The Last Spruce Tannery: Sweden’s Böle

Purveyors to the royal court and champions of doing things the old way for the right reasons

Despite a recent resurgence in craftsmanship, some of the old methods are simply dying out. Tanning leather is among the oldest crafts, with the first evidence of the profession dating back several thousand years. Today, the traditional European method of using tree bark—specifically the bark of the spruce—is all but lost. One tannery in the northern reaches of Sweden is carrying on the tradition of …

A First Look at Adidas Originals FW 14

Design-forward sportswear draws inspiration from fine art, punk and the NBA

Adidas has a long collaborated with influential individuals in the worlds of fashion and design—notable recent partnerships include the likes of Tom Dixon, Mark McNairy, Pharrell, Kanye West and Nigo. While none of those named had a part in the recently unveiled FW ’14 capsule collection, it’s clear the crew at Adidas Originals is set on blurring the line between sportswear and fashion. On the …

Mama Shelter, Paris

An affordable creative refuge that consistently offers the convenience of home

Frequent business travelers know far too well how difficult it can be to remain as efficient on the road as back at the office. An intermittent WiFi connection or an aggressive housekeeping regime can keep you from sending files on time or remaining focused on a conference call. These annoyances only feel more magnified with the lure of a new city lurking just beyond the …