A Closer Look: VAGX

I’ve always had a pretty deep bag fetish, probably because I’m weird about always carrying certain things with me; water bottle, notepad/pen, disposable camera, pump/tools, hand sanitizer, etc. The market for technical packs is pretty over-saturated, so it takes a fine balance of functionality, originality, and style to make a line stand out from the rest. Korea’s VAGX looks fairly similar to Japan’s SAG in a lot of ways, but hasn’t quite hit the North American market with the same presence, giving it the luxury of exclusivity. I really like the 2010 collection they’ve recently released, with a wide range of backpack and messenger styles, compliment by accessories such as key clips and a mag light. Basic colourways, minimal branding, and what looks to be  solid functionality definitely make VAGX worth a look if you’re in the market to upgrade your bag rotation. Hit the jump for more images.

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A Closer Look: Trench Coats Fall/Winter 2009

With the launch of ‘Art Of The Trench‘ by Burberry in collaboration with The Sartorialist, trench coats have been brought back in to the internet style blogger forefront. The above pic is one of a series that the Sart is shooting for Burberry, and the accompanying site is curated impeccably. I’ve always thought of rocking a trench, but I just don’t want to come off like Jack the Ripper or Inspector Gadget. However, this campaign is looking so on point; I think to rock the 3/4 trench properly (at my age) you have to bring the brit-punk attitude, like the young gent steezing so hard above. Combat boots, skinny beat-up denim, a big wool scarf, and a subtle, worn-in shoulder bag are the key accompanying pieces. I’d probably end up going for the classic black Burberry joint with the grey/white/black plaid liner, but there’s offerings by Aquascutum, Dior, John Richmond, Mackintosh, and 3.1 Philip Lim that are killer too. Hit the jump to see these pieces, and a few more choice shots from the Sart.

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A Closer Look: Bedwin F/W 2009

Japanese label Bedwin crossed my radar a few months ago and it slipped my mind, so this time around I wanted to take a closer look. The collection is featured with the pieces put together in full looks from the line, and I really like the styling of these shots with good outerwear, shirting, knits, different pant styles and accessories. The collection shows great Japanese styling from head to toe (minus the Ugg style boots, which I didn’t include) making it a line to check for…

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A Closer Look: Steven Alan F/W 2009

With Fall collections starting to arrive at your favorite local boutiques and online, we are starting to see more detailed shots from the collections. We featured the Steven Alan F/W collection previously, with it still being one of my favorites for the season to date, so it was nice to see some of the specific pieces in detail. I really like the plaids and knits as usual from Alan but it is the outerwear pieces that are stand out, the waxed utility jackets and the olive green trench style jacket as well, once again showing that Steven Alan is a thoroughly wearable line. More looks after the jump…

Images via: Selectim and SlamxHype

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A Closer Look: Josh Keyes

Josh Keyes is an amazing artist that has really been catching my attention as of late. His works are done in a realist manner, incorporating the natural with the man made, conveying animals and other subject matters in an unnatural setting. His paintings and drawings look as though they are a dissected fragment of a futuristic, post-apocalyptic wold. Josh was born in Tacoma, Washington, and graduated from the school of the art institute of Chicago, later getting his MFA from Yale University. I love the subject matter, from grizzly bears riding on the backs of Orca wales, to surveillance cameras attached to totem pole, as well as his incorporation of graffiti into his works. More of my favorites after the jump…