The relationship between heritage and contemporary brands can be a delicate affair. A pairing too unconventional can spell disaster. Equal parts respect and understanding, however, can yield extraordinary results. Now in its third season, the partnership between Florsheim and Duckie Brown continues with their Fall/Winter 2010 collection. Set for an August release, the line stays true to what Duckie Brown do best – giving Florsheim’s classic silhouettes a quirky, updated twist.

Our preview of this season’s 10 styles is nothing short of what makes this collaboration a success. Borrowing mostly from the Florsheim archive, Daniel Silver and Steven Cox of Duckie Brown have produced exceptionally unique designs ranging from the popular monochromatic Brogue and Suede Loafer to newer designs like the cap toed Straight Tip and Idler – a calf suede chukka boot with crepe soles. Color remains a hallmark of the line as use of Cherry Red and Electric Blue punctuate the richer, deeper Browns, Dark Green, and Navy. In the tradition of fine craftmanship, milled leathers, genuine Horween Cordovan, and Goodyear welt construction are employed. Additionally, this collection marks their first use of wooden soles – an effective complement to the slimmer cut silhouettes. Standouts of the collection, still, are the boots – the Brogue, Tall Brogue, and Welder Brogue strike the perfect chord with us.

More photos after the jump.

The venerable fashion photographer, Nick Knight, has entrenched himself into New York Fashion Week by taking part in three shows. First in line was a film created for Hexa by Kuho, simultaneously played during the presentation. We’re still waiting to see if the film will be released online. The other two will employ Knight’s, SHOWstudio’s technology. Alexander Wang’s and Rodarte’s shows will both be streaming live through the website. Alexander Wang’s airs on Saturday February 13 at 5pm while Rodarte’s airs on February 16 at 12 noon.

Because a good thing needs to be mentioned twice or maybe three times. Spotted over at Reference Library and How To Change a Flat, is Stanley & Sons, an apron and bag company based out of Brooklyn. The founder, Chris Grodzki followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and extended the family trade by launching the company in 2008 producing everyone of its products by hand. Though familiar fabrics are used like wax and unwaxed canvas along with recycled materials, there’s still a distinction to the line considering the limit in quantity. It’s not mass produced. Stanley & Sons is currently only available in three locations, Luddite, Eleven, and Save Khaki United but can also be ordered through their website.

Porter, the Japanese bag company founded in 1962 by Yoshida & Co., based its business on the fundamental principal that passion is required in every stitch. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that you would be hard-pressed to find a Porter bag in the United States. As common and successful as the brand is in Japan, it was slow to arrive here. Though based in the U.K., Porter’s collaboration with Monocle gave the company more recognition in the west, and little by little, stores like Steven Alan and Opening Ceremony began to carry a selection of designs from its vast catalog.

We were able to preview Porter’s Fall/Winter 2010 collection this morning which includes over 11 lines with several older lines (Tanker and Smokey) from past seasons. The collection carries on the tradition of durability and functionalism without compromising style. Ever conscious of its construction, Porter uses various traditional and non-traditional techniques including stitching cotton conventionally used for silk to create intricate patterns, hand dyeing, and mixing fabrics complementing and contrasting its final product. We were especially drawn towards the Deep Blue line which uses traditional techniques in dyeing its fabric from Kyoto which are then stonewashed giving it a natural texture. It also ages really well. 2010 may prove to be the year that Porter sees a wider distribution as they plan to collaborate on exclusive items with brands from Barneys to Bloomingdales. More photos after the jump.

Droog has long been established as the leader of “witticism” in design, creating products that have a sense of self-awareness, humor, and functionality. What started as a tightly-knit effort by Renny Ramakers to showcase young Dutch design talent in 1991, has boomed into one of the most progressive and admired networks in contemporary design. Today, Droog is responsible for putting forth more than 300 products with 200 collaborators.

Droog is continuing to expand their voice within design by presenting the work of several Netherlands-based fashion lines within their New York store. Much like Droog’s growing collection of products, there are many palettes, techniques, and textures that come together through the clothing and accessories Ramakers has chosen to feature. Despite the diversity, all pieces are marked with a distinctive Dutch cleverness and curiosity.

More photos after the jump.

Michael Williams and his partner Randy Goldberg returns this Friday with their Pop Up Flea. You may remember their first venture over the summer in June, well they’re back and the line has been announced. Billykirk, Alexander West, Michael Andrews Bespoke, Gitman Brothers, Schott NYC, Rogues Gallery, Tanner Goods, Tellason, J.Crew, Jack Spade, Ohio Knitting Mills, No Mas, Burkman Brothers, The Hill Side, and Mister Mort. Williams’s ACL line will also make an appearance.

Friday, November 20th, 3pm-9pm
Saturday November 21st, 11am-7pm and Sunday the 22nd 11am-6pm.

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New York City