set the boot off just right. Available here.

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For those among us that prefer a closed-toe shoe for sockless enjoyment in the summer, aside from the classic boater, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better choice than the look and feel of a good moccasin. And that’s not to say we’ve forgotten about the Nappa leather that wraps our bare feet in a classic Common Projects sneaker. Surface 2 Air makes some of the finest looking footwear for a non-footwear based label. Each piece, from their boots to their sneakers are always on point and this seasons drop is no different. We’ll eventually get around to giving each model its proper stage, but for now, we’ll just describe these moccassins made from soft, premium suede with a flexible, lightweight sole. Available here.

Part of the new Kitsuné golf range, this Blouson jacket is inspired by the classic harrington. We’ve been partial to the look of a classic Baracuta as of late as we prepare for Spring, but there’s something fun about wearing a piece for the course off the course. With the exception of argyle of course. Made from seersucker cotton in a 3-colour gingham, what really sets it off is the Kitsuné golf patch on chest which is something entirely new. We’ve never been ones for big logos, but a small, embroidered patch that’s well designed is really the way to go. Available here.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Since 1883, Wolverine boots have been outfitting generations of working class Americans from Farmers to Mill workers. Over 125 years ago, founder G.A. Krause created the first 1,000 Mile Boot, a historic footwear line that set the standard for durable workwear, with special focus placed on quality craftsmanship. While most of the Wolverine lineup is comprised of rugged boots that are fitted to help build railroads, erect skyscrapers and provide safety in factories, this new look 1000 Mile Boot is designed for the urbanite. With clean, sleek lines, it’s Made in American for buttery brown leather and features a stacked leather midsole and outsole with classic welt construction. A great-looking piece of American Heritage. Available here.

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We mentioned ‘Stylo’, the new Gorillaz track featuring Mos Def and Bobby Womack, in our recent Monthly Music Roundup. Yesterday saw the release of the accompanying music video, an entertaining semi-animation starring the usual suspects (although no Russel?) alongside Bruce Willis at his ever-squinting best. It’s a beautifully shot piece that centers on a classic high speed car chase. In addition to the obvious “you can’t run from John McLean” moral of the story, there’s an amusing although twisted little PSA promoting healthy eating habits. The open ending suggests that we can expect more from this ambiguous storyline, and so long as Pete Candeland is still at the helm that’s not at all a bad thing. The director/animator, in collaboration with Passion Pictures cohort Jamie Hewlett, is responsible for much of the Gorillaz’ fantastic videography – an impressive feat considering how integral the group’s animated persona has become to their success over the years. In addition to music videos Candeland’s impressive portfolio includes work with the BBC, Coke and KIA, but perhaps best of all is his work for Harmonix, for whom he did the stunning cinematic opening for Beatles Rock Band. Expect a lot more from this visual mastermind.

Best Made Co. was founded by designer and author Peter Buchanan-Smith, and outdoorsman and environmental entrepreneur Graeme Cameron to create the finest, most beautifully hand-crafted axes. Buchanan-Smith, a Grammy award winning designer and author who has created designs for Wilco, Philip Glass, Brian Eno, David Byrne, Paper Magazine, The New York Times, and Isaac Mizrahi among others. You may have already spotted their axes that double as works of art on the November/December issue of I.D. Magazine.

Best Made Co.’s first foray into apparel doesn’t stray far from their roots firmly planted in the great outdoors. A favorite among lumberjacks and hipsters alike, The Red Cap of Courage just may be our favorite hat of the season, made of 100% cashmere. Believe us when we say, everything has been considered, right down to the packaging. It comes delivered in a small, hand-made spruce and cedar crate, wrapped in a hand-stamped paper and secured with red cashmere string. Best of all, the small non-descript logo provides a subtle touch of color and is embroidered in a way that reminds us of the Cub Scout badges we worked hard to earn back in the day. We believe this article fulfills the requirement for our Computer Badge.

Available here.

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Fixed gear bikes have been back in the spotlight for awhile now, made popular by hardcore bikers like city messengers. Their attraction lies in their simplicity. Fixed/single speed bikes are essentially track bikes, the type that are designed to be ridden on banked ovals, they have one speed and the rider to road connection is uncanny, something that you can’t quite explain until you’ve tried one. They are simple to maintain, since they only have one speed they have no gears to adjust and keep in order, and along with this they need little to no brakes as fixed gear means just that, no freewheeling here. They are easy to transport and secure since they are lighter than most bikes and have less “stuff” hanging off of them.

When most people get into the fixed gear game they usually choose to buy an old frame, fix it up, bolt on some nice anodized parts and splash on some paint. The T1 represents Treks aluminum track bike, which along with being a reasonably priced purchase, also comes spec’d with some descent parts such as a nice carbon fork and parts from Bontrager. This would be a great bike to get into the sport with, a city bike which is hassle free as well as looking very clean. Check out the Trek T1 here.

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