Snowflake Knitwear

There seem to be a nice number of Norwegian pattern items coming out this fall but I've also noticed the more simple and normally unwearable snowflake making an appearance. I first thought I should save this post for December but it's already cold and that's enough for me. Two of my favorite brands have come with snow-flaked knitwear this season, Engineered Garments and Nigel Cabourn. While Mr. Cabourn's comes from a very direct reference from the photo which sparked an evolution in his own career and the Ascent of Cabourn - the Engineered Garments cardigan seems to not quite fall into place with this fall's collection, but still looks like something I wouldn't mind wearing. The actual sweater itself is a great cardigan and the added unusual pattern is off-key enough to be interesting but the colors are simple enough to be fairly easy to wear, at least in the winter.

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Studio Visit | Nigel Cabourn

On Tuesday, my friend James and I went up to Newcastle to see Nigel at his studio. As Ryan mentioned recently, I'm working on a feature about him and we needed to shoot some portraits. I've been looking forward to seeing behind the scenes for a while now and wasn't disappointed. While James worked hard getting some great shots of Nigel, I took some pictures of my own. You'll see the space properly as part of the feature but these should give a hint of what to expect. The studio is housed in a beautiful two storey building at the bottom of Nigel's garden. It's full of not only his own designs but also an amazing array of reference material. This includes one of the most impressive vintage collections I've ever seen. Nigel's worked in the industry for over 40 years but still has an incredible enthusiasm for what he does. We had a great day listening to his stories, trying on clothes and watching as he worked on designs for next winter. I'd like to thank him and Drew for being so accommodating, and Nigel's daughter Sophie for getting us back to the station just in time for our train. I hope you enjoy the pictures; we'll have much more on Mr. Cabourn very soon.

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Nigel Cabourn Cameraman Parka

If you could only ever have one parka in your closet for the rest of your life, it should probably be this one. Nigel Cabourn takes no prisoners when it comes to fine materials and clean design and this parka is sort of the epitome of what he produces. This masterpiece is made from two of the UK's better known fabric specialists, Mackintosh and Harris Tweed. Both produced in Scotland, Mr. Cabourn was able to keep manufacturing close at home while most of his market remains in Asia. The woolen body of the jacket is sure to keep you warm while looking really great, and nicely complimented by the tonal grey top. There aren't a lot of good grey parkas on the market, and although this comes in navy as well, the grey is really the most impressive. The price tag is of course high, but it's a piece you'll only have to buy once. It would go with everything, be nicer than other options and buying a vintage version just wouldn't be the same. Nigel Cabourn really does improve on the classics with an updated manufacturing process, higher quality materials and a very tidy aesthetic, it's really an impressive piece. Available at Supderdenim

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Nigel Cabourn | The Army Gym

One of our favorite UK designers and characters, Nigel Cabourn has opened his own flagship retail shop. It's of course located in Tokyo Japan, as it is probably the only place in the world that can truly support him to the fullest. That said, his fall collection is absolutely amazing and we hope that people will take note in North American and be able to buy into his product range. The hooded parkas, chambrays, utility pants and incredible fabrics are unmatched. The Nigel Cabourn collection is quickly becoming one of my favorites. His new shop looks just as good as you could imagine. With perfectly selected industrial lighting, worn wooden shelving filled with books and boots and rugged looking racks filled with some of the best in menswear, it's hard to imagine a better place to spend some time and money. Everything considered; the Army Gym tags, the product and the experience. Nigel Cabourn's comeback is a welcome one and I look forward to visiting his new shop when I get the chance. Until then, we can look forward to an in-depth feature on the man in the near future by our UK Bureau Chief, Mr. Roe.

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Nigel Cabourn Knitted Vest

While Nigel Cabourn's outwear is often the star of the show, this fall the collection is very well rounded and this knitted vest is a good reason why. The casual pockets and nice looking fit are great, and I seem to want this piece the more I look at it. It's surprisingly hard to find nice waist coats that don't have that nylon/synthetic back on them, so since this version is completely knit and made from lambswool, you're unlikely to find a better option out there. Of course that will come down to personal taste, but the cut of the V neck allows for several options including a Tee shirt, oxford shirt or a tie. It also would layer very well and coming in grey and navy blue couldn't be better options.

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