Here are 2 new brands that I haven’t mentioned for a long time: Pull-in and Stereo Panda. Here’s some news concerning both of them: they’re launching a co-branded line of underwear. You can see the unique elements of both brands in these styles available in cotton and lycra.

They’re available from the Pull-in concept stores in Paris, Hossegor, Aix en Provence and New York (see list of dealers). You’ll also find them in Stereo Panda partner stores like Citadium. They cost €35 for the black cotton style and €45 for the white lycra. -I’d like to see them close up to examine the quality though, as €35/45 seems a
little expensive…

It’s been a while since I spoke about jewellery (or galleries or scullduggery… hmm…), then I discovered the Ikken collection. Loving their work!

Recently released by Baptiste Bataille, who trained as a stylist, this brand marries western culture with traditional crafts of the Sahel. African art inspired the collection’s refined design, with curves shaped like dunes, the use of materials such as ebony, bone, shagreen and pure silver. Various different types of bracelets, and pendants are available in the first collection available from Numanu, at 8 rue de Turenne, Paris 4 (Tell ‘em Joe from “Comme un camion / French Truckers” sent you and you’ll get a 10% discount).

The shop itself is very “ethical”, which is also the case for Ikken, which has set up an aid project for a Touareg jewllery cooperative, which is supplied for the most part by local producers.

And we’re back to one of our hot topics of the moment: waxed jeans. In their new collection, Diesel also offer a waxed style: the Keever. A very nice pair of regular slim cut jeans that’s one of their “top-of-the-range” styles. An area that Diesel should maybe offer more styles in to prove their jeans know-how.

€250 from Diesel Store and their other stores.

I’m making the most of the opportunity to show you something else that’s new: the spring-summer 2008 Saxedo.It’s still black, still slim-fit (semi-slim -ed), but they’ve added a strip of braid down each leg, which looks extremely smart! It goes for €140, and it would seem a victim of its own success.

I don’t often go to GAP. But recently, when I discovered the new collection on the American site, I found this cardigan, which made me want to go to their shop and see it in the flesh.

Without being particularly unusual, it’s quite a good basic, and also has the bonus of being affordable (but I didn’t note the price in store, so I don’t want to get it wrong…).

Do you go to GAP?

Insight 51 was created 10 years ago in Australia on the north beaches of Sydney. The company started life making their own brand “Insight surfboards”.

As you might imagine, clothes followed, and the brand has stayed very close to the world of board sports (and music). Insight 51 is a unique brand, a bit rebellious, very colourful. Australian fashion that is becoming more widely exported, as it is now on sale in 28 countries.

If you’re in France, head to Citadium or Royal Cheese

As some of you may have guessed, following the announcement of our special series on waxed jeans, the cheapest pair in our selection is from LTB (RRP €69.95). And those who’ve seen them close up will agree: they are pretty good for the price!

I’ve done a bit of research… The brand was established in Istanbul en Turkey. It was originally called “Litte big” and it then became “LTB by Little big” (see their site). I recommend you have a look at the presentation of their next collection (Autumn-Winter 2008). More styles to follow… ;-)

They’ve been called waterproof, waxed or lacquered, they’re shiny and feel as if they’ve been painted.

They first appeared over a year ago from Dior (glitter-effect jeans for more than €300) and Notify jeans (proofed jeans in black or blue for more than €200), and this year they appear in pretty much every 2008 spring/summer collection: Diesel, Firetrap, G-Star, Junk Jeans, Kaporal, Kohzo, Le Temps des Cerises, Lee Jeans, LTB, National Liberty, Nudie Jeans, Pepe Jeans, Supernature, Wrangler etc.

So they’re now more widely available at more affordable prices (from €65)! Over the next few weeks, I will show you new styles (brands, cuts, finishes, prices and stores). And, of course, wax lyrical about them :).

The British brand Swear is offering many new shoe styles in its 2008 spring/summer collection, including the “I SWEAR BY HUMMEL” line, in collaboration with the Danish sportswear brand Hummel.

I think this new line is a real success! Like many other brands, Swear offer a patent style. And because this season there’s a love for all things shiny, this won’t be the last you hear of it!

Swear’s red patent style that looks particularly wicked! This style isn’t yet available but it won’t be too long before it is.

If you see them in stores please let us know ;) And for now, here is a close-up of the style in question:

This is the first time that I’ve used a Braun razor. And I started with what seems to be the best at the moment: the Braun Pulsonic 9595. A top-of-the-range razor that has a top-of-the-range price tag to boot. When I saw it at this price, I thought it must be an mp3 player and a mobile phone too. But not at all. It’s just a razor. Or is it? Time for the test drive…

Design / Handling

The razor has a metallic fascia. The back has a rubbery cover. It’s simple, with no flourishes. Nothing flashy, just a large handle and sleek lines. The first impression is of quality, which is confirmed when you hold it. It’s really solid. It’s a bit like holding a tennis raquet. Advantage!

Technology

Surprise, surprise, you turn it on by pressing ‘on’, and a blue LED lights up. The main feature of this razor is that it vibrates (the Pulsonic system). Apparently, it produces 10,000 vibrations per minute! That is, of course, difficult to check, but you can feel it vibrate, and hear it make a noise. A buzz that quietens down to a purr when you touch it to the skin.

The head is made up of 3 flexible parts: the shaving foils and the cutting blades. The Pulsonic uses cross-cutting technology. Of course, you can’t really tell, but the shaving foils and the cutting blades move in opposite directions.

At the base of the handle, there’s an LCD display that allows you to see when it needs charging and when it needs cleaning. You can rinse the razor under the tap, or use its dock that offers automatic cleaning.

Results

I have now been using this razor for a month. I have been really surprised by its effectiveness. On the face it gets rid of all hair in a few seconds. On the neck, which is always the most sensitive area, it is also really effective: there are really only a few areas you have to go over by hand. Efficient and pleasurable! The vibrations may be not good for the hairs, but they feel good on the skin!

Normally, I only shave very rarely. Just a trim every 3 or 4 days so my beard doesn’t get too long. This razor must be good because it makes me want to shave again!

One final point, not a negligable one either, is the price: €329 (How much???). Which is twice as expensive as most electric razors (and have you seen the price of disposables nowadays? :). It is in no way just a razor, but it is rather a lot of money to spend!

So of course, you need to make the most of it. If you have to shave every day, and if you’ve tried everything else and are still not convinced, the Pulsonic is perfect for you. If not: -I’m sure you’ll find something else to decorate your bathroom with ;)

Pulsonic range, $219.99 on sale from Amazon

We’re going to kick off the new season with a discovery: Boëge. If you’ve been dreaming of a high-quality polo shirt or t-shirt, with fresh design, in a choice of colours, you’re going to love this brand!

The cotton used is really top quality! If you’re in Paris, I strongly recommend you go and have a look for yourself. The design marries simplicity and originality perfectly, and the styles are offered in a wide range of colours.

The brand is currently only available in Japan (from Isetan in Tokyo), in the United States (from H.Lorenzo in Los Angeles) and in France (from 66 and Galeries Lafayette Homme). The first few items have just arrived! Could Boëge be a new favourite for spring/summer 2008?