CONNOISSEUR x PART III

Okay here's a first look at the third installment of this summer's Connoisseur X collaborations series. "Essential Kit" with long standing chum Section 76, this Airfix kit style design depicts an eclectic mix of some of the essential items in the wardrobe and about ones self today, from the highly desirable jacket, to the watch on the wrist, the artwork for this is fantastic if we don't say so ourselves. Release date likely to be end of May/June. Here's a sneak preview. Also an update on the forthcoming Collaborations this summer, the first of which with Peter O'Toole should be available before the end of the month with the rest to follow on a monthly basis.For an insight, here's a recent video interview with Pete.YHN

GARBSTORE LOOKBOOK.

First look at Garbstore's 'Men Who Did' collection, Ian Paley's Garbstore remain a firm fave here at Connoisseur hq, with summer around the corner and this nice clement weather of late, what better time for Garbstore to release this look at their current Spring/Summer collection. With some nice photography showcasing their wares on an old rickety chair, made from old oars if you look closely. CD

CONNOISSEUR x OUR CULTURE.

A look at our forthcoming collaboration with our Swedish brethren Our Culture. From Stockholm via Stockport and everywhere in between, this cool design has a nice accompanying story to it, which we'll go into more depth soon, it looks cool eh? Available later this month. Check back soon for more info on this and a preview of the third installment of our Summer collaborations this time with Section76. CD

SLINKACHU.

We've been here before but I don't care, it's ace, I love the work and minute detail from this talented modern artist, it's genius, great ideas, great photography, loads more here: Slinkachu CD

CONNOISSEUR x PETER O'TOOLE.

Hot off the printng press, this is the first sample of the forthcoming Peter O'Toole collaboration, it looks pretty smart eh? Available very soon on Sky Blue and a limited edition of Yellow. CD

NEW PRODUCT COMING SOON

Assassination USA, now for some great 60s political propaganda artwork by famed illustrator Jack Kirby who's better known works included DC and Marvel comics, this was taken from a little known underground hip magazine from the 60s and 70's called 'It', much in the same vain as the perhaps more famous Oz Magazine. This was from a piece by Claudia Dreifus of the New York Times on the corruption and conspiracy of a dark time in American history, as political assassinations became as American as Apple Pie, in a time when John and Robert Kennedy were murdered, followed by Malcolm X, Martin Luther King amongst major national figures. There's an interesting story to where this came from, we'll talk about that later, it's a real striking image with an over sized print featuring smoking handguns, tweed jackets and cigs, looks great on a white tee for summer, the cotton tee makes up the assassins clobber, set off by a vivid red print with contrasting yellowed faces. Some more forthcoming releases at the sample stage. Next up a new version of our two C's signature tee, available on both Navy and Orange with unique quotes from film and philosophy on the hem. Billy Casper will star on a nice Natural tee for summer, we've tried to disguise the fact this one was sampled on a t-shirt that would be snug on Kenny Baker, but the print - based on the original theatrical poster, looks cracking with a nice old school look and feel to it. Kes is one of our favourite films, so why not let young Casper run free on a tee? All will be available over the next month or so. YHN

6876 CAPANDULA.

I've been waiting to see this since last year when it was first mentioned, I'm a big fan, it's probably one of my favourite jacket styles ever, I've had them all, bar the 'Airfix' one they only did about three of, this new version is like a Barbour, waxed cotton, quilted lining, corduroy lined, this Capandula collab with Brum based Scene Menswear looks great, spec includes a wax finish British Millerain cloth outer, with a quilted Japanese pine bark lining , Brisbane moss cord facing and Lampo zips, only 60 made. YHN

CONNOISSEUR X Part II

An update on the forthcoming Connoisseur x collaborations. As we announced the first two of our collabs this time last week, we also hinted at the designs. Both of the collabs with Peter O'Toole and Our Culture are confirmed and in for sampling. We shall update further once we have the tees back with us. But for now here's a further look at them...YHN

REELIZER

Old and current film posters rehashed by several different artists, pretty cool this. via Reelizer. CD

CONNOISSEUR x

Here at The Casual Connoisseur we're going collaboration crazy this summer working with some of the best artists and illustrators out there to bring some cool as they come premium tees to the fore, we've kept things under our hats whilst they're coming off the drawing board, but we'll be revealing all as and when the art is polished off and on it's way.

First up is a collaboration with Yorkshire based illustrator Peter O'Toole. Who's worked with several brands, bands, clubs and publications including the NME, I-D, The Rig Out, Proper Magazine and Addict.

This commissioned design sees a sexy take on the pinup girl with a hint of street influence.

Secondly, we have worked with our good friends from Scandinavia, Our Culture, we have forged a good relationship with these suave Swedes over the last few years, this exciting collab seals that, with their ace Viking influence fusing several iconic faces from history in a really cool exclusive tee.

And, there's going to be even more, you're just going to have to watch this space...YHN

OUT NOW.

The Correctional Collection is now available to buy, two sweats over three colours and a heavier weight simple tee, also we now offer another of our 'Roy Cropper' shopper tote bags, over two unique designs, with a double sided print.
As always Limited Edition runs, quality garments at great value. YHN

ELLESSE x ROBERT McGINNIS.

Italian sportswear giants Ellesse have collaborated with iconic illustrator Robert McGinnis.
McGinnis who's notable work includes covers many cult novels and of course cult film posters for the likes of James Bond's Thunderball etc, Barbarella, Woody Allen's Sleeper, Raquel Welch and Sophia Lauren, and his famous first commission - Breakfast at Tiffany's, often featuring suave individuals with handguns and a bevvy of scantily clad sexy ladies.
This campaign creates an air of Mediterranean luxury for the Italian sportswear brand, mixing his typical classic style with a dash of 'la dolce vita'! McGinnis also worked on the recent 'La Nouvelle' campaign for a certain lager some of you might be partial to, but not me, so pretty trendy right now with a whiff of the Paninaro about it too. In a world dominated with photography and over saturated airbrushing in advertising it's good to see a return to a great, criminally under-used art form, with some old examples below CD