Raf Simons x Sterling Ruby Flower Print Parka

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—01. Made in Italy.

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The Raf Simons collection with Sterling Ruby has received a lot of press this season, from retailers, publications and celebrities – and for good reason. It's one of the more exciting projects right now, and while many of the products are a bit loud for my taste, there are a few gems in the offering. This olive green cotton parka features a pared down design with a classic graphic treatment on the back, which is enough to set it apart while still being very wearable.

—Available from Opening Ceremony

Nike Gyakusou Holiday '14 Collection

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—01-04. Men's and women's collections.

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While I always look forward to seeing each new Gyakusou collection, I feel that the Nike Running range has closed the gap in the past couple of seasons. For Holiday '14, however, Jun Takahashi's performance collaboration has evolved to the next level. The Utility Long Tights are the standout item, creating a single bottom layer that functions as two. This sort of growth in product design and experimenting, combined with the increasingly technical fabrics, makes for an especially exciting collection.

—Nike

Kapital Katsuragi Django Pea Coat

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—01. 100% cotton.

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Kapital’s restrained designs are the ones that always catch my eye, ranking alongside some of the best from any Japanese brand. This single breasted pea coat is certainly of that ilk, featuring an overall simplicity, free from any superfluous details. The shorter cut and option to button the lapel at the neck make it a good choice if you're looking for a unique, lightweight cotton version of the always classic naval style.

—Available from Blue Button Shop

Fall-Winter '14 Knitwear

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—01. John Smedley Dales Sweater.
—02. MHL Roll Neck.

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With the temperature dropping in the last couple of weeks, we've entered fully into knitwear season and, as long as it stays dry, it's more than welcome. Our shops are now stocked with classic pieces from Margaret Howell, John Smedley, Beams Plus and Needles, providing a well-rounded offering for the current climate.

—Available from Inventory

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Weekend Listening: Ornette Coleman – Town Hall, 1962

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—01. Recorded on December 21, 1962.

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An oft unappreciated or completely overlooked release in Ornette Coleman’s formidable and rewarding discography, his only album on the always impressive ESP-DISK’ label, and one that comes shortly after a complete overhaul of his classic quartet line-up. While the use of a string ensemble on ‘Dedication to Poets and Writers’ might not make much sense next to the rest of the material and could be skipped altogether, in my honest opinion, the highlight is really ‘The Ark’. Clocking in at just under 24 minutes, this composition stands out as ranking with some of Coleman’s most free and intuitive playing and further shows the incredible talents of his new band members at the time, bassist David Izenson and drummer Charles Moffett. Both of these talents would have a further opportunity to showcase their musical charisma with Coleman on his masterpiece live recordings, At the 'Golden Circle' Stockholm Vol. I and II, and their connection is readily apparent during the rewarding 24 minutes that close this release.

—Available from ESP-DISK’

Spiewak Golden Fleece Melton Deck Jacket

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—01. Navy wool.

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Respected outerwear specialists Spiewak have recently revived their collection with a series classic functional silhouettes. Keeping the original vision of the brand, their Fall-Winter '14 offering features a variety of hardwearing, body-warming pieces, including this simple Melton Deck Jacket.

—Available from WP Store Brooklyn

Scha Chicago Big Fur Felt Hat

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—01. 100% rabbit hair.

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Whenever I find myself looking at hats that may be too daring for me to wear they always seem to be of this shape, featuring a taller crown and medium-sized brim. Ewa Kulasek definitely releases some very simple, luxurious headwear options through her line, Scha, and this one, constructed from 100% rabbit hair, is sure to have an incredibly soft texture. The light camel colour is also a nice alternative to the more common black and grey varieties. 

—Available from Mohawk General Store

AMI Three Button Coat

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—01. Fully lined.
—02. 100% wool.

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A camel topcoat can be both elegant and casual depending on how its worn, and as such has a home in every closet. This quintessential 3-button option from Ami, made from 100% wool, is perfect for pairing with a T-shirt, jeans and sneakers, but would be just as serviceable over a suit, making it a very versatile choice that doesn’t bow to fashion trends.

—Available from Très Bien