Hasta La Ideas

Multifunctional Shibori-dyed garments from a nascent Brooklyn label

Inspired by “Lindsey Thornburg’s capes, complex geometries, Aboubakar Fofana, Suno, and the old rolling hills of upstate New York,” the indie brand Upstate’s latest collection continues to explore the controlled chaos of tie-dye.

Where the Brooklyn label’s debut collection was limited to items like scarves and sarongs, their upcoming season sees multifunctional garments, like an asymmetrical poncho and a racerback vest, all hand-dyed using the ancient Japanese technique of Shibori.

The upshot is a series of pieces perfect for layering and draping, instantly making any basic look show stopping with their gorgeously blue-and-white patterns.

Sold at a few select specialty boutiques (check Mohawk General Store for online availability) with prices starting at about $100, buying Upstate is a great way to support a small, homegrown label while upping your fashion quotient too.

Lightweight leather bags designed for modern hairstylists with style

Designed specifically for hairstylist needs, these leather holsters from Austrian brand Caleas come equipped with padded interior pockets for scissors, razors and combs, and an adjustable band for keeping them all conveniently within reach at your waist.

At less than a pound, the handmade Caleas case allows stylists to tote their tools from salon to photo shoots with ease, efficiency and style. The utility belt also keeps pricey shears completely protected from falling out of a pocket or getting damaged while on the go with specially-designed slots, and side zippers open the bag up for quick cleaning and hair removal.

The hip-huggers come in various styles and colors of leather—including alligator and patent. Both sizes hold two razors, but the large case has room for five pairs of scissors, while just four fit in the smaller pouch. They sell online from €187 to €327.

Custom utility belts for nomadic bon vivants

Created for the W Hotel concept of a high-profile, über-connected concierge (that they call a W Insider), designer James Small’s bespoke belts put the party on your hips with covetable accessories like a hip flask, credit card and phone holders, decision dice pocket, a slot for a USB stick and a Saint Christopher medal “for extra special luck.”

The accessory, commissioned by the W London and American Express, celebrates of the recent opening of the W Hotel on the vibrant Leicester Square, reflecting a sense of travel and keeping you on the ready for impromptu amusement about the town.

The belt will sell from W London for men or women in mock alligator, mock lizard or standard leather—all reversible from their black exterior to the silver interior. Prices begin at £400 and depend on the various attachments. To see more of the belt and Small’s travel-inspired Spring/Summer 2011 collection, check out the concept film created by Small, Tom Beard and Jamie Hince.

Portland, OR illustrator designs the optimal bag for biking with a six-pack

Portland, OR-based illustrator Patrick Long has always had a pencil in hand. A former Parsons student, he worked for designers such as Perry Ellis and Nina Ricci and his wistful, nostalgic line drawings have appeared in The New Yorker and T Magazine. But when it came to designing his line of Chester Wallace bags, Long had much more prosaic goals in mind.

Wanting a bag that was both durable and spacious, he describes the rigorous product testing. “The first litmus test was if it could carry a six-pack of beers across town on a bike. It’s been able to carry everything I’ve asked of it, from hammers to watermelons.”

Made out of heavy waxed cotton to repel the Portland rain, the bags have one exterior and two interior pockets for miscellaneous small items. An adjustable nylon strap allows the bag to be slung around the back or shoulders for cross-town journeys, while two handles at the top of the tote lend versatility.

Named for Long’s two grandfathers—Chester from Burns, Oregon, and Wallace from Ireland, family history may have also played a role in propelling Long towards design. Long explains how having an architect father meant “I grew up with pencils and paper. Building and making things just followed suit.”

The bags come in a variety of neutral colors that make them a natural accompaniment to any outfit. Long’s friends at NYC’s Project No.8 store were the ones who encouraged him to start selling his bags. You can get them there, Canoe and Stand Up Comedy for $150 each. For more information on Long’s illustration work, check out his website.

Each piece of art is hand-made, mind designed from the artist and may be specific to the consumers’ needs. Other elements can be interpreted int..