Hasta La Ideas

Ties made exclusively for us in one of the last factories in Manhattan’s Garment District

While it’s becoming increasingly easy to tune out when clothing brands talk about heritage and craft, there are still some that warrant attention. At seven years strong, NYC- and LA-based label 3sixteen continues to set itself apart with a genuine dedication to producing high-quality threads that don’t capitalize on the latest trends, but will instead remain relevant throughout time. Founded by Andrew Chen in 2003 as a t-shirt line, 3sixteen now produces a range of long-lasting staple garments and accessories for guys whose taste is equal parts refined and rugged.

For Cool Hunting, 3sixteen created a series of locally-sourced wool ties in patterns we chose along with Chen. Made in one of the few remaining factories in Manhattan’s Garment District (where Chen shot the picture above, of the ties in mid-production), the fabrics range from sharp plaids to rich solids with subtle textures woven in. We particularly dig their versatility, adding sophistication to casual ensembles and keeping more dignified looks from appearing stuffy.

Crafted exclusively for Cool Hunting, the 3sixteen ties sell from our online shop for $80 each.

Cycle in the rain with style wearing our collaboratively designed cap

Two cyclists on a mission “to make stylish garments for a world where your bike is your favorite means of transportation,” Outlier began in 2009 with an impressive pair of tailored pants. With a seemingly Midas touch, every garment or accessory Outlier has produced since has been nothing short of ideal. The consideration and passion behind their performance threads has led Outlier to become a staple in any cyclist’s (or snappy dresser’s) closet.

For the 2010 holiday season we asked Outlier’s Tyler Clemens and Abe Burmeister to create a Cool Hunting cycling cap, an accessory technically designed for bike riding in inclement conditions. The resulting Swiss wool hat is completely wind-resistant, highly water-resistant and boats a brim that perfectly shields a rider’s brow.

The functionally stylish cap was crafted in three colors—gray, navy and black. Demonstrating Outlier’s “shopping by hand” philosophy, the durable thick wool feels as nice as it looks on, and combined with its minimalist aesthetic that hat is sure to be worn for years to come.

Designed exclusively for Cool Hunting, the Weatherproof Cycling Cap sells from our online shop for $90.

Woodworking scraps-turned-fashion in Navajo-inspired necklaces

The side project of CH contributor Mike Giles and his girlfriend Judy Lawrence, Miju jewelry is a peek into how the two mix Mike’s furniture design with a creative Montreal-based partnership. For Fall/Winter the duo created “Manha”—an 11-piece assortment of laser-cut wood gems.

Of the Native American-inspired collection, one of our favorites is the “T-Bird necklace” (also available as a brooch). Taking the classic Thunderbird silhouette, the duo then added detailed etching for geometric texture and an overall appealing design. Painted either gold or a combination of red and blue, the necklace hangs at a perfectly situated place across the collarbone, allowing for full visibility that works with a variety of necklines.

Each piece in the collection is made from solid walnut—remnants from other designs Giles creates in his Montreal-based woodworking shop, Furni. The Manha collection sells online from the Miju Etsy site, with prices starting at $36.

Surf and skate style meets ’50s inspiration in a Southern California sunglasses brand

While its name may conjure cloudy weather, Raen Optics are a paean to endless summers and drop-tops—an enthusiasm made clear with their limited edition Myopia sunglasses created for surf-loving label Alexandra Cassaniti (in stores Spring ’11). Other latest styles—the Underwood (bottom left), Ryko and Squire (bottom right)—draw from “a very classic, mid-century design aesthetic.” The Squire was inspired by a photograph of James Dean in his Speedster, and all three do double duty as sleekly retro eyeglass frames.

Founded in 2008, Raen is the brainchild of a foursome bonded by an appreciation of iconic sunglasses, Justin Heit, Jeremy Heit, Micah Dunham and Jordan Percy of Libre Design, a creative agency based in Encinitas, CA. The small coastal town thrives with upstart companies springing from skate and surf culture. “[This] has a heavy influence on coastal Encinitas, and this background has certainly shaped what Raen has become and will guide us in the future,” they explain.

Each frame is handmade with select European acetates and hardware that you’d be hard-pressed to find at Raen’s wallet-friendly prices. “We are striving to create timeless pieces,” they say, designed to “be relevant for more than one or two seasons.”

Visit Raen online for collections and retailers. Prices start at $95.

Designed with comedian William Andrews, this watch forgoes the customary hour and minute hands, instead the time is displayed on a skull’s teeth..