Tagged: for him

We've always tried to keep Still Life For Him & For Her more or less removed from passing trends and of-the-minute design ideas, relying instead on the strong foundation of well-designed quality goods with a modern sensibility and functionality for where we live, in Victoria. This concept lead to the inclusion of the 50 year old Swedish outdoor brand, Fjallraven, into the Still Life roster of products more than two years ago. While we've watched the popularity of Fjallraven increase hugely since we introduced the brand to Victoria, we're really proud of how well the brand does mainly because of their dedicated attention to quality, design-minded apparel and accessories.

This weekend we're excited to be fully stocked with some of our favourite items from the Swedish outdoor legends as well as some brand new designs from a newly curated division of the brand, Fjallraven Numbers (a new product system developed with an uncompromised focus on sustainability and functionality - heavier G-1000 materials, salvaged leather trims and handles mean longer lasting products you'll never need to replace). Currently available at Still Life For Him:

• The retro top-loading Vintage 20L Daypack is back in three colours (Uncle Blue, Light Khaki & Dark Olive). With a mesh back-panel to keep your load stable and your back comfortably dry, this bag is an incredible travel/adventure pack. Made from hardwearing waxed G-1000 fabric with real leather straps the Vintage Daypack is designed to become… vintage.
• Made in a heavier version of the waxed G-1000 fabric, the Duffel No. 4 is a great bag to carry traditionally alongside the body or even on your back, using the handles as backpack straps. Heavy zippers, reinforced bottom and zippered/buttoned pockets on the outside, make the Duffel No. 4 a perfect companion while traveling or carrying your belongings around the city. Available in Green or Pumpkin.
• The Rucksack No. 21 Medium is our medium sized rucksack made with the Fjallraven G-1000 HD fabric. Featuring a classic-top loading design with a snow lock under the lid (a design of theirs since the 60's), the Rucksack No. 21 Medium also has a seat pad in the pocket inside, exterior pockets, inside bottle pockets for your Thermos, and padding for a laptop. Available in Navy or Green.
• Ah yes, the Kanken Classic Backpacks - Every generation of Scandinavian kids have worn Fjallraven's this daypack since it debuted in 1978. The classic design is the same today as back then and remains just as popular. For school, day trips, or biking to work the Kanken makes a lifelong companion for kids and adults. Available in a variety of colours. One thing that has changed since the Kånken was designed in 1977 is that we sometimes carry a laptop - also available, the Kanken 15" Laptop Backpack in Black or Navy.

Also available at Still Life For Him are two of the most functional, versatile jackets available in the city. The Fjallraven jacket that started the very Swedish 1970s back to nature/get outdoors movement and one of classics, The Greenland Jacket is here in Red. This is a timeless model that will serve you for many years thanks to the shell of waxed G-1000 fabric and time tested versatile fit. If you can have only one jacket, this it is. The more stylish and more trim brother to the Greenland Jacket the Oban is back once again, this time in Light Khaki, with reinforced, pre-shaped elbows, a high protective collar, and an action back for ease of movement. This hoodless G-1000 jacket makes sophisticated slope and street wear.

Lastly, one of our most buzzed about products is back in large volume so as to not run out any time soon: Greenland Wax Bars! Environmentally friendly wax made from paraffin and beeswax. Used to treat G-1000 products to enhance the water and wind resistant surface. A simple process that should be repeated at regular intervals you can apply a thicker/thinner layer of wax depending on where you want to have more/less protection. Rub on by hand and finish with almost any source of heat, for example an iron, camp stove or hair dryer.

Ken Diamond has been crafting quality leather goods in Vancouver with his own two hands for the better part of 15 years. Offering a range of products from leather skid accessories (beer cozies & wallet chains) to every day essentials (belts & wallets) Ken's artisanal creations go beyond hobby leatherwork into the realm of a consummate professional who sees hand crafted leather work as a dying art. Cutting, sewing, stamping and constructing every pieces of his Ken Diamond Leather Goods collection himself, his pieces are truly works of art.

The centrepieces of any Ken Diamond Quality Leather collection have to be his incredible range of fully-functional, crepe-soled Moccasins. Walk in unbelievable comfort with a handcrafted leather moccasin made in Vancouver, BC with a full range of styles now available at Still Life For Him & For Her:

• Our first ever delivery of women's Ken Diamond Moccasins bring the Koko Moccasin to Victoria. Hand stitched with a deer-tanned cow skin outer, black cow skin liner and leather mid sole. A wool felt insole for comfort and crepe outer sole for pracitcal usability, the Koko has leather tassles and laces. Available in tan.
• The Thomme Moccasin is a new style available for the first time at Still Life For Him. Hand stitched with a deer-tanned cow skin outer, black cow skin liner and leather mid sole. A wool felt insole for comfort and crepe outer sole for pracitcal usability, the Thomme has two large eyelets to lace up leather laces. Available in tan.
• The Lowbowski is the ultimate casual Ken Diamond Moccasin for our Still Life men. Hand stitched with a deer-tanned cow skin outer, black cow skin liner and leather mid sole. A wool felt insole for comfort and crepe outer sole for pracitcal usability, the Lowbowski is cut low to slip on with no laces to trip you up. Available in tan or black.
• The Diamond is a newer, truer piece of footwear from Ken still keeping the Moccasin tradition. Hand stitched with a split black bull/black suede upper and leather mid sole. A wool felt insole for comfort and crepe outer sole for pracitcal usability, the Diamond has five punched eyelets for the leather laces to tie you up with support. Available in black.

Some good Vancouver friends of ours, Barnaby Killam and Stuart Sproule, founded Red Flag Design in 2004. Both designers based in Vancouver, the duo was joined by a desire to create functional products that emphasize process, quality, and craftsmanship. Beginning from their original studio, an 800 square-foot shoebox with a view of the mountains, they fell into possession of some discarded materials that were bound for the landfill. Included among them was a quantity of old sails. these became the source fabric for their first collection of totes and travel bags. Since then, Red Flag Design has expanded to include a variety of product ranges retaining their founding principle of manufacturing all RFD goods in-house. We're happy to welcome the Red Flag Design made in Vancouver goods back to Still Life For Him with a Spring 2012 HD Mark II collection of almost literally bombproof totes, backpacks and bags made from Hypalon (the material Army grade Zodiac boats are made out of).

Crafted from industrial materials, the Heavy Duty (HD) Mark II collection is built to endure the toughest elements. Rugged, resilient, and made to last, the line's hallmark is long-term durability with a sleek and functional look. Materials used in the HD Mark II line are acquired from industrial sources or are salvaged locally in Vancouver. The main textile used in the collection is waterproof Hypalon, a rubber-coated industrial fabric that's scuff and chemical resistant. As with every Red Flag product, the HD Mark II collection is crafted by hand, in the Red Flag Design Vancouver studio. Available only in black.

• HD Mark II Backpack (27L, 53x30x17cm) - Referencing the classic history of the backpack with a simple leather and buckle design. The fold-over top and buckled closure keeps the contents safe and secure or can be left open to accommodate those extra long items. The top pocket, with waterproof zipper, gives you easy access to your small necessary items.
• HD Mark II Carry All (24L, 42x36x16cm) - The carry all is basically a survival kit for urban hauling. With its 24L capacity, it will fit almost anything you can pack in there. For sleek over-the-shoulder funcionality, the top portion folds over keeping the contents secure and out of the weather. Finished with leather.
• HD Mark II Shoulder Bag (15L, 28x34x16cm) - This simple shoulder bag, made of highly durable Hypalon fabric, is a sophisticated approach to the urban messenger bag. The fold-over design and buckled closure keeps the contents safe and secure. The comfortable Mil-spec nylon webbing shoulder strap can be adjusted to suit your individual frame and a large front pocket is perfect for a tablet, books or daily essentials.
• HD Mark II Small Duffle (30L, 62x32x28cm) - The HD interpretation of a compact, versatile duffle design. Small enough to meet carry-on restrictions for a flight, but with ample room to stow gear for a short adventure. Waterproof zippers protect the large main compartment and exterior side pocket. Mil spec nylon webbing handles can be carried as either duffle or backpack.
• HD Mark II Dopp Kit (2.7L, 2x30x18cm) - Made from waterproof rip-stop nylon and protected by a waterproof zipper, the HD Dropp Kit is the ultimate, spill-protected travel case for your bathroom essentials. The kit, with its gusseted design, expands to carry all of your grooming basics and flat folds to it's only as big as it needs to be.
• Hank Key Chain - On a sailboat, hanks are used to secure the foresail to the rigging. The new Hank Keychain reincarnates the traditional sailing clip as a super-secure key carrier. Made of cast bronze, with brass name tag, laser cut Hypalon key and black enamel split ring. Each hank is hand cleaned and buffed, keeping the original patina intact.

Slipping in the doors at Still Life For Him just hours before the holiday delivery cut-off, Ivy Prepster Handknit Ties have arrived to keep you looking your best all weekend long at all the high-profile dinners we're know you've been invited to (grandma's, mom's, etc). A lifestyle brand committed to creating unique apparel for the modern prep wardrobe, Ivy Prepster offers a fantastic collection of disctinctive, smart, knit ties to the men of Victoria living (or dreaming of) the Ivy League dream in our Harbour Town.

Inspired by the resurgence of the tie in the male wardrobe and the modern prep movement, Ivy Prepster neckwear reflects the past, present and future of knit ties. The Ivy Prepster team has combined knit sweater inspiration and whimsical design to produce a knit tie line that is youthful and classic, yet modern distinguished by its patterns, points and preppy features. Ivy Prepster knit ties reflect classic tie patterns, such as stripes and dots, as well as sweater-like argyle and fair isle motifs and textures. Aside from standard square bottom knits, pointed structures and narrow widths provide an updated look and slimmer, taller proportion to the torso. These design features are brought to life by a fabric that has a rich, comfortable feel and finish. Every Ivy Prepster knit tie has a unique charisma, allowing an individual to express his/her spirit and personality.

This sprit, as depicted in the book "Take Ivy" has provided additional inspiration to the Ivy Prepster team.  T. Hayashida's photo documentary captured the Ivy League lifestyle in the 1960's and, along with the marketplace in Japan, continues to influence the evolution of the ivy look. We're looking out for our Still Life Men, with more Ivy Prepster Handknit Ties scheduled to arrive throughout the summer, and our first Easter Weekend delivery from Ivy Prepster available now at Still Life For Him.

As our relationship with Tony Patella and Pete Searson, of San Francisco's Tellason Denim, continues to grow we've been given some great opportunities to help them grow the brand in Western Canada. A short while back we heard from the guys that they had been working on developing a new fit within the Tellason Denim range that would come in just a bit longer in the rise, fuller through the thigh, and more tapered than the Ladbroke Grove Slim Tapered Jean (one of our most popular of their fits). Then, just under a month ago, Pete emailed us teasing on their recent purchase of a limited amount of Cone Mills White Oak black selvage denim to be produced into a small batch of 195 pairs of the same Ladbroke Grove Slim Tapered Jean our guys love so much. This weekend we are proud to be the very first retailer in the country to receive these two new extremely limited Tellason Denim styles:

• Available in an incredibly limited 195 pairs only (possibly ever) the Ladbroke Grove is now available in Cone Mills White Oak black selvage denim. Slim tapered fit. Cone Mills White Oak black selvage denim. Button fly. Extra heavy pocket bags. Bottom of back pockets lined for durability. Made in San Francisco. Leather patch by Tanner Goods.
• With only 260 pairs made on this first roll out, the Gustave Slim Tapered is constructed from Cone Mills White Oak red line raw selvage denim. A slim, extra tapered fit, compared to the Ladbroke Grove the Gustave is slightly longer inthe front and back rise, slightly wider in the thigh, and narrower from the knee down. Button fly. Extra heavy pocket bags. Bottom of back pockets lined for durability. Made in San Francisco. Leather patch by Tanner Goods.

We're very proud to be expanding our range of Tellason Denim with specialty options and limited style and denim runs made available to us. Keep checking back on our blog and Facebook Page to find out when the newest restock from the San Francisco denim brand arrives, and some upcoming new additions to their roster at Still Life For Him as we continue into Spring 2012.

During the 2009 Danish spring, Rasmus Bak, Pernille Schwarz & Munch Ovesen spent long, creative nights developing what would become Libertine-Libertine. Based on a different set of values and their own, personal approach to the fashion scene, the trio began developing a prolific, dynamic & creative platform to feature different projects ranging from the retail fashion brand to music & art collaborations based on existentialism, high quality and well-designed products. Offering a choice of reworked and updated basics for men and women inspired by the city lights, wild shores and contemporary culture of their home country, the retail fashion label has received glowing praise and international press since its inception.

Libertine-Libertine debuted last AW11 at Still Life For Him & For Her to a fantastic reception at both shops. The quality construction of very specialized shirting, outerwear, knits and fashion designs combined with the brands unique finishing details helped the collection work its way to a complete sell through by season's end. This very first Spring 2012 delivery from the creatives minds at Libertine-Libertine brings the same attention to quality, fit, individuality and Danish styling to Victoria with basic tees, strong shirting, seasonal knitwear and beautiful fashion dresses arriving in time for the most inspiring time of year in the Garden City.

Click through the styles above to see a selection of currently available styles from Libertine-Libertine, and come view the brand in person at both Still Life For Him & For Her - Spring 2012 styles available now.

The little fragrance line that's taking over North America, D.S. & Durga colognes & perfumes debuted big at Still Life For Him & For Her this past autumn, with our favourite scents (Burning Barbershop and Coriander) selling out almost immediately. We've restocked for spring with more units and more scents than ever, returning favourites and new classics available at both shops include:

• Italian Citrus: A bracing cologne of coastal Italian citrus rinds - chinotto, blood orange, cold-pressed lemon and green mandarin with ambrette seed & clean musk. Available For Him.
• Boston Ivy: A memory of Boston in the 1980's. Where green moss & ivy grew next to I.R.A. graffiti and fresh clover was salted by the sea. Available For Him.
• Burning Barbershop: A fire broke out in the Curling Bros. barbershop in Westlake, NY in 1891. All the shaving tonics with their spearmint, lime, vanilla & lavender burned. A charred bottle was found half-full. It smelled like this. Available For Him.
  
• Cowboy Grass: A scent of wild grasses and flowering herbs. Earthy & slightly smokey. Pure Haitian vetiver, white thyme & prairie sage brush evoke the wild American west. Perfect for robbing banks on horseback. Available For Him.
  
• Silent Grove: Clean, fresh, crisp with green, dew-on-grass tones. Notes of cedar, lotus, white tea & linden. Available For Her.
  
• Coriander: A fresh, uplifiting scent with green leaf, cracked coriander seed & magnolia. Sparkling & youthful. Available For Her.
• My Indian Childhood: Culled from memories of India through the eyes of a young ex-pat. Patchouli and tobacco with tropical flowers - champaca & kewda - evoke the mandirs of Durga. Available For Her.
  

D.S. & Durga hand craft perfume and cologne in small batches using premium-sourced ingredients. They take inspiration from antiquated herbal wisdom, native ritual medicine, americana, outdated lore, geography, history, and gastronomy. While referencing the classics, D.S. & Durga strive to make scents appropriate for modern ladies and gentlemen of discerning tastes.

The company harkens back to the pre-industrial cottage industries of North America. D.S. & Durga literally craft, bottle, box, and label everything with their four hands. The processes are time consuming and low in yield - both factors that place quality of product far above quantity - a rarity today in the world of fine fragrance. D.S. & Durga scents are now available for Spring 2012 at Still Life For Him & For Her.

Classic, preppy style has returned to Still Life For Him with the arrival of selected menswear styles from Gothenburg, Sweden's Velour. A brand our men have come to depend on because of the effortless style exuded from the brand's trademark laundered cottons, trim fitting tops & bottoms and casual wearability.

This first delivery offers oxford and organic cotton shirting in royal blues and off-whites, perfect summer cotton ties in solids, stripes & plaids, and a GQ featured spring parka that pops on the rack with it's stunning Swedish blue hue.

Ken Diamond is a close member of the Still Life family, going back years with Matt & Kim during their Vancouver days. Working the past decade plus with his hands, Ken's artisanal leather goods are wonderfully popular at both Still Life For Him & For Her. Returning for Spring with belts, key fobs, wallets, card holders and more handcrafted leather accessories, Ken's quality standards have never been higher.

Offering quality-sourced leather goods made in Vancouver by Ken's very own hands, the Ken Diamond Leather Goods roster of items has grown steadily over the past few years with options ranging from everyday essentials (belts/wallets) to more unique leather fashion items (braided feather necklaces/moccasins). When it comes down to it, Ken is just a professional craftsman putting his years of expertise into each and every item leaving his studio. Click through the images above to get a feel for options currently available from Ken Diamond - all styles have been finished with a vegetable based tanning oil that allows the leathers (black/brown/cognac/natural) to age beautifully with the wearer.