ACM Re-launch | New Website

We Have Moved!

From blog to Online Publication. 

We have gone all fancy, professional and interactive with our new website. We'll still be bringing you all the great articles we have done in the past, just this time with a better layout and browsing experience for you, our readers. 

New articles will be updated frequently, as normal. You can stay connected with us via Facebook & Twitter so you never miss an article.

You can now find us at www.acmacasualman.com

We hope you enjoy the new site and thank you for your time.

The ACM team.

Clarks Originals by Oi Polloi | Wallabee Ridge

Clarks Originals is one of Oi Polloi’s favourite footwear brands, so it seemed logical that they would once again team up with them to create a new version of one of their most iconic models.

It’s a new take on their classic Wallabee boot, called the ‘Wallabee Ridge’and inspired by the archive ‘Caravan’ shoe. The original was part of a 60s collection known as ‘Deep Country’. It’s similar in shape to the classic Wallabee Boot but boasts a thicker crepe sole and upper made of suede, making them extremely comfortable. The hand-stitch detail around the outside of the shoe makes this one stand out from the crowd.

The Wallabee Ridge by Oi Polloi comes in both Cola and Maple suede and is available exclusively in-store and online.

www.oipolloi.com

Indigo People | The Raw Nature Of Blue

Indigo People is a young Dutch accessory brand, who's concept is founded on the affection for traditional craftsmanship and the love of natural indigo.

They combine contemporary design with authentic techniques and each product is hand woven and customised with integrity, by a master artisan. The base material are hand selected and dyed in indigo following a labour intensive process. Indigo People aim to create unique products for indigo lovers.

www.indigopeople.net

Carhartt WIP x Ikku | SS'14

Carhartt Work In Progress have teamed up with future friendly accessory brand
Ikku to produce a collection of sleeves for mobile devices. All four items feature
Carhartt WIP’s “Camo Stain” pattern, blending perfectly with the blue “Deep Night” organic cotton canvas.

With durability being a shared value at the heart of the both brands, the sleeves combine functional protection with timeless design and environmentally friendly quality. Ikku is the first Dutch brand to collaborate with Carhartt WIP, marking the first instalment of a fresh and exciting partnership. The 4-piece collection consists of sleeves for MacBook 13’’, 15’’, iPad and iPad mini. The sleeves are made from organic canvas, derived from cotton crops without harmful toxins. This also guarantees exceptional durability thanks to fibres that are not weakened by chemicals.

Available from February 2014 at selected international retailers, www.ikkuonline.com and shop.carhartt-wip.com

www.ikkuonline.com

Unit Portables

 
Unit Portables are the Swiss Army Knifes in the bag world. Multifunctional, great in design, innovative and durable.

In the modern world we are surrounded by technology, it plays a huge part in our lives and we always want to be connected, even when on the move - via laptops, phones or tablets. The amount of gadgets we use on a daily basis is growing, and with that in mind how do we carry all of our pricey bits of tech together, yet keep them safe? Unit Portables realised this and tackled the problem head on by creating an elaborate system of various bags and cases, that can be attached to each other as you choose and protect your gadgets from the harsh elements of the external world.

The Unit 01 is their first unit, a well designed and durable bag that is designed for your most valuable assets - your computer. Unit 01 comes with two small attachable covers - Unit 02/03, which can be conveniently attached to the outer of the bag to hold your phone, wallet or charger. Due to the durable and special material that the Unit 01 has, it means that Unit 02/03 can be attached internally as well as externally, so you can change the design of the bag depending on your needs - that's the beauty of Unit Portables.

www.unitportables.ru

Marshall Artist | AW'14 Collection

Marshall Artist embark on a journey of exploration and celebration, pushing the boundaries of contemporary British tailoring and presenting an impressive array of technically advanced fabrications for Autumn/Winter 2014.

Such fabrics include 'Compact Cotton/Polyamide' which when over dyed at a specific temperature shrinks to create a beautiful worn-in vintage look. The collection also includes several 'Micro Technical Shell' fabrics that are specifically produced to a high technical standard to allow water resistance to 5000mm and 3000GR/M2 bonded to a hydrophilic breathable lamination membrane for complete protection from the elements. The 'Teflon Coated Bushed Cotton Twill' is equally impressive with it's waterproof and stain resistant qualities, adding a softer more tailored feel to this technically advanced premium collection.

An exciting range of new silhouettes are introduced for Autumn/Winter 2014. A well balanced arrangement of progressive shapes married with British classics from a well thought out collection. With a strong focus on outerwear the collection includes a range of impressive new styles: 'The Cold Weather Compact parka' with removable thermal insulate lining is a stand out piece, as is the 'Dura-wax Nylon RAF Jacket' with it's intense and complex colouration finish.

www.marshallartist.co.uk

Southwestern Distillery | Artisan Spirits Handcrafted in Cornwall

Southwestern Distillery are an independent, family company hand-crafting Gin and Pastis in tiny batches (the old-fashioned way) by the coast of north Cornwall.

At the heart of their process lies a special, flame-fired, copper pot still called Tamara, goddess of the Tamar. Together with a harmonious balance of precision and flair, they are able to produce spirits that are truly exceptional. Tarquin, the founder, pioneer and head distiller is so proud of what they create, that he puts his name on every bottle.

Dry Gin 

A contemporary take on a classic London Dry, Western Distillery use fragrant hand-picked Devon violets and fresh orange zest to deliver an aromatic sensation unlike any other. They like to think the result is comparable to stumbling upon a beautiful orange blossom in the middle of a crisp, dry pine forest.

Only the best and most pure spirit (the heart) makes it into Tarquin’s Gin, which is diluted to bottling strength at 42% with Cornish spring water.

Cornish Pastis 

Cornish Pastis is a modern take on the French anise classic, and the first of its kind to be created in the UK. Foraged gorse flowers from the Atlantic cliff-tops and fresh orange zest help to deliver its fresh, invigorating and unique aroma.

Distilled just like their gin and then finished off with a touch of liquorice root for colour, the drink is silky smooth and absolutely spectacular.

It's great to see small distillery's such as this one, which shows great quality, craftsmanship and passion, as well as keeping methods from the past alive. If you head on over to the Southwestern Distillery website, the story unfolds much further, giving you detailed information on their aim, vision, techniques and Botanicals used, which will hopefully help you further understand why this distillery is so special.

www.southwesterndistillery.com

oki-ni x Master-piece x Nowartt | SS'14 Exclusive Collaboration

Back in November last year we announced that oki-ni would be once again collaborating with bag makers Master Piece and with a little added help from the Japanese print and graphic design studio, Nowartt. On announcing this collaboration we gave you a little look inside the Nowartt studio, courtesy of oki-ni, you can find that post here.

Yesterday seen oki-ni proudly present this new and exclusive collaboration between oki-ni, Tokyo graphic design house Nowartt and the Japanese luggage specialist master-piece. Following on from their AW'12 collaboration between Master-piece x oki-ni x Indigofera, this new series replaces warm Indigofera blankets with expressive prints created by Nowartt, while again using rugged Master-piece bags as the canvas.

Oki-ni asked Nowartt to create a series of prints inspired by the extra-terrestrial setting of their AW'12 video, The Launch. They took their brief as a starting point and then moved beyond it to produce two colourful, expressive prints that incorporated wild horses and broken flowers.

The collaboration includes two bags styles – a backpack and a tote bag – with one produced in each print style. As ever with Master-piece the bags themselves will be hand-crafted to the highest standards and produced from luxurious leather, hard-wearing Cordura nylon and soft suede.

www.oki-ni.com

Fantastic Frank | Greifswalder Strasse 207, Berlin

All images by Fantastic Frank

As you already know, here at ACM we have a great love for quality, innovation and design. We have been meaning to start touching on homes and interior design, and whilst browsing the World Wide Web, we came across this modern and expertly put together website called Fantastic Frank.

Fantastic Frank is a traditional brokerage firm with a great twist. Combining their love of interior design and photography, they have created something new and exciting for the modern times we live in. Their website is like a look-book for homes, their interiors are carefully designed and then carefully photographed.

Seen here is the Griefswalder Strasse 207 in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin. It's a 212 m² large apartment with seven rooms, in the trendy district Bötzow. The property dates back to 1895 and can be accessed via two rather wonderful staircases. The property also has many original features such as, partially visible wall paintings, ornaments, stucco and painted windows obtained.

So if your looking to relocate, get your self on to Fantastic Frank, where you can find more information on this property and many others in Berlin and Stockholm.

www.fantasticfrank.de

Christopher Ward | C7 Italian Red Chronometer (Limited Edition)

There are few sights in motorsport as evocative as a Ferrari in full flight at Monza. However, even Christopher Ward were surprised at the level of demand for their original C7 Italian Racing Red (C7IRR) - a watch that celebrated this most perfect of automotive unions. Rather appropriately, it became the fastest selling timepiece they had ever created and the limited edition sold out within weeks.

With the supremely accurate, thermo-compensated ETA 251.233 COSC certified chronograph movement as its engine, the new C7 IRR is one of the most accurate watches in the world. The three sub-dials are evenly positioned around the centre of the dial while the round calendar window is neatly angled at the ‘4’ position. Add the finely-tuned precision of the case, the dashing looks of the “Toro Bravo” Italian leather of the strap with their signature Bader deployment, there is every reason to believe that this new version will also become an object of desire for Tifosi everywhere – but they’ll need to be quick off the grid, this is a limited edition of just 500.

www.christopherward.co.uk

Spencerfield Spirit Company | Pig's Nose, Scotch Whisky

Refreshingly soft, yet reassuringly rich... the whisky's name plays on the notion that it's as smooth as a pig's nose. This exceptional blended Scotch has been created by Richard Paterson, Scotland's only third generation Master Blender. Produced in specially selected first fill oak casks, the seriously satisfying smoothness is achieved through combining oak-aged Speyside, Islay and Lowland malts with superior Invergordon gentle grain whiskies.

Like Sheep Dip, Pig's Nose is another award-winner. Launched in 1977, as a stable-mate for Sheep Dip, Pig's Nose is sold and enjoyed throughout the world, but particularly in the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Denmark and France.

Pig's Nose has been awarded the #7 spot in Amazon.com 'Top 10 Whiskies of 2010' and rated 4 ½ stars out of 5 in 'Wine & Spirits' Magazine.

www.spencerfieldspirit.com

Jamboree Store

Jamboree Store is a UK based web-shop which launched last year. The store concept is based around re-appropriating the nostalgia of 1940’s 50’s utilitarian outfitting and athletic wear, stocking premium menswear brands which have emerged from this, alongside a considered selection of complimentary vintage clothing and homeware. 

They stock brands such as Arpenteur, Archival, Leftfield and Winter Session to name a few. They are expecting some exciting new arrivals too, from the likes of Jungmaven and Ebbetts Field, amongst others this summer, and a few exciting collaborative projects too.

www.jamboreestore.co.uk

Surf Liquor | Shaped by Satta

Whilst travelling, skating and surfing the world, Surf Liquor founder ‘Jonathan Cosserat’ saw his road trip come to a halt on the sunny West Coast of carefree California where he found himself spent out! Fascinated by the culture, the lifestyle and community of the area, Jon took up work at an old ‘Liquor Store’, which ultimately provided the name and inspiration for what has now become the premium street-wear brand, ‘Surf Liquor’.  

As part of Surf Liquor’s SS'14 collection, the brand have teamed up with renowned Brixton based woodworker; 'Satta Skates' to create a limited edition, hand-crafted 'Cruiser Deck'. The 'Surf Liquor by Satta' decks will be an exclusive collection of 10 handmade boards, each deck uniquely shaped and stamped with a number from 1-10. 

The craftsmanship that has gone into these boards and being limited to only ten really appeals to us. Whether you want one for cruising around on in the Summer, or simply as an ornamental or statement piece in your home, it will no doubt look and feel great.

The 'Surf Liquor by Satta' boards will be available on the Surf Liquor website from the 1st February. 

www.thesurfliquor.com

Henri Lloyd | Spring/Summer 14 Campaign

Just released this afternoon, here we have the first look at Henri Lloyd's Spring/Summer 14 Campaign, with 'Modern Day Pioneer' Sir Ben Ainsle as the face of it.

 No one seizes opportunity more so than Sir Ben Ainslie; after completing his ‘most successful sporting achievement ever’ sailing in the 2013 America’s Cup in September last year, Sir Ben returned home to support the brand he calls family. Honouring his many achievements Henri Lloyd celebrates a true Modern Day Pioneer in their Spring 14 campaign.

Inspired by the brand’s rich marine heritage, Henri Lloyd have crafted a beautifully executed campaign shot by esteemed fashion photographer Steve Harries and features brand ambassador Sir Ben Ainslie, the most successful sailor of all time - achieving 4 Olympic Gold Medals, 11 World Championships and 9 European Championships in his career to date.   

“Spring 14 is all about investing further into strong nautical looks and the very best of British design. From seafaring stripes and colour blocking to indispensable seasonal staples the collection is easy to wear and easy to style. The offer is bold in its use of colour, fabric and detail embracing spring’s new trends for nautically influenced pieces. The campaign itself reinforces this position providing a uniquely crafted creative where quality and integrity are never compromised. ” - Craig Prest, Creative Director for Henri Lloyd.



The Spring 14 campaign featuring Sir Ben Ainslie is being released alongside an exclusive ‘behind the scenes’ video prior to the official collection launch in Henri Lloyd standalone stores, selected UK stockists and online at www.henrilloyd.com in February ’14.

www.henrilloyd.com

Film | Brandy & Coke

Ewen Spencer is a Newcastle born photographer of primarily youth and subculture who is based in Brighton. In the late 90's Ewen immersed himself in the Garage scene at a time when the underground movement was really picking up pace and documented it through photographs. In 2013 Ewen launched his hardback publication called 'UKG', which holds a collection of photographs documenting one of the UK's most famous and loved movements. With some really intimate shots the photography in this book will no doubt bring back memories for those who were there.

As well as his book Ewen directed this short documentary film to show what the whole Garage scene was about and what it meant to be apart of it. The people, the fashion, the music. 'UKG' is available to buy now from Ewen's online store.

www.ewenspencer.com

New Balance | Three Peaks Pack

New Balance are a quality and popular brand and have been for years, however their popularity has some what peaked to new heights as of late. The brand is no longer just associated with being a trainer for athletes and has crossed over into the world of fashion and being styled in many different ways by many different people and sub cultures. 

Seen as a lifestyle trainer now and not just a runner New Balance are worn not only by runners, but by the weekend rambler with his cords and Gore-tex jacket perhaps, whilst out on a Sunday afternoon stroll through the countryside or by the stylish casual dressers up in the stands at a football match on a Saturday afternoon. New balance have achieved this by offering quality, comfortable footwear that will last, and by widening their range in terms of different models and colour-ways.

In the height of popularity new Balance have been releasing limited edition packs such as the "Rain Mac" pack, "Tea Pack" and their latest - "Three Peaks" pack. The "Three Peaks" pack is made up of three different limited edition colour-ways in the 576 model, offering timeless styling with all the practicallity of a runner. This pack is a homage to the Three Peaks Challenge, in which the three largest mountains in the UK must be climbed in 24hrs. In many ways it's a perfect idea as the New Balance brand is synonymous with running culture and the Lake District (where Scafell Pike is) where these trainers are made. 

Made in England in New Balance's Flimby factory this 576 model features the iconic large 'N' branding and their patented C-Cap cushioning system. The pack is made up of three colourways: 'Snowdon' (Black/Grey/Blue), 'Ben Nevis' (Navy/Blue/Purple) and 'Scafell Pike' (Olive Green/Burgundy). The "Three Peaks" pack is available to buy now from Togs+Clogs.ACM

www.togsandclogs.com

Christopher Ward | C1000 Typhoon

The sweeping delta wing configuration has inspired some memorable and iconic aeroplanes in recent times – from the elegance of Concorde to the awesome Vulcan – but today’s most powerful expression of this classic silhouette is undoubtedly the Eurofighter Typhoon.

The current version of this multi-role master of the skies, the Typhoon FGR4 – and the pilots who fly it – has provided the inspiration for the latest aviator’s watch from Christopher Ward; the C1000 Typhoon.

In keeping with the technical sophistication of the computer-controlled jet fighter, the C1000 Typhoon marks another technical advancement for the British luxury watch company, being the first of its watches to boast a ceramic outer case. In a further refinement, a titanium case supporting the movement sits inside the ceramic. The protective carapace of ceramic is fitted around the inner case through intense pressure. The appeal of this advanced composite comes from its lightweight, scratch-resistance, durability, smooth touch and deep opaque appearance, especially in the matt black finish used for the C1000 Typhoon. Today’s advanced ceramic is probably six or seven times tougher than steel; it is so tough that only a diamond can scratch it.

“Each season we are pushing ourselves and our factory in Switzerland to come up with innovative advancements to enhance the performance and appearance of our watches. We used titanium for the first time this year in the case for our C11 Titanium Elite diver’s chronometer. To create a watch to do justice to the RAF’s Typhoon, one of the most sophisticated pieces of machinery ever built, we knew we had to stretch the boundaries of watch case construction beyond anything we had done previously.

The high-tech ceramic case of the C1000, which is built around highly sophisticated and yet extremely lightweight titanium ‘cage’, represents the pinnacle of our work in this arena to date. We believe that in the C1000 we have a watch that not only honours the amazing Typhoon aircraft but also further confirms Christopher Ward as a watchmaker that continues to seek perfection through innovation and, moreover, achieves this at a price level that brings truly remarkable watches to a wider audience than ever before,” says Mike France, co-founder of Christopher Ward.

A modified version of the revered ETA Valjoux 7750 movement has been used for this stylish new chronograph.  The backplate, crown and twin pushers are IPK black-coated titanium, complementing the predominant colour scheme of the watch, and this identity is carried through to the rugged leather and webbing strap options.

On the detailed backplate a full rendition of the wonderful shape of the FGR4 is seen in the form of an intricate 3-D raised coin effect. In a high-precision stamping, the plane as seen from above sits in the centre of the case back and makes a smart contrast to the matt black ceramic case. The plate is engraved with ‘Typhoon FGR4 Multi-Role Combat’ and the RAF motto ‘Per Ardua Ad Astra’ (‘Through Struggles to the Stars’).

The C1000 Typhoon is available to pre-order now for the end of January from the Christopher Ward website, where you can also find a list of all it's features and technical information.

Price: £1,500 / $2,060

www.christopherward.co.uk

Gabicci | SS'14 Collection

Last year saw British brand 'Gabicci' celebrate their 40th anniversary, collaborating on a 70’s inspired collection with Soul Legend; Norman Jay. SS/14 sees the brand dig even deeper into their archives to give a proud nod to the modernist 60’s movement that heavily inspired the brand. 

The Gabicci team appointed ex FHM Fashion Director and Plan B’s stylist, ‘Rich  Evans’, to curate this authentically ‘mod’ campaign which tells the story of suburban ‘lads’ scootering from city to coast on their own or in packs; loosely based on the journey that Jimmy took in the cult classic, ‘Quadrophenia’, using the Surrey Downs to emulate the Brighton countryside.

With Gabicci 's eye for detail, London’s reputable ‘New Originals Scooter Club’ were called upon to lend themselves and their scooters as extras for the photography and filming, proudly adding an air of authenticity to the shoot. Gabicci have been a firm favourite among subcultures past & present with a strong presence in the Northern Soul, Reggae and Ska circles, worn by everyone from The Specials, Bob Marley, Don Letts and continuing their legacy with today’s musical icons such as; Labrinth, Liam Bailey and The Vaccines, to name a few. 

The definitive Gabicci ‘look’ incorporates Italian inspired styling with an air of authority and class. Staying true to their roots, the brand have reintroduced some of their original styles and fits, including their signature suede trim, lightweight knitwearsharp tailoring. Slim fitting button down shirts & knitted polos are suitably finished with the iconic gold ‘G’ logo, firmly fixed to the chests of men where Gabicci remains a nostalgic memory, whilst appealing to a whole new generation on the streets and dance floors of today. 

www.gabicci.com