The good people at Oxxford Clothes have put together a short film documenting the process of making what many think to be America’s finest tailored clothing. If there were any question as to Oxxford’s quality and make, the company dispels all doubt with the “Anatomy of the Suit” section of its website. It seems clear that Oxxford has set the standard for making heirloom-quality-goods. I own quite a few suits, but sadly none of them are made by Oxxford. This needs to change.

Thanks to Michael for the tip.

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[Thanks Brian]

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A ’55 Chevy “one-fifty” with a 454 and four on the floor. James Taylor at the wheel and Dennis Wilson riding shotgun; no names and no bullshit. Two-Lane Blacktop came out two years before American Graffiti and two after Easy Rider. The film remains a cult classic. Good old American muscle. [Two-Lane Blacktop]

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You may recognize his name from his work here or from one of the many other publications David writes for, but maybe you have never met him and experienced his sense of humor and perspective. Well, now is your chance. I met David through friends of friends years ago. Actually, I might have met David via ACL, I’m not really sure. Either way I can think of no better person to drink whiskey with or to watch sports or take in a good meal or attend a music festival. Mr. Coggins’s knowledge of things both important and trivial is unrivaled. You can see the video Sean Sullivan made with David for Thirty Days NY project below. The funny thing is, I actually saw this while it was being edited, but then was reminded by Valet’s post today. Thanks fellas — good looking out. And well played Mr. Coggins.

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The amazing footage above of Apollo 11 was shot on 16mm and then converted digitally to HD. Plus, more film from the famed lunar landing below. These things were just too good for me not to post.

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Excuse me, that’s Mister Jake Davis to you. Wow, the newest in Jake’s series of test shots is beautiful in both locale and subject. The argument for California is getting more convincing by the minute. See the full ‘Test Shot’ series here.

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This weekend the students at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire celebrate the 99th annual Winter Carnival. According to Wikipedia, the event was founded way back in 1911 by the Dartmouth Outing Club (which you may remember from an earlier post) to promote winter sports. (Although I think Winter Carnival was just a ploy to get girls to visit the then all boys school.) This little film seems appropriate right now with the winter Olympics in gear and the weather in NYC. Not to mention the style similarities between this video from 1954 and now. Many thanks to reader Chris for sending on the link.

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A series of color film clips fromClaude Friese-Greene’s The Open Road via the BFI National Archive. These clips are not actually real color, they are black and white films that have been colorized in a process called Bicolour. (More information about Bicolour from Wikipedia.) Real or fake, these little clips are interesting to watch, to see what life was like back in those days. I specifically like the third video of Oban, Scotland.

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The Billykirk offices are in a converted warehouse on Bay Street in Jersey City, NJ. The space is filled with all sorts of old industrial equipment (that actually gets used in making their products) and tons of Billykirk gear that is either on its way to the Amish folks that make the goods or to some of America’s best stores. Another thing you will notice in the office is all of the great looking artwork that Kirk Bray creates in his free time. If you go by the studio on a normal workday (much like I did yesterday), the brothers Chris and Kirk Bray will kindly welcome you and then proceed to talk your ear off. It is a good thing though, always interesting and inspiring and they will never let you leave empty handed. With its new video series The Scout shares some of the magic that makes the Billykirk guys great artisans and equally great people. The video is an enjoyable watch and it sets a high standard. Congrats to the Billykirk fellas and also to Tom Ran and the folks behind The Scout. Well played indeed.

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A dose of nostalgia and workwear for your weekend. This 1950s film about the development of the U.S. railroad system is a great looking little piece of history. “America is the living symbol of the miracle of modern production.” Well said Mr. Industrial Propaganda Film announcer. Check out those brand new Caterpillar dozers at the 2:03 mark, the plaid work shirt at 6:19 and all of those factory scenes. Great stuff.

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When GM announced the closing of the Moraine, Ohio assembly plant in June of 2008, Dayton area filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar set to work on a documentary about the impact of GM’s decision and the effect on the factory workers and the local community. The resulting film The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant — which aired on HBO earlier in the month — is a moving look at a group of hard working Americans. The Last Truck focuses on the people that worked at Moraine Assembly and does a good job of getting beyond blue collar Midwestern stereotypes. As the Dayton Daily News points out, the Dayton area has a automotive manufacturing history that dates back to World War I when native Charles Kettering invented the electrical ignition.

Update: Get it while the gettin’ is good — HBO took the videos off of YouTube. Look out for the film on DVD soon.

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