Sandast Leather Bags »

Not totally new to the bags game (est. 2006 in Milan), but rather new to us is Sandast, purveyor of Italian-designed leather goods that are crafted in America. Founded by Milan Franeta, the brand combines a vintage aesthetic with modern functionality. Franeta has experience working with big names in denim and Italian luxury brands—experience that “ignited a personal desire to take his passion and offer a collection of leather accessories he connects with so deeply.”

Naming the brand after his kids Sandra, Danilo, Stefano is a nice touch that hints at some legacy building, and the goods are built using old Italian machinery, so that they are “born of historical relevance.” These are some good lookers that would be fun to dutifully fill the compartments of.

The “Otis” Maybach

Remember the Maybach that Jay-Z and Kanye Frankensteined together for the Otis video? The visual of a Sawzall hitting a car most of us will never be able to sit in (let alone buy) is still scarred into our brains. It seemed totally ridiculous at the time, but the video ended with a PSA that the actual luxury Road Warrior whip used for the shoot would be auctioned off for charity. That day is here…almost. On March 8, Phillips de Pury & Company will be auctioning off the “Otis” Maybach as part of a Contemporary Art Evening Sale in New York. All proceeds from the auction will benefit Save the Children. It’s definitely not street legal anymore, but if you can afford the absurdly high price tag this thing will most certainly fetch you can just take it out on your private track. $A lot

Read more: Cool Material - Men's gear blog featuring the latest trends in watches, gear and gadgets. http://coolmaterial.com/#ixzz1oLVHbFUI

Han Kjøbenhavn Spring/Summer 2012 Video

If for some reason you’ve always wondered why menswear has never crossed paths with bingo, you’ll finally have your answer thanks to the film for Danish designer Han Kjøbenhavn’sSpring/Summer 2012 line. Directed by revered Danish documentary filmmaker Asger Leth, the cut takes a rather dismal turn as a gang of mature punks dressed to the nines in Kjøbenhavn’s newest decide to wreak havoc on a peaceful bingo game. The music combines with gratuitous use of slow motion (which most certainly isn’t a bad thing) to give the collection a nightmarish feel, but one of those nightmares where you were dressed in sharply tailored muted tones before ending up at a rather dimly lit bar. Along with the definitely feeling of intrigue the video implores, a respect for Kjøbenhavn’s look is generated as well. This line is definitely worth further investigation, much like the questionable acts committed on screen.

The Sunday Drive….

The Italian dream maker Ferrari has split the curtains ahead of the Geneva Motor Show to reveal the stunning new Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.  The newest Ferrari is as daring as it is dashing, approaching speeds of up to 211 miles per hour on the open road.  From a standing start, this beast can hit 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds.  While the top end and the acceleration are exciting, the handling helps put this one in a class of its own.  It bested a lap at the Fiorano test course in 1:23.  When compared to the Ferrari’s that came before it, the F12 Berlinetta can boast quite a claim with that record– it is the fastest Ferrari ever.  Yes, the Enzo’s and the 599 GTO’s of the world can’t compete with this one, it is officially the Ferrari flagship.  And we must say, boy does this beauty look the part.  Keys, please!  [via autoblog]

Ferrari Arno X1 Hydroplane

Let’s say you’ve done the prancing horse on pavement and now you long for the same Italian heritage on the waves. Not too many options. Well, if you’re independently wealthy, your “ship” may have come in with the impending auction of the Ferrari Arno X1 Hydroplane. Built in 1953 and powered by a 12-cylinder, 4500 cc V-12 Ferrari engine with twin superchargers, the Arno X1′s engine boasts an output of 502+ horsepower. It reached a record setting 150.19 mph for an 800 kg boat in 1953, which impressively has not been broken to date. With a storied and record setting racing history, full concourse restoration and full documentation and original Ferrari engineering notes, look for this stunning watercraft to bring in nearly $2 million by RM Auctions in Monaco on May 11-12, 2012.

Watch | PROJECT Wooster Las Vegas Recap

The Thursday Cocktail Recipe…for the Weekend

Treasure Island

1 oz Appleton Estate Reserve

0.5 oz Tullimore Dew Irish Whiskey

0.5 oz Brinley Gold Shipwreck Spiced Rum

0.5 oz Orange Curaçao

0.5 oz Pama liqueur

2 oz unsweetened pineapple juice

Muddle mango in the bottom of a hurricane glass. Add crushed ice. Shake all ingredients well with ice and strain over everything.

Retrospect: 1961 Rolex Pointed Crownguard Gilt Underline Submariner

Arguably the most recognizable models within the storied Rolex lineage, the Submariner series of watches has seen an extensive history since it was first minted in 1954. Ask any watch enthusiast and they will profess that the Submariner offered a completely fresh approach to watch aesthetics of the era – a design that has spurred numerous copies since. Although the Submariner series has seen a relatively taut range of model introductions and reinterpretations since its 1950′s debut, each consecutive model has never shied away from the core tenants that first set it apart form the traditional masses – form and function.


Five years after the inaugural debut of the reference 6204, Rolex made a significant stride with the introduction of its Submariner 5512 series – a reference model that would go on to experience a lifespan lasting until the early 1980s. For our newest Hypebeast feature titled “Retrospect” we focus in on a unique 1961 Rolex Pointed Crownguard Gilt Underline Submariner from the collection of watch purveyor and vintage Rolex specialist Eric Ku of Ten Past Ten Timepieces. Amidst the plethora of extremely rare and vintage Rolex Submariners that fill Ku’s Goyard Watch Boxes, this particular example stands out because of its uniquely distinguishing elements and exclusivity. Expressing his affinity for the unique build, Ku states, “In terms of rarity, I have simply never seen another one with the exact same configuration dial – and I’ve looked through many books and literature but not quite found the identical example.” Manufactured in 1961, this particular Submariner is one of the earliest production models from the reference 5512 history. An elegantly streamlined casing boasts a gilt dial with four lines of text printed in underlined silver – writing that is more often seen emblazoned in gold. Although the significance of the underlining has been open to mixed opinions throughout the years, many watch experts and enthusiasts alike attribute the embellishment to the Rolex’s transition of using radium for luminous material to tritium on the dial.


The 5512 was also the first Rolex Submariner that was built with “crown guards,” a design facet that has served as an evolution of the earlier “James Bond” styled case. The elegant face sees a rich black base that is juxtaposed with via gilt (gold) hour, minute hands and minute markers. For Ku, the coveted 1961 Rolex Pointed Crownguard Gilt Underline Submariner represents both a deeply valued collectible as well as an ongoing adventure that offers him the challenge of searching out vintage Italian leather straps and other coveted bands to add to his collection. Although this particular reference 5512 resides somewhere in the middle as it relates to vintage Rolex market value, Ku’s rare 1961 version would likely pull in approximately $40,000 USD in value.


Photography: Richard Liu/Hypebeast


Throughout the pages of history, passing trends and fleeting fashions come and go. Looking back to eras past, there are a select few mainstay names, brands, techniques, automobiles or other collectible items that have withstood the test of time, effectively retaining their grandeur and value despite changing times. “Vintage” is a term that if often thrown around rather flippantly, being applied to just about anything in hopes of adding a weight of value to it. Our feature “Restrospect” aims to sift through the plethora of simply dated items to showcase those that truly merit the title of “vintage.” Digging deeper into the historical background, component specifics, and overall relevance, Retrospect works with experts, enthusiasts and specialists to procure an understanding of each object of its focus.

Tech Tuesday……Almove Shirt Guard

It was like an epiphany when we first discovered Downy Wrinkle Releaser. We tossed a few traveled sized bottles of that stuff in our Dopp kit and vowed to never touch a hotel iron again. Of course the magic spray came with a few drawbacks, we’d have to wait for it to dry and massage the pungent mist into our dress shirts before heading to a meeting or happy hour. The Almove Shirt Guard, it turns out, is a much nicer option that won’t leave your body feeling like it’s clinging to a slightly damp undershirt. Not only does it keep your shirt from getting wrinkled in your bag, but it maintains the collar and can even hold your tie and cufflinks.  Now you won’t look like you slept in your clothes before meeting with the higher-ups

Read more: Almove Shirt Guard | Cool Material http://coolmaterial.com/style/almove-shirt-guard/#ixzz1ngFIQPGD

Buttero Denham Edition Footwear

Buttero’s known for their impeccably crafted footwear and now the Tuscan shoemaker has teamed up with Dutch brand Denham for a small line of sneakers. The pieces feature vegetable-tanned leathers local to Buttero’s hometown of Stabbia and the brand’s roots show in the construction as each shoe is made via traditional methods. In order to give their new trainer-inspired designs an added dose of freshness, they have modified these styles for by integrating a pure white leather toe-piece, a minimalistic detail that’s exclusive to Denham. Shop the offerings at Denham.

The Sunday Drive….Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse

Bugatti has unveiled their latest Veyron, the Grand Sport Vitesse. The Vitesse — French for “speed” — the supercar is a combination of the best traits of the Grand Sport and Super Sport models. The automaker has taken the 1,200-horsepower version of the Veyron’s engine from the Super Sport and combined it with the open-top body-style of the Grand Sport. The end result is one of the most powerful roadster of all time.


Look for the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse to be shown off at the Geneva Motor Show in March, all seven-figures worth.

hard graft 3Fold Multi-Use Bag / Herita

The idea of producing the 3Fold Multi-Use Bag / Heritage came to fruition with versatility in mind. Created by the talented artisans of hard graft, whose families have mastered their trade over the last century, the bag is made out of premium Italian leathers with wool felt materials. As the branding suggests, this new offering can be transformed into an overnighter, portfolio and slim laptop bag that can accommodate a 17” laptop, depending on the format preferred. For those interested, the bag is now being offered directly through the hard graft

.

Hermès Spring/Summer 2012 Luggage

A few new styles from Hermès, luggage for Spring/Summer 2012. These are at the luxury end of luxury, it would be crude to mention prices but you could probably swap the suitcase for a mid-sized car. Wheeled leather and herringbone cases and two styles of lockable travel bag, surprisingly heavy duty and undeniably smart – if you’re going to do it in style you can’t go wrong with Hermès.

The Thursday Cocktail Recipe…for the Weekend

Hemingway Daiquiri

2 oz White Rum

Juice of 2 Limes (small limes)

Juice of 1/2 Grapefruit

1/4 oz Maraschino Liqueur

1/4 oz Cane Syrup

Build all ingredients over crushed ice in a cocktail shaker. Give it a quick, sharp shake or two and pour into the Collins glass. Garnish with part of a spent lime shell.

Bruno Chaussignand

Far from the fanfare of Somerset House and the pinballing fashion set bouncing from venue to venue across the capital, I prefer to ease myself in to proceedings with showroom visits. For the last five seasons my London Fashion Week has begun with an elongated visit to the ever fruitful, Touba Distrubution curated, The Showroom Next Door. Each season, it exemplifies everything that I find exciting about design in London; namely it's diversity and sense of sartorial evolution and revolution. Having posted countless gushing reviews, it should be little wonder that I'm drawn back season after season. These are undoubtedly exciting times for menswear and I'm so pleased that there are platforms like the Showroom Next Door that help to showcase the obvious and abundant talent that call this capital of ours at home and abroad.

Now, with covetable rails full of personal favourites including the likes of Casely-Hayford, Bunney, Hannah Martin, Armando Cabral and Bruno Chaussignand, I've often described the space as my dream walk in wardrobe. Curated over two floors of Gallery Lazarides, I spent a couple of hours familiarising myself with and daydreaming about so much. Over the coming week or so I'll talk you through some of my favourites and I'd like to kick it off with Bruno Chaussignand. Now, if you're a regular reader you should remember that this fine maker of hand made frames forced me to re-evaluate eyewear. A childhood spent refusing to wear glasses because I thought they'd instantly transform me in to a laughing stock of the the playground (and to be honest my prescription was so small that I could get on fine with the odd squint), led me to a tad dismissive of their appeal. However, the moment I encountered the sculptural frames of the brad any lingering playground concerns evaporated.

Born in France in 1974, Bruno Chaussignand discovered the eyewear business at the age of 15. "At that time, I dreamed about being a designer. When I discovered the optical business, I was fascinated by the three sides to the business, which spanned fashion, technology and health. I was particularly interested in these aspects and became immediately passionate about the business." The eponymous brand was launched in 2004 and has since evolved to offer a number of frames and services. Last season, a range of strikingly modern luxury eyewear was launched. Entitled Time Out, the range of nine (and growing) styles in metal and acetate showcase the designer's new style. Quite simply it is a collection of architectural frames which come to life across broad, strong textures and bold, innovative cuts. Thankfully, the showroom had the full offering. Below are just a few frames that caught my eye...

Tech Tuesday……Nikon D800

Guess what? Your memory card just got a whole lot smaller thanks to the new Nikon D800 ($2,999). There’s no hiding the fact that the long awaited full-frame FX-format shooter is a direct assault on the Canon 5D Mk II, which has captured the attention (and dollars) of HD-SLR shooters. Built around a Super Bowl sized 36.3 megapixel full-frame sensor, the D800 has been adorned with many of the features first announced on the colossal Nikon D4; that means you’ll find the same ultra-quick Expeed 3 processor, 91k-pixel RGB metering sensor, 3.2″ 921k-dot LCD, and a 51-point auto focus system. Rounding out the highlights are compatibility with both FX and DX Nikkor lenses, a healthy 100-6400 (expandable to 50-25600) ISO range, built-in HDR, dual SD/Compact Flash card slots and a USB 3.0 firehose to get those massive images off the camera.


But where this new Nikon truly excels is a host of new video features. 1080p video capture (60 or 24 fps) or 720p (60 or 30 fps) is an expected specification, but we’re jazzed about live external monitoring with the D800′s ability to shovel out totally uncompressed HDMI, wireless stop/start, a built-in headphone jack for audio monitoring along with a new audio metering system, and some clever new compression for better video quality.


If you’re an eagle-eye, you may have read that Nikon also released the D800e alongside the D800. Long story short, the D800e will get you unfettered access to every single last pixel of that whopping 36.3 megapixel sensor for about $300 more (no anti-aliasing). If you live and breath RAW (think: fashion photography), then consider this your cannon of choice.

Lucio Antonucci: The Hat Maker

Born in Francavilla, Italy, Lucio Antonucci discovered his talents for hat making at an early stage in his life. After graduating from college with a degree in communications and graphic design, Lucio landed one of his first jobs as a photographer for a company that produced hats. While standing behind the lens, Lucio’s creativity was always in full swing. He admits to coming up with different designs, ways of enhancing the hats he was shooting from the moment he began working. All of his bottled up creativity finally came to the forefront and Lucio eventually became the company’s lead designer. After a successful 10 year stint with the company and numerous runway shows under his belt, Lucio decided to start his own company and in 1988 he opened his very own atelier.

Lucio continued to learn the art of hat making as his company was growing. In the early 90′s, he began to learn the trade from some experienced female hat makers. With this newfound tutelage, he expanded on his own designs and creations, becoming interested in creating hats that maintained a balance between a formal and modern structure. Lucio is a real inspiration and hopefully our photo diary captures his talent as well as his passion for hat making.

Watch | The Derelicts – Refashioned Classics

The Derelicts a short film by eGarage from eGarage on Vimeo.

An incredible little film from eGarage focusing on Icon4×4 in Los Angeles who remake classic cars to create something extraordinary. As much about the passion and obsessive attention to detail as the car itself, its founder Jonathan Ward loves the aesthetic of vintage cars, the more beat up the better, but lost patience with the upkeep that comes with an archaic engine. So, under the hood you’ll find modern workings that allow the car to be driven everyday whilst the outside remains authentically worn and torn. These are the Derelicts. Thanks to Vintage Workwear for the heads up.

Tesla Model X

Set for release in 2014, the Tesla Model X is the company's new Crossover which will be available in both rear and all-wheel-drive. So just how fast will you be able to get the kids to soccer practice in the Model X? The AWD model is said to hit 60mph in just 4.4 seconds which is as fast as their top of the line Model S sedan. If you want one early, Tesla will be releasing a "Signature Series" model in 2013 and pricing is said to be between $50,000 and $70,000. 

The Sunday Drive….2012 Ferrari California

While its probably not the most loved of all the Prancing Horses in Ferrari's current lineup, we've got a little bit of a soft spot for the polarizing California. This year the California drops some weight and gains some added performance with 30 more horses than the previous generation giving it a 0-62 time of 3.8 seconds. Design-wise the car gets a bigger crayon box to play with an increased range of colors, two-tone finishes, and three-layer paint technology.