Kim Jones of Louis Vuitton: Interview

I am still unable to fathom the meteoric rise of Kim Jones, but I'm beginning to work out that this is probably more down to a question of taste than anything else.

Because I have yet to find anything he has designed or been connected with that has engendered me with any kind of enthusiasm. His signature line for Umbro was truly awful, although it was always going to be difficult polishing a turd so he can be forgiven for that and at least it got his name known on a few council estates.

Then there was Dunhill. That label with so much promise, such heritage, an infinite number of motoring-inspired possibilities, of which Mr Jones utilised precisely none, while managing to give a stiff English brand a good helping of starch when all it has ever needed is a bit of loosening up.

Now he is at Louis Vuitton. This is to me a match made in heaven seeing as LV is a brand favoured by perma-tanned middle-aged owners of luxury yachts who wouldn't know style if it headbutted them on the bridge of the nose.

I write this without watching the interview, after which I might totally 'get' Kim Jones. I doubt it, but I reserve the right to change my mind.

Via Slamxhype

Rapha Knock for Knock: rolling with the punches

You wouldn't usually associate cycling with boxing. As far as sports go, they're pretty much at opposite ends of the spectrum. Knock for Knock brings these two worlds together in a short film by visual artist  Antony Crook.

Obvuiously this would only involve Rapha, in conjunction with RSA Films and it chronicles one man's journey to self discovery. It is shot in Tokyo, and features a script from long-distance cyclist James Bowthorpe and a soundtrack from Mogwai.

Knock for Knock will premier at the KK Outlet gallery London’s Hoxton Square on April 5th, before going online at Rapha.cc the following week.

Lego x The Avengers: Super

Now I'm not sure what excites me the most - the new  The Avengers film starring pretty much all the Marvel superheroes in one film, or the LEGO series which accompanies it.

You've got mini Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, Black Widow, Captain America, Nick Fury, and Hawkeye in the new MARVEL SUPER HEROES Collection from LEGO.

The Avengers is out on May 4th.

Rapha Van Diemen's Land video: winding

Rapha have again made me want to find a mountain to ride up which can be difficult in Essex, which isn't exactly known for its undulations. Unlike Tasmania, Australia.

This is where convicts from Britain were sent in 1803 when it was known as Van Diemen's Land, then it was known as the birthplace of that Warner Brothers cartoon character. Now it is lived on, and people ride up the hills. Where better to show off Rapha's latest collection?

Girls Friday: Victoria's Secret Very Sexy. Indeed

Safari jackets: bushwacking

Someone said recently that safari jackets were a must-have this season, so if you're going to get one you might as well get one that isn't strictly a safari jacket, such as this 1942 paratrooper jump jacket from Buzz  Rickson's, above, or the Woolrich Woollen Mills Upland Jacket in Burberry cloth, or Nigel Cabourn's canvas offering below (at Yoox)  bottom.

W-Line x Stussy BMX: rolling back the years

One look at this W-Line collab BMX with Stussy and you might well think that it's been sitting in someone's attic for the past 20 years, such is its adherance to the 'old skool' aesthetic of the first BMXs.

Just to add to that Eighties authenticity, this comes with a bar pad, and parts by the pioneers of BMX racing, such as a Kashimax saddle, NITTO handlebars and seatpost and a Dia Compe brakes.

I want my Streetbeat back.