The Facing Page

Design, Culture and Style from Vancouver

Month: September, 2012

26 September 2012

Teranishi Handcrafted – Gradient Indigo Wallets

by Connor Keller

We mention Teppei Teranishi and his leather goods on the Facing Page pretty often, but in my opinion he and his products deserve every bit of this exposure. The most recent gem I’ve unearthed is the gradient/textured indigo dyed wallet. Seeing as I was much enamoured by the indigo wallet, and by the natural leather wallet, it’s only logical the partial dye would strike my eye, but the way Teppei has hand-dyed each piece to produce a truly unique look is key here. The detail and depth of the color in the indigo gradient is great, including some ‘Rothko inspired’ detailing. While the wallets aren’t available yet, keep an eye on Teppei’s site for updates and to eventually to order yours.

- CK

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25 September 2012

We Hear: September Edition

by The Facing Page

It’s been a while since we last had a we hear – but with the beginning of fall and Vancouver’s rainy season it seems to be about time for an extra large September edition of we hear. First off is a song from an artist I first learnt about during our interview with George Giannakos, Alt-J. The song is called Matilda, from their recent release An Awesome Wave. Alt-J were formed in Oxford in 2007, and have enjoyed success in Europe for the last while – finally reaching North America recently with An Awesome Wave. The album is up for sale here, as are tour dates and previews of some of the songs. Second is one of the songs of the summer in both our opinions, and we were lucky enough to hear Hot Chip playing it live as the final song of their encore at their recent gig in Vancouver. Let Me Be Him, with it’s chanted and soaring verses was an amazing end to a perfect concert, and sounded like the perfect end to a summer, orange, yellow and red lights eventually fading as the 10 minute epic of a song came to its conclusion. Next is a song I was recently introduced to, Never Let Me Go from Florence and the Machine. I know Florence and the Machine have been around a while, but I hadn’t really gotten to the party until now. Never Let Me Go is a standout from her most recent release, Ceremonials. It’s not the most uptempo piece you’ve ever heard, but it’s a beautiful song that I know will be on heavy rotation on my iPhone for a while to come. Next is a much older song, Pills from the Swedish indie rock group the Perishers, here performed live with Sarah McLachlan. It’s a nice slower song, definitely one of my favorites from the Perishers – and given a nice vocal boost from Sarah McLachlan. Finally is one AP would like to add, BTSTU from English artist Jai Paul. Jai Paul was long-listed in the BBC’s Sound of 2011 poll but has remained maddeningly elusive despite winning “Best New Track” from Pitchfork this past Spring for “Jasmine (Demo)”. Jasmine is well worth checking out, but we’ve chosen to feature his early track “BTSTU”. It’s a wonderfully produced hazed out and heavy 3 and half minutes. Deep bass is counterpointed with delicate falsetto vocal line and, pleasingly for me, a distored saxophone line. Ever since my brother pointed me in its direction I’ve had it on repeat. Apparently, Jai Paul has withdrawn from the limelight to work on his album for XL Recordings. In the meantime we can enjoy these two tracks and hope.

Alt-J (∆)- Matilda

Hot Chip – Let Me Be Him (Live)

Florence and the Machine – Never Let Me Go

The Perishers (with Sarah McLachlan) – Pills

and

Jai Paul – BTSTU

- CK and AP

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24 September 2012

YNOT Cycle Pedal Straps

by Addi Perkins

With the acquisition of a new bicycle, a classic Masi steel number that I hope will last for a long time, comes the pleasure of tinkering with and adding to the bike. Whether it’s a new component set, handlebar tape, saddle, brake pads or pedals a bike is the perfect thing to geek out – and spend money – on. With my new setup, I’ve so far kept the components stock but look forward to upgrading them in the future. I did however spring for a custom pedal job. I switched the standard metal pedals out for Animal’s Hamilton Polycarbonate set to save on weight but most importantly I added YNOT Cycle’s canvas pedal straps. Pedal straps are not something I’ve previously used for biking as I’d never been able to convince myself that clips are a necessity for city biking as there is too much starting and stopping. This set of straps have been a revelation to me though. Handmade in Toronto from heavy canvas and velcro by a bunch of bike nuts, the straps enable you to quickly resize them based on the shoes you’re wearing. When kicked in, they provide a strong but comfortable hold and I can feel the increase in power efficiency, especially on hill-climbs. For the style-conscious biker, there are a range of colours (I went for the red as it matches the trim on my frame) and for the safety conscious there are reflective coverings. The build quality is fantastic and unlike toe straps I’ve used on other bikes they are very easy to get your foot into. For me, they’re the perfect compromise between full clips and no clips at all: snug, comfortable, functional, well-built and stylish. If you bike and don’t use toe clips, you should be using these. You can pick up a pair at Ride On Again Bike Shop in Vancouver.

- AP

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21 September 2012

iPhone 5

by Addi Perkins

Today is iPhone day. You can see the lines outside your local Apple Store and can read about the excitement/ennui/impatience online. In fact, it will probably be iPhone month. So settle in. Last week, with much fanfare but few surprises, Apple announced the details of the latest iPhone. And today, it goes on sale. While little has changed on the software side – Apple has added a number of new features but user interface and experience of iOS are essentially the same as when the first iPhone was announced in 2007 – the change in hardware design is the most significant since the 2010 release of the iPhone 4. As expected, the screen has increased in screen size from 3.5″ to 4″. The cynic in me wonders how much the increase in screen size was influenced by a desire to keep pace with the industry (Motorola, HTC and Samsung all produce flagship Android devices with screens in excess of 4.5″) and how much was a design and interface decision. My suspicions here are borne out after spending a few days iOS 6. There are few changes to the OS that specifically target this increase in screen size. But no matter, with the iPhone 5 Apple has produced another beautiful piece of industrial design – especially the black model which has changed a silver antenna bar for a more fitting black one. The result is a gorgeous, if slightly menacing phone. The design and engineering wizards in Cupertino have also produced a lighter and thinner device while boosting all the internal specifications such as processor, RAM and graphics. Initial reviews speak incredibly highly of the build-quality. Our Connor Keller popped into the Apple store this afternoon (a dangerous assignment for his wallet) for a hands-on with the new phone. He came back blown away by the display, both in terms of size and quality, and the feel of the phone (in his words: “It’s ridiculous. So light. So fast.”). Apart from the screen size, the other big change is the inclusion of LTE wireless data. I’ve yet to use Rogers’ new network in Vancouver, but friends who have report that it is frighteningly fast compared to the 3G speeds to which most of us are accustomed. Indeed, users of the new iPhone on the US network AT&T report faster speeds than Wi-Fi when on LTE. In short, technically and aesthetically, iPhone 5 is a seriously drool-worthy device.

The big question that all iPhone users face is whether or not to jump to the new model. You’ll certainly have time to think about it; so great is demand that iPhone 5 is currently back-ordered until late October. If you are on 2009′s 3GS, and want to stick with an iPhone, then it’s a no-brainer: upgrade. The speed, screen quality, design, and camera will blow you away. Coming from an iPhone 4 the answer is slightly more convoluted. iOS 6 does not bring the full array of new features to the iPhone 4 but the screen, apart from size is essentially the same as the iPhone 5. The camera will be a large improvement and the change from glass to metal back will make for a far more durable device. If Apple was making more use of the larger screen in iOS 6, I’d highly recommend upgrading but as yet the extra real estate is currently just extra real estate. That said, if you can afford it, go for it. It has been two years since the iPhone 4 was released and that’s a long time in the mobile industry. However, iPhone 4S owners probably won’t feel compelled to jump to the 5. Yes, the screen is bigger and the camera has undergone minor improvements but these upgrades likely aren’t worth a renewed contract or $800 for the unlocked device. As for me, will I be upgrading my iPhone 4? Probably not. The LTE chipsets on the Canadian model are not compatible with the UK and European carriers. Given that, with any luck, I’ll be moving in that direction soon and I wouldn’t want to miss out on the LTE party.

- AP

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19 September 2012

Nigel Cabourn Fall 2012 Drop

by Connor Keller

Haven, one of Canada’s best menswear shops, recently got a shipment from top functional, and military-influenced designer Nigel Cabourn. Cabourn tends to have a high price point, but having tried a few of his garments out recently I’d have to say that they may well be worth the price of admission. With the onrushing fall, the Short Wet Weather Parka in Orange is a highlight piece for me and if I were able to afford it I’d have it. It’s an exceptionally constructed piece down to each last detail. It’s cut in a classic heritage silhouette with a clasp fastened hood, adjustable side cinches, super high quality waxed cotton drawstrings at the hood, waist and hem for adjustability, raglan cut sleeves and snow flap construction on front pockets. The small striped pattern button down shirts are another highlight from the collection with a military-influenced placket, plated seams, an interior hangar loop, and a great pattern. It also has the benefit of looking quite good paired with the parka as Haven demonstrate. The zip sweat parka is a more athletic offering, cut in a marbled grey cotton with a number of athletic details including flat locked seams. It’s one of the more simple pieces on paper, but the quality of the fabric and construction mean it’s well worth a look, as is the rest of the collection.

- CK

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17 September 2012

We Drink: The Juice Truck

by Connor Keller

In past few years, Vancouver has seen an explosion in the number of food truck. For me, the Juice Truck is one of the standouts among this new crop of mobile eateries. Usually found at the intersection of Abbott and Water streets in Gastown, the Juice Truck sees a steady stream of customers coming by from Monday to Saturday to get their hands on exceptional freshly pressed juices. The Juice Truck tends to, when possible, source their ingredients locally and makes sure that anything coming from further away arrives fresh and tasty. The result of their care and labours is a great product. Initially inspired by a hiking trip in the Himalayas, the creators of the juice truck have travelled the globe searching for their favorite juices. As a result, they carry a wide range of fresh-pressed juices and smoothies. I’m hooked on the ‘Blueberry Matcha‘, but there are a number of other very tempting options – the ‘Almost Chocolate‘ and the ‘Profile‘ are both worthwhile. Also, for those of you interested in cleanses, the Juice Truck has come up with their own version of a juice cleanse. While I’ve never tried a cleanse, I’d be tempted to try theirs, if only just to drink great juice for a week. You can find out more about the Juice Truck here.

The Juice Truck | thejuicetruck.ca | Abbott and Water Street

Monday to Saturday 11:30 am – 5 pm

- CK

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13 September 2012

Asics Team Netherlands GT II

by Connor Keller

Have you ever been browsing around the internet and realized that an amazing party has been going on for a while and you’ve been missing out entirely? And then, you realize that the party is still accessible, in your size, via ebay? But the tickets to said party are $400. Ok. The metaphor has collapsed a little, but in the case of my night the party is actually a pair of Asics GT II’s issued this July for the Dutch national team at the London Olympics. Complete with Orange suede uppers, red white and blue hardware, and a red white and blue outsole, these shoes manage to represent the Netherlands on pretty much every angle you look at them from.

Since being introduced to Asics about six years ago now, I’ve barely been able to touch another runner, and though these may have been designed for off-field use, I can see the Asics design I’ve grown to love in them. When you add that to the Dutch design, which I’ve always been attracted to thanks in large part to my heritage and one Dennis Bergkamp at World Cup 1998, you get a sneaker and a half. Sadly, the part in the metaphor about the only pair I found (in my exact size, thanks internet) on ebay do happen to cost a breezy $400, so I will probably never get to step into the party.

- CK

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11 September 2012

Finch’s Tea and Coffee House

by Connor Keller

I was finally able to stop into the famous Finch’s Tea and Coffee House on West Pender earlier this week. I’ve been hearing rumblings about their pear, blue brie and proscuttio baguette for a long time now, and was pleased to be able to try it for myself. Finch’s is a beautiful cafe located a little off the beaten track near Gastown in Vancouver. It’s an eclectic looking spot, filled with different types of furniture and furnishings. The menu is laid out on a number of different blackboards behind the service counter, and includes a wide variety of baguettes, platters, breakfasts, treats and drinks. I was just in for lunch by myself, so I was only able to try the Pear baguette, but from a browse of the menu and the plates of those around me, there are a number of great looking options. My baguette didn’t disappoint at all: it was filled with pear, brie and proscuttio to the point that it was almost overflowing. I’ll be back soon and would recommend it to anyone looking for an excellent lunch in the Gastown area.

Finch’s Tea and Coffee House | finchteahouse.com | 353 West Pender St.

Monday to Friday 9 am – 5 pm, Saturdays 11 am – 4 pm

- CK

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10 September 2012

Heritage Research Saigon Tailored Chino

by Connor Keller

Just in time to coincide with the folding up of your shorts for the colder seasons, these exceptional chinos from Heritage Research are on sale at One Eight Nine. From the Spring/Summer 2012 collection, the Saigon chino definitely showcases the designer’s military influences. The collection was influenced particularly by the Vietnam war-era counter culture of the 1960s and 1970s. Named after Saigon – capital of South Vietnam – this trouser sees a modern take on a staple uniform piece, offering up a slim, tapered fitting chino completely handmade in England. Heritage Research has really taken care of the details in these chinos, including the custom black RiRi zip, the english horn buttons, and the 100% blue cotton chambray on the waistband, pocket bags and hems. The chambray is one of the details that strikes me the most, particularly around the hems, as they look great rolled up. Sadly, with an inseam of 32 inches they’ll always be a little short for me, but they’d be great on anyone with slightly shorter than my giraffe legs. They’re available from the One Eight Nine store, and are very much on sale, selling for £50 down from £125.

- CK

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7 September 2012

Teranishi Handcrafted (formerly Truman) Dopp Kit

by Connor Keller

One of my favorite leather handcrafters, Teranishi Handcrafted (formerly Truman Handcrafted), recently released a dopp kit to get excited about. A dopp kit, or bath bag, is one of those things that everybody needs, but people often don’t pay much attention to. If you think about it though, it’s a pretty important piece in a man’s arsenal. You’ll be taking it with you every time you travel, it holds things you really don’t want spilling out, and your choice of dopp kit does say a bit about your attention to detail. This is slightly embarrassing for me, because my dopp kit is currently a plastic bag. In the interest of practicing what I preach, I’ve been putting in some serious consideration to the Teranishi Handcrafted offering. While the $150 price tag may, at first glance, seem prohibitive this is a piece you’ll be carting around with you for the rest of your traveling days, and one you’ll be able to hand down to your kids eventually. The construction of the kit, and the choice of quality Chromexcel leather ensures this kit is going to be around for a long time to come. It is easily roomy enough for your favorite razor, toothbrush, shaving cream, toothpaste, shampoos, hair product, soaps and the like, and the nature of the Chromexcel leather (hot-stuffed with oils and waxes that get infused into the leather, then finished with a bath of neatsfoot oil) makes it truly water and leakage resistant. Plus they’re made by hand in the USA by Teppei Teranishi and his team, and he’s a artisan well worth supporting. They’re available here.

- CK

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