INVENTORY Number 01 Fall–Winter 2009

With the launch of INVENTORY we aimed to go a step further than h(y)r collective. It wasn't really supposed to be a re-brand, rather it's a new brand built around our biggest venture yet, a printed magazine. Volume 01 Number 01 is due to arrive in our hands for release at the end of next week. The magazine has taken a lot of hard work and effort from a (very) small group of passionate individuals and it has turned into something special right before us. I don't want to get too far into how important the project is to me personally right now, instead I just want to let you know a little about it to begin with. The magazine will be retailed in the Inventory Stockroom, for $20 USD – as well as at select retailers around the world. The bi-annual magazine has been produced not just as a catalogue of what's happening right now, but as a way of telling stories and curating a certain aesthetic, product and feeling. It carries a higher price tag not only because we feel the magazine's content holds value, but also because the tangible product itself comes at a cost as we chose to print here at home in Canada. With little advertising, buying it is the absolute best way you can support our work and efforts to create something good. The focus has always been to produce something we would love to find and see ourselves, and it's been wonderful to see the reaction over the last couple of years. We are very proud to present the first offering from Inventory Magazine this fall. – Number 01 features; Yuketen, Willo Perron, Nigel Cabourn, Mister Freedom and Engineered Garments. There are focus articles on Duluth Pack and Chris Gibbs, and we've featured Collection No. 9 from Nom de Guerre in an editorial spread, among others. There are 140 pages of 100% original photography, words and thoughts – and we hope you enjoy it. Thank you to everyone involved and who has supported the making of this magazine. INVENTORY Stockists – The Bureau Garbstore Albam Self Edge Winn Perry Roden Gray End Clothing Craft 4Horsemen Mister Freedom Superdenim Farinelli's Tenue de Nimes Surrender Oi Polloi Indigo&Cloth – Email info@inventorymagazine.com if you'd like to carry the magazine in your shop.

Click to read more ...

Beaver Quilted Shooting Vest

Quilted garments are starting to creep their way back into the mix as winter quickly approaches. I've seen a handful of good versions in stores here and there but most of them have been nylon. Beaver of Bolton makes an excellent vest option in tweed however. The patterned weave just has so much more character than the synthetic fabric and I've always loved the look of it with a brown suede patch or two, which in this case comes on the shoulders. The brown ribbed collar looks great with it too. Snap button front is ideal and the middle shell pocket is a nice bit of detail even though I doubt I'll be hunting anytime soon. Most will be glad to hear that the vest is Made in England but you probably wouldn't guess any other way after taking a gander at the traditional British hunting & country outfitter's website.

Click to read more ...

Band of Outsiders Striped Oxford

One of my favourite oxford shirts this season actually hasn't come from Gitman Vintage, surprisingly. Band of Outsider's new body combined with the subtle stripes on this oxford shirt have it on top of my list this fall. The soft blue combined with a gentle yellow somehow has blended beautifully. The two colours I might not naturally pair, especially in the fall, work well here and layered under any sport coat or sweater. While I'm still warming to the darts on the back, I like the shape of this shirt and it feels great on. If I buy one Band of Outsiders shirt this season, it will be this one. – Available at Opening Ceremony

Click to read more ...

Bleu de Paname FW09

Bleu de Paname has been on my radar for a little too long without making note on the Updates. I'm not claiming to have known about it for a long time, but since a friend from Kapok mentioned the brand I've been checking in regularly on the French work wear label. The pieces are all made in France and use specific references to the regions deep history while producing great looking articles that fit in perfectly today. Blue denim, chambray and cotton cover the collection as they stick true to the "Bleu" in their name. The brand has been showing up at a few retailers this fall. With only a couple shops stocking the modest collection, Tres Bien have just put up a handful of pieces online. It's a great selection and I would probably wear each item shown. —

Click to read more ...

Drake's Boiled Lambswool Scarves

We mentioned a lovely Scarf by Drakes at CHCM a couple weeks ago that featured a boiled lambswool and came in a great combination of Norwegian patterns, tartan stripes and glen-check. On the Drakes website there are a couple of options in the same material, but a little more simplified. I picked up the scarf and couldn't be happier with it. It's extremely soft and feels great wrapped around your neck and face on a cool day. It's warmer than I expected and the colours look even better in person. These two options come in grey with tones of tartan and black watch throughout. They are actually two different scarves that have been sewn together for the greater good. The cold is setting in and these are probably my favorite scarves I've seen this fall.

Click to read more ...

The Real McCoy's Indigo Tote

This bag has actually shown up in a couple of our posts in the past when putting together outfits, however it has missed it's chance to stand alone. I'm not one to be over the top with my denim but when it's used well, there is no denying it's appeal beyond pants and shirts. This indigo tote bag is one of the nicest I've seen and only costs £30 – which seems about right. It's great for a evening haul from the local grocery or packing a laptop, magazine and spare shirt for the day. The dark indigo is complimented perfectly by the white straps and sharp McCoy's label. I think it looks particularly nice with a light coloured pant, brown leather footwear and a wool top, perhaps with some red, if I can go so far. Our London director has this bag and I considered trying to swipe while at his place last time, but I figured he might notice and knows where to find me.

Click to read more ...

Buzz Rickson Chambray

When it comes to classic reproduction pieces made in Japan, Buzz Rickson is one of the first names that comes to mind. This tribute to one of the most praised, worn and loved shirts is just another great version by another good company. If you're into the longer collar then this lightweight Japanese chambray version might just be for you. I know some people are quite biased whether they go for something more subtle by EG, or a piece like this with perhaps more accurate references to the original. Either way, it looks very nice and works with many outfits. The pocketing, gussets and tonal buttons all look sharp and I particularly love the tags and stamps on the inside of the garment to top it off. For $150, it's one of the best work shirt deals out there and it's available at Blue in Green.

Click to read more ...

Inverallan Lumber Cardigan

I told you yesterday; if it's wool and it's speckled like stucco then I'm going to like it. Combine it with burgundy red (which I'm all about this fall) and I'm going to love it, just like I do this Inverallan cardigan. I was never really a fan of the full button up cardigan until recently when a friend of mine started wearing his S.N.S. STARK more and more. Now I think I need one for myself and the Lumber style from the Scottish knitters is ideal with its two front pockets and slight collar. The pattern is great and the colour better. I myself can be a bit of a sucker for the stories behind the clothes too which makes Inverallan and the 90 hours of handy work that go into each sweater even more impressive to me. The price tag is hefty but if you break it down, the hourly rate for a sweater that's going to last a lifetime or two isn't so bad. Available at Doo-bop.

Click to read more ...