Buzz Rickson's A/W 2012 lookbook: timeless

The Buzz Rickson's collection for Autumn / Winter 2012 is much like the Buzz Rickson's collection for every other season, seeing as they are in the business of replica military garments and the like. But that just makes me want the stuff even more. www.buzzricksons.com

Kim Jones of Louis Vuitton: Interview

I am still unable to fathom the meteoric rise of Kim Jones, but I'm beginning to work out that this is probably more down to a question of taste than anything else.

Because I have yet to find anything he has designed or been connected with that has engendered me with any kind of enthusiasm. His signature line for Umbro was truly awful, although it was always going to be difficult polishing a turd so he can be forgiven for that and at least it got his name known on a few council estates.

Then there was Dunhill. That label with so much promise, such heritage, an infinite number of motoring-inspired possibilities, of which Mr Jones utilised precisely none, while managing to give a stiff English brand a good helping of starch when all it has ever needed is a bit of loosening up.

Now he is at Louis Vuitton. This is to me a match made in heaven seeing as LV is a brand favoured by perma-tanned middle-aged owners of luxury yachts who wouldn't know style if it headbutted them on the bridge of the nose.

I write this without watching the interview, after which I might totally 'get' Kim Jones. I doubt it, but I reserve the right to change my mind.

Via Slamxhype

Safari jackets: bushwacking

Someone said recently that safari jackets were a must-have this season, so if you're going to get one you might as well get one that isn't strictly a safari jacket, such as this 1942 paratrooper jump jacket from Buzz  Rickson's, above, or the Woolrich Woollen Mills Upland Jacket in Burberry cloth, or Nigel Cabourn's canvas offering below (at Yoox)  bottom.

Mister Freedom Ranch Blouse: work in progress

 

I got this Mister Freedom ranch blouse about a month ago, in all its unwashed, raw denim glory. The picture above is after one cold rinse, then worn for a couple of hours while damp. I'll update you as to its progress as time goes on.

Junya Watanabe jacket: for street hunting

Junya Watanabe Comme Des Garcons Man's latest jacket has something of the hunting vibe about it, with its shoulder patch so you can take comfortable aim at those pesky varmints, and poacher's pockets. Ready made for a bit of wildlife spotting on the grim streets.

Via Freshness

Arc'terex Veilance ss2012: well covered

Arc'Terex Veilance have made an art out of taking a classic piece and making a tech marvel out of it. Their field jacket, which is inspired by the M65, is all sharp lines and ergonomic cuts and three-layer waterproofing and is as far removed from its cotton  ancestor as you could wish to get.

But when you're a brand that focuses on classic pieces your collection is going to be reasonably limited, So you won't find a lot in the way of ground-breaking new designs and instead you will find a new range of grey colourways. That's great news for someone who has laid down £900+  for a Veilance piece in  the past - at least it won't feel out of date.

Find it HERE.

Mister Freedon Chaparal Blouse: wear it

I've been getting well into Mister Freedom lately, with my interest piqued by the arrival of my denim Ranch Blouse, details of which I will post later.

This Chaparral blouse is from the LA-based company's 2012 collection, which draws from the sort of stuff which might have been about in the 1900s. The collection is actually called "Men of the Frontier" but as Mister Freedom is at pains to point out, "it was not designed for re-enacting 3:10 to Yuma, but to mix with what you feel appropriate."

The key thing with this as with all Mister Freedom, is the more you wear it, the better it looks.

Get it here.