Outfit | Harry Stedman AW15 in Liverpool

One of the best things about social media is the friends we make, and the relationships that come out of it. I met the gang from Harry Stedman just over a year ago - does anyone remember when they visited us up in Blackpool? - and since then we've kept in touch, and become pretty decent buddies. What started as a working relationship has turned into pints down the local pub, working on small projects, and visiting one of the original cities that the brand takes its main inspiration from. Liverpool.

The Harry Stedman brand is based on, and inspired by a working class hero; a traveller, military hand, labourer and true inspiration - and was created by his son + grandson, Phil + Rick. We visited Harry's hometown of Liverpool (Harry now happily retired in my hometown of Blackpool, Lancashire), to explore some of the places where Harry may have visited as a kid. The AW15 collection takes inspiration from Harry's time spend at the dockyards of the UK, and his time spent working in New York; with Ivy League-influenced varsity jackets + sweats, hard-wearing harrington, deck jackets + smocks, work shirts, and heavy jersey layers.

The current Harry Stedman collection is available here. Also see our Independent Guide to Liverpool.

Location - Liverpool Met Cathedral, Pen Factory, 92Degrees + Crosby Beach.
Styled by Ryan Lee of Harry Stedman + Matthew Pike
Photography by Jake Millers.

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Outfit | Kickers 40th Anniversary Denim Kick Hi

Russell wears - Kickers Denim Kick Hi | Universal Works Jacket | ASOS Shirt | Barbour Chinos | Urban Industry T-Shirt | Form + Thread Socks

Growing up in the 90s was full-on awesome times. There were a few stand out things from my days in short trousers; inline skates, Pogs, Panini football stickers (trade you for a shiny?...) SM:TV, Zap ice lollies, WWF wrestling and Super Nintendo. But one name which you'll find high on many peoples' list is Kickers.

It was almost a rite of passage to get a fresh pair of Kickers come September time, and even from an early age I was more enthused by footwear than actually turning up for class on time. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Kickers Kick Hi boot, the brand have gone and created something to mark the occasion; a limited edition all denim Kick Hi. The Kick Hi's creator Daniel Raufast, originally designed the shoe to be worn with denim, and as a tribute to that sentiment the Kickers team have switched the meaning of the silhouette.

 Russell Wears - Same as before, with Harry Stedman Jacket | Reigning Champ Sweatshirt | Chronograph Watch c/o Timex

We've teamed up with the French brand to celebrate this milestone. As the Kickers boot reminds us so much of our childhood we thought we'd visit the location where those school days used to begin - the bus station. But not just your regular bus station, one which was named one of "Britain's ugliest buildings" - which happens to be one of my favourites. I love those razor-edged balconies. We also stopped by the city's newest coffee shop, Ham & Jam.

Thanks to my buddy Russ Erwin for letting me photography him. Look out for Part Two of our collaboration with Kickers, coming soon! #mykickers #kickhi40th

This post is in partnership with Kickers. Thank you for taking the time to support the brands + businesses that make this blog happen.

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Harry Stedman x Golden Bear Varsity Jacket

I'll make no apologies for the amount of American made products and sportswear that's featured on the blog of late, it's just the way my personal tastes seem to be gravitating, but for good reason. Today's post is another fine example, as Harry Stedman have just released their version of the classic 1950's varsity jacket. Available in two versions, Slim (Grey) and Classic (Forest Green, boxy fit), the Varsity Jacket has been produced in collaboration with renowned outerwear manufactures, Golden Bear. 

Designed in Harry Stedman's London studio and made at Golden Bear's prestigious San Francisco factory, the Varsity Jacket is an excellent example of a classic menswear garment being brought up to date (slimmer body/shoulders). Perfect for winter, the jacket itself is made from a mix of wool, nylon and leather, quilted lining and traditional ribbed cuffs, hem and collar. They've kept things subtle, which is definitely the way to go with "archived" garments in my opinion. Lots of brands could take advice from this, instead of creating overly-designed pieces.

Readers of Buckets & Spades may remember the post on Harry Stedman's debut lookbook back in April and I've considered myself a fan of the brand ever since. Along with head designer at HS, Amy Greenland, my man Johnny Ridley had a hand in designing the jackets:

Buckets + Spades - What was the thought process when creating the Varsity Jacket?

Johnny Ridley - We got to pick the colours, silhouette, & fabric - Golden Bear made the rest possible. We opted for one collegiate & classic, the green/black, and one more contemporary in grey. Delivering two styles that would, in theory, appeal to two different consumers.

The Harry Stedman Varsity Jacket is available here.

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