Three Things: Apolis

Doing good never looked this good. Apolis, a term that translates to 'Global Citizen', is a brand built around the intriguing concept of empowerment. Quite simply, Apolis acts as a window of opportunity rather than charity, working with producers around the globe to co-create products whose shelf life is then determined by the markets they are given access to. A clean and rugged aesthetic can clearly be found throughout, and there's no disputing that each item has been executed in true artisanal fashion. However, it isn't just the products that draw me towards Apolis, but also the compelling story to be told behind one, adding a rich context in areas where most of today's brands wouldn't take a second look. 

1. Apolis + Frenchtrotters Market Bag $68
2. Indigo Wool Chore Jacket $298
3. Khaki Chambray Tie $58
All now available from apolisglobal.com

A. Sauvage for Dr. Martens

With a penchant for fusing progressive details with age-old tailoring techniques, homegrown designer A. Sauvage injects a dose of this radical elegance into his upcoming collaboration with rebellious footwear brand Dr. Martens. Here he presents four key styles in a striking video entitled 'The Student', featuring Craig Roberts - of Submarine fame.

Collection available for A/W12
http://www.drmartens.com

Radio Silence

Looks like there's life in the old dog yet. I will be better at keeping this thing updated. I hope.

Nigel Cabourn AW11

Forty years on, Nigel Cabourn has certainly cemented his position as a maven in the Menswear game. Famed for statement outerwear, Cabourn draws inspiration from an impressive archive containing over 4,000 heritage pieces of uniform and workwear, to recreate an impressive account of eras gone by. Throw in a strict commitment to traditional English manufacturing techniques that guarantees the highest level of integrity and durability, and it's no wonder that Cabourn produces some of the most coveted Menswear clothing in the world today.

Having said this, it must be duly noted that his garments aren't merely objects of desire, they are also feats of functional design - true investment pieces that almost command appreciation. However, it's the backstory behind each detail painstakingly incorporated that I find the most fascinating. Take the Coastal Command Jacket for example, where the stunning hand-painted hoods draw inspiration from the vibrant colours worn by British World War One coastal commanders, so they could easily identify each other in the dark.

View the collection now at LN-CC, and take a look at the video below to hear the rundown on the new collection from the man himself.

Image & Video Source: LN-CC
Coastal Command Jacket and King George Coat available now from LN-CC

Heritage Research, Oliver Spencer, +J

A set of Monday delectables from Heritage Research, Oliver Spencer, and +J for Uniqlo.

A winner reworked: Heritage Research's hugely popular Longline Parka has been updated with a fresh two tone colourway and notable contemporary lines, whilst still retaining all the sublime functional details.

Bold knits: This season's Bedford Waffle Panel Crew Knit is certified proof of Oliver Spencer's penchant for no-fuss quality modern menswear.

Clean minimal: Jil Sander's goes out with a bang with her final +J collection, featuring trademark space-age shapes and sharp tailored lines. And you can't really go far wrong with these Wool Flannel Stripe Trousers.

Image Sources: Heritage Research, Oi Polloi, Uniqlo

Parka available from End, Jumper available from Oi Polloi, Trousers available from Uniqlo.

MAN Spring/Summer 12: Shaun Samson, Martine Rose, Matthew Miller

Since the inception in 2005, Fashion East / Topman's MAN showcase has certainly marked its strength on the London Fashion Week schedule, proving the turning point for such emerging Menswear visionaries as Cassette Playa, JW Anderson, Christopher Shannon, and Katie Eary. Now comfortably in its 13th season, Hidden Agency has produced a series of short films to coincide with the SS12 show, showcasing garments and highlighting inspirations behind each designers' collection. Check them out below.

Californian born Shaun Samson went back to his roots for SS12, with the vibrancy of the 90's grunge and surf era channeled into a heady mix of psychedelic stripes and weighty hand-loomed Mexican blankets - there's no denying this is modern streetwear at its utmost finest. View the SS12 show here.

Returning for a third season at MAN, Martine Rose also harks inspiration from the west coast through the 70's Californian skate and surf scene, resonating with its carefree and rebellious nature via sheer shirts layered over neon brights and tropical prints worn with wide cropped bottoms. View the SS12 show here.

With a succinct focus in the technicality of aesthetics, it's hard to fault Matthew Miller's enigmatic entry into MAN. Sharply formed silhouettes crafted from 3D computer-aided-design and pioneering materials take prominence in this collection, presenting a statement product that is interestingly both understated and dramatic. View the SS12 Show here.