In recent years we’ve been hard pressed to find a brand that truly dictates a story / lifestyle.  For some time now, brands have become stagnant recycling each other’s ideas while losing the story, and process behind their vision.

Offering a harmonious brew of fine tailoring and high tech gear aimed at cycling enthusiasts, Japanese brand “PEdAL ED” is an embodiment of the “Go by bicycle” philosophy.  From its artful packaging to the intricate details (i.e. denim that reveals a thin reflector layer after a few washes) each garment has been designed to meet the engineering features for urban cyclists.  Holding true to its inspired abbreviation – From multi-purpose field jackets and parkas to reflector lined denim pieces – the collection embodies the poetic expression of pedalling.

Head on over the PEdALED website an scan the collection for yourself.

Over the past decade New York based photographer Mikeal Kennedy has been chronicling his journey with the American Landscape, through his photography and journals.  As loyal fans of his work Lendl Tellington, Ricky Leighton and Theo Constantinou of Paradigm Magazine have put together this inspiring teaser on his upcoming exhibition in Philadelphia for his photo series “The Odyseuss”.

Curated by Paradigm Magazine, Mikael will be showing “The Odyseuss” at Studio Christensen, 333 South 20^th St, Philadelphia, PA.  If you’re in and around the area in February be sure to drop by and check out the talents of one Mikeal Kennedy.  Enjoy.

From its renaissance roots to its studies of art, poetry, philosophy, and science of ancient Greece and Rome to the utopian visions of a perfect society – in its truest essence modernism is the confidence of humans to shape their own individual destinies and the future of the world.  From its humble beginnings to its progressive nature, British mod menswear label Ben Sherman has brought together creatives from across various industries and sectors to share their thoughts and experiences in the modern world.

This episode brings together street photographer Matt Stuart and Mercury award nominated musician Ghostpoet, as they chat about their unconventional career paths and the evolution of the modern world around them.  Enjoy!

With origins seeded in the decade of Soviet occupation of Afghanistan from the late 1970’s – the Afghan War Rug has manifested into a rich tradition that continues through the military, political and social conflicts among Afghan people today.  What first began as a celebratory representation of pride and glory for the conflicts with Soviets – now conveys the failure of the U.S. to bring peace their war torn homeland.  The symbolism and distinctive characteristic of these rugs bears a heritage soaked in war and underscores the experiences and interpretations of the politics of war and conflict in the region.

Rummaging through some old photo sets I had collected I came across some very interesting images of New York in the 1940’s by iconic film director Stanley Kubrick.  For those who are unaware, before ascending the ranks of being acclaimed as one of the most influential directors and filmmakers of our time, Kubrick was a New York City based photojournalist for Look Magazine.

Beginning his photography career in 1945 at the just 17 years of age, Kubrick completed more than 300 assignments for the outlet documenting the sights and people of New York City in true Kubrick style.  It was during this period that his visual style and meticulous attention to detail began to form character.  These photographs are vintage Kubrick, a complex blend of composition, drama, light and mystery. Enjoy.

Drawing inspiration from their trip to the Middle East, Munich-based menswear outfit, A Kind of Guise introduce the Kilim project.  Fuelled by their obsession / love for the used-carpets they discovered along the Persian Gulf, the project re-fashions the carpets into a vibrant collection of 100 unique, handmade bags which embody the nomadic spirit / distinguished history of the region.

Having collected over 50 carpets across every country around the Persian Gulf, the AKOG team hand-knitted each carpet into a drawstring rucksack meticulously selecting each piece for its iconic patterns and colours with some dating as far back as the 19^th century.  If you’re looking for a distinguishing piece to carry around for the season be sure to head on over to the A Kind of Guise web shop to see if you can scoop one for yourself.

“Every great story begins with one single letter” every great adventure starts with one step forward, is a theme that has been brilliantly outlined and captured in this short film by photographer and filmmaker Lukas Spieker.  Spieker ascribes concentrated visuals to the concept transforming the proverb into a thought provoking short film.  Complementing the piece is Sergei Prokofiev’s dramatic musical score from the Romeo and Juliet ballet written in 1935/36: Dance of the Knights.

Filmed ona  snowy week-end Spieker turned around the project in remarkable time developing the initial idea on Friday night to storyboard draft on Saturday morning, video in the afternoon to the editing table on Sunday. Hope you take as much inspiration from this short piece as we do.

As we’re surrounded by a winter wonderland, I can’t help but look forward to the warm sunny days of summer, especially when I come across a paradise such as the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa in the Maldives.  The exclusive private 5 star island facility is surrounded by tropical plants and crystal clear turquoise water hosting one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives.  Spread idyllically a pristine beach and serene lagoon, this award-winning resort consists of 64 luxury homes that seamlessly extend the island’s natural beauty in their design while offering the finest in contemporary luxuries.  This is definitely on the bucket list for life, hope you enjoy the visuals.  For booking inquiries please visit Taj Hotels.

Since the emergence of the internet and emails, it seems that letter writing has become a dying art. When I receive a written letter in the mail it seems so much more meaningful than receiving an email – knowing that someone had taken the time to chose the right paper, pen, envelope and physically send that letter is something special. When I receive these written letters I like to keep them around for a while and what better way to organize them than with the Letter Holder Oscar.

The Letter Holder OSCAR is handcrafted from one single piece of solid oak which contains 8 slots for letters, cards, or postcards. A strong magnet sits on the front which is great for paperclips, stamps, business cards and other small necessities for easy accessibility. So for those of you doing some last minute shopping, head on over to the Less and More shop and pick up The Letter Holder Oscar for someone who still cares about hand written letters.

Nestled in the Canadian prairie, is a winter wonderland of Winnipeg, Manitoba – home to one of the coldest cities in the world.  With temperatures sitting at minus 45 degrees through the winter, the Red and Assiniboine rivers make for a number of long skating trails through the city.   But along with incredible icy landscapes also come the harsh Siberian winds – creating opportunities to find shelter from these winds is what enhances the use of these skating trails.

Vancouver based Patkau Architects responded to the challenge by creating a cluster of intimate shelters, huddled together shielding each other from the elements.  Constructed from plywood and timber the shelters create a dynamic solar wind relationship that shifts according to specific orientation, time of day, and environmental circumstance.  These delicate structures draw their inspiration from a herd of buffalos standing with their backs to the wind, while swaying gently in the wind to shaking off any excess snow – providing a perfect rest spot for people to cozy up while enjoying the beauty of winter.