Chicago based boutique Sir & Madame gives us a sneak peak into their Fall collection. To start it off, they preview their varsity jacket. With unique, custom touches such as angled pockets and a hand stitched signature at the wrist, this first draft makes me excited to see the finished product.
-EXUDE PURPLE
adidas Originals drops the classic Nizza with some extra embellishments for Fall/Winter 2010. Complete with a tartan plaid print, a bowtie on the laces, and a zipper on the back heel, this shoe is sure to do its thing.
Via: Hypebeast
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Get insight to writer and director Eli Morgan Gessner’s introduction into skating, graffiti writing and fashion. Having been in the creative pots that formed some of your favorite brands and movies such as Phat Farm, Zoo York, and KIDS, Gessner is a NYC staple.
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Quintessential American brand Levi’s has teamed up with Filson to bring forth a new workwear line. “Levi’s®Workwear by Filson® is a carefully crafted assortment of quality menswear, where key silhouettes from one brand are cut from celebrated textiles synonymous with the collaborative partner.”, says Levi Strauss via its press release. The collaboration, finished and manufactured in the United States, gives the brutish yet stylish man something to look forward to this fall. The collection drops this month at select Levi and Filson stores as well as their respective sites.
Via: Selectism, LTD, Mister Mort
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Filed under Fashion
Karmaloop checks in with 10 Deep, SLVDR, Lifetime Collection, BLVCK SCVLE, and Us Vs Them at day 1 of Agenda 2010 in Huntington Beach to get a sneak peek of their upcoming collections.
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Lupe Fiasco takes time to introduce and quickly explain the ideals behind the “Basic Info” collection from his Trilly and Truly line. Based on three main ideals, peace, represented by Martin Luther king Jr.; anarchy, Noam Chomsky; and history, shown as Adolf Hitler, Lupe tells us that the collection is designed simplistically and has fundamental ideals. The collection will be housed at select retailers including RSVP Gallery in Chicago.
Via: Hypebeast
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Curt@!n$ along with his HSL team and Black Scale have come together to produce the first installment of “The Dissertation” series. Titled The Wu Thesis, Curt@!n$ goes off on his all time favorite Wu-Tang beats. Along with the musical release comes a Free World x Black Scale tee and hoody. Releasing tomorrow July 31, 2010, Curt@!n$ will be at the Black Scale store all day so stop in to get all three items.
Black Scale
55 Grant Avenue
San Francisco, CA
94108
(415) 981-9690
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I recently had the opportunity to speak with the husband and wife duo, Brian and Autumn Merritt, behind the newly opened Sir and Madame shop in Chicago. Offering wears from BKc, Tanner Goods, 3sixteen, Finn, their own vintage eyewear collection and in-house line, Sir and Madame is poised to rock the Ukranian Village in Chicago. Check out how their store came about, how they enjoy working together and future goals.
TPF: You and your wife started Solemates in 2006 as a haven for Chicago sneaker fiends. Many brands have shifted from traditional streetwear and into more classic and timeless pieces. How did this transition happen for you guys?
S+M: It was sort of a natural progression. We were pretty young when we opened the store and sneakers and t-shirts were items that we wore. As we got older we started to dress the part. We also wanted to create a brand that can stand the test of time. Another thing people shouldn’t get confused, we are still into “streetwear” just with a classic twist. We are trying to combine streetwear and classic into one.
TPF: That seems to be a winning formula today. Fusing the two can be hard, especially when working with a spouse. Does this hold true for you two?
S+M: It’s not easy but it makes our relationship stronger. It has also kept us focused on our goals because we are both eating off of the same income.
TPF: Understood. Your in-house line currently consists of dope graphic tees and some accessories. Are you guys planning on expanding the offerings?
S+M: We’ve done some woven shirts, knit sweaters, and various hats and scarves in the past. Even when we started the brand we knew we wanted to expand from doing t-shirts very early. Some things to look forward to immediately are more wovens, hats, bags, candles, denim, and some leather goods. In the future you will see us do a little bit of everything.
TPF: How much of your personal tastes resonate in your brand philosophy and store and brand design? Does the market dictate most of those choices?
S+M: Our personal tastes translate directly into what we produce and how we produce it. It’s also reflected in the way the store is set up.
TPF: What is your teams buying process? How do you make the final decisions on what comes into the store?
S+M: We bring in items that fit what we are doing at the time. We always don’t buy for the current trend, but for the next trend. We want to keep people one step ahead.
TPF: Being innovative and ahead of the trend can dramatically lengthen your brands lifespan. Collaborations are huge in the market right now. Do you guys have any in the works?
S+M: We have a few but you have to wait and see.
TPF: Where do you see your brand and store within the next 5 years?
S+M: In 5 years I can see the brand being carried at various boutiques across the world. I can see the store being a house of inspiration, style, fashion, design, and a place you can call home.
TPF: Sounds like a viable plan. It was a pleasure speaking with you both and for giving us an incite into your brand. Before we get out of here, what is your definition of success?
S+M: Being happy with yourself and state of being.
Whenever any of you guys are in the area, treat yourself to a stop in at Sir and Madame. You won’t be disappointed.
938 North Damen
773.489.6660
Mon-Sat: 11-7
Sun:12-5
-EXUDE PURPLE
Curt@!n$ sits down with KARMALOOPTV and talks about his daily wardrobe choices, upcoming clothing and accessory collaborations and his music. Once again, Dope has done it. Check the full interview here.
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The Purple Faction 