Sooner or later it had to happen: the rest of the world is discovering Moss Lipow, the brilliant, eccentric eyewear designer/historian who’s been a closely-guarded secret of the cognoscenti for years. The New York-based, self-taught fashionista (he attended film school at NYU) is a darling of high-end design aficionados for his one-of-a-kind creations, such as the sci-fi-style metal specs pictured here, made for a Vogue China shoot. He also produced the most expensive sunglasses ever, crafted of alligator and ostrich skin with a $3,800 pricetag.

But it’s his more down-to-earth men’s designs, with their impressive layers of sophisticated stylistic references, that appeal to us »

Seems when it comes to sunglasses, Kanye West is the man to follow. Since the release of his new album, the hip-hop product ho has been hosting pics on his blog featuring fans from all over the world wearing his 80s-tastic “Stronger” specs.

Sensing a market opportunity—the man is a player after all—West has teamed up with Aussie hipster outfitters (and Assembly-goers Ksubi for a line of sunglasses under the rapper’s Pastelle fashion line.

More on Mr. West’s latest endeavor»

Splish Splash: Okay, we admit we’ll never purchase any of these bathing suits, but we would buy them for a dollar. [Refinery29]

Bombay Boys: Take a gander at the men of Mumbai. [Brandish]

Unknotted: The Men’s Dress Furnishings Association, the trade group that represents American tie makers, is calling it quits at exactly the same time we realized they existed. [WSJ]

Molecular Bonds: Scientists delve into the chemistry of the shaken Martini, come up a little tipsy. [Kerala Next]

Okay, Okay We Get it Already - Preppie is the New Hipster: As they said in Old Country, “You can’t stop what’s coming” - even if it wears a sweatervest and club tie. [Miami Herald]

Ray Banned: Sunglasses to stop traffic, because that will really help out things in the city. [Adweek]

Two years after the great James Brown’s passing, Christie’s is selling off the Godfather of Soul’s most prized possessions this Thursday in an auction featuring everything from his multiple music awards, well-worn hi-fi, and metallic green vinyl sofa to childhood mementos and photographs.

The big ticket items are his custom electric organ and baby grand piano at est. $20,000 - $30,000 and $15,000 - $20,000 respectively, along with dozens of jumpsuits in denim, polyester and other flammable fabrics (and all the colors of the puke rainbow) in the $5,000 - $7,000 range.

However we were entranced by a couple of the collections Big Brown amassed, including the keys to 11 cities he was presented with over the years (est. $2,000 - $3,000), and especially this assemblage of 83 pairs of shades he wore during countless concerts and debauchs - a steal at only $1,000 - $1,500. If only they could talk…

The Blessed One: Marissa Miller is so hot, her body’s natural response is to cool itself by sweating profusely. [Egotastic]

Fatty Foods: These chain restaurants’ menu items will have you busting your gut before you know it. Avoid them at all costs. [The Bachelor Guy]

Slam Dunk: The new line of Nike SB’s debuted, and if you’re a fan of sneakers, you’re gonna need to cool your boots after looking at these photos. [High Snob Society]

No Longer A Mystery: A breakdown of famous designers’ names and the proper way to pronounce them. Now you’ll know, just in case you ever need to impress a model. [Haute Concept]

Kanye’s Inspiration: Meet the sunglasses that started a movement… A very colorful movement. [Men.Style]