BACK IN BLACK: DIPTYQUE AND CB I HATE PERFUME

RESTOCK

CB I Hate Perfume

Diptyque

swing by the Blackbird Apothecary for a date with fate..

DEEPER INTO THE FOREST...

The hazel tree beckons, offering to every person its wholesome fruit, the hazelnut. Though the nuts are not yet ripe, to witness the transformation from leafy bud to hardened fruit is a privilege many haven't been given, and many will never know. Behold, the magnificence of natural process

L'Artisan Parfumeur

Méchant Loup

NOTES: Hazlenut, honey, tonka bean, sandalwood, myrrh, liquorice, dry leaves, smoke, spices, cedar, pepper

3.4 oz (100 mL)

$135

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After being entranced by the tree, following its long trunk to the ground, you stumble upon the nostalgic herb, patchouli. Holding a leaf in your hand, you pluck it from the stem, letting yourself bask in its timeless aroma. Forget the resentment you hold against such a uniquely scented plant, and be thankful that such wonders exist.

Ulrich Lang

Nightscape

NOTES: bergamot, sappy green accord, jasmine, geranium, cedar, soft leather, musk, amber, tonka bean, patchouli

3.4 oz (100 mL)

$110

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Blackbird Apothecary

Blackbird

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A CLOSER LOOK - RICK OWENS BLANKET

This luxurious piece from dark lord Rick Owens would be perfectly suited around the fire pit or that soft and light layer between you and the nights warm breeze.

RICK OWENS - BLANKET

DETAILS: Incredibly soft and luxurious 100% cotton blanket. Features a fringed border. This can be worn as a wrap, a lush scarf or used as a blanket. The fabric has been treated with a stone wash which gives it a vintage look and broken in feel.

MEASURES: 100 3/4 inches by 68 1/2 inches

Made in Italy

Born and raised in Southern California, Rick Owens studied pattern making at Otis College of Art and Design before dropping out to work for local companies. In 1994, he established his own label selling exclusively to a Los Angeles boutique before expanding to well known department stores. In 2002 he won the CFDA's Perry Ellis Award for Emerging Talent. He draws inspiration from old black and white Hollywood movies and is known for his architectural jackets, asymmetrical dresses, long and clingy t-shirts and embellished outerwear. Owens works and lives in Paris.

$867

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INTRODUCING - ALDEN FOR BLACKBIRD SUMMER OXFORD IN REVERSE TOBACCO CHAMOIS

The Alden for Blackbird Summer Oxford in Reverse Tobacco Chamois makes its debut and combines the untouchable cool of Blackbird fan favorite, The Summer Oxford in Tan Suede with another best seller of ours, the Ranger Moc Blucher oxford. The result is a master work of rugged class and extreme personal signature with a patina that develops brighter and darker highlights as the vegetable oils of the Horween leather move around with usage.

Since it’s inception in 1884, Alden of New England has existed as a pinnacle to the shoe connoisseur in all of us. And it is with this in mind that we bring you our most recent batch of Alden for Blackbird collaboration shoes.

Each shoe is hand made with Horween leather in an all-natural, special recipe tanning process that can take up to 6 months. After this process is complete, each pair of shoes are hand made and take another six weeks to produce. Such intensive attention to quality and excellence is what makes Aldens stand out from the rest and what make them so highly sought after the world over.

Charles H. Alden started his shoe company like so many others in the last two decades of the 1800’s as the shoe industry exploded, with the help of the railroad and steam engine shipping, into the south and western regions of the country. Most of the companies who remained in New England after WWII could not compete in the demanding post-war economy. Yet Alden prospered by relying not on lower quality mass-markets but on high quality dress shoes.

Alden is now the sole (no pun intended) New England shoe and bootmaker remaining of the hundreds who began in the late 1800’s. It is still a family owned business and continues to maintain a tradition of quality hand-crafted and genuine-welted shoemaking that is second to none.

ALDEN - SUMMER OXFORD

in reverse tobacco chamois

$460

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Alden fans know that our Blackbird custom make-up models are hard to come by. Be sure to secure a pair of our special Blackbird exclusively designed shoes or boots before they sell out. For more information, please email info@blackbirdballard.com or visit our stores in Ballard, WA and Portland, OR where you can properly be fitted.

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW AT BLACKBIRD PORTLAND

There is so much happening this weekend at Blackbird Portland, we hardly know where to begin. First, our Spring/Summer Clearance Sale has entered its final stage, with all designer apparel and footwear in the shop marked down 50-80%. We are getting ready for new Fall gear, and we need your help clearing the shelves! Come stock up on Robert Geller, Rick Owens, Odyn Vovk, Creep by Hiroshi Awai, Heutchy Shoes, and many more, wonderful things.

Second, this Saturday we are throwing our long-awaited Grand Opening Block Party, with the help of our pals Dunderdon, Tanner Leather Goods, and Isaac Hers.

The party is from 1-6pm, with music by Seattle's Secret Shoppers and Portland's Orca Team, and beer provided by Ninkasi, Lompoc, and Laurelwood. Also, wear all black to the event and you will be entered in a drawing to win one pair of Blackbird by Han shades. Tell your friends, tell your enemies, tell your tailor!

Blackbird by Han - Endless Sun in Black/Grey, on the soon-to-be-Seattle-ite Eamon.

Lastly, our own brilliant and enigmatic Brian P. of Seattle will be visiting all weekend long, bearing gifts and good cheer galore, we can only presume. Come by the shop and say hello to him, and goodbye to our own Eamon, who is packing up his Filson for Blackbird bag and bindlestick and hitting the road. Eamon is moving to Seattle at the end of this month to take over the Blackbird Apothecary, and to work on countless projects of the type that keep Blackbird fresh, fun and captivating. Have no fear, ye Blackbird Portland faithful, Eamon's replacement is the always-resourceful Sam Wilkes, a veteran of Odin New York, and a joy to be around.

MEMORY LANE - JANSPORT HERITAGE SERIES

Blackbird has a slew of new Jansport bags from the Heritage Series in stock! The series is a modern and honest re-issue of JanSport's original backpack and travel silhouettes, reflecting the authentic outdoor functionality and aesthetics at the core of the brand.

Three friends and recent college graduates were living in Washington state: Skip, and outdoor enthusiast; Murray, an engineer; and Jan and accomplished seamstress. They spent the bulk of their time plotting how to avoid the conformity of 9-5 jobs so when Murray won a timely design award from the Alcoa Company for creating the first adjustable aluminum frame backpacks, a bit of instant karma began to take flight. Murray asked his girlfriend Jan to create a backpack pattern for his new aluminum frame and promised her that if it was a success and took off, he'd name the company after her. It was, he did and the JanSport Brand hit the planet.

Companies born in the mid to late 60's rejected the traditional corporate establishment and with motivation for change gave birth to new cultures that rejected the music, art and political and social activism of the times. It was during this dynamic era when JanSport values paralleled that of the youth culture; a cultural phenomenon that by all standards forever changed the face of the world.

Fast forward to 2008 and JanSport remains the icon backpack brand, earning their reputation for superior quality, market-leading innovation and enduring designs that sustain the whims of change.

JANSPORT HERITAGE

OFF TRAIL IN STORM GRAY

$50

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JANSPORT HERITAGE

SKI AND HIKE IN VERDANT GREEN

$50

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JANSPORT HERITAGE

OFF TRAIL IN VERDANT GREEN

$50

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JANSPORT HERITAGE

HOSS IN BRIGANTINE BLUE

$99

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JANSPORT HERITAGE

SKI AND HIKE IN STORM GRAY

$50

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No longer just the school back pack staple... Pack a little bag and take a long walk!

BACK IN BLACK - ALDEN BLACKBIRD SHORT WING BLUCHER

Designed by Blackbird in collaboration with Alden of New England, makers of custom boots since 1884. This model is our reinterpretation of the classic wingtip styles worn by generations of stylish and distinguished professionals. Nowadays, the style has evolved into a statement shoe that sartorial-minded guys are trying with modern, slim suiting and casual looks alike - we especially love the look with tight rolled raw denim and a rumpled oxford. Today, every guy could use a good pair of wingtips, and together with Alden of New England, Blackbird is proud to provide our customers with what we think is one of the best on the market.

Handmade shoes from Alden take a long time to produce so there is not always inventory readily available. If the size, width or style you are interested in is currently out of stock, or you have questions about fit, please contact us at info@blackbirdballard.com where the Blackbird crew will quickly answer your questions and do everything in their power to get them for you.

DETAILS:  perforated short wing blucher, LAST: Barrie, UPPER: burnished burgundy calf leather, OUTSOLE: extremely durable, water resistant double Waterloc outsole, INSOLE: vegetable tanned leather insoles with the "Made expressly for Blackbird" heel pod, MID-SOLE: cork midsole with steel shank for long-lasting strength and support, LACING: Cordohyde laces through matching agatine eyelets, WELT: matching reverse Goodyear leather welt, LINING: fully leather lined. Note: These shoes run large. We recommend sizing down half a size.

It's tough to go wrong with this almost-black burnished burgundy finish. The shoe looks great under a suit or worn without socks with a pair of faded rolled up jeans or khakis. For dress, pair them with nearly any color suit or slacks you can think of. Black, gray, navy, tan, or olive green - this distinctive color covers them all and looks great doing it.

$485

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ps: to our Portland friends, look for this and more Alden styles in our Portland store as well.

INTO THE FOREST

Imagine, a forest of fragrance

Peering through the greenery, you catch hints of pine wood, sap, the scent of grasses and of moss, of wet foiliage. Never has it been more clear that the forest is alive -- alive with scent

Cire Trudon

Balmoral

NOTES: Foiliage, Mint, Cut Grass, Fressia, Tea, Iris, Musk, Pine Wood, Sap

9.5 oz

$79

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You approach a tree and touch its bark, noticing for the first time the intricate grooves that give it infinite personality. Succumbing to the ancient beauty and complex inner-workings of the tree, you take your finger and press it into the sap that's oozing from its trunk, the tree's blood

L'Artisan Parfumeur

Al Oudh Eau de Parfum

NOTES: Oudh, leather, cumin, cardamom, pink pepper, incense, myrrh, cinnamon, caraway, date, saffron, cedar, iris, neroli, rose, orange blossom, castoreum, civet, patchouli, tonka bean, balsamic vanilla, sandalwood

3.4 oz (100 mL)

$155

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Moving lower to the forest floor, you reach down to the delicate Hawthorn plant. Refuge from the intensity of wood is found in the scent of this wild flower, warm and full, almost almond-like in its sweetness. Its fragrance, the sophisticated byproduct of petals given life from the soil that feeds the plant's roots

Diptyque

Aubepine

Notes: Aubepine (Hawthorn)

6.5 oz

$60

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To Be Continued...

Blackbird Apothecary

Blackbird

Apothecary Facebook !

STOP SQUINTING - BLACKBIRD SHADES

Blackbird and Blackbird Vintage Sunglasses will help you keep a cool head under any circumstances. Whether you are spending your summer sunning yourself in Tropical climes, or simply trying to play it warm in the mild Pacific Northwest, our classic, versatile shades are a true necessity. Toss these sturdy shades in the sand as you head for the water, fold them into your collar as the sun sets behind the mountain ridge, then put them back on to keep the bugs out of your eyes on the bike ride home.

BLACKBIRD BY HAN - Wolf Sun
in tortoise with black temples
DETAILS:Blackbird presents our dark and dapper take on classic American shades. The large, semi-transparent tortoise frames are complimented by thick and sturdy, black temple arms. Perfect for everyone's summer look.Cola colored UV filter lensesMeasurements: Temple Length 140 mm, Eye Size 53 mm
$165
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BLACKBIRD BY HAN - Endless Sun
in black with grey temples
DETAILS: Blackbird's own sleek and smart Endless sunglasses; our classic, hand-finished, black frames are uniquely contrasted by matte gray temple arms.Note: These sunglasses also look great in the dark.Black UV filter lensesMeasurements: Temple Length 144 mm, Eye Size 51 mm
$165
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BLACKBIRD VINTAGE - Dunhill 6114
DETAILS:Deadstock vintage Dunhill sunglasses made in Germany. Maroon frames with gold Dunhill accent pieces.Measurements: Temple: 150mm Front: 140mm Bridge: 19mm
$353

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EASTLAND MADE IN MAINE TRUNK SHOW AND LOBSTER DINNER GIVEAWAY AT BLACKBIRD, THURSDAY AUGUST 4TH 6-8PM

EASTLAND MADE IN MAINE TRUNK SHOW AND LOBSTER DINNER GIVEAWAY AT BLACKBIRD, THURSDAY AUGUST, 4TH 6-8 PM

Blackbird is more than happy to welcome our friends from Eastland Made in Maine for a trunk show. You will be able to meet and talk with the folks from Eastland of Maine on their latest collection, Made in Maine, USA. 

Since 1955, Eastland Shoe has been crafting shoes that represent their deep Maine roots and the time honored tradition of American made footwear. Handsewn into every shoe is their family's legacy of offering timeless products of the highest quality standards that reflect their Maine heritage.

The Eastland Made in Maine USA Collection celebrates their 55th anniversary, and continued commitment to upholding the art of Maine Shoemaking. Using traditional shoemaking principles, each signature heritage style is hand-crafted using a genuine true moccasin construction - stitched solely by hand and eye by experienced shoe hand sewers.  These shoes are made from the finest components available - authentic, rugged USA leathers, genuine leather soles, premium plantation crepe, true leather welts and American rawhide laces. 

We are pleased to be debuting two new styles to Blackbird from the Eastland Made in Maine USA collection that add to our already popular styles. 

Come on down to Blackbird and hang out with us while we learn even more about this fantastic brand, and also enter for a chance to win a true Maine delicacy, a lobster dinner for two direct from Maine.

EASTLAND OF MAINE - FALMOUTH USA
in dark olive
DETAILS: Horween Chromexcel leather Camp Moc with brown rawhide leather laces through four metal eyelets, leather insole, and single welt low profile rubber camp sole in dark olive.
$275
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EASTLAND OF MAINE - YARNMOUTH USA

in black
DETAILS: Made from Horween chromexcel leather, this camp moc features black leather around the ankle, laces through metal eyelets, leather insole, and single welt low profile rubber camp sole in black.
$275
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EASTLAND OF MAINE - CARIBOU USA

in tan
DETAILS: Unlined natural Horween Chromepack leather over the ankle moc-toe boot with brown leather laces through five metal eyelets, leather insole, 3/8 inch double-welt genuine leather sole, and 1 inch hand nailed stacked leather heel with rubber heel strike in tan.
$350
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shop the entire Eastland Made in Maine Collection

HEY PORTLAND - BLACKBOX BLDG RETAIL GRAND OPENING EVENT THIS SATURDAY JULY 30TH 1-6PM

Hey Portland Friends, Blackbird and our friends Tanner Goods, Dunderdon and Issac hers will be hosting one hell of a party this Saturday down in Portland! Beer sponsored by Laurelwood, Lompoc and  Ninkasi and live performance by Seattle's own Secret Shoppers and Orca Team of Portland fame. Ton's of prizes and giveaways as well. Come on down!

INTRODUCING - FILSON MEDIUM FIELD BAG IN BLACKBIRD BLACK

This bag is your bag. From Filson to Blackbird to you. The Filson Medium Field Bag for the modern day Johnny Appleseed. For those on the road, outlawed, hunted like crocodiles, and only at home in the wilderness of stars and back roads. A bag for all paths, in the city or in the country, as brave as the trails you make and made to last as long as your legs will carry you.

Filson, begun in 1897 in Seattle as a Gold Rush stampeder's and logger's outfitter, have long embodied not just the idea of rugged, expert craftsmanship, but also of the one stop general store for the true frontiersman. This legacy, one of escaping the confines of modern convention for the self-discovery of blazing one’s own trail, is a cornerstone of what Blackbird has always been about. This custom bag made for us by Filson is the perfect statement of our long standing relationship with our local patriarch of originality and quality clothing and goods.

Woody Guthrie wrote a song in 1940 in response to Irving Berlin's “God Bless America”. It is perhaps the most quintessential, unpretentious American song ever written. It is a call to arms for those that cannot be told to stay put. It is the response to the sign on the fence that reads “Private Property” as it climbs that fence to see that the back of that same sign is blank. All barriers can be seen as open roads. Nobody can stop you, nobody can make you turn back.

The era of the yegg. Salt Chunk Mary and the Johnson family. Hobo codes and bindlestiffs. Migratory worker, vagabond, restless tramp, the wayfaring stranger. Riding the rails, eating mulligan stew out of a tin cup by the fire. Sleeping under cover of the moon under California blankets. Balling the jack out of town behind the eight ball with the big sleep close behind you. The inspiration we bring to you with this bag is as modern as it is archaic. Your own life’s course is for you and no one else to decide.

The bag is made of 18 oz. Martexin original wax filter twill (the water repellant is not applied to the surface, and instead the fabric is completely impregnated with martexin wax finish). Its color way is Blackbird Black and its quantity is limited to a quantity of 66, like the historic route this bag was made to travel on with thumb extended.

The leather is Filson's famous bridle leather and the buckles and metal hardware are solid brass. A striped bandana is included and ready to tie around your neck, stick in your back pocket, or to bindle your worldly possessions on the end of a stick you found by the side of that road. A Blackbird Hohner harmonica waits in the bag’s inside pocket along with our hand-written sheet music for Woody Guthrie’s ode to repossessing the idea of America, the idea of endless discovery and of being at home in a fenceless wilderness.

Filson -  Medium Field Bag

in blackbird black

$265

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