Introducing D.C. Lewis Footwear | Clayton Monkstrap

Over the past several months, two young gents, David and Logan, have been working very hard on the release of the first collection for their new footwear brand, D.C. Lewis.  I’ve been pining for a pair of single monkstraps ever since I first laid eyes on the Alfred Sargent Benson MTOs I blogged about a while back and I’m now very tempted to pull the trigger on these.  There is, however, a long lead time for some colors since these are basically MTO but the upside is that you can select the color of leather and even choose from nubuck and – get this – brown and black suede.  I’ll probably have to get a pair of suede double monks before I get sueded-out singles, but the option is certainly intriguing.  Also intriguing is that future models will have the much sought after fiddleback waist and will be priced only slightly higher than the base model, which is $425 + S/H.  Worth the marginal cost, I’m sure.  For more information on these, check out David’s and Logan’s thread on StyleForum here and be sure to check out their “Porter” model as well.  You can also email D.C. Lewis directly at dclewisfootwear@gmail.com.  So let me know what you guys think!  I think that I would like to see a less parallel strap (I like the downward angle of the Bensons, for example), but its a minor issue really and I’d have to see the shoes up close to be certain.  I am also very interested in learning more about sizing.  There wasn’t really anything conclusive in the StyleForum thread.  For those of you willing to pull the trigger right now though, head over to Austin-based designer Kent Wang’s online store here.  Cheers!

Canon EOS-1DX

On the surface, Canon’s new pro-level shooter may look virtually identical to its 1D predecessor, but don’t be fooled. As the 10th generation of Canon SLRs, the beastly Canon EOS-1DX ($6,800) is the full-frame juggernaut. Built to replace both the EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS-1D Mark IV models, it boasts an olympian size list of specs. Let’s discuss.

Packed inside you’ll find a new 18 megapixel sensor that produces the lowest noise of any EOS camera by utilizing oversized pixels and gapless microlenses, while providing a native ISO range up to 51,200, as well as specialized high and low settings to achieve its massive ISO 50 – ISO 102,400 range, boostable to a whopping 204,800. But that’s just the beginning. The camera also sports dual DIGIC 5+ imaging processors and a dedicated DIGIC 4 just for its 252-point metering system and all new 61-point AF system. Toss in a completely redesigned on-screen interface on its 3.2-inch, 1,040,000-dot LCD, a super high speed mode to capture 14 fps at full 18-megapixel resolution (JPEG) or 12 fps (RAW), wireless LAN support for 802.11n, and 1080p video capture settings (24, 25 or 30 fps, or 720p at 50 or 60 fps) without any memory clipping limits and you’ve got yourself the new Canon king without even breaking a sweat. As for the price… well, let’s just say you might want to consider asking the bean counters to allocate seven grand in next year’s “photo budget”.

Buy Now: $6,800 (Available this March)

Tech Tuesday…Impossible Project for Colette

The Impossible Project adorns Polaroid's much adored SX-70 instant camera ($597) with Colette's signature design pattern. The camera which will be releases in a limited run of 50 will also include Impossible's instant film with frames featuring the same print. Got a Polaroid already? You can also purchase the film separately for $27.

Bass Weejuns

AGI & SAM S/S 2012 COLLECTION

Agape Mdumulla and Sam Cotton began the brand Agi & Sam with the fundamental thought of designing for men. After years of countless menswear collections, displaying either a fear to create something different or collections which push too far and never seeing the light of day, they aim to sit firmly in the middle. With a strong emphasis on entirely bespoke print and humor they believe fashion should never be taken too seriously.Over the last two years they have worked in London for designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen, J.W. Anderson and Carolyn Massey.

The Sunday Drive….2012 Porsche Cabriolet

Porsche has taken the covers off two new cabriolet versions of the seventh-generation 911 Carrera — the 911 Carrera Cabriolet and 911 Carrera S Cabriolet. Like its hardtop brethren, the 2012 911 Carrera cabriolet features aluminum-steel construction but with the addition of an all-new convertible top design, which looks to preserve the 911 coupe roof line.

The 911 Carrera cabriolets use the same engine as their coupe equivalents with the 911 Carrera cabriolet housing a 3.4 liter box V6 that dishes out 350 horses and the Carrera S coming with a 3.8- liter box engine that gives out 400 horsepower. On the road, the 911 Carrera cabriolet can go from 0-60 in about 4.4 seconds and hit a top-track-speed of 177 mph, with the 911 Carrera S cabriolet clocking a 0-60 time of 4.1 seconds and maxing out at 187 mph. The cars feature a longer wheelbase, wider front track and a host of other new features just introduced on the 911 Carrera and Carrera S models. The end result consists of two new cabriolet variants that offer a sportier drive, better handling and an all-around better experience. Both the 911 Carrera cabriolet and the 911 Carrera S cabriolet will hit showrooms in Spring 2012 with MSRPs of $97,300 and $108,000 respectively.

The Sunday Ride…2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale

Ducati has just unveiled its latest two-wheeled flagship, the 1199 Panigale. The motorcycles will come in a Panigale and Panigale S model and will boast 195 hp from the company's new twin-cylinder Superquadro engine. That is matched with Ducati Electronic Suspension, new brake system and ABS, and Ducati's pre-programmed Riding Modes.

Christian Louboutin John John Flat

Available now from Christian Louboutin’s Fall 2011 collection for men is the John John Flat. It joins Louboutin’s growing lineup of formal footwear but don’t expect them to stay in stock for long as most of the designer’s product sells out fairly quickly. They come in two colorways, both featuring a three-tone upper — one dominated by grey and the other by a pure blue. The uppers are fitted with black leather cap toes, while the rest is made from a soft Satin material.

Buy It: $865 at Christian Louboutin

Tanner Goods Leather Camera Straps

Portland’s Tanner Goods add a new series of leather camera straps to its ever-increasing brand of products. Comfortable, sturdy and adjustable, this new release fulfill the three most important duties of a camera strap, while attaching to your camera without metal hardware that can cause damage. Constructed from 4/5 oz. Horween Chromexcel leather, each piece is burnished, dyed, waxed and stamped with Tanner Goods’ signature mark by hand. Several colors are now available online here.

A Kind of Guise ‘Kilim Project’ Bags

From Munich based brand A Kind of Guise comes a look at their latest work — The Kilim Project. About two years ago, they took a trip to the Middle East and ended up buying used carpets from almost every country located around the Persian Gulf. Every carpet is hand knitted and a few of them date back to the 19th century. Over the years, they’ve collected more than 50 carpets to make a limited collection of 100 bags. Each bag is unique and handmade to perfection. Look for these to be available on November 28th.

TAKAHIROMIYASHITA TheSoloIst. x Oliver Peoples 2012 Eyewear

Japanese label The SoloIst and Los Angeles-based Oliver Peoples have teamed up once again for a small collection of eyewear. In total, three different styles will be available, with each dropping in two gradient colorways — black and light brown. As you’ll see from the shots above (and below), there’s a more classical style that’s been crafted and one that’s a bit more modern as well to appeal to a wider range of folks out there. The frames are set to drop in early Spring 2012 to the Japan/Asian market, though you can expect a small quantity to hit Oliver Peoples Boutiques as well.

The Thursday Cocktail Recipe…for the Weekend

The Pussy Galore

Belvedere Grapefruit vodka, St. Germain elder flower liqueur  , Fresh Squeezed Pink Grapefruit, cucumber Slice , Tonic

The Piaget Altiplano Skeleton Automatic

It's November and it's time to start talking SIHH.  This announcement from Piaget brings us the Altiplano Skeleton Automatic, the world's thinnest automatic skeleton with the world's thinnest automatic skeletonized caliber.  Based on the caliber 1200P, the 1200S is a completely reworked movement that took over three years of development.

Here the hour-wheel bridge has been slimmed down (to a minimum wall thickness of just 0.11 mm) in order to ensure the extreme thinness of this movement.  You'll also see an even greater level of finishing on the 1200S where attention has been payed to matte surfaces - you'll see alternated sunray brushed and sandblasted facades to create a contrast with polished angle and rhodium (black) colors.  The micro-rotor is now in platinum, too.

The 1200S sits inside a 38mm case of white gold (a great size in a great metal) and this Piaget represents the second skeleton watch we'd actually wear.  Most skeleton watches are simply too ornate for young, modern men.  This Piaget, along with AP's awesome open-worked Royal Oak, is thoroughly modern, very masculine, and just downright cool. 

No word on pricing yet but we'll be sure to update you when we get that info

Nick Veasey x The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old Limited Edition Series

Scottish single malt Scotch whiskey brand The Macallan recently partnered with photographer Nick Veasey to create a limited edition series of boxes for The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old. Known for shooting with an x-ray machine as opposed to a traditional camera, Veasey’s work has been widely admired and recognized for its unconventional and unique approach. Each box in the series comes emblazoned with Veasey’s interpretation of The Macallan’s Six Pillars – the unique elements that combine to make The Macallan so timeless.

The 9 shallow one deep effect..

Tech Tuesday…Camera Table Dolly

It’s amazing we all didn’t die from nausea (possible?) growing up watching videos shot on our dad’s or our friend’s gigantic camera. Seriously, those videos were like watching The Blair Witch Project only instead of the disappearance of some campers we watched our Grandmother eating birthday cake. Seeing as how technology has progressed and we can actually shoot and edit some pretty nice videos now, it’s time flush out the roughness with the Camera Table Dolly. All your panning will come out smooth and without the accompanying barf bag that may have well come with old home video cameras. Either use the tripod mount for your DSLR or other camera or use the clamp to get some Youtube video with your phone. Trust us, your audience will thank you. $90

Restoration Hardware x Schott NYC Vintaged Cafe Racer Motorcycle Jacket

Pioneers in motorcycle apparel Schott NYC has partnered with Restoration Hardware to produce an exclusive motorcycle jacket that has been known to be staples for Hollywood rebels like James Dean, Marlon Brando and Joan Jett. With no compromise for quality, the slim cut motorcycle jacket is handcrafted in the USA and made out of more than 20 pieces of drum-dyed cowhide leather. Designed to sport a well-worn look, it has been deliberately pre-washed and distressed. Retailing for $650 USD, the jacket comes in two colors – black and brown. They can be purchased through Restoration Hardware.

The Sunday Drive….2012 Jaguar XKR-S Convertible

Jaguar has taken the covers off the new 2012 XKR-S Convertible, the fastest drop-top Jaguar to ever hit the market. It’s packing the same supercharged 550 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 that’s in the coupe, and gives it a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds. The XKR-S Convertible features a new front bumper with a wider and lower intake and a carbon fiber splitter. The rear wing is also a new addition to the car and features a carbon fiber insert. The interior got a few enhancements as well including performance seats that are trimmed in carbon leather. For those checking out this week’s LA Auto Show, be sure to look for this beauty on the showroom floor.

The Sunday Ride…2012 Victory High Ball Motorcycle

You’ve most likely been searching for a vehicle to ride around your World War II military base for a while now.  It can be so difficult to find, right?!  What with modern day ninja bikes and customized choppers flooding the market and, oh yeah, the war being over for 60-plus years.  Okay, so you don’t need to be on the set of a new History channel documentary to enjoy the old-school bobber stylings of the 2012 Victory High Ball Motorcycle you just need appreciate the idea behind it.  This Victory High Ball is a bare bones ride that’s reminiscent of stripped down, light 1940’s home built bike.  While the look is retro the performance isn’t sacrificed with a blacked-out 106 Freedom V-Twin on-board.   Perfect for transporting rations and medic gear or running to the local Stop & Shop. $13499

Read more: 2012 Victory High Ball Motorcycle | Cool Material http://coolmaterial.com/rides/2012-victory-high-ball-motorcycle/#ixzz1eGvdCd58

Hard Graft Bill Folder Wallet

A man’s money storage capabilities make an important statement about himself, which is why hoarding your hard-earned cash in an intelligently designed wallet like the Bill Folder from Hard Graft is an informed decision. Constructed from a single cut of vegetable-tanned Italian leather, the Bill Folder is extra slim and moldable – perfect for extended stays in your pocket. With pockets for both banknotes of any currency and plastic, the Bill Folder makes for a simple and effective way to tote your dough.

Available in black, ‘heritage’, and all grey. You can pick up own Bill Folder from Hard Graft here.

Lanvin 2011 Fall/Winter “Who’s Lanvin Man” Campaign

Fashion house Lanvin has debuted their most recent advertising campaign titled “Who’s Lanvin Man.” A series of photographs typify this campaign as inexplicable and enigmatic. Pairing gripping backdrops with an appealing selection of apparel from Lanvins 2011 fall/winter lineup, the photographs remain sublime while effectively expressing the signature aesthetic for which the long-established Parisian house has gained a reputation.

The Thursday Cocktail Recipe…for the Weekend

Expatriate

Ice
1½ ounces Cocchi Americano
1 ounce Laird's bonded apple brandy
½ ounce Lustau Amontillado Sherry
2 dashes Bitter Truth Celery Bitters
1 orange twist

Burberry Prorsum Leather Tote Bag

From Burberry’s Prorsum collection for F/W comes this Italian-made orange leather tote bag. The design is a modern take on a classic tote as it features two handles, two internal patch pockets as well as one internal zipped pocket. There’s plenty of space for your day-to-day goods like laptop, camera, books and maybe even a few outfits if you’re running away for the weekend. The metal feet keep this rich leather off the ground while the subtle black trimming throughout the bag really give the bag some added detail.