What have I gone mad, No gang I havent and I doubt you have either if you can tell a tale or two from way back. Because it will almost certainly have the mention of a Berghaus in there. I grew up with Berghaus, it was my staple piece. A lovely red gore-tex number, plain as day parka style. I swaggered around the mean streets of Hull learning life the hard way and one thing I know is that Berghaus gave me status, credibility. It was hard back then as a young napper trying to look cool among the more mature heads, sporting Chipie and Chevignon & Best Company, everybody was in competition and was well aware of who wore what. I wore Berghaus for years, infact still do, only now I have learned to appreciate their vintage stuff and source those rare pole caps and ice cap jackets, the epitamy of warmth.
Berghaus was formed in 1966, a great year, 2 british climbers embarked on what they must never have envisaged. Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison opened a small mountain performance store using their knowledge. By 1977 the legendary fabric Gore-tex was born and is still used today by many top labels. Again they followed suit with yet another innovative design the gaiter, which is still today regarded as the most innovative outdoor product. Berghaus grew rapidly as a strong label amongest the mountaineering elite and released their flagship product, the Trango, which incidently has been reissued AW09. It has now been recognised by the Queens awards and has dominated the world. There is now a beatiful flagship store @ Metrocentre, go seek and remember its British.....................
Cellar Project.....
Lads its been a busy last couple of months and put a serious dent in the auld wallet, I have just moved home to be nearer to my worksite and gained an added bonus, Yeah thats right folks I have had the cellar converted and done out just like a mini store complete with Dj space, Now I not too sure how this is going to evolve but I am very pleased with the results so far, Its been very hard work but worth every ounce of sweat when I hung the mannequins on my wall displaying a few of my select favourite jackets, Now I can see the potential and also the disasters when a little get together is on the cards, But lifes too short. I will share a few pics with you all for you to enjoy and would appreciate any feedback, positive ofcourse. I still have lots of work to do and things to collect but would like to thank all those that helped make this my dream and those who supplied me with the goodies, Schuh thank for the displays, lads thanxs for the lucite's and signed postcards, its the little things that make this such a worth while project, I am still on the hunt for a full size male mannequin to stand guard at bottom of the stairs, and he will be found.
I hear you scream well where's our reviews or what label are we looking at. I can tell you I have looked at fook all, my money has been engulfed by the missus demands. I hope to get back on track next month and have sourced some rather tasty items, few personal choices I see floating about, Guy Cotten have released the Dremtech in two stunning colours, Cardinal Red and Sunshine Yellow. The jacket soon became a firm favourite amongest the elite and I must say these 2 new colours really set the jacket off, Clarks have upped the stakes and reissued the Minster Moor & Oberon, two classic shoes. And as Im sure you are all aware Size are celebrating their anniversary with a different Adidas reissue each month, past are Jeans, Londons, this week we see release of Manchesters, which in my opinion are looking mighty fine. then we move onto Adidas Birmingham, Dublin, Malmo and few others, Casual Connoissuer are due to issue some lovely pin badges and I notice they have a few CC scarves, unfortunately the highly limited and rather fine Weir bobble hats are now defunkt. Its must have been a good year for some top stockists, both Albam and Oi Polloi take up new premises, of which i will be visiting shortly.
and finally just to let whoever is listening, we @ Offhand are looking at sorting a nice discreet label which will be available from here and will be selling very rare and highly limited attire for those who seek it out. the rule is you find us you get the treat.
Its been a pleasure as always, now back to what we do best.............
I hear you scream well where's our reviews or what label are we looking at. I can tell you I have looked at fook all, my money has been engulfed by the missus demands. I hope to get back on track next month and have sourced some rather tasty items, few personal choices I see floating about, Guy Cotten have released the Dremtech in two stunning colours, Cardinal Red and Sunshine Yellow. The jacket soon became a firm favourite amongest the elite and I must say these 2 new colours really set the jacket off, Clarks have upped the stakes and reissued the Minster Moor & Oberon, two classic shoes. And as Im sure you are all aware Size are celebrating their anniversary with a different Adidas reissue each month, past are Jeans, Londons, this week we see release of Manchesters, which in my opinion are looking mighty fine. then we move onto Adidas Birmingham, Dublin, Malmo and few others, Casual Connoissuer are due to issue some lovely pin badges and I notice they have a few CC scarves, unfortunately the highly limited and rather fine Weir bobble hats are now defunkt. Its must have been a good year for some top stockists, both Albam and Oi Polloi take up new premises, of which i will be visiting shortly.
and finally just to let whoever is listening, we @ Offhand are looking at sorting a nice discreet label which will be available from here and will be selling very rare and highly limited attire for those who seek it out. the rule is you find us you get the treat.
Its been a pleasure as always, now back to what we do best.............
Cp Company...
It was only a matter of time before I would move onto the might that is CP Company. many believe that Cp is separate to Stone Island, but infact Massimo Osti developed and groomed Cp Company way before Stone Island was born. Lets look at the history, Osti landed a job designing an entire mens collection with a partner which named the company Chester Perry, hence CP. which later became Cp Company in 1978. Massimo continued to produce innovotive works using unique processes, which are still used today. up until 1994, and then left to have a downward spiral yet total freedom from such a giant he had created. Massimo was always uncomfortable with mass production and success, he wanted things his way, understated. The attention unerved him. Massimo Osti went on to create numerous other lesser known labels usually lasting only a season before moving onto new pastures.So back to Cp Company, personally one of my favourite labels, you dont understand the feeling of pulling on a Mille and been aware of their history. Its wonderful. there jackets known as by the masses goggle jackets, are a work of art, the materials used from linoflax to goretex give each piece its own identity and there are plenty of pieces to choose from. I own 5 Cp jackets and want more, the older the better, Im sure if your reading this you probably already own one, If not please learn and understand what the jacket is about appreciate its heritage and you will benefit so much more than been naive as to say they are football hooligans jackets, get over the fact of jealousy. educate yourself. Its not rocket science....
Today Cp has developed some of the best looking coats ever, their SS10 range of milles take on pastel colours and back returns the Cp Branding. A label respected by many who stand in awe of one lucky enough to pass you by. these are an investment, a history lesson and above all one of the greatest jackets and functions ever produced.
Massimo Osti - Cp Company we hail you..................................................
Review 002 - Oi Polloi
002 - Oi Polloi....
Whenever I have the opportunity to travel the trans pennine express I will always find myself perched inside a wonderful menswear attire shop, hidden just on the outskirts of Manchester's Northern Quarter. Lads and well Lads I say with great esteem I give you Oi Polloi.
I first discovered this shop in 2004 when i used to spend hours down Oldam st record digging and was blown away by this shop with a slogan - Talent Borrows, Genius steals, says it all.
Started in 2002 in an adverse reaction to mens fashion, Oi Polloi set out to be a cut above. and now has resounding success in been the leading independant contemporary labels, fronting their own range too.
Upon visiting this shop you are in awe of the designers they stock, some not even heard of, These fine gents are the leaders in sourcing the next big following in casual clothing. They start trends and strive to be at the top of the game. Stocking unknowns or undercover brands like Finn Comfort for shoes, Woolen Mill and Our Legacy for some stunning garments, through to the usual suspects currently been rinsed in our casual revival by all and sundrie, Fjall Raven and Barbour.
Even now the guys have seen sense and began to stock the cream of the crop with Stone Island and Cp Company, giving them credibility once again.
This shop will always hold a place in my heart and i will continue to be a loyal customer like so many of us who know. and for those that dont well TUFF............................
Shadow Project......
Stone Island seems to be going through some change at the minute, their products and designs are a lot to be desired and the prices are becoming a little extortionate in terms of quality.
Personally I believe Stone Island is trying to break into a market influenced heavily on the eastern trends and looking for a new strategy. With the economic climate proving difficult for most brands to achieve any sort of decent profit, other avenues need to be explored.
This brings me to the flagship project Shadow range a superior offshoot to Stone Island which has produced and will continue to market the finest quality garments aimed at the higher end of the spectrum. Shadow Project this season looks bold, vibrant colours and technical fabrics making them a must have. The goretex is to be released in both short and long version and both look amazing.
If your looking for something to stand out and hold value then look no further, its always wise to think of the future and with a Shadow piece on your back you wont go far wrong.
Keep em peeled.........................
Guy Cotten...
Now then, every so often a label is unearthed which defies anything other than the norm, something casuals and trendsetters have been doing for time, searching for new obscure and diverse directions in attire. One label which surfaced early 08 was Guy Cotten. For those who dont know or are not aware this is traditionally a very respected brand in the fishing industry and sailing world, I do neither, In the early 60's Mr Cotten came up with the idea of producing a robust waterproof fabric for the emerging sailing fraternity. Thus the Rosbras jacket was born. This was a revelation, practical and conventional. The company has come a long way and you can guarantee if you ever have the pleasure of doing 3 weeks away sea fishing then you will be wearing Guy Cotten. Now making garments for over 40 years for foul weather conditions and marine activities I see nothing but great things for Guy Cotten now its crossed over.
I tell you a nice little story about a shop I have plenty of dealings with, wont mention its name ;)
The salesman for Guy Cotten has arrived early at the shop to show some of the jackets on offer and as going through the stock with the owner he notices this isnt no sailing/marine shop, so turning to the owner looking bemused he asks, why do you want to buy this stuff, nobody will buy it from here, Glint in the owners eye, I wouldnt be so sure he replies. And the salesman said its crazy how the brand has crossed over into such shops. Needless to say The shop did rather well shifting the jackets.
Not surprisingly due to its rather cool logo, the arm outstretched guy and excellent value for money this brand has found its place amongest the elite, Shops in the know stock it and there are some decent jackets, albeit not known for churning out different styles, they stick to one formula and thats good honest decent quality clothing, The detail is superb. One material they use is Dremtech, a material far superior to gore-tex, and the elasticated cuffs and magic hood add something extra. You can expect to pick up decent jacket for £50 upwards and believe me they look the bolloxs. If you get the chance to pick up a Dremtech then do so, they are gorgeous, stunning green, expect to pay over £200 but well worth the money.So if your looking to stand out above the rest and want to swerve the usual Fjall, Barbour etc, give them a look, you will be pleasantly surprised.
What goes around comes around................
One thing I have noticed, not only myself but also amongest the lads is the sudden change in attitude towards shoes. I now am the proud owner of a pair of Oi Polloi x Etnies suede shoes, this collaboration is pure beauty in my eyes and a shoe which i have lusted for since its release. Luckily for me nobody wanted these on ebay so i put in a cheeky buy it now bid and the seller accepted. I am now upto 7 pairs, Dont get me wrong i spent many a teenage swagger round town in Wallabies and even brogues, but then I needed to relive my youth and show the world my love for the three stripes. Trainers took over, The search began. there is nothing better than seeing your og boxes stacked unevenly like some pissed up jenga party in the spare room, wondering which pair to wear next.
So whats happened????
I now looking at shoes in a different light, Be it Clarks Desert Treks, Jacoform or Finn Comfort through to Mephisto. They are all demanding my attention and many of my friends, Is it my age??. No its simply a statement I am saying I can be casual, I can adapt. I have an eye for quality and comfort. Its our heritage. Take a look around at the new school of shoes, Fracap, Paraboot, Sperry, they are all reinterpretating classic designs whether it be designed on a traditional hiker to a simple colourful deck shoe. More and more people including me and some close pals are wanting quality, I want to turn around and say yes these on my feet are handmade and they are comfy and most of all they suit and say what I want about me. There are some stunning examples if worn correctly surpass any vintage deadstock trainer. Yuketen and Quoddy are leading by example with designs inspired by the vintage handmade camarardie of excellence which will have folk looking down with envy. Even the brands we grew up with, Clarks are muscling in with a gorgeous weaver moccassin and Redwing holding its own with their intepretation of the work boot.
Its that time again for shoes to come out and state they do have a place in our hearts. they can be cool, A typical english gents choice for the smarter occassion. But I still havent found my summer Gordini shoe.
Go on Buy some, Feel different, Be Smart ;)
So whats happened????
I now looking at shoes in a different light, Be it Clarks Desert Treks, Jacoform or Finn Comfort through to Mephisto. They are all demanding my attention and many of my friends, Is it my age??. No its simply a statement I am saying I can be casual, I can adapt. I have an eye for quality and comfort. Its our heritage. Take a look around at the new school of shoes, Fracap, Paraboot, Sperry, they are all reinterpretating classic designs whether it be designed on a traditional hiker to a simple colourful deck shoe. More and more people including me and some close pals are wanting quality, I want to turn around and say yes these on my feet are handmade and they are comfy and most of all they suit and say what I want about me. There are some stunning examples if worn correctly surpass any vintage deadstock trainer. Yuketen and Quoddy are leading by example with designs inspired by the vintage handmade camarardie of excellence which will have folk looking down with envy. Even the brands we grew up with, Clarks are muscling in with a gorgeous weaver moccassin and Redwing holding its own with their intepretation of the work boot.
Its that time again for shoes to come out and state they do have a place in our hearts. they can be cool, A typical english gents choice for the smarter occassion. But I still havent found my summer Gordini shoe.
Go on Buy some, Feel different, Be Smart ;)
Ma Strum...........
Bit late with this one, Ma Strum already with AW09 season under its belt, The new label by Donrad Duncan collaborating the archives of the legend that is Massimo Osti creating an inspired eclectic range of clothing, mainly outerwear. for those that dont know Donrad Duncan designed for Victorinox. His influences are evident and continue to shape the Osti archives into practical attire. Ma Strum debut season began with a launch event @ Harrods and included around 7 pieces each possessing their own identity, The brand is subtle yet diverse in the form of a compass which takes in natural light and luminates in darkness, How cool......
Placed on the shoulder with the stealth jacket, my pick of the season or above the chest pocket on the Frigate Parka. It oozes quality and very reasonably priced, Ma strum looks set to having a bright future and continuing the legacy of the master that is Massimo Osti.
The SS10 range looks nothing short of breathtaking with some very interesting outerwear including practical uses, incorporating a torch holder, there are also knits due. As expected Ma Strum is limited and only using select stockists, If your lucky enough to seek this brand then dont sleep. They may have started slow but believe me gentlemen we have a sleeping giant.
2010 - New Year New Beginnings....
Happy new year folks, 2010 eh,
I gotta admit i have neglected CasualCorp of late but now its a new beginning, new pastures another year ahead of hunting the elusive brand, sourcing those hard to find grail trainers and keeping you all informed about whats out and about amongest the british elite.
Its been a good start to the year for me personally, adding to my Garbstore collection, I managed to pick up the Mountain Providence Parka in black for a cracking £150. There are still a few to be found around the web. I was hoping for a mammoth shopping spree this month, keeping one eye open on Oi Polloi sales, but for me its been disapointing, It amazes me how they manage to drag up the Fjall Karbulle check shirt each year. Dont get me wrong this is and will continue to be the best shop in the Uk but my opinion on the sales is nothing special. however there are a few bits tempting me @ 50% off, YMC wax fishing jacket with a total of 25 pockets and FOLK bombers are well worth a punt. Both labels which we will look at in more detail when its time.
Plenty of exciting news to share and new brands discovered makes 2010 shape into a damn fine year, Plenty of labels defining their original roots and new inspiring ones setting the standard, And it looks a near perfect year for Adidas with some serious reissues planned. will keep you posted.
I gotta admit i have neglected CasualCorp of late but now its a new beginning, new pastures another year ahead of hunting the elusive brand, sourcing those hard to find grail trainers and keeping you all informed about whats out and about amongest the british elite.
Its been a good start to the year for me personally, adding to my Garbstore collection, I managed to pick up the Mountain Providence Parka in black for a cracking £150. There are still a few to be found around the web. I was hoping for a mammoth shopping spree this month, keeping one eye open on Oi Polloi sales, but for me its been disapointing, It amazes me how they manage to drag up the Fjall Karbulle check shirt each year. Dont get me wrong this is and will continue to be the best shop in the Uk but my opinion on the sales is nothing special. however there are a few bits tempting me @ 50% off, YMC wax fishing jacket with a total of 25 pockets and FOLK bombers are well worth a punt. Both labels which we will look at in more detail when its time.
Plenty of exciting news to share and new brands discovered makes 2010 shape into a damn fine year, Plenty of labels defining their original roots and new inspiring ones setting the standard, And it looks a near perfect year for Adidas with some serious reissues planned. will keep you posted.
Barbour....
Barbour to us all is a name synominous with british heritage and a decent brand amongest the casual elite. Founded in 1894 and warranted by the Royal family the classic british outdoor company is now over 100 years old. Barbour is a 4th generation family owned company who have developed a unique understanding of clothing that is truly fit for the country lifestyle and casual attire alike. Their latest collaboration see them join forces with Tokihito Yoshida, launching a limited edition capsule collection for AW09. A vast improvement on last seasons collaboration with Boxfresh which saw the two, tweak the iconic wax jacket.
Tokihito seemed the obvious choice, being renowned for the detail that he adds to his garments, has taken Barbour's distinctive style and created a unique signature collection of 3 - 5 winter jackets. included is a wax Trench Coat, Bicycle, Horse Riding, Motor Riding and Driving jackets.
These designs are littered with lovely detail features. Also comprimising on the fit, steering away from the classic cut towards a more contemporary tailored neat and slim finish.
Be on the lookout for the To Ki To Driving jacket in brown, pick of the bunch for me and available from all the usual suspects (stockists) late August. Sources inform me that this collection is selling fast on pre-order sales alone, so dont expect them to be around long.
All in all this limited collection re-interpretes Barbour's authentic style, being visually appealing while broadening the brands modern heritage and inspiring simple elegant, not to mention eye catching designs.
Keep one eye open for the SS10 range, some stunning examples of a Dryfly jacket, in 3 fabrics/colours, carbon coated blue, duralinen tan and polytech olive. Barbour for me seems to be picking things up and moving in another direction.
Fingers crossed.
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