Super-sneaker maker FEIT has crafted some of the highest quality sneakers we’ve seen. One model designed in concert with the minds at Brooklyn’s own Outlier called the Supermarine has piqued our interest. This model shares an approach towards minimalism with the Supermarine, and it’s called the Superclean for a reason. These are constructed of calf skin, and the sole is crafted from the milk of the Hevea tree, while the insole is made of cork and leather. The contrast stitching is also kept to a minimum at two stitches on the heel and three stitches on the toe. These hand-crafted models are not cheap, but they are unparalleled in their attention to detail. Limited to only 60 pairs, these pairs are available directly from FEIT, but don’t wait long, as these goodies don’t ever last.

J. Crew has upped the ante for big-box retailers, and in this video we get a look at Creative Director and President Jenna Lyons and Frank Muytjens, who is head of the men’s design team, on their trip to Italy. Visiting famous fashion gurus like Albini/Thomas Mason in their factories, we get a look at the true meaning of thread count, as the Mason factory produces each part of its fabric by hand. The J. Crew team scours the swatches for suitable fabric choices for Fall 2011’s collection, and along the way, they meet some technical masters of their craft. They also visit the Crespi factory for luxury fabrics to turn into men’s suits. Get a look at the research and development that goes into a store you may see each time you go to a mall in the video after the jump.

French designer Pierre Hardy has worn many hats over the course of his life. After earning a degree in fine arts, he became a member of a professional dance company, taught scenography, worked as an illustrator, and finally got into fashion as a footwear designer for Dior,  followed by Hermes, where he still has a post. Hardy launched his own women’s shoe line in 1999, and men’s followed in 2002. His shoes are know for their architectural forms and bold shapes, that are also wearable and not overly trendy. The Baskets 110 takes Hardy’s signature graphic cube print and applies it to a mid-top canvas sneaker. The athletic basketball inspired shoe has white braid trim and a Velcro ankle strap and a simple black, white, and grey color palette. Available at Studiohomme.

Known for his graphic, architectural, and bold designs, Hardy has created quite a name for himself in just a little over 10 years. Aside from his design position at Hermes, Hardy also collaborates with Balenciaga on their men’s and women’s shoes each season and has produced a series of capsule collections for the Gap. Now Pierre Hardy has taken his signature cube print and used it to adorn electronics. The iPad cover and smartphone case are both made of coated canvas covered with the black, white and gray print. These cases manage to make a bold statement without any branding. Unless you’re a real fan who knows their Hardy, that is. Available atStudiohomme.

We covered Generic Surplus’ new releases for Spring/Summer 2011, and now we’re bringing them up again to spotlight the latest version of the Wharf style. This Generic Surplus classic was inspired by sailor’s gear and deck shoes, and uses those influences to create a simple mid-top sneaker. This season’s updated version uses a fabric toe cap, instead of the standard rubber, which gives the shoe a sleeker, cleaner look. Available in ginger suede, as well as navy or opal canvas, it also features a suede patch on the heel, a padded collar,  and a rubber midsole.

We assume that most of our readers are familiar with Gilt, the flash sale, Gilt Groupe. Gilt has branched out into sites that have mens, womens, and kids clothing. They also offer hotels, wines, foods, home products, cars (they had a new Jetta for $8,000!) and exclusive events. As if that weren’t enough to keep those folks busy, they have branched out into making short video spots to help the all-around man with all things which concern the modern gentleman. In their first installment of the Gilt MANual Minute (which runs over 3 minutes) includes the hosts of a talk-show-styled look at three topics: how to properly enjoy scotch whiskey, whether or not to tuck in your Steven Alan shirt to get a dressier look, and finally how to properly tie a scarf. With panache and a bit of wit, the duo look to be onto something that will last.