White Mountaineering, Tokyo

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—01. 2nd floor shop in Daikanyama.

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One of the most interesting visits we made last fall was to the White Mountaineering shop in Tokyo. We had seen a lot of the brand online and never in person, so it's always exciting meeting something in the flesh for the first time. The shop was definitely striking, from the stairway to the window to the wall. Painting things white is nothing too revolutionary, but these photos of the shop felt pretty beautiful.

In our spring issue, Owen Parrott describes the trip and afternoon we spent with White Mountaineering.

—White Mountaineering

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J.Press Gingham Pocket Squares

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—01. Red.
—02. Navy.
—03. Olive.

Words

You can always count on J.Press for seasonal basics done well. These gingham pocket squares are simple, colourful and can add just the right touch to an outfit. Stuff it in your back pocket or in your blazer, but try to avoid having it look like a bouquet of gingham growing out of your pocket.

—J.Press

Head Porter Plus Cuba Shirt

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—01. Nice classic open collar.
—02. Back collar.
—03. Nice pocket detials.

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Words

The summer weather has hit already in a few cities and it's definitely been warming up in Vancouver lately. While I've still yet to wear a short sleeve shirt, they are more on my mind these days. One of the options I haven't often considered is this sort of South American style. Head Porter Plus have done a nice version in red plaid which has just enough of the reference to keep it wearable and clean for the summer.

—Haven

The Hideout + Norse Projects + Barbarian

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—01. Red short sleeve.
—02. Navy long sleeve.

Words

Barbarian is another company that has its roots in North American history, specifically Canadian history, yet has thrived in Japan in recent years. As a tougher alternative to a Breton top, the rugby shirts offer a shirt/jacket/sweater option that can be quite diverse and look great. We haven't seen the brand reach out beyond the East, except for on rugby pitches, but Norse Projects and The Hideout have done a great job putting together a couple of spring shirts. The colours, white collars and long and short sleeve options are nicely done.

—Norse Projects / The Hideout

Levi's Vintage Clothing 50s Pocket Tee

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—01. White 50s tee.
—02. Great labels.
—03. Washed out green.

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The pocket tee is one of the most simple and iconic items when it comes to summer. Paired up with denim or chinos, it's hard to go wrong. Yet so many people go wrong making pocket tees. Levi's continue to make a few things well, besides the LVC denim, the tees are probably their next strong point.

—Available at Nitty Gritty

MHL Pleat Pocket Jacket

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—01. Navy Twill.
—02. Grey Twill.

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This spring one of the nicest MHL pieces is the Pleat Pocket Jacket. It's available in both a navy and a dark grey. The cotton jacket is garment dyed and has two patch pockets and one flap chest pocket. The fit is a classic Margaret Howell casual silhouette which makes the jacket quite versatile. The twill cotton is fairly structured and it's also lined with a lightweight cotton which gives the jacket a heavier feel than you might expect for spring. This is really an all season piece that will look great after being broken in for a few months.

—Available at Inventory Stockroom

Dana Lee FW10

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—01. James Wilson.
—02. Jimi Seitang.

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The self titled collection from Dana Lee continues to tease us with great photographs from the fall/winter look book. Again, shot by Jody Rogac, the atomsphere of the brand and the garments feels very natural, easily worn and comfortable. One of the feelings that does not come through is how difficult it is to find. The knitwear from the previous fall is yet to be seen despite everyone I know wanting it, however the spring collection is now available at Opening Ceremony. I am anxious to see more of the pieces but the fall look book again has captured my interest and looks beautiful.

—Dana Lee

Beams Plus White Bucks

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—01. Beams Plus White Bucks.
—02. Made in Northampton, UK.
—03. Red Dainite sole.

Words

While the white buck has seen a bit of a resurgence in the press over the last couple seasons, they are still actually a little difficult to track down this summer. I recently was trying to track down a short list of stockists for the classic model, but found only a couple shops stocking white bucks. Beams Plus are now the latest to team up with one of the factories in Northampton to create their own private line. The factory has mastered the art of Goodyear welted shoes and continue to provide the most flexible production and design schedule. Beams Plus slight twist on the spring essentials make them a little bit more casual with the red Dainite sole.

—Beams