Writing, reviews, interviews, photography.

Made in Philadelphia: Norman Porter Co.

Posted on November 14, 2012

A denim and leather goods company operating out of the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA, Norman Porter is Michael and Dave Stampler, and John Mahaffey. The Stampler’s father was an aircraft mechanic and their grandfather an engineer; a heritage of hard work and detail that is evident in both attitude and production at NP. Recently, Norman Porter held an exhibit at Art in the Age in Old City, Philadelphia, to introduce the public to the work that goes into a pair of handcrafted jeans. This past Friday, I swung by the studio to see for myself.

Categories: Photos, Writeups

The Battle Royale of the American Made Shirt

Posted on November 7, 2012

Over the past few months, we’ve been rolling around Los Angeles photographing shirts from several of America’s premiere makers. This has been an awesome hands-on opportunity for us to get very familiar with the construction and fabric offerings from these companies as we’re always trying to expand our knowledge on brands and their products. Over the coming weeks we’ll be rolling out a new mini-series featuring these shirts and our critiques and praise for each. The bottom line with shirting is that no cut will fit everyone perfectly, but some of these have gotten pretty damn close. Featured will be Hamilton 1883, New England Shirt Co., Taylor Stitch, Brooks Brothers, Rogue Territory, and Lumina Clothing Co. We’re very much looking forward to sharing these photos and opinions with you. Stay tuned.

Categories: Announcements, Photos, Reviews, Writeups

The Standard Relay: Tenue de Nîmes, Papafoxtrot, Whiskies of the World, A Vest Comparison, & The Joinery NYC.

Posted on October 30, 2012

Tenue de Nîmes 2nd Store

Located in Haarlemmerstraat, Amsterdam

Not only is Haarlemmerstraat the only word you’ve ever heard of with 4 “A’s” paired into sets of two, but it’s probably a word you’ve never heard of before reading this. Unless you’ve been to Amsterdam. The ever-prolific shop Tenue de Nîmes has opened their second shop in Amsterdam and it looks beautiful. Click through to see several more photos of the shop (via Another Something & Co.).

Papafoxtrot’s Space Fleet

Keeping your mind soaring whilst chained to your desk

I’ve never heard of a company name like Papafoxtrot before and frankly it sounds kind of creepy; no matter, they make some awesome replicas of unmanned spacecrafts using extremely high quality materials. I highly recommend, if you’re in the market for moderately expensive but playful-looking desk decor, checking these out (via Gearpatrol)

Ian Buxton’s Whiskies to Try Before You Die

Global brown liquor. It’s crazy.

If you like whiskey and are tired of the usual American crock (of goodness, that is), check out this book that will seriously learn you a new one regarding the subject of foreign whiskies (via Cool Hunting).

The World of Vests

By FREE/MAN Brand

I don’t wear vests and neither does Steve but I’ve got plenty of friends who do and many of you may appreciate this nonetheless. FREE/MAN Brand has put together quite an impressive and well-thought-out collection of vests complete with photos and details on a few and links to the rest. Highly recommended if you were even for a brief moment considering purchasing one (via FREE/MAN Brand).

Joinery NYC

The newest, coolest webshop

The Joinery has opened online. Though it’s not new news, it’s worth a look if you haven’t already. Plenty of home goods to keep you occupied and though some are frightfully expensive, some are rather reasonably priced, especially for some of the more useful and handy items. Take a gander.

You can check out the last Standard Relay by clicking here.

Categories: The Standard Relay

Inquiries & Responses vol. 10: Rogue Territory

Posted on October 9, 2012

A few weeks ago I visited Karl Thoennessen, the man behind Rogue Territory, at his workshop and studio in his home in Atwater Village, a little neighborhood nestled in between Griffith Park, Silverlake, and Glendale. I was living near Silverlake at the time and it was a quick drive over to his place on a weekday morning, though given the unpredictable nature of Los Angeles traffic I gave myself ample time for the short cruise across the 5 freeway. After arriving nearly 15 minutes early at his place and having just got a text from him asking if I wanted anything from Proof Bakery, I circled the block. Twice. Click below for the interview and photo set.

Categories: Inquiries & Responses, Interviews, Photos, Writeups