Sunday, August 15, 2010

Martingale at Haberdash

Martingale will be launching a Vintage Motorcycle and Cafe Racer themed pop-up store as part of Haberdash: A Week of Men's Fashion and Style. We'll be setting up shop In Candystore Collective on 16th and Mission. Featuring exclusive items from Vanson, Johnson Motors, Al;s Attire, unannounced labels, as well as genuine vintage riding jackets from the 30s, 4s, and 50s, and various racing and riding memorabilia. Hardware and Furnishings by Reason Furniture Design, and print work by Land Land.





Saturday, August 7, 2010

Barbour x Tokihito Yoshida - AW10

Barbour holds royal warrants from Queen Elizabeth II, The Duke of Edinburgh, and The Prince of Wales, but Barbour's collaboration with Japanese designer Tokihito Yoshida has managed to materialize something greater. The Beacon Brand Collection includes a waxed military and field jacket, quilted horse riding and motorcycle jackets, and a heavier retake on the standard Blouson. Inspired by Barbour's extensive archive that dates back to 1908, Tokihito updated these classic patterns with clever details that focus on utility and bring a rugged futurism to the designs - something a narc or organ dealer would wear in a Yakuza-run LA. Waxed Cotton is the new leather.






Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Things for me, things for Martingale

Here is a glance at some things that I bought this week for me, and some things that are actually joining our inventory. I cant say which is which just yet, because that would spoil the surprise.


From the top: Free & Easy magazine, the quintessential guide to dressing like a man: #142 / #143 / Vanson Trident Jacket for Epaulet / Johnson Motors 13 Rebels T: "This graphic is based on a historical motorcycle club founded in 1937 by the 13 top A.M.A. motorcycle racers in Southern California / Johnson Motors Winged Wheel T: "This symbol is based on the mythical winged-messenger Mercury. Used since the earliest days of motoring..." / Johnson Motors Storefront in LA : "The company is mostly known for its vintage style signature T-shirts. Knitted, cut, sewn, dyed, printed and laundered in the USA..." / Big John Denim Craft Labels: A mysterious archive denim brand that is poised to return.

Alina’s Chair: CNC Typography

Jacob over at Reason asked me to design a nameplate for this little girl's chair. There's a sweetness to this simple chair and simple logotype that makes it redeeming and memorable for me. Also I will probably get not get way with drawing a heart again.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Reason Furniture: Salvage Bistro Table

Jacob Ruch is a San Francisco salvage furniture designer working under the name Reason. Of course there's so much to be said about the sustainability angle of what he does, but more important to me is just the way the end products look and feel (and smell). Jake reveals the personality locked away in non-suspect pieces of wood and metal "scrap", bringing a new luster and renewed purpose to the materials. It's a process that honors the old body of this city.



Jake also has a highly collaborative spirit, which is why I'm proud to post "our" efforts here: a bistro table designed to fit my awkward dining space. This a 36x36 mixed Douglas Fir table top with angled iron supports, probably sourced from a junked bed.


If you're looking for a small, 2-4 seat table you'll be amazed how limited your options actually are. This project cost me far less than something new from a comparable designer furnishings house, and I was able to have a hand in the process. The experience has left me absolutely set on Reason as my contractor for all retail interior designs having to do with Falcon & Snowman, which is a huge relief.




Thursday, June 3, 2010

Vintage Jacket Auction

Martingale is offering two one-off vintage jackets. Send offers and inquiries to: Falcnsnwman@gmail.com.


The Emery Fox:
A lightweight summer evening jacket with unmistakable personality. Restored, oil-treated Israeli leather, fox-fir high collar. Well-worn detailing. Classic epaulets lend a utility that offsets obvious eccentricity.

Size 44 / $450-650



The Hillary Goose:

Unknown 197os design. Goose down. Detachable fox fir lined hood. A true expedition quality piece in rare colorways. Restoration and leather detailing by Johnson Leathers of San Francisco.

Size XL / $250-450





Thursday, March 18, 2010

The lineage of belongings

I enjoy being transparent about where my knowledge comes from. For me the fascination with "things" started in my fathers closet, and in my grandfateher's garage. Both of these men enjoyed well-made things. In particular, my grandfather didn't have much, but what he did own had a lot of character.