StudioSmall presents Daily Observations by Mark Sanders

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Protein Studios
31 New Inn Yard
London EC2A 3EY
July 3 – 6, 2015

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As part of StudioSmall's ongoing tenth anniversary celebrations, the London-based design agency presents an exhibition of unpublished personal work from the visual diaries of photographer Mark Sanders. The show features 45 framed prints alongside the various Moleskines from which the images were chosen. Following an opening reception on Thursday evening, Daily Observations will be on display for four days: Friday, July 3rd to Monday, July 6th, 10am to 6pm.

—Mark Sanders
—StudioSmall
—Diary entries via Darling Creative

The Clarks Desert Boot: Made in England

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Film by Will Robson-Scott
Edit by Luca Campanale

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Inspired by a crepe-soled silhouette made in the bazaars of Cairo, the Clarks Desert Boot is one of the most iconic footwear styles of the 20th century. Designed by Nathan Clark in 1949 and unveiled later that year at the Chicago Shoe Fair, it was put into production soon after and went on sale in 1950. Widespread success followed and it remains relevant and immensely popular today, with more than ten million pairs sold.

To celebrate the Desert Boot’s 65th anniversary, Clarks is set to release a definitive, Northampton-made version, constructed on hand-carved wooden lasts from the original Charles F. Stead suede. Available from tomorrow, the limited edition model was the starting point for this behind the scenes film, which focuses on the shoe’s manufacture as well as its rich history and continued appeal.

—Clarks Originals

Comme des Garçons Homme Plus Spring-Summer '16

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—01. SS16 presentation.

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Of the three collections presented in Paris last week by Comme des Garçons, Homme Plus was a definite standout. From the intimate setting within an old, derelict apartment to the wonderful music, interesting pace, and subtle interaction of the models, it evoked a certain intrigue, drawing you into the clothing further. With a theme of "broken tailoring," Rei Kawakubo aimed to break down classic shapes and functionality, and through superior finishing and subtle detail, was able to create something that felt quite fresh.

—Runway images via Style.com

Waltzing Matilda Sandals

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—01. Greek sandal with Birkenstock sole.

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Vancouver’s coastal climate, a heavy ’60s influence, and the impression Inherent Vice left on me, have all contributed to my appreciation for certain styles of leather sandals. I know that it’s impossible to get out of earshot of people crying foul on this stylistic choice, but Waltzing Matilda sandals have a primitive quality synonymous with beach culture that I find particularly appealing. Made from Horween leather and hand tacked in Maine, they're sure to look great for many years.

—Available from Waltzing Matilda

Weekend Listening: Treader Records

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—01. A selection of releases.

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Treader is a small but perfectly formed record label, run by Ashley Wales and John Coxon (of Spring Heel Jack fame). The consistent and beautiful artwork should be enough to warrant your attention, and at least have you considering a reasonably priced purchase or two. However, if you feel you need further convincing, I'd recommend listening to J Spaceman's two releases on the label: his first solo record under his own name Guitar Loops, and a collaboration with Matthew Shipp, entitled SpaceShipp. Both were the reason I discovered Treader in the first place, and I'm certainly grateful that I did.

—Treader
—Guitar Loops via YouTube
—SpaceShipp via YouTube

The Real McCoy's Chino Cloth Cowboy Shirt

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—01. Pearl snap buttons.

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Though they come and go in my rotation, I’ll always have a place for a snap front western shirt in my closet. Surprisingly I don’t own a short-sleeved version, but this option by The Real McCoy’s is likely to be one of the best around. The brand's designs are tough to beat and this is no exception, offering a confluence of appealing details such as simple styling, durable materials and an easy to wear colour, most suitably worn with jeans or dark pants.

—Available from Blue in Green

Arcana: Books on the Arts

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8675 Washington Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232
+1 310 458 1499

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Arcana: Books on the Arts is a great store located on Washington Boulevard in Culver City, California. Since 1984 they have offered a wide range of new, rare and out of print books on 20th and 21st century photography, art, architecture, cinema, design, and fashion. I have never left the store empty-handed. During one visit I was chatting with an employee about a long out of print magazine that I was looking for. He told me to hold on while he ran across the street to their storage facility (they have over 100,000 items on hand) and returned with a pristine copy that I quickly added to my purchase pile. They recently launched a beautiful new website designed by Art Design Office. The site has a modern feel, which compliments the psychical location well. Now you can shop 24 hours a day without having to be in the Los Angeles area.

—Arcana: Books on the Arts

Raf Simons Spring-Summer '16

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—01. Photograph by Alfredo Piola.

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Set inside a massive, mostly empty warehouse, Raf Simons debuted his Spring-Summer '16 collection in Paris this week. The heavy music provided plenty of energy, while the contrasting silhouettes and proportions gave life to a fairly muted colour palette. Wide trousers, tiny knits, slim pants and oversized coats, often embellished with grommets, retained most of the attention as a couple of hooded models took an unplanned detour along the way.

—Runway images via Style.com
—Behind the scenes via T Magazine