Some men find ruggedness in the wild. Others wear it like a second skin. Rik van Dijk, European Marketing Manager for Red Wing, is cut from the kind of cloth that doesn’t tear easy. Raised on asphalt and attitude, his first taste of hard-wearing gear came not from a cattle drive, but from a concrete jungle—skateboarding in the ’80s, wearing Dickies tough enough to take the fall. He’s a man who knows boots and jackets aren’t just clothes—they’re armor. “Built to last and worn everywhere,” he says, summing up rugged style like a man who’s walked the talk. When he talks Red Wing, he doesn’t just pitch boots—he speaks legacy. A trip to the London store lit the fuse, but it was digging into the company’s history that sealed the deal. He saw a code. A way of doing things right. ...

Somewhere between a denim library and the world’s most inviting hangout, you’ll find Black & Blue Shop on Nijmegen’s Lange Hezelstraat in The Netherlands. This is the sort of place for connoisseurs and curious style rookies alike; the shop’s racks are a tribute to rugged classics and raw-edged icons. Think selvedge denim (the real, rigid stuff), proper workwear shirts, worn-in Red Wing boots, and Stetson hats that only get better with a few seasons under their belt. American Optical sunglasses sit beside sturdy Stanley flasks and Tivoli radios. It’s not just retail, it’s a full-sensory experience—with the scent of new leather accessories being cut and stitched by ByBoaz at the back, the comforting clink of a coffee cup, and the low hum of in-the-know conversation. Fast fashion trends? Not here. It’s all about pieces that outlast fads and earn their place in your story. ...

Robin Denim isn’t just another online magazine about jeans. It’s a labor of love from Robin Meijerink, a man who’s spent years listening, learning, and sharing the quiet beauty of well-made denim. What began as a few photographs and stories on Instagram has grown, piece by piece, into a gathering place for anyone who values quality that stands the test of time and the hands that craft it. Robin has a knack for bringing people together. He spends time with makers, brands, and fellow denim enthusiasts, shining a gentle light on honest craftsmanship and the care that goes into each pair of jeans. There’s no pretense here, no noisy fanfare — just a respect for good work and the stories jeans can carry. ...