Jan-Jan Van Essche

December 26, 2014January 6, 2024 | Design & Culture by Ed

Born and raised in Antwerp, Jan-Jan Van Essche menswear brand blends ethnic tradition with western characteristics- knitted ponchos, wool hats and loose attitude. Together with his partner Piëtro Celestina, whom Jan-Jan met during his fashion studies at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, he runs Atelier Solarshop just a few blocks away from their loft where they live and work.The former solarshop carries Jan-Jan’s pieces and vintage treasures that reflect his style and mood. In Jan-Jan’s latest collection, entitled INITE, he shows his signatures- lazy blazers, pants and non-chalantly worn scarves. Also, we’ve got a quiet, peaceful colour palette perfect for every season. But what strikes you first in his new look-book, are the gold-polished socks which give the all of the outfits a edgy touch. This Antwerp-based guy keeps it close to his own, personal aesthetic and I love it (by the way, his models seem to be perfect for the overall atmosphere of the collection). More on ateliersolarshop.be and janjanvanessche.com

Funagata bag by Kazumi Takigawa

Walter Bosse hedgegog

Jan-Jan Van Essche hat

Hui-Hui silk scarf

Nickel bronze cutlery

Acne’s Balto Slippers

August 15, 2014 | Design & Culture by Ed

One thing counts most on my Fall wishlist – the Acne Studios balto slippers made of lambskin fur with a thick, rubber lug sole. These super normcore shoes are going to be perfect for cold snowy days and cozy evenings in front of the fireplace. They are available in brown and black colour, and are totally unisex… the photo above is from Mohawk General Store in Pasadena.

Men’s: Casely-Hayford

August 2, 2014August 2, 2014 | Design & Culture by Ed

Casely-Hayford is a menswear brand which is designed by Charlie and Joe- father-and-son duo, that feels the same vibe. The British label had it’s big moment for SS15 during London Fashion Week. Their idea was to fuse classical men clothes, with artistic, a bit “slouchy” look which I really loved. The main refference? John Baldessari works, which are known for appropriation of images with colourful dots and squares. Even dough the shapes and cuts of all suit jackets and trousers were very “gentleman” like, there was nothing traditional about it. My favourite outfit? The one above, with camel mackintosh coat, over-sized white t-shirt and black, cropped trousers. The look is very easy to achieve, while it brings up sophistication and British coolness. Casely-Hayford is the label to know, gents! Caswly-Hayford is available at Dover Street Market New York, London and Tokyo, Selfridges, Barney’s, Union LA. Joyce, IT and Swank Hong Kong, Biffi Milano, Rail Brescia, United Arrows, Tomorrowland, Annan, Luis Japan and Colette Paris.