Sousou: The Ultimate "Authentic" Brand

While visiting Japan, I came across this unique shoe and textile brand. Using traditional design for jikatabi, or work shoes, they use colorful fabrics and leathers to create edgy fashion statements. I'm not sure if the style will catch on to be widely trendy throughout the country or world, but I certainly have found them to be quite comfortable!

A Gathering of Elephants

Authenticity vs. History

My grandfather fought in Germany during WWII, bringing back a 'souvenir' given to him by a family he befriended while over there. Because he died shortly after in the Korean War, I never knew him. Throughout my childhood I was drawn to this book for the simple fact that it was one of the few remaining artifacts from my grandfather's life. 

As we explore the meaning and implications of authenticity in class, I would like to add this book to the list of meaningful, "authentic" objects. Though it now has significant historical reference, it remains authentic to me simply because it really is from the era it depicts... like a yearbook, but for the country of Germany. The best part about this book is that the pictures were glued-in separately from the printed page. As part of the propaganda of the times, it was not uncommon to have 'interactive' literature... books in which pictures could be glued-in by children, or families.