While you maybe don’t recognize their name right off the bat, you’ll definitely recognize the trademark ribbed body of Rimowa‘s sturdy and high-end luggage, a category which the brand has dominated for years. Now Rimowa is taking their knowledge of the travel industry and shrinking it down to help you to protect your iPad from the dangers of your fast-paced life with their new Apple iPad case. Featuring a zippered closure sealing the black leather outer shut, the hard case carries the grooved design of its larger cousin and the subtle Rimowa logo on the lower right corner. While it isn’t the cheapest on the market at around $280, this is the case you want laying its life on the line for your favorite gadget. You can pick this up at any Rimowa retailer around the world.

While there are many debates on the issue of overseas production and manufacturing, however one brand has kept it’s manufacturing over here since 1999. Hand crafted in America, BILLYKIRK makes high quality bags and accessories to their highest standards. Beauty & Youth recognized their unparalleled products and have ordered exclusive Carryall bags in two sizes. The smaller bag is available in navy and olive colors, while the larger bag comes in black and olive colors. All of the bags are made from heavy duty cotton canvas fabric on the body with the handle, shoulder strap and bottom panel constructed from premium leather material. There will be limited numbers sold exclusively at Beauty & Youth in Japan and pre-order have started at Beauty & Youth online shop right now.

BEAUTY & YOUTH Harajuku
3-25-5 Jingumae | Map
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan

Just in case his sapphire crystal encased RM056 Chrono-Tourbillon Watch did not flabbergast event goers at this week’s Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva, Richard Mille prepared another new design, the Tourbillon RM 052 Skull Watch. As suggested, a skull features prominently on the dial face. But unlike other “skull and crossbones” novelties (and there are quite a few), Mille distinctively integrated the movement into the macabre element.  Held adrift by four “crossbones” at the center of the encasement, the skeletonized function translates to the back, which is also visible thanks to sapphire watch back.  Limited to only 21 pieces, with 6 made of rose/white gold and 15 of these made entirely out of titanium, it will be beyond most watch enthusiasts’ budgets unless you’re a corporate raider of some sort.

When its a life and death duel at a speed of 2000 feet per second, real-time situational awareness is crucial to your survivability. This is the reason fighter pilots have long rely on the head-up display in their cockpits to give them all crucial information without impeding their 360-degree perspicacity of the battlefield. Thanks to Recon Instruments and Smith Optics, you can now visualize essential data points on the slope as well. Embedded within the Smith Optics I/O Goggle, Recon Instruments MOD transceiver wirelessly connect with the Smartphone you carry and display real-time information such as text, emails, videos, weather conditions, and more on directly onto your field of vision as an in-lens LCD. You can even pull-up the GPS locator function to track your buddies, that is when you’re not dodging the local ski patrol.

Six years after launching their menswear brand, the guys at Reason are realizing their dream by opening their flagship store in New York’s East Village. Modeled after the classic American general store, the Reason Outpost stocks the full line of the brand’s apparel and accessories (including pieces from previous seasons), as well as assorted collectibles, ranging from vinyl records to vintage clothing and home furnishings. Hand-painted signs and reclaimed antique fixturing set the tone for a unique retail experience that transplants a dry goods emporium into modern day Manhattan. Click through for video chronicling the building of the shop.

Reason Outpost
436 East 9th Street | Map
New York, NY 10009

Presented at this week’s Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 40th Anniversary Watch. Part of its 2012 Novelties line, this Royal Oak, designated with the number 1972-2012, marks the 40 years since the creation of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, one of the most recognizable timepiece collection with its octagon bezel. Its creation also ushered in the popularity of stainless steel construct, where as precious metals were more prevalent back then. Reduced profile into a ultra thin form factor, the skeletal dial face unveils the storied Calibre 2121. Unfortunately like many novelities, AP will only produce 40 sets of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 1972-2012.

With the popularity of vintage and bespoke styles, Nixon‘s latest creation might be what you are looking for. Unlike their conventional designs, this Private model features the oxide treatment on its dials to recreate a vintage feel. The unique finish leaves each watch looking slightly different and gives them extra personality. Surrounding the aged face is a silver case that is wrapped around by wrist bands made from brown leather. To make sure it is easier to check the time, both the minute and hour hands are colored silver, while the second hand is colored black. This timepiece can be found at the oki-ni online store in the UK right now.

Since becoming its host in 2009, comedian Jimmy Fallon has made his show “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” an impromptu platform for debut on the latest gadgetry. This morning was no exception as media/press from around the globe gathered for the announcement of Nike+ FuelBand. With ?uestlove‘s steady drumming as introduction, Fallon made a quick “welcome” statement before having Mark Parker, CEO of Nike, along with Nike+ developer Trevor Edwards among others, to take the stage for overviews of Nike+, NikeFuel, and the new Nike+ FuelBand. To comprehend the application, Nike also asked cyclist Lance Armstrong, American sprinter Carmelita Jeter, and basketball star Kevin Durant to iterate their personal usage of these new products. Then it was onto to live demonstration and try-outs with Nike+ technicians onsite.

Photography: Yu-Ming/Freshness

Designed in part with Nike‘s mantra, “If you have a body, you are an athlete.” the Nike+ FuelBand is a furthering advancement between the physical world, its virtual counterpart, and the way we move between both. Set to update on four metrics – time, calories, steps, and NikeFuel, a new measure on athletic activities. Not only will it keep track of all the movements from your daily routines and broadcast in a comparable format. It also motivates you to become more active by rendering each daily activities into mini-games. Now, reaching a set goal becomes a personal triumph or an “in-your-face” moment when competing among friends.

Deceiving simple on appearance, a complex array of electronics, including a three-axis accelerometer, record all movements. An user-friendly interface, like 20 red to green LEDs (like that on the Nike M.A.G.), gives you instant feedback on your performances. Connectivity to the Nike+ network is done through built-in USB and works with Mac OS v10.4 or later, Windows 7, Windows Vista (SP2), or Windows XP (SP2) computer platforms. You can also upload via Bluetooth wireless protocol onto an Apple iPhone app.

The Nike+ FuelBand is now available for pre-order at NikeStore.com for a retail price of $149 US. In the meantime, see video series on the new product after the click…

VERSUS TOKYO was set up by Yuichi Yoshii to show case the leaders from the Tokyo menswear industry at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week TOKYO. The reception to the event was overwhelmingly positive, so the team has brought the whole event to key fairs in Italy. Starting the tour was their first destination in Florence, where they set up a special exhibition space at Pitti Immagine Uomo. Brands represented had become broader and included 20 well known brands from Japan, including mastermind JAPAN, PHENOMENON, WHIZ Limited, SWAGGER, AMBUSH, MR. GENTLEMAN, Terrem and many more. Take a look at their display in detail after the jump. via: Fashionsnap.com

CONVERSE presents the Black Canvas Spring 2012 premium men’s apparel line, featuring a mix 0f CONVERSE’s rock and roll sensibility with its sportswear heritage. The material story is dominated by faded cotton, coated canvas and twisted yarns, which are enhanced with details like distressed edges, vintage-inspired graphics and exposed stitching. The result is comfortable styles in updated silhouettes with character to spare. Highlights include cotton henleys, plaid wovens, French terry hoodies and slim-fit cargo pants. Look for the Spring 2012 Black Canvas collection to arrive at select retailers starting February 1st.

Adidas SLVR announces the opening of its first ever standalone store in Berlin during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Located in the trendy Mitte neighborhood, the 120 square-meter space is sleek, spare and modern — much like the store’s inventory. The store opens with SLVR’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection and features a full range of men’s and women’s apparel, footwear and accessories. The brand draws on the technical expertise of adidas’ performance line and blends contemporary tailoring to create sportswear that carves its own unique niche in the active lifestyle marketplace. via: Sneaker Freaker

adidas SLVR
Mulackstraße 31/32 | Map
D-10119 Berlin
Germany