Coal Black Denim Jacket

Sep 08 2008

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?

5 responses so far

Olympus E-420: Smokin’ Good Times

Aug 20 2008

Olympus E 420 DSLR Smallest Camera

You’re going to have to forgive me, because today’s post is not about a fashion item, or is it? A new camera, the E-420 DSLR from Japanese optics specialist Olympus, has just been released and I feel compelled to say a thing or two about this awesome piece of hardware!

Ever wonder why your compact digital camera never seems to produce professional looking images — the kind you often see and ogle over on Flickr? The reason is not so much to do with the megapixels your camera offers as it is with the size of its image sensor. Digital SLR cameras, the ones used by the pros and by people who take their hobby a little too seriously, have comparatively massive image sensors to that of regular point and shoot cameras. This allows these cameras to ‘see’ more light. The result is cleaner and sharper photographs, and vastly superior images taken in low light settings.

Now there’s obviously some drawbacks to owning a DSLR. For starters, even the cheapest models tend to cost twice as much as decent all-in-one cameras. Also, shooting with a DSLR can be difficult and time consuming, and getting just the right shot may exercise your patience more than you would care for. Finally, DSLR’s tend to be quite a bit larger than the average pocket-sized camera, which makes them somewhat cumbersome to lug around. Fortunately, the supremely engineered Olympus E-420 tries to find solutions for just these problems.

The E-420 is remarkably small for a DSLR camera – in fact, Olympus advertises it as the world’s smallest. The camera also weighs less than a pound, so unless you’re an anemic dwarf, carrying the E-420 around all day shouldn’t be an issue. Furthermore, it’s often sold with a specially developed pancake lens to keep its profile from growing outwards too much (although this may inadvertently tip off the ladies, if you know what I mean). The result is a camera that can fit in your jacket pocket, and one that can take stunning pictures wherever you go. The Olympus E-420 is also priced near the cheaper end of the DSLR market, so it’s quite affordable considering its unique attributes. Toss in a kickass live preview mode and a Ron Jeremy worthy “Perfect Shot” feature, and the E-420 becomes an excellent choice for the average Joe wishing to take his photography to the next level.

One response so far

Hobo Chic Boutique: Joneaa Denim Cargo Pants

Jul 22 2008

denim cargo pants by Joneaa

These denim cargo pants would look fit on street wandering hobos — although definitely not the Japanese variety — as those guys tend to dress (and live) better than most middle aged bachelors back home.

The distressed, paint splotched fabric, exaggerated pockets and frilly details aptly serve Japan’s current fascination for the hobo chic look. While the rest of the world debate the possible origins of this garment (a Kobe based micro-niche fashion boutique, or the dumpster behind the Salvation Army?) most Japanese would immediately recognize it as wearable art for their epicurean way of life.

The Japanese seem to love distressed and tattered clothing, and I think it’s because it is the exact opposite of what their strict and ancient culture would have them wear.

I’ve spent the occasional night at hobo camps in various Japanese cities, usually as a result of missing the last train home, and I can tell you, many of the homeless are finely groomed and decently dressed. They even have such amenities as electricity and satellite TV. So with this in mind, to think that a regular Hitoshi — not even a street camping bum — would purposely dress like a post-apocalyptic unemployed handyman is sort of tantamount to riding a Suzuki Skywave amidst a pack of Hell’s Angels. It’s this rebellious attitude that continues to be a driving force behind much of Japan’s youth and street fashion.

19 responses so far

Visvim: The Deep End of Casual Footwear

Jul 01 2008

Visvim Footwear

Visvim is one of those Japanese fashion labels you hear about from time to time, usually in the context of superior handmade footwear and omfg $380 sneakers?!

The label was started by Hiroki Nakamura as a response to mass produced footwear from the likes of Adidas and Nike. It’s not that Nakamura doesn’t respect the accomplishments of these giants — because he does — it’s that he recognizes the demand for products that offer the exact opposite of what these global shoemakers provide.

In many ways, Hiroki Nakamura takes a surprisingly non-commercial approach to business, such as his unhurried and meticulous production methods, his refusal to design for any particular consumer group, and his ambivalence towards the industry norm of stitching logos onto every possible surface. In the age of massification, cost-cutting and unbridled branding, Visvim sticks out as awkwardly as it’s pronounced (seriously, is it just me or is there one too many v’s here?).

Like treasured artwork hanging in a gallery, Visvim shoes are made in their founder’s vision with a take it or leave it attitude. The stance has worked wonders for the brand as its core clientele, which is growing but still small in numbers, is hooked on a unique product with few alternatives in the marketplace.

It is said that Visvim is solely driven by Hiroki Nakamura’s quest for the ultimate in style, quality and comfort. And apparently, if that goal entails the centaur inspired mating of a running shoe with a moccasin, and charging north of $300 for the aberration, Visvim is up for the challenge!

3 responses so far

CASIO G-Shock: From Soldiers To Schoolgirls

Jun 11 2008

CASIO G-Shock Watch

I never really got how Casio could sell the G-Shock in Japan. A lot of their watches remind me of the stuff I grew up wearing, like the iconic Timex Ironman, which basically resembled a hideous plastic stopwatch strapped to the wrist.

Every time that I’d see an ad campaign for a new G-Shock model, I’d shake my head in disbelief that Casio could sell such a thing. How, in the land of Louis Vuitton handbags and Prada sneakers could the people of Japan accept such an unsightly 1980’s inspired accessory?

Well, to begin with, streetwear in general has always shown a fascination for military inspired gear and high-spec outdoor apparel. G-Shock definitely has a name in this category, and with Japan’s insanely diverse fashion tastes, the watch has tapped a surprisingly large market that is accepting of its muscular, eccentric looks.

Further contributing to the G-Shock’s success is Casio’s relentless release schedule. Debuting special edition G-Shocks on a seemingly monthly basis and refreshing the entire line biannually, the company has basically turned the G-Shock into the Pokemon of wristwatch collectables. Since its debut in 1983, the Casio G-Shock has continued to amass a worldwide legion of fans that buy, sell and chat about anything related to the brand.

But clever marketing and rising fashion trends aren’t the only driving force behind the line’s overwhelming success. People love G-Shock watches because they offer something unique.

Famed for its use among Special Forces units around the world, the G-Shock has gained a reputation for being able to withstand all sorts of harsh climates and extreme conditions. From soldiers to schoolgirls, wearers of the watch know that their G-Shock has been tested in all sorts of extreme situations.

Water resistant to 200 meters, capably of surviving a 10-meter drop, and featuring a minimum 10-year battery life, the G-Shock is hardly a toy watch for snotty nosed brats. But having said that, you may want to think twice about wearing one on formal occasions. It can be a tad unsightly for anyone not in the know.

You can browse through literally thousands of G-Shock products right now on Amazon.

2 responses so far

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