Tactical Vest are very fine if you are rugged!

Another piece of kit that is in my favorite list is the ROTHCO UNCLE Olive Drab travel vest.

I have buy this one in Japan @ Ueno Market, a special place for me ;)


I wear it with a corduroy jacket, oxford shirt and a pair of vintage Levi's Blue Jeans: The perfect travel kit.
This is, however, a piece that I love.


Talking bout tactical vest, I have also the 5.11 model that is made at another level of construction and is expressly made and in use by special contractors that work in very hard environment.

The 5.11 tactical vest is made in heavy canvas and have  a full selection of pocket that are perfect for your every day accessory of for your necessary and lifesaver kit when on the field.

Stock Number @ Pitti Uomo

Stock Number @ Pitti Uomo Florence 11-14 January 2011 | Lyceum-My Factory Area | All the collection is available in Top Ten Project booth

Top Ten project is a very interesting and innovative idea born from the mind of the Mr. Giulio Falasco, the owner of Only T-Shirt Company, one of the most innovative and creative company specialized in making T-shirts, fleeces, and any other garment that is possible to print.

They not only made the best and the most reliable T-shirt product service to some of the most important fashion brand in the world (just one for all: Stone Island) but they have worked from early 2010 to the Top Ten Project... and now the project is ready to be presented @ Pitti Uomo...!!!

 If you want more info contact them: topten@onlyt-shirt.com

About Stock Number project you will see the entire collection that will be presented @ Pitti uomo, there: www.stocknumber.co.uk

If you want meet me and talk about the product I'm there the 11th and the 12th of january! You are welcome!

Stock Number Roots

Another interesting old piece of my archive that is very interesting because is making the roots of the Stock Number method.

This is a set wich I have design about ten years ago, for the No evil collection. It's a rare example of woman style, because I only work for woman collection that want to express new and innovative mood and I run away from those "ready made, ultra-fashion-commercial" collection for girls and woman that was often offered me.

For the shirt I have worked with a very poor "mussola" fabric, very light, often made for rough bags for the underwear, I have noble the fabrics with a was with "marseille soap" essence and soften the fabric a lot. The Skirt is inspired from a man chino trouser, made in heavy weight triple ply gabardine fabric, and I have add a corduroy insert in the front to add movement.

No eVil was the first collection here in Italy to present in 1999 the "chino trousers" for woman made with gorgeous feminine fit, and with a very chic selection of material and detail, but always rugged in their heritage because the treatments, the materials and the style.

Stock Number will make few selected womans pieces in the future, and for sure, both this rare No eVil sample will be the right startpoint.

Stock Number Roots

This is a clear example of how Stock Number is made. I have designed this jacket in 2004 for the Fourface collection spring/summer 2005 made by Dynamic Jeans. Working as usual for me, I have mixed the style of a very rare denim French Utility Jacket (probably made for the Marine Nationale in the 70's) with a typical Herringbone Twill fabric same as the U.S. Marines WWII jacket, in addition, a patch of U.S. Navy and a the original repro of the "laurel steel buttons" from the WWII denim was added.
I have bring the same button for the Five Pocket Selvadge Jeans of Stock Number collection.
This is Stock Number, a mix of vintage, new, reproductive and innovative styles: a kind of "prototype like" project.

Stock Number Heritage

Stock Number Heritage | This is an homage Paratroopers Coat from WWII German Fallschirmjager from the Fourface Collection.

I made this garment in the FW2006 collection of the luxury sportswear Fourface  made by Dynamic Jeans and died too young. This coat is a perfect example of tactical and protective garment made with the perfect german technology in design and manufacturing of military clothes.
German Fallschirmjager normally wore this coat with a “splinter” camouflage pattern (one of the most perfect camouflage pattern ever seen) in green, brown and antracyte colors. I have made my homage in a dark grey stone washed treated canvas, with a fake fur blue lining to match better with the color of denim, that is the type of trouser that was intended to be worn with.

Even four years after, this Fourface German Fallschirmjager coat is a classic and a source of inspiration for me, and this si why I have created the Stock Number collection: I don't wnat to stop to create things like those.

Stock Number Project is ready!

Stock Number is my new project, made in cooperation with Only T-Shirt Company, for the Topten initiative. Stock Number is intended like a "data-base" of clothes who form the backbone of an imaginary travel bag, that any person should have and which are examples of a style where prevailing pragmatic design, good materials, accurate manufacturing.
Following the historic knowledge of Cristiano Berto, owner of the brand and designer of the collection, It is based on the concepts of simple and authentic items, made with the best quality, inspired from vintage and modern military and tactical garments, utility clothes, authentic denim, workwear, travel and sport clothes.

There is a “no season concept” in the materials, Stock Number have basic continuative materials and also is possible to have special materials, based on season.
The look of the collection will be, always and forever, non ironed, regular and easy fit and worn out style. Stock Number will always offer a color card based on the classic and institutional basic and army colors: Navy Blue, Olive Drab, White, Kakhy, Carbon and a range of melange colors based on the classic grey tone.
Denim is very important in the collection and we will develope the denim range season by season.

The graphics will always be minimal, clean and with technical design based on “Helvetica” type lettering: Stock Number does not want follow trends or themes, forever!

The packaging is a key element: the clothes are sold vacuum.

Stock Number will offer also a line of stationery products inspired by the workers and military note pad, accessories like belts and handbags and is currently on studying a watch inspired by military and technical style.

Bomboogie Blueboat

This is one of my customer and these few shots are from the Blueboat collection.
They have presented the last season (SS 2011) few days ago at Pitti Uomo in Florence and it was great success for the line!

Customer have appreciate this small but very focused part of the collection and the mood was very good.

The line is a modern and urban view of some classic theme: the Navy, Sailor and military oriented Marine Gear. I have cooperated with the head designer of the company in increase and upgrade most of the classic items starting from the Peacoat, till the re-invention of the denim: offering a fine cordura-cotton blend for deck chino, and for classic five pockets.
My job was also focused in the research of new kind of graphic style for labels and hangtags, inspired by the ships panel that you will find inside the decks.

The collection is part of the main line, Bomboogie, that you will see there:
www.bomboogie.it

G-Shock reinvented: the DW-5600 become the GX-56

After being at the Casio meeting for the new Italian based office, and have seen with my eyes the prototype of new GX-56 I have understand (no doubt!) that the guys @ casio they are so smart.

This new GX-56 is the way the DW-5600 an icon for Casio G-Shock production (do you remember it at the wrist of Keanu Reeves on "Speed" Movie?) will be in the future.

New structure, new design , new size, more stronger and more "bad".

A touch of color was added to the dial and the new size (increased about of 20%) will put this new GX-56 at the side of the other classic of the past (DW-8400 "Mudman" and DW-8300 Stargate")

The DW-5600, by the way, still remain in production and a new model with carbon fiber strap it was presented few days ago.

Definitely, this GX-56 it will be mine as soon it will be available on the market, about the first week of July!

Rhodia Notebooks

They are perfect companion if you need to drop a note or a sketch or just write some impression.
In japan I have find a new model that is called "Meeting Book" and is very useful.
It's made in three section, each section provide space for a specific action and purpose.

There are few others notebooks that I like.
The ultimate type is the Field Notes line: http://fieldnotesbrand.com/ I love them.

They are inspired to the "agricultural memo books" and made in USA upon great quality standards.
Che it out also the "Mnemosyne Notebooks" another new line of notepad, memo books, "to do" list small pad.... I bought few pieces in japan and I find them so useful in office, cause they are design to help to organize note, ideas and any kind of information and data.

Kamikaze Shop in Japan

If you are walking in Omotesando Road and would like to see a very interesting shop, then you must go to see the Kamikaze Shop, just around the corner, few steps from the main road, check it here:

http://kamikazejp.com/

I discover this shop because I walk in t small street aside of Omotesando to search architecture and garden in the town...
I will surprised to see this small shop, load with military vintage pieces, inside and out... after going inside I see that my first impression was good. This is a shop to see if you like a perfect and intelligent way to re-style military garment, check the page of custom models:

http://kamikazejp.com/cf/

The two owners are so kindly, they show me lot of fine styles, one for all the perfect pants: T.C.U. TROUSERS (O.D./LARGE) they have worked a pair of trousers for the Battle Dress Uniform with additional pockets, new color matching, belt detail.
Let me say that I have try and purchase those pants in fine nanosec!
Fantastic material (original ripstop in respect of the original standard) nice color and perfect fit.

It is fine that is possible to change the length with a very intelligent system.

So, thanks for the guys at kamikaze, one of the best military and re-style utility shop in Japan!

And thanks also to put me on their blog :)

Sierra Design vintage 60/40 jacket

Just arrived from USA, after my trip in Tokyo where I haven't find the right size that will fit me as it must, and lay down on my work table just for you.

Sierra jacket 60/40 is very rare piece of design. No doubt.

This is the vintage model, little bit longer, but still slim fit, and this will fit me perfectly, also the size of the pocket are little bit different from the actual model....
Sierra design 60/40 is a kind of "must" for people that like to walk in the wood or trek in the forest (but also if you want to travel in the town with a perfect kit that is long enough for covering your suit or sport jacket) is made in a blend of cotton and nylon and is made to enhance the standards. Four pockets will contain all your items (here you will see how the "field notes" memo book fit perfectly the upper chest pocket, together with a Penac FX-7 made in Japan ink pen: a perfect kit for your notes on the road) there's also a big pocket in the back!
YKK zipper is a symbol of quality (that's is not easy to find now in the market)velcron strap porvide secure and reliable protection.

Perfect with your old repaired and painted Chino or a pair of Kapital five pocket, a check shirt over a melange grey t-shirt, and a pair of Trickers Loafer...

Paul Hardcastle: hard samples from eighties... and without Garage Band ;)

This a new download from the iTunes store, made this morning, that remind me at the early eighties, purchasing this collection, including the top charts "19" and a set of very nice tunes like "Strollin", "Rain Forest" and another beater like "Moonhopper" my favorite at this moment... speed me right back to the early eighties night at Tam Tam...dancing all night long, chat with girls and experienced first cocktails... Those was the times!

A new table in my office

Recently I'm moved with the office.

It's was not only a move of my office, but a move of my life.
New house, new office, new lifestyle, new job method...

A new philosophy at all.
What I'm trying is to go on with a new process that was started about a years ago... convert my job process from "industrial" to "artisan"...
I think the early result are great and my customer are very satisfied...

So, putting again more and more quality, service and to pay attention at the small detail, that was already a philosophy for me, is enhanced in a process that put not only the customer at the best attention... but also me...

To celebrate this changement I have designed a new table to match my Eames Alu-Chair...
Another "artisan" made it for me... and this is the result...

I love it!

New Old Stock Glasses

The last Sunday of the month, near where I live theres' a very nice market of vintage, used and sometimes new old stock items, you can find interesting things and some bargains... here a perfect NOS frames from Zeiss West Germany from the 70's and maybe 80's they was sealed in the original packaging, and soon they will be equipped with yellow degradè lens (for the pilot type a very Lufthansa commander style!) and maybe brown for the "Bill Gates" style turtle model...

1€ each!!!

;)

A Giant Leap

Just a line to celebrate the first step on the moon and the Apollo 11 crew that made this possible. They have at their wrist the Omega Speedmaster Professional watches, exactly like those you will see in the picture I have made for this tribute. The reference of the true "moonwatch" was 145.012-67 and 105.012-65 both of them are in my collection and I'm proud to have those watches that remember me, every day, how incredible was the july 20, 1969 for all the citizens of the world.

Recently I have discover that I need a new pair of glasses to change with mine "Donald Fagen" style frames.
My research start looking if in my area there was some dealer of the famous brand Dita that make the best eye-wear in the world.

I was very pleased to discover that about 20 minutes from where I live, in the Riviera del Brenta area there's not only a dealer, but a beautiful concept store for the best brand of eye-wear ever seen: http://www.inawhitebox.com
The people in the "white box" was so kind and very friendly, it's clear they have good taste and deep knowledge, also they have enough dare to offer those kind of brands...(not easy at all) they let me try about thirty pieces of many brands... but finally my choice goes to the Dita "Statesman" model: a mix fof rétro design and modern technology, they use hand made manufacturing, micro etched titanium and a kind of finish that I never see on a pair of glasses, definitely the best.

Not happy I've choose the latest Lanvin design, with a taste of 60's that I think is very, very nice, especially in the material and colour... they remind me a Michael Caine picture of the 60's that I've seen recently.

Lanvin, is coming back very strong in the latest fashion collection and I think is one of the best brand, that are working a in a new direction for the menswear, they will fight the skinny, slim line and offer a new proportions for the man, that let the fit stay in touch with the body, without force you to lose about 20 kilo to be in "size" for the latest look. Also they explore a new conception for the "oversize" style that is based on the materials... shine, soft and very rich.

The Rolex Explorer I Ref. 1016

When talking about clean and minimal design, is impossible to don't write a couple of lines about the Rolex Explorer I Ref. 1016 design.
I have recently acquire this 1975-76 piece and I can't avoid to talk about the perfect balance of the dial design, the very minimal graphic and the impressive care of the details. It's come to me with a NATO military strap, that give him a strong professional look, but I have provide also a Ref. 7836 folded steel bracelet, correct for the age, that is important to complete this beauty.
The Explorer was first used in the Everest conquest, and in many other adventures from the south pole to the northern territory of Greenland.

I think the 3-6-9 digit at the quarters are some kind of archetype in watches design.
The balance of the rigorous tritium dial and the "mercedes" hands give another lesson in clean and perfectly shaped minimal design.
Indeed, this is a classic piece of design in watches, despite the perfect movement 1570 with hack that is inside, that give a perfect time, at the second, whenever you are: at the top of a mountain... or your annoying meeting @ 28th floor meeting room ;)

Suntory Whisky: A moment of Relax

Like good denim fabric, fine watches, or luxury cars, when Japanese make something at the top, they good the best one!
If you appreciate to have a moment of true relax, with clients, friends or just alone… then you have to try the Suntory Yamazaky 12 years old Single Malt Whisky.
I Like to offer to friends that come up in the office, or drink at the end of the day, when I need to have a moment just for me.

It's my perfect present for Christmas time for the best friends.

But at home, the absolute choice is the Hibiky 17 years old blended: my favorite.
His perfect balanced taste remind me the savor of wood, tobacco… His perfume is a fantastic experience… no wonder if remind me to think at Penhaligons or Diptyque eau de toilette…



Another reason to be a fan of Japanese product!

A Fine Paul Smith Jacket

This is another fine piece of design from Sir Paul Smith.

I've bought this jacket in my recent visit at the Paul Smith Jeans Shop of Covent Garden.
First of all I was captured by the style, the irregular pocket attract me because those details are a perfect signature of the Paul Smith design… he love to work on classic form, changing size, proportions and position, so we can have a new perspective when the jacket is worn on…

Color is also nice, a fine shade of very dark Grey, with red brown natural color buttons in combinations of the black press buttons for the pocket.
Another interesting point is the material. This jacket is made in a special nylon fabric, extremely light, but extremely protective. Water just simply slide on the surface of the material, wind have no chance to pass through the membrane that is coated inside the external shield… the result is a perfect warm and dry combination when you are out!
You can put this jacket in your travel bag, take a flight and wear when you arrive at destination: the special fabrics will be perfectly free of any wrinkle!

Just perfect for me!

Breakin' Away

Today I've finally received the CD's release of Al Jarreau "Breakin Away" album from 1981 ordered form a very kind eBay seller, and it's spinning right now on my CD player.

Listen the songs in this album bring me very, very far.
I was at a village fair in the evening, with some friends, some of those very clever… all us was more interested to new released like this that a local DJ friends was playing for us, than the girls that look at us: that night girls was not in first place of our thoughts! But Music was.

In the same time there was the George Benson release of "Give me the Night" single and many others… music those years was so smooth and so fine… in the clubs were we go with our friends a little bit older (do you remember the early wide legs jeans from Italian company BALL, flat red suede shoes and hawaiian shirts? That was the look!) and when the Boogie Oogie Oogie from "A Taste on Honey" was on the deck... oh guy's it was like a heaven on heart!