The 16 Best New Menswear Items to Buy This Week | GQ
The fuzziest sweaters, freakiest pants, buzziest accessories, and more—handpicked by GQ editors.
Faiz T.S. & Co. Handknit Cowichan Bomber Sweater
A time-tested Canadian classic meets an All-American icon. —Yang-Yi Goh
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE.
The Cowichan Sweater Is Canada's Warmest Style Export | GQ
Cowichan sweaters were originally knit by the Cowichans, a Coast Salish indigenous tribe that’s been living on Vancouver Island, in present-day Canada, for thousands of years. For those unfamiliar with Vancouver Island, it gets cold in the winter. Like, really cold. So to help mitigate the harsh weather, the Cowichans used fabrics like mountain goat wool to knit blankets, leggings, and sweaters. Then, in the mid-1800s, Europeans arrived in Canada, bringing both sheep and regional knitting techniques—including Fair Isle—along with them.
Faiz T.S. & Co. Handknit Cowichan Fisherman Cable Sweater - VIEW HERE.
The Biggest Men's Fashion Trends 2025 Has In Store, According to GQ Staffers | GQ
In the GQ offices, celebrating the new year involves more than just champagne and resolutions: it means a fresh slate of men’s fashion trends to kick off 2025 on an impeccably-shod foot. Around this time every year, we thank our sweats and shorts for their service, set them aside in favor of fuzzy sweaters and raw jeans, and barrel toward new sartorial horizons at full speed. Which begs the question: What do we see coming around the bend in 2025?
For well over a century, Indigineous craftspeople hailing from the Cowichan territory of Vancouver Island have been knitting their namesake sweaters: brawny shawl-collar cardigans built to battle the British Columbian chill. You can still cop the genuine article from traditional knitters like Kanata, though these days there are plenty of updated interpretations to choose from—like Faiz T.S.'s bomber jacket hybrid or Haven's blacked-out banger. —Yang-Yi Goh
READ MORE HERE.
s.k. manor hill SS25 Ventures Into the Italian Riviera | Hypebeast
s.k. manor hill is back to reveal its new Spring/Summer 2025 season. But this time around, the New York-based brand spreads its global approach by venturing into the Italian Riviera for its “FROM PORTOFINO TO SAN FRUTTUOSO” collection.
s.k. manor hill founder Dominic Sondag is not afraid to stay in one place. The designer received a degree in graphic design in his hometown of San Francisco before later studying fashion design in Florence Italy. Even though Sondag officially started his design career in Europe, it grew in New York City through work with other brands before starting his own label. So given Sondag’s worldly experience, it makes sense that it would extend to the collections of his label.
For the latest season, the designer dips back into his time in Italy, venturing into the Italian Riviera and its seaside forested mountains. With SS25, Sondag not only channels the natural beauty of the region, but the serenity that envelopes it. Easygoing, the collection continues the brand’s signature oversized silhouette across knitwear, billowing button-down shirts, tanks, relaxed pants and shorts. Like the region, the collection appears in soft, natural hues of beige, eggshell, sky blue, lavender, sage green, cerulean blue and more. The new collection offers a simple exhibition of updating signature pieces alongside the introduction of new textures.
READ MORE HERE.
The Best Huarache Sandals for Men Are a Year-Round Woven Flex | GQ
If you're looking for a pair of huarache sandals, you're either planning a trip somewhere balmy or are already living there. Whether or not you've got vacation in mind, you can't talk about the best sandals for men without talking about the huarache sandal.
The huarache's appeal is simple: the brawny woven slip-on combines the breathability of a sandal with the polished look of a loafer, minus the feet sweat. In their most traditional form, their leather uppers are woven by hand and threaded or nailed into an outer sole hardy enough to withstand extensive mileage on rugged terrain. Which helps explain why they remain a staple in the regions of Mexico they originated in—and why so many misty-eyed travelers passing through the country return home with a pair.
These days, the best huarache sandals for men span the gamut, from traditional options crafted in Mexico to modern riffs that take the woven look to a new level. None of the cohort below demand booking a ticket South—but if you’ve got the time (and miles) to burn, it's hard to beat buying a pair directly from the source
Best Huarache Sandal for Comfort: Malibu Sandals Colony Mule
If you’re planning to put in some miles, it might be best to swap out the hard-bottomed soles for a cushier alternative. Malibu’s Colony Mules feature an ergonomic footbed layered on top of a cork-infused EVA midsole to cradle your feet mid-stride and prevent the types of aches and pains that can cut your scenic walk short. The woven upper is made from a recycled polyester-blend further locks in your foot without cutting off circulation—a feel-good feature that actually, well, feels good on. While these mules stray away from the traditional huarache silhouette they keep the same energy, allowing you to flex in the utmost comfort all day, everyday.
VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE.
s.k. manor hill FW24 Revels in the Power of Fused Styles | Hypebeast
In fashion, one of its largest components is versatility. So when a brand manages to create its own identity while remaining irrefutably versatile, it’s on the right path. Even though Dominic Sondag’s New York-based label, s.k. manor hill, is still under 10 years ago, the brand is moving beyond adolescence with an understanding of fused design notes that remain tastefully easy, yet chic. Now the brand has revealed its new Fall/Winter 2024 collection which demonstrates just how strong the brand is becoming.
With the new collection, s.k. manor hill builds on its effortlessly cool personality trait that was certainly evident in last season’s offering. Once again, the brand’s relaxed and slightly oversized aesthetic comes into play. But what keeps the silhouettes fresh is the collection’s fusion of workwear, sportswear and formal wear style notes.
Say it’s an easy weekday. A pair of oversized olive-hued pants with a blooming navy-colored workwear jacket and a fuzzy quarter-zip may fit the moment. A chill Saturday morning running errands? An ultra-baggy gray sweatsuit with a nylon bomber and black penny loafers is here. What about a weekday dinner with friends? A tailored peanut-colored or black double-breasted suit is up for the challenge.
Regardless of the occasion, the latest collection’s strength rests in the fact that its versatility is also refined, yet comfortable. Take a look at s.k. manor hill’s FW24 collection in the gallery above.
READ FULL ARTICLE @
https://hypebeast.com/2024/1/s-k-manor-hill-fw24-collection-lookbook
Best Style Releases This Week | Complex Style
Dominic Sondag's S.k. Manor Hill has recently debuted its Fall/Winter 2023 collection. Predominantly crafted in New York City's Garment District and influenced heavily by traditional workwear from the mid-19th century, pieces include trench coats made of waxed cotton and nylon, indigo cone denim barn coats, napa leather bomber jackets, Suri alpaca hairy cardigans, 12-ounce duck cotton canvas pants, and more.
READ FULL ARTICLE @
s.k. manor hill Finds Beauty In Almost Anything | END
Having been exposed to a plethora of different cultures, design languages and personal styles, Sondag’s multi-cultured education pulled him to New York City in 2012, when he worked at Daiki Suzuki’s Engineered Garments as a part of the Nepenthes brand’s production and design/development teams. Establishing his own brand in 2016, s.k. manor hill’s offering encapsulates a modern approach to clothing design, shirking the cyclical nature of the industry to deliver garments that reflect a more natural relationship with the clothes that we wear.
Finding beauty in small details, whether that be the natural world, a forgotten embellishment on a vintage garment or a conversation, Sondag’s work with s.k. manor hill seeks to transcend fastness and impulsivity, favouring a more grounded and personal approach to design rooted in his own experiences, and the variety of cultures he has come into contact with.
Delving into the world of s.k. manor hill, END. sit down with Dominic Sondag to discuss his unconventional creative processes and finding beauty in almost anything.
READ FULL ARTICLE @
https://www.endclothing.com/gb/features/sk-manor-hill-finds-beauty-in-almost-anything
Battenwear Celebrates its 10th Anniversary | Houyhnhnm
2022年秋冬コレクションで創業10周年を迎えた〈バテンウェア（Battenwear）〉。この夏、久しぶりにデザイナーの長谷川晋也さんが来日していました。
創業からずっとアメリカに拠点を置き、いまもなおそのペースを崩さずにいられるというのは、コロナ禍のことを考えても、並大抵のことではありません。
激動の10年を振り返ってもらうべく、長谷川さんにインタビューを申し込みました。ブランドのクリエイティブについて真面目に聞くというよりは、最近どうですか？的なユルいノリで。
久しぶりにお会いした長谷川さんは、前と変わらずレイドバックしたピースフルなキャラクターでした。
READ FULL ARTICLE @
2022年秋冬コレクションで創業10周年を迎えた〈バテンウェア（Battenwear）〉。この夏、久しぶりにデザイナーの長谷川晋也さんが来日していました。
創業からずっとアメリカに拠点を置き、いまもなおそのペースを崩さずにいられるというのは、コロナ禍のことを考えても、並大抵のことではありません。
激動の10年を振り返ってもらうべく、長谷川さんにインタビューを申し込みました。ブランドのクリエイティブについて真面目に聞くというよりは、最近どうですか？的なユルいノリで。
久しぶりにお会いした長谷川さんは、前と変わらずレイドバックしたピースフルなキャラクターでした。
READ FULL ARTICLE @
Introducing, East Pacific Trade | LIKELIHOOD
Founded by Jai Baek in Seoul, South Korea, East Pacific Trade - otherwise known as EPT - is a footwear brand that creates sneakers with a unique, minimalistic design approach. EPT’s offerings range from lifestyle sneakers to skateboarding shoes. Created upon returning home to South Korea, EPT is based on Baek’s precious experiences. His aspirations lie in positioning EPT as an individual label in the global market. A footwear veteran, Baek is known for establishing and developing brands such as HUF, DC Shoes, as well as Creative Recreation - his newest project East Pacific Trade is already intertwined in a number of different communities and circles.
READ FULL ARTICLE @
https://www.likelihood.us/stories/introducing-east-pacific-trade
Founded by Jai Baek in Seoul, South Korea, East Pacific Trade - otherwise known as EPT - is a footwear brand that creates sneakers with a unique, minimalistic design approach. EPT’s offerings range from lifestyle sneakers to skateboarding shoes. Created upon returning home to South Korea, EPT is based on Baek’s precious experiences. His aspirations lie in positioning EPT as an individual label in the global market. A footwear veteran, Baek is known for establishing and developing brands such as HUF, DC Shoes, as well as Creative Recreation - his newest project East Pacific Trade is already intertwined in a number of different communities and circles.
READ FULL ARTICLE @
https://www.likelihood.us/stories/introducing-east-pacific-trade
s.k. manor hill Spring/Summer 2023 Collection Vol. XV | Hypebeast
New York-based brand s.k. manor hill continues its nature-inspired cadence with its new collection for the Spring/Summer 2023 season. Updating the vibrantly warm-hued pieces of its SS22 offering that was revealed this past April, the latest collection comes to life through several shades of green.
Titled “Vol. XV,” the collection consists of relaxed-fit short-sleeve button-down shirts, loose-fit tailoring, knitwear, cargo jackets, shorts and t-shirts. Loose-fit tailored suits serve as a collection highlight by fusing casual with refined dress notes. Alongside the hues of green, the collection also channels trees and soil with inserts of bark, beige and stone.
Just like previous collections, the SS23 offering is made of mostly natural fiber fabrics.
READ FULL ARTICLE @
https://hypebeast.com/2022/7/s-k-manor-hill-spring-summer-2023-collection-lookbook
New York-based brand s.k. manor hill continues its nature-inspired cadence with its new collection for the Spring/Summer 2023 season. Updating the vibrantly warm-hued pieces of its SS22 offering that was revealed this past April, the latest collection comes to life through several shades of green.
Titled “Vol. XV,” the collection consists of relaxed-fit short-sleeve button-down shirts, loose-fit tailoring, knitwear, cargo jackets, shorts and t-shirts. Loose-fit tailored suits serve as a collection highlight by fusing casual with refined dress notes. Alongside the hues of green, the collection also channels trees and soil with inserts of bark, beige and stone.
Just like previous collections, the SS23 offering is made of mostly natural fiber fabrics.
READ FULL ARTICLE @
https://hypebeast.com/2022/7/s-k-manor-hill-spring-summer-2023-collection-lookbook
Brain Dead x Malibu Sandals
We are thrilled to announce our exclusive collaborative shoe with Malibu Sandals. A brand that truly celebrates the individual, the free spirit, and our shared penchant for the absurd. Each sandal is sand monster approved and interwoven with the perfect combination of fibers to keep your wiggling toes comfy all day long. Our collaboration with Malibu Sandals is much overdue, we’ve long admired their commitment to the everyman and their original inspiration of ancient Mexican Huarache sandal-making. Consistent with quality and design, we’re excited to carry on their legacy of quality footwear with them. Which is why we decided to go all out on this design. Carefully woven with an adjustable latigo strap- our green and white sandals are meant to bend with your every need and help you explore.
READ FULL ARTICLE @
https://wearebraindead.com/blogs/archive/brain-dead-x-malibu-sandals
Ten Years of Battenwear: an Interview with Shinya Hasegawa | Oi Polloi
Ten years might not be much in the long and winding history of the universe, but in the little corner devoted roughly to clothing, coats and culture, it’s a lifetime. With information exchange at an all-time high, styles, ideas and subcultures now live and die in the blink of an eye—and whilst it’d be a bit of a slog to list everything that’s gone on in the last decade in this mere interview intro, it’s safe to say a fair bit has happened since 2012.
But that’s not to say there haven’t been a few constants to rely on—and amidst all the noise a brand called Battenwear has been quietly crafting comfortable, everyday outdoor clothing with the high level of detail often reserved for Japanese work-wear.
As the brand celebrates its tenth birthday, I talked with Shinya about his early years in Japan, his design process today and hypothetical wrestling matches…
READ MORE @ https://blog.oipolloi.com/ten-years-of-battenwear-an-interview-with-shinya-hasegawa/
s.k. manor hill Vol. XIII Spring/Summer 2022 | Hypebeast
New York-based outfit s.k. manor hill returns for Spring/Summer 2022 to release an extensive collection inspired by meditation and restoring unity with mother nature.
In the same vein as the forthcoming Fall/Winter 2022 collection it previewed at the beginning of the year, the majority of SS22 is made locally in New York’s historic garment city, and focuses on using natural fiber fabrics and sustainable practices.
Highlights from the collection include the Savant Shirt which arrives in a myriad of colorways including “Orange Cotton”, “Magenta Viscose Linen”, and “Indigo Denim Cotton”, as well as a super-breathable zip-up Snare Vest and Skiff Pullover. Knitwear in the collection is made in either the United Kingdom or Peru, and arrives in various open knit styles, sweater vests and more.
Captured by photographer Lisa Kato, take a look through the lookbook in the slideshow above and shop the collection now via Oi Polloi and the s.k. manor hill webstore.
READ FULL ARTICLE @
https://hypebeast.com/2022/4/sk-manor-hill-ss22-lookbook-release-info
New York-based outfit s.k. manor hill returns for Spring/Summer 2022 to release an extensive collection inspired by meditation and restoring unity with mother nature.
In the same vein as the forthcoming Fall/Winter 2022 collection it previewed at the beginning of the year, the majority of SS22 is made locally in New York’s historic garment city, and focuses on using natural fiber fabrics and sustainable practices.
Highlights from the collection include the Savant Shirt which arrives in a myriad of colorways including “Orange Cotton”, “Magenta Viscose Linen”, and “Indigo Denim Cotton”, as well as a super-breathable zip-up Snare Vest and Skiff Pullover. Knitwear in the collection is made in either the United Kingdom or Peru, and arrives in various open knit styles, sweater vests and more.
Captured by photographer Lisa Kato, take a look through the lookbook in the slideshow above and shop the collection now via Oi Polloi and the s.k. manor hill webstore.
READ FULL ARTICLE @
https://hypebeast.com/2022/4/sk-manor-hill-ss22-lookbook-release-info
s.k. manor hill Fall/Winter 2022 Lookbook | Hypebeast
s.k. manor hill Fall/Winter 2022 Lookbook | Hypebeast
Following last year’s outdoors, camping and rock climbing-centric collection, New York-based label s.k. manor hill returns for Fall/Winter 2022 to present an extensive capsule inspired by nature’s balance of unforgiving ruggedness and subtle elegance.
As we’ve now come to expect from the label, the collection is predominantly composed of natural fiber fabrics, with the majority hand-made close to home in New York’s historic garment district, with the exception of the brand’s newly-added knitwear produced in Peru.
The eco-friendly approach is continued through s.k. manor hill’s use of recycled nylon and recycled poly-fil, while wool Shetland tweed comes from Abraham Moon & Sons, one of the last remaining vertical woolen mills in England.
Stand-out pieces include a “Brown Cotton” Mountain Trench Coat, a kimono-style Big Folk Robe, a “Camel Wool” Barn Coat and a “Tan/Purple” Wool Tweed Yukon Vest, while the collection is rounded out with bags, jewelry and headwear.
READ FULL ARTICLE @
https://hypebeast.com/2022/1/s-k-manor-hill-fw22-lookbook-info
The Reference Library for Rowing Blazers
Looking back a little, it was great see The Reference Library and the exclusive colour in our Eddie sunglasses we created for Rowing Blazers featured in Oracle Time. "The result is one of the most exciting lines of sunglasses we’ve ever seen" stated style editor Nick Carvell.
Describing Rowing Blazers vibe as "Modern American prep" Nick described our capsule selection for Rowing Blazers as "featuring mid-century shapes reimagined for now", highlighting as his favourite Eddie, "a rounded-yet-angular 1950s ‘Library’ frame remixed in light blue acetate with pale green lenses".
The first drop sold out but you can find this exclusive colour back in stock now in limited numbers here Rowing Blazers.
READ FULL ARTICLE @
Looking back a little, it was great see The Reference Library and the exclusive colour in our Eddie sunglasses we created for Rowing Blazers featured in Oracle Time. "The result is one of the most exciting lines of sunglasses we’ve ever seen" stated style editor Nick Carvell.
Describing Rowing Blazers vibe as "Modern American prep" Nick described our capsule selection for Rowing Blazers as "featuring mid-century shapes reimagined for now", highlighting as his favourite Eddie, "a rounded-yet-angular 1950s ‘Library’ frame remixed in light blue acetate with pale green lenses".
The first drop sold out but you can find this exclusive colour back in stock now in limited numbers here Rowing Blazers
READ FULL ARTICLE @
The Sheffield shoemaker keeping its Polish heritage alive and kicking in style | Yorkshire Evening Post
Sheffield shoemaker Goral is revolutionising men’s footwear with its modern cool hybrid styles but the story of this family business began in Poland near Krakow. Dominik Goral, great-grandson of the founder, talks to Stephanie Smith. Pictures by Tony Johnson.
READ FULL ARTICLE @
MISSONI SS17, MILAN | Gimme Five
Gimme Five flew to Milan last month to provide the soundtrack for the Missoni Men’s Summer 17 show, again styled by Stephen Mann. The Italian fashion house continue their collaboration with Malibu Sandals, and a new closed-toe style - ‘Latigo’ - featured in a number of the runway looks.
READ FULL ARTICLE @
https://www.gimme5.com/news/2016/7/13/gimme-five-malibu-sandals-missoni-milan
Interview: Kevin from Malibu Sandals | Oi Polloi
Not to be confused with the Nike trainers of the same name, ‘huaraches’ are a traditional type of woven sandal popular with Jack Kerouac, Franciscan monks and Mexican farmers.
With super-comfy, ‘anatomically correct’ soles and leather-esque, vegan-friendly woven uppers, Malibu Sandals are the true modern day huarache, and might just be the ultimate in laid-back, spliffed-up and spaced-out San Fran beatnik foot attire.
I pestered Malibu main-man Kevin O’Neill to find out more…
What have you been up to today?
I am staring at the mighty Pacific Ocean and watching the pelicans feed.
To a lot of people, huaraches are those trainers that Nike make. Can you tell us the history of the original Mexican huarache?
Sure. The Mexican huarache sandal has deep footwear design roots dating back centuries. The craftsmanship is amazing with the braided rawhide designs that were worn by everyone including Aztec warriors and farmers alike.
There are dozens of different hand woven styles that originate from many different regions throughout Mexico and where they still make them today at local Huaracheria shops. It's a genius concept that doesn't require any stitching, but rather intricate hand woven patterns.
When did you first encounter this most majestic of footwear?
I first laid eyes on the huarache four years ago while on a business trip in New York. I met a shopkeeper in a clothing store who was wearing a pair he just picked up in Latin America and I was infatuated by the primal styling and concept. The strapping system details and hand woven elements just blew my mind.
READ FULL ARTICLE @
https://www.oipolloi.com/blogs/the-blog/124443203-interview-kevin-from-malibu-sandals/