Grunge John Orchestra. Explosion.

I really like the look of this stuff, nice lengthy coats with big hoods. Russia is a cool place with clued up folk, it's only right that a new label comes out of Moscow at some point. Grunge John Orchestra. Explosion is a cool sounding name too. One to watch.

Film on Paper.

Ace detailed shots of the classic Warriors (1979) poster by David Jarvis via the excellent Film on Paper site.

Connoisseur hats.

The Connoisseur Black Lodge and Overlook hats, styled and shot by Danny Allison and Peter O'Toole.

Killogy.

This is cool, not a massive graphic novel/comic fan, but everyone's favourite supporting Wiseguy Frank Vincent battering a load of zombies alongside one of the Ramones ought to be as cool as it sounds. Check it out Alan Robert's Killogy.

Clarks Edgar Way.

Yep, more shoes. Don't anyone dare say I aint got no soul/sole. I have with these, they're fucking massive. I had these in their previous guise many moons ago and never remembered where they ended up. I did check the shed, loft and cellar. Thanks to Clarks for re-introducing this, my new fave model. I'm not sure these would be ideal in the forthcoming slush we'll soon be moaning about, especially after a few shandies. But, they are cool, proper Marmite flavoured Cornish pasty shoes.

Nike Toki Premium.

Something ever so slightly different here from Nike, the Toki Premium Geometric pack is their answer to the always popular chukka boot - a bit Vans, a bit Navajo, I like the subtle suede on suede look with the tonal swoosh set off with an 'ice white' sole and hikerdelic laces. The Native American pattern on the heel finishes it off nicely. Perfect for a jaunt down the local Cash & Carry. Exclusive to Size?

Weaver Moccasin.

Weaver Moccasin Lark shoe, just nabbed in the sales, like a tougher, sturdier Wallabee that was made on Blue Peter with some pritt stick and wicker. I battered the fuck out of these on Saturday, then kind of enjoyed cleaning them on Sunday. Getting old. Perfect for some Saturday afternoon trainspotting.

Warp Films 10.

Just had a super smashing weekend in the Steel city, centered around Warp Films 10th anniversary bash at Magna Science Centre in Sheffield, or just outside it near Rotherham. The cult film Dead Man's Shoes was screened with a live score. This was a really good way to watch a film, standing up, supping special edition Warp beer aswell, from the always tip top (real ale twat) Thornbridge. There must have been a thousand in there easy, amongst them several famous faces, most of which I managed to pester and have a photo taken with in my drunken state.
The highlight of the night was bumping into Shane Meadows himself en route from a quick slash, he was only wearing one of our own shirts! Plus was happy to endorse a forthcoming CC tee aswell, top man. Amongst others I met most of the Dead Man's Shoes cast, some lovely girls from This is England, Andrew Wetherall, Kayvan Novak and 'Chesney' from Coronation Street who were all sound despite getting mithered to fuck all night, and staying in our hotel by the looks of things.
My slight hangover was seen off with a breakie and a few hair of the dogs at the old fave Kelham Island and it's boozers.

Black Lodge & Overlook hats.

The joy of seeing one of your own scribbles turned into a proper manufactured garment never ceases to amaze me. It's the fifth year we've done the bobble hat, a love-hate thing for many I know, when we first did it they were certainly not as trendy as they are today. It was certainly a bit of a gamble, now even their most vociferous critics are sporting them! It was late night/very early morning scouring for vintage goods on US eBay that led me to spot old American Ski hats from various sportswear brands and hiking labels, and we thought we'd have a bash ourselves. Then in turn I found myself watching old episodes of Weir's Way on youtube for some bobble hat action. Five years on as colour schemes become harder to pick you put even more imagination into it.
First up Twin Peaks has been referenced already, but so what? it's cool, it's crazy, it's a genuine classic. Doing the 'red room' or nightmarish extra-dimensional 'Black Lodge' seemed a cool idea (and a first too, as far as I can see) for a project like this. It looks fucking cool eh?
When I suggested doing that carpet from The Shining I wasn't taking the piss, a couple of months later and it arrived in the post, I was delighted, I've no real idea how it would be perceived or look when worn but it's one of the best things I've ever done.
Watching the film again on the big screen recently just confirmed this. 'The Overlook' hat was born. It's not really about bigging up my own stuff, but if you like 'em too then it's all good. These and several others, all made in England are out shortly via Connoisseur.

Armistice Day.

They ask me where I've been,
And what I've done and seen.
But what can I reply,
Who know it wasn't I,
But someone just like me,
Who went across the sea.
And with my head and hands
Killed men in foreign lands...
Though I must bear the blame,
Because he bore my name.
-Wilfred Gibson.