Loyal customer base, pre-existing distribution channels, and a marketable history are all alluring aspects of a label with an extensive heritage. While the advantages are quite obvious, the execution in balancing such dichotomy of new and old, especially to the desires of customers, isn’t always easy. Though in effortless style, Carhartt WIP has done just that.

Short for Work In Progress, the lifestyle focused division of century-old workwear specialist strike a balance between its history and the ever changing trends.  A reflection of its evolution, application of its legendary duck canvas is now on backpack, its hearty denim is a key ingredient to Bermuda Cargo Shorts, and the inclusion of cotton poplin, selvedge denim, and oxford cloth.  It might not be your father’s Carhartt in looks, but he will still recognize the quality regardless.

In preparation for the warmer climate, visvim just started their delivery of the label’s popular footwear from the Spring/Summer 2011 collection. UNDFTD in Tokyo have taken shipments of three styles, the Gris Moc Mid-Folk, Flynt Lo Suede and Flynt Lo Canvas. Each style is available in four colorways. Flynt Lo is a chukka boot style design with clean white vulcanized soles. Along with its suede uppers, the suede version joined the rank of a canvas version with canvas materials on the toe box, suede leather on the side and heel parts. Finally, the Gris Moc Mid-Folks are light weight boots made with suede leather uppers, shoe laces and solid Vibram soles. All 3 models in their various colorways will be available soon at UNDFTD Tokyo in Harajuku.

UNDFTD Tokyo
4-28-2 Jingumae | Map
Houseton Bldg 2 FL
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan

With a cutesy name like Marimekko, it is easy to see why many mistook the label to be caricature from Japan’s Sanrio. But since its establishment in 1951, the design house from Finland implemented a notion that fabric patterns do not have symmetrically applied but bold and vivacious. This is also quite apparent in “CONVERSE Hearts Marimekko”, a new collaborative initiative from both labels.

Based on Marimekko’s classic patterns, ones which made the textile design label such an icon in the world of fashion, all adorned on CONVERSE‘s very icon, the Chuck Taylor All Star High & Ox, plus the return of Jack Purcell Helen from CONVERSE‘s archive and CONVERSE Taylor All Star PJ, brand new model for Spring 2011. Each plays off the dynamism of geometric shapes and organic forms, suited for those seeking something other than the usual run of the mill. In addition, the collection is a perfect consideration for Valentine’s Day gift this year. The CONVERSE Hearts Marimekko from Marimekko and CONVERSE will be available at select CONVERSE boutiques in the coming weeks.

Marimekko x CONVERSE – Chuck Taylor All Star High (Kirppu)

Marimekko x CONVERSE – Chuck Taylor All Star High (Kirppu)

Marimekko x CONVERSE – Chuck Taylor All Star High (Pikkusuomo)

Marimekko x CONVERSE – Chuck Taylor All Star High (Pikkusuomo)

This month will see the launch of hard rock and punk inspired Spring 2011 collection from Converse by John Varvatos. Classic Converse sneakers and footwear from 1970′s were carefully selected and comprises of Chuck Taylor All Star, Pro Leather, Star Player and Sprint Skidgrip models. Treatments and distressing has become the signature of the series and each pair is uniquely individualized using painting, burnishing, weaving and staining techniques. Drop by your local John Varvatos boutiques, Converse online stores and select luxury department stores across the globe to view the pair in real life.

Addias Originals’ synonymous color blue finally gets some love this year as a new collection, adidas Originals Blue, hits stores in the coming months.  Theme and niche driven designs been largely the athletic lifestyle giant’s forte in most recent memories among consumers, from the potent reminders of why we loved Madonna more during her wild, pointed bra wearing days in Jeremy Scott’s audacious creations for adidas Originals by Originals, to perpetual geekdom promoted by its Star Wars collaboration, the Blue Collection has none of their aberrations.  The collection, instead, serves a disclosure that fashion need not be pigeonholed into a particularity. But it could be simply about comfort, quality, and wispily beautiful as in the Tank Top Prmy for Women, or Rekord Carrot Fit Denim for Men. Unadulterated with the exception of small blue tags, the adidas Originals Blue Collection will available this spring at select retailers worldwide.