United States Of Americana

No one can deny the big trend in fashion referred to as "heritage" or "Americana". This book by Kurt B. Reighly provides background information on the trend. Not only fashion but also music, grooming, crafts and entertainment. Basically all fields of American culture which are becoming more and more popular lately. The book is an easy read and I find it very entertaining. Illustrations by Aaron Bagley. Available at Tenue de Nimes for €12,95.

Red Wing Shoes Truck

Spring is on its way and the Ely Surplus Store ( in Ely, Mn.) has new stuff coming in. We like that this statement is best visualized by a picture of a big Red Wing Shoes delivery truck. In our store new stuff has arrived too so pay us a visit and check it out. Thanks to James from 10engines for sharing the picture!

Vintage Hamms Beer Crate

While hunting on Ebay I stumbled upon this wooden beer crate. I like old crates as means of storage in and around the house, but you can also sit on them or use one as a side table. The old American crates are nice because of the typical branding and signage. This typical one caught my eye because has clearly been in use, but it is in a good state.

The Hamm's brand is also interesting. Not only does this brand come from St. Paul, Minnesota, it also has some history. During Prohibition the brand survived by producing soft drinks and food products. Typical is the fact that Hamm's is more famous for its jingle and mascot than their beverages.

See a vintage commercial below.

Norse Projects FW11 Lookbook

Norse Projects have created an impressive lookbook for their Fall-Winter collection of 2011. The photographs have been taken at one of Denmark landmarks, the scenic cliffs of Møn. The white chalk cliff form the background for a collection from which I am eager to get my hands on. 

Their outerwear looks good as always, with a complete mixture between contemporary technical items and traditional items. My enthusiasm is mostly aroused by their jackets, knitwear and gloves. See more pictures at the189.

Red Wing Shoes Factory Video

This factory video by Red Wing Shoes was released yesterday. It takes you to the factory and explains why so much is done by hand. Meet plant manager Roy Smith and retired leather cutter Shirley Sommerfield. Amazing to see the real hand and eye coordination needed to perform a single stitching. The coming weeks additional videos will be released. We will keep you posted.

SAS Windproof Smock

The good thing about having a blog is that when you post something new, we instantly receive messages from friends and followers providing us with suggestions and comments. Soon after my post about the Arktis Smock I received an e-mail from our friend Paolo pointing out a smock which he thinks is even better. Thanks for sharing!

I had therefore had no other choice than to show you the Special Air Service Windproof Smock in Olive Green and Plain Desert Tan. This smock is issued to each member of the famous SAS regiment. As the name implies it is windproof, made from a dense Oxford weave cloth. This weave allows the cotton fibres to swell when wet, which helps the water repellent finish in keeping you dry. It is currently out of stock, but it's worth waiting for. Made by SAS in Lancaster, England.

Girls and Classic Car Advertisements

These old car ads are cool. Exotic old cars combined with feminine beauty. A very good combination. Funtasticus has collected a set of old mouthwatering old ads. This type of marketing is not very serious, but we find this type of advertisement really humorous. When they were first published it was probably meant as serious marketing strategy, but then it should have included the text "female driver included". (via FFFound)

World War 2 Bunkers

As a kid I was always fascinated by army bunkers. There are quite a few in Holland, the remains of the second World War when the Germans occupied the Netherlands. A bunker has a cave-like attraction on me: I want to go in and explore the unknown.

Photographer Jonathan Andrew has made a very appealing photo series about bunkers in Holland, Belgium and France. All bunkers are shot with a dark overtone that emphasize the grim history behind these structures. Interesting is also the information on his website about the type and function of each specific building. (via Swipelife)

Monkey #21 XT500

Wrenchmonkees is a custom motorcycle builder based in Kopenhagen, Denmark. They modify standard motorcycles and create customs. They use a wide variety of brands as a starting point. It is basically up to the customer what kind of motorcycle he wants as a base and what type it is going to be. There are some simularities between the bikes, for instance the absence of decoration and the clean paint job. Just the way we like it.

One of my favorites is the modified Yamaha XT500. This is a single cylinder dirt bike, with rebuilt engine, painted with heat-resistant black paint. Custom parts are the WM seat, Sportster head light and aluminum fenders. This kind of motorcycle is ideal for the urban environment. Its manoeuvrability makes it easy to dodge tourists, trams and still get from A to B in no-time.

Heritage Leather x Apolis Mason Bag

A new collaboration with Heritage Leather Co. popped up yesterday. Apolis Global has created a special edition of the Mason Bag, from which we proudly sell the standard edition in our shop. The main difference is the amazing 18.5 oz American-made waxed cotton. Apolis mentions the handles are from the same mocassin leather as the re-inforced bottom. However it does not look different from the standard saddle leather handles.

The natural canvas standard edition ages well when dirty and used. This special will get the "signature" wrinkles and creases seen often on waxed canvas coats. It is more expensive than the standard version, but it looks great. Nice detail is the Apolis Global leather patch decorating the front side of the bag. Check out the whole photo story here.

Blue de Chauffe Jules Bag

The name of this brand confused me a bit. It refers to the blue jacket that was worn by French engineers and factory workers in the late 19th and early 20th century. You can imagine I was suprised to find out they produce bags, instead of the expected apparel. The popular French expression explains a bit: mettre son blue de chauffe - to put on your work jacket / to get stuck into work.

The bags are indeed ready for work. Bleu de Chauffe has re-invented work bags, and the plumbers bag in particular. Handmade from vegetable tanned leather in France. The Jules bag is amazing. There seem to be no retailers in America, but you can locate European retailers on their website.

Saint James Watch Cap

About ten years ago I had the best woolen hat you can imagine. Thick, navy blue and 100% wool. Worn with an edge folded twice. When I decided to grow my hair the hat became too small. I gave it to a friend who decided to put it in the laundry and shrink it to minuscule proportions. I still miss that hat..

The problem is I forgot the brand. My search for the ultimate beanie - I already had - continues. Not the best, but one of my favorites is the Watch Cap by Saint James. A striped classic that is an accessory to highlight a basic outfit. (picture via Cotton Duck)

Vintage Cereal Box

Never have I understood how people can eat milk with cereal. I get nauseous only by thinking about it. What I do understand is why people create a box design like this. It might not stimulate my appetite, but it would attract my attention on a shelve. (via Fffound)

Colleen Wood Pencils

Today I was talking with Martijn, my collegue, about being left-handed and how annoying writing could be. Unreadable notes, blue hands and that kinda stuff. I mentioned that I prefer writing with pencils. Not only because no ink reaches my hands, but also because I like the feeling of graphite going over paper. 

By accident I came across a set of pencil masterpieces. The Japanese Colleen Wood Series is a double set of 12 pencils. Each pencils is made from a different type of wood. Not only the colour is different, but also the source and the density of the wood. Both are displayed on the pencils itself. The only downside of this set is that it is way to beautiful to use. I will use my Red Wing pencils instead..

Rats Boot Jack

A boot jack is an item which you do not see regularly in a European home. You do not need them with most shoes so I can understand why. If do have a couple of boots, you can use a boot jack for sure. Just place your heel between the jack, step on the other side with your other foot and pull off your boots.

This stylish wooden example, out of the LTD Store of Rats, is a limited edition that is hand made in Japan. This item looks so good, I would buy it even when I only walked barefoot. Too bad it is already sold out. It is their second limited edition so I expect it will not be the last. Hopefully the next is all black cherry wood.

Review of the Heartland Exhibit

Yesterday we celebrated the official opening of the From the Heartland exhibition. It took almost a day to prepare but the result was something to be proud of. The shop looks completely different and is turned into a real gallery. All displayed employees of Red Wing Shoe Company look like they have always been here, as an additional form of assistance for customers trying on shoes.

The turn up was great. It was great to see our visitors were not deterred by the weather. We had a great time talking about boots, having a drink and discussing the exhibition. We even had the honor of welcoming D. Murphy - CEO of Red Wing Shoes and Dan Dahl - Lifestyle Manager into our shop in Amsterdam.

Thank you all for joining and see you next time! The story continues..

(photography by Ika Surjosantoso)

Cordovan Wallet

Barrett Alley from Texas has added Horween Shell Cordovan leather products to his collection. Shell Cordovan, made of horsehide, is one of the most expensive leathers. It is made from the subcutaneous layer of skin under the hindquarters of the animal. The two sides of the rump, referred to as shells, are the parts famous for their softness and durability.

Its tanning process takes a long time, but the result is beautiful. A dark, rich, burgundy color which is really specific to this type of leather. Seen on the picture are the Shell Cordovan Disciple Wallet, the Devilish wallet and the Valerie bracelet. All are far from cheap, but they do look priceless.

From the Heartland - Online

The online exhibit of From the Heartland, our photographic documentary has gone live today. It shows all the employees that were portrayed in their "natural habitat" at Red Wing Shoes in either the manufacturing plant or the tannery. Pictured above is Fred, from the SB Foot tannery, with 44 years of experience. I think he can learn us a thing or two about leather..

Come and see the exhibition for real on the 10th of February, in our shop in Amsterdam. If you are not able to join, then visit the website on:  

www.redwing-thestorycontinues.com

Carhartt WIP SS11 Lookbook

Carhartt Europe has just released their spring-summer 2011 lookbook. Just in time because their collection should be in-store any moment, if it isn't already. The collection is commercial but I have to admit I like it. The use of old branding and re-working old styles is my cup of tea.

I would have appreciated more workwear heritage details, but that is my lack of interest in streetwear and some of the preppy influences. Ideal for me would be wholly original garments, fabrics and quality, only updated with a contemporary fit. This is almost completely in line with the special releases like the U.S. Classics which we released last December. Already looking forward to seeing what is next.

Check the complete lookbook here.

From the Heartland - Amsterdam

The first event and exhibition is a fact. This will take place on February 10th 2011 in our shop in Amsterdam. We are proud to show you the Red Wing Shoes exhibition 'From The Heartland'.

The exhibition is composed of images showing the craftsmen and women working in the Red Wing Shoes factory and tannery. It is a photographic documentary capturing the spirit and the culture of Red Wing's heartland. The combination of tradition, loyalty, pride and craftsmanship forms the foundation of this traveling exhibition.

Come and join us this Thursday! Check all info here.

One flew over the cuckoo's nest

One of my favorite movies of all time. Jack Nicholson plays a formidable role as McMurphy: a small time criminal who is sent to the asylum after pretending to be crazy. He thinks he can escape the work farm this way and enjoy the easy life for the remainder of his sentence. The only thing he forgot is that the asylum will only let him go whenever the doctors think he is cured, and not when his jail time is over.

It is a great story, but another thing I always liked was the way McMurphy was dressed. Navy blue beanie, wild hair, unshaven, leather jacket and a pair of jeans. Only recently I found out that he rocks Red Wing Shoes 877's during the entire movie. The movie was released in 1975, but his outfit completely matches the heritage trend from the last few seasons. Everyone who has not seen this movie has something to do this weekend. My favorite scene is not embeddable, check it here. (via RedWing1905)

Perfecto Brand by Schott NYC

In July 2010 news was released that Greg Chapman would be the creative director for a "off-shoot collection" of Schott NYC called Perfecto Brand. It looked promising. The items received both good and bad comments, but you can not go wrong with a Cone Mills denim Pea Coat or Duffle Coat. I loved the styles when ACL showed a preview of the collection.

Selectism has just released news that the items have been delivered to select retailers in the U.S, Japan and U.K. Not really accurate retail information, but the products shots are stunning. Check all the pics here.

Arktis Smock

A lot of people around the world, for example those in the Netherlands or the United Kingdom, need a bit of protection against extremely rainy days. The problem is these coats typically look high-tech, and are hard to combine with denim and boots. I found a solution.

This waterproof smock is from the Arktis "operation". They are based in Exeter, United Kingdom. It is made from Ribstop and has a fully waterproof/breathable ultra lightweight inner lining. It comes with a four-year performance guarantee. I am not one to hide my love for classic garments and materials, and this is no exception. The smock comes in different colorways but only the olive green and black are serious options. (pictures via Rakuten.jp)

Volvo Sugga

Always fun when our friend Paolo enters the store. Not only interesting stories about how he evacuated a hospital, but he also showed me the car I want to have for Christmas. The Volvo TP21 is part of the PV800 series, which were nicknamed Sugga(n) or Sow. They were originally cabs which dominated the market in the 1940s and '50s. I always liked Volvo, but this is something different. This is the first time I want to drive a pig on wheels.

In the second world war Volvo created the TPV, an 4x4 military vehicle which used the body of the PV800 Series. In 1953 Volvo built the TP21 which was the successor of the TPV. It was powered by a 3.67 liter, 90 hp engine. Only 720 cars have been built between 1953 and 1958. The military name was Raptgb 915. Not easy to pronounce if you want to tell someone what car you just bought. (info via Wikipedia)