Form & Function | Arc'teryx Veilance
Part of my obsession with autumn is the fact that you need to own coats, sweaters and all sorts of other gear to protect you from the rain and chill. I’ve never lived anywhere but the Midwest and Northeast where coats are a necessity and a way of life. And for whatever reason, when I shop I tend to repeatedly aim my discretionary-income at two things, coats and bags. So when I first heard about Veilance — the sleek new collection from Vancouver based Arc’teryx that is hitting stores this week — it was clear that come fall I would be up to my old tricks and adding a Veilance jacket to my already stuffed coat closet. The debut range combines everything the folks at Arc’teryx have learned over the years about performance gear and combined that technical know-how with more stylish and classic shapes like the Long Coat and the M-65 inspired Field Jacket pictured below. I love the idea of pairing a Gore-Tex shell with a suit and not having to look like I just got off a ski lift. At the same time you know that you are going to be protected from the the elements and look stealthy doing it.
The Long Coat from Veilance
The Beams Autumn Winter 2009-10 Men’s Catalog
Speaking of Japan. The Beams catalog magically appeared in my office yesterday and I couldn’t help but to scan so you guys can see what the well dressed 2% are up to this fall. (If you are wondering what I am talking about, go read the comments in That Autumn Look | Turning Japanese and it will make more sense.) As usual, I’m loving the Beams+ gear and the styling looks nice. Good luck trying to pull off a safari jacket in the United States, but it is fun to look at nonetheless.
Steven Alan x Stormy Kromer
The folks at Steven Alan teamed up with the Ironwood, Michigan based Stormy Kromer Mercantile on a small collection of caps in the company’s classic shape. Normally a fall and winter staple, Steven Alan decided to produce them for SS10 in warm weather friendly fabrics. It is good to see two American List companies collaborating and updating a classic. With cold weather coming our way soon (speaking to my east coast people), I’ll be okay with wearing my wool Kromer until next spring when these puppies are available.
Some Things I Saw at an Apparel Trade Show (Part I)
I did the math, and this past week was my tenth trip to the desert for the apparel trade shows. Once you have been to Magic / Project / Capsule one time you are pretty much good for the rest of your life. So needless to say going ten times is aggressive. That said, I do enjoy seeing old friends and making new ones while surrounded by senior citizens blowing their Social Security checks at the slots. Since my pain is your pleasure I have good news and bad news for you. The good news: below are some of the fun things that I saw this past week. The bad news: most of this stuff won’t be available for until next spring.
Shoes from SeaVees.
Oxford Shirts & Ties
What’s not to like about a collection of oxford shirts and ties. Lucky for us Mr. Mark McNairy is not content with just making footwear. The North Carolina bred designer stopped by my office this week to give me a preview of his collection of SS10 oxford shirts and ties that are launching at Capsule next week in Las Vegas. The line includes a selection of button-down shirts in white, pink, yellow, blue, stripes, and a group of mix-matched fabrics. The tie selection consists of bows and neck ties in emblematic and repp stripe silks. There are also some nice looking madras options — which will be in my rotation next summer. Since McNairy is ACL’s non-official yet oh-so-official spiritual adviser, these quality goods are all made in the USA with liberty and oxford cloth for all.
Going Rogues | Maine in Manhattan
I snuck over to the Rogues Gallery NYC showroom the other day to check out the new collection. When everyone wasn’t paying attention I snapped a few shots of the space and the some SS10 goodies. I really liked the washed knits that were on display, note to self buy washed knits when they hit stores. Just being in the showroom makes me feel like I’m in the company’s shop in Portland. The space is really well done, which is not really a surprise considering Rogues founder Alex Carleton’s taste. (RIP Men’s Vogue.)
In other news if you haven’t heard, friend of ACL and all around gentleman Aaron Levine has left his post as design director for Hickey to become the creative director of Rogues Gallery. This is a coup for the fellas at Rogues and I can’t wait to see what Aaron has in store for us.
