Freeman's Sporting Club opens in Tokyo

New York City’s Freeman Sporting Club (FSC) has opened a new five-story shop in Toyko’s Miniami-Aoyama shopping district – their first flagship store outside of the U.S.A. The 6,500 sq/ft shop, designed byFSC’s own Taavo Somer, showcases the New York City brand along side casual like-minded brands as well as an in-house barber shop, bar, cafe and outdoor patio.

The exterior of the Freemans Sporting Club Tokyo flagship carries a typical New York City brownstone facade to pay homage to their home city. A selection of in-house Tokyo only product collaborations are found inside including works with God od Denim, The Superior Labor, and others. Keep an eye out for two new suit options previewed here.

Aether Waterproof Cycling Jacket

Cycling attire comes in various forms and for various conditions. When we look at what to pack for our ride to the office or day out on the bike, we turn to the weather man to give a guiding hand in determining how heavy or how light a jacket to pack. A mild weather option, like this Union cycling jacket from Aether Apparel, is a good middle road for almost all occasions. The waterproof and wind resistant shell will cover you throughout the spring (and beyond) while protecting you from unexpected inclement weather. Available now for $295 online or through select retailers.

Uniform Standard by Lifetime 2013 Fall/Winter Lookbook

Hailing from the west coast, Uniform Standard by Lifetime Collective draws inspiration from a multitude of places. The outdoors, skateboarding and surf culture, and a DIY mindset all come together in their pieces, as exemplified by their latest lookbook for Fall/Winter 2013. The brand took to a snowy cabin retreat to shoot the collection, which is full of quality layering pieces for the upcoming season. Included in the range are dark flannels, thermal henleys, and thick woven denims, not to mention an impressive array of military and hunting-inspired jackets. Across T-shirts, the collection features works by artists such as Jay Howell, Alana Paterson and Dennis Chow.

Triple Aught Design - Covert RS Pants

Covert RS Pant is versatile enough to wear daily and still survive years of hard use in the field. The Nylon-Cotton (NYCO) ripstop fabric strikes the perfect balance between comfort and durability. It's a lightweight performer but not light duty.

Features:

• Unrestricted Movement: A gusseted crotch provides freedom of motion while the back yoke enhances fit and eases movement.
• Ruggedness: Bartack reinforcements at critical stress points and triple needle stitching on the in- and outseam increase durability.
• Reinforced: In addition to the typical TAD reinforcements found at the pocket and knees, we’ve incorporated protection at the pant cuff to reduce wear.
• Accessibility: Ten total pockets including an outer thigh pocket to quickly stash your smartphone, radio, tools or 30rd AR-type magazine.
• Easy Repair: A button fly features our signature slotted buttons that slide quickly onto the webbing for quick self-repair.

Tellason Stories: Meet Todd Blubaugh

In what may be the coolest marketing campaign ever, Tellason Denim reached out to some of their wearers to get a look inside their daily lives and show the versatility of their denim. The first Tellason Story is about Todd Blubaugh, a photographer and vintage bike builder. We want to sit down and drink one or ten Rainiers with him and the guys from Tellason after watching this video.

The Talks: Raf Simons

Raf Simons‘ name may perpetually be on the tip of fashion’s tongue, but the designer will humbly admit that he didn’t know much about the fashion world early on. Growing up in a small Belgian town, Christian Dior’s presiding creative director had little exposure to runways and presentations, finding his path organically as he went through school. These and more topics are candidly explored in a new interview with The Talks, which sat Simons down to talk about his beginnings, being disinterested in stardom, and the influence of the arts in his work. Choice excerpts can be found below, while the full interview can (and really should) be read on The Talks’ website.

Mr. Simons, would you consider yourself someone that lives and breathes fashion?

How can I put this without being too critical? I don’t have so many things in the fashion world that interest me. It’s probably because I am so deeply into it. Often when you go very deep into something, you also discover what it’s about and you understand it better. With the art world I still have a lot of curiosity. There are a lot of things that I feel attracted to and I don’t necessarily understand them and that’s what fascinates me. In the fashion world I know a lot of the brands and the designers and you start to be more critical and you start to have a very specific point of view.

But isn’t fashion such a significant part of your life?

The fashion thing is something I do, and yes it is definitely also becoming a part of myself and my personality. It also doesn’t really feel like a job either: it’s a dream or a passion or something. I think there are things that I relate to more than fashion though, personal, private things. Like my environment, my family, my friends, you know.

I’ve read that the first fashion show you ever went to was Maison Martin Margiela. You said it was so beautiful that half the audience cried and it had a huge influence on you. Why?

Because that was the day that I understood that fashion could also be conceptual and intellectual, that it could be linked to a certain kind of social, psychological thing. That Martin Margiela show was in a really trashy area in Paris and it wasn’t in a building, it was in a playground from a black neighborhood. The parents had agreed to do the show for the Margiela company only if their children could come and see it. Everybody was expecting the children to just stay on the side and sit with the audience, but they didn’t.

Engineered Warfighter Launch

My new project I've been working towards has finally launched. There are some great ideas in the near future from Apparel, Gear, and the most exciting part, Weapon Systems that I've been developing. Stay tuned and be sure to check out the site.

Thanks Everyone

Golden Bear x The Woodlands - Varsity Jacket

Known for making traditional varsity jackets, west coast label, Golden Bear, produced a small batch of what they’re best at for The Woodlands Spring Summer 2013 collection. Featuring a melton wool body, premium leather sleeves and a high, fold over shawl collar, these are fit for most days of the year. Great for those who really like that college look, or want to relive those days. Now available The Woodlands in a burgundy or loden.

Tod’s 2013 Spring/Summer Double Stripe Selection

There’s signature flair about every great piece. The Swoosh; the apple; the sportsman atop his horse. Such branding makes pieces unique and also ensures a certain quality. To this, Italian luxury label Tod’s introduces a new range of men’s bags for Spring/Summer 2013: the Double Stripe Selection. This collection of handmade pieces includes carry-ons, briefcases and portfolios, each distinguished with two bold stripes along the sides. Of course, bags by Tod’s are made with premium Italian leather, constructed to withstand the demands of every day use, yet also crafted to compliment the refined gentleman who dares to rock one. The pieces are fully customizable at Tod’s retail locations in New York and Los Angeles. Look for the Tod’s Spring/Summer 2013 Double Stripe Selection on the brand’s web shop or at their U.S. and European brick and mortar storefronts.

Tanner Goods - Field Camera Bag

Tanner Goods field camera bag is constructed from the same heavy weight waxed filter twill as their other bag collection. They've put these bags through the ringer in testing and think you'll approve of the result. 

Lined in heavy, felted wool, the interior sleeve can be arranged in various forms allowing for a customizable pocket layout.