Norman Walsh Runners

The British footwear company Norman Walsh  has long been on my radar because they produce sneakers and runners in the UK (in Bolton to be exact), however I've never particularly liked any of the models, I've seen. I also couldn't help but wonder, why no British retailers stocked their shoes and why basically no Japanese shops were offering them. Especially knowing how obsessed Japanese shops are with small, unknown brands with local production and a good heritage.

Therefore it was a real pleasure seeing Oi Polloi adding some Norman Walsh runners to their stock in two great colourways. The use of silver and gold may be a bit tacky, but other than that they look good with a nice vintage aesthetic and they look very well made.

Needles - Arrow Jacket

Lately a lot of products have surfaced which features Harris Tweed. This is definitely one of the better so far. Needles is a Japanese brand, which is part of the Nepenthes company, which Engineered Garments is also a part of. Needles is almost entirely made in Japan, and I find it very hard to place in terms of style, as they produce some very funky pieces sometimes, but if you find some of their lookbooks (especially the older ones), you'll get a sense of the myriads of styles they're able to mix.

This jacket is called the Arrow jacket. It's made in Japan of Harris Tweed fabric. Other than that it features deerskin patches on the elbows and deerskin accents of the cuffs and pockets.

Tory Leather - Hoof Pick Belt

It may seem strange, that I make leather goods myself, and still advocate for other makers, but I think it's all about making educated choices, when it comes to purchasing any sort of goods. That means deciding between different options based on your own knowledge and preferences, while taking other people's opinion into consideration.

Tory Leather belts are made in the USA of quite good materials. The leather is bridle leather and the hardware seems solid enough, although I don't think it's a solid brass belt buckle, as my own personal belt lost its golden brass luster and now looks like a nickle/steel buckle. But the belt itself is flawlessly made, albeit you definitely feel that it's not a handmade belt. What I like about it, is definitely the equestrian influence. The buckle is actually a foldable hoof pick (for cleaning the horse's hoof) which is used in a quite clever way. 

But here comes the very best part; It's cheap. It's actually dirt cheap. You can pick it up some places for around $40. So if you're on a budget, this is a good deal for a casual belt.

Beauty & Youth - Harris Tweed Blazer

The coming of fall and winter allows you to wear a lot of layers, good sturdy coats, corduroy and finally your tweed blazers- preferably Harris Tweed blazers.

Lately a lot of companies have been using Harris Tweed fabrics in many ways and often I don't think it really makes sense. But when I saw this "coverall" blazer from Beauty & Youth it totally made sense. This type of fun blazer is something, which is obviously inspired by American leisure wear, but again it's totally Japanese. They have a way of mixing fabrics, colours and textures so effortlessly. It's definitely not for the faint-hearted, but it looks damn good.

Unfortunately it's made in Vietnam, which is a deal breaker for me. But it's still worth mentioning for its inspirational value - just like all products at Hickoree's.

Paraboot William

There's been so much hype about the double monk strap. And with good reason. It's a great shoe and a very elegant shoe that could easily hold a place in any wardrobe. But mostly many of them are just a bit too elegant with a single leather sole often. However the French company, Paraboot, makes one of the finest double monk straps available, or in fact they make some of the best shoes available. I especially like their model called William, but I will probably also feature the Avoriaz model and most importantly the Michael model.

The William model features the Norwegian construction (similar to a storm welt), which is something that is primarily used on hiking boots or rugged work boots. This can be seen on the two rows of stitches that hold together the upper, the welt and the sole and it ensures that the shoes are basically waterproof. Furthermore it gives more comfort and strength.

Another fun fact about Paraboot, besides the fact that they are still made in France, is that they are the only shoe company that also produces their own sole. They're definitely one of the shoemaking companies that aren't getting enough attention. They're just so good.

Jungmaven Tie Dye T-Shirts

Today I was sitting in the sun contemplating on whether or not I should start tie dyeing some t-shirts, as I saw this really old hippie walking past me in the streets wearing this really old, tattered, yet vibrant tie dyed t-shirt. It probably wouldn't work for me, but I felt inspired and in the end, I think, that's what it's all about sometimes.

Unfortunately - or fortunately - I discovered, that I didn't have to tie dye anything. I could just buy these Jungmaven t-shirts, which I've also been seeing on the Hickoree's webshop. From what I've been told they're pretty good value for money, however not in any way spectacular. I these colours I would however like to add the spectacular.

In case you were wondering, these are made of a cotton and hemp blend and they're cut and sewn in the United States of America

Papa Nui - Beach Battalion Hat

Sometimes I wish, I had the courage to step out of my comfort zone, when it comes to certain pieces of clothing or accessories. I can really appreciate something, but at the same time I have that gut feeling, that says "This ain't gonna work on you".

Even though I was very close to ordering one of these amazing Daisy Maes, that blogger extraordinaire, Papa Nui has had made, I decided against doing so. But that doesn't mean, that you shouldn't go ahead and acquire one for yourself or your best friend. The 

The Papa had these hats made of a 100% cotton herringbone twill with the iconic frog skin camo, that the USMC used back in the days. 

I have to say, that they look extremely well-made, which I'm sure, that they are, as I don't think the Papa would put his name on anything, that isn't good, as in really good. So do support a good initiative like this.

Gung Ho

One thing I learned, when I started getting into menswear and clothing in general, as opposed to more fashion oriented clothing, is that quality doesn't always come with premium  price. Sometimes you do pay for that extra good fabric, some specific details or something being actualy handsewn, but it is possible to obtain well-made products at a surprisingly - or embarrassingly - low price.

This is the case with Earl's Apparel (which I'm pretty sure also covers the brands Gung Ho and Stan Ray), which is made in the US. Their workwear products have long been a mainstay in Japan (where I discovered them a long time ago), but now they are making an entrance in the US in more reputable shops like Hickoree's and Archival Clothing. 

The fit may no be for all, as it looks a bit roomy, however I think the price is something, that appeals to all and personally there is one detail, that I'm just crazy about; and that is the felled outseam. Having thighs like tree trunks myself, I find, that a lot of pants look like they're busting at the seams, especially when sitting down. However that felled outseam prevents just that. Again, a small detail that very few notices, but it makes a hell of a difference to me. You just don't see that many company making pants with that detail and if I could, I would.

Wanting - Birkenstock Zurich

With summer right around the corner I find myself looking for a new pair of Birkenstock. Some may not like them, but I'm so hopelessly infatuated by the Japanese aesthetics, that I wear them on all occasions (I'm of course exaggerating). But they go with everything and I'll even go as far as saying, that you can wear these with socks. The quality is good and of course, they are made in Germany and comfy as hell.

I normally go for the Boston model, but this time I'll be buying the Zurich. The "double monkstrap" of sandals.

Unfortunately, I can't get my hands on this Japanese edition.

Or even these customised ones by HTC Company - again, out of Japan. But I could of course have a go at it myself. But I won't.

Japanese Denim Sewing Factory

Is it just me, that can't get enough these videos, that show how something well-made is put together?

Here is a short, but very nice video - if you don't like the music, just mute it - showing how a pair of Japanese made jeans are put together using fairly old Union Special and Singer sewing machines.

Hopefully I'll one day have a workspace this cool and be able to make jeans, that are just as beautifully made. I'll just have to find the right girl, who'll put up with it or even like the idea, as much as I do.

Workers - March

Takashi Tateno's Workers brand of Japan puts out a nice assortment of clothing every month. Normally it's slightly too workwear inspired for my liking, although always very well put together and simply just great, but this month it was a instant hit for me.

Highlights include the button down (it might be chambray or  voile or some other fabric. It could also be just a slubby oxford cotton) shirt. The triple stitch and bar tacking gives the shirt a rugged appeal, and the button down and locker loop gives makes a bit more classic and the irregularities in the weave give the shirt some character.

The tool bag is another nice feature of this mini-collection. Although I a bit crude workmanship on the leather, I'm sure it'll do it's job well.

There are two configurations of the "baker" shorts. Both of them are beautiful, but I would go for the more classic edition in military green cotton sateen. It ages well, just like a pair of fatigue pants.

To top it all they put some nice looks together.