WAX IN - WAX OUT - WAXED UNIFORMS FOR WORKERS

Waxed Uniforms, originality and history against the cold!

Last week at the Pitti Uomo I stumbled into Waxed Uniforms. A brand with a strong story behind it. Possible? Yes, the garments that are offered by this brand are inspired by those who for generations have protected man from the cold and maintenance of railway trains Canadians. 

BARACUTA G9 - THE ICON FOR ICONS

If there is one thing which is constant in Manchester, England - it's the rain. In a city where it rains more often than it doesn't, Rainwear was big business in the early 20th centuary. Brothers, John and Isaac Miller ran the Baracuta factory, making rainwear for brands such as Burberry and Aquascutum. When they branched out into their own brand, Baracuta soon became synonymous with the finest Raincoats. 

By 1937, the Miller Brothers were looking for a new, functional design for a working man, and which would also keep them dry in the rain. They came up with what would eventually become the Baracuta G9. This shorter jacket meant the wearer would have the benefit of a shower proof coat while he was still able to move around, unhampered by a longer raincoat or mac. With the design including collar button fastening, elastic waistband and cuffs and button fasten pockets nearly finished, the Miller Brothers took their idea to Beaufort Castle, Scotland. In the presence of Lord Lovat, the head of the Fraser Clan, the Miller brothers requested that they be granted permission and licence to use the famous red Fraser tartan in the lining for the new Baracuta Jacket. With the agreement in place, the Miller Brother's began manufacturing the Baracuta Jacket in the classic G9 style, as well as other variations.

Over the years the Baracuta G9 built up a reputation. In the 1950's Baracuta G9 Jackets were being exported to the US as 'Sports Coats' for the early Mods looking for that Ivy League look. In 1958 Elvis Presley wore the Baracuta G9 in the flim, 'King Creole' propelling the jacket to the forefront of fashion. Other fifties and sixties icons picked the Baracuta G9 as thier jacket of choice - Frank Sinatra, Arnold Palmer, Gregory Peck, and perhaps most famously, The King of Cool - Steve McQueen, who made the Natural coloured Baracuta G9 an integral part of his 'look'.

The Baracuta G9 is back for Spring/Summer 13 ready for another generation of aesthetes to take it to their hearts.

MUSEUM - ART ON A COATRACK

Last year I had the opportunity the shoot some pieces of the Spring Summer 2013 collection of Museum. The collection of Museum is based on 3 themes, the first is called Antarctica, the second theme is called Fiumi e Foreste (Rivers and Forests) this theme is inspired by American workwear reinterpreted in an urban/functional key. Ground Field is the third theme and the most military of the three, inspired by the Marines. Now you are all able to shop online for these great pieces. Yep it's art on a coatrack.

BELSTAFF NOT JUST FOR BIKERS

A genuine British heritage brand.

Belstaff's history can be dated back to 1924, when it was founded by Harry Grosberg in Stoke-on-Trent. The first company to use the now famous 'Wax Cotton', Belstaff originally produced waterproof, breathable garments for both men and women. The phoenix logo which sits on iconic designs such as the Trialmaster was chosen to symbolise continuity and renewal through both good times and bad. Renowned for its legendary jackets, Belstaff's patrons of the past have included motocross prodigy Sammy Miller, the revolutionary Che Guevara, Amelia Earhart and the ‘king of cool’ Steve McQueen. Belstaff's classic belted wax cotton 4-pocket jacket became an instantly recognizable staple on the racetrack and in the city streets.

STORE LOCATOR: PEUTERY ANTWERP

The Peuterey brand, introduced in 2002, takes inspiration from the name of a crest on Mont Blanc, one of the most fascinating routes on the Alps. The close link with the theme of discovery and travelling explains the very soul of the brand, reviewing a practical and versatile “timeless sportswear” concept with a modern take. 

Last week, I was invited for the grand opening of the second Peutery Flagship store outside Italy.

The store is located at the Komedieplaats, Antwerp between luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren & Paul Smith. On two floors of 60 and 120 sq. m. the brand presents the Peuterey and Aiguille Noire collections. The innovative modular and flexible display is emphasized by bronzed iron hangers, bronzed glass shelves, and round wooden displays. Visible concrete and carpeting add up to these recurring materials, which act as a reference to the philosophy of continuing experimentation, innovation, and research on materials. This store ain't just selling high end jackets but also has a high end interior. 

RIDERS ON A STORM

Have you ever seen such a "kinky" down Jacket?

Meet Ai Storm, Created and designed by Giovanni Chicco. This is a super idea. Ai-Storm is a down-jacket, where a ski mask is literally built into the hood, which, when closed leaves you completely and hermetically separated from the external agents. For skiing in extreme temperatures should be quite functional. And sure you are gonna impress your friends. The look is certainly futuristic, they are available for men and women and the lenses are interchangeable depending on the level of brightness required. Distributed via D-Lux Concept, Antwerp

FJALLRAVEN - WAX IN, WAX OUT

After a Swedish climbing expedition to Greenland in 1966, it became obvious that the selection of outdoor clothing was much to limited. Using an unusually durable fabric that had proven itself too heavy for the lightweight tents of the time, Fjällräven's founder Åke Nordin, made a climbing jacket - the first Fjällräven jacket. After adding a beeswax and paraffin mixture, the fabric turned out to be perfect for functional outdoor clothing. It was named G-1000 (G for Greenland) and the wax was called Greenland wax. I visited the showrooms of Fjällräven in Holland, during some cup's of coffee Thomas Koster told me everything about the history of the brand, the functionality of the products and showed me how G-1000 works on a remake of the first Greenland (called Greenland No 1). The brand placed waxed stations (as seen on the picture) in some major stores, just to explain to the costumer how to play around with the Greenland wax. Different weather conditions means different use of the wax. And of course  they have the Kanken in the showroom as well. Pick your color whether you like funky colors or just a basic color you name it. it's there. Ps. I like the wooden sculpture of the Arctic Fox, it all  comes together, the logo of the brand, outdoor and nature.