Adventurewear powerhouse Danner have teamed up with Japanese label MEANSWHILE for a unique take on the their classic hiking shoes. Putting a twist on a tried and tested silhouette, the Mountain Light Boot is available is natural tan or black and features a zig-zag ribbon lacing system rather than laces. Sitting on a trusted Vibram sole, the Mountain Light is leather lined and is available now from the MEANSWHILE online store for ¥66,960 (£460): www.meanswhile.stores.jp
The latest colourway for Nike’s striking VaporMax Run Utility sneakers, this time around the grey upper is paired with yellow detail and a punchy yellow heel. Water-repellent out of the box, the VaporMax Run Utility features toggle lacing and is ready for more rugged climes with the iconic Air cushioning platform. The Nike Air VaporMax Run Utility is available in Grey/Yellow from the Nike online store: www.nike.com/t/air-vapormax-utility-mens-shoe
While they’ve offering unisex footwear for the last 20 years, with their new Colour Theory collection, streetwear label Vans are taking the next step and offering a full unisex line for the first ever time. Featuring hoodies, crewnecks, tees and hats, the collection will be available in five basic colours, black, bleached apricot, corsair, dry rose and white and all feature Vans’ iconic checkerboard detailing. Vans’ Colour Theory collection launches online and in-store from late June.
Inspirated by the traditional Japanese Geta flip-flops, FEIT’s Leather Sandals offer a minimal and sleek look for the summer. Molding to your feet through wear, without retaining any sweat or odor, the sandals are made using vegetable-tanned leather that will richly age over time. For flexibility the hand-molded footbed is lined with cork and natural latex, while the two straps are only attached with 8 simple hand stitches to complete the look. FEIT’s Leather Sandals are available for £395 from the FEIT online store: www.feitdirect.com/unisex-hand-molded-sandal
Located in the Bussey Building in Peckham, Alpha Shadows is London’s best kept secret for trendy Japanese menswear and Californian ceramics. Started by Tom Piercy, Alpha Shadows brings many of their minimalist Japanese labels over to the UK for the first time, stocking everything from slick chambray shirts, to leather accessories, beautiful hand-made footwear and effortlessly cool quilted jackets. Show the rest of this post…
On the other side of the store is their amazing homeware collection. Of course carrying a range from staple Hasami Ceramics, Alpha Shadows is the only UK stockist for dreamy California potters Kat & Roger and A Question of Eagles. Such is the demand, when new Kat & Roger pieces come into stock, most are sold out within the first few days. This is one store, more than worth the trip across the river.
Alpha Shadows, The Bussey Building, 133 Copeland Road, London, SE15 3SN
www.alphashadows.com
In collaboration with design blog Sight Unseen, hip luggage company Arlo Skye are releasing their Carry-On and Check-In cases in a limited-edition Sage colourway. Founded by alums from Tumi and Louis Vuitton, Arlo Skye’s cases are made of a lightweight makrolon polycarbonate shell, with micro-textured surface, aluminum-alloy trim and a removable USB charger built-in. Remarkably the design actually involves no outer zippers, instead the cases are held shut by two TSA-approved combination locks and an interlocking seal along each edge. Inside you’ll find more of Sight Unseen’s influence, commissioning Finnish illustrator Antti Kekki to design a print for the lining and dividers. The Carry-On is $375, while the Check-In is just $20 more at $395, shipping at the end of November from Arlo Skye’s online store: www.arloskye.com/collections/arlo-skye-x-sight-unseen-edition
A luxe and minimalist take on their Bravo Trainer, LA-based footwear label, No.One, is releasing the sleek Baby Bull Bravo to match the autumnal palette. Inspired by the classic tennis shoe design, No.One’s latest line is produced in collaboration with leather supplier Remy Carriat for the full grain, all-in-one upper. A utilitarian silhouette with refined details that elevate the design, the tongue is embossed Vachetta leather with a French plongé lambskin lining. The Baby Bull Bravo is $675, available through No.One’s online store: www.no-one.la
From German footwear label VOR, the 1B high-tops are a suave and sophisticated sneaker, hand-made from tongue to sole in Germany. With supreme attention to detail in the stitching and finish, 1Bs are available in five colourways; white, white with gum rubber sole, off-white, rose and black. With an upper in full grain leather, 1Bs are lined with soft calfskin leather, tonal laces and a rubber cupsole, also available in an ankle-cut style. VOR’s 1B high-tops are available from their online store for €349: www.vor.shoes
Teaming up for a Tokyo exclusive, eyewear designers Ayame have collaborated with Freemans Sporting Club for a limited edition of their stylish ‘General’ frames. Available in a gorgeous mottled blue/gold colourways, the sunglasses are hand finished with intricate detailing on the arm hinge and nose bridge. Coming with a custom leather case and signature lens cloth, the General sunglasses are available from Freemans Sporting Club for ¥35,000 (approximately £240).
Freemans Sporting Club, 5-46-4 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo, 150-0001
www.freemanssportingclub.jp
Teaming up with trendy clothing label, The Arrivals, Snarkitecture’s latest apparel venture is a stylish, minimalist waterproof poncho. Dubbed the Element, the poncho is available in two colourways (of course, black and white), constructed from a breathable, waterproof shell and hand-cut for clean and precise edges. Lined with ventilating mesh inside there’s also an amazing later-cut pocket system, including an earbud hole for easy listening. The Element poncho was shot in the Catskills by photographer Noah Kalina and is available for $345 from the Arrivals online store: www.thearrivals.com/unisex-element-poncho-snarkitecture-lmtd-mens
FAN THE FIRE is a digital magazine about lifestyle and creative culture. Launching back in 2005 as a digital publication about Sony’s PSP handheld games console, we’ve grown and evolved now covering the arts and lifestyle, architecture, design and travel.