First, there are the enviable fashion cream of the crop who can pull off anything, as this are the men whose very existence imply versatility. These are also the men who can pull off covert espionage like no others, with an uncanny knack for blending into his surroundings like a chameleon. Then, there is Japanese label, nonnative’s Spring/Summer 2011 mission– creating a collection of clothes with different styles that every man can pull off. The new collection, “The Bluffer’s Code”, may be nonnative’s new creative venture, as the label has slightly side-stepped its outdoor roots, and gotten a little more refined, a little more mature.

Recently, we showed you a piece from ts(s) that was a good showpiece for their attention to detail and craftsmanship. Now, we get a look at their collection, which should impress to a greater degree. Standout pieces include a patchwork 4-pocket blazer that appears almost gradient, as the shades of brown are subtle shifts in color. Another plaid, lined sport coat has a pinstripe lining as well as very subdued details like a second pocket above one front pocket. Very few pieces in this collection are solid, as stripes and bold colors dominate the outerwear pieces. Some have vertical stripes, and other rely on bold plaid designs. Each piece seems to go after the lived-in look, similar to brands like Engineered Garments or Post O’alls. The fits appear to be moderately slim, but certainly more generous than many of today’s menswear designers. As far as the bottoms are concerned, one pair of pants includes belt loops as well as overall buttons for a more vintage, high-waisted look. Another pair has a heathered pattern, while the lone pair of shorts features a small circle, vintage-looking pattern that we seem to be seeing more and more of on garments from Japan. Keep your eye out for this up-and-coming brand, as this collection suggests that we will have much more to show you in the subsequent collections.

It has been a strange few years– you can no longer call the Americans a powerhouse of consumption as exports have hit a record high as compared to the same time in 2007, and the Chinese Yen has increased in value and upped their imports; and, men have started shopping again. According to WWD, it is easy to credit this phenomenon to two things: one, the fact that clothes DO wear out, and second, the recession has reinstated the golden rule of “dress to impress”, especially when it comes to job search.