May 2011 ( View complete archive page )
History of fashion: Part 1 Levi Strauss
Ever wondered how one of the greatest brands in American history started? Watch the video clip and stay informed.
Hit the Cro’Jack
Cro’Jack clothing is proudly “Made in England”. All the jackets are crafted in the brands own small factory in the West Midlands. Other products such as knitwear, bags and trousers are all produced by other, reputable local factories. Dean and Lisa, (the founders) have a lot of experience in the fashion industry. Lisa was the head designer at Belstaff and Dean had a lot of success working in Italy for numerous reputable designers. Lisa’s extensive technical knowledge has been a key factor in the development of Cro’Jack (read more...)
A Dame’s reign
In the early 70’s Vivienne Westwood was married to Malcolm McClaren. He was the manager of The Sex Pistols and his shop on Kings Street in London was the original outlet for Westwood’s rebellious designs. She wasn’t inspired by Punk though, Punk was inspired by her. Since the mid 80’s the Punk phenomenon has been in hibernation. The same cannot be said of (read more...)
You can ring my (blue) bell
The Hudson Overall Company was founded over 100 years ago in Greensboro, North Carolina. They made workmen’s overalls. In 1919 the company was renamed Blue Bell, simply because over time an old bell in the factory had been dusted in blue indigo dye from the manufacturing machines. In North America, a wrangler is someone employed to handle animals professionally, especially horses. The popularity of Blue Bell clothing amongst cowboys (read more...)
Leeding the way
Henry David Lee founded his company in 1889. Originally he sold food, home furnishings, stationery and school supplies. After a lot of successes in business Lee’s company went on to design and introduce “Overalls” and dungarees on to the market; they were very popular and became standard-issue clothing for the workmen of the USA. In 1924 Lee introduced “The jeans that built America.” Lee 101 is the (read more...)
Five Finger Discount
Advertising done the right way. Watch the video of unique advertising methods of Ben Sherman's New York store.
Hecho a mano en España
Any Barcelonian will tell you their home city is a wonderful place. Exceptional architecture and art, a rich and varied history, tremendous seafood and the best football team in the world are all envy provoking, boast worthy characteristics. If the cultural aspects aren’t enough, the geographical benefits are clear; the (read more..)
June 2011 ( View complete archive page )
Denim Demon Schnapps
Denim demon has released their own brand of schnapps, named after the Swedish names for grandfather and grandmother, this is also the names of their most popular jean styles (Aajja and Aahka). Meant to be drunk straight, this Nordic liquor is not for the lightweight drinker.
The Denim Doc
Set up back in 2003 by Morten Graah and his two sons Johannes and Alexander, Dr Denim has quickly endeared itself to denim fans around the world. This family run company use their extensive knowledge and interest in all things denim to produce a range which defies the youth of this impressive brand. Their jeans and chinos are testament to this with their rugged durability and (read more...)
Drive and Ambition
Antony Morato's position as a contemporary icon is gained by producing strong collections with a range of references and influences, taking strength from a solid commercial structure. At the heart of the brand is the drive and ambition to become a key world icon in the world of fashion while keeping their collection true to their Italian heritage (read more...)
Suitful
2004 was the launch year of Danish menswear brand SUIT. Since its introduction, SUIT has been busy building an enviable reputation amongst shrewd shoppers all over Europe. Providing young men with affordable, well tailored key wardrobe pieces was the original goal, and for seven years they’ve successfully achieved that goal. Not only is SUIT impressing the aesthetically acquainted but it is (read more...)
Demonic Denim
The Sami are one of the largest indigenous cultures in Europe. They have inhabited Scandinavia for 2000 years. Jamtland, Sweden is one of the main Sami regions and home of Oskar, Anton and Patric (the founders of Denim Demon). On the 17th December 2006, Denim Demon released 286 individually numbered pairs of raw selvage jeans. Solo, a chain of shops in Sweden sold out in (read more...)
A Gallic panoply
You may not be all that familiar with French brand LA Panoplie because it’s still quite new. Considering its relative newness, the designers have done a fine job. They’ve sourced some great fabrics from which they’ve crafted some lovely pieces. If the SS/11 collection is anything to go by, the brand will develop and grow into a well-respected and lusted-after clothing company that sprinkles classic French style with a hint of modernism. (read mrore...)
Garmentry
Britain is revered all over the world for its sartorial excellence. There aren’t many countries that neither rival the UK’s rich tailoring history nor boast the immense technical know-how. London is the hotbed for British fashion but other towns like Manchester can also lay-claim to a lavish fashion past. Steve McQueen (the king of cool) was a massive fan of (read more...)
A gift from the sticks to the city.
Over the past few years the Scandinavians have proven themselves to be pioneers of practical style. Brands like Norse Projects and Denim Demon have managed to urbanise technical outerwear with great success. Blending the best from the city and the sticks to create functional fashion has been a breath of fresh air for the menswear market (view more...)
Luking Good
Luke 1977 was founded in the Midlands by designer Luke Roper, with the clothing range offering a unique, stylish and practical outfit to the modern man. After ten years, Luke 1977 returned to their roots with their flagship store situated on the upper west mall of the Bullring, Birmingham. The Bullring is in the heart of England's second city, the ultra modern building stands on the same ground which has been a bustling market trade area since the middle ages. The Bullring now has over 160 of the most desirable shops, Luke 1977 being one of them. (read more...)
July 2011 ( View complete archive page )
Red Wing’s at Hallett Docks
Hallett Company delivers bulk commodities for the Great Lakes maritime industry. Trains, cranes and ship loading equipment on this site present plenty of workplace safety hazards, which is why purpose-built Red Wing boots are the protective footwearread more...)
Ben Sherman “Englishman in New York”
Ben Sherman have released a insight into their Fall 2011 collection, each model was hand selected by Ben Sherman due there english roots and given the opportunity to pick there own attire for the shoot, (read more ...)
Something a bit different
Unconditional has been doing “something a bit different” since the release of the first collection in 2002. The brand makes clothing for people who like to stand out from the crowd and who aren’t afraid to “do their own thing”. Unconditional use (read more...)
Bags of style
Neapolitan Eugenio Calabrese obviously didn’t enjoy carrying his belongings in his pockets. He founded his bag-making company in 1924 and since then his family has carried on the tradition. Luggage and classic size bags are the Calabrese Company staples, but (read more...)
Barry, can I borrow your scooter?
John Miller designed the tartan-lined “G9” jacket at his factory in Manchester in the 30’s. It has proved to be a timeless design classic and a global success. Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and the world cup winning England squad of 1966 have all famously worn Baracuta. This G9 earned the nickname Harrington because it was worn by the character Rodney Harrington in the 1960s soap opera (read more...)
August 2011 ( View complete archive page )
September 2011 ( View complete archive page )
October 2011 ( View complete archive page )
Native Factory Video
Native footwear have a unique style of creating there rubber based pumps and boots, instead of using skilled workmanship, hand stitching and gluing; native give a nod to the future of shoe making. Using Good simple design and consistent moulds to create great wearable shoes, Sa-kis is first to say "bring on the future".
