A Few (minor) Site Updates

We've updated a few small things on the site. Added a "Looks" page where you can see us (yes us, we didnt have our models readily available) rocking some of the tees they way we would when we go out. We still have to put the LookBook shots out which we'll do as soon as the shoot is finished. Those will be much of much better quality, and have much more beautiful people (if such people exist lol) along with that creativity Kirin is known for. Some of the tees on the looks page are actually out of print,and some are of the "super limited" variety but you may still be able to get them in your size by signing up for the mailing list or following us on Twitter. So stay tuned, we've got soo much dope stuff coming out you'll need to hit rehab from the addiction son!!!!

(cue the drums ba-dum-dum-tsssh!) lol

-S.DeBose

Kanye's Pastelle Canceled Indefinately

The past two days have brought both alot of hope and alot of sorrow to fans of Kanye West (or at least fans of his much hyped upcoming clothing line Pastelle). The interwebs (/nerdspeak) have been buzzing over the recent news out Monday that photos from his lookbook (pictured above) have leaked online, and the subsequent news on Tues that the line has been canceled. One of our Favorite streetwear blogs, HighSnobiety had the scoop on Tues and reported that they recieved official word that the line "will not be coming out.Ever..".

This is a little shocking to hear especially the day after photos where leaked, and after a long year of Kanye seemingly becoming all consumed in his new craft, even postpoing his entire schedule for 5 months! Including his now defunct tour with Lady Gaga. Word is he only produced 4 pieces the entire time, so my guess is that being the perfectionist we all know Kanye to be, he likely got so pised about the leak that he decided to scrap the entire line and just refocus his energy on something new. He is apparently going to come up with a new, self titled line though. So what do you guys think, Pastelle was more collegaite inspired, and perhaps the "K.West Collection" will be a little more urban chic, ala' Ecko/Cut'n'Sew ?

-S.DeBose

Yohji Going Broke?

* image is trademarked (TM) & copyrighted (c) by its respective owner(s)

Now that titles a little misleading-I'm sure personally he'll never go broke,lol. But his self titled company, the powerful & respected Fashion House-Yohji Yamamoto Inc.; has filed for Bankruptcy in Japanese courts. The worldwide economic downturn has drastically affected the Fashion industry, and Japan is no exception. The Japanese are well known for their affinity of luxury brands-Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Versace, but it seems even these global giants are no match for simply being broker than you have been in years past.

The designer whose Adidas collaborative Y-3 brand is well known to Streetwear aficionados has sad that his company's debts outweigh their assets ($67 million USD); but through Japan's Corporate rehab law he will continue to work and operate the company both in Japan and overseas. It's crazy when you see these corporate giants that you would never imagine going broke filing Chapter 11 (or the French/German/Can-American equivalent). Kinda brings you into the real world, eh? It's like even the "Good Life" has to face real life sooner or later. Sad, i know :(

-S.DeBose via cnbc

American Fashion Menswear

The CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) has come out with a new book titled "American Fashion Menswear" which chronicles the history of American (men's) Fashion since it was first settled. Its supposed to be the most complete and authoritative book on the subject to date.

The book covers the various cultural identities and styles that encompass and represent the varied generations of American men. Filled with renderings, sketches, magazine ads, and photographs, it has many recognisable faces including Ralph Lauren, Aaron Eckhart, JFK, and Brando. It goes for around $31.50 on Amazon.

-S.DeBose via Luxist.com

Grooming

So I found this really great hand lotion that is thick enough to last through a couple hand washes, but also thin enough to not really feel greasy. It's Dr.Teal's Therapeutic Bath & Body Line-Chapped Hands Creme in Eucalyptus & Spearmint flavor ( i know, longest name in the world).
Every modern man needs to make sure he stays classy not ashy, & this is an affordable solution that will work great as a daily moisturizer.
The best part is, EVERY SINGLE TIME i put this on around the office, practically every female i encounter asks what cologne I'm wearing. NO joke. I've even had a couple tell me they could smell me after I've passed down the hall. Not in the "7th grader just discovering cologne so i spray on half the bottle" sort of way, but in the "just enough to leave a great impression" sort of way. And with the price below $6 when i picked it up at HEB Grocery, this is Steven's must have product for the month.
-Steven
(the sites grossly under-updated, so just check your local grocer, Walgreen's, or Beauty Supply Store)

Secret Sales

We got a WHOOOLE lotta dope stuff coming out of the pipes for ya'll REAL SOON! Actually have an order coming in Friday, and have been "refinishing" the upcoming designs as well.


PLUS we have started a new program where we will clear out inventory that we likely wont place in the regular line by having "secret sales" on our expeimental and first print tees. These tees will be ones that we have had laying around, overstock, or ones that have random mashups containing elements from multiple tees within current or old lines.


Since these tees will not go in the regular lines, they will be "super" limited by nature because we only had a few laying around/left over to begin with. We will announce them for sale on Twitter (@KirinClothingCo) and on the blog here, and they will be a pretty good (read: cheap) price so be sure to check back often!
-Steven

The Sartorialist

...Where the fly get inspiration.


So if you read GQ Magazine, then you've probably seen Scott Schuman's work. He's been covering (street) fashion photography for 5 years on his blog, thesartorialist.com; as well as for GQ. With 15 years of experienve in the fashion industry, he closed the doors to his showroom and decided to grab his camera & shoot everyday people on the streets of New York that he noticed had a flare for indivualised fashion.

Schuman shoots from a designer's perspective; looking for colors, pattern mixing, proportions, and genre variations. He doesnt judge the entire outfit as good or bad, but rather at its potential for inspiration. In the 5 years he's been posting to his blog, he has parlayed that into a monthly column for GQ, recurring spots on style.com, and even a guest speaker on international fashion industry panels.

I personally know that whenever i see his photos in GQ, i always do double takes. Its as if im seeing the people on the street firsthand. Everyday folks that dont really look like celebritites at all, but simply stand out because they look incredibly well put together. You;ll be surprised how inspiring it is. Even from a non-fashion perspective they are just intriguing to look at.
And i cant spend too much time on the website because it makes me want to dig through my closet and start mixing wild new outfits from the old stale crap sitting around, haha which wouldnt be a bad thing if i had some new ish up in there, but I DONT. So then i go out shopping which leads to trouble, ya feel me? LOL anyway, Scott just finished a book that is being released this month compiled of his favorite pictures from the site archives titled (surprise!!):" The Sartorialist". Its definately going on my list of (usually) random books to pic up next time I'm at B&N. On a related note, im also getting the itch to head back to NY, lol
-Steven

edit: I was unsure about the legalities of posting his picks directly on here, but the post feels so naked without something, so i took a couple screen shots. You may recognize the guy in the first pic. The story behind it is completely random too! lol small world..