Don't Blame The Kids Sport-Caps

Inspired by current vintage sportswear trends, Don't Blame The Kids releases their own take on the sport cap. Reminiscent of the Polo cap, the minimalist DBTK Sport-cap is embroidered with their logo icon in front. It comes in three colors; washed denim, white and pink. The quickstrike release is now available at their flagship store or their Facebook page. 

Purveyr Tours Signet

Photos by Marvin Conanan

The desire to elevate the retail scene in Manila has urged the creation of a menswear store that houses only the finest heritage brands. Nestled in Legazpi Village, Signet adds to the array of specialty stores that cater to the already thriving Makati neighborhood. With its well-curated product line, Signet is a home to the modern gentleman with a refined taste for products with superb craftsmanship. The store's intimidating facade gives off a feel of exclusivity and sophistication that best defines Signet as a brand that offers quality ready-to-wear and bespoke products.

Signet

Unit 102C Windsor Tower, 163 Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City

Can you tell us about Signet? 

Signet is a classic menswear store carrying products that are made by hand and brands that have a long, rich history. Our brands come from all over the world and are exclusive to us here in the Philippines. 

What urged you to put up a retail store such as this? 

First and foremost the brands we like are not available here in the Philippines. We had to buy them abroad either when we travel or order them online. Now they are here and there is no reason to buy them outside of the country. There is also a lack of a menswear store in the Philippines that isn't fast fashion or high fashion. That's the gap we saw in the market that was not being served by the incumbent retailers. 

What brands are housed in Signet? 

For footwear we have Carmina Shoemaker (Spain), Farfalla (Italy) and Sanders (UK) For suits and sport coats we have Ring Jacket from Japan. For dress shirts we have Avino (Italy). For casual wear we have polo shirts by Sunspel (UK) and Breton stripe shirts by Saint James (France) For bags we have Frank Clegg and Filson from the US. For ties and pocket squares we carry Drake's (UK), and Simonnot-Goddard (France). For umbrellas we have Fox Umbrellas (UK). For Japanese denim we carry Fullcount, The Flat Head, Momotaro, Sugarcane, Studio D'Artisan, Samurai, Ironheart and TCB. 

These brands are known as luxury brands, brands that are not widely known and available in the Philippines, how is the market's acceptance of the store and its products? 

Our customers love our brands. Previously they were only able to buy it online or while traveling but now it's available here. They also find our products are great value compared to mass market luxury brands.

Can you describe to us people's initial reaction as they enter your store? 

The funny thing is that people always tell us we look like the tailoring shop in the movie Kingsman which came out earlier this year. People love the warm feel of the store which you don't find much these days. 

What's in store for Signet? What are your future plans in taking the brand to the next level? 

We are opening our second store in the second quarter of 2016 at Shangri-la at the Fort. We are also introducing new tailors and shoemakers.

Stance x NBA 2015 Collection Launch Recap

Photos by Maphie Bolalin 

In time for the new season of the NBA, Stance Philippines launched the Stance x NBA 2015 collection last month at the SM Mall of Asia. Stance was recently chosen to become the National Basketball Association's (NBA) official on-court sock provider, that led to this huge collaboration between these two organizations. The launch happened in October 23, 2015 which had whole day activities like the 2K16 Tournament, 1 on 1 Basketball Face Off, Stance 2 Ball Challenge, and more. The collection is now available in all Stance retailers nationwide. 

Grid Magazine: Putting the "Union" in La Union

Grid Magazine features La Union game changers as part of the ”11 People Who Are Changing The Way We Travel”. Mia Sebastian of Flotsam and Jetsam together with Kiddo Cosio of El Union talks about their love for La Union and of course why being by the sea is special for them. The beauty of La Union is made evident in the video where you’ll also see what makes them stay, and understand more as they explain their experiences with the place. The two also briefly shares their own separate stories of what brought them to create what are now the coolest places in the area. What started as crazy ideas became a reality. They are proud to be contributors in building the community in La Union. Unity and the coming together is what’s important to them. The video is directed and edited by Lyka Gonzalez.

Den Sy Ty - Delay Llamas (Feat. Spazzkid)

Spitting lyrics with a touch of flare, Den Sy Ty lets Spazzkid add his own flavor to his new single, Delay Llamas. The rising rap artist has let himself grow and explore more talents into his own art, creating more music than what is expected of the rookie. Adding his character along with the rapper's verses is the well-known producer, Spazzkid, known for twisting tracks into his favor, and making it his own. But the rapper uses this to his advantage, spitting equally solid lyrics as what anyone would expect from an artist like Den Sy Ty. Check out Delay Llamas by Den Sy Ty (prod. by Spazzkid) below.

Source: Vandals On The Wall

Purveyr Instagramer: Aaron Quinto

Aaron's Instagram feed is a display of seemingly ordinary spaces captured in what we can say as the prime of their years. Streets, heights, and corners we'd most likely take for granted now are the foci of his curated space. Who would've thought that inanimate objects are as alive as the ones who made them? Aaron does. And thanks to him we can too. One look at his feed, under the name @aieos, and we're taken to those very places, looking up at glorious heights, getting lost in detailed beauty, flickering through gripping patterns, and most of all, being made aware of our surroundings and how they're shaping our world as we are. By looking at his feed, we just can't help but to feel small, at the same time privileged, to be engulfed by scenic structures.

"My name's Aaron, Architecture major. I like taking photos of places before they're finally gone."

How long have you been using Instagram and what made you decide to give more effort in it?

Since 2010. Back when using Kelvin filter was still forgivable. I decided to take it more seriously when I had my first smartphone in 2013. I figured that it would much helpful as a platform in exploring my love for photography and putting the images that I capture out there.

How would you describe your approach to photography?

Calculated but not exactly. I like framing my subject and convey a story through it. I treat architecture, the cities and the built environment as if they're alive because inanimate as they are, they stood there and saw far greater stories than our very own eyes.

What are your usual subjects?

Building, details, geometrical patterns, the urban fabric, and more recently, the streets in general.

What makes for a good Instagram shot?

Composition and substance. Something that will make you stop scrolling and stare at it for a few seconds and just go... "how?"

As a photographer, do you plan out which photos to post or do you decide to post them real-time?

Most of the time I post real-time photos depending on my connection but posting more photos of #latergrams can't be helped especially if there's really a lot of good takes from a certain place or trip I've been to.

What's the most unusual thing you've done for an Instagram photo?

There's no singular unusual thing I've done but usually I lie on the floor, trespass housing estates to get a good shot from its roof deck, go in the middle of a road intersection just to get a good shot.

What inspires you? And how does it influence your passion for photography?

The people who appreciate my photos. Even if some of them already fall on a specific niche that's not for everyone. I just remind myself that there will always be someone who will love and notice your work or the crazy things you do just to pull it off and that's what keeps me going.

Who are your favorite Instagrammers?

@takubeats, @maratshaya, one of Monocle's photographers @salvalopez, @hirozzzz, @cimkedi and the legendary @trashhand

What do you dislike about Instagram?

For some strange reason, it gives some people a certain sense of entitlement. Instagram magnified this illusion of a "well-curated" life and has negatively affected our disposition. It drives people to capture images not because of what they see but because it would stroke their ego through the likes they gain.

What is Instagram for you?

More than a photo-sharing network and repository of images, Instagram is a commentary on where and what we are now as a generation; a millennial's personal ethos. It's a reminder that everyone can take photos now, share it and weave their own story.

BLKD x Umph - Gatilyo

BLKD is a hip hop artist who for years has been paying his dues and harnessing his skills in the FlipTop Battle League. With most of his battles hailed as classics, fans and hip hop heads have been clamoring for an album from him. So he toiled more, and chose to work with his Uprising brethren and local beatsmith Umph. And finally, last September 18, the two presented their collaborative album titled "Gatilyo". This project is composed of nine tracks, with lyrics penned carefully by BLKD to present his points and views on current social issues, and hopefully drive people towards finding solutions to these problems. Umph guides the audience with the music he provides, starting with the heavy intro song "Gatilyo" up to the groovy vibe brought by the closing track "May Pag-asa". Click here for purchase details of a CD copy of "Gatilyo". You can also click here if you want to purchase the album on iTunes.

THE x Coast Thru Life "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" Video Lookbook

Cubao Expo neighbors, THE Clothing and Coast Thru Life has recently released a collaboration capsule collection. Other than being geographically connected, the two brands have almost identical philosophies revolving around the cultures of skate and surf. THE owns a more raw and street aesthetic through skateboarding while Coast Thru Life brings a refined take on surfing inspired by its heydays a few centuries ago. The "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" collection is a beautiful mesh of idealogies and design, that is nicely presented through their video lookbook shot by Jerik Robleza, one of the founders of THE. The small collection includes t-shirts, beach shorts, a cap and a hoodie. Drop by THE's flagship store at Cubao Expo, Quezon City to check it out and grab something for your self.