THE PRIDE OF REDWING,MN.

"Welcome to one of the most unique and charming places to visit along the Mississippi River. From our beautiful bluffs, abundance of outdoor activities, historic sites and world famous boots and pottery, Red Wing offers a one-of-a-kind getaway." 

This is how Redwing is promoted by it's visitor centre, and indeed it is that charming town along the mighty ol' river and the bold eagles circling above the beautiful bluffs. But my mission was the Redwing Boot Company. Founded in 1905 by Charles Beckman a local shoe merchant. I visited the museum filled with the rich history of the brand and ofcourse I posed in front of the Icon. In 2005, Red Wing celebrated its centennial anniversary. A size 638 ½ D boot was built in honor of the milestone, standing 16 feet tall and weighing 2,300 pounds, qualifying it for a Guinness World Record.

CHAD WISHES YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS

I just found the perfect tree!

Merry Christmas everybody.

CHAD @ DE MODEFABRIEK AMSTERDAM - PART 2

Atelier de L'armee

Red Wing Shoes

Atelier Denham

Filson 

K.O.I. Kings of Indigo

Pristine Fixed Gear

As promised yesterday, part 2 of my visit to De Modefabriek. It was great to catch up with Elza & Joost of Atelier de L'armee they presented a very nice collection of bags. Unexpected was also the booth of Pristine Fixed Gear a bikeshop in the heart of Amsterdam. I had a great day and look forward to the summer edition.

VATER & SOHN - A DREAM COMES TRUE

Last week I spent some great days in Hamburg, Germany and I had the chance to

visit a store called Vater & Sohn. I talked with Tobias Pflug. Together with Sascha and Stefan he made his dream come true.

It all started some 20 years ago when Tobias started to wear Red Wings, he was so fond of the brand that he started to work for the Red Wing store in Hamburg. The next step was to open a store where guys would like to go to have a coffee and find their needs. From the perfect shoe up to a nice Stetson hat. They found a great spot in a part of the city called Eppendorf, with brick walls ornamented ceiling and a great tile floor. The perfect place to start their dream. And a dream it is to work with brands like Red Wing, Tricker's, Wolverine, Rising Sun, Filson, Iron Heart and Gitman Vintage. Whenever you visit Hamburg go to the Eppendorferweg 54 to see it yourself.

COUNTRY HOUSE AUTHENTIC BLUE AW 2013

A new Season, a new visit @ Country House Authentic Blue.

It's always a pleasure to meet up with Harry Polderman owner of Country House. With a cup of coffee in our hand he explains the collection to me, which brands are new and the specialties of his other brands. One of the new guys in town is Pike Brothers, known for their raw denims. One of Pike's eye catchers is the Denim Overall presented under a tin cloth jacket from Filson. Speaking of Filson, Country House is one of the few stores world-wide who sells vintage Filson bags, presented on the wall with a Woolrich Parka. My personal favorite in store is the Filson Guide Work Jacket in Harris Tweed. (btw it isn't Harry on the picture it's a Authentic Blue fan, who came to show his 1988 bike)

STORE LOCATOR: VMC ORIGINAL - ZURICH

The shop was opened in 1986 by Markus Cadruvi and after a few years Roger Hatt, who owns together with his wife the shop today, joined the team. Roger began his career as a mechanic, but it was in the world of denim he found his passion. Back then, VMC used to have a small second hand area with vintage Big E’s and, as the first Japanese denim brand in the shop, Roger (who’s featured on the cover of the latest edition of The Heritage Post) introduced Evisu to the Zurichers 15 years ago. Today 40% of denim sales in the shop are based on Japanese jeans from brands like Iron Heart, Flat Head and Warehouse. VMC is divided into three sections, the latest being a women’s department. From cash register and the men’s shoe department you enter the sportswear department. The basement is dedicated to denim with an entire wall of indigo with all kinds of shades, washes, shapes and sizes. The basement is also where you find the extensive boot selection. Everthing is piled up and neatly folded. The shop the packed with vintage props like orignal Buddy Lee dolls. (for more pics and full story check Denimhunters) Whenever you are in Zurich check VMC @ Rindermarkt 8