SECRET FORTS

BEFORE BOTTLE ROCKET, BOTTLE ROCKET.

mrforts — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:09:13 +0000

Bottle Rocket. Released 17 years ago this month. I wound up seeing it after, with a head ache from rolling my eyes too hard, walking out of “Hamlet” with Kenneth Branagh and slipping into the adjoining theater at the Kabuki in San Francisco. I became a fan immediately and have been since, minor “Life Aquatic” grievances aside.
Wes Anderson’s short, shot four years prior in 1992 on stolen film from the University of Texas at Austin Film Department. One of the cinematographers, Barry Braverman, would later be referenced in Anderson’s 2001 “The Royal Tenanbaums”.
Narrator (Alec Baldwin) : “She was a playwright, and won a Braverman Grant of$50,000 in the ninth grade.”
A few years later, in the March 2000 issue of Esquire, Martin Scorsese would announce Anderson as the next Scorsese.

RESEARCH IN STYLE : WP LAVORI at 30.

mrforts — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:48:26 +0000

On the occasion of their 30th anniversary, the publication of WP Lavori‘s “Thirty Years of Research in Style”. The company’s past, present and future in print. The Italian-based distribution home to such labels, and to only name a very few, Woolrich John Rich & Bros., Blundstone, Barbour and Barbour Beacon Heritage, Baracuta and of course the cult-followed, previously Daiki Suzuki-helmed Woolrich Woolen Mills, now under the tutelage of Mark McNairy. Published by Rizzoli and available for pre-order in the states now.

J.R. CASH, b. 2/26/32.

mrforts — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:56:01 +0000

THEN & NOW : THE APOLIS INDIGO CHORE COAT.

mrforts — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 17:20:08 +0000

Almost two years to the day of receiving it and no worse for the wear, the Apolis indigo wool chore coat. Then and now.

Surely counted among the most ubiquitous items in the #menswear world, it’s not without good reason. This has come to be a mainstay, a consistent go-to. The indigo wool worn in and faded like any favorite pair of jeans making it one of those items in your closet (if, in fact, you ever even hang it up) that becomes unique and personal to each wearer. Hard to convey in photos is the subtle way this coat wears and breaks in. Harder to convey is how the wool itself feels and breaks in over the years. How it takes on your shape like your old favorite Barbour. This is one of the new classics. A new standard. And now, an old favorite.

Then.

Now.

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IN CONVERSATION : SHINYA HASEGAWA + DAIKI SUZUKI.

mrforts — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:44:03 +0000

As the latest issue of Pica Post, the renowned Manchester-based Oi Polloi‘s in-house zine, wraps up, the good folks there decided to give us a preview of things to come by way of “Homemade in Hell’s Kitchen“.
Readers of this site needn’t be told of our long time near obsession (ok…full blown obsession) with both Engineered Garments and what’s generally referred to as Woolrich Woolen Mills‘ “Daiki era” here at SFs.
Oi Polloi asked Daiki to sit down with friend, surf buddy, former WWM collaborator and presently, the designer of another SFs favorite, Brooklyn based Batten Sportswear, Shinya Hasegawa. HERE, the two talk influences, surfing and brand sustainability. Wonderfully shot by friend of SFs Mr. Antony Crook and styled by Nepenthes own Angelo Urrutia, click over to Oi Polloi for the interview.

(photos x Antony Crook)

THE BOARD : F/W12, pt. II.

mrforts — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 01:10:42 +0000

The pictorial guide to a proper, stylish and adventurous end to your Winter.

HEAD TO TOE : EARTH TONE.

mrforts — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 17:25:53 +0000

* Howlin’ Steely Knit Cap + Han Kjobenhavn sunglasses + The Hill-Side “Old Virginia” Modified Herringbone Scarf
* Engineered Garments FW10 Storm Parka + Left Field NYC Waxed Canvas “Half Moon” Hunting Vest + WWM Upland OCBD
* Winter Session Garrison Bag + Old Leica D-Lux 3
* MWC W10 1970s Mil-Spec Automatic Watch
* Vintage GI Utility Trousers + Leather Man Ltd. Hoof Pick Belt + J. Crew Brass Key Ring
* Sol Mate Socks + Mark McNairy FW11 Pebble Grain Cap Toe Brogues

OUT/ABOUT/HERE/THERE.

mrforts — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 17:08:51 +0000

HAPPY NEW YEAR from SECRET FORTS.

mrforts — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 21:11:18 +0000

Here’s to big things in 2013.

HEAD TO TOE : COORDINATED.

mrforts — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 15:41:42 +0000

* Ebbets Field Flannels 1942 LA Halos cap / Vintage RL glasses
* Vintage Canon Canonet w/ Apolis Transit Issue Camera Strap
* Engineered Garments Workshirt / Levis Twill Cinch-back Vest / Vintage Selvedge HBT Marine Combat Jacket
* Granddad’s old Omega Automatic
* Stanley & Sons for The Hill-Side Reverese Camo Tote
* Left Field NY Japanese Wool Flannel Trousers + J. Crew Ring Web Belt + The Hill-Side Reverse Camo Handkerchief + Solingen Messer Anchor Pocket Knife
* SolMate Socks + Mark McNairy Pebble Grain Cap Toe Boots