Dear Diane and Shaded Viewers,
Continuing on from my previous post, here are a few more designers who stood out during Pitti Uomo this season.
Norwegian Rain
Based in the wettest city in Europe, Norwegian Rain continues to make beautifully simple but highly-durable outerwear. Closely involved in every step of their textile development, each coat balances its extreme function with a certain Japanese style, without compromising either.
Reinhard Plank
Florence-based hat designer, Reinhard Plank has been making his hats for 10 years now. His distorted shapes made of hand-treated and hand-painted felted wool and lapin are equally bizarre as they are charming.
Shinola
Shinola is working away to bring back industry to Detroit. Beginning with watches that have a lifetime guarantee (!), and now presenting a whole lifestyle range of leather goods, journals, bicycles and even sports equipment, this company seems to be sincerely trying to regenerate a struggling city. In the meantime, they're also getting some serious fashion attention from their collaboration with Bruce Weber for their dog accessories range [think beds and toys, not diamonte collars].
The Last Conspiracy
"Authentic shoemakers first and design studio second" is what I always remember about this Danish footwear brand. Every shoe is made by a person and is then transferred to another who will surely feel an appreciation of the artisans hands under their feet. These are the real deal and a pleasure to see again.
Happy Sunday,
Sophie Joy
