Tim Hamilton Shawl Neck Sweater
There’s a lot of good looking shawl collar sweaters getting made these days and this one from Tim Hamilton is no exception. It caught my eye right away because of how big the ‘neck piece’ is. The bigger the better I say (well maybe no bigger than this). The one button keeps it nice and simple too. The actual sweater portion is a nice thick knit camel hair with perfect knit detailing on the shoulders. It looks extremely comfortable and like a solid fit on whoever is wearing it. The only snag is the price tag seeing as it’s Tim Hamilton. It’s available now at Roden Gray.
Robert Geller Boots
These Robert Geller boots just arrived over at Roden Gray the other day and they are amazing. Taking an obvious influence from Alden’s Indy model, the refined wooden sole complete with some of the nicest leather uppers I’ve seen make these incredible in black or brown. Mr. Geller had these made in Japan and after inspecting them fairly thoroughly I could tell the quality definitely showed through. Since I saw the brown model, they have been stuck in my brain. I didn’t dream about them last night, but I wish I did. They are so soft and pretty much the perfect color of brown complemented by the perfect color of the sole. Unfortunately these run you just a little bit under $800, which is well out of my range, but that isn’t going to stop me from thinking about them.
Issue 6 Preview
Well it’s not that far away now. I know everyone has read through our huge 5th installment by now, right? Do it here if you haven’t. This month has been an odd one. I’ve had a lot less time to spend on the magazine, barely able to squeeze in blog posts at night and in the morning, but we’re working hard to keep it moving. Issue 6 catches up with one of our favorite brands Nom de Guerre, along with Canadian product designers Bryon and Dexter of WANT Les Essentials. We also have one of my favorite features we’ve put together on the Business of Buying, getting into the challenges of buying in today’s market for some of the best independent boutiques including, Tres Bien Shop, Nomad, Roden Gray and a couple more. There are a couple good focus articles as well with a look at Vancouver artist Peter Taylor, and a battle of the oxford shirts available on the market today. Look for the drop next week.
Comme des Garcons PLAY @ Roden Gray
By now you should have a pretty good idea what the line looks like. Guess what? It really hasn’t changed much. Black, white, gray, beige, and a bit of red. The line doesn’t need to change drastically, shouldn’t change drastically, and likely will not change at all. The staple, clean cut polos, cardigans, v necks, and T’s fill the line, which is now available at Roden Gray in Vancouver. The PLAY line has enjoyed quite a bit of consumption as I see consumers snatching up the pieces where they are available. It seems like the easy introduction into the Comme des Garcons world and why shouldn’t it be?
Obedient Sons Fall ‘08
Obedient Sons is yet another with a great looking range of jackets and pants this fall. Staying with lots of grays, looks like wools, and some subtle patterns, the line is extremely wearable and reasonably priced. I found last season the only shirts I tried on didn’t quite have the right fit on me. I’m definitely hoping that isn’t the case with their pants this fall. I really like the dark beige and the charcoal colored pants. They appear to possibly the same model, so that would make sense that I like them in both colors. I also quite like the slim 2 button blazer in the bottom right photo, along with the blazer-style coat with the large plaid/gray scale pattern. Obedient Sons has been gaining somewhat of a following and with a look at their fall offerings, people seem to be fairly excited. The line will be available at Roden Gray.
Shipley & Halmos Fall
Shipley & Halmos is another mens line that is doing some great things. We haven’t really had a chance to look at their fall line yet, but Honeyee gives us preview of what we can expect. The duo have been putting some very garments together for only a couple seasons since splitting from Trovata. I had a chance to view the S/S ‘09 line while we were in NYC and it looked really nice. They had a great denim shirt, beautiful jackets, and more than a couple nice button downs. This fall should definitely be something to look forward to for the relatively new line. This jacket and rugby shirt are a good start. I’ve actually been thinking of picking up a rugby shirt lately, so this might fit the bill. Shipley & Halmos is available at Roden Gray in Vancouver, so keep your eyes out for the first shipment.
Robert Geller Jewelry
Wings + Horns has been blowing up on the blogosphere today thanks to Roden Gray’s big shipment of the Fall line. What’s unfortunate though, is that the fresh batch of Robert Geller jewelry at the Vancouver store is going largely unnoticed. Each piece they received seems like a pretty major hitter to me. I have a hard time finding jewelry I like that is subtle and nice and doesn’t get called too “bling” which gets tiresome. Simple to the average eye, but impressive detailing and superior quality upon closer inspection. I’m a fan, although I think the price point will be a bit of a bummer for me when I find out. Read more
Wings + Horns @ Roden Gray
The first items from the fall Wings + Horns collection of shown up at Roden Gray in Vancouver. The boutique owned by Rob Lo generally goes quite deep into the line and we see the first shipment has a handful of great pieces. Wings + Horns has keep the thermals in the line-up which is a good thing. They are really comfortable and the quality is great for an everyday wear piece. I’m waiting for winter to wear mine again. W+H also did a great job with the scarves and tube style scarves, along with a soft cotton blazer. There is sure to be more to look forward to from Wings+Horns as the season progresses but they are off to a good start. My top picks are the zipper flannel and the thermals for now.
Robert Geller @ Roden Gray
Thanks to Raymond Chiu we have a glimpse of the first delivery of Robert Geller over at Roden Gray. The shop just picked up the line and with an interesting fall line on the way there should be some good stuff in stock. Robert Geller has been getting a lot of love these days on the blogs. As people’s tastes are rapidly maturing they are looking for that line that is right for them. Robert Geller isn’t really a line that is getting me too excited. Some pieces I definitely like a lot, but for the most part his aesthetic lately hasn’t been going in the same direction as myself. The price is also quite high so you really have to be a fan and commit to what you’re purchasing. I’d say the glasses are the best item in the first arrival at Roden Gray, but definitely look for more in the near future.
Roden Gray Summer Sale
Well joining the list of great stores throwing great summer sales is Roden Gray. Vancouver mens boutique carries some of our favorite, and probably you favorite lines, Shipley and Halmos, Wings + Horns, Filson,m CDG Play, Nice Collective, and Crate. Also on sale is the recent line from TOPMAN. Items are up to 40% off. I was in the shop not too long ago and there were definitely some notable items. I was personally a big fan of the Shipley and Halmos button down pieces although the fit on me wasn’t quite right. Local Wings+Horns always has a strong line as well, so you can be sure to find some solid pieces from them in stock.
Hypebeast - Canadian Love
More Canadian talent showcased for you, Hypebeast just put out their latest edition of ‘Essentials’ featuring western Canada’s biggest players in retail. Haven, Livestock, Foosh, and Roden Gray are represented by their owners/buyers/creative directors give a nice simple run down of what’s needed in their everyday lives. Unfortunately they managed to fulfill a Canadian stereotype of liking Tim Hortons. Although Tim’s is not bad early in the morning on the way to a ski hill, as much as I like to deny it, it’s very Canadian. Once again, I like to see these pieces showing a more personal side of people who are the face of fashion/retail in Canada. Hypebeast is doing a good job in diversifying their content with some interesting pieces.
Helmut Lang @ Roden Gray
Roden Gray is continuing to push their product line to represent the tastes of owner Rob Lo, and his customers. In the past few months they have added Comme des Garcons PLAY, Tanner Goods, and Shipley and Helmos to the mix. Now we see the first couple pieces from Helmut Lang showing up for spring. The funnel neck knit is definitely an interesting piece, along with a cardigan, and a couple shirts, Helmut Lang will fit very nicely on the racks at Roden Gray. The shop has been growing rapidly, locally and internationally, so look for some more interesting lines and projects coming from Rob and Roden Gray.
