Pendleton x Property Of Bags

by Karen Day

A collaboration between two brands focused on quality, Property Of designed these bags using Pendleton Woolen Mills' premium fabrics. (Click on images for enlarged view.)

Adding a softer side to their shoulder bags that they typically make out of waxed cotton, coated denim or heavy nylon, the limited edition Pendleton x Property Of bags will come in five different colorways comprised of Pendleton's legendary wool.

While the collaboration marks a first for Property Of, the Singapore-based label has been producing function-led, carefully crafted bags since 2006. The Pendleton edition keeps to their design ethos, incorporating a variety of pockets—including interior and exterior, zippered or open compartments—in addition to leather nuances that add support at both the bottom of the bag and the shoulder strap.

Limited to fifty pieces, the Pendleton x Property Of bags will be available for $250 at select Bloomingdales stores starting December 2009.

Check out more images from the Cool Hunting photo shoot after the jump.

Made for Skate

by Brian Fichtner

While skateboarding's history has been well-documented, we've yet to see a published dedication to the sport's most essential piece of apparel, the skate shoe. "Made for Skate," a hefty archive of skateboard footwear, changes that with nearly 400 lavishly illustrated pages.

The joint product of Fauxami and The Skateboard Museum of Stuttgart, Germany, "Made for Skate" features articles from the museum's extensive collection, along with rare finds and one-of-a-kinds lent by generous collectors and professionals.

Even if you don't skate, this book will please most anyone with an eye for fashion. Still, those who've spent time on a board are sure to get misty looking at old Vision Street Wear high tops, Airwalk Prototypes and Vans Caballeros. From the introduction of the first signature shoe with Natas Kaupas to limited edition collaborations and futuristic, lab-tested designs, this book covers every single development of the skate shoe.

Duct tap. Goo Gone. Honeycomb soles. Lace savers. Fat tongues. Puffy laces. Everything.

Organized chronologically, "Made for Skate" reveals an astonishing pace of development and, not surprisingly, the glut of opportunistic ventures that appeared during the sport's more commercially fashionable days. Earlier chapters capture the spirit of innovation inherent to skateboarding as a counterculture, while later chapters lay bare the less inspiring trends of a full-fledged industry. Filled with old advertisements, skate footage and pictures of busted up shoes, "Made for Skate" covers nearly five decades in the evolution of skateboarding. In the end, it's an emphatic testament to the endurance of skating as both sport and culture.

Purchase it from Turntable Lab, Powell's Books or Amazon, and check out several more images from the book after the jump.

Dirty Donny Halloween Watch

by CH Contributor

by Jeremy Brautman

The artwork of Canadian "Dirty" Donny Gillies has graced a range of objects from skateboards to statues, but most notably Metallica album covers. Now his punk rock tenor can be found on an exclusive limited edition Halloween watch from Vannen.

Built with a Japanese Quartz movement, the water resistant watch not only looks great, boasting his signature monster art, but is built to be worn many holidays over.

One of 150, the Halloween exclusive sells for $85 from Vannen's online shop and arrives in classic Halloween-inspired packaging, along with a few other treats.

See more of Vannen's artist series watches here.

BonFire Jewelry

by Karen Day

Conceived while building a health center on a reservation in Nova Scotia, Rachel Hawkes Cameron's line of laser-cut acrylic jewelry—aptly called BonFire—features playful pendants of tepees, feathers and more on hand-beaded strings.

Playful but assiduously designed, the clean form of each piece speaks to Cameron's architectural background, maintaining a subtlety perfect for everyday wear. Adored by Robert Verdi, the BonFire collection became a fashion week favorite and is now ready for everyone to enjoy.

The medallions can be purchased for $60 from Rachel Hawkes Cameron's Etsy shop.

Freehands Fall/Winter 2009 Collection

by Karen Day

Back and better than ever, Freehands—gloves designed specifically to keep fingers warm while using a handheld device—are available in new styles for the 2009 winter season. Knits, microfleece, soft shell and liner versions update the existing line of the beloved versatile gloves.

Born out of a collaboration between CH founder Josh Rubin and his father, a glove manufacturer, Freehands feature fold-back thumb and index finger tips, allowing fingers to easily maneuver touch screens on MP3 players, PSPs, mobile phones or any other device that could use the help of free hands.

Designed for both men and women, Freehands can be purchased online from $18-40.