This is a really cool look from Body Butter’s Jodhpur suit collection.

The slim burgundy suit contrasts nicely with the charcoal pinstriped vest, and as a highlight, they gave the model some pretty stylin’ kicks as well (somewhat reminiscent of the Takahara’s I mentioned a while back).

Body Butter says this suit type has a ‘slimming silhouette’, which means the garment features clean lines and carefully aligned buttons to give the wearer the appearance of a smaller waistline.

To me, it just looks like a slim suit. Like, if you can’t already squeeze your marshmallow ass into this skinny getup, it won’t be doing much for your silhouette now, will it?

At about $500, I’d call this set reasonable for a brand that calls itself Body Butter. 

Roen is a maker of premium streetwear products, including ‘used’ denim jeans and stylish outerwear. This leather riding jacket basically sums up the label’s taste – a sleek and mostly minimalist approach to design with some non-traditional elements thrown in to give it uniqueness.

I’m not sure if I buy into the frayed and torn leather look below the waist; I’m sure it looks pretty cool over some contrasting distressed jeans, but it kind of implies, at least to me, that you might have issues riding the beast!

I kind of dig this jean jacket by Coal Black. The distressed grey denim produces agreeable tones that can be worn with many different styles. I also find the contrast throughout the jacket neither offensive nor overly flashy.

One issue I do have, is with the level of distress found in various parts of this coat. Although I’m comfortable with moderate distressing in denim pants – especially if self-inflicted, as when denim connoisseurs purchase raw selvedge for just this purpose – I don’t feel quite so comfortable purchasing a heavily distressed jacket.

And it’s not like this coat by Coal Black is particularly distressed when seen in its entirety, it’s just that various parts of the garment have been worn down to where large holes will soon appear after a little wash and wear. I find this to be a bit alarming, as I like denim outerwear for both its look and utility.

This nitpicking of mine brings up the question of how much distressing is enough? Local fashion markets seem to differ on what they consider an acceptable amount with Japanese trends often leaning towards the shredded toilet paper look.

Perhaps I’m getting old, but I like my denim to be subtly accented by contrast and textures without having these features steal the entire show. So what are your limits when it comes to the distressed look?

Takeo Kikuchi is a well-known Japanese designer of industrial products and men’s apparel. On occasion, I’ve visited his boutiques and have always found myself impressed by his line’s sensible tastes and original designs. His clothing is usually cut for a slender build that can sometimes be a bit ‘metrosexual’ for North American tastes. But if you’re able to squeeze into some Kikuchi clothes and still feel comfortable, there’s a good possibility you’ll try and wear it every chance you get.

You know, I hate this ridiculous idea of having to wear something fresh everyday. I’d much rather wear what I want, and find a way of avoiding people that saw me the day before. Then I could go around every freakin’ day of the week sporting the same perfect Kikuchi outfit nailing a perpetual lineup of first encounters like Criss Angel in a room full of actors.

I’ve been aware of the Onitsuka Tiger brand since their surprising revival a couple years back. In fact, I own a pretty sweet track jacket that I picked up from one of their boutiques in Osaka. But I had no knowledge of their close ties with Asics. I always figured that Onitsuka Tiger just stole their shoe stripes from Asics, or vice-versa, and that’s why their brand was mostly limited to Japan. Well, it turns out that they’re the same bloody company! I know that they plainly state this on their website, but I swear it wasn’t always like that.

Who would of thought that the marathon trainers worn by your neighbor’s bulimic daughter have the same athletic roots as those funky Mexico 66’s that help waddle your fat ass around town? At least now you can feel trendy and authentically athletic with your Onitsuka Tigers. Not like those pesky Puma guys, whom deep in their hearts know that they’re supporting the Garfield of feline sports wear.

Dress for comfort, but don’t forget about style! IZREEL has produced this suave new track jacket with many fine details. Carefully chosen colors and fabric, will guarantee this coat to look anything but ordinary. It’s not exactly cheap at around $400, but that hasn’t stopped this hot item from selling out.

I don’t see how the Japanese can afford so much gear. I mean, after personal robots, giant manga collections, and a hefty pachinko budget, where do they cough up the dough to look so trendy? Maybe it’s video games. Maybe the score you get when you play Capcom’s Knights of The Round is what the Japanese get paid in Yen. And for all these years we’ve been plugging our quarters away just to write C.O.K. in the high scores.  

John Bull delivers total comfort with his Old Parka hoodie. The sweater comes in three colors: grey (shown), neutral and black. Long draw strings, a slightly weathered feel, and use of top-notch fabrics place this hoodie high on this summer’s must-have list.

This would make a nice accompaniment for those evenings on the pier, walking a pair of chocolate labs whilst sipping $12 lattes with my hot Swedish nanny. She’s the one that takes care of my kids. And by kids, I mean, my balls. See what I did there? Bizzang!