J. Lindeberg AW09: The documentary and a dream

J. Lindeberg invite you in to their world...

As I take a well deserved break from the trials and tribulations of packing I thought I'd share a recent bit of post with you. Given the current state of the postal system in the capital, receiving anything through the mail is a rare occurrence and anything received (even a tear inducing, sorry excuse for a bank statement) is something to be treasured. This particular piece of mail however, is something to marvel over and treasure...it currently has pride of place on my coffee table...

Holding up J. Lindeberg's 'The Documentary and a dream' whilst wearing one of their trenches (picked up in Stockholm last year).

The nice folk at J. Lindeberg sent through a copy of their first biannual for me to savour. One of only four hundred copies made, I certainly count myself lucky! The generous large format book evolved from the labels desire to tell the complete story of what they do and why they do it. The story it waves is one that expands way beyond the realms of the standard look book and runway views we are all accustomed to seeing. There are one hundred and eighty two pages of beautiful pictures and illustrations, alongside insightful interviews. I wish more brands pushed themselves to offer more than the usual press materials which circulate after a collection. It is more akin to an issue of Acne Paper rather than your usual look book. Like the Acne Paper it is a publication which weaves together people, imagery, history, newness and takes great pleasure in information exchange and learning. It offers a glimpse in to the inner workings of the industry and the inspirations behind it all whilst, of course showcasing the AW09 offering...

Just one of the many inspiring editorials inside 'The Documentary and a dream'...Photographed by Katja Rahwles

This Scandinavian brand is well-known for the quality of its garments and for its unique philosophy and it is great to see it evolve in this manner. The J. Lindeberg team called in the help of a few close friends and sent them off with a single mission - to capture the inner spirit of J. Lindeberg and in particular, their Autumn Winter 2009 collection.

I can but dream of growing such a beard

Inspiration for the collection came from a combination of Serge Gainsbourg and Yves Klein. It’s about quintessential French masculinity and an approach to life where you don’t save your best necessarily for special occasions but rather, celebrate them every day. This mantra of everyday style is subtly repeated throughout the imagery and text of this book.

One of my favourite illustrations within a wonderful spread by Liselotte Watkins.

The book achieves it's aim to document a world which is more style than trend and one that breaks new ground in traditional areas. It offers a reinterpretation of fashion, sport and elegant functionality which is true to itself. I do hope that it will be deemed a success and be the first of many such bi annuals from the brand. The only downside of such a large format book is that I am going to need a large, reinforced coffee table. If you don't think your table can handle such a book do not despair, the whole thing is available to flick through online here. Now, please excuse me...I have to get back to the joys of packing...

Another example of the beautiful photography contained in this biannual.