On my desk: Teknines: Nine Millimeter Earphones by Munitio
May 31, 2010
My friend Keith left me with a gift the other day. The grips on my iPod in-ear headphones had just worn off and these new earphones by Munitio came just in time. I’m not much the audiophile, but these definitely sound amazing! In addition to its sound quality, the Kevlar reinforced cables and its bullet shell housing will definitely bring some reassurance that these will weather through almost anything. Limited to 500 pieces, these earphones will be released on June 9th, 2010. Visit Munitio for more info.
On my desk: “Break Bones/3D” Internet Forever 7″ (AF008)
May 22, 2010
Just purchased the latest installment from Art Fag Recordings. Internet Forever, from London (and Cambridge!). Reminds me of a Wes Anderson film for some reason… and that’s a good thing! Read more about them on The FADER and while you’re at it, listen to side A above.
On my desk: New Balance M1300JP
May 13, 2010
I think this shoe pretty much concludes my New Balance shopping spree for the next couple of months. This particular New Balance 1300 is made domestically, but is produced under Japanese direction. Not to be confused with the US version (K1300CLG), this direct translation of the 1300 is made to the exact specifications as its original from 1985. The Vibram sole, PU-EVA ENCAP and the stitched “NB1300″ tongue all remain intact.
This is the first time that the M1300JP was made available outside of Japan. On top of its past regional availability, the M1300JP is only available every 5 years — which built a small, but loyal, cult-following amongst New Balance collectors. I’m not getting any younger, and 2015 sounded too far away to not pick these up. This guy seems to like them too.
On my desk: Eames Collection by House Industries, Satans Bride by Neck Face, Kleeman and Mike by Randall Christopher, Monocle
May 11, 2010
I came home yesterday to find House Industries’ Eames catalog waiting for me within my stack of mail. I usually toss most font catalogs away, but House Industries always seems to do a really good job creating shelf-worthy font catalogs. From the paper, packaging and down to the editorial content, their catalogs are prime examples good branding using good design.
Also within my stack of mail was a package containing Satans Bride by Neck Face (Published by KAWS). I missed out on this book a few years ago but was able to purchase it through the AndPress webstore. Eric Elms, who runs AndPress was the Art Director behind this book along with Gary Fogelson. They still have a few left in stock and I suggest purchasing them soon before you’ll have to pay bazillions on eBay. Eric Elms is also a San Diego native (which is also pretty cool) now living in New York designing under his Adorn Studio.
The Kleeman and Mike issue was given to me by its writer and illustrator, Randall Christopher. This issue below is a collection of snippets from various Kleeman and Mike comics between 2001 and 2005. Visit Kleeman and Mike to check out more of their adventures.
And Monocle. I buy this publication every month. It does a good job taking me to places that I can’t afford to visit. I really enjoyed their Museum Pieces report (pg 101-108).
On my desk: Worn-in denim
May 8, 2010
On my desk: Paul Smith Walsh and The Hundreds Johnson Low Navy
May 3, 2010
For the last 4.5 years, I’ve pretty much worn my last pair of glasses every day and the wear and tear on them has started to take its toll. Structurally, they’re still holding up well, but the acetate is starting to turn white (almost crusty looking!) from oxidation. It took me six months of pestering the staff over at Oliver Peoples, but I finally bit the bullet and decided to splurge on getting new glasses. The specs of choice were the Paul Smith Walsh’s; a contemporary, half-rimmed frame much lighter than my previous pair. The staff over at Oliver Peoples in Fashion Valley were very helpful. If you find yourself blind and needing a new pair of glasses, swing by their shop and ask for Ray. Big Help.
My friend Keith used to run the shop with me over at BLENDS San Diego. He’s currently working with The Hundreds under their Footware department. Over the weekend, he swung by and left me with a pair of their “Johnson Lows” from their Summer 2010 Collection. For those that have been hiding under a rock for the last seven years, The Hundreds is a California Based Streetwear label. Since 2003 they have built quite an empire in DIY fashion. I’d like to say that they’re the hardest working label in the business. Whats up, Bobby!
On my desk: Nike Free 7.0 V2 Running Shoes
April 29, 2010
My boss pulled some strings over at Nike and they were kind enough to send me a pair of Nike LunarGlides. I was pretty convinced that these would be my go to running shoes but I was really trying to get them in the Electric Green colorway. Luckily, my local Nike Store had them in stock for me to make an exchange.
As I made it to the store, I ran into the Nike Free 7.0 V2 after a recommendation from one of the sales associates. On impulse, I made sure to try them on before making my exchange. After a few laps around the shop with them on, it turned out that these were much more comfortable than the LunarGlides. Don’t get me wrong, I really liked the Lunars, but I felt that I would have to endure a break-in period before I would be fully comfortable running in them. With the Free 7.0, it was pretty convincing that they would be good to go right out of the box. I ended up changing my mind and walking out with the Free 7.0. It was also pretty cool that they were $15 cheaper than the LunarGlides, which allowed me to buy a few pairs of running socks with my remaining store credit. Good deal. Thanks Nike!
Also, if you plan on buying these shoes online before trying them on, be sure to get them in your true size. These do not fit a half-size small like most of the other Free-soled Nikes. You shouldn’t be shopping online anyways. Buy local!
On my desk: Huge Magazine. California Dreamin’
April 27, 2010
When Huge Magazine first started, it was definitely a breath of fresh air amongst other lifestyle/fashion publications coming out of Japan. Relax Magazine was going on its way out and I felt that Huge did okay at filling in its void; except with a more fashion-based direction. Eric Elms was designing the covers, and Hiroshi Fujiwara had his recommended section towards the end of the issue. Even my boss was taking LA-based reportage duties for their world events section. Over the years, Huge seemed to focus more on high-fashion (at least in my eyes) and less about what I was into. With import prices and currency conversions changing for the worse, I really didn’t find myself buying the mag as much as I used to.
The June issue just hit shelves this week and being that this month’s theme is California Dreamin’, I couldn’t pass up on their latest issue. Provided, is a coastal overview of some of California’s inspirational artists, shops and companies that make living in the Golden State that much better. Available now at your local Sanseido Bookstore.
