The Permanent Co-op is the debut capsule of product from Permanent Distribution, and is designed in cooperation with their extended family of brands, artists, designers, photographers, etc. Released only periodically and truly collaborative in nature, both entities share ideas and concepts- working together to create a very limited run of products that are only available at premium retailers and in the web store. For the debut capsule, Permanent teamed with the enigmatic Village Psychic NYC. This collection consists of wearable goods designed around the mantra “A Cosmic Alliance”, exemplified by the Candle of Good Fortune. For several millennia, it has been believed that those who bear the Candle of Good Fortune will be blessed with positive energy and providence. Basically, good stuff will happen to you if worn regularly. So they offered the collection in two colorways. Balance out the universe and get both. Images courtesy of Todd Midler Photography.

Born at the turn of the twentieth century, Emilio De Marchi was a friend of cycling pros such as Ottavio Bottecchia, Fausto Coppi, Giordano Cottur and a list of others including later legends like Basso and Moser. De Marchi’s career began as a bike and motorcycle mechanic, where he eventually became actively involved in some of the first cycling teams ever created. “At that time, quality cycling apparel was hard to come by, so Emilio [through his wife Emma] solicited by many fellow cyclists, started a small homemade production of cycling clothes and actively contributed to the definition of a cycling-specific [garment] standard as opposed to more generic ‘sports’ clothes that were more easily available back in the day.”

To commemorate this legacy, the De Marchi Company has recently assembled Dawn of The Pros, The Evolution of Style in Cycling (1940-1955). This beautiful hardcover book (printed in Italy!) is overflowing with images from this exciting era. De Marchi was there during the early years of cycling and is responsible for the design of some iconic garments such as the Italia track suit and the current jersey design that allows cyclists to breathe freely without the restraints of the rigid collars that were common in sportswear at the time.

I’m sure most readers of this blog could agree that for the past few decades, road cycling has eluded the concept of good style, and we generally equate functional cycling kits with sun-faded spandex covered in excessive logos like some kind of Nascar skin-suit, adorned with mostly unreadable pseudo-sponsorships from banks, car companies, and for some reason, chili peppers. However, this is not always the case. Brands like De Marchi have been quietly producing thoughtful and classic apparel designs that keep cyclists looking sharp as a tack. This is what their heritage is all about. Check out the book at demarchi.com

Thank goodness for brands like Makia. They recently sent me a bundle of their latest Finnish-designed product including this permanent fixture on my coat rack: the Button Up Hooded Sweatshirt. Apparently it’s also a favorite of musician, actor, and Viking Vesa-Matti Loiri. If you’re still trying to catch up with Makia, check the documentary below or visit MakiaClothing.com

In 1872 a human-sized gold nugget weighing more than 600 lbs was unearthed from a dusty hill in New South Whales. Rumor has it that when the prospectors were chiseling away at this shiny mother lode, a future-historic skateboard was found deep within the core of the gigantic chunk of cheddar. Not knowing whether it was extraterrestrial, celestial, or just plain pugilistic, the archeologists decided to bury the skateboard and never speak of it again.
From the land down under comes a brand that you should certainly be paying attention to. PASS PORT is making premium skateboard decks and a range of apparel that confirms this is more than just another garage project… and quite possibly connected to the aforementioned true story. They recently dropped a new collection on their website, and fret not: you will soon be able to get your passport stamped, as there are rumors that Pass~Port will be available in the US soon. For more information visit passportal.com.au

Makia has beaten everyone to the Finnish line by announcing their endorsement of car racing prodigy Kimi Räikkönen. I must say this is brilliant, isn’t it?

Rapha just released an online lookbook to accompany their Autumn/Winter Collection. Click the images above to check it out.

FTCSF will be hosting a special event on Saturday July 21st in conjunction with the release of Jack Curtin’s new Pro Model shoe, The Capitol by Fallen Footwear. If you’re in the area, stop by FTC for free bubbly beverages and good vibes. If you’re not in the area, check here for photos afterwards. Live music set by Cellski!

I’m not sure when this was released, but it’s freaking radical. Paul Smith collaborates with Rapha on this excellent excuse to ride in better style. From the photos I’m guessing it’s available in solid Rapha pink.

I’m 50% positive that I have dual personality disorder. Today I’m going to be all copywriterish about some of the new product from Rapha. These gents continue to amaze with the functionality and fit of the new Club & Super Lightweight Jerseys. The qualifications for wearing one? You simply need to ride a bike and ride it fast. Ditch the speed chute you’ve been wearing and get one of the best jerseys available from the masters of minimalism and craftsmen of smart style (sounds like something from the J Peterman catalog). Available at Rapha.cc and other fine cycling retailers worldwide.

Along with Dig A Pony owner Nicholas Musso, We Are Runts (WAAR) have been putting together a series of videos narrating the process of repurposing the “stuff” that reminds us of our youth; nostalgic items of naught.  The project manifesto states, “As we get older, our natural accumulation of “stuff” is inevitable.  Over time, an occasional claustrophobic freak out results in a cleansing that will thin the heap we’ve amassed, but regardless there always seems to be that stuff that never finds the bottom of a trashcan.  Depending on what you do or did, this stuff could be clothing, cards, photos, stickers, skateboards, records or CDs, etc.  One inevitable fate exists for them all…the dump, or someone else’s heap of stuff.  Very rarely do these things stay with us throughout our life, and we often reminisce on times when we had them, could fit in them, or even when we had a purpose for them.  It’s a shame to look back and wonder how much life and use was actually left in this “stuff”, or what a fresh eye could [have] made of them… The idea was to take them, regardless of condition, and define a new purpose for them, pool skewers and cruiser shapes… Enjoy.”