LOSANGELIST

7 DIAMONDS / KELSO SELVEDGE If you’re on the hunt for a...

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:23:26 -0700

7 DIAMONDS / KELSO SELVEDGE

If you’re on the hunt for a new pair of go-to jeans for the fall, you should take a look at 7 Diamonds, a label you wouldn’t generally associate with denim.

7 Diamonds has long been famous for its shirts, but with its Fall Collection, the label is making a push to broaden itself with offerings that include knit cardigans, wool coats, leather jackets, knits, and yes, even denim.

The Kelso is a selvedge straight leg without frills. It’s a simple and rugged pair of jeans that looks good, fits well, and is ready to go to work. We prefer the darkest shade, but the Kelso comes in two lighter shades as well. Take a closer look.

To learn more about 7 Diamonds, visit the label’s website. You can also follow 7 Diamonds on Facebook and Twitter.

$179 (ships later this month)

7 Diamonds on LOSANGELIST:

COHESIVE & CO. / FALL 2011 There is lots to love about Fall...

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:08:33 -0700

COHESIVE & CO. / FALL 2011

There is lots to love about Fall besides playoff baseball and the start of the NFL season, like all the new collections coming out from our favorite local labels.

One Fall collection in particular that we’re quite taken with is from Cohesive & Co., an unassuming menswear label that mixes classic and modern with ease.

Cohesive & Co. has a distinct against-the-grain edge, deftly worked into traditional looks. And the label’s wares are very well-made, making them comfortable and long-lasting.

Here’s a closer look at Cohesive & Co.’s Fall 2011 collection.

To learn more about Cohesive & Co., visit the label’s website. You can also follow Cohesive on Twitter and Facebook.

BEND SEATING / FARMHOUSE CHAIR Bend is a furniture design studio...

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:53:05 -0700

BEND SEATING / FARMHOUSE CHAIR

Bend is a furniture design studio founded by entrepreneur and designer Gaurav Nanda.

The studio’s seating collection is quite impressive. Featuring a geometric wire design, each seat is intricate and ornate with strong midcentury influences. Yet the collection feels modest, without a lot of shine or polish.

Our favorite from Bend is the Farmhouse Chair. It has a certain rustic charm that’s hard to resist. Here’s a closer look.

Before heading out west to LA, Gaurav, a Detroit native, honed his skills as a designer for General Motors. He also helped design Clocky, the ingenious alarm clock that jumps off your nightstand and runs away beeping to make sure you get up.

To learn more about Bend, or see the studio’s entire collection, visit its website. You can also follow Bend on Facebook and Twitter.

$495

...on vacation!

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:46:23 -0700

We’re closing up shop for a week to take a rest and enjoy what’s left of summer. We’ll be back after Labor Day. See you soon!

THE GENERAL’S SURPLUS / PORT NOONAN YACHT CLUB TEE The...

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:39:38 -0700

THE GENERAL’S SURPLUS / PORT NOONAN YACHT CLUB TEE

The General’s Surplus comes to us from the endless imagination of the geniuses at Ted Perez + Associates, a renowned digital ad agency based in Venice.

Ted Perez, the agency’s namesake and fabled patriarch, is the stuff of legend. Sadly, his mythical exploits finally caught up with him when he went missing in Ciudad Juárez while attending Dia de los Muertos festivities.

But the agency bravely carries on, and when its talented employees aren’t busy with their primary trade, they produce witty and amusing apparel for The General’s Surplus.

Our favorite from the collection is the Port Noonan Yacht Club. It’s a hilarious must-have. We’re convinced it will one day be as iconic as the tuxedo-tee. Just throw on the Port Noonan and slip on a pair of boat shoes, and you’re all set to rule the ocean currents while sipping a gin and tonic. Here’s a closer look.

The General’s Surplus has graciously extended an offer to LOSANGELIST fans. Just use the promo code LOSANGELIST for 20% off anything in the store.

To learn more about The General’s Surplus, and see the General’s other offerings, visit the label’s website. You can also follow it on Facebook and Twitter. Visit Ted Perez + Associates to learn more about the agency.

$25 (use promo code LOSANGELIST for 20% off all items)

J.L. LAWSON & CO. For years, Anthony Lawson dabbled in...

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 08:01:06 -0700

J.L. LAWSON & CO.

For years, Anthony Lawson dabbled in jewelry design. But like most guys, he didn’t wear much jewelry himself. The only piece he did wear was a stainless steel ring that his father, a veteran machinist, made for him as a gift. That ring eventually prompted Anthony to reexamine his approach to designing jewelry and led him to create J.L. Lawson & Co., a collection of men’s accessories based on simplicity and good old fashioned craftsmanship.

Anthony named his collection in honor of his grandfather, Jimmie Leonard Lawson, a machinist for more than sixty years who taught the trade to his three sons. Anthony designs all of the pieces, which are then machined by his father by hand in the high desert town of Joshua Tree on the same equipment his grandfather used.

There is an archival quality to all of the pieces in J.L. Lawson & Co.’s collection. They feel like perfectly preserved heirlooms that have been passed down for generations. Here’s a closer look.

To learn more about J.L. Lawson & Co., and view its entire line of offerings, visit the company’s website.

$40 to $130

LAUNDERETTE / MONTE CARLO Launderette isn’t a typical...

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 17:56:43 -0700

LAUNDERETTE / MONTE CARLO

Launderette isn’t a typical clothing label. It’s more like a curated collection of items that its owners like to wear. Run by husband-and-wife Keith and Leslie Paugh and their good friend Karl, the small company designs and produces very limited runs of its collections, which are all locally made.

Launderette has the subtle hint of a bygone era, when people dressed more formally even for casual activities.

Our favorite from the company’s collection is the Monte Carlo bow tie. The slim shape and the emerald green and navy stripes make for a sharp, dashing combination, and instantly add polish to any summer look.

To learn more about Launderette and see its other offerings, visit the label’s website. And if you need help figuring out how to tie a bow tie (there’s no shame in admitting it!), all you have to do is watch this very cool video Launderette produced and you should be all set.

$60

POCKET CHANGE We recently ran across Pocket Change, an emerging...

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:54:00 -0700

POCKET CHANGE

We recently ran across Pocket Change, an emerging menswear label with a casual, easygoing feel. We dig the label’s vibe - it’s comfortable but sharp at the same time.

The label’s current collection includes a line of classic button-downs. The shirts are quite soft and comfortable, with detailed touches that make each one unique. Here’s a closer look at a few shirts from the collection.

Pocket Change is being featured on Hautelook today - and for a great deal! All shirts in the collection are available for under $30. If you’re not a member of Hautelook, it’s easy to sign up, it takes just a few seconds. To learn about Pocket Change, visit the label’s website.

$30

DRIFTER / LA CAPSULE COLLECTION Drifter, a contemporary menswear...

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:42:23 -0700

DRIFTER / LA CAPSULE COLLECTION

Drifter, a contemporary menswear label that we featured on LOSANGELIST last year, recently started traveling to different destinations every season to find inspiration for its collections.

Naturally, the label chose Los Angeles as its first destination.

LA’s historic landscapes and iconic boulevards - as shot by LA-based Japanese fashion photographer Yoji Abe - form the basis of the graphics used in the collection.

All the items in Drifter’s collection are cut and sewn from scratch using fabric that is sourced through a local fabric vendor, then dyed and printed at a local shop. That’s nothing new for the label. All Drifter products are designed and produced close to home using LA-based partners and manufacturers.

Here’s a look at a few of the tees from the collection.

Drifter’s LA Capsule Collection will be available here starting on August 15. To learn more about Drifter, visit the label’s website. You can also follow Drifter on Facebook and Twitter.

Drifter on LOSANGELIST:

AUTUM / EPITAPH The leather-goods maestros at AUTUM have...

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:17:59 -0700

AUTUM / EPITAPH

The leather-goods maestros at AUTUM have eclectic taste (you may remember that they followed up their plush iPad case with a dark-but-sexy casket-loveseat). They’re keeping it going with their latest release, a beach cruiser called Epitaph.

The Epitaph is a beautiful beast.

For starters, this bike is actually four-wheeled, with custom crafted double-wheels both in front and back. The plush leather trimmings, which are all made from scratch using high quality aged leather, finish off the bike’s old-school, lowrider-inspired look.

Like all of AUTUM’s offerings, the Epitaph is available in a very limited production run - only twelve available. But as is usually the case, exclusivity comes with a rather large price tag. Here’s a closer look.

Visit AUTUM’s website to learn more about the company and see its entire line of exclusive offerings.

$2,950

AUTUM on LOSANGELIST:

G.P.P.R. / FRAMEWORKS: THE MALCOM Fresh on the heels of its...

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:48:11 -0700

G.P.P.R. / FRAMEWORKS: THE MALCOM

Fresh on the heels of its Summer 2011 “Circle of Dissidents” collection, G.P.P.R. has embarked on a new adventure, launching its inaugural eyewear line.

The Malcolm is the first frame in G.P.P.R.’s collection. Inspired by the iconic civil rights leader and dissident Malcolm X, the frame feels both straight-laced and subversive at the same time, much like the label’s entire philosophy.

The Malcolm is crafted in Japan using hand molded Italian acetate with CR-39 lenses, and comes in a few different finishes. Here’s a closer look.

Look for G.P.P.R.’s eyewear line to hit its website soon. You can follow G.P.P.R. on Facebook and Twitter to stay updated.

G.P.P.R. on LOSANGELIST:

OTAAT / DENIM CANOE BAG Design label Otaat recently got together...

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:46:30 -0700

OTAAT / DENIM CANOE BAG

Design label Otaat recently got together with LA-based concept shop Iko Iko to produce a denim edition of its unique and utilitarian bags. Our favorite from the new and very limited denim line is the Canoe Bag.

The Canoe Bag is unlike any carrier you’ve likely come across. It utilizes an odd and seemingly impractical shape to create a functional, practical bag capable of holding things of all sizes and shapes. You can carry it completely unfolded as one very long bag; fold it in half and use it as a long double-slotted tote; or fold it in quarters and use it as a four-slotted pouch.

The canvas-lined bag is made with high-quality indigo-dyed denim sourced directly from Okayama, Japan. It also includes a pouch that attaches to the interior. Here’s a closer look.

Visit Otaat’s website to view its entire lineup of limited edition bags, or follow Otaat on Facebook. You can also learn more about Iko Iko by visiting its website.

$375

Otaat on LOSANGELIST:

KATIN + APOLIS / STRIPED CHAMBRAY SWIM TRUNKS LA-based social...

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:15:29 -0700

KATIN + APOLIS / STRIPED CHAMBRAY SWIM TRUNKS

LA-based social enterprise Apolis co-creates products with small manufacturers all over the world, promoting fair trade and creating opportunity in fledgling artisan communities.

Apolis also partners with impressive global brands to produce its Uniform line, a collection of items co-created through collaboration.

One of these collaborations is with Katin, the legendary swimwear label that has been outfitting surfers and lifeguards with board shorts since the 60s. The result is a line of simple and understated swim trunks that are perfect for lazy summer days at the beach.

Our favorite from the collection is the Striped Chambray. The stripes give these trunks a distinct old school vibe. Here’s a closer look.

Visit Apolis and Katin to learn more about each label. You can also check out Apolis’ entire Uniform collection here.

$128

Katin & Apolis on LOSANGELIST:

G.P.P.R. / SUMMER 2011 “CIRCLE OF DISSIDENTS”...

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:47:48 -0700

G.P.P.R. / SUMMER 2011 “CIRCLE OF DISSIDENTS” COLLECTION

G.P.P.R. is more than a clothing line. It’s a celebration of the modern Renaissance Man: the Gentleman, the Philosopher, the Pervert, the Rebel.

The label creates menswear that’s simple, edgy, and unconventional - a perfect personification of its four tenets.

G.P.P.R.’s summer collection - “Circle of Dissidents” - celebrates the value of the unrestrained antagonist. It’s a nod to childhood summers spent with friends, aimlessly roaming the streets and and looking for ways to cause mischief. Here’s a look at more from the collection.

G.P.P.R. is available online at Revolve Clothing, but if you get a chance, pop into American Rag on La Brea to check out the goods in person.

To lean more about G.P.P.R., visit the label’s website. You can also follow G.P.P.R. on Facebook and Twitter.

ETHNOTEK BAGS / WOVEN-INDIA 1 Ethnotek is a brand new start-up...

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:03:22 -0700

ETHNOTEK BAGS / WOVEN-INDIA 1

Ethnotek is a brand new start-up founded by Jake Orak. The idea behind the company is simple: use high-quality, functional backpacks and messenger bags as a medium to promote ethnic cultures and artistry.

Every Ethnotek bag has a removable main front panel which the company calls THREADS. These THREADS are made from fair-trade acquired textiles, sourced in-person and purchased directly from the artisan or village where they originated. That means each purchase of an Ethnotek bag directly supports artisan weaving communities around the world.

It’s hard to pick, but our favorite is the Woven-India 1. Like Ethnotek’s entire collection, the Woven-India 1 includes a huge main compartment, separate laptop compartment, padded shoulder straps, and a bevy of pockets for ample stow away space.

The hand-loomed THREAD featured on this particular backpack is created by master weaver Vankar Shamji of Bhujodi-Gujarat, India. Shamji and his family dye, loom, and weave the intricate textile by hand, using techniques that date back generations. Here’s a closer look.

To learn more about Ethnotek, visit the company’s website. You can also follow Ethnotek on Facebook.

$149

OETZI 3300 / MADLIB OeTZI 3300 just added a new style to its...

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:22:27 -0700

OETZI 3300 / MADLIB

OeTZI 3300 just added a new style to its summer collection.

The Madlib is a simple, lightweight canvas sneaker that’s meant to be worn bearfoot, making it perfect for hot summer days. Available in green, taupe, and black, the sneaker is trimmed with premium aniline leather and a vibrant tri-color deco stitch.

Like OeTZI’s entire collection, the Madlib is fitted with a suede-lined, cork-based footbed, creating an incredibly comfortable and anatomical fit. Here’s a closer look.

To learn more about OeTZI3300, visit the company’s website. You can also follow OeTZI3300 on Facebook and Twitter.

$85

OETZI 3300 on LOSANGELIST:

FRANKRUPT Well, you probably knew this was coming. A day after...

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:52:37 -0700

FRANKRUPT

Well, you probably knew this was coming. A day after Frank McCourt’s Dodgers filed for bankruptcy protection, a local entrepreneur (with a pretty good sense of humor!) is giving Dodgers fans a perfect way to express their frustration. Don’t know about you, but we’re definitely picking one up.

$20

IGNOBLE / LENORE CAPSULE BACKPACK Brothers Dan and Doug Hinds of...

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:13:41 -0700

IGNOBLE / LENORE CAPSULE BACKPACK

Brothers Dan and Doug Hinds of Ignoble have been keeping themselves busy. Last week, their start-up released another backpack, the third in their young collection so far.

The Lenore Capsule Backpack is a versatile travel bag. Its padded straps can be restrained, converting the traditional backpack into a mini-duffel bag (carried via a padded exterior handle).

A bevy of sleeves and pockets provide ample room for storage and stow away. And like Ignoble’s other bags, the Lenore is assembled in small quantity runs using the toughest materials available. Here’s a closer look.

Visit Ignoble’s website to check out their entire collection of bags and learn more about the company. You can also find Ignoble on Facebook and Twitter.

$250

Ignoble on LOSANGELIST:

CAPITAL CITIES / SAFE AND SOUND (CAPITAL CITIES EP, 2011) Every...

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:43:00 -0700

CAPITAL CITIES / SAFE AND SOUND (CAPITAL CITIES EP, 2011)

Every summer needs a theme song, and we think we just found ours for this summer. It’s “Safe and Sound” by LA-based electro-pop band Capital Cities.

Sebu Simonian and Ryan Merchant, the duo that make up Capital Cities, met through Craigslist in 2008 and formed a composing team. The two quickly found success writing jingles for ads and went on to form Capital Cities as a way to capture their musical chemistry.

Capital Cities’ music is reminiscent of the New Wave sound of the 80s, with a tone that’s relentlessly bright and upbeat without apology. The band’s synth-driven beats pull you right in. At the same time, there is a certain complexity, both in arrangement and lyrics, that gives depth to the music.

Capital Cities’ self-titled EP dropped earlier this week, and it’s available on iTunes. One of the tracks on the EP, “I Sold My Bed, But Not My Stereo,” was produced by Simon Mills (of UK-based Bent).

Capital Cities is celebrating its EP release with a show at the J Lounge in downtown tonight. Jason Bentley will also be on hand for a DJ set. Get the details here (you need to be logged on to Facebook to access it). Catch the show if you can - they’re an amazing live act.

You can find out more about Capital Cities and listen to the entire EP by visiting the band’s website. You can also follow Capital Cities on Facebook.

ANOTHER BASIC / SHORT SLEEVE CREW NECK Plain cotton tees are the...

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 17:33:45 -0700

ANOTHER BASIC / SHORT SLEEVE CREW NECK

Plain cotton tees are the most basic items in every man’s wardrobe. So you’d think they’d be easy to shop for. But finding the perfect one - a tee that fits just right, is made well, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg - is really difficult.

Enter Another Basic, a brand new start-up launched by Jiho Chong and Shirley Kim.

The husband-and-wife duo took more than a year to develop their collection, obsessing over every element of the design and production process. They also skipped the middleman, opting to sell directly to customers online, which helps keep their prices reasonable.

We tried a few of the shirts from Another Basic, and they all fit and felt perfect. Our favorite is the short sleeve crew neck, the most classic of all tees. It’s made with 100% superior pima cotton (one of the softest cottons available), and like the label’s entire collection, it’s manufactured entirely in Los Angeles. Here’s a closer look at it.

To learn more about Another Basic, visit the company’s website. You can also follow Another Basic on Twitter and Facebook.

And if you decide to pick up a shirt or two, Another Basic is giving LOSANGELIST readers a great deal. Just enter the coupon code “LOSANGELIST” to get 15% off your purchase.

$27