The army of Rick Owens

Highlanders, blacksmiths, priests and druids, workmen, Norse gods, vagabonds and rebels, savants, pilots and hunters, shaved sasquatches, decommissioned soldiers, cavemen, alien aborigines: I'm sure you can come up with even more characters to fit Rick Owens' Fall 2009 collection.



But no matter how morbid his show may have been, who can resist his leather and beautifully layered jackets?



Shorts or chopped pants over leggings have been seen on many runways this season, but this layering of different materials over pants may just about top all of it.



The detailing of this distressed leather vest demands close attention. Just look at how the strategic stitches and creases create geometric sections. This piece can easily go with a biker in unwashed jeans (though he would be less entertaining or thought-provoking).



When there are no knee-high leather or fur boots, there are these chopped pants. Interesting combination with the hugely-cuffed coat and sheer (one-shoulder?) shirt.

This skinhead and wavy hair combination brings to mind Loki, the Norse god of mischief.



I wonder what the shirt (blouse?) underneath looks like. Is it attached to breeches?



Though this outfit may remind you of a seal, the combination of four (5? 6?) different fabrics actually tones down the use of fur.



What an interesting jacket, with the collar and the diagonal zipper. Now I'm wondering how one should close it.



Again the layering and the cropped pants. There is also something intriguing with the cut of the suit, which looks narrow and almost feminine.



The boots and the belt.



Those two plus the coat (short trench?).



This jacket looks very simple and practical for the season: sufficient license for the headgear.



Fur and animal skin never looked as edgy. This is my personal favorite piece.



I never expected to like Rick Owens, but even if his show and models looked unfriendly and his clothes seemed targetted only to a narrow audience, I am sure some of his pieces can make a killing.

Kenton Sorenson's laptop portfolio + dopp kit

Truth be told, a leather portfolio for your laptop does not offer that much protection, or even functionality. Once you drop it, you risk not just losing your files but also getting out of touch from much of your wired life.

But just try touching the grain of naturally finished leather — like what Kenton Sorenson uses for its 15-inch laptop portfolio — and your hands will not suffer to part, much less slip from such an "impractical", albeit wonderfully sensual, everyday article.


Kenton Sorenson Natural Leather goods continue to impress. The latest Kenton creation is his most impressive yet. Form meets function in this 15" Natural Leather Laptop Sleeve and Portfolio. Kenton's signature strap closure allows the portfolio to expand to comfortably to fit a laptop, magazine, and paperwork. Kenton's hand conditioned vegetable tanned natural leather will become golden brown with consistent use and will last a lifetime. Attractive and extremely versatile.

Hand Made in Wisconsin
5oz Vegetable Tanned Leather
Length 15.5", height 12", and 1.25" deep




The thick stitches are also a sight to behold. The ruggedness left by the touch of an artisan lasts long after the skin's natural oils have stiffened.

Open the flap, touch the underside of the leather like how you rub the soft down of a puppy's belly.




So what if you are not convinced that this portfolio can replace your tote or your messenger. Even if you place it inside another, larger bag, the portfolio remains a personal pleasure.




And how about this dopp kit, which looks like a slab of butter? Not just in color, but also the softness it promises.

Again, with no compartments, one questions the practicality (not to mention untidiness) of it, but have you tried keeping your stuff together by a string of suede instead of buttons or noisy velcro?


The Kenton Sorenson dopp kit is the perfect holiday gift. This dopp kit is hand made in Wisconsin using natural leather that will develop an amazing deep golden brown color with regular use. The kit has a simple leather wrap around tie closure that can also be used to keep the kit open while in use.

Made in the USA
100% Leather, Limited production
8 3/4 " long, 4" wide, 4" high

Brooks England cycle bags

I don't think I know how to ride a bike. Yeah, you heard me right. Go ahead and laugh. Last time I tried it, I crashed on a parked car with two lovers smooching.

But no bother, city pedestrians like me (did I say inept?) can still savor the other pleasures of cycling.




Known for its beautifully handcrafted bike saddles, Brooks England also produces equally breathtaking cycle and motorcycle bags, my favorite of which is the Soho leather shoulder bag.




It is delightfully slim, and I love the combination of leather and fabric: urban and urbane.




If the Soho is too small for your needs, the Barbican leather shoulder bag might just be our thing.




Just as adjustable, it also possesses a leather shoulder support. I couldn't decide though what I like more: the rivets or the thin black strap securing the flaps.




Even bigger is the Hampstead holdall, which simply looks like a harnessed paper bag.




Neat, huh?




Here it looks just like something you'd place your new bag in after its purchase. Again, it is ideas that make the world spin.

Sunday at the market, village boutiques, and thrift stores

New haircut! (Somebody already said I look fatter…) It was a busy day yesterday, ended with me finishing my next post for Benetton. Yes, without actually cramming!


Henley, cK Calvin Klein; jeans, Trussardi Jeans; belt (just seen), Brave Beltworks; Young Camel bag, chukkas, and pendant necklace: all thirsted; tiger's eye necklace, Divisoria; vintage watch, Omega Seamaster




So right before lunch, I headed to Legaspi Market, right at the center of Makati, not to mention the noontime heat.




Think I've passed this stall hundreds of times, and each time I felt drawn to these slippers/sandals. I like their stappiness, but something stops me from jumping at a pair. Maybe it's the coiling pattern on the toes? Looks awfully comfy though.




Then I headed over to Theodore's, which relocated from Fort Bonifacio's High Street to Palanca Street, just a short stroll from Legaspi Market. Looks a little foreboding from the outside, but at least now it can say it's a hole-in-wall store.




Looky-looky. Vintage US coins made into rings. I want these in different sizes for all five fingers.




Some old, lonely belts with serpentine buckles and studs and rhinestones on the leather. (And a pirate!) Too bad, my size has long sold out.




The track mark pattern on their windows is a smart and cheap way to make the display interesting. The theme continues inside, even to the dressing rooms.




Then off to the Trilogy Boutique and Canteen, another neighborhood shop.

To digress a little, just wanted to share that for a long time I have also been dreaming of something like this: a combination of fashion, food, but much more literature, design, art, and of course, well-curated music. Just don't know where, or when. Promise me that when I come to it, you'd pay a visit...




The colorful Canteen menu.




Trilogy now stocks Tom's for your summer espadrille needs, and some nice semi-sheer shirts (displayed behind). As for me, I'm sticking to my authentic espadrilles. Ordered two more pairs since my first one is falling apart.




My last stop was to Cubao and its handful of thrift stores, where I found nothing but shoes. This first pair is actually emerald green. Just look at that leather! I have no way of knowing whether it was croc or just faux croc. it just felt so good on the feet. Only information left on the pair is the "handmade" mark on the soles.




Crazy webbed feet! The lower part appears heavy duty. For snow? Coal mines or tar pits? I love the laces and the combination of suede and the plastic Donald Duck beaks.




Yes, more tassels, but what's unique about this pair is the rubber sole and the super comfortable Rockport engineering. I could walk with these for hours, like rubber shoes, while still appearing preppy casual.




This is also a comfortable pair, with very soft leather. The tag on these boat shoes says the brand is Filler, made in Italy.




While I was ready to go home with my shoe purchase (just one pair, guess which), I saw these patent brogues. As expected, the leather was pliant and very soft. They're Miu Mius. A tad large for me, they still called out. Thing is, I don't know if I like the idea of wearing square toes. They just seem anachronistic. You think they'll ever come back? Can you guess which season?

Leather and hardware by Palmer & Sons

At Palmer & Sons we make all of our designs by our very own hands in Vancouver, Canada. My son Jack and myself design, prototype, and produce each design one at a time by hand from start to finish. Using traditional methods, heritage materials and vintage tools to bring you designs that are timeless and peaceful in their principles. We hope you enjoy our limited issue designs, we feel they speak to a slow, calm, and more enjoyable mode of life.




The slow, painstaking attention to detail. Work done by hand, by artisans who understand materials, design, construction, and the environment. The enjoyment of the resulting products cannot be called anything less than pleasure. And the lookbook for the leather bags of Palmer & Sons is set in the beach and by the roadside, where life waits patient yet expectant.




This suitcase (Leather Suitcase No 03 XXS) — with its leather fastenings, brass rivets, metalware, and cocobolo and walnut handle — looks suited for adventure. As if some buried treasure was meant to be placed inside it, after travelling thousands of miles and facing strange people, unpredictable terrain, and merciless weather.




First I was worried by the bulk of it and the hard material that must give it its shape, but as it happens, it is only semi-rigid and uses no wood. The best thing about it? It is custom-built so no two bags are identical.




Part of the customization is a choice of interior fabrics: from plain green wool and beige suede to woven silks by Etro and Mulberry and Chinese variations that come with brocade.




The standard interior.




From an XXS version of the suitcase in London Tan, we go to its Small version (Leather Suitcase No 03 S) in chestnut (in this image at least).




With the increased size comes variations in the way the leather flaps are cut.




A different wood combination (padauk and walnut) is also used for the handle, which is now double-layered.




Then finally the Medium version (Leather Suitcase No 03 M).




It looks big enough to hold a small instrument. And the shoulder straps are as wide as barbers' sharpening strops.




It's easy to imagine this bag floating to a beach from a shipwreck — the leather still retaining its sheen in some parts, but beautifully aged and weathered.



You can bring it anywhere.




Take not just artisan's implements, but also books and documents.




Now this messenger (Leather Bag No 01 M) is the urban soldier's companion.




It is as handy as a satchel.




With rivets playfully outlining the edges.




Don't you just love the hand-carved cocobolo wood toggle? It gives the bag a character beyond bags.




I can imagine myself waiting for someone or drinking at a cafe while absent-mindedly stroking the grain of the leather and feeling the cold rivets.




For diehards there is the Leather Gladstone No 10 L.




No matter what you do, this reminds you of trains and long travel. The view of carriages, the countryside, and smoke absorbing idle chatter that drifts and dissolves with the passing of time.




The top rails are made of cocobolo and ebony. This model uses Havana brown leather.




Ah, the vagaries of travel. The detours of waiting.




A shoulder purse (Leather Bag No 09 S) for women.




The zebra wood toggle. Don't the possibilities amaze you?




Made of chestnut bridle leather.




I think a big flappy cluth with rivets would be a nice addition to the collection.




Since we look at our mobiles for the time anyway, why not completely do away with watch faces and replace them with shackles?




This cuff (Leather Cuff No 12a) is a study in masculinity.




It is assertive, yet not brutal.




The screw even looks like a watch dial.




Items like this cuff and the previous bags are license to return to the attentive slowness of life.

Time enough to enjoy beauty, to wait, and to walk — to wander; to travel.