ON & BEYOND

Named to honor the Largest and Oldest denim manufacturer in the United States (currently defunct), Amoskeag XX feels like a time capsule bringing us back to the 50′s & 60′s. A few relics and denim quilts are the only attractions in the modest window luring passerby’s into the small boutique located on Orchard St. It definitely doesn’t justify what is hidden behind the obscure windows, because what I found inside was Grand, and the owner, Hideya was a joy to exchange passions with.

I spent a good 15 minutes in the store, just conversing with Kenji, the guy has been backpacking the world scouring some of the most unexpectedly amazing vintage items (or bintage, in his thick Japanese accent, hehe). Aside from being a relic hunter, Mr Kawasaki is also a talented Textile designer, having even sold some of his denim patchwork quilt creations to brands such as J.Crew.

So if you ever go near the neighborhood, go drop a word, he is one easy going guy.

Amoskeag XX
96 Orchard Street
(between Broome St & Delancey St)
Manhattan, NY
(646) 237-7336

During my short stay in the big Apple, one of the boutiques in BK really was quite an experience. A real Gentleman’s Store, as would call it our local host, Hollander & Lexer makes most of the newly opened “hipster-heritage” stores in Williamsburg look like a large bucket of watery. From their knowledgeable staff  (who actually tailor whatever you purchase to your liking) to the boutique’s finely tuned decor, everything is just right. Brands include : John Rich & Bros, Engineered Garments, BillyKirk & Russell Mocs among others…

Hollander & Lexer
358 Atlantic Ave.
Brooklyn, NY
718-797-9190

“Stored in antique display cases and furniture are shirts that look better a little wrinkled, leather shoes that look better a bit scuffed and jeans that look better a bit dirty.”

Shots taken in Soho & Bklyn

I went down to NY over the weekend with JK and Maura, and I must say that one of the highlights of our trip was visiting the STPL Design Offices, we got to see the workshop that spawns all these great ideas and yes, I got to see Jeff Staple’s workspace. Nico (Brand Manager of STAPLE & Manager/Buyer of Reed Space) gave us a look at what Stpl’s Fall 2010 line has to offer. From what we were told, they have moved their Cut&Sew manufacturing to Japan at the same factory as Visvim & Neighborhood. While we shouldn’t expect to see Horween leather reinforcements on the elbows or Egyptian cotton lining, we can however trust the quality of the workmanship.

Tonight is soccer night. Over the holidays i think i put up something like 10 pounds of lard. Time to dust off the CSC Top Sala’s and get those legs moving again. These are by far some of the comfiest shoes to play in. Big ups to CSC for digging up the Top SALA’s. Mine are starting to get some battle scars, losing the inner right toe stitching threads (I should really work on my left foot)…Someone find me another pair of 8′s. I might need another pair sooner than i thought.

PSA: I think I should be sponsored by Tim Horton’s or Starbucks, either one will do. Every picture I’ve taken from the office has a Large Double Double sitting on the desk. Maybe a sponsorship from Blackberry too…heheheh

Picture above via Arkitip