Haberdash closing

We had a great night at Haberdash, closing out the week long fashion event in SF at Candy Store collective, where we will remain rotating exclusive product for the next month.  Special thanks to Jacob of Reason Furniture for unmatched hardware, Paul D'Oreleans for sharing his collection, and George Pitman for his superb styling.  See you in the mission.

Martingale at Haberdash

Martingale will be launching a Vintage Motorcycle and Cafe Racer themed pop-up store as part of Haberdash: A Week of Men's Fashion and Style. We'll be setting up shop In Candystore Collective on 16th and Mission. Featuring exclusive items from Vanson, Johnson Motors, Al;s Attire, unannounced labels, as well as genuine vintage riding jackets from the 30s, 4s, and 50s, and various racing and riding memorabilia. Hardware and Furnishings by Reason Furniture Design, and print work by Land Land.

Barbour x Tokihito Yoshida - AW10

Barbour holds royal warrants from Queen Elizabeth II, The Duke of Edinburgh, and The Prince of Wales, but Barbour's collaboration with Japanese designer Tokihito Yoshida has managed to materialize something greater. The Beacon Brand Collection includes a waxed military and field jacket, quilted horse riding and motorcycle jackets, and a heavier retake on the standard Blouson. Inspired by Barbour's extensive archive that dates back to 1908, Tokihito updated these classic patterns with clever details that focus on utility and bring a rugged futurism to the designs - something a narc or organ dealer would wear in a Yakuza-run LA. Waxed Cotton is the new leather.

Things for me, things for Martingale

Here is a glance at some things that I bought this week for me, and some things that are actually joining our inventory. I cant say which is which just yet, because that would spoil the surprise.


From the top: Free & Easy magazine, the quintessential guide to dressing like a man: #142 / #143 / Vanson Trident Jacket for Epaulet / Johnson Motors 13 Rebels T: "This graphic is based on a historical motorcycle club founded in 1937 by the 13 top A.M.A. motorcycle racers in Southern California / Johnson Motors Winged Wheel T: "This symbol is based on the mythical winged-messenger Mercury. Used since the earliest days of motoring..." / Johnson Motors Storefront in LA : "The company is mostly known for its vintage style signature T-shirts. Knitted, cut, sewn, dyed, printed and laundered in the USA..." / Big John Denim Craft Labels: A mysterious archive denim brand that is poised to return.

Alina’s Chair: CNC Typography

Jacob over at Reason asked me to design a nameplate for this little girl's chair. There's a sweetness to this simple chair and simple logotype that makes it redeeming and memorable for me. Also I will probably get not get way with drawing a heart again.

Reason Furniture: Salvage Bistro Table

Jacob Ruch is a San Francisco salvage furniture designer working under the name Reason. Of course there's so much to be said about the sustainability angle of what he does, but more important to me is just the way the end products look and feel (and smell). Jake reveals the personality locked away in non-suspect pieces of wood and metal "scrap", bringing a new luster and renewed purpose to the materials. It's a process that honors the old body of this city.



Jake also has a highly collaborative spirit, which is why I'm proud to post "our" efforts here: a bistro table designed to fit my awkward dining space. This a 36x36 mixed Douglas Fir table top with angled iron supports, probably sourced from a junked bed.


If you're looking for a small, 2-4 seat table you'll be amazed how limited your options actually are. This project cost me far less than something new from a comparable designer furnishings house, and I was able to have a hand in the process. The experience has left me absolutely set on Reason as my contractor for all retail interior designs having to do with Falcon & Snowman, which is a huge relief.

Vintage Jacket Auction

Martingale is offering two one-off vintage jackets. Send offers and inquiries to: Falcnsnwman@gmail.com.


The Emery Fox:
A lightweight summer evening jacket with unmistakable personality. Restored, oil-treated Israeli leather, fox-fir high collar. Well-worn detailing. Classic epaulets lend a utility that offsets obvious eccentricity.

Size 44 / $450-650



The Hillary Goose:
Unknown 197os design. Goose down. Detachable fox fir lined hood. A true expedition quality piece in rare colorways. Restoration and leather detailing by Johnson Leathers of San Francisco.

Size XL / $250-450

The lineage of belongings

I enjoy being transparent about where my knowledge comes from. For me the fascination with "things" started in my fathers closet, and in my grandfateher's garage. Both of these men enjoyed well-made things. In particular, my grandfather didn't have much, but what he did own had a lot of character.

Forthcoming T-shirts: Summer in Narita

Summer in Japan...a park phantom, lolling under trees drunk, chattering in the blurred air, concrete breezes washing through a billion screen windows, caught in alleys and bicycle-clogged streams, past Islands of rubbish twinkling with the tiny lights of cities within cities.

"All greatness comes from loss" - Ptolemy

Early days are all about the electricity that two people can generate over a drink, a drive, a walk - your stride  pulled along by the zest for a project that has not yet suffered from any "realities".  One of the first realities to take hold is usually the logistics of the partnership itself. 


I believe that all hearts are essentially one, but our brains obscure our hearts desires in innumerable ways, and, sadly, inconsistencies are born.  Whether you face your own inconsistencies, or those of a partner, you simply must carry on, paying close attention to the feint echoes of conversations shared long ago.  Find a way to truly trust that they were correct, wise, and good.  Sometimes you have to follow blueprints that you drew for yourself when you knew less, but felt more.  The rewards can be great, but there are losses along the way. That's how you know its really happening at all. 
 
This hand-glass was always meant to be a symbol of clarity.  A rallying flag.  But more to the point, a symbol of self-trust.  It was meant to elevate our childish exuberance into something corporeal.  To help us become men who have a true stake in our own days.  Looking back I can say with a full heart that Martingale was made in rich soil, and looking forward, Martingale is something I can build my house on.  Even if I live in that house alone. 

Limted edition Ts at Molte Cose, SF

We've learned a lot about the process during this first run of shirts. The end results, all 50 or so of the, are now on offer at Molte Cose, one of our very favorite men's wear boutiques in San Francisco. Get them there while they last, or write us direct for special orders.




Molte Cose
2044 Polk Street
(between Broadway St & Pacific Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 921-5374