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MALE ORDER
Online goodies for gadabout gentlemen—direct to your genkan
By Richard P. Greenfield
Wall Coverings
With the renewed interest in late Edo era and early Showa era maps, why not blow them up to cover a wall or part of a wall? Wallpapered.com can take any map and create a large wallpaper image. Tokyo is a city that has undergone so many convulsions in the 20th century that the preservation of the maps showing what existed before are not just a matter of personal taste but, in a small way, an historical preservation and documentation.
Buying Bond
When Skyfall opened in Japan this month, two things rose to attention for the discerning Japan-based expat—the location of Hashima Island near Nagasaki—known to haikyo enthusiasts and history buffs as Gunkanjima or “Battleship Island”)—and 007’s hunting jacket, a collaboration between Barbour and Japanese designer Tokihito Yoshida (US$799). Royal Male (www.royalmale.com) is taking orders for the jacket (available early next year), as well as other Barbour and sundry goods to keep you warm when you’re fighting bad guys—or Tokyo’s winter wind.
Tactical Fashion
Massif (www.massif.com), a supplier of tactical garments for military expeditions, has branched into civilian wear with pants, jackets and blazers. Their water-repellent pants (US$165) also feature hidden pockets for gadgetry, small weapons, cyanide tablets and the like.
Western Wear
Layer yourself up a storm with this cozy denim wear designed and made in Japan but distributed out of the UK. Ironheart’s (www.ironheart.co.uk) 8oz-denim Western shirt with satin-lined sleeves and cotton-blanket lining comes in black or indigo (US$375). Minimum three business days for the free international shipping.
Hide Bound
Leather guru Robert Porter always offers interesting takes through his company Vvego (www.vvego.com), with a stock of original items and the possibility of ordering your own custom-made item—customers have reportedly asked for such things as a wallet made from old baseball-glove leather.
