Apolis Activism x Katin Chambray Swim Trunk

Due to immense demand, Apolis Activism have created two new colors of their limited indigo chambray swim trunk: red stripe and white stripe, available August 14th. This perfect summer essential, made in collaboration with Katin U.S.A., contains a crisp lightweight 5.5oz chambray sourced from Spain. The waist is fastened with a thin sailor rope, a timeless three button fly, and a smooth lining that provides exceptional comfort and quick drying. Available through Apolis Activism’s web shop.

Born and raised in Taiwan, Kai D. Fan has made New York his home for the last 18 years. As a designer, Fan has always been interested in utilitarian objects – tools, boxes, hardware, vintage clothing and old photographs of workshops and factories. Fittingly so, Kai D. chose the word ‘purposeful’ as the theme for his Fall 2010 collection, reflecting his commitment for design with purpose. It also reflects a more conscious way of working and living in our modern society where he sees a shift away from wasteful consumerism and the pursuit of meaningless activities.

The inspiration for this collection came from the observation of how the simple, functional aesthetics of work clothes, hunting gear, and hand tools, back in the days when clothing and tools had to last by necessity and made to suit the functional purposes.

Kai D. re-worked the early 20th Century American work wear, hunting garments with slimmer proportions and updated details for the lifestyles of today’s modern artisans. Overstitching, waxed coating, multi-utility pockets, elbow patch, inside pockets, knee reinforcement are some of the highlighted details for this collection.

Lookbook images after the jump

INVENTORY turns us to Engineered Garments’ spring/summer 2010 collection: “The focus as usual starts with fabrics for Mr. Suzuki as the collection features the stable of great chambrays, most notably the blue that was featured on a lot more than just the work shirts. Another new fabric this spring is the metallic cotton that comes in a bit of a stone/olive tone, which can be seen in the image with the large duffle bag. The material has a starchy feel to it and gives an interesting look in certain lighting…” Read the full story here.

More images after the jump

1. High quality chambray shirt with the workman pockets making a nice unique feature. Made with real chainstitching throughout and a blue selvage, this is a serious shirt that will only look better with time. 100 percent cotton. Selvedge hidden button down collar. Neck fastening. Runaway threads from the chainstitch. Quite a heavy fabric, almost denim like. Made in Japan.

Continued after the jump

2. Denim shirt dyed with an intense indigo. Contrasting green and white thread throughout. Selvage trims to the waist. Chainstitched throughout. Hidden pocket on the left chest. Made in Japan.

3. Flannel shirt made using a medium/heavy cloth. Two pocket workwear design. Blue buttons. D’artisan tab on the chest pocket. Made in Japan.

Get them at Superdenim.co.uk

Wanna wear jeans, but need a more elegant way of doing it? Take a look at this chambray selvedge shirt from Canada’s Naked and Famous. Made from 10 oz, 100% cotton fabric sourced in Japan, Slim fit with back darting and selvedge detail on the sides – this shirt will add a touch of grunge to your formal wear.

Wear your denim around your neck?! Well, now you can (and should) with The Hill-Side ties brought to us by oki-ni. These ties are made in New York City from 100% cotton one-wash indigo chambray, and have selvage at both ends. Their lining is made with 100% cotton selvage muslin. Fabrics are sourced from Kojima in Japan.

Match them with a plain white shirt and chinos or jeans for a clean, rugged but sophisticated look. Or get edgier with one of the combinations you can see after the jump.

Get them here.

h(y)r collective magazine has a very nice story about Chambray in its Material Interest section, part of their 12th issue. This denim look-alike fabric is back in mode in the last few seasons, and is especially suitable for summer. Take a closer look at the story here.