Michael Frimkess at South Willard

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“Kook Pots”
8038 West Third St
Los Angeles CA 90048

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Kook Pots is the name given to an exhibition of ceramics from the artist Michael Frimkess, that will be on display at South Willard for the month of April. Originally produced in 1960 the pots were largely influenced by Peter Voulkos’ studio mate John Mason.

—South Willard

Billy Al Bengston "Sleeping Boys" at South Willard

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—01. Sleeping Boys.

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From now through February 20th South Willard will be showing a collection of colourful ceramic works by the artist Billy Al Bengston.

—South Willard

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Bookstores for Gazers

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—01. Photograph by Philip Greenberg.

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South Willard just posted a nice little article from The New York Times about the recent evolution of art book stores. Click the link below to read Randy Kennedy's piece in full.

—South Willard

Shoes Like Pottery

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—01. Natural japanese canvas, produced in a kiln.

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While you may not always be able to improve upon a classic, you can adapt, develop, and refine it. Thanks to a post on the frequently informative Ready For The House this week, Shoes Like Pottery are now very much on my radar. The company make impeccable canvas and rubber footwear in Japan not too dissimilar from the classic styles produced by BF Goodrich and Converse in years passed. However where these shoes differ is in the manufacturing: each pair is made at the MoonStar factory in Kurume, Japan, where the rubber is attached to the canvas shoe by baking it in a kiln.

—Shoes Like Pottery
—Ready For The House
—Available at South Willard

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South Willard in Brutus Magazine

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—01. Ryan Conder.
—02. Birds Nests by Stan Bitters.

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This is technically old news, seeing as how this particular issue of Brutus magazine came out in July of last year, but I discovered these scans today; courtesy of the ever-reliable Reference Library, and thought it worth a post. Thankfully both the internet and back issues exist, so there's still hope for those eager to track down a hard copy of issue 713: California's Best Businesses.

—South Willard
—Brutus Magazine
—Reference Library

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MHL Kagool Parka

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—01. Classic cut and considered details.
—02. Moss coloured, 100% cotton.

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The longer fitting parka is something I've always found difficult to wear. I own a couple of examples, most notably a classic A.P.C. model and last season's Storm Parka from Engineered Garments, but traditionally I'm much more comfortable with outerwear that stops around the waist. Having said that, I've always admired the classic lines a longer fitting trench or parka can give an outfit, especially when it comes to layers. The balance between various lengths, when done correctly, can give an outfit a nice sense of depth. The Kagool Parka from Margaret Howell's MHL line looks to me like a sensible wardrobe addition for anyone seeking something longer for the fall. All the details are in the right place, and nothing is fussy or over-designed. As is the case with a lot of MHL pieces, the jacket looks to fit a little on the looser, boxier side; which I happen to think actually works well on this type of garment.

—Available at South Willard

Winter Sales Report

We don't really like to encourage the early sale season that now starts before Christmas. It sort of hurts the industry as a whole, and of course it doesn't start anywhere earlier than in North America. That said, we're consumers through and through and while I'd love to see retailers, brands and agencies all do well together - I'm not about to turn down a good deal. The sales have hit at Odin, Roden Gray, South Willard and over at Superdenim. Sure they've hit a million other places, but these shops still have some great items from brands like Post Overalls, Band of Outsiders, Wings+Horns, Engineered Garments and more. I often like to use sales to pick up an item that might be a little more off-key that I might not feel confident about at full retail. Whether it's a crazy print, or heavy outerwear or just some basics - it's usually a good feeling to make one or two steals before spring arrives (in the next blog post).

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South Willard Autumn Collection

After South Willard began working with Quoddy, Crescent Down Works and with a factory in Japan on special make ups, it was only a matter of time before the shop came out with their own semi-collection. Consistent of products baring two labels and some with just the South Willard name, it includes washed pocket t-shirts, down vests and shirts, mountain parkas, raw denim and a selection of BD oxford shirts. The prices are quite good on most of the goods as the company has worked out great relationships in Japan and in the USA. There is nothing I don't like in the offering from South Willard and it's all available online now. My top picks from the plaid lined mountain parka and navy down vest made by Crescent Down Works - although I wouldn't mind a few pocket tees as well. —

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