Project Blog
THE MARKET: Katin x Club Monaco
The Katins, comprised of the late Nancy and Walter, began making custom boat covers in the 1950s. Shortly after, the married couple took their product to the next level and began making swim trunks after several requests from the local surfers. Thus, the iconic Katin was born. The Huntington Beach-based brand will forever be the pioneer of durable, functional swimwear. Not to mention the designs are next level.
For the upcoming season, Katin has teamed up with Club Monaco for a capsule collection that is so, so on point. Browse HERE and start planning on your next beach day.
BRAND WATCH: Slate & Stone
Inspired by and made for urban tastemakers, newly launched Slate & Stone should be on your radar.
Let’s rephrase that. Slate & Stoned needs to be on your radar.
The refined menswear label launched with its debut spring/summer 13 collection and is headed by President and Creative Director, Jeff Jacobs. With a background in music management, Jacobs aims to dress the modern day artist and cultural pioneer. In terms of inspiration - the designer looks to a myriad of sources, including the likes of Giorgio Armani, James Bond 007, and Daniel Craig’s character in Layer Cake. Needless to say, these are all gentleman that don’t necessarily play by the rules, but wear their rebellion well.
After a successful launch, Slate and Stone returns for their sophomore fall/winter ‘13 collection: A Rebel and a Gentleman. Trust when we say that you’ll want to cop every piece in here. What makes the collection strong in our minds is the thoughtful design elements that dress up your cold weather mainstays. Take, for instance, the Great Jones Camo Peacoat. We were really drawn to the detailing on this piece as it is made from 100% boiled wool, but knitted rather than printed. Other standouts that we were drawn to include the Lennox Varsity Sweater, Leroy Puffer Vest, and the Essex shirt. The craftsmanship of each piece is also something to take note of. Premium materials, hints of leather and wool detailing, hidden plackets, and dip-dyes all contribute to the unique line and add to its distinguished character.
Pay Slate & Stone a visit at PROJECT in Vegas this summer, and stay tuned for their e-commerce, which will also be launching in the upcoming months.
THE MARKET: Scotch & Soda's New Los Angeles Space
The day has finally come for our brand, Scotch & Soda. The Amsterdam-based label has opened a new retail space on the west side of Los Angeles, on Abbott Kinney to be exact.
Browse the new (not to mention handsome) 1200 square feet space HERE.
BEHIND THE BRAND: Levi's Made & Crafted
Built upon the foundation and legacy that Levi Strauss created with his original innovation and blue jean design, the Levi’s Made & Crafted collection was launched four years ago.
“We have, as a brand, a very strong identity. Our expectations are very high,” says Miles Johnson, Design Director of Levi’s Made & Crafted.
We recently took a visit to the collection’s showroom space in Downtown LA’s Cooper Design building for a preview of what’s to come this fall. We met with Ben Starmer, Marketing Manager for Levi’s Americas, for an introduction to some of the yet-to-be released pieces.
The inspiration for Levi’s Made & Crafted FW13 collection began with a lake. Lake Heron to be exact.
The Levi’s team found the lake just outside of Detroit, the nation’s industrial capitol. The crew spent a few days observing the reflections of the water, the light and the cold, and the stillness of nature, all from their log cabin where they bundled in layers of blankets purchased at the Rose Bowl Flea Market. The team was inspired by the layers needed for the landscape, the textures of woolen blankets, and the versatility of cotton pieces.
If you look closely at all of Made & Crafted denim, the arcuate (the famous Levi’s pocket stitching) is stitched on the inside panel, so the back pocket starts out clean, then with washing and wearing comes through as a ghost arcuate.
WOMEN OF PROJECT
Hello, punk princess.
ON TREND: The 10 Coolest Guys on Instagram
1. Eugene Tong - @ettong1979The Style Director at DETAILS flawlessly mixes high fashion with streetwear, and documents his menswear finds on Instagram.
2. L.A.S - @sartiallyinc
While he’s not running How To Talk to Girls at Parties and dominating the #menswear scene, this cool guy contributes to Complex and Four Pins.
3. Matthew Sebra - @mattyseebs
Apart from being one of the talented men behind GQ’s instagram, Matthew’s style shines through in his personal account too. Note the Lacoste L!VE sweatshirt shot taken at PROJECT LV this past February.
4. Nick Grant - @nicholasgrant
Despite living in Iowa, Nick is on the forefront of all things menswear and street style. Oh yeah, he also writes for Complex.
5. Atif Kazmi - @porhomme
As a resident Blogger PROJECT veteran, Atif is more than fluent in menswear and what’s coming up in the next year.
6. Morgan Collett - @morgancollett
The Co-Founder of SATURDAY Surf NYC offers an industry insider’s view through the lens of his iPhone.
7. Nick Sullivan - @nicksullivanesq
As the Fashion Director of Esquire, Nick knows a thing or two about the industry and menswear.
8. Dao-Yi Chow - @alldaydaoyi
The Co-Founder of Public School NYC is an avid Instagrammer and offers insight into his world as a designer for one of the most buzzed about brands over the past few seasons.
9. Marcus Troy - @marcustroy
What would any Instagram list be without Marcus? As the chief curator of the Blogger PROJECT and a certified tastemaker, Marcus consistently delivers on point pictures and brings his followers into his world of creativity and brand collaborations.
10. Michael Williams - @acontinuouslean
As one of the pioneers of menswear blogging, Michael has a refined and clear vision for artisanal products and behind-the-scenes access to the brands we love.
THE MARKET: COMUNE Installation for American Rag
Next level window display.
The storefront at LA’s American Rag is dedicated to COMUNE’s spring collection, featuring the brand’s locally made denim pieces: the Lindon and Ricky. Check out the moto-inspired visuals HERE.
THE MARKET: Camo Picks from Barneys New York
Stand out by blending in.
Barneys New York spotlights their top camo picks in store, including pieces from Gant and SeaVees. Check out the rest of the roster HERE.
Raleigh Denim stands strong in an age of mass-produced denim. The brand, founded in 2008, is characterized by its artisanal process and use of vintage machines. To add to the bespoke factor, each pair is hand signed and numbered.
Take a look at the process used to create a pair of Raleigh Denim jeans in this video courtesy of brick + mortar retailer, Apartment Number 9.
PROJECT APPROVED: The Calder by Onia
The Calder is your go-to short for the summer. Perfect for a casual stroll, outdoor training, or a swim - these shorts are cool and versatile. Better yet, they come in three lengths so you can tailor them to you.
