Ok, here’s another designer who does the whole basics reinterpreted thing. You know, classic suit/sport jackets, button up shirts, dress pants and blazers, but in unexpected materials or with unexpected details. And I of course love this because it always forces a second look and it’s a subtly subversive way to wear clothing.

Central St. Martin’s menswear student, Yang Li does this beautifully. If you browse through his ‘Works’ section you can see the inspirations for each collection along with his detailed sketches. Check out his blog as well.

I wore the above yesterday. I’ve been wearing the rain jacket nonstop, not just because it’s been so rainy and cool, but because it goes with everything!

• Top: Slow and Steady Wins the Race coated linen
• Jeans: Ksubi/Tsubi
• Jacket: AprilMay
• Shoes: Rachel Comey
• Necklace: APC
• Bracelets: Etsy and ebay

This is from a few weeks back. Again I’ve been getting nonstop wear out of the tunic. I bought it in a medium because I wanted it to be big. Hooray for pieces that go with anything, right?

• Tunic: J Crew
• Pants: 3.1 Phillip Lim
• Shoes: Ash
• Necklace: Rheanna Lingham

Background photos: 1 & 2

I first became aware of JF&Son when I spotted, fell in love with, and ordered a sweatshirt from their A/W 08 collection. The line is the result of the creative genius of Jesse Finkelstein and Katie King. What’s most impressive is that each piece is created by hand by the designers, and I can attest to the quality of their work. I live in that sweatshirt!

So how can I describe the line beyond the adjectives that jump immediately to my mind (details, precision, texture)? I’m just going to take the charming declarations they have posted on their index page!

DESIGN TEAM FASHION! GRAPHIC! INTERIOR! ARCHITECTURAL! INDUSTRIAL! PHILOSOPHICAL! POLITICAL!

Obviously, it’s not just about the clothes or Fashion with a capital F. The line is an inclusive creative endeavor where they can interpret and explore whatever is interesting, challenging, or intriguing them in a very personal way. And they all manage to do this unpretentiously-a big plus in my book! Their site also includes explorative essays and art. This is a label I’m very excited about and can’t wait to watch develop.

I’ve posted looks from the A/W 09, S/S 09, and A/W 08 (my favourite) collections. You can currently purchase pieces from the A/W 09 collection on refinery29shops.com. Each piece is made to order.

London based online shop Nina & Lola is big on stocking independent designers, and while the selection isn’t huge it is chock full of lesser known designers like Fiona Paxton, Sofie Gittins, JF&Son (personal favourite), Hannah Martin, Olanic, and Irwin&Jordan.

The shop ships worldwide, so be sure to bookmark.

Well, I was browsing through the old Pour Porter livejournal archives last night and looked through this post from July 2007. I have to say I’m surprised Alena Akhmadullina hasn’t received more attention! Her pieces are beautifully constructed and trendless. It seems she gets more press in Europe, but I’m just amazed at how she has virtually no name recognition on this side of the globe. She was pretty obscure when I posted about her two years ago, but that doesn’t seem to have changed much.

A total shame, because I like her work. She has toned down the conceptual elements of her shows (check out the link to my old post), which you’d think would garner her more attention with the more accessible look, but her overall aesthetic really hasn’t changed and still remains classic and incredibly appealing.

Anyways, I’ve posted pieces from her two latest collections, S/S 09 and A/W 08/09 (love the avian references and Trompe I’oeil.) Enjoy!

Photos from the A/W 08/09 collection after the jump.