Fight the Rain Scimitar Umbrella

Totally awesome idea. Broadsword, katana, or scimitar handled umbrellas from Fight the Rain.

Rain: Ninja. You are but a mere mortal and no match for my powerful torrent. Do you surrender?

Ninja: Ah, Rain. You are a most worthy opponent and teacher. But I will never surrender.

Rain: Ha! Ha! Ha! Your bravery humors me. Please continue.

Ninja: Laugh now, Rain, for it will be the last time. (Unsheathes umbrella.)

Rain: The ninja umbrella. But I thought it was a myth!

Ninja: Used by the samurais before me. Passed down by my ancestors. Full of the wisdom of the ancients. With this umbrella, I will defeat you once and for all, and I will bring honor to my family and dry clothes to my home. HIIIIYAAAA!

Via Uncommon Goods.

Society6 Art Microgalleries

Not exactly related to jewelry or fashion, but this was interesting enough for me to show you guys. It's a Digg-like site where users vote on items to boost them up for higher visibility, but has a lot more functionality around art rather than, say, random news stories. Lots of stuff around artist networking, etc. as well too. Here's what the society6 site says about themselves:

Society6 is a platform for emerging and established artists from every creative discipline to showcase their talent as it unfolds. An online community where no one who is doing good work remains undiscovered and without opportunities - anywhere in the world.

Society6 pushes the physical boundaries of creativity inviting everyone who is inspired by the artistic process, as much as the end-result, to contribute to the cultural commentary.

Society6 is the nexus of original artistic works created and curated by the artists and supporters themselves - providing direct access to quality people, art and events that you want to know about.

Check it out, here.

Cyborg 009 x Quolomo x CASIO G-SHOCK 25th Anniversary DW-5600

Based on the popular Japanese manga stemming from the 1960s, Cyborg 009 and Japanese brand Quolomo team-up with CASIO G-SHOCK on the original DW-5600. The premise of Cyborg 009 involved a team of 9 humans originally captured to undergo a series of robotic tranformations yielding a group of 9 cyborgs who band together against their kindnappers, Black Ghost. The watch itself is featured in all-white body with a black dial. Both CYBORG and Quolomo mark the top and bottom of the watch respectively while the watch band also features a printed deisgn. The watch as part of Cyborg 009’s 25th anniversary will release on July 19th at e-casio. Via Hypebeast.

Royal Atelier - Monarch Classic Ring

One of the more classic designs I've been looking at lately, this Monarch Classic ring from US-based designer jewelry house Royal Atelier takes traditional lines and works with them for a piece that has lasting and enduring appeal. Picked up the premium monogram version from RA a few years back, and it's always done well on my list. Comes in for just over a hundred dollars at Elysieme, here.

Nicolina Royale - Guitar Pick Necklace

Interesting oxidized take on the usual guitar pick necklace from Nicolina Royale. If you follow the scene, their work is actually worn by quite a few American celebrities. Can't say I'm too interested in the Hollywood folks though, so I'll leave picking out the celebs to you guys. Done in sterling silver, and selling for 260USD on their site, here.

Undercover Pointy Toed Shoes アンダーカバー ラバーソール シューズ

These may be the coolest shoes I've seen this season. Done in suede with a sleek and slim profile, these lace-ups from Undercover's 09 S/S collection are infinitely wearable, with pretty much every outfit. Of course, they're selling for about 800USD in Japan - and probably more, after you take into account shipping and import tariffs - but if you've got the cash, check 'em out here.

Kapadesigns - Ancient Sculpture Copper and Black Steel bracelet Watch Wristwatch

A heavily oxidized and weathered piece - bracelet watch done in copper and black steel from Kapadesigns. Was looking at this, and it definitely caught my eye, but made me think about something that's been coming up more and more often. It seems like Americans are in a constant search for authenticity. Not authenticity as 'what's real and what's a knockoff', but rather true authenticity - a sense of identity, of being real. A lot of people work in the office, a lot of people work in the retail or service industry. We do what we don't identify with and has no cultural relevance to us, or who we are. It's necessary, of course, but being "false" so much - keeping up a double fascade for your boss, coworkers, etc. - leaves us searching for something that "looks" real.

Hence the oxidized pieces, the distressed jeans, so on so forth.. I wonder how many people nowadays have jeans that were really distressed by their own wear, pieces that are broken down because of the love and how often they were used.

DisCordelia Designs Polymer Necklace

I've been beginning to see polymer necklaces and jewelry pick up traction lately, from humble beginnings at craft fairs, etc. to wider response online. Check out this necklace from DisCordelia Designs - eccentric, eclectic, and .. well, insert another clever word starting with an e. It'll be interesting to see if anyone continues to offer more 'masculine' products for polymers - a lot of what we're seeing lately is flowers, etc. which is why I thought this was pretty interesting. Anyways, check it out guys, it's only 13USD on Etsy, here.

Maison Martin Margiela for Les Ateliers Ruby Helmet Twill Silk Scarf

This black and white print scarf from Jerome Coste is an quirky and off-beat interpretation for the Ateliers Ruby brand. A collaboration with Maison Martin Margiela, this piece is done in silk and features a hand-rolled hem, Meudon-White print, and corner monogram. It can be purchased at Oki-Ni's online boutique, here for 140USD.

Brand Spotlight - John Ferdinand

On the line of organic design, label John Ferdinand from designers Mark Armstrong and Perry Josito have brought a fresh and living alternative to today's often typical "rock star" jewelry. Actually picked up a few of their pieces, and mix them into the usual stuff I rock.. it's a very different feel. Like slowing down time and mood. Looking forward to what they'll be bringing us in the coming years. Check out their HK-based site, here. Also available online from North America-based boutique Elysieme, here.

Silver Sparrow Designs - Hammered Rings

They've achieved a very nice patina on the oxidization of these rings. Not as extreme as some of the effects we've been seeing lately, which is always nice. Looks like they've taken on a very weathered, very human kind of feeling. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like they have them in single rings, but if you're looking for wedding / couple rings, check it out at Silver Sparrow Designs' etsy page, here.

Gareth Pugh - Men's F/W 09

Probably two of the most wearable looks from English designer Gareth Pugh for this season. Hopefully, it'll do as well commercially as he's been doing critically - despite the praise he's been getting in the past few years for his women's collections, word is that margins have been relatively flat. No doubt that he's a huge talent and rising star to watch, though. For everyone who's been disappointed in KVA's work after Hedi left, keep your eyes on this guy.. he's been signed to take the helm of Dior Homme soon.

John Varvatos - Limited Edition Rock Volume One

New scent from John Varvatos called Rock Volume One. Limited edition release for what it's worth, so you probably won't be seeing this one in your local Macy's - at least not unless it sells well. A softer smell that has wispy undertones of whisky. Get it for 82USD from John Varvatos directly, here.

Renalto Peres Wooden Ring

Quite a rich and luxurious feeling from this ring. Wood tends to have a natural luxury to it that speaks quietly, yet with strength. Woodwork and jewelry designer Renalto Peres presents this creation through Novica. You can get it here for 82USD.

Kon Kon Robo Pendant Necklace

Tokyo-based Kon Kon's 7th year in production is yielding some pretty nice designs, if difficult to find. This Robo pendant is limited to 500 pieces worldwide. Bit of a hip hop feel to this one, not too bad as a necklace or as a keychain. ELYSIEME has it online for 225USD, so take a look here.

SOS - Stress Outsourced Jacket

Not commercially available, but just saw this today, and it's too cool not to post. There's a 3 part module in this jacket by Group ChiaoChiuChiChung from MIT's Tangible Interfaces class. The wearer sends a signal when they're stressed. Other wearers receive the signal, and can choose to send back a "response" signal that gives the original user a massage by activating a massage module. Way too cool. Check them out here.

Bottega Veneta End of Season 2008 Sales

For anyone who didn't get the e-mails going around last month, Bottega Veneta's S/S and F/W RTW, accessories, jewelry, and bags have all been ridiculously marked down. Most items are on sale from 30-50% right now - at least the things that managed to get past the VIPs who reserved things last month. Give a call to your sales associate or, if you have a chance, take a look at the outlets. I was at Woodbury Commons (NYS) recently, and the remaining selection is still pretty decent. Lots of mens' stuff too, guys, but better go to the boutiques for that. Anyways.. check it out.

EDM Designs SKULL GEARS on Adjustable Filigree Ring

We're seeing steampunk influences in jewelry more and more nowadays. Here's a wearable piece that doesn't take it too far over the top. Very nice industrial styling in this EDM Designs. Check it out on their page, here.

Dror x Target - Limited Edition Collection

Dror x Target new collection. Couple of cool, really affordably priced pieces in this decor / stationary collection here. Can't help but think that with the way designer collaborations have been coming along these few years (H&M, Target, etc.), consumers are going to become disenfranchised with the high prices charged for designer's own collections. Construction and materials is inferior with crossovers.. but I wonder if people care in this environment.

Anyways, check it out.

Silicon Gallies - Black Laptop Computer Key Cufflinks - X KEY

Typewriter / keyboard keys as jewelry have been done before, but etsy's Capitola Girl Jewelry does pretty well on the implementation of these. Looks pretty sharp, with a side of nerd appeal - wonder how it looks in person. Check it out here.

CEMENT S/S 09 Collection

New spring/summer 2009 collection from men's jewelry label CEMENT has dropped!.. looks fantastic. Looks like Toronto is stepping up their game.. lots of great stuff coming from the Canadians these days. The collection's being carried by the good guys over at Nomad (Nomad, Goodfoot, Ransom, aka. the streetwear elite of the T-dot). THE GENERAL FIRM is also selling the pieces for a cool 75 bones online, so take a look here.