BLOG: ROBERU AUTUMN/WINTER 2012

From: Roberu

Roberu Leather Factory's latest offerings for the Autumn/Winter season come in all varieties of products. It includes collaborative pieces with Viva Japan in the shape of a MacBook Pro 15" case made of original Roberu leather and with Morno for a natural canvas and leather hat, as well as a threesome of dyed leather easy-to-wear dress shoes. The individual pieces look very impressive, and have been presented in a quintessentially Japanese, clean and understated lookbook.

DIARY: MESSOGRAF BY CLEO SKRIBENT

I first came across this product last year at the Dezeen Store's pop up shop, and finally I have my hands on one. It's the Messograf designed by Cleo Skribent, a rather nifty bit of kit. Made in Germany, it's caliper rule, tire thread gauge, ruler, thread scale and ballpoint pen all in one. Hell yes.

DIARY: AUTUMN MAGAZINE ISSUES

My commute resumes next week as university term begins once more, and it seems I'll have plenty to read.

BLOG: NIKE x UNDERCOVER GYAKUSOU A/W '12

From: End Clothing

Launching on October 13th is the new collection by Nike and Undercover, a collaboration now in its 5th season. Again focusing on functional and technical running wear with an edgy aesthetic appeal, I am finding the lookbook very attractive. Perhaps its mainly the photography that I'm being drawn to, but I think the individual garments look really stylish.

The collection is influenced by the forest of Nagano, Japan, apparent in its fall colourways and nature-inspired patterns. The hits of burgundy alone are enough to win me over, but the autumn leaf camo is really tasty too, I like it. The release is just two weeks away now and I'm looking forward to it.

MAG: LEGO VOLKSWAGEN T1 CAMPER VAN

From: Hignsnobiety

The iconic Camper Van by Volkswagen is now available to build in LEGO. This epic set for all ages 16+ is excellent in its detail and quite frankly looks like amazing fun to build. So Christmas is coming soon and um...

DIARY: VIDEO PRODUCTION WORK

Yes, it's been a busy month with this video work, coming to a conclusion very soon. (Just a few more late nights to go!) It's definitely been a good experience to get under my belt and the pay cheque will come in very handy, what with the new iPhone and new hard drive to buy. And new optical frames. And a monthly travelcard. And brogues. And a decent umbrella.

Anyway, at the moment I don't even have the time to go shopping. After this little job, I'm back at university as I embark on Year Two, finally. Plus I'm seeing SBTRKT live at Shepherds Bush Empire next week, which I've been looking forward to for like a year now, can't wait!

I entitled this Diary entry "Video production work" but I've gone slightly off topic, so now to bring it back, ish. I completed the movies for the JFC Countryside Sleepover earlier this month too actually, compiling 5 short chapters from our wonderful trip over the summer. Good music from Blaise Plant, Of Monsters and Men, Ellie Goudling, Elbow and Ben Howard helped significantly. So thanks. You can watch them here if you like.

MAG: ELLIE GOULDING I KNOW YOU CARE VIDEO

To scenes from the film "Now Is Good", Ellie Goulding sings her track "I Know You Care", taken from the upcoming album. The film portrays a moving story about a leukaemia-stricken teenager played by Dakota Fanning, and it's out in cinemas now. The song is the third one off the new LP "Halcyon", which by the way I have ordered the Special Edition box set for! It was an impulse buy to say the least, but that's not to say I'm not excited. Released on October 8th, it's an album we've been waiting two years for.

DIARY: A TALK BY HEATHERWICK STUDIO

I went into uni for the first time this year, to attend a talk by a Goldsmiths graduate of Heatherwick Studio, Mr Neil Hubbard. Entitled "Making Up Things", it gave a fascinating insight into how the design studio has grown over the years, highlighting certain projects and their makings. Founded almost 20 years ago by Thomas Heatherwick, they've produced some incredible things including the London 2012 Olympic cauldron, the new bus of London which has just been commissioned by TfL for a massive 600 vehicles, and the UK Pavilion at Shanghai Expo 2010, just to name a few. He also showed us the workings of a current project to build a bridge in the Chinese city of Jiading. This project is jaw-droppingly amazing, like genuinely.

I have been totally inspired today. Neil started out as an intern, which subsequently led to a position on the full team and is in fact now the 4th longest serving member at the firm. I too will have the opportunity to get placements during my course in the coming year or two, which is just too exciting really. I can only hope to impress where I can and take my chance, just like Neil did.

MAG: LANA DEL REY NEW SINGLE RIDE

Yesterday we found out the official details and a preview listen for Lana Del Rey's more-than-just-a-deluxe-version of "Born To Die", labelled as "The Paradise Edition" set for release here in the UK on November 12th. And this morning I tuned in to Fearne Cotton's Radio 1 show for the worldwide exclusive play of her new single "Ride". I don't think the word beautiful quite does the song justice. Have a listen for yourself.

And tonight she'll be performing live for the iTunes Festival at the Roundhouse at 9pm, a show that will be streamed in full HD as it happens! You know where my eyes will be, I strongly recommend you tune in too. (Tomorrow it's Ellie Goulding's turn. What a lineup!)

MAG: WIZ KHALIFA FEATURING THE WEEKND

As fans of The Weeknd prepare for the Canadian musical genius' release of his imminent debut album, we're treated to a feature on Wiz Khaifa's new track "Remember You". It's part of his own forthcoming album "O.N.I.F.C." which is out December 4th. But my predominant interest, as is the case with many, will be for The Weeknd's first LP under a major label in which we can expect tracks from his superb 2011 mixtapes, remastered and perfected, as well as brand new numbers which he seems to be unveiling bits of during his American tour right now. Aptly entitled "Trilogy", it hits shelves  on November 13th, and it's set to be a mad one.

MAG: LANA DEL REY BORN TO DIE PARADISE EDITION

Huge news! Lana Del Rey has confirmed the release of her "Born To Die: The Paradise Edition" for November 12, set to feature a massive 9 new tracks, all of which can be previewed in this video teaser. I've just come back home from a super long day at work, drained and sleepy, but this has got me absolutely buzzing!

BLOG: JOHN TERRY DONE WITH ENGLAND

It's with great shame that I hear the news of John Terry retiring from international football tonight. We will miss him dearly. Lescott, Jagielka and Cahill are perfectly capable players and their growing experiences at top level football will no doubt hold them in good stead to ensuring England have a solid central defence, but Terry's leadership on the pitch is difficult to replace.

He's made poor life decisions away from the sport perhaps, but what he does for his job is unquestionably excellent. It's also a great shame that his international career ends in such circumstances, where it seems from my perspective that he has quite simply been forced out by the FA, over matters for which he has been cleared of by the court of law. A relationship issue with the higher powers of the association may have cost him and the nation of something quite great. Of course people have their own opinions and people can be biased (myself included) but I have feelings only of sympathy. He loved representing his country, he did it better than anyone, but it has been concluded by allegations for things a high court judge has deemed him innocent of.

Might be easier and better for everyone to simply celebrate his wonderful contribution to the Three Lions and wish him the best for a continued career of success with Chelsea.

MAG: GERHARD RICHTER PAINTING BY KINO LORBER

I remember studying this guy for my Art A-Level. His works' sheer scale and approach is quite an impact. This is a trailer for an upcoming film on his paintings by Kino Lorber.

MAG: NIKE FREE RUN +2 WOVEN LEATHER TZ

From: Highsnobiety

New in from Nike are the Free Run +2s in woven leather, as part of next month's Tier Zero pack. Looks very cool. I love my Liberty Free Runs but this is a pretty close effort for the popular running silhouette.

BLOG: THE XX BBC PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

I've not had the chance to watch this yet, busy ass week and all. But I don't have to to know that this is an hour of sheer brilliance. Performing a special collaboration with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra (as did Nero back in 2011), The xx did a unique set following the release of their second album "Coexist". It went out live on Zane Lowe's show last Wednesday for Radio 1 and now we get to relive the magic as it happened. I'm going to immerse myself for the first time this weekend, but you can do so now. Won't be available for long I think, so just hit play please.

DIARY: OUT IN LIBERTY x NIKE FREE RUNS AGAIN

Again, because I wore them earlier in the week. Actually I wear them quite often. And why not, they're excellent comfort and I fucking love the pepper print by Liberty! Money well spent.

MAG: THE HOLDSTER MASON JAR MUG

From: Cool Material

The Holdster is a very smart bit of design. Made from just leather, thread and a bit of copper, it's an elegant solution for adding a handle and insulation to a jar to transform it into a stylish mug. Very country, very current.

BLOG: NATALIE PORTMAN AGED 18

Found this on Pinterest today, a portrait of a young Natalie Portman photographed in 1999 by Jean-Marie Perier. She's absolutely stunning here for me. Just pure perfection.

MAG: WOLVERINE 744 LTD

From: Cool Material

In partnership with Horween, heritage bootmakers Wolverine have added to their 1000 Mile line with a limited run on these 744 LTDs. Looking very sharp and dapper, these boots are made of a rich burgundy cordovan leather for a slick, quick frankly beautiful finish. The perforated cap toe is a nice detail to what's a very smart workman's boot, simultaneously rugged and sophisticated.

BLOG: BAT FOR LASHES ALBUM PREVIEW

Bat For Lashes releases her second album month, and we've already been treated with 3 tracks that are set to be included. "All Your Gold" is the latest of those, having been unveiled for the first time on BBC Radio 1 by Zane Lowe, and it's good. After quite a slow and mellow debut LP, Natasha Khan plays more with an electronic sound that combined with her nostalgic vocals is rather fresh. Absolutely cannot wait for this record. "The Haunted Man" is out on October 15.

DIARY: BON IVER LIVE IN NOVEMBER

A very spontaneous purchase it was, but I'm fucking ecstatic to be attending Bon Iver's live performance in November. It's true my seat is at the very far corner of the very back of the arena, but I really don't care. These guys live and breathe music, I'm just anticipating pure magic.

DIARY: MUJI WATCH PURCHASE

The round face watch from Muji. Black strap, Helvetica numbers, pure simplicity.

Mine.

BLOG: LUCY ROSE BIKES OFFICIAL VIDEO

Sweet English musician Lucy Rose is set to release her debut album later this month, September 24th, and this video for her lead single "Bikes" was unveiled this week. "Like I Used To" is an album I've been longing to hear, having been caught up in her style since her earlier EPs and of course her cameos in Bombay Bicycle Club's material too. Great vocal. And with a few festival appearances already in the bag this summer, including Latitude and Bestival, she's almost certain to get her break this year and I can't wait.

DIARY: NESPRESSO NESS

A nice thing to find delivered on a Saturday morning. Or any morning.

#Nespresso

MAG: OF MONSTERS AND MEN MOUNTAIN SOUND

This is Of Monsters And Men's latest video for their track "Mountain Sound", another beautifully executed song. I've fallen in love with their style (including a little crush on Nanna) and watching the live scenes of the band performing at dates and festivals this summer is wonderful. They announced their European tour dates for next year and I'd love to go to their shows at Brixton in February. Looks like a ball of fun.

MAG: @AROMA x MONOCLE YOSHINO HINOKI DIFFUSER

Arriving soon to the Monocle Shop is this special flameless diffuser by @aroma, accompanied by the bespoke essential oil crafted exclusively for Monocle. It's formulated with notes of cedar wood, sandalwood and cardamon, which when dissolves slowly into the diffuser, produces a warm and subtle aroma that soothes the room to heights I can only imagine. The diffuser itself is smartly designed, made with beautiful Hinoki wood, taking a quietly bold form worthy of taking centre stage on any desk without compromising in aesthetics or function. The set is available for pre-order at £60 right now, and if I had that kind of money to spend on therapy, I would definitely invest.

MAG: LANA DEL REY FEAT. JAY Z BY URBAN NOIZE

Courtesy of HYPETRAK, "Hello" is a remix by Urban Noize, featuring Lana Del Rey and Jay-Z. It's anticipated that the production duo from Miami will be releasing "Lana EP" soon, which would imply a lot of Lana Del Rey. This means I am very intrigued.

BLOG: THE GREEN SOCCER JOURNAL ISSUE 4

The Green Soccer Journal, a quarterly magazine combining football and an intuitive, design-savvy, fashion-conscious man's lifestyle, not only fills a niche in quality publication but also feeds my interests perfectly. Issue Four, or the "Power Issue", arrived on stands yesterday and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on it, to read articles focused on the Manager and Pre-season, as well as features on young Brazilian star Pato and actor Phil Daniels.

DIARY: OUT IN LIBERTY x NIKE FREE RUNS

DIARY: BIRDY AT O2 SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE

Finally got to see young and emerging Birdy this week, live at the Shepherds Bush Empire. And she was stunning. Her vocals were spine-tingling, hair-raising, goose-bumping amazing. To hear and see it live was very special, and it certainly helped to have a good view from the second row, only beaten by fans with Birdy merchandise or the group of three girls who donned red knitted sweaters as Jasmine herself wears on the album cover. I thought that was cute.

Accompanied by her small band, it was clear to see how much she enjoys playing and performing good music, which of course made it a real joy for us too. Nothing better than watching somebody do something they love. With her cover album being such a huge success, I can't wait to hear more of her originals, for which I'm led to believe there will be an album coming soon.

BLOG: VINCE KIDD SICK LOVE FT. LADY LESSHUR

Getting his first radio play yesterday on Radio 1Xtra, Vince Kidd is gearing up for his debut with this absolutely killer track "Sick Love". I think the song's actually been around for a little while, even with a music video to accompany it (embedded below), but going by what he's been tweeting it would seem it's undergone some remastering and stuff, including a new video shoot too. Whatever the case, this number is a fucking tune, totally on point! Fellow Voice UK finalist Tyler James unveiled his own track this week too, which I thought was all right, but this is something else. Just so fresh, I'm very excited for more from this man.

BLOG: LANA DEL REY FOR GQ MAGAZINE

Well I bought the that issue of GQ magazine, covered by the one and only Woman Of The Year, Lana Del Rey. The handful of featured pictures are stunning and I'm telling you, I am in love with this girl. It's a good read too, looking to put right some misunderstandings of her as an artist, while also delving into her history and sheer weirdness of her ways that followed. I'm desperately mesmerised by Lana, fascinated by her oddities, both of her music and personality, just feeling an urge to learn more. I suppose new songs would certainly feed that desire, and rumours of a 'Paradise edition' for her debut album "Born To Die" are something I'm rather intrigued by.

DIARY: VIDEO JOB

After all the volunteering this summer, I'm getting paid for my work this week, producing videos for a company selling dental furniture. It's actually my first graphics-related client work. Deadline next Friday means lots of hours, lots of coffee and lots of stress. Football work today was a welcome rest from the computer screen and it also means I'm out the 'office', back at my own desk for the first time in what feels like a year (three days to be precise).

DIARY: THE XX COEXIST CD DELIVERY

Very pleased to see this arrived today.

MAG: AIAIAI x CARHARTT TMA-1 HEADPHONES

From: AIAIAI

I'm an admirer of the TMA-1s by Danish brand AIAIAI, designed well in DJ-tested sound quality and clean aesthetics through its simple form. They've enjoyed collaboration successes with the likes of Fool's Gold and Beatport, and this time they've undergone a subtle streetwear makeover with Carhartt. Housed in exclusive packaging, the headphones come in a grey/green colourway, that just has enough style and presence without being loud. Available in retailers now, along with the Pipe earphones, this is a cool piece to get for sure.