The Hill-Side – Fall 11

August 16th, 2011

Even though we had some of their products in stock this Spring, it’s only with this Fall shipment that we can properly introduce The Hill-Side.  Started by Brooklyn based brothers Emil and Sandy Corsillo in 2009, The Hill-Side is an accessories brand that specializes in Pocket Squares, Bandanas, Ties and Scarves.  What separates the brothers is their strict commitment to Japanese fabrics and American manufacturing.  The combination has proven to be a winning one, and the diversity of textiles on offer is truly impressive.  This season alone there is hickory stripe, camo, floral, and dots alongside the usual chambrays and twills.

Our first Fall shipment will be available online later this week.  For now please browse our Spring offerings here.

Four Horsemen Supplies Rugby Crewneck

August 5th, 2011

After the success of our first collaboration, we immediately began work on another piece with Canadian Rugby Wear manufacturers Barbarian.  This time around we chose to offer up a variation on their rarely seen crewneck.  We started by removing the large kangaroo pocket on front and then turned to creating the perfect colour combination for this late Summer release.  We eventually settled on alternating threads of Ivory and Beige, to achieve the melange effect we desired.  The finely striped body is accented by solid Ivory ribbing, as well as a small 4HS embroidery on the right sleeve.  The result is a subtle contrast and a piece that works all year round in just about any wardrobe.

This crewneck is made of Barbarian’s amazing 12 oz. pre-shrunk jersey fabric which has been custom died and woven specifically for this project.  Limited to 18 pieces and available for purchase now, exclusively at Four Horsemen Shop.

*Featured above with sunglasses by Moscot, shirt by A.P.C., shorts by Our Legacy, shoes by Mark McNairy for Keds, and bag by Beckel Canvas.

4HS Artist Series No.1 – Chris Taylor

July 15th, 2011

We are excited to introduce the first installment in our 4HS Artist Series project.  The city of Victoria has long been a gathering place for artists, designers and other creative types.  Over the last four years we have been lucky enough to form relationships with some truly talented members of our community.  This project aims to provide an alternative platform for these artists to showcase their work, as well as an opportunity for us to offer a unique product to our customers.

Each t-shirt will be produced in limited quantities and will feature artwork created specifically for this project.  Accompanying each shirt is a signed and numbered print of the featured image.  Every artist is given complete creative control over the final product and is directly paid a portion of each sale.  The t-shirts used have a slim fit and are made of a soft, lightweight cotton that will age wonderfully.

We are proud to present 4HS Artist Series No.1 with our good friend and photographer Chris Taylor, featuring his black and white photograph entitled Ice Cream Gothic.

Chris Taylor is a photographer who lives on Vancouver Island, BC. His work has been exhibited in numerous locations including The Banff Centre for the Arts in Canada, The Alvarez Bravo Photography Centre in Oaxaca and Gallerie Mycroft in Paris. He has been published in the New York Times, Vice, Inventory as well as Steidl and 0-100 editions.

T-shirts are available for purchase in shop now, and will be made available online next week.

Four Horsemen Supplies Rugby Cardigan

May 16th, 2011

Our most recent Four Horsemen Supplies offering is this varsity styled cardigan manufactured by Canada’s very own Barbarian Rugby Wear.  Many of you will remember the Barbarian name from your own time spent on the pitch.  For those of you that don’t, just know that the Ontario based company has been crafting some of the world’s finest rugby shirts and shorts all the way back to 1981.  Using only North American sourced cotton, Barbarian weaves, dyes, cuts and sews their fabrics all in their Kitchener facility.

When Barbarian approached us months ago they had several new products in the works, including this slimmed down cardigan.  We loved that we could make a casual and wearable piece with the same indestructible quality as their performance gear.  Like their shirts, this cardigan is made from Barbarian’s unique twelve ounce jersey fabric which is manufactured on circular knitting machines.  After being washed and dried fabrics are matched and then garments are cut and sewn by hand.

Our cardigan features a tonal sleeve embroidery and chest patch, as well as three gradient stripes on the left sleeve.  These design details are a subtle nod towards traditional collegiate stylings and were custom woven and sourced specifically for this project.  Limited to 18 pieces, the Four Horsemen Supplies Rugby Cardigan will be available for purchase in store and online tomorrow.

Our Legacy – Spring 11

April 28th, 2011

Sweden’s Our Legacy is one of the rare labels that manages to present a Spring collection that may actually be more interesting than their Fall offerings.  It’s no surprise either, given that their strengths have always lied in fit and fabric.  Their lightweight washed cottons in relaxed, and sometimes quirky silhouettes are perfectly at home in the warmer months of Spring and Summer.

Two of our favourite pieces of the the season are the Chunky O Neck Sweater and the 1990′s Ethnic Paint Shirt.  The cotton O Neck sweater is quite possibly the perfect summer layer.  Its loose, airy knit means that it wears cool, despite its substantial weight and texture.  The ‘painted’ indigo shirt is one of those rare pieces that manages to be both eye catching, and subtle at the same time.  The busy pattern and boxy fit combine for a shirt that is surprisingly versatile.

Happy Socks – Spring 11

April 23rd, 2011

Speaking of socks…Our Spring shipment from Happy Socks has just landed.  With ten new styles to choose from, the only problem is trying to narrow it down.  Made of combed cotton and featuring a handlinked toe, Happy Socks are a great value at $12 a pair.  Available in store only.

Vanishing Elephant – Spring 11

April 20th, 2011

In our first season with Australian label Vanishing Elephant we chose three footwear options that we think are perfect for the season, along with two colourways of their outstanding Fair Isle socks.

The Verndale Derby is a classic plain toe shoe that deserves a place in anyone’s wardrobe.  The orange tone of the Brown Goat version make them a natural pairing for raw denim, while the White Suede looks great with just about everything, including shorts.  Rounding things out is the Vednais Desert Boot in Black Suede.  This sleek chukka takes a familiar silhouette and dresses it up a bit with a leather sole and slight heel.

Patterned socks are the accessory of the season, and none seem to be in higher demand than the elusive Fair Isle.  Vanishing Elephant has made up two of the better colour combinations we have ever seen, so you can’t go wrong with either pair.  VE socks will be available online later this week.

Crate – Spring 2011

February 18th, 2011

Over the last three season’s California manufacturers Crate have won over our customers with their range of slim fitting, made in USA shirting.  Offering everything from lightweight chambray and gingham options to washed flannel and canvas overshirts all for under $100, they have managed to find that sweet spot between cut, quality and price.  This season; however, we are most impressed with their pants.  Whether it be their skinny cut gold jeans or their heavyweight army chinos, Crate has managed to cover a ton of bases with just a few different styles.  Our personal favourites are the the ultra lightweight chambray pants, with a high rise and tapered cut.  A great compliment to the white t-shirt / white sneaker uniform, these could be the perfect summer pant.  Crate’s Spring offerings are available online here.

A.P.C. Denim

December 13th, 2010

Our long awaited A.P.C. Denim restock has arrived and it includes full size runs of the New Standard in Indigo as well as the shop favourite Petit Standard in Indigo and the always elusive Black.  Originally founded in 1988, A.P.C. has had over 20 years to perfect the cuts of their denim.  These are available in shop only, so you will have to stop by in person to see exactly why these jeans have earned such a loyal following.  We are also pleased to announce at this time that we will be carrying a full range of A.P.C. Apparel for Spring 2011.  Stay tuned for more details.

Naked & Famous Denim

October 27th, 2010

Montreal based Naked & Famous Denim has been a shop favourite for a few years now.  The brand has a winning formula with 100% Japanese sourced fabrics, Made in Canada production, three distinct cuts, and a low price that is truly unmatched.  We have just made our N&F stock available for purchase online and will be adding new products from them in the coming weeks.  Two of our favourite styles are available now in the Weird Guy Deep Indigo and Skinny Guy Black Power Stretch.  Look out for a new range of fleece products and more unique denim variations as founder Brandon Svarc and his team continue to innovate.