Harley Davidson Fashions 1910s-1950

I recently stumbled across Rin Tanaka's "Harley Davidson Book of Fashions: 1910s-1950s" and I am more than obsessed with the imagery. Gone are all the stereotypical lore of leather, beards and hell's angels. Instead, it's a surreal journey into a working-class era full of freedom, adventure, necessity and style - all of which creates a rather elegant viewing experience. As much as I love this book, I do find it kind of odd that the master of American vintage fashion books comes from abroad (same goes for timeless Ivy League fashions). But it cannot be denied that Rin Tanaka has an eye and level of taste that is both interesting and inspiring.

Brooks for Summer

With beautiful limited-edition colored saddles and this amazing basket (above) Brooks gives us all two more reason to ditch the car keys and get on the bike this summer. And yes, that basket has a leather handle.

















via [selectism]

Urban Outfitter Fixed

I think it was only a matter of time before Urban Outfitters opened their own bike shop (in fact, I'm a bit surprised it took this long). The Philly-based lifestyle juggernaut has joined forces with Republic Bike to - wait for it - build custom fixed-gear bikes. This shocker of an idea provides a unique, and rather budget friendly way for the average consumer to feel like the average hipster with custom frames (52cm, 54cm, and 59cm), saddles, chains and paint. To be quite honest, I'm into the aesthetics and idea of this concept...I just hope they're a bit more durable then the clothing.

Urban Outfitters Bikes
$400

via [Acquire]

Summer of Speed

The sun is out, the blues of winter are behind us (finally) and it seems as if designers around the globe are ready to fly into summer with concepts that pay homage to speed while remaining altogether functional and approachable. I recently stumbled across both the carbon fiber ch.air project from bicycle designers Torgny Fjeldskaar and Javier Alberich (enter destructed pronucnciation) and Ella Vickers' amazing reclaimed sailcloth shower curtains (see image below). I'm currently loving the powder blue "6" chair...but not-so-secretly hoping for a timeless "53" concept. In the end, it's proof that racing stripes and spinnakers never go out of style.

[via PSFK]

Borja Bonaque Cityscapes

I just can't get enough of these mid-century-esque cityscapes from Spanish illustrator Borja Bonaque. Would be the perfect addition to any living room or hallway.

Hilary Rhoda in Numéro

And the dreamlife of angelic muses continues with these images of Hilary Rhoda (whom you might know from Estee Lauder fame) for the latest issue of Numéro. While Ms. Rhoda's statuesque features are a definite highlight, it's the sun-soaked detailing (in both the clothes and photography) that brings the real fantasy to this elvin masquerade.[via Refinery 29]

Irene L Finds Focus

There's just something so appealing about the dreamlife of images washed out with light, blurred with focus, bleeding contrast and overall sex appeal. I recently stumbled across these images from Irene L, and they have done nothing but ignite inspirations on fashion, photography and the thought of snow in my apartment (without the chill, of course). Vintage/washed-out imagery may be overplayed by many these days - luckily, only a select few (like Neil Krug) have found a way to bring the surreal to our fingertips...and storyboards. Have a look, take inspiration and let go of focused reality.

[via fubiz]