Birche

Burkman Bros Spring 2011 Illustrated Campaign

2011-02-09T11:58:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've been able to post something new, as it turns out I've been incredibly busy with some exciting new projects. Of my latest collaborations was with one of my favorite menswear designers, The Burkman Bros. In the past you've seen a few mentions of them and their work-- I think they're doing awesome things in the world of men's fashion and I was truly excited to work with them on this joint project, a fully illustrated campaign for their Spring 2011 collection-- Which features Birche's very own Cully Haywood, The Adventurer. When posting promotional material for the recent rebranding and relaunch of Birche's current direction, Cully was spotted by the design duo and immediately casted for the material, a true testament to the Burkman Brother's keen sense of adventure and penchant for using experimental, original means to produce and promote their one of a kind clothing.
Set on the piers of the Sri Lanken coast, we follow our adventurer as he embarks on an anthropological journey, experiencing the lifestyle of a Sri Lanken fisherman. Finding freedom and escape through hard work, diligence and daily routine. Outfitted for the journey in Burkman Bros Spring collection--perfect for the warm, humid climate of the Indian Ocean coastline and durable for a full day's work or just strolling the sprawling street markets on a rainy afternoon.
-Check out the entire collection here, available at Barneys New York and other fine retailers, internationally.
-Also if you like the illustrations featured, be sure to stop by the Michael Sanderson LLC home-base.

Conscientious Observer

2011-01-24T19:25:00.000-08:00

I recently discovered an awesome eyewear company that caught my eye at just the

right time. Being in the market for a stylish pair of glasses with just the right amount

of nostalgia and quirk. I was really excited to have found Warby Parker. A company

that not only offers some kick ass designs but at ridiculously affordable prices. $95 dollars

gets you; the frames, prescription lenses, and shipping. The most noteworthy thing about

this new contender in eyewear is their "buy a pair, give a pair" policy-- for every pair of

glasses you buy, they'll give a pair of glasses to someone in need of proper vision care,

worldwide. Truly a fantastic company, which just goes to show you; one can be stylish,

affordable and more importantly...conscientious.

Pine Point

2011-01-22T10:45:00.000-08:00

Recently found in the social networking terrain is something I find very interesting. An "interactive documentary" titled: Pine Point. It's about a ten minute journey through the unlikely event of one's hometown being completely wiped off the maps and the candid portraits of others who grew up in the now non-existant town-- told through a completely new and hands-on way of storytelling. I found the entire experience surprisingly emotional & educational. I have a sneaky suspicion we'll be seeing more of these amazing "inter-docs" soon enough.

Field-Notes

2011-01-19T04:39:00.000-08:00

Recently I launched a companion blog to this here Birche Outpost, aptly named "Field-Notes".

It's a place where I can gather and curate visual finds to document the Birche lifestyle in action.

You can check out this new "blog within a blog" by simply clicking

the image above or via the navigation bar, at any time.

-------------

Start documenting your own field notes with a nifty little note book.

Available at Jcrew or online at BlackBird Ballard ( $10 )

The Beanie

2011-01-18T06:41:00.000-08:00

- The Woodland Supply Co, Available at The Woodland Supply Co. $15

- Coal, Available at Bonobos $40

-Rag & Bone, Available at Barney's Co-Op $105

- Gap, Available at Gap $19.50

Arcade Fire: The Wilderness Downtown

2011-01-17T03:12:00.000-08:00

2010's winner of the FWA ( Favourite Website Awards ) award for, well;

"best website of the year" is no other than one of my favorite bands, Arcade Fire.

The site in particular, Arcade Fire: The Wilderness Downtown , includes a

personalized, interactive video to the AF song "We Used To Wait" -- A song that already

has great significant meaning to me, personally--even more poignant when paired with

footage of the very neighborhood I grew up in. Truly a rare experience to be had online,

I encourage everyone to pay a visit and see for yourselves. Do note though; the site is

ideal for Google Chrome browsers.

You can visit the site here, or click on the image above.

Tee Time E.1

2011-01-16T01:25:00.000-08:00

D/M "Beauty Is Boring" - Available at Barney's Co-Op $75

Rogues Gallery "Game Basic Tee" - Available at Rogues Gallery $48

Deth Killers "Bird Tee' - Available at Barney's Co-Op $95

CXXVI "Whiskey Bottle In Blue" - Available at The Field House $30

Top Man "Grey East Houston Crew" - Available at Top Man $28

Threadless "Owls Of The Nile" - Available at Threadless $20

NoBrow Press

2011-01-14T00:34:00.000-08:00

Recently I came across a fantastic UK based company, NoBrow Press. A small publishing house, gallery & shop with an emphasis on contemporary illustration and a "renewed focus on quality in print". They manufacture and sell the work of some of todays finest illustrators in the form of; original books, prints, pillows and sculptures-- most of their inventory is developed in-house but always with a keen eye for quality and craftsmanship. You won't come across these awesome finds at your local Barnes & Nobel, truly these are collectables and at very affordable prices. Do show your support and purchase one of these fine books or other goods.

Thermos Stat

2011-01-12T23:54:00.000-08:00

“In 2005, Americans used and discarded 14.4 billion disposable paper cups for hot beverages. If put end-to-end, those cups would circle the earth 55 times. Based on anticipated growth of specialty coffees, that number will grow to 23 billion by 2010—enough to circle the globe 88 times. Based on hot cup usage in 2005, the petrochemicals used in the manufacture of those cups could have heated 8,300 homes for one year.”

As a hopeless coffee addict with no intention to seek recovery, I must admit I've more than contributed my share to those astonishing figures. At one point I was making 2-4 trips to one of 9 local Starbucks to get my caffeine fix. Like many others, I find myself both feeling guilty and bored with my relationship with Starbucks-- but that's for another post. However I will say, as of late last year I've started making coffee at home using my trusty french press and my new friend, the thermos.

If you look at any media featuring the American working man, it's not uncommon to find a Stanley Thermos in tow. A partner in crime, the thermos promises to keep your coffee hot and comes with a convenient cup top. So wether you're headed to the steel buildings of Madison avenue, the art department of Young & Rubicam, or the stockyards-- there's a thermos for you. Don't be caught waiting in a coffee shop line every morning, enjoy the art of preparing coffee from a whole bean to a frothy cup of flawless joe, you simply cannot find a better option elsewhere.

Coming soon: The Art Of Preparing Coffee ( and why Starbucks and I are seeing other people )

The essential Stanley thermos, Available now at Urban Outfitters $48

The limited edition heritage Stanley thermos, Available at Stanley $40

Bodum 16 ounce travel coffee press Available at Bodum $29.95

Thermos Element 5 travel mug Available at Thermos $34.99

Vintage stanley thermos ( various ) available online via various locations, general price $20

The Field House

2011-01-10T00:38:00.000-08:00

The aptly named, The Field House, is a recent addition to Seattle's Ballard neighborhood. Built in the likeness of an old timey general store, The Field House boasts trendy goods, a keen sense of nostalgia and a heavy dose of rural coziness. Wether you're in the market for a Billy Kirk leather bag, a Woolrich flannel shirt, a hatchet or even local organic produce, the Field House has everything you'll need to endure a frigid winter indoors or on the town.

Even if you don't live in Seattle, you can still shop via their online shop; Blackbird Ballard

The Hype Machine: 2010 Top 50

2011-01-09T11:56:00.000-08:00

One of my personal favorite blog stops for checking out new independent music, The Hype Machine, compiled a list of
2010's most blogged about artists, albums and songs. Complete with downloadable mixes and original artwork for each artist. A really good find and a great way to start a new year-- new music.

The Brothers Burkman

2010-09-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

Interview & Illustration by Michael Sanderson

Ben Burkman

Doug Burkman

Within the last decade, Menswear has had a remarkable increase of new talent-- straying away from the major luxury brands of yesterday's headlines, ringing in a new era of fashion independence--labels inspired by rebels, classicism, & the working man's closet. One of my favorite labels from this crop of new school designers is design duo; The Burkman Bros.

Canadian natives, Ben & Doug Burkman, discovered early on the impact a quality wardrobe could have on one's life; & carried on this philosophy into the design studio of Gap and later, their own endeavor, Burkman Bros. A keen sense of craftsmanship & global curiosity is seen & sewn into every garment-- making them not only successful designers, but also... anthropologists.I had the opportunity to catch upwith the pair and ask a few questions regardingtheir personal views of men's fashion, the future of their label & who exactly the "burkman-man" is...

Michael Sanderson: Having read about your time at Gap--I can't help but think of your aesthetic as a sort of "Gap...for the discerning man" simple, versatile basics, designed with a low-maintenance panache in mind. Is this how you wanted your brand perceived when you left the world of mass retail and began your own collection?

Burkman Bros.:When we created Burkman Bros., we essentially had one goal in mind: To create clothes that make the average guy stand apart, but not stand out. We mean this in the sense that our clothes are built for the everyman’s man; a masculine and cool guy who not only wants to look great, but feel great and comfortable at the same time. In addition, we try to create clothes that are timeless yet modern enough to seem fashion forward, without seeming contrived in the process.

MS: Considering your instant appeal and cult following-- Where do you see the Burkman Bros. brand in five years?

BB: In five years, we still want to be doing the same types of things we’re doing now, meaning that we still want to be offering clothes that are desirable and relevant. Furthermore, we definitely see the expansion of Burkman Bros into a lifestyle brand, one day branching into more accessories such as shoes, sunglasses, bags, etc.

MS: In other media, I always hear designers describe the man or woman they're designing for as-if someone they know or think about often. How do you both envision the type of man you're designing for? Who is the Burkman Bros. man?

BB: The Burkman Bros. man is a guy who is confident in his style, but still wants to wear things that are comfortable and wearable on a day to day basis. He is certainly adventurous, a traveler, whether that means traveling across the big city, or climbing a far away mountain. In either instance, the guy definitely cares about the clothes he wears, and chooses ones that are a reflection of his adventurous spirit.

MS: There's definitely a feeling of warmth and a keen sense of hand > in your collections...Very sentimental even--Do you both have a particular garment with strong personal value, a favorite article of clothing rather?

Ben: I have this amazing pair of vintage Levi’s, that I got repaired after finding them a few years back. I love wearing them and always feel amazing and comfortable In them.

Doug: I have the really awesome old leather motorcycle jacket that fits me pretty much perfectly. I love that thing.

Tiger Shirt from their S/S 2010 collection.

2010-09-16T05:26:00.000-07:00

Styling & Illustration by Michael Sanderson

Shirt: Thom Browne, Shorts: Prada ( originally dress pants )

Jeans: Shipley & Halmos, Shirt: Band Of Outsiders, Hank: J.Crew

From Top: Miansai, Jill Platner, Mircale Icons ( all available at Barneys New York )

Shirt: Burkman Bros, Flannel Pants: Lanvin, Bracelet: Miansai, Suspenders: Stylists own

Coat: Burberry Prorsum, Pants: Dolce & Gabbana

Vest: Michael Bastian, Pants: John Bartlett, Belt: Billy Kirk