Sierra Designs + Apolis

Apolis Film: Sierra Designs + Apolis, USA Project from Apolis on Vimeo.

I love this. One of the reasons I support quality, heritage products.

The Watch List - Uniqlo x Undercover

This is happening this year. I've been extremely impressed by Uniqlo's offerings over the time I've been shopping there (a long f'ing time). They offer quality at a price point not found anywhere else on the high street. I mean where are you going to find 100% for under £100?

Uniqlo teamed up with German designer Jil Sander for the The +J collection, which was launched in 2009 and won 2011 Brit Insurance Design Fashion Award, but after numerous seasons boasting better and better offerings the two split ways and the final collection made its foray into stores this Fall/Winter season. I recently picked up a jacket from that collection and really wanna show you guys because first, I'm extremely proud of myself for actually plucking up the courage to buy; second, it was a steal and third it looks ace.

Now Uniqlo seem to have developed a taste for collaborations and are now planning a collection with renowned Japanese label UNDERCOVER. The Undercover brand was started in 1989 by the designer Mr. Jun Takahashi, while he was still a student at Bunka Fashion College. In 1994, the brand appeared in the Tokyo Collection for the first time, achieving instant popularity. Undercover Co. Ltd. was established in 2000.

From the announcement press release:-

The collaboration pieces are planned to be launched in Spring 2012, with the opening of flagship store in Ginza, Tokyo.

According to the press release it seems we won't be waiting long until we see the first pieces. I for one and both excited and in saving mode.

ANTHEM Store, London

ANTHEM store in Shoreditch London by Helmstyle from Helmstyle on Vimeo.

ANTHEM is a new menswear store that opened it's doors to the general public in August last year. Much like Present, Oi Polloi and End Clothing they stock garments from different brands from around the world, all of which, as they state in the video, they source themselves. The store was founded by former Liberty menswear buyer Simon Spiteri and his business partner Jeremy Baron. What I like most about these guys is that neither has a fashion background - Simon worked in the City and Jeremy was in marketing, so everything they've put into this shop is from a place of meaning which seems to give this shop a sense of soul.

The store stocks labels such as Comme des Garcons Homme Plus, Rag & Bone and Japanese labels like Vlas Blomme and Nanok from Norway. If that wasn't impressive enough this new store, that opened 4 months ago no less, has world exclusive Kapital from Japan. They are the only stockists outside Japan. How boss is that? Not only that these two guys are wonderfully stylish and understand the merit of brands when it comes to quality, like Simon said "you'll buy a [45rpm] jacket and you'll have it for 20 years but it'll get better the more you wear it".

These two guys are doing/have done exactly what I want to do. They're building relationships with brands and gaining knowledge along the way but at the same time they're introducing a whole other facet to British menswear.

I'll definitely have to visit it sometimes because both Simon and Jeremy look like incredibly cool guys and I'd love to have a chat with them.

On my list - Brooks Brothers Dillon Quilted Jacket

I can't tell you why I love these bright colours so much, there's something about them. I guess I like to pop. This jacket from Brooks Brothers is currently on sale on their website and is well worth a look if you're in the market for a lightweight quilted jacket. This particular jacket is in this grand ol' sunshine yellow with a contrasting brown trim on the sleeves and collar.

Check out the images below.

Did I mention I like location shots?

In my ramblings about Begun Yetis I know I mentioned my awe at her great location shots. Yes, I am a big fan of hers but location in general is my love. Just to show y'all how much I love it here's a few of my own. 

In The Shuffle.

I am still very amateur but I really enjoy the challenge and adrenaline you get from working with what's around you. I learnt a lot on this shoot, lighting, framing and styling wise.

I hope to improve in photography and be doing amazing editorials in 1883 or AnOther magazine in the future. Whether it be in the roles of stylist, designer or photographer. The possibilities are endless x