Visvim Folk Canoe Moc

Visvim have introduced a handful of new models again this fall - arguably their best season to date - and this F.I.L. exclusive is probably my favorite. A beautifully updated version of the veggie mocs now come with the crepe sole and heel counter that are now showing up on most of the new folk models. The small touches and design features like the heel piece really set Visvim’s footwear apart from the rest of the field. The subtle tech looking feature, combined with a great choice of naturally tanned leather and the perfect cut for a chukka boot, puts them at the top of the list of things I want. It’s unfortunate another one of their best shoes is so exclusive, but I probably couldn’t afford it anyway. It's released today if you’re near a F.I.L. location.

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Visvim Vietor Glasses

Visvim's venture in the world of eye wear has been pretty successful in the last couple seasons. Their simple looking frames have come in black and tortoise, complimented by subtle details, clean branding and great packing - sounds pretty much like the rest of their collection. I quite like the look of the spring Vietor model that Visvim just dropped at Slam Jam. I think the curved top of the glasses gives them a unique enough look, while staying basic enough for everyday wear. I'd go with the tortoise versions myself. It's also good to see Visvim isn't letting their scrap veggie tan leather go to waste either.

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Monocle 2nd Anniversary Fashion Spread

Monocle's fashion spreads are probably my favorite of any publication. I tend to look at them about 10-15 times each issue and try to figure out why I like them so, how they are shot so well? If it's the great designers, classic models, or great printing of the magazine? I found it's probably better to just enjoy, and not think about it too much. This March's issue is also a big one, or two - as it's Monocle's 2 year anniversary issue. It's pretty amazing what the publication has accomplished in only two years. Print, audio, video, retail and products - all of the highest caliber and seemingly appreciated by a few folks out there. Besides loving the fashion spreads like this one, I have been really enjoying the Monocle Weekly pod-casts on the website. They are easier to digest than reading about some of the topics, and with interesting perspectives and a nice sense of humour, I am starting to actually wish there were daily episodes. Anyways, the color palette of the spread is perfect. The navy, natural tones look great and are pieced together really nicely. Brands include; Visvim, North Face Purple Label, Needles, and Woolrich Woolen Mills. I really appreciate how wearable these looks are, and while I may not be able to afford many of the items, the general atmosphere of the spread is whats inspiring. Thanks to Selectism for the images.

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Visvim Spring & in Cuba

More Visvim, sorry (last one for a while). But, thanks to a spread in Japanese magazine Sense, us North American fiends get the most comprehensive look at the Spring line as well as a bit of a lookbook shot in Cuba. You've probably seen most of the stuff already but there is still more 'new' items. A handful of spring jackets, madras and some new models of footwear. While it's nice to see the whole collection together, it's the lookbook that I'm excited about. The photography and Cuba looks really awesome and it's especially nice to see full Visvim looks. A lot of the pieces on their own can look kind of odd and have you (or at least me) wondering how and why anyone would wear them. Pieces like a madras bucket hat, eggplant FBTs and a zip-up team jacket with little purple clouds all over it are some examples. But then you see them in the look book and they look amazing. Maybe, or probably,  it's just a case of perfect Japanese styling but it makes me want to try and look like a Son cubano drummer this summer. Check the spread below. Thanks to CADMUSfamily for the scans.

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Visvim Nomad 2.5L Paclite

On the heels of the first spring drops and an interesting debate about Visvim's brand image and financing, I came across my second favorite item I've seen for the coming season. The Nomad Paclite is one of the nicest lightweight coats for sale on planet Earth. I particularly love the color blocking added to this piece, even more than the button down shirts. While there is no denying somebody is making money off these $1300 jackets - it won't be from me. I would probably purchase one of these if I was in a position to, the quality and aesthetic are high on my rating system. As a couple readers pointed out recently, there is some high quality production coming from China, so no matter where Visvim's products are produced, I wouldn't expect any drop in what you're paying for. However, every individual places there own value on certain items and there is probably a lower percentage that would put over a G on one of these. My point is they look great, whether you think its worth the money or not.

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Visvim Spring Items

Visvim is probably one of my favorite brands as whole. I really appreciate the care the time invested into developing the technology and the functionality of the pieces to the presentation, catalogs and retail experience they provide. There aren't a lot of surprises this season so far. The Cambridge blazer is a pretty nice addition, as well as the loafers I am looking forward to seeing. While I'm the first to admit my development in tastes in the past few years, Visvim has been one of the staples I've been a fan of for a while now. The more I learn, the more I'm interested, and more I like it. However, I do wonder how it could make much money. With such a small number of stockists and probably an even smaller number of customers, it can't be easy. I've heard different rumors in the last year about how the line is able to thrive financially, but either way, it is really nice. I quite like the color blocking, the blazer and the simplicity of the hoody, chinos and Foley sneakers - as usual. Available now from the Star Joyus community of shops

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Visvim x Colette Folk Hockney's

Visvim is one of the best footwear makers in the world. Colette is one of the best shops in the world. Put them together and what do you get? Not the best shoe in the world, but a damn good one. The folk series has been my favourite collection of Visvim products so far. From the materials to the tweaked soles and colours, I haven't seen a model I didn't like. It just so happens that the Hockney is also one of my favourite models by Mr Nakamura as well. This colourway is so classic for a boat shoe and one that I've always wanted, what an awesome shoe. Visvim doing another collaborative effort (UNDFTD) looks to be a good thing for us North America dwellers.

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Secret Society, Norway

I was recently contacted by somebody out in Olso, Norway who said they had an agency. Now it sounded a bit vague at first, no offence, but after a quickly replied email, I found out a bit more. It turns out that that their agency, Blender, distributes some of the best brands to folks in the Scandinavian area. Also they have their own store called Secret Society. I went to the blog for the store and found pretty close to a dream stock list. Visvim, Margiela, Common Projects, Arne and Carlos, N(N)ine, Junya Wantanabe, Comme des Garcons and more. The tiny picture of the store looks nice but it's hard to get a good look. Anyways not that there are hundreds or thousands of readers living in Oslo that don't know about the shop. But for the rest of us, it is definitely another spot worth checking if there is a CDG Man piece or perhaps a pair of Visvim Shaman FBT's I've you've been looking for.

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