Hiroki Nakamura explained that this season’s collection was in the middle of product development and manufacturing when the tragic earthquake and tsunami hit Japan in March last year. Perhaps it was fate that Nakamura chose to reflect the traditional cultures from Japan for the visvim Spring/Summer 2012 collection. Titled Japanism, the collection takes reference from Japanese symbolism and traditional items such as Geta and Ashida sandals. As coincidence would have it, one of the key textile used in this collection comes from a small town of Showa in the Fukushima prefecture. The Choma fabric had been produced in this town for over 600 years, a long heritage which has been protected and preserved by its craftsman. This hand woven fabric was used on the Provenance Blazer, which can be seen styled with a Sashiko T-Shirt and Epoch Stole below.

BEAMS is a multifaceted fashion giant in Tokyo, catering predominantly for the casual wear segment. Within their company, they established bpr BEAMS back in 1992 to tackle non-fashion related products. Now, bpr BEAMS is launching an exciting new line dubbed, DRUG STORE BEAMS. The concept of this line is to create tongue in cheek stationery goods with a medical theme. It’s premiere products revolve around the idea of ‘Grotesque but Cute’, where eyeballs, brain, bones, heart and other medical equipments are transformed into pens, key chains, highlighter markers and stress balls. This line is definitely experimental, however it should find its niche in the diverse Japanese market. All of the products are available at BEAMS stores Japan wide right now. via: Fashionsnap.com

White Mountaineering recently moved their flagship store to a larger space in Ometesando, however more expansion is planned for this year. The Isetan Shinjuku Men’s plays a pivotal role in offering the latest menswear from Japan and around the world, and this will be home for their second store in Tokyo. The grand opening is slated for tomorrow – Wednesday, February 1st 2012 – and to commemorate the opening, a special collection has been prepared. All of the limited edition pieces are created in monochromatic tone, consisting of Luggage Vest, Jacquard Border T-Shirts, Short Visor Caps and Original Jacquard Hi Socks. These items will go on sale from tomorrow in limited quantities. via: houyhnhnm

ISETAN Shinjuku Flagship
Men’s Building
3-14-1 Shinjuku | Map
Shinjuku, Tokyo Japan

F.C.R.B., the co-op label operated by SOPHNET. and Nike that’s named after the fictional F.C. Real Bristol soccer team, presents its Spring/Summer 2012 lookbook. As expected, there’s a strong contingent of field ready pieces made from sweat-wicking Dri-Fit material, ranging from track jackets and tees to warm-up pants and game shorts. They’re joined by an assemblage of looks presenting a strong street sensibility, seen in the multi-colored camo and plaid patterns that adorn hoodie and short combinations, as well as the blown-up Union Jack that appears on the back of a jacket and knit top. Look for the collection to land soon at F.C.R.B. retailers.

What better way to celebrate the 77th anniversary of your parent brand, Yoshida & Co., than to build a limited edition watch to mark the occasion. Pairing up with a luxury watch-maker with a celebrated history of its own, HAMILTON, PORTER modified the Khaki Field Auto Watch and paired it with a custom-made bold orange/black nylon and Velco strap. For more formal occasions, PORTER’s still got you covered with an optional black calf-leather strap fixed with a stainless steel clasp that you can easily switch out. The watch itself features a black dial with a commemorative inscription on the clear back, which marks its founding in 1935 without hiding the auto-wind mechanics. Limited quantities are available for pre-order now through ZOZOTOWN ahead of its official launch scheduled for March 3rd.

Keeping with its tradition as a brand for New York City’s underground culture, aNYthing (aka A New York Thing) enlisted Venus X as the model for its Spring and Summer 2012 Collection Lookbook. A rebellious herself, the green hair New York original is leading the resurgence of punk music and fringe art in the Big Apple. Seen as an agitator, for reasons good or bad, Venus X often controversial and blunt approaches have won her plenty of fans and foes. Yet thanks to her GHE20G0TH1K mixed genres and media party, none could dismiss her considerable influence on New York, the same way how aNYthing have shaped neighborhood by East Broadway, a junction point between NYC’s Chinatown and Lower East Side.

aNYthing
51 Hester Street | Map
New York, NY 10002

Always prompt with his opinions, jeweler Ben Baller will be the first to tell you his disfavor for Air Jordans. But he just couldn’t help but to talk about the latest Air Jordan XI Concord diamond pendant from his label, IF & Co. A total of 50 carats worth of black and white diamonds went onto this miniature pair of Air Jordan XI Concord and L.A. Dodgers fitted cap, Baller pointed out that even the kicks’ outsoles are exact replica to the original. While there are no words on its availability, if you need to know the cost then its obvious that its already too expensive for you. via: Complex

Nixon presents the Tigerseye collection, made up of five watch models, each featuring a distinctive dial adorned with alternating brown and amber stripes to resemble the tiger’s eye gemstone. The hardware and straps are all finished in matte black, giving the timepieces a modern, sleek look with stealth appeal. The watches consist of two men’s chronographs and three classic women’s styles. They are the 51:30 Chrono, 42-20 Chrono, Wit, Optique and Kengsington Leather. Each is equipped with a custom stainless steel band, with the exception of the Wit and Kengsington, which are furnished with Horween leather straps. Look for the Nixon Tigersye collection to arrive soon at Nixon retailers. via: FNG