Racer

Looking through some Rin Tanaka books, I'm reminded of racing style associated with the motorcycle prior to the greaser, easy rider, hells angel kind that occured mid century and onwards. The style prior to that was more elegant, lot of wool sweaters. I particularly like the layouts of the text graphics and the lean fonts used.

Storefront NYC

Came across this book this week - Store Front: The Disappearing Face of New York By James T. Murray, Karla L. Murray. It's a subject I am already fond of and often take similar photos. Love the aged colors, the fonts and overall balance of design elements. Click on the image to go see a set on flickr by the authors of many of the images.

+ Media:Canoeing in the Wilderness

Tricky Mix

I really liked Dries van Noten's new collection whose show notes read "Tokyo meets Calcutta" which for me certainly suggests the clever pairing of large and small primitive/ethnic patterns. Nothing American about this so not material for this blog, I thought until today when I walked past this poster store which had a huge image of Nixon bowling. Something about the pattern combination, color scheme, even the sheen of his clothes looked eerily in the same vein.

Miner Blues

I was looking through the Milan Shows on Men Style, noting the many iconic American references from D Squared's camping to D & G's cowboys, but surprsingly the one collection I found most inspiring was Missoni's - I particularly like her washed out blues. It connected with an idea I'm working on for Fall 2010 that references Gold Miners - this puts a color scheme to the images of workers I've been looking at which is viable- faded, stained, dusty work clothes all reduced to a range of faded indigo shades. I could also see this translating into an interesting pale blanket palette for flannel plaids and overdyed sweats and chinos.

Neon Ride

Another company going into their history and bringing it back. Maui and sons bring back eighties Neon Surf. Awesome. Saw the line at Opening Ceremony downtown.

+ Media:Boat & Tote

Gitman Vintage

Interesting new line from a classic brand that's getting a lot of attention Gitman Vintage. Their current Spring/Summer 2009 collection is recreated from their Spring/Summer 1982 swatch book.

Take Ivy

Take Ivy | The New York Times

Brooklyn Gang

Brooklyn Gang 1959 | Bruce Davidson

Madras Patch Shirt

MADRAS PATCH FITTED SHIRT

Homesteaders

homesteaders | The Library of Congress)