This is Build or Destroy, a weblog by clothing and accessories company Abbeydale, launching Fall 2010. We feel there is a daily choice to either build or destroy. We prefer to build and this blog serves as a means to do that. To move things forward. A vehicle to express our thoughts on all things style, design, music, people, places and more. The world is a big place and we want to play our little part shedding light on what motivates us everyday. We invite you to join the conversation.
A behind the scenes look at the process involved in replicating the archives of Levi’s workwear history. Levi’s and Billy Reid, Made in USA. Video via Cool Hunting.
“Craftsmanship is something I really believe wholeheartedly in for clothing. Its starts with the raw materials, whether it be in button selections, interlinings…all the little components that put the garment together. The needle you put on it. Tougher finish. How that needle digs into the fabric and creates the wear over time. I see it almost like a carpenter would make things…you want to build the damn thing to stand up” – Billy Reid
The Love Language hail from Chapel Hill, North Carolina and boy are they a breath of fresh air.
From the label web site: “Walls of reckless sound, cavernous drums, middle-school percussion, and moody swells of stringed instruments, all decorated hastily with stray leads, which bleed beautifully all over everything”.
Take a listen for yourself – but be warned. You will most likely get hooked.
With the release of the new and outstanding Arcade Fire record “Suburbs” (click to buy) I thought it was fitting to shine a little light on their label Merge Records. Based in Durham, NC this crew has put the work in and are only getting better with time. Another great video from storyteller David Huppert that takes you from the beginning to where they are today.
From Merge’s website:
“Merge Records defies everything you’ve heard about the music business. Started by two twenty-year-old musicians, Merge is a lesson in how to make and market great music on a human scale. The fact that the company is prospering in a failing industry is something of a miracle.”
I mean seriously, take a look at this roster and tell me that Merge is not killing it right now?
Proud to say this denim is handmade in our home state of North Carolina. Just a few miles up the road from Charlotte in our state capitol of Raleigh, this couple is living the “American Dream”. You cannot ask for a nicer group of people. I had the luxury of visiting them one random afternoon while in the area and they made plenty of time for me, answering questions as I picked up a beautiful pair of their selvage dark denim. (Victor hemmed my pair himself…so I am super cool). Check them out and I will post some wear and tear pics soon. I took some snaps upon purchase and plan on giving them a wash in 12 months or so with some updated images so you can witness how great they age. I look forward to watching this company grow and only wish them the best. Support the little guy…it will make you feel good.
These guys just continue to do it right. With time-tested values of classic American craftsmanship, a love for urban tradition, vintage sensibilities, and an endless search for the timeless silhouette, the BKc has assembled collections that defy the rules of urban fashion inspired by vintage ideals with a contemporary point of view. View this little diddy on the BKc and the effort it takes to produce – like we do – in the USA. Respect BKc..respect.
This video is the third installment of the “Classic for K-Swiss” series by uber talented Jake Davis. Here Jake sits down with the one and only Billy Reid to chat. The vid gives us good insight to what makes Billy tick. The man has style for days and I have always been most impressed with the staging of his stores. This video shows the talent…great stuff as always Mr. Jake Davis, it’s videos like this that keep our little company inspired.
Bearings, a free bi-weekly email newsletter and website dedicated to the southern mans way of living is something AbbeydaleUSA can get down with. With a current focus on the Atlanta, GA area, Bearings highlights the greatest in food, events, style and culture happening in the A-T-L. Of course our focus would be on the style section and think they do a knock out job of covering people in the industry, the local shopping scene and some great up and coming brands. Be sure to peep the Dress Better Video featuring Sid Mashburn. These are words to live by and should be passed down from generation to generation. Here are a few images to wet your whistle…
Apolis Activism
Temple Bags
Raleigh Denim
Oliver Spencer
Visit Bearings today. Play around, read and then subscribe – we did.
Grenson is the pinnacle of English shoe making. Grenson offers two lines – the “Rose” collection, its finest offering. The finest calf leathers and suede’s, the very best soles and the ultimate in hand polishing and finishing. Grenson “Rose” is true English shoe making at its best, authentic and totally without compromise. The “Rushden” collection featuring formal styles on modern lasts using traditional but updated styling details. Also a contemporary rugged work wear range of `Rushden Welts ` featuring chunky double leather soles and distressed leathers, creating a younger and more casual look. You cant really go wrong with either, and around here we let the pictures do the talking…check it out.
Thinking this is a perfect option for a summer chino. I have been looking for this exact color for a while. Not too preppy, but just enough color to stand out from the crowds of tans, grays and whites this season. Rust chino pants with a mid-rise and slim leg. It’s a fun update to the classic chino. 100% cotton and made in the USA to boot. Available here at Frances May for only $210.00
