Written by Craig Landale in Essentials on the 13th August 2021

What happened to the sunshine? Shocking. I would happily brag that I’m going on holiday this weekend, but 10 days on the west coast of Ireland brings a much lesser chance of heat than here in London. Regardless of the poor weather, there has been plenty of new product drops to brighten up all the recent gloomy days. So, grab yourself a an iced coffee and take five to read up on some of the best product releases I’ve spotted this month.

The Rolling Stones Launch Made in Britain Collaboration Series 

The Rolling Stones have announced an exclusive series of collaborations between five iconic British heritage brands and their RS No.9 Carnaby lifestyle brand. The ‘Made in Britain’ collaboration series includes collections with Kirk Originals, Johnstons of Elgin, Tricker’s Shoes, Lewis Leathers and The Great Frog. The first in the series of the collaborations will be Kirk Originals, launching on Friday 27th August. This collaboration will comprise two styles of limited edition sunglasses ‘Aftermath’ and ‘Black and Blue’, both inspired by iconic Stones albums. All Kirk Originals sunglasses are handmade in England. ‘Aftermath’ is inspired by the rapidly shifting styles and energies of London in the 1960s and is a bold and arrogant rectangular shape in a piano black with sharply angled details across the browline and temple lugs. ‘Black and Blue’ is an oversized rectangular aviator inspired by the louche stylings of the early 1970s. They feature an infilled bridge and deep lenses, fabricated in a high contrast tortoiseshell and glazed with distinctive yellow sun lenses, this frame mixes South of France glamour with rock’n’roll posturing. 

carnaby.therollingstonesshop.co.uk

Vans Elevates Style with the Authentic Chino Loose 

Vans, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand has announced the Authentic Chino Loose Pant, always on point with a blend of timeless street style and the perfect fit. Leaning on the same principles that have become synonymous with Vans’ footwear, the Authentic Chino Loose Pant features durable workwear-inspired fabrication for an unrivaled fit that holds up all-day. The classic chino front hand pockets and button closure rear welt pockets keep essentials secure at all times, while details like Checkerboard twill taping on the inner fly, red contrast stitching on the interior waistband, and a flag label on the cuff add a touch of style while maintaining a classic Vans aesthetic. With a focus on creative expression, Vans Authentic Chino Loose Pant is available in a range of fits and colourways that can be tailored to individual style. The Authentic Chino Loose Pant is available in grape leaf, black and dirt colourways and has an 18.5” leg opening. 

vans.co.uk

Ucon Acrobatics Drop New Autumn/Winter 2021 Styles 

Berlin-based accessories brand Ucon Acrobatics have released new, versatile Autumn/Winter 2021 styles that will have you looking fly on the go. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from recycled water bottles is the main material used in this collection. Styles include backpacks, tote bags, cross body bags, clutches and wallets. The colour palette consists of black, grey, rose, honey mustard, forest green, steel blue, navy and eggplant. Ucon Acrobatics unites a passion for creative design with sustainable mindset. They stand for durable products that go beyond seasons. Instead of following fleeting trends, they focus on timeless silhouettes. They feel responsible, not only for what they do but also for what they don’t do. That is why they always stay true to their motto: “minimal design, minimal emission”. This approach is driven by the belief that less can actually be more, and that nothing should suffer for a quality product – not humans, not animals and not the environment.  

ucon-acrobatics.com

AVI-8 Watches P-51 Mustang Hitchcock Automatic 

Inspired by an American hero, the Hitchcock Automatic pays tribute to the Lafayette Escadrille member and national polo champion who directly influenced the development of the P-51 Mustang during WWII. The Hitchcock Automatic is built from iconic 43mm P-51 Mustang inspired case, featuring a crown guard echoing the engine exhaust of the aircraft. With a beautifully contoured shape, it has been designed to look and feel comfortable. Drawn from both the cockpit and body of the P-51 Mustang, the Hitchcock's multilayered dial blends modern watchmaking sophistication with vintage aviation elements to create a clear and legible dial. Powering the Hitchcock is the ever-reliable and accurate NH35 self-winding movement. In a tribute to Hitchcock's heroics outside the cockpit, the case back features the words "Ten Goal Tommy," referencing his 10-goal handicap in polo. Securing this timepiece to the wrist is our instantly identifiable padded genuine leather strap, inspired by the design of the P-51 Mustang's seats. Given his prominence and accomplishments in polo, the colourways of the Hitchcock Automatic are suitably inspired by the various polo clubs Hitchcock represented over the years. 

avi-8.co.uk

Throwback Collaborates with James Bond 

Introducing an exclusive Throwback x 007 collaboration. The six-piece unisex capsule collection pays tribute to iconic moments from James Bond’s on-screen legacy, and celebrates the release of No Time To Die, in theatres 30 September 2021. Italian digital artist, Gianpiero D’alessandro, has reimagined classic moments from the 007 archive, portrayed on Italian made, 100% Cotton t-shirts and hoodies. The new Bond collaboration includes unique behind-the-scenes stills from Dr. No (1962) and Moonraker (1979), as well as images from GoldenEye (1995) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). On the back of each piece are production anecdotes, giving further insight into the 007 universe. The collection highlights the importance of connection and sharing through the world of fashion, music, film and art, a strong philosophy of throwback. Founder, Pasquale Vittorio d’Avino, believes brand partnerships are key in Throwback’s emotive and nostalgic storytelling concept, with the most exciting and prestigious collaboration being with Eon Productions; the historical company responsible for the James Bond-007 brand. 

throwbackltd.com

Flaash Apparel SS21 Drop

The new Flaash Apparel SS21 Drop combines the brand's love of bold graphics and artistic collaborations with Thomas Redray and Darren Quinn. The London-based unisex clothing brand is an independent skate-brand renowned for their collaborations with tattoo artists and designers from around the world which include garms printed and embroidered in London. The latest SS21 collection combines the brand's love of bold graphics with multiple artist collaborations such as; Thomas Redray and Darren Quinn, alongside new additions to their ‘Made in UK’ range. Flaash Apparel also recently marked their 5th anniversary with a limited edition run of their classic OG tee; revisiting their first collaboration with tattoo artist Jelle Soos. They are passionate about keeping things local by sourcing, producing and manufacturing collections as close to home as possible, and producing quality clothing that's built to last. 

flaashapparel.com

Gresham Blake x TfL Apparel Collaboration 

TSBA Group has collaborated with contemporary British fashion brand, Gresham Blake, to create a limited-edition range of apparel using Transport for London’s (TfL’s)’s iconic moquette fabric. The range includes tracksuits, shirts and dresses with three designs inspired by the distinctive and brightly-coloured moquette fabrics used on seating of the London Underground. Gresham’s signature design style means these statement pieces will stand out from the crowd, and further awareness will be generated through the release of a high-energy video and music track, “We’re Going Out”, that showcases the product and ties in with TfL’s campaign for the lifting of lockdown. The inspiration for the collection was drawn from assets taken from TfL’s more than 150-year history. The moquettes, together with the iconic Roundel and Tube map are recognisable the world over.  

greshamblake.com

Lacoste L001 Sneaker

The L001 takes Lacoste’s rich tennis heritage and twists it into a new and utterly modern shoe; an instant classic. As the naming suggests – this is a totally new sneaker, registered by Lacoste as the first of its kind, a dynamic style with reinvention at its heart. The sneaker’s key details are taken from treasures in the Lacoste archive; the René, the first ever shoe created by René Lacoste, and a vintage racket from 1980s. The retro shape and mood of the René informs the spirit of the new L001, while kinetic lines running along the racket’s handle are directly transferred into an angular triangular design on the sneaker’s upper. The sneaker is elegantly sporty; it speaks to a visually-literate generation who have a keen understanding of references, and whose passion for great design will not be limited to the traditional categories of menswear and womenswear. 

footlocker.co.uk

Vans, Ucon Acrobatics, AVI-8 Watches, Throwback, and Flaash Apparel are featured in this guide to August 2021’s Coolest Stuff.