It has been so long since this type of post has graced the pages of TEM.  Thanks to Jake Davis for the inspiration.

- The Essential Cap (Snapback Edition) ❘ The Essential Man™
- Western Yoke Parka ❘ Mt. Rainier Design
- The “RIALTO” Eyeglasses ❘ Garrett Leight
- 1940′s Chambray Shirt ❘ Our Legacy
- The “CARLTON” Camp Moc Suede Chukka Boot ❘ Mark McNairy for G. H. Bass Shoes
- Standard Issue Canvas Chino ❘ Apolis
- Fantastic Man ❘ Issue #14
- The Essential Notebook ❘ The Essential Man™
- Tote Nº2 ❘ STRAWFOOT HANDMADE FOR FREE/MAN

Steve Mono is a men’s leather goods company based out of Spain operated soley by Gonzalo Fonseca. Working with a small local manufacturer, Gonzalo oversees the production through the whole process from vegetable tanning (the leather) to the packaging in order to ensure a great quality product to offer to his customers.

Since discovering the company early last summer, I have been following Steve Mono ever since, and I have nothing but good things to say, particularly his small leather goods.  In my humble opinion, the small leather good products by Steve Mono embodies everything I love and gravitate towards regarding design: style, simplicity, and functionality.  The design aesthetic of the brand is very minimal, but very attentive to detail- hence the vegetable tanned calf leather found on the inside of all of the products.

Also the fact that a case for my Blackberry Bold is offered in the product line still baffles me (for obvious reasons); I’m sure those of you who actually still owns a Blackberry can relate to the scarcity (or none for this matter) of stylish phone cases offered for our device- it’s just refreshing to see someone think of our dying breed.  Thanks Gonzalo.

Details: (clockwise)
- 09/5 Blackberry Bold Case in (Navy)
- 09/12 Glasses Case in (Black)
- 09/7 Folded Cards Case in (Navy) (I use for coins instead)
- 09/8 Cards Case in (Black)

For more information on the brand, visit the website here: Steve Mono

Very proud to announce that the second edition of “The Essential Cap” is finally available for purchase!

Only 24 pieces available.

*Special thank you to Quimari Majette for the dope illustration.

Here’s the third installment of “Essential Picks ❘ Retail Edition“ with MILKMADE, but this time featuring some of the store’s awesome accessories.  This is only a small fraction of all the great stuff they have in now; from BLK PINE WORKSHOP to MIANSAI.  Check out some of the standout pieces (at least to me) below.  *Disclaimer* This is not a review- simply just a visual display of the pieces I liked and thought were essential.  Enjoy.

- Side Bag by BLK PINE WORKSHOP (Pendleton Side Bag)
- Tote by BLK PINE WORKSHOP (Pendleton Medium Wool Tote)

- Bag by BLK PINE WORKSHOP (Pendleton Boston Bag)

(more…)

My buddy Manabu of SFI does it again- he just released this amazing looking bag called the “Waxed Haversack” in assortment of different colors.  It’s ideal in size, and perfect for daily use.  This one has to be my favorite bag of course after the “Waxed Rucksack“.

Details:
- Japanese #11 Waxed Canvas
- Japanese #6 Waxed Canvas Lining (Khaki)
- Japanese Vegetable Tanned Cow Leather
- Japanese Solid Brass Hardwares
- Japanese Vegetable Tanned Cow Leather（Painting Edge Finish）
- Inner Partition Pocket
- Inner Key Pocket
- Two Layer Front Pocket
- Full Leather Flap
- Height 250 x Width 350 x Depth 8 (mm)
- All Handmade in Japan

(more…)

About two months ago I received a beautiful package from Southern Field Industries, and inside was this “Waxed Rucksack”.  If you know me personally then you would know that this bag is right up my alley.  When I say I love everything about this bag, I mean EVERYTHING- from the British Millerain Waxed Cotton (used for the body) to the fully lined Tartan Plaid fabric to Red Wing Shoes Boot Lace (used as a drawstring) to Japanese Vegetable Tanned Cow Leather (base and other accents). And the most important part is that the rucksack is amazing beyond looks, with it being handmade it ensures a certain craftsmanship and quality that you can’t always expect from mass produce items.

Details:
- Waxed Cotton Body (from British Millerain)
- Japanese Woven #9 Cotton Canvas Lining
- Japanese Vegetable Tanned Cow Leather
- Boots Lace Drawstring Cord(from Red Wing Shoes)
- YKK “Excella” Zipper
- Japanese Solid Brass Hardwares
- Height 16.5″ x Width 14.25″ x Depth 4″
- All Handmade in Japan

(more…)

A couple of weeks ago I had a special guest come and visit me for a few days here in Los Angeles all the way from Saitama, Japan. His name is Manabu Okada, and he is the founder of Southern Field Industries, a small Japanese company that specializes in canvas and leather goods.  During his time here we were able to connect and bond. We both exchanged so much information about each others culture that I feel more connected with Japan, and he left feeling more connected with America.

While Manabu was here I was able to conduct a Q&A with him, take a look at what he had to say here.

The SFI Waxed Tote (in mustard) is to the left and the Waxed Rucksack (in antique red) is to the right.

They are complete and should be available 12.1.11 (the date is still subject to change though).

The MS & Co. shoe bags has been featured on TEM a couple of times but not quite this particular bag.  Phil (of MS & Co.) sent this 1 of 1 camo shoe bag my way a few weeks ago and I must say I really love it; the embossed leather logo is such a nice touch to the bag.  I can’t wait for my next trip so I can pack away my favorite shoes in style.

Thanks again Phil.

Here’s the second installment of “Essential Picks ❘ Retail Edition“ with MILKMADE.  This is only a small fraction of all the great stuff they have in now; from Our Legacy to Momotaro Jeans- they are carrying the good this season.  Check out some of the standout pieces (at least to me) below.  *Disclaimer* This is not a review- simply just a visual display of the pieces that stood out, and how they could be worn.  Enjoy.

- Shirt by Our Legacy (Generation Shirt)

(more…)