There are two things that for us, never go out of style: a pair of dark wash, rigid APC jeans and a pair of classic Vans sneakers. Well lucky for us (and for fellow fans of the brands everywhere else) the two companies have teamed up on a limited-edition collection of footwear for men and women.

The APC x VANS collection features four designs perfect for spring, in the popular Vans Chukka and Authentic silhouettes. The Chukka is a hi-top, canvas skate shoe and features a padded collar, metal eyelets and the original Vans gum rubber waffle pattern sole. The shoe comes in a beige or a soft brown shade and retails for $90.

The Authentic sneaker, available in a unisex style, is the classic, canvas low top skate shoe. We love the clean lines and minimal details (no logos or messy markings), with just the right hint of color along the outer top edges. The sneaker comes in white with a pink, green or blue piping/trim and retails for $85. Both designs feature the comfort and wearability of a Vans shoe, with the simplicity and style that APC has come to be known for.  Get more details at www.apc.fr.

Jean Touitou, creative director for French label, A.P.C., on why he hates the word “basics:”

First of all, that word doesn’t even exist in the French dictionary. And in English, nothing done well is ever “basic.” If I had the mission to finally achieve a perfect white T-shirt, it could take me three months of yarn research, knitting tests, designing and cutting. I see a lot of clothes with tons of “fakely-complicated” details -– things that robots can do now at plants -– that are much more “basic” than a proper grey flannel men’s jacket done properly. Okay, most of all I hate to hear that our work is basic, since I consider it very deep.”

(Jean Touitou photographed in Paris by Peter Ash Lee)

- To read our full interview with Jean Touitou, pick up Issue 7 of Corduroy, coming next month…

APC fans have a reason to head down to Brooklyn this weekend, as the retailer holds its first ever “Basement Sale.” We’re not sure if the name refers to “bargain basement” prices, though the sale IS taking place at APC’s outlet location on Grand Street, so you can be sure of at least a couple great deals and finds on the label’s offerings of streamlined, modern wardrobe basics. The sale starts tomorrow morning at 11am sharp and runs until Sunday night.

And if you love APC as much as we do, make sure to pick up our spring 2010 issue. We recently went to Paris to photograph and interview APC creative director Jean Touitou and we can’t wait till you see the final spread and read what he has to say about the tremendous rise of this once unknown Parisian retailer…

APC Basement Sale: 33 Grand Street, this Saturday and Sunday, 11am-7pm.

Corduroy fave A.P.C. is teaming up with Skate-brand Supreme for a mini two-piece capsule collection for fall. The collection features a specially designed version of A.P.C.’s classic dark “New Standard” jean, with subtle back pocket embroidery and a removable pin. The collection will also see the release of a graphic T-shirt, with the red tees available exclusively at Supreme stores and a black tee available exclusively at A.P.C. stores and online (Speaking of A.P.C., we traveled to Paris this summer to photograph and interview the Paris-based label’s founder Jean Touitou for an upcoming feature in the magazine. Stay tuned…)

Last week, we dropped by Lileo in the Distillery District, to grab a morning coffee and chat with founder Syd Beder about his store. Beder is the man behind the Indian Motorcycle company (remember them?) and was also responsible for bringing yoga line Lululemon to Toronto. His latest venture is a converted 7000-square foot space filled with carefully curated clothing, books and accessories.

Lileo (named after astronomer Galileo) is equal parts gallery space and market emporium, with high ceilings and wooden beams inviting natural light into the store, while sturdy tables and antique racks provide the perfect place to display the merchandise. The store reminded us of New York boutiques in many ways, with an emphasis on subtle design and quality rather than on hype and big name brands. Beder’s staff has also taken time to write a paragraph about the piece and designer on each individual price tag, allowing the customer to fully understand and appreciate his or her purchase. 

Nomad is a tiny store we wandered into on Richmond Street, just off Spadina and it felt a little like walking into an impeccably well-dressed man’s private closet.

The cozy studio space is minimal is design but ambitious in its offerings, with brands like APC, Filippa K, Rogan, Surface to Air and Supreme. We loved the laid-back cool vibe of the store and its employees, and we love that Torontonians have yet another place to find those coveted threads. We spotted a pair of Common Projects boots on sale that we might just have to grab before we head back to New York.

Adrift Skate Shop was a favorite of the Kensington Market crowd when it opened back in 2004. This spring, Mike Frost and his team moved into a new location on Spadina, just south of Queen.

Whereas the old space was crowded and gritty and featured a skate-park out back, the new digs promote a cleaner, more spacious aesthetic, with a focus on retail. Shoes and hats are neatly displayed on light cedar shelving, while rows of decks line the walls like an urban gallery springing to life. It’s something Frost says is intentional, as he moves to reclaim Adrift’s position as a mecca for both the skate and artistic community. The store is hoping to keep old and new fans coming, by holding monthly gallery shows and events — and of course by making sure the store-sponsored skate team always looks good on the ramps.