OEBEN'S MERCANTILE, UTRECHT - CAN I HELP YOU SIR!

Dreams come true!

Thomas Oeben started some 10 years ago in the fashion industry al these years there was just one thing on his mind, one day I will open my own store. In 2014 when he and his girlfriend went to Florida for a well deserved holiday they paid a visit to Miami's local hero Supply & Advise, that was more or less the birth of Oeben's Mercantile.

 The Oeben's family have worked on the railroads and as merchants or independent businessmen since the 1800's. To honor the family legacy, the collection of Oeben's Mercantile includes true workwear such as denim, soft and thick oxford shirts and rugged outerwear. A careful selection of tailored pieces, complimented by fine shirts and ties will provide today's merchants and entrepreneurs with all they need to take on the world. Obean's Mercantile is founded to supply today's men with menswear, denim & tailoring with the service which is sometimes forgotten in the modern day world. 

You can find the heritage of the Oeben's family throughout the store with hints to the railroad, like a locomotive in the logo and on the counter and the coat and hat of a machinist. 

Oeben's Mercantile

Oudkerkhof 34

Utrecht

The Netherlands

EAST MEETS WEST - LEVI'S TEAMS UP WITH PENDLETON & BEAMS

Levi’s unveils the new collection under its ‘60s workwear-inspired Levi’s California label. Teaming up with Pendleton and Beams, the trio provide a collection of upgraded classics from Levi’s’ West Coast roots. 

The collection takes some design cues from Pendleton and Japanese brand Beams. The overshirt uses the same broken diamond pattern that's become a Pendleton signature, while the black denim jacket features quilted lining from Beams. Rounding out the offering are white Tab twill jeans, button-down shirts, and a quilted blazer. Check here for more info.

LEVI STRAUSS - THE SADDLE MAN

I guess you all know Buddy Lee, the mascot of Lee Jeans he was produced on a large scale. Now meet his tougher brother "The Saddle Man".

Levi Strauss Saddle man Cowboy Statue 1940's was distributed to Levi retailers.The Levi Saddle man one of the first and most sought after counter displays, is constructed of heavy composite rubber. It stands 30" tall. Few have survived and even fewer in a fine condition. As said it ain't easy to find one and if you do, it will change owners for big bucks.

ALOHA - HERE WE GO!

Gooooooodmorning, I have a plane to catch. I will soak myself under in a Pacific Paradise, called the Big Island, Hawaii. First stop is San Francisco and for sure I will visit Union Made & Levi's. Keep you posted.

CHAD IN NEW YORK DAY TWO

Jack & Kate's Showroom

Steven Alan

The Spotted Pig

The Jean Shop

Car Porn, what a contrast

Levi's Shop

This morning started with a tour in the brand new showrooms of Jack Spade at Park Avenue.

It was great to meet the people of Jack Spade unfortunately I was not allowed to take pictures as there will be a press day next week. Then I walked in the direction of Meatpacking District and I popped into a cozy small shop of Steven Alen, where I bought myself a nice double face pocket square. I had a great lunch at the Spotted Pig, a Burger with Shoestring Fries....yammie. In Meatpacking I saw them all from Scoop New York till Jeffrey's and all in between like Levi's and the Jean Shop. And then finally it was time to head to the Industria Studio's for the Gant by Michael Bastian Show

LIVING ON THE EDGE

Selvage denim (US) or Selvedge (UK) is a type of denim which forms a clean natural edge that does not unravel. The selvage edges are along the out-seam of the jeans, making it visible when cuffs are worn and visible or invisible at the pocket. In the early years of denim production the fabric was woven on shuttle looms, from a single thread, and with self forming natural edges at the sides (self-edge). Shuttle looms weave a narrower piece of fabric, and thus a longer piece of fabric is required to make a pair of jeans (appr. 3 yards / 2,75mtr). The selvage edge is usually stitched with colored thread. Fabric mills used these colors to differentiate between fabrics, Levi's was red, Lee was yellow and Wrangler was green. However, as denim became more and more popular in the 50s, and mass production became the focus of jeans manufacturers. The old shuttle looms were replaced by projectile looms. These new looms were capable of producing denim faster, and in bigger quantities, however the produced fabric was not woven from a single thread anymore, and lost the self-edge.

Today, selvage denim is valued for its irregularities and character, and is typically more expensive than regular denim. Selvedges in jeans usually denote high quality denim, albeit there are many factors to consider with denim quality.

VINTAGE SMITH, BUCKTOWN - CHICAGO

Matt Smith signed a short term lease in Bucktown, Chicago to open a "pop-up" vintage store.

Matt created his taste working at Ralph Lauren. Over years spent shopping flea markets around the country, he culled his collection of classic, rugged Americana for guys and gals. You can expect walls with wood signs from local artist Jake Turner, shop racks of Levi's and Wrangler denim jackets for toddlers and up, Woolrich cardigans, flannels etc. So hurry to Vintage Smith, 2041 North Damen Ave, Chicago, IL. before it's too late. (pics via Chicago.popsugar.com)

BROOKS "YOUNGER " BROTHER

Last week, Brooks Brothers opened up its Flatiron Concept Store, situated in New York's first Skyscraper at 175, Fifth Avenue. Brick walls and wooden beams are exposed. This store is "Not Your Dadddy's Brooks Brothers" it's geared for a younger customer. The store showcases an assortment of men's and woman's sportswear including Levi's jeans. Preppy is the key word brought together in a creative, playful way. (pics via the urban class boutique)