New Balance 997 ‘Deconstructed’
Boston-based New Balance has come through with a fantastic offering just in time for autumn including two new ‘deconstructed’ 997s, two 998s and the newly launched 247 model in three colours.
This new deconstructed 997 offers a refined interpretation of a classic New Balance silhouette. This revered style features a neoprene inner lining with a sock-like entry system to the ankle for excellent all-round comfort. It’s more of a sophisticated, low profile shape than the regular 997 that can perhaps feel a bit too chunky on foot. This trainer is equipped with premium uppers and classic New Balance touches throughout including its signature REVlite technology to the sole. This ‘Made in USA’ trainer is finished with tonal laces, contrasting ‘N’ branding to the sides and a heel tab and tongue tab with embossed tonal branding including an American flag to the latter.
The new 247 style has turned into a bit of a New Balance gateway trainer; staying true to the New Balance vintage aesthetic but technical in specification. it’s been updated for AW17 in three very wearable, understated colours with premium suede uppers. The 247 is not even a year old yet but it’s surely got to be one of the best new styles around.
If you were to breakdown the New Balance line-up, the ‘Made in USA’ 998 sits at the top of the triangle. A beloved style due to the high-quality construction, fabrics and the nature of the layered mesh and suede uppers creates some striking colourways, just like the 998 CSU.
KARHU ‘Outdoor Pack’
We are delighted to welcome a new footwear label to our brand line-up for AW17, KARHU. Manufacturers of technical runners and outdoor gear for 100 years, KARHU is an established running label from Finland. KARHU follow the Finnish principles of design simplicity and running purity boasting an authentic heritage in athletics with a deep connection to the outdoors. KARHU trainers have been worn by some of the great Finnish runners including Paavo Nurmi and five Boston Marathon champions.
Its latest offering is the ‘Outdoor Pack’ that consists of the Synchron Classic and the Fusion 2.0 silhouette. A pack of three that draws inspiration from hiking and walking trails in Finland that feature durable, weather resistant materials with colours that match the current season. The Fusion 2.0 is crafted with pigskin suede and water repellent nylon uppers with a blue and grey speckled injected EVA midsole, finished with nylon rope laces to complete the ‘outdoor’ feel. The Synchron Classic gives a nod to the original silhouette with the same heritage and craftsmanship as the ’95 version. The autumnal colourways include pigskin suede for a soft and comfortable feel and the traditional nylon mesh is tightly woven to limit water entering the shoe.
The KARHU ‘Outdoor Pack’ is launching online on 02/09/17 at 00:01 and in-store from 09:00.
Patta AW17 Drop 1
Amsterdam-based streetwear label Patta return for AW17 with another stellar offering. What we’ve got is ideal for the cold months; a few bits of winter-ready outerwear, some very retro looking tracksuit tops as well as a pretty heroic corduroy two-piece. Additional highlights include zip-up fleecewear, a logo windbreaker and graphic t-shirts, all in a fine selection of warm hues and fabrics. Drop 1 is arriving at the start of September and bold graphics, all-over prints, the Patta ‘script’ logo and its signature style is prominent throughout. Follow us on Instagram for updates on a launch date for Drop 1.
Clarks Originals AW17 Drop 2
We’ve received yet another brilliant delivery from British shoe makers Clarks Originals for the AW17 season. This second wave of new season goods includes fresh updates to the Desert Trek Hi, Wallabee Boot Gore-Tex, Weaver Boot and Wallabee Boot. It’s great to see the Desert Trek return in a high, leather silhouette which is an ideal combination for the cold weather that’s on the horizon. The Wallabee Boot Gore-Tex has the traditional craftsmanship and timeless style of the standard Wallabee Boot only with the added benefit of Gore-Tex technology. This technology gives the shoe a breathable, windproof and waterproof quality. The culmination of this delivery sees Clarks Originals present us with leather and suede options of its Weaver Boot and its much-loved Wallabee Boot in two lovely suede colours, slate blue and dark brown.
Names to Know: Japanese Brands
Our eclectic brand mix hosts some up the most established and up and coming Japanese labels around. With new AW17 deliveries coming in thick and fast we thought now would be a good time to revisit a few favourites. A relentless collection of ‘Made in Japan’ craftsmanship, high quality fabrics and Americana-inspired detailing; it’s some of the best gear around that’s for sure.
Visvim is an eclectic Japanese label specialising in footwear and casualwear using premium materials and unmistakable, timeless design. This high-end brand was founded by Tokyo-based designer Hiroki Nakamura in 2000 drawing inspiration from his exotic travels during his youth. Visvim blends Americana-inspired workwear, rare vintage fabrics and obsessive attention to detail. The resulting product mixes modern and traditional craftsmanship that truly has a global aesthetic. Explore our Visvim collection here, featuring the iconic, Native American-inspired FBT and Ballistic backpacks.
Tokyo-based Neighborhood was founded in 1995 by motorcycle enthusiast, Shinsuke Takizawa. The label played a vital role in the ‘Ura-Harajuka’ movement, subsequently changing the face of contemporary streetwear. Its offering is a mix of cool, luxury streetwear inspired by military, the outdoors as well as different aspects of the US counter-cultures using techy designs and premium construction. Neighborhood was established out of a desire for well-designed, high quality motorcycle apparel; Takizawa was quite simply unsatisfied with the offering back in the 90s. The brand holds a cult status by a small hardcore motorcycle subculture community in Japan but is equally admired all over the world. Shop our latest Neighborhood offering here.
Manastash are successfully producing some of the best possible outdoor clothing and streetwear using eco-friendly, sustainable materials such as hemp, pertex eco, primaloft eco and recycled fleece. The brand is named after a 50 mile stretch of mountains in Washington, USA where it was established but have since moved to Tokyo, Japan. Explore the latest collection from this fresh, environmentally-aware, outdoor-orientated lifestyle brand here.
Nanamica was founded in 2003 by Eiichiro Homma and currently lead the way in the high-performance, high-tech outerwear category. The brand combine classic aesthetics with performance driven technology and construction which in turn, creates the most effortlessly cool, high spec outerwear. Expect a diverse range of jackets from parkas to trench coats and much more. Nanamica often use technologically superior fabrics like Gore-Tex, Pertex and Cordura; allowing us to stay dry without having to wear or carry big, bulky, unappealing coats. Its most recent development was using a highly innovative, 100% cotton Gore-Tex, which is proof that Nanamica is leading the high-performance outerwear field. Our next Nanamica delivery is due in September, but for now, have a look at our current offering.
Established in 1999, Beams + is the in-house menswear label from Japanese fashion house Beams. The brand harks back to humble beginnings when, in 1976 it opened its first retail space in the Harajuka district of Japan. Nowadays, Beams + are a contemporary menswear label led by Shinuske Nakada who drives its unique, heavily inspired heritage and workwear apparel featuring post-war American classics. The ‘Made in Japan’ craftsmanship ensures that the quality is as good as it was back in the old days, only updated for the modern era. See our latest Beams + offering here.
Win Summer Skincare with Aesop
As we find ourselves coming out of peak summer, parallel to this moment is the changing weather. It’s important to consider some lifestyle adjustments; one big factor is your daily skincare routine. Understanding the whims of your skin and what effect the weather has on it allows you to tailor your regime alongside it.
Aesop gives you the combinations to achieve and maintain the skin’s optimum health. Read more to learn how to adapt your routine for the summer season and for the chance to win all of what’s below follow this link.
Exfoliate
Aesop’s Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste is a superb exfoliating paste that refreshes the skin and removes any nasties. Suitable for all skin types, this paste combines finely ground quartz that remove any dead surface skin and features lactic acid that dissolves grime and oil. On those baking hot days this will be ideal for at the end of the day to clean away any blocked pores and sweat. In addition the extracts of Rosemary Leaf, Lavender and Evening Primrose oils work to comfort the skin.
Cleanse
If you’re in need of a gentle cleanser for balanced skincare then Aesop’s Fabulous Face Cleanser is the one. What you can expect is clean skin without the dryness in addition to some lovely herbaceous notes. It’s made up from some of the gentlest cleansing agents around and is even effective without prior cleaning of the skin. This cleanser is suitable for all skin types but is ideal for those prone to dryness or sensitivity.
Tone
For us personally, Aesop’s B & Tea Balancing Toner is a firm favourite. It’s an all day, all-climate, everyday facial toner that is the perfect finish to the cleaning process. This toner leaves the skin calm, clean, refreshed and protected due to the Green Tea infused, Provitamin B5 anti-oxidants.
Moisturise
Aesop’s Parley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Hydrating Cream will be your sunny-season skin saviour. A big factor in your skincare is the changes your skin goes through when you’re out and about. Air-con and heating are dehydrating conditions that disrupt the skin’s protective moisture barrier, causing dryness.
The lack of moisture makes your skin flaky and patchy, Aesop suggest using a hydrating cream daily to counteract this.
Shave
For some, shaving ones face can often be a task that gets put off until the last possible moment but after you’ve dabbled in Aesop’s Moroccan Neroil Shaving Serum things change. This botanical formula maximises slip texture and assists in executing the perfect shave with a warm, woody, exotic aroma. A blend of gentle, hydrating botanicals that possess skin-calming properties allow for a close shave without assaulting or irritating your skin.