Friday, 29 July 2011
This is how we expect the racks to be looking like when our Summer Sale comes to an end, in a couple of weeks time. You all know the drill, everything must go as we need the space for the new stuff that is already starting to arrive. To give it a boost, we’ve added a final drop of 50% Off on all Sale items. Don’t even wink…
Browse the Final Sale here.
Thursday, 28 July 2011
Never since Y. Malmsteen rocked our world with his prodigal guitar solos did we feel so fascinated about something coming from Sweden, like we do now about Our Legacy. Well this is actually not true (the part about Malmsteen, we made it up) but we do maintain the fascination part about the brand. The truth is, if only we could, we would have left the Our Legacy showroom wearing various layers of the new SS12 clothes, even if that literally meant dying under the blazing Paris sun. Sometimes words are just not enough… you know what we mean.
The OL crew having a chat about american football, the asian stock exchange and the LVMH X Hermès deal (no, not really).
Full patent, all the way bro!
At this point we were making a test on how many pieces of clothing a rack will be able to hold…
Light colors also made it into our selection. Trying to go for the arty pic here (with the mirror reflection and all), in a collection
originally inspired by the artists and painters living universe.
The corridor connecting to the Ofr bookshop. We usually stop there after, to browse thru the amazing books and mags but
not this time, we had to run to the next appointment.
Out the door we go. Wait, is anybody watching?…
Thursday, 28 July 2011
With the AW11 collection debuting at the store next season, we dropped at Isaac Reina’s showroom to check out the new models for SS12. We’re talking major league leather goods here, with an extreme attention to detail, clean designs and the plushest of leathers. All manufactured in France, by only a few highly skilled craftsmen who take their time into producing these according to old school techniques and in small scale batches. The level of perfection obtained is so high, it can almost be disturbing for any leather lover like ourselves…
Upon arrival at the showroom, we were enchanted by the new brass and verre bombé window design they made there.
Jerôme on the phone going out of his way to source us some addresses we still needed for the day and Gabriel checking
our AW11 order so see if all was ok.
A view on the showroom’s neatly organized back room with the new models for SS12 laying on the table with a selection
of the color options available. Some of the new styles were inspired by the work of italian designer Enzo Mari.
One of the showroom’s side walls faces a nice inner patio full of small trees that show thru the high glass windows.
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
As usual, a lot going on at Acne’s Paris headquarters. The buyers frenzy mixed with the model catwalk creates a really unique atmosphere. It wasn’t easy to find us a spot to work at start but as the afternoon turned into evening so things started to chill. As for the SS12 collection, Jonny and his team always manage to create interesting modern silhouettes, this time focusing on an elegant and functional sports attire within a 70′s aesthetic. Some incredible new accessories also made our day, like the sharp new sunglasses and leather goods.
A house model wearing one of the new semi sheer t-shirt styles for SS12.
A nice pair of flower patterned beach shorts, coming your way next Summer.
Acne done a little rework on their logo image, just a tiny winy bit.
Our choice also went to this raw edge collar check shirt in lightweight cotton.
The deep oxblood color on this card holder instantly caught our eye. Even more so with the gold stamping on it. Sweet…
The wonderful Nadège, our designated sales assistant, at a point in the afternoon when we all decided to be wearing the
new SS12 shades while doing the order and sippin’ swedish organic colas. Life’s tuff, we know…
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Two of the good friends we have been making along the way on our regular buying trips are japanese bag designer Daisuke Iwanaga and his brother Shinsuke. We’ve been carrying their brand, Cornelian Taurus for some seasons now, mainly for its quality and original take on the men’s bags and accessories. Although we frequently hang out with the guys, we still have to place the seasonal order so, this was the perfect excuse to drop by their industrial decorated art gallery showroom for another visit and some good talk.
The Iwanaga brothers looking surprised to see us. こんにちは! (yes, we’ve been learning some japanese…)
Hanging on the wall, one of the canvas and leather combined bags we’ll already be having next fall and a close up on the incredible handle work and detail on one of the new bags for SS12.
Daisuke writing down our order, surrounded by the new bag styles and leather samples.
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Have we told you already how much we love Adam Kimmel?, well not him literally (although he’s quite a nice guy) but what he does and the way he does it. We are great fans of his eponymous brand and that felling also extends to the collaboration with Carhartt. In this case, what we love most is the straight to the point no fuss clothes, always using his refined quality fabrics and unique viewpoint. The AW11 collection should be reaching the store any minute now, meanwhile take a look at a few of the SS12 goodies and some nice views of the showroom.
The logo backdrop and the rack with our selection.
A zipped hooded jacket with detachable sleeves making it a vest, and available in two colors. Next, two of the beautiful large plaid shirts. Rest yourselves, there’s more coming, this was only a teaser.
Things run smoothly with a smart team always looking after us.
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
One other trade show that is mandatory we visit when in Paris is Tranoi. Consisting on a large group of designers and brands showing what they are doing new each season, the last editions have been held at the beautiful Palais de la Bourse. There, we also grabbed another great brand for the shop, Levi’s Made & Crafted, of which we’ll talk in detail further on.
Besides all the brands and new stuff, the great thing about Tranoi this season was the italian “catering” delicatessen provided by Giorgio Brato and Roberto Collina, with Giorgio himself playing the chef among all the fine italian products they especially brought along from Italy. It was quite a show these guys pulled and, like the great Madge once pointed out, Italians do it better (at least in the food they do…)
Martin from Levi’s Made & Crafted standing in front of the SS12 collection. The brand combines Levi’s know how and experience to provide solid quality products with a fresh new approach.
Apart from the clothes we were also particularly fond of the brand’s bag range. A close view on the nice colorful selection and display.
Giorgio Brato slicing the special made to order Salami and a view on all the other mouth-watering gourmet eats. Hungry already?!…
Monday, 25 July 2011
In Paris, we always go to Capsule to check out new brands and maybe score some for the shop. It’s a three day trade event focusing on the best contemporary brands and that is definitely what we’re after. This time, and among all the cool new stuff, we had the chance to get down to business with this new brand (a secret, for now…) we’ve been keeping an eye on for a while and also managed to make our order for Property Of…. bags – expect some exciting new models for SS12, always keeping it down to what’s key and essential. The guys were very excited about being featured on the current number of Monocle and were gladly sharing it all with us.
At right entrance, the joyful people from Pigalle, hangin’ tough under the amazing heat and having a “You can leave your hat on” kind of moment. Entrance was indeed free but you need to register first.
The usual crowd around the registration desk. There were two main areas, one on the left and another one on the right. Inside, a vintage electrical board made the perfect backdrop for one of the bags brands showing at the event.
Further inside, an hallway surrounded by black paneling and packed up with people visiting the stands. Next, a general view on the left side exhibition space, the usual two storey garage that normally houses Paris Capsule. Lots of color all around.
Our friends Melvin and Hendrik from Property Of… posing for the shot, Monocle style… Thanks guys!
Some of the new and different color existing styles that made it into our selection for SS12.
Friday, 22 July 2011
After unveiling our showroom visit at Margiela, yesterday morning we received some new drops from the AW11 collection we couldn’t wait to share. Among them and featured here is an amazing hard leather case with shearling interiors to be used as a phone holder. This rich black leather accessory must have, was hand made in Italy and ensures protection for those unexpected phone drops. Of course all the shearling may muff the ring sound a little (as you might add) but, like in that Rufus Wainwright song, you can always set it on vibrate.
Check out more details here.
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
One of the perks associated with being in this business is definitely being able to travel around and meet all the great people who usually work at the brands. There’s a certain feeling of greatness to be in jolie Paris while enjoying the hospitality of such nice staff as the so called “lab coats” at Margiela. Besides the brand’s always surprising styles with subtle twists on every cut and stitch, the staff members are really friendly, thoughtful and enlightening, creating a great environment. It’s always a pleasure to head up to Rue St. Maur as, on top of all this, there’s also some excellent food (another good reason to love them), including Le Petit Écolier cookies (quite funny given the Maison is housed in what used to be an old school).
The Replica items, with information about its original period and source, hanging on front. One of the house models wears some of the SS12 styles while one of the staff’s savants gives a careful and detailed explanation on the items and main inspiration for the season’s looks.
Standing in front of the Line 22 Shoes Collection wall stencil, two of the staff members sharing a moment while going over some paperwork. Next, a general view on the room with sellers and buyers at full work.
A close up on the spray painted jeans, available in several colors and with some rework on the condom pocket shape. Some nice detail roll up trousers giving way to an awesome pair of distressed leather boots.
A full view of the crowded accessories room and the new SS12 style sneakers featuring a pixelated fabric shading – Spot on!
Lunch time! After a full and busy morning, we need some nice food to pamper our body and spirit and this is also the right place for it, with the cafeteria staff always rushing around to have things on time. Oooh… how nice to sit in the shade enjoying some delicious pasta, lasagna, meatballs, couscous, you name it, followed by wonderful deserts. Living the dream man, just living the dream…
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
This would might as well start with the phrase ” I went to the Adam Kimmel Show and all I took was this lousy camera” but, (as we’re sure you are not going to tell the difference ?), it is simply going to start with, we went to the Adam Kimmel SS12 Show at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris. The place was crowded and among the usual Sart’s and Gar’s of this fashion world, we also managed to spot the Stipe’s, Usher’s and West’s doing own their thing. As we’re also pretty sure you already heard all about the dark surfer inspiration, the psychedelic prints and the hawaiian shirts over dye, seen the show pics and read Tim’s review at Style.com, here’s our own view on things.
A large view from the museum’s inside park. Damn, it’s at times like this i wish i had bid higher on that panoramic camera!… The show was held at the Botany and Geology pavilion – Beautiful. Aiming for some postcard quality pics right here, folks.
We arrived early (on time) and the champagne boys had already popped some, for our glad and joy. Oh Adam, you spoil us… Still, the main question on our minds was, had our fame as bubbly sippers preceded us?!? Meanwhile, the crowd was starting to gather outside.
The media frenzy already happening inside. Adam Kimmel’s first ever runway show was about to take place. Kanye having a chat with Michael, comparing fashion notes or maybe a new song on the way…
A nice view on the runway with a large video wall at the back. One of the looks we are going most for, next SS12, just you wait and see.
Friday, 15 July 2011
Although Summertime is still at its peak, our selection for AW11 has just started to check in at the store. Some of the first arrivals are already our personal favourites, as this Paul Smith Kennedy Derby Shoe. Carrying on their Union Jack chunky rubber sole, the brand’s version of this english classic features a vibrant combination of rich burgundy high shine leather uppers with contrasting grey vamp and full leather lining. A versatile addition to any wardrobe, they’re as easily paired with high cropped jeans and no socks as with classic slacks.
Shop Paul Smith Shoes here.
Friday, 15 July 2011
Still at the same showroom where BOO was, we could also find ts(s), presenting their SS12 collection. These guys really bring their clothes to a different level. With a large number of striking researched fabrics and styles, the collection also takes on complex but otherwise subtle mixes of patterns and colors. The below pics will give you some hints on what we mean.
On the table, some technical looks only available to check on the fit.
Incredible clothes, amazingly matched.
A relaxed blazer and some shirts featured in the stripes section.
Some of the new shirt’s fabrics mix japanese kurabo with indian madras to create really powerful combos.
