ASKET - The Sweatshirt

After more than two years of development, design iterations and detailed production, our friends from Stockholm-based menswear brand ASKET have finally released their highly anticipated Sweatshirt. Available in Grey Melange, Navy and Black (followed by a Dusty Green and Burgundy-esque Red this September), the sweatshirt is a minimal take on the original American football player uniform. Cut to a tailored fit from custom developed, unbrushed loopback cotton and stripped from unnecessary details it combines style with unprecedented comfort. Milled and handmade in Reguenga, Portugal.

“Two years of development may seem crazy to some people in this industry. But we're creating garments designed to last a lifetime, and in that context, we say there’s no rush,” says co-founder August Bard Bringéus.
 

Two years may seem long to create a sweatshirt. But it nicely reflects the commitment and values that go into ASKET’s garments. Just over a year ago, the brand released their first take on the sweatshirt, but decided to pull the plug just after a few weeks. It simply didn’t live up to their expectations. So they went back to the drawing board and fine-tuned everything from the fit and fabric to the colours and detailing.

ASKET is Swedish online-only menswear brand founded in 2015 with the mission to free wardrobe essentials from the traditional concept of fashion and bring them back to basics. One garment at a time, the young brand is building a permanent collection of timeless essentials based on honest production, transparent pricing and a new size system. 

RSVP PARIS - Handmade Leather Goods

Introducing RSVP Paris. During our recent stay in Paris, we sat down with RSVP founders, Thomas Cerkevic and Jonathan Andrès, to find out more about the guys’ vision and to take a first-hand look at their beautiful range of premium leather goods. We met the two entrepreneurs in their studio, which is located in a former book-binding workshop in the 11ème arrondissement.

Seeing a new start up venture into the leather goods market is perhaps not an all-together new phenomenon, but these guys really know their trade. After working for some of the world’s leading luxury brands for more than 5 years, Thomas and Jonathan decided to develop leather goods that are of ‘True Quality’ and ‘True Price’.

“We only make leather goods, but we make them right.”

Founded in Paris in 2015, RSVP creates premium quality leather goods - handmade in France from A to Z. Thomas and Jonathan have worked alongside most of their suppliers for years. They have gained their trust, and vice versa. Handmade by expert artisans, their products are all crafted in Franche-Comté and Touraine. Naturally, their products are made from Grade-A leather, which is sourced from high profile French tanneries that either belong to or work with major luxury brands.

Opposed to an industry standard with horrendous markups of up to 12 times from atelier to customer, RSVP is fully transparent on costs and margins and has implemented a markup structure of max 2 times. All costs and margins are displayed on the website.  

“Since we value ham over spam, every item we make is limited to 100 pieces.” Each of RSVP’s products is therefore numbered from 1 to 100 – and once a series is sold out, it’s off the market. Make sure to head over to their website and have a look yourself. 

ASKET – Launching Two New Wardrobe Essentials

In the course of the last few months, our friends from Stockholm-based menswear brand Asket have added two new wardrobe essentials – one garment at a time – to their permanent collection of timeless classics: The Pique Polo and The Oxford Shirt.

Their classic Oxford button down shirt as well as their latest addition, a classic pique Polo, are both available in Asket’s revolutionary 15 size system. The brand’s sizing system caters to a larger variety of body shapes and a wider set of personal preferences, truly re-thinking and democratising modern garment sizing (find out more here). 

As the very definition of a true wardrobe staple, Asket has designed a beautiful button down shirt, cut from heavy Oxford cloth that is comfortable, resilient and fitted with mother of pearl buttons. The Swedish brand has entrusted a family run shirt factory in Portugal to handcraft their take on the classic Oxford Shirt. (Available in three colours)

With a minimalistic and modernised take on the classic polo shirt, Asket’s Pique Polo is improved in both form, fit, drape and function. A heavier, more luxurious pique knit fabric offers more comfort and durability, while tonal mother of pearl buttons and a nicely ribbed collar round off this sporty classic. (Available in four colours)

TID – Monochromatic Timepieces

Last year, we introduced you to Stockholm based brand TID and their first iconic product: TID No.1. We met up with the guys at this year’s Seek Berlin to have a closer look at their new design: TID No.2 continues on the minimalistic and timeless design trajectory set out by No.1 with refined materials and details. TID No.2 features a monochromatic, solid brushed steel case, face and hands. Striving to offer quality products with genuine value over time, the robust watch boasts a domed sapphire glass and a Swiss-made movement. Price €295-345.

B L Y S Z A K - Premium Eyewear

At CIFF RAVEN, an artfully curated trade show in Copenhagen showcasing contemporary menswear and lifestyle goods, we came across these beautifully crafted, minimalistic sunglasses by BLYSZAK.

The young, London-based eyewear brand was founded in 2014, and has launched its first collection comprising three variations on one style: metal, metal/horn and horn. The interesting thing about BLYSZAK is that it offers a single eyewear design that mixes coated grade-A steel, ethically-sourced Asiatic water buffalo and Nigerian oxen horn by-product. Metal – Style I – Collection I features a matte black, palladium-coated grade-A steel frame, and black UV-filtered lenses. For Him and for Her. Made in the UK. Price £210.

FEIT DIRECT - Hand-Stitched Sneakers

These super minimal sneakers are hand-stitched from the finest Semi Cordovan leather and built using the highest quality natural materials. They are perfect to be worn barefoot all summer long. Historically, cordovan has been used only for luxury dress shoes. The leather is tanned using an extensive process. The hides are tanned slowly, nourished with natural oils and shaved. A century ago, when horses were still a driving force of transportation, hides were plentiful. Now they are extremely scarce and difficult to come by.

Your feet will breathe and stay cool, and the shoes will mold perfectly to your feet without retaining sweat or odor. Get a pair of these limited edition sneakers, available for men and women, online or in their NY Flagship Store.

Available in a limited edition of 60 pairs for Spring 2015 at www.feitdirect.com as well as the FEIT for New York flagship.

ATF - The Steven Wool Pants

Last year, we introduced you to aspiring Nuremberg based brand ATF – Authentic Textile Fabrics. Known for their approach to ‘ultra wearable clothing’, finest quality fabrics and meticulous attention to detail, we now took a closer look at one of our favourite woollen pants of this season, the Steven Wool Pants. Made from a soft, high-quality wool-polyamid blend, the pants are designed to fit comfortably with a slim cut leg. Above all, the Steven Wool Pants has a great unisex fit, worn by both girls and boys here at the office. Available in mid-grey and anthracite. Additional colourways to be released soon. Made in Europe. €130

If you happen to be in Nuremberg, make sure to visit the ATF Store and Studio in the city’s former working class district, Gostenhof:

Bauerngasse 4-6
90443 Nürnberg
Germany

Opening Hours:

Monday - Friday: 12 - 6pm (irregular opening hours)
Saturday: 12 – 6pm

CLUSE - La Bohème Mesh Full Black

Amsterdam based lifestyle brand CLUSE set out with the vision to create timepieces that stand for elegance and minimalism. Inspired by the notion that a watch can ’captivate and define your best moments’, the brand nicely goes beyond the traditional understanding of the watch as a mere utility enhancing object that tells time.

Our pick: monochrome simplicity. Crafted with precision and a strong focus on quality materials, the La Bohème Mesh Full Black features an ultrathin case (38mm diameter), Quartz movement and a Miyota 2025 caliber. Price €99. 

Photographed by Ali Baï for GOODS WE LIKE

ATELIER DE L'ARMÉE - SS16

Amsterdam-based brand Atelier de l'Armée is inspired by the functionality and quality of military wear. They offer two different collections: "Series" and "Collectors".
With every design in ‘Series’, Atelier de l'Armée strives to be environmentally, morally and ethically conscious throughout their design and production process. It is suitable for everyone who is confident and appreciates quality in design and craftsmanship.
The Atelier de l’Armée ‘Collectors’ collection consists of one of a kind handcrafted items mainly built out of a zero waste philosophy, created by mixing high quality dead stock or repurposed materials. The ‘Collectors’ items are made in our small workshop in Amsterdam.

Their SS16 collection will be available in February 2016 and can be purchased online at Mr. Porter and Atelier de l'Armée.