Burkman Brothers Fall 2009 Preview

by Evan Orensten

New York is abuzz with the Burkman Brothers and their debut menswear collection for Spring 2009. We visited the Canadian twins Doug (above left) and Ben (above right) Burkman in their NYC penthouse showroom, where we saw highlights from the Spring 2009 collection and the full Fall 2009 collection, which we've got here exclusively for you in these Cool Hunting Rough Cut videos.

The success of the line is due to three things: Doug and Ben design their own fabrics, which they have made at factories they've worked with for years; The clothes feel great. They are modern, masculine, comfortable and fitted—and feature nicely designed details that don't get in the way but also don't go unnoticed; and lastly the passion of the twins themselves (does that make four things?), who have honed their skills designing at Gap and use their passion for traveling as the inspiration for their collections.

The Spring collection debuted at Barneys Madison Avenue store a few weeks ago and will be in other Barney's stores across the country in the next week or so. It's also available at Bergdorf Goodman's Men's Store in New York City, and at Ron Herman in Los Angeles. Check here for other stores.

This CH Rough Cut video introduces the Burkman Brothers. They tell us about the inspiration and philosophy behind their line, and show us some of their Fall 2009 product.

The second Rough Cut video, after the jump, is an extended look at the full Fall 2009 collection and highlights from the Spring 2009 collection currently in stores.

Renzo Rosso: Diesel Planet Store Fifth Avenue

by Karen Day

Fresh off a smoke, Renzo Rosso sat down with us to answer a few questions about Diesel's newest and largest Planet store on swanky Fifth Avenue in NYC. Looking more Mick Jagger than his revered neighbor Armani, it's clear this store is more rock'n'roll than Rockefeller. Located at the corner of 54th Street, the doors open today, just four hours before Renzo bares his Fall 2009 collection a few blocks away at Bryant Park.

What was your role in creating the Diesel Planet store?
My role? I had so many roles, we changed the store so many times. I am very well involved in the interior design, the construction was not easy because before the place was composed of many little rooms and we wanted to adapt it to our business spirit. It was a little bit difficult but in the end we are very happy because it's very nice, it's very Diesel, very modern.

You said before that in today's economy a brand can be very creative for not a huge investment. Do you not consider this store to be a huge investment?
It is a big investment but you have to consider that we are a very solid company, we work with our own money, we don't need any banks to finance us. We see this particular moment as a good moment for the company and thanks to our solid position we will be able to use this to become stronger for the future.

What is your personal definition of innovation?
Innovation is always trying to do something different, something fresh, something more modern over what's existing. Something that is actual for the moment, for the consumer, trying to be in time with what we need. I think we are because when we see the results of the retail we are up while a lot of companies are down.

You do a lot of collaborative work with people like Viktor & Rolf and Marc Jacobs, how do you view collaborations?
It's good for me because I have the possibility to deal with different designers and a different market and consumer, it allows me a different way to think. It's fantastic because it makes me a lucky man that I have the possibility to share a lot of opinions. I am so happy to have all of these good designers on board because they give me a lot of energy everyday to do better.

Do you hope that the Diesel store has a line going around the corner like Abercrombie & Fitch does a few blocks away?
I hope! I hope we have a line for all of our stores around the world, a line of people waiting to buy our jeans. I think it's a dream for everybody to have a line of people waiting to buy your product. We are happy though because the result is very good for the moment.

DEFAKTO Watches

by Watchismo

The just-released Defakto Eins watches from Germany might inflict some well deserved clock-envy among little handed friends. Designed by first time creator Raphael Ickler of Pforzheim, Germany, a young guy whose "idea is to display the time with the minimum information while being exact as needed."

The clock face displays a single hollowed hand that appears to float around the dial while the clear backside exposes the ETA automatic mechanical movement, a nice contrast to each other as well as typical watch design.

Priced around $600, continue reading about it at Watchismo.

Slicer Sled

by Karen Day

The Slicer by Ice Meister allows kids to sled year round, using ice blocks attached to the bottom of the sled as a propeller during summer months. With its contoured shape and low profile runners the Slicer functions as a normal sled perfect for snow, but the detachable ice packs can provide up to two hours of sled-time in hot weather (they can also be stored under the seat of the sled when not in use). Fill the packs with water and stick them in the freezer, then reattach, find a hill and hang on tight. The durable construction supports up to 200 lbs, making it fun for most thrill-seeking adults, too.

You can buy a Slicer from their website for $70 (includes a sled and two ice packs).

Matt Skinner: Heard It Through The Grapevine

by Karen Day

Sommelier Matt Skinner is back with even more essential information for laid-back wine enthusiasts, which he pours out in his new book "Heard It Through The Grapevine," a follow-up to his award-winning book "Thirsty Work."

Skinner's ability to organize the innumerable facets of wine into five main categories—shopping, drinking, eating, sleeping and well-being—is only part of what makes this book so valuable. The advice written within these subjects will not only keep you from wasting time and money on wine you do not thoroughly enjoy, but will also enlighten and provide you with confidence and dexterity when choosing wine. For example, we assume taste and smell are the influential factors in finding a wine we savor, but in actuality texture is equally as important. Another great tip is to decant wine into a completely rinsed out soft drink bottle if you don't plan to finish it after opening it to reduce the oxygen-to-wine ratio and thus keep it fresher longer.

A simple guide for a complex subject, Heard It Through The Grapevine will be available in bookstores in April for $25 or you can pre-order now from Amazon.