This is a story about original deadstock “mitchell leaf” camo circa 1970. What you see below is how it looked in the first samples of the now collectible collaboration: “Ludwig Van X Gourmet” – Utility Project. Check the upper…see that camo detail? – well, the bummer is that it was ‘lost’ when it was shipped to the manufacturing facility…needless to say at $45USD per yd/ this made my heart drop when i heard the news…But – you can enjoy them here. Enjoy.

Get inspired

Specially commissioned piece. “Dragon Chase” 30″x24″ ink, acrylic and pen. Another happy collector with good taste in post modern, pop-art. Art: yours truly.

Coming very soon to your back, your very own “Born To Roll” rocker patch. Whatever your in to, be it Bikes or Jiu-Jitsu, Skate, whatever. Make your own meaning. That’s what we do. They will available on various items, limited edition offerings as well as on their own so that you can apply and customize how you like. Be on the look out!

Look him up on Youtube. He’s got a bag of tricks and does it with style. Thanks for the photo Kyle!

This is Greg, he’s kind of underground. He knows and does vintage better than most and he certainly has more grade-A vintage than anyone else. Chances are, the vintage-inspired trends that have caught on in the last 10-years and beyond have started with him and his web-store VINTAGE TRENDS. While the site may be a bit antiquated, don’t let that fool you. Take a look around, do a little digging…he’s the first one doing on-line vintage, longer than anyone else, and besides the fact that he’s too busy ‘picking’ the good stuff for you to buy than making things look pretty. The ‘Nasty Gals’ of the world all took cues from Vintage Trends. The web-site is a no-frills, no-hype portal into a vintage goldmine that specializes in Military and Tactical. It’s no bullshit, just a good, insanely deep selection of vintage. That authentic WWII M-65 or MA1, or vintage Stadium Jacket…Greg has them all in every size, in all colors (notice the bails of unpacked goods in photo)….for VERY reasonable prices, take my word for it. Go to Vintage Trends, do a little digging – if you like vintage you’ll find what you’re looking for, and the price you like.

Coming soon to the Ludwig Van web-shop. Just in time for Spring/Summer we made a small run of “Rugby” polo’s. Made of mid-weight 100% cotton pique fabric, printed number patch on the back and custom skull-bone buttons. These are finished with a vintage-wash treatment and are certain to be as comfy as ever. Stay tuned, these will go fast!

Here at Ludwig Van keeping an eye on quality is important when you are making small runs for a discerning customer. I also think that paying attention to a classic look or a “timeless” style is just as important. Trends & Fads come and go. The last thing you want to do is look at that piece with the crazy print, or patch-work in all different colors in your closet and remember how much you paid for it and think….”sh*t, it’s only been three months, and I can’t wear that anymore….”

Rest assured, I feel you. You are not alone. That’s why I like to keep the ratio of timeless to impulse 3:1 (three parts, timeless pieces, classic colors to 1 part impulse being the pieces that have the volume turned up a bit )…so, pay attention to this ration and you should be good to go. All of this will make a statement that you know what’s up.

And with that maybe a re-up on some of these classic USA Made, seersucker walk shorts…stay tuned.

An illustrated example of streetable looks vs. vintage dead-stock fabrication. The “Kilgore” Army features decades-old US. Army twill circa the late 70′s. This fabric is military grade and has a beautiful deep dark forest green color that you will not find many other places…it pairs supremely with dark selvedge denim or khaki chinos…comes with a limited edition shoe bag and custom packaging…a fine mix of street, vintage, and luxury. A few left here.