Journal

A chronicle of people, places, happenings, and creations we admire.

Northampton Sneaker Co.

"If sneakers were cars, ours would be an Aston Martin...Handcrafted over weeks, rather than mass manufactured."

Northampton Sneaker Co. create extreme-luxury handcrafted footwear entirely in the UK using traditional techniques and the finest materials.  They combine the modern street-style and comfort of athletic footwear with the incredible quality of traditional English shoe making.  Unadorned by stripes, lightning bolts or machine guns, the Northampton Sneaker has a discretely embossed tongue with evidence of any remaining labels or branding hidden inside the shoe itself.

Using the innovative and legendary Goodyear Welt, a process that involves stitching the sole and upper together rather than glueing, the Northampton Sneaker has a feel of sturdiness, permanence and craftsmanship turned up to "11". This traditional manufacturing technique combined with lightweight, cushioned soles brings a shoe of this design and visual impact up to the minute in terms of comfort, durability and most importantly, wearability.  These shoes require no break-in and can also be resoled, bringing a truly bespoke relationship to the wearer.

1965 Iso Bizzarrini AC3 Corsa LHD

This stunning historic example has been presented by UK restoration specialists DK Engineering and is now up for sale.

Images ©DKEngineering

Born out of a tumultuous relationship with Renzo Rivolta, designer/engineer Giotto Bizzarrini created what was to be a Ferrari-beater that kept exclusive company with the likes of Jaguar XKE, Ferrari 250, Ford GT40, Aston Martin DB and Lamborghini Miura as one of the most charismatic sports cars designed before or since.  The hand-beaten, thin-gauged, riveted aluminum body that would envelope an american Chevy 327 V8 made for a eclectic and effective combination in the pantheon of legendary italian sports cars of the early to mid 1960s.

DK Engineering confirms that "The car currently has valid FIA/HTP papers and is therefore eligible for numerous events during the racing calendar, including the Goodwood TT (where it started on the front row in 2014), the Spa Six Hours and the Masters historic racing series where it would be without doubt a front runner in the right hands..."

H/T: Jalopnik.com



Gift Ideas for Under $150

Xmas is nigh...here's our gift guide for treasures $150.00 or less...

Krona o Stjärna Winter Companion Handmade Wool Boot Liner

Believe us when we tell you this wool sock will keep you warm and dry almost indefinitely during your holiday and winter travels and adventures.  Handmade of Järbo Superwash™ wool in Södermanland, Sweden, you can wear them as part of your base layer or around the chalet aprés ski.  Available in Pepper or Oatmeal.  Limited quantities / Hand wash only.

$68.00

Smythson of Bond Street Mara iPhone 6 Case

Handcrafted in Italy from luxurious printed calf leather, this refined phone cover will keep your phone stylishly safe. Add personalization for a special touch.

  • Poinsettia red iPhone 6 cover in printed calf leather.
  • Fits iPhone 6 and 6s. 
  • Made in Italy.
  • Dimensions: W7 X H14cm / W2.75 x H5.5"
  • Product code: 1016614

$145.00

FRAME Publishers' The Other Office Book 2 - Creative Workplace Design

A global overview of prevailing trends in office design. This book is currently available to pre-order at a 20% discount in the lead-up to its release on 21 December!

The approaches of design studios to orchestrate spatial experiences in the creation of workplace environments vary greatly. A bright and playful interior that might be perfect for one company will not be the answer for another client’s needs. Though one thing seems clear: whether it’s for a tech firm, a financial consultancy or a production company, the requirement to provide spaces that promote productivity through connectivity is high on the agenda. The physical environments are not only spaces for working, they are very much tools of the organisations and form part of their overall identity. These firms often work in conjunction with the design studios to ensure the realised offices fit the needs of the workforce, embodying creative values in the process.

In The Other Office 2, a recurring theme in the 80 cutting-edge projects is the centralisation of communication hubs, with more focused working spaces placed at the periphery. Another high priority is ensuring staff are catered for in terms of health and social aspects – in particular emphasising the need for physical activity, thus providing bikes and scooters to get around the building, or adding a competitive edge to the feature staircase by including sensors to track the distance climbed per week of employees. The showcased interiors not only support innovation and creativity in the workforce, they also generate opportunities for collaboration and, at the same time, help to connect and build communities.  Head on over to FRAME to learn more.

$59.27/€55.20

Women's Birkenstock Arizona Sandal at James Perse Los Angeles

Classic Birkenstock sandal with two adjustable "Birko-Flor" straps and metal buckles. Synthetic "Birko-Flor" is leather-like with a fleecy underside. Original suede lined cork/latex contoured foot bed for comfort with EVA rubber shock-absorbent sole.

Additional Information:

• Acrylic/Polyamide "Birko-Flor" Upper, Synthetic sole.
• Leather bedliner, Natural cork footbed.
• Made in Germany.
• Narrow width, Whole sizes only.
• Recommended to order up if in-between sizes.

$75.00

Marshall Major II Headphones in Black at Frank & Oak

The latest addition to the Marshall lineup is the Major II headphones. The Major II comes with an updated look that includes a detachable double-ended coil cord with microphone and remote for calls and voice recording. The dual 3.5 mm headphone jacks allow you to choose which side you prefer to wear your cable on or to plug in and share your music. Its advanced sound features include customized drivers that help to deliver deeper bass and more extended detailed highs. Allowing for increased flexibility, the Major II adapts to your head shape for increased comfort during those long listening sessions. This smart pair truly gives way to a whole new level of listening.  Head over to Frank & Oak and pick up a pair.

$120.00

Aesop Andromeda Set at Needsupply

From Aesop, a tin gift set with a body care quartet to nurture your skin and your senses. Features Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash, Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm, Coriander Seed Body Cleanser and Rind Concentrate Body Balm. 

  • Gift set with face and body products
  • Tin box
  • Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash 500mL
  • Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm 75mL
  • Coriander Seed Body Cleanser 200mL
  • Rind Concentrate Body Balm 120mL

$110.00

Tegoto Nest: Inside the Earth at Paul Smith

Our partners at Paul Smith are offering this great little 'curiosity' this season.  Inside the earth nesting toy by Tegoto is a visual representation of the layers of the earth: atmosphere, surface, crust, mantle and core.

Made in Japan from varnished wood, this toy is presented in a grey gift-box.

£80.00 / $122.34

Krona o Stjärna Brand Beanie

Pictured: "Stockholm"

Winter's here, and our new beanie is a perfect fit.  These high-quality 60/40 Cotton blend beanies will protect your head stylishly with our insignia embroidered on the front.  How you wear it is up to you.  

$22.00

Frank & Oak Cooper Selvedge Denim in Blue

Krona o Stjärna is proud to have established an affiliate partnership with Frank & Oak. Their Cooper Denim is produced in the heart of the denim capital of the world - Los Angeles. Prized for its durability, weight, and personalized fit (it fades over time), selvedge denim is woven on shuttle looms using one continuous thread. The Cooper is pre-shrunk, and comes in our slim-straight fit. Wear yours with low-key sneakers. Features a slim straight fit, belt loops, five pockets, button fly. Hand wash with cold water or dry clean. 98% cotton, 2% spandex. Weight: 11.5 oz.

$125.00

Follow @frankandoak

mahabis Larvik Classic Slipper

Pictured with Skåne Yellow soles

Pictured with Skåne Yellow soles

Krona o Stjärna is proud to have established an affiliate partnership with mahabis.

The mahabis classic slipper bundle contains their designed upper and a free pair of Skåne Yellow detachable soles. the classic upper is a sculpted slipper aiming for both comfort and minimalist style. lightweight, and finished with their neoprene cushion soft heel, the mahabis classic is easy to slip-on and off. combined with their detachable soles they form the ideal slipper for everyday adventures.  Other colorways available at mahabis.com

$89.00

Follow @mahabis

Smythson Bright Ideas Notebook

Ref. 283

Ref. 283

Krona o Stjärna are honored to have established an affiliate partnership with Smythson of Bond Street.

The Bright Ideas Wafer Notebook is an Orange pocket notebook in cross-grain lambskin. 96 leaves of gilt-edged, pale blue Featherweight paper. Made in England.

$60.00

FW2015 from Belstaff: The road master Emerald Green Jacket

REF. 110023563177039990701340925430

REF. 110023563177039990701340925430

Krona o Stjärna are honored to have established an affiliate partnership with outerwear legend Belstaff.  The brand has updated this and other classics to meet modern demands.

Introduced in 1981, the Roadmaster is one of the most iconic Belstaff jackets of all time. Modelled on the original four-pocket design of the legendary Trialmaster, this modernised edition has a closer, more streamlined fit. Crafted in cambric cotton sourced from a historical British mill, its waxed finish has been developed since the 1800s to be innovatively breathable and waterproof, but be sure to re-wax regularly to keep the shine. Size & Fit This garment fits true to size, take your usual size. Loose-fitting through the body. Centre back length = 78cm. Model's height is 6' 1" and he wears an Italian size 48. ; Two-way zip fastening with popper placket Buckle belt at waist 4 external pockets Stand collar with tab fastening Adjustable poppers to cuffs Check lining Fabric logo patch to left sleeve Commemorative metal plaque to reverse placket.

Style No.71120001-Emerald Green

$950.00

Follow @belstaff