RTH Shop + Lookbook

The word has been out now about designer Rene Holguin's little slice of Native American, gypsy by way of American Southwest goodness that is the RTH shop in the heart of West L.A. What we want to talk about is this beautiful lookbook showcasing the overall aesthetic of the brand. If you've ever had the opportunity to visit the shop and we have, the individual pieces on there own don't scream fashion. The various shirting, blankets, scarves, accessories and leather goods pulled together in these looks present a fresh perspective and intrepretation on "Western" wear that holds it own without coming across costumey. It's a little hard to find amongst the trendier retail destinations in the area but well worth the hunt.

RTH
537 N La Cienega Blvd  
West Hollywood, CA 90048

M. Nii Surfwear

Makaha is a beach on the west side of Oahu known for its large surf. Back in the 1950s, local big-wave riders would go to M. Nii (nee-e) Tailors to repair their baggies and have new surf trunks made. M. Nii used twill to make the new trunks, eventually adding wax pockets and stripes. The surfers nicknamed the trunks "Makaha Drowners." 

The brand was known only among surfers, and since the trunks were only produced in the tailor shop, hard to get. After the Makaha International Surfing Championships in 1954, surfers from the mainland brought the trunks back with them. But eventually the brand faded away, as the family closed up shop and the rise of the modern surfwear business took over.

Yet, the trunks could still be found in vintage shops and flea-markets if you knew what you were looking for. John Moore, surfwear veteran and creative director of POP Studio, came across a few pieces at the Rose Bowl flea market. He and his partner Randy Hill tried to track down who owned the copyright, but could find no heirs of the family. Hawaii state law says that if you trademark a name with Hawaiian heritage, you need to set aside 3 percent for the family. John and Randy did that, even though no living heirs have been located. The proceeds will go to different Hawaiian initiatives if none are found.

John and Randy worked with Partners & Spade to produce 20 shorts, selling them out. The guys decided to expand into a full range of clothing, producing all of it in Los Angeles. The line has a late 50s vibe about it, with slim fits and clean graphics.














You can find the brand nationally at Barneys CO-OP and Steven Alan, and also through their website.

Japanese retailer BEAMS did a short video campaign featuring M. Nii for their HI Beams store
 

The Craft: Sean Woolsey

We had the privilege of filming Sean Woolsey for an episode of The Craft. Sean is a woodworker and artist from Costa Mesa, CA. He recently started making large art pieces using sheet metal. He uses a variety of substances to create a chemical reaction with the metal, resulting in different colors and textures. We visited Sean as he finished one of his art pieces.