by Ula Kokalj |
November 05, 2013
There was a time when design and function worked as one. A time when you didn’t destroy a beautiful watch, or wallet, or whatever, with loads of unnecessary details. Details that added a zero to the price, but nothing to what you actually got.
Nic & Mel was founded 2010 by the owners of the Swedish woman brand, Vintage by Fé.
The idea was born when the founders discovered that there was a high demand for accessories for men on the Swedish market. Since no companies focused on this segment, they identified an available market share. The products are timeless accessories with a feeling of retro. Itʼs a unique collection and Nic & Mel will only be sold by selected retailers to ensure that the products are presented in the right environments.
„We believe in keeping it pure. We’re not following the latest trends, not inventing the wheel. We’re simply bringing back the best from history. Bringing back what once was lost. The ability to stay timeless.“
Inspiration comes from a time when focus was on function rather than unnecessary details. Nic & Melhas combined a design from past times with todayʼs existing demands and created products that are unique. The keyword has always been timeless; Nic & Melʼs accessories will last over seasons andtrends.
Nic & Mel has a collection of wallets, scarves, wristwatches, pocketwatches, iphone cases, keyholders and bracelets.
Photos: Nic&Mel
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cases,
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scarves,
wallets,
watches
by Ula Kokalj |
November 02, 2013
Kiel James Patrick is perhaps the most famous best-kept secret in American handmade wares. His belts, bracelets, ties, and other accessories are sold worldwide but only in the most discerning of retail stores.
The inspiration for the Kiel James Patrick brand was brought on by years spent exploring vintage clothing stores, antique shops and friend's attics in search of the age-old quality, style and construction once easily found in American made goods.
Soon, those aspects of classic wares became a starting point for the KJP brand, which embraced the simplicity of design and regal nature of old family tartans, regimental stripes and high quality woven goods from Scotland, England, Ireland and the USA.
Photo: FPF, Bracelet: Jack Fitz
"I am on a mission to produce original products while sourcing the highest quality fabrics, leathers, nautical cords, and textiles that I can possibly find."
By combining timeless patterns and textiles, Kiel James Patrick began creating hand-made bracelets and belts, as well as modifying and reconstructing other goods such as shirts, ties and sport coats.
In due time, this passion grew into a business that allowed the brand to become a public symbol of elegant and understated styles and fashion. From its inception as a personal hobby to its current standing as a rejuvenation of sophisticated New England design, Kiel James Patrick has consistently been growing and developing into a recognizable name indicative of quality, style and integrity.
Photo: CGWP, Bracelet: Royal's Golden Fleet
From humble roots as a personal hobby, selling out inventory at craft shows throughout New England to worldwide distribution, the Kiel James Patrick brand has always maintained its commitment to solid construction and American Made virtue. From the buttons to each individual stitch, KJP products are 100% USA Made.
"Well, in the first 3 years, Sarah and myself made every single bracelet. Sarah prepped, cut, and ironed the fabric, while I sewed on the labels, stitched the pieces together and attached the buttons. To-date we have made over 12,000 bracelets from start to finish. We have worked between 110-120 hours a week for 5 years straight. It was a bit of a nightmare when the production was done 100% by us, but we are now enjoying the fruits of our labors with over 20 people employed and 100% ownership."
Photo: KJP
The KJP design studio and factory is located in Rhode Island, just a few miles from the places the brand found its inspiration. As the products and product lines continue to grow and evolve, Kiel James Patrick will continue to support local businesses as well as continue to provide jobs to the people of the United States.
"Rhode Island is the “Ocean State.” Our license plate has a giant anchor on it. Our state flag is the word “Hope” under an anchor & nautical rope. Newport’s nautical “Old New England” charm offered me an array of lifestyle/décor/style I deeply admired."
Every facet of the Kiel James Patrick brand, from its timeless look to the lifestyles the products represent is intentionally unique and something the company is immensely proud of.
Posted in
accessories,
bags,
belts,
bracelets,
brands,
fashion,
kieljamespatrick,
kjp,
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moesolo
by Ula Kokalj |
October 30, 2013
Creative Recreation label was born in the fall of 2002 to fill a void in the footwear market. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, the original lifestyle footwear brand was founded on creativity and innovation. Creative Recreation offers an affordable yet stylish collection for any occasion.
They set out to create a high quality footwear line that addressed the needs of an emerging lifestyle consumer. They wanted to design footwear that they would like to wear. By combining the best attributes of different footwear categories - the comfort of an athletic sneaker with the materialization of a dress shoe - the ultimate crossbreed of lifestyle footwear was born.
Creative Recreation creates a high-quality footwear line that addresses the needs of emerging lifestyle consumers and stylish young professionals. Industry was offering either a dress shoe to be worn with a suit, or an athletic sneaker that did not fit the many functions of a person's lifestyle. When they realized that success is no longer equated with wearing a suit and tie, Creative Recreation began its journey to embrace fashion-freedom with a design approach that blurs the rules.
Creative Recreation has been worn by many famous celebrities such as Kanye West, Mario Lopez, will.i.am, and Diddy. Their passion for pioneering this market 10 years ago, is the driving force inspiring Creative Recreation to continually recreate the future of lifestyle footwear today.
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creative recreation,
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Photo: 
