YES, PLEASE | FILSON ITALIA BLACK LABEL S/S OUTERWEAR

From left to right, FIlson Italia Blacklabel S/S 2011 Workwear Jacket and Overhead Coat.
All photos courtesy of Oi Polloi.

The American x Italian love affair continues with Filson's limited line of Italian S/S workwear. Filson introduced the Italia collection in 2009 and this season it's reached new heights, at least in my eyes. With (slightly) slimmer cuts, and distinctive accents, the line takes all of the brand's signature American ruggedness and refines it with an Italian eye for design and details, (just behold all those beautifully situated pockets). Try as I might, I can't seem to find too much background on these gems, (perhaps they've been overshadowed by all the hullabaloo around Filson's Japanese Red Label line), but suffice it to say, if seasons past are any indication, the uniqueness and craftsmanship of these pieces will make them worth the money, (read: not cheap, but if you've got the cash, by all means be my guest).

Filson Italia Black Label Workwear Jacket

Filson Italia Black Label Overhead Coat

This line is not (easily) available in the United States, but fortunately for us, our friends at Oi Polloi have them in stock, (along with a few other items in the Italia collection), and they've got A+ US shipping standards. Of course, if you're one of those lucky (and wildly wealthy) blokes from across the pond, then this post might've just made Spring. Be sure to see many more detail shots after the jump and shop Filson Italia here. - M

// Oi Polloi
// Filson (USA)

YES, PLEASE | ILLESTEVA EYEWEAR

Leonard, in Half tortoise

Although April showers are aplenty this spring, it's that time of year again to begin sunglasses hunting.  Enter, Illesteva a fairly new brand in the eyewear scene but one that has entered with a warm welcome and to many accolades. In my eyes, rightfully so. Since the introduction of their first line in 2009, founders Daniel Silberman and Jus Ske have come through with classic silhouettes in a range of high quality and distinctive materials ranging from bamboo and buffalo horn to titanium and acetate.   All the pieces are designed stateside by the New York based duo and hand made in Germany and Italy.

I'm a fan of the Leonard model (above), and now that round framed glasses are a big to-do these days, it's no wonder they're becoming more and more difficult to find as Summer draws nearer.  Although the Leonard is the stand out, the whole, versatile range is something to consider if you're looking for an alternative to the Persol/Ray Ban/Oliver Peoples staples. I've had several owners tell me they're the best pair they've ever bought, and I can vouch for their attractiveness in person as well - the photos, as lovely as they are, actually don't do these pieces justice. Plus, with a price point between $160 - $225 they'll afford you a quality pair of sunglasses without completely breaking the bank.  See more models after the jump and find where to buy online and off, here.  - M

// Illesteva.com

Leonard, in Half Tortoise

ASSORTED | POCKET KNIVES

In the past weeks, most likely due to the popularity of Every Day Carry, I was inspired to do some digging in the way of pocket knives.  Prior to this search I had developed a general philosophy that a man's pocket knife reveals more about a him than almost anything else he owns. Whether or not he carries it with him regularly, which I absolutely think he should, I always find it fascinating how much these handy tools reflect their owners, much like a pet might.

Perhaps not surprisingly then, I came to realize that one's search for the perfect knife demands a fairly intensive consideration process. First, there are the various features the piece, (how many blades? does it house a hidden tooth pic? A bottle opener? or is it one simple blade?), the design and materials, (classic or modern? carbon or stainless? wood or bone?) and finally the size, (fit to slay a rhino or an apple?).

As you might expect, I uncovered a huge array of options but in the end I narrowed my search to the classic, small sized, hand crafted variety which so artfully blend materials, design and functionality. I've had quite the time researching this post, and in the process developed a great appreciation for these functional, illusive little artifacts. Dwelling on pretty cutlery has been a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon and I hope you enjoy the selection below as much as I did collecting it.  - M

COLLECTION | NONNATIVE S/S 2011

A few weeks ago Japanese brand Nonnative dropped this beautifully styled S/S collection during a stretch when I was too busy to write anything. Sure, four weeks after the fact seems a bit late but when my browser tells me I've visited a site over 40 times in two weeks I generally take it as a sign and so here we are.

This season Nonnative remains consistent with its 'urban outdoors-man' aesthetic, but airs more heavily on the urban side of the equation, a departure from the rugged, 'artisty mountaineer' theme presented for F/W.  This time around they've designed an impressive range of casual pieces for a more relaxed, deconstructed silhouette. While there are a few formal elements thrown in, everything is thoroughly wearable and cast in a palate that balances washed out pastels, which are so popular this season, with darker, richer tones. I'm especially a fan of the highly pigmented purple accents that I suspect, and hope, we'll see pop up again in the fall.

The styling - some of the best this season - shows off the versatility of the collection; drawing upon the strengths of the accessories and footwear which are the true heroes here. Thanks to Nonnative's informative and pretty website, I've been able to pair detail shots with pulls from the lookbooks, both spring and summer.

Looking at it all now, I realize I'll actually be sad to have to publish anything after this as its probably the best looking post I've written here - easy when the pieces and presentation are so flawlessly executed.  Certainly deserving of applause all around. It's a tough act to follow, but I look forward to see how they plan to top it next season. - M

// nonnative.com

VIDEO | SCHOTT NYC x WILLIAM YAN x WE ARE NOT PILGRIMS

As Friday comes to a close I strongly suggest you all take a moment to watch this short video featuring Greg Chapman, the creative director of Perfecto Brand by Schott NYC. It's a short and sweet vignette that dreamily meanders the Schott Factory in Elizabeth New Jersey, following Chapman as he muses about his inspiration for the Perfecto line.

The film was produced - and beautifully shot - by William Yan in collaboration with We Are Not Pilgrims. A lovely way to start this first, and hopefully not too rainy, weekend in April. Enjoy.  - M

//  Schott NYC
//  William Yan
//  We Are Not Pilgrims

YES, PLEASE | WINTERCHECK FACTORY DUAL USE SHORT

Nothing gives me greater pleasure than posting about a one of a kind item made by someone I respect as a designer and also consider a rad person. This week, the limited Dual Use Short by Kristen at Wintercheck Factory gives me the opportunity to do just that.

As the name would suggest, these are designed to be worn both as swim trunks and every day shorts. They were inspired by the fact that swim trunks, as a limited use item, often end up a difficult piece to purchase and not a particularly valuable commodity in one's wardrobe as a whole. As Kristen puts it,  "In order to expand the use of a higher quality US made swim trunk, we made the liner removable (it buttons into the waistband) so that a man could also work these into his regular summer wardrobe."

The Dual Use Shorts, which also come in black (below), are manufactured in Brooklyn and only 304 pieces were made for this first run. The outer fabric is milled in the state of Massachusetts with a Hydrowick coating (for maximum waterproofness) and the removable liner is made from high quality Toray Japanese Mesh. There is a double snap closure at the waist, no zipper, trouser pockets, back pockets with a metal ring to hold your keys.  Pretty much the picture of functionality. 

So, now imagine it's a sweltering 98 degrees on a summer Friday, the kind where you stop work at 2 PM and head out of the city immediately. Throw these on with a short sleeve button down, some canvas sneaks, cotton blazer, a pair of shades. Pretend to do some work at the office for a couple hours, hop on the train to the nearest lake, shrug off your blazer and you're ready to kayak, hike, swim, whatever. As much as I hate to be all lifestyle-rific about it, you have to admit, these shorts just made your summer. All for a cool $49.00. Hop to fellas. - M

// Wintercheck Factory

YES PLEASE | GRAHAM WITHERS S/S NECKWEAR

The fellas at Graham Withers Clothing Co. impress yet again with this new line of neckwear, bow ties included, for spring and summer.  As you would expect from Graham Withers, the designs are clean and classic, letting the top notch fabrics shine through unencumbered.  This line is in a seasonally appropriate range of linens, cottons, light flannel, with seersucker making a quick cameo as well. There's a nice balance of patterns and colorways this time too, and all sourced sourced primarily from the US. Each piece is hand made here in NYC, with the (joking) exception of one, which I challenge you to find in the delightfully cheeky product descriptions. This isn't the whole story though, be on the lookout for some pocket squares and a look book in the coming weeks. If this collection is any indication, we're in for a treat. - M

Graham Withers Chesterfield Tie

Graham Withers Kingsley Tie

Graham Withers Boat Keeper Bow Tie (front side)

Graham Withers Boat Keeper Bow Tie (reverse side)

Graham Withers Mongibello Seersucker Tie

Graham Withers DG Bow Tie