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Nike – Blue Ribbon Sports Pack

April 28th, 2012

The name Blue Ribbon Sports won’t mean much to everyone, but for those with a feverish passion for all things trainer related, the evolution of this somewhat obscure brand is one of the most important. Back in 1964, BRS was a burgeoning sportswear company who operated as a distributor for Onitsuka Tiger, as they grew, so did their ideas and it wasn’t long before founders Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight started developing their own products, garnering universal respect with their forward-thinking design. In recognition of the change of direction, the Blue Ribbon moniker was dropped, and Nike was born.

For Spring/Summer 2012, Nike have released the ‘Blue Ribbon Sports’ Pack, celebrating two of Nike’s most revered runners, the Elite and the Air Vortex, and their illustrious past. Both trainers highlight some of Nike’s key developments along the way. The Elite is regarded as Nike’s first true runner, effortlessly combining a sleek, lightweight profile with the technical functionality of nylon uppers as well their newest development – the Waffle sole – heralding a coming of age for the Beaverton-based label when it was finally released in 1976. The Spring/Summer 2012 incarnation utilises No Sew technology which bonds synthetic overlays and mesh underlays together using high pressure welding to effectively meld them as one. As well as the NS, the Elite also gets the premium VNTG treatment, adding extra character to this timeless silhouette.

Developing on from the simple nature of the Elite, the Vortex was part of Nike’s fabled ‘V-Series’, successfully showcasing the prowess of the new Air technology. First released in 1985, the Air Vortex placed its focus on the supreme cushioning of the now infamous Air cushioning system. Teaming suede and mesh layers together with accents of 3M reflective panels, the Vortex has a true 80′s feel yet it stood the test of time due to the ground-breaking running technologies it showcased. The BRS-Pack editions of the Air Vortex are reworked in both VNTG and Hyperfuse technology, which like the No Sew, uses high pressure and heat bonding to meld several layers into one slim-line upper that is both lightweight and incredibly strong.

To have a closer look of the Blue Ribbon Sports Pack, please visit the Nike Footwear section of the site…

A Guide to A.P.C. Denim

April 26th, 2012

Recently, we received a restock from A.P.C., comprising of a number of their most popular denim cuts. Jean Touitou’s Paris-based label, Atelier de Production et de Création – for those of you who love the longhand – have been the standard barer in the denim world for pretty much the last decade. Their cuts meld together refined yet approachable silhouettes with ease, all of which adhere to the classic five-pocket design while the choices in colour and material are kept simple with the traditional raw indigo denim, which develops an interesting blue patina, the go-to-jean for many.

Universally applauded and beautifully constructed, we have a varied selection of silhouettes in a variety of materials. If you are deciding which style is for you, keep your eyes peeled above. If you want to look at our selection from the Spring/Summer 2012 collection, please visit the A.P.C. section of our website…

WIN A £600 SHOPPING SPREE – Courtesy of End and Hypebeast

April 24th, 2012

We generous souls at End have teamed up with our friends at Hypebeast to offer three lucky people the chance to win a £600 ($1,000 USD) shopping spree to spend online at endclothing!

Entering the competition could not be easier, simply log into your Facebook or Twitter using the steps outlined below to ensure you’re eligible for the prize. A winning entry does not need the successful completion of both, however there is an increased chance of winning if you submit through both channels. The contest concludes on April 27, 2012 at 16:00 p.m. BST. The three winners will be randomly chosen and announced on May 2, 2012. Details of exactly how to enter can be seen below.

1. Like Hypebeast on Facebook
2. Like End Clothing on Facebook

OR

1. Follow Hypebeast on Twitter
2. Follow End Clothing on Twitter
3. Retweet this blog post using hashtag #HbEndContest

So get yourself on Facebook and Twitter, get ‘liking’ and/or re-tweeting and you could be updating your wardrobe with $1000 of brand new clobber.

General contest rules/disclaimer can and full T & Cs can be found here.

Visvim SS12 – Drop 2

April 23rd, 2012

2012 sees Hiroki Nakamura’s Visvim celebrate its tenth anniversary. As this ground breaking designer moves into his second decade at the helm, he has lost none of his vision or desire to produce products that constantly innovate and challenge.

Hiroki’s designs never stand still, fusing the latest advancements in technology with traditional techniques from all corners of the globe. He travels extensively, often living and working with the descendants of arcane tribes to resurrect skills and techniques long lost to the modern world. It is this dedication and drive that gives his collections a truly unique look.

The latest spring releases include the highly sought after Hockney, Visvim’s take on a classic boat shoe. Hiroki, of course, has taken it to another level with vegetable tanned leather uppers, full leather lining and custom Visvim outsole for unparalleled comfort. The Skagway Sashiko features hand-dyed and sewn linen uppers, showcasing traditional techniques exclusive to Visvim. The Vanguard boots are a more substantial affair, fusing the latest rugged Vibram outsole with a unique hand-dyed leather upper.

To complete the drop we have a selection of iconic Visvim apparel, including the Juneau Weld Shirt and Cora Tee, all made in Japan to the highest specifications.

Anachronorm – Spring/Summer 2012

April 19th, 2012


Anachronorm are based in Okayama, an area of Japan renowned for producing some of the finest denim in the world, with generations of garment manufacturing expertise. The brand’s location gives them a unique level of access to the rare, exclusive fabrics that Okayama’s mills produce, as well as the factories and workshops which craft Anachronorm clothing using authentic techniques and antique machinery. Inspired chiefly by vintage workwear pieces from throughout the 20th century, and inevitably influenced by Okayama’s rich industrial heritage, Anachronorm create ‘new vintage’ clothing, aiming to inject character and a unique story into every item they produce.

This season’s collection includes a number of staple, essential pieces, elevated by Anachronorm’s uncompromising attention to quality and detail. Chambray and Oxford shirts, tees and hooded jersey sweatshirts are all produced to the highest level of quality, and are given unique character and a vintage feel with the addition of authentic workwear detailing and the expert use of fabric finishing, dyeing and washing techniques. Classic workwear pieces such as the pullover work jacket and cinch-back work pants are also updated with the use of subtle fabric combinations and unusual detailing accents. Perhaps the stand-out piece of the collection, the Tiger Chambray shirt is made from a truly awe-inspiring pattern-woven fabric resembling vintage tapestries, with a jungle scene featuring tigers.

For a more indepth look at this season’s collection, please visit the Anachronorm section of our website…

Spring/Summer 2012 Shirting Guide

April 16th, 2012

The shirt, possibly one of the most versatile items of clothing available and an essential component of any self-respecting man’s wardrobe. Whether it be for work, a weekend away, or even a wedding, a quality piece of shirting lends itself perfectly to any occasion imaginable, and should stay with you for years, regardless of changing trends and tastes.

With the Springtime weather creaking into life, we thought this was the ideal time to showcase some of the best shirts from what has been one of the best seasons to date. We have hand-picked a varied selection of shirting that will complement any outfit and all budgets, setting you up for the coming months, and hopefully well beyond.

Ranging from bold prints, classic checks and traditional silhouettes, our selection of SS12 shirts has been picked to provide the backbone to any outfit. We’ve even teamed our choices up with complementary legwear, footwear and accessories in a number of carefully selected example outfits geared towards warmer weather – which is definitely just around the corner! – but they are all equally at home with a pair of jeans or chinos, or worn under a knit or your favourite jacket.

For a closer look at our selections, please visit the Shirts section of the website…

Inverallan Spring/Summer ’12

April 12th, 2012

Yesterday saw the return of one of our favourite brands, just in time for the unpredictable Spring weather. Inverallan have been making premium knitwear for the fishermen of Scotland for generations, and are one of the last few remaining ‘cottage’ knitters in Britain, meaning each item is hand-knitted by one person – usually in their own home – rather than by machine or on a hand loom. This traditional method of hand-crafted production, sustained by generations of expertise, allows for incredibly complex stitch patterns, and a tighter, thicker knit, for truly unbeatable durability, warmth and weather-resistance.

This season we have taken stock of a number of our favourite Inverallan styles, in a wide range of colours. The ever-popular shawl collar and ‘lumber’ cardigans return, with their characteristic heavy cable patterns accented by a range of classic colours, as well as some new shades. Extremely versatile, these cardigans are great for layering in transitional weather, and are even tough enough to simply be worn as a jacket. We’ve also received a re-stock of the brilliant cable-knit hats and scarves, each in four complementary colour options. Perfect for those chilly mornings and drizzly days out, these are sure to serve you well for many years to come. Finally, we’ve managed to secure a limited number of Inverallan’s highly sought-after cable crew neck jumpers. With their incredibly thick knit construction, these are possibly the heaviest pullovers we’ve ever come across, and are pretty much guaranteed to last a lifetime, if not longer.

The beauty is in the detail when it comes to knitwear of this quality. For a look at the full range, head over to the Iverallan section now.

Spring/Summer 2012 Jacket Guide

April 4th, 2012

With the unpredictable Spring weather now firmly with us, we thought it was our duty to present you with a recap of some of the finest pieces of outerwear to reach here at End. This considered selection ranges from the traditional to the contemporary with pieces from Mackintosh, Engineered Garments, Our Legacy, Band of Outsiders and more.

Ranging from lightweight anoraks, through to more substantial pieces, we’ve tried to incorporate something to help you deal with the changeable conditions, no matter what the situation. We’ve even included some of the best shirts, knits, shoes and legwear for the season to give you an idea of how to team them up.

For a more detailed look at outerwear selection, please visit the Jackets & Coats section of our website…

Head Porter Plus – ‘Cut & Sewn’ SS12 Collection

April 2nd, 2012

A collaborative effort between two of Tokyo’s finest design exports, Head Porter Plus is the apparel arm of the famous Head Porter label, melding traditional, simplistic silhouettes with a splash of streetwear style to create a range of universally acclaimed wardrobe essentials.

Established in 1998, Head Porter came to fruition when luggage experts Porter – founded by the legendary Yoshida Kaban – enlisted the help of Harajuku godfather, Hiroshi Fujiwara to help rework some of their most popular styles, adding a touch of Tokyo street style to their usually reserved luggage pieces. Soon HP’s bags and wallets became must-have items amongst Tokyo’s fashion-conscious youth, and after a while the label branched out further, creating the apparel only Head Porter Plus line, a range which employed the Fujiwara’s unique design ethos with everyday clothing silhouettes.

The Spring/Summer 2012 ‘Cut & Sewn’ collection focuses upon quality construction and considered silhouettes, utilising innovative, premium materials in the process. This is immediately apparent in their take on the classic Oxford Shirt, available in Dark Blue and Checked fabrics that showcase Fujiwara’s eye for shape and subtle detailing. The use of quality materials is also exemplified on the Heather Sweat and Aloha Sweat Parka, both of which are made from loop-backed jersey cotton which is knitted to give an extremely soft handle and a pronounced marl throughout. The collection is rounded off with the Hooded Jacket, a lightweight outerwear piece reminiscent of the classic Mountain Parka, available in Blue, Black and Khaki. The jacket is constructed from the famous 60/40 fabric, accented with traditional leather toggles and detailing.

Take a closer look at the collection at our Head Porter Plus section…

White Mountaineering Spring/Summer 2012 – Drop 2

March 30th, 2012

The second drop from White Mountaineering’s ‘Dune Rover’ SS12 collection has arrived here at End, with Yosuke Aizawa continuing to produce exceptional, highly original pieces that build upon the label’s ethos of ‘design, utility, technology and function’.

With flashes of influence from Aizawa’s former mentor, Junya Watanabe, the Japanese designer melds together form and function with consummate ease, harnessing traditional fabrics such as 6oz denim and sheep skin leather, utilising these luxury fabrics as a the backbone to garments with high technical specification. Revolutionary techniques and processes are used during the construction of every piece in this collection, with innovative materials such as durable rip-stop nylon and moisture wicking Pertex adding a heavy dose of functionality to Yosuke’s considered silhouettes.

Aside from the main bulk of the collection are a selection of essential, accessible premium cotton tees as well a collaborative tote bag with Tokyo luggage-heavyweights Porter. All designed and manufactured in Japan, these pieces demonstrate the fabled quality and craftsmanship of the brand, subtly showcasing the inspiration behind the collection with bold prints featuring on both the tees and bag.

For a closer look at the entire collection, please visit our White Mountaineering section of the website…