I Might Be Merrell-Pilled
Plus, book recommendations, spitting streetwear truth on a German podcast, upcoming releases that have my attention, and more!
Before we dive into today’s newsletter I have to go on record to say that I’m currently battling a pretty gnarly cold that is hindering my ability to pump out newsletter content as I usually do—it’s nothing serious, but the fever situation I had was not chill. I was thinking of taking a break from newsletters this week but I’ve realized that’s not an option. (There might be a few extra grammatical mistakes, and for that, I do apologize, but you’re just going to have to deal with it this week because the brain fog I have is at the highest level).
Whilst being glued to my bed hoping to recover as soon as possible, the only thing I could do besides sleep was look at clothes and do some fashion-related reading. In today’s newsletter, I wanted to highlight some of my must-read fashion related books, how I’m becoming addicted to Merrell, my first podcast appearance of the year, and some outdoor-ready footwear options that have me excited to expand my personal style.
FASHION LITERATURE
More recently, I got a few DM’s about fashion book recommendations, which really made me excited so I wanted to share some below—
Ametora: How Japan Saved American Style - This is a must-read, especially for all of my self-proclaimed fashion enthusiasts. W. David Marx nails the storytelling of how Japan adopted the American style and ultimately took it to the next level for everyone around the world to enjoy. It doesn’t matter what sub-genre of fashion you’re into, this book is truly for everyone. Should be pretty easy to get, just check your local book supplier!
Go Out Magazine - Although mainly known to tap into the outdoor market, this magazine is perfect for those looking to expand their knowledge of different styles from their favorite brands that are not featured in North America. While the magazine is in Japanese, Google Translate does have the ability to translate text directly through your camera! Really fun magazine to collect and look back at throughout the years to see what products were really popping off at that time.
I got my recent batch of Go Out Magazines from This Thing Of Ours here. (I did pay $12 in duties on 4 magazines, just to give you an idea of what to expect)
Ideas From Massimo Osti - I’ve been raving about this book for a minute now on, but it’s so good that I can’t not talk about it again. This 432-page book is packed with stories, history, and beautiful visuals all revolving around Massimo, his work, and how he brought Stone Island, and C.P. Company, most notably, to life. Reading this book has taught me way more than I already knew about Massimo and his brands in general, and I definitely recommend this one to be on your top priority of books to get this year. I got mine from Brut, which is still available here.
I really want to know what kind of fashion books you’ve been reading, so leave your suggestions below!
YOU’VE READ MY WORDS, AND NOW…
Last week I had the pleasure of being on OH, SCHUHEN! A German podcast about sneakers, fashion, and everything in between. I had a chance to share my truth about the current state of streetwear and it was honestly a lot of fun! My part starts at about 5 minutes and is in English hehe. You can check it out down below—
I MIGHT BE MERRELL-PILLED
Throughout my journey as an ill newsletter writer—the short period of time during my sickness—I’ve come to the conclusion that I may have accidentally swallowed the Merrell pill instead of the usual cold and sinus pill you would take when you’re sick. I’m not complaining though, because Merrell is having an amazing start to the year, and they might just run away with it. General releases are looking proper, teasers are making me excited for the future, and their recent collaboration with Dime is already setting the tone of what we can expect to come in the new year. the tone for the rest of the year.
I’m a sucker for hairy suede, I don’t know why but it is what it is. When I saw Merrell’s Decon Mid’s hairy suede I just knew I had to have it, plus in these Canadian winters you can never have too many boot options. Really comfortable, although I wasn’t really a fan of the fact that these add an entire inch and some to my height… (I’m already tall, I don’t need to be even taller, I know, first world problems but it is what it is, i’m sorry!) but short kings your time is now!
I found them here in a bunch of sizes. If the hairy suede isn’t for you, then there is a version that isn’t as intense here, and comes in white and green as well.
Completely waterproof and really warm, these are perfect for any sort of winter situation, or proper outdoor activity. Believe it or not, these are actual proper hiking shoes, so if you need something for the outdoors with steeze then Merrell 1TRL lineup will be the first suggestion I will have for you.
I was honestly really hyped on this Dime collab because the marketing and the execution was at a top level all around. I’m not surprised by Merrell’s recent boom in hype, and their start to the year was already foreshadowed by plenty of leaks that came out just last year.
If you ended up snoozing on the initial Dime x Merrell collab, you’re in luck because a second chance is just around the corner. Releasing via Merrell website and Merrell stockists on January 18th.
In addition to everything I have mentioned, I definitely recommend keeping a close eye on the Merrell IG account because they have been posting a bunch of General Releases recently that are looking really good. All in all, will be interesting to see how Merrell unfolds this new direction in 2023.
A RELEASE THAT HAS MY ATTENTION
Maybe it’s because of the current seasons, maybe it’s something else, maybe it’s the fact that I have been in my bed trying to fight this sickness for far too long, but I’m gravitating towards functionality with steeze. I don’t want to say my style is going towards “gorpcore” because that’s not true and that term low-key kind of annoys me—if anything, can we just call it techwear? Functionality seems to be the main ask from many customers these days, and that’s a good thing, but are we at a tipping point where we are about to dress like our dads?
Anyway, I’m dying to see the details of this next collaboration between J.L-A.L and HOKA. So far we’ve seen a pretty cool editorial, and even some proper shots of one of the shoes, but it’s not enough, I need to see all of it in full detail! As of right now, it seems that the tech side of fashion dropping heat after heat, and maybe that’s why I am gravitating towards it—simply because others have yet to show what they’ve been working on for the new year, but time will tell all because January is usually a slower month as we return from the holidays.
For those interested, this collab will be dropping via HOKA on January 19th!
ANOTHER OUTDOOR OPTION
The fellas over at HIP have dropped a fun editorial for the latest drop from ROA, and since we are on the topic of outdoor related footwear, I figured it would be a great time for me to talk about it today. This next collection is for the boys and the girls because this collection comes in sizing for all!
ROA’s quality is definitely worth the price, but I don’t need to tell you that because by now you should already know, and their unique styles wont leave you bored anytime soon, making this a worthy investment. Personal favorite has to be the CVO model, which comes with a reinforced upper, and has a shape that makes me feel like I can kick down a metal door with no issue—not that I need to, but you never know!
Specific to the outdoor genre, I think that ROA has found itself in a unique spot where they offer styles not seen from anyone else, and their newest ‘23 collection is proof of that. More recently they have started dabbling into clothing, with their first collection dropping just a few months ago. Excited to see what the new year will have for us.
Check out their full collection lineup here.
This concludes this weeks newsletter. It was a short one I know, but honestly it was a trip writing while being sick, and I need to close my eyes and rest for the foreseeable future. No stress though, SNLetter will be back in full force before you know it with the hottest recommendations <3
I discovered Ametora a few weeks back and it was a great read! A bit frustrating that there aren't more solid fashion books out there. Tried searching everywhere.
sick!