The River Spring 2013: Things I Love

Today I came across the Spring '13 lookbook for a Japanese brand I hadn't heard of before -- The River. Now I am always complaining about the great lines in Japan that don't make their way Stateside, and (at least for now) this seems to be another of them.  

But I was really taken with the styled looks, and a couple of the pieces really stood out. This loosely constructed shawl collar blazer caught my eye -- really liked the color (trying to change up my navy obsession) and there is a subtle texture to the fabric.

This tri-color -- or just "striped" sweatshirt -- was an interesting use of camo and I liked the yellow breaking up the piece.

Head over to Selectism to see more from the lookbook and keep your eyes peeled for U.S. distribution.

Yellow Suit from Woolrich John Rich & Bros: Things I Want

Spring 2013 for the Woolrich label John Rich & Bros. has a great blend of traditional silhouettes mixed with technical fabrics and detail.

It was enhanced (for me at least) by a lot of yellow incorporated across the collection. I was particularly drawn to this three piece suit...

I really loved the color but also the waxy/shiny texture of the fabric which definitely helps it stand out (although just the color could probably do that), and keeps it well aligned with the general Woolrich aesthetic.

Overall the collection had a lot of interesting pieces, check them out at The Fashionisto.

Fall 2012 from Sacai: Things I Love

I've been following Japanese label Sacai for a few seasons now -- although designer Chitose Abe launched her menswear line in 2009. But since discovering it, I have been consistently impressed with the attention to detail and the innovative knits, for which she is known.

WAD magazine recently did an exploration of a few growing Japanese brands (more on that soon!) and Sacai was one of them -- with a brief but insightful interview with Abe. Interesting to me was her response that her designs are indebted to her living in Tokyo but that she doesn't "necessarily draw a line between Tokyo and the rest of the world."

After reading the WAD piece I realized I hadn't yet seen images of the F/W '12 collection, and so quickly located them, and found it to be true to form.

Having noticed the use of white buttons and striped coats in S/S '12, it continued into Fall, with great result.

I really enjoyed these patterned pants that have a great sheen but are structured enough to wear as a normal trouser (and be paired here with some double monks).

Always a sucker for chunky knitwear, this piece stood out. Again the white buttons (love that contrast) and a play on a double-breasted design, with various knit patterns featured.

I highly suggest you keep an eye on Sacai, and that you check out the rest of the Fall images at Fucking Young.

Maine Guide Strap Boot from Yuketen: Things I Want

I've been talking for a while about needing some boots (I mean, it's about to be my first NYC winter!). Been looking at the Julius boot from Peter Nappi, and then my friend Jeff suggested the Alden Indy... both amazing options.

Today though I came across the Maine Guide Strap Boot from Yuketen. I love the color, the height, the construction, the stitching... but really, I was sold with the strap (it's always the details, eh?).

From a Japanese designer who has the boots hand-sewn in Canada by indigenous craftsmen. Local artisan manufacturing meets Japan? What else do you need.

Available from those purveyors of all that is cool... Opening Ceremony.

Coat from Taishi Nobukuni: Things I Want

On one hand I am preparing for my first NYC winter and want a warm coat. On the other, I can never get myself to move away from really wild and eye-catching prints... merge these two and you get this amazing piece from Japanese designer Taishi Nobukuni.

Besides the great print (the red/white/blue makes me think of a psychedelic Thom Browne), I liked the double breast and the large collar.

Could definitely see myself wrapped up & warm in this when the snow hits!

The good folks at Selectism have more shots of the collection, which are definitely worth a look.