Shades of the Day: Randolph Aviator Sunglasses
Yes, there are tons of aviator sunglasses out there. But Randolph’s Aviator Sunglasses are the real thing. Says Randolph: “Built for the U.S. Military, the RE Aviator surpassed their rigid specifications standards… From their unique bayonet temples that are designed to fit comfortably under headgear, to the lifetime warranted solder joints… When NASA Astronauts lift off the launch pad, or when America’s top gun pilots step into the cockpit, Randolph Engineering provides the priceless pair of sunglasses that helps them safely navigate the skies.”
And the best part? Only $99 and available with five different finishes and eight lens options. Check them out.
Loading ...Nike Skateboarding Shoes: Hot or Not?
Nike is out with it’s Nike SB skateboarding line, and I’m torn. In general, i completely and totally hate skateboarding shoes. They may be good for the skate boys out there, but they’re big, clunky and ugly. Not so with the Nike SB line. They look to be bright, colorful and more-or-less proportional. What do you think?
Bag of the Day: Pendleton Tartan Weekender Bag
Pendleton, masters of classic American outdoor style, has made this wonderful Tartan Weekender Bag. Done in Blackwatch tartan, made of 100% American virgin will, and trimmed in leather. I think I may want one! Find it here and here.
Tim Gunn Says…
The San Francisco Chronicle caught Gunn at the launch of the Kate Spade apparel line at Bloomingdale’s. There, they cornered him for an interview. Before getting into the specifics of what he said, it should be noted that he was “impeccably dressed in a Banana Republic suit” — turns out he wears Banana (and not a Claiborne brand) because he likes it, not because they were [once] a Project Runway sponsor.
He talks about lots of stuff, but in particular, he seems passionate about Welsh rarebit (?!) and Lindsay Lohan (about whom he’s as diplomatic as he could be):
Q: [Regarding his advice to Project Runway designers and designs with the wrong fabric...] Sort of like when a chef goes to the grocery store and is inspired by the seasonal ingredients?
A: Exactly. If you go for Welsh rarebit and there’s no cheese and no bread, recalibrate. These challenges are not a time to experiment with fabrics that are new to them or techniques that are unfamiliar. I tell them to take what they know and take it to a higher level.
Q: The French fashion house of Ungaro, owned by a Bay Area couple, hired Lindsay Lohan as its new creative muse. What did you think of her as a guest judge on the first episode of the new season?
A: She demonstrated a depth of knowledge I didn’t know she possessed. Does that mean she should be a creative director of a venerable brand? No. I’m stunned. But I do believe she was an excellent guest judge.
All Hail Karl Lagerfeld
All bow at the alter of Lagerfeld. And if you don’t, you should. The Japanese, being the prescient nation that they are, have created a 10-inch tall figurine of Lagerfeld with which to grace your alter. WWD reports: “Tokidoki, the Italian maker of Japanese-inspired collectible figurines has immortalized the designer in vinyl – 10 inches tall. Mini Karl comes decked out in a skinny black suit, rhinestone-studded tie and belt, and don’t-mess-with-me sunglasses – all from his K Karl Lagerfeld Collection.”
World’s Most Expensive Watch
Probably not, but it’s beautiful. But the Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillion is inspired by the most complicated wristwatch of all time. The folks who are selling it say it “features a complete presentation of the nocturnal sky on its back side including phase and orbit of the Moon. The perpetual calendar on the front side has a date display with an automatic flyback hand, the leap year cycle at 12 o’clock, month at 3 o’clock, moon age at 6 o’clock, and days of the week at 9 o’clock, none of which require correction until the year 2100. Equally beautiful as it is functional, the case comes in 18K gold or platinum worn with a hand-stitched crocodile leather strap.”
Want one? It’ll set you back a cool $1.7Million.
James Perse Sueded Jersey Robe
I love a good robe as much as the next man, and this one from James Perse look t0 fit the bill perfectly. Now I guess there’s no reason I can’t lounge around in style. Pick it up here. In back, grey and white for $195.
A Sartorial Time
I spent the evening tonight standing in line on the streets of San Francisco waiting to get a signed copy of The Sartorialist’s (aka Scott Schuman) new book. Over the two and a half hours I spent in line waiting to get into the Paul Smith store where Scott was signing books, hundreds of Sartorialist enthusiast paraded by in some quite spectacular stylings. There was some great “visual greed” (read the book), and some rather (ah hem) interesting outfits. I was a bit amused and fascinated that it appeared that 80% of those in line had spent the day on Scott’s blog, The Sartorialist, getting inspiration (and dare I say copying?) those stylish folks that Scott photographs around the world in preparation for a moment with the man behind the camera. I came straight from work and was exhausted, so not at all at my fashion best, but nonetheless “me.” Scott seemed to be quite charming, even after signing for almost two hours. I decided against sitting with him to get a photo as I was exhausted and not up for a picture, but now I wish I had gotten the photo anyway. Another time. On my way out of the store I noticed the line still extended out the door, down the block, and around the corner. The Sartorialist is definitely making his impact on fashion and pop culture. Good for him. And Scott, thanks for the daily inspiration.
Paul Smith Takes Paris, Again
We are complete and total Paul Smith fans here. Today’s Paul Smith eye candy comes to us from It’s That Nice, who have great shots of Paul Smith’s new Paris shop. They note the shop is “just round the corner from his much larger flagship store, [and] had been empty since the 1980s and the condition it was found in has been embraced as the shop still sits with original Tourrette signage and interior features.”
Its the decayed original that hooked Paul Smith. He says on his blog:
The very exciting point about the Grenelle shop is that it is in premises that have been empty since the 1980’s and is in a very ‘interesting’ state of decay! The walls are unpainted for many years, the floor tiles are the original, 80 year old shelves, everything dates back to the 1930’s when La Tourrette was opened by Monsieur Tourrette as a ‘Bougnat’; the left side of the shop selling coal, the right side selling wine. The business was run by Monsieur Tourrette and continued through the generations, including his daughter and then later other members of the family. In the early 1960’s it was opened as a little cafe and from then until its closure was a famous haunt of many intellectuals including Jacques Prevert and his brother who were regular visitors along with actresses and writers.
Spring 2010 Converse+Missoni High-tops
For Spring 2010, Converse, masters of sneaker design, has teamed up with Missoni to produce high-tops “with the brand’s unmistakable zigzags.” Converse will sell a men’s line of All Star sneakers called “Premium Chuck Hi Missoni” for Spring 2010. This from WWD. I love Missoni’s bold, graphic pattern, but I’m not always a fan of the palette. I fear the same here — but they’re worth a look in person.
