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Last month, we showed you how the lead singer of Seattle band Pickwick gets down (and annoys the neighbors). For our latest Denim Shop video profile, we got our hands dirty in the garage of motorcycle connoisseur Kia Karimi—and road-tested a sturdy pair of Joe’s Jeans.

A former pro fixed-gear bike rider who now builds custom choppers from scratch, Karimi nonchalantly says “I just love two wheels, I guess.” When he’s not wrenching on his latest creation, he works at Seattle’s small-batch, organic bitters company, Scrappy’s Bitters.

Hear about the symbiotic relationship between man and machine in the video above, and check out some outtakes from our shoot below.





SHOP: JOE’S JEANS | ALL MEN’S DENIM

…And watch more Denim Videos here.

 
 

[Still photos by Kyle Johnson.]

Electronic-music aficionado or not, you’ve probably caught wind of this mysterious, helmet-clad, hype-generating duo known as Daft Punk as of late. Hedi Slimane of Saint Laurent Paris shot them for the new issue of Dazed & Confused (above)…Our friends at GQ managed to score an in-depth Q&A with the elusive hitmakers…And Spin has posted a virtual smorgasbord of articles, from an oral history of the Frenchmen’s first show on US soil to a retrospective of their 19 savviest samples (highlights range from Barry White to Barry Manilow).

The recent flood of Daft Punk buzz (leading up to the pair’s first new album in eight years, Random Access Memories) started about two months ago with brief snippets debuted during Saturday Night Live and at Coachella—like the one below, featuring Pharrell Williams and ’70s studio legend Nile Rodgers:

Next came a series of interviews that revealed not only the dream team of collaborators Daft Punk hand-picked for their new project, but also the return to analog equipment and old-school studio techniques they embraced—a bold departure from the electronic movement they helped birth almost two decades ago. (Our favorites are below; watch all eight episodes here.)


Then, yesterday, an official video from Daft Punk depicting “The Robots” in the flesh, unwrapping the first copy of their new record and cueing it up on the turntable in their trusty spaceship:

…That last development happened to coincide with a surprising opportunity to LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE NEW ALBUM FOR FREE.

(Click the link above to visit Daft Punk’s site—then click the album cover to open iTunes, where you can stream the full album and pre-order prior to its May 21 release.)

 
— — —
 

The Hedi Slimane-designed, sequined dinner jackets Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo wear in the pics abouve (yes, there are humans under there after all) are cool and all—but we tend to favor Daft Punk’s biker phase. Emulate their robo-moto look with one of our favorite leather jackets below—but as far as fully automated cyborg helmets go, you’ll have to look elsewhere.



PS Paul Smith | Field Scout | Dsquared2
Armani Collezioni | Topman | Kenzo

 
 

[Photos by Hedi Slimane for Dazed & Confused. Music videos © Daft Punk, Daft Life Limited under exclusive license to Columbia Records, a Division of Sony Music Entertainment. 'The Collaborators' interview series by The Creators Project, a partnership between Intel and Vice. Individuals featured do not endorse Nordstrom.]

The Alexander Wang five-step plan for fashion-world domination:
1. Move from San Fran to NYC at age 18 to attend the esteemed Parsons school of design.
2. Drop out.
3. Create a killer debut women’s collection that makes boutique buyers salivate and converts the world’s hippest models, actresses and it-girls into steadfast devotees.
4. Win GQ Designer of the Year 2011, promptly upon your first foray into menswear.
5. Get named creative director of illustrious, 99-year-old fashion house Balenciaga.

That last point is a whole other story, so let’s focus on #4. Wang won over GQ with his T by Alexander Wang line of so-called “basics”—T-shirts, tanks and hoodies that, thanks to their meticulously slouchy “anti-fit” and superior fabrication, are in fact anything but basic.

These days, Wang is punctuating those high-end essentials with streamlined statement items, like the black-on-black cotton/leather shirt-jacket hybrid seen in the photos here. (You could call it a basic in the sense that you’ll wear it every day for years to come. As far as street-cred style points, though—it’s pretty exceptional.)


A few more favorites from the T by Alexander Wang collection (click images to shop each piece):


And, for your viewing pleasure, a sampling of the A-list it-girls and -guys Alexander Wang attracts—featuring A$AP Rocky, Azealia Banks and more:


 
SHOP: T BY ALEXANDER WANG FOR MEN

 
 

[Photography: Robin Stein. Styling: Ashley Helvey. Model: Gus Drake.
See more images from this series in our recent Rick Owens post, and on Nordstrom's Tumblr page.]

Given the coffee/commute/office/home/sleep routine we’re susceptible to as men living in the modern age, it’s sometimes easy to forget that there’s a wild, delicate and extremely precious world out there. This Earth Day, we encourage you to take a step back (or more specifically, 600 miles, however many steps that is) and ponder these surreal images created by NASA’s Landsat program, which has been gathering satellite imagery of Earth since 1972.


[Ghostly Grease Ice. "Ethereal swirls of grease ice appear turquoise against the midnight blue of the northern Baltic Sea near the Aland Islands (red) between Finland and Sweden. An early stage of sea ice formation, grease ice consists of a viscous mix of tiny ice crystals and resembles an oil slick on the ocean's surface. Wind and currents constantly shape and reshape grease ice into surreal, ghostly patterns."]


[Jordan. "Meandering wadis combine to form dense, branching networks across the stark, arid landscape of southeastern Jordan. The Arabic word 'wadi' means a gully or streambed that typically remains dry except after drenching, seasonal rains."]


[Delta Region, Netherlands. "Along the southern coast of the Netherlands, sediment-laden rivers have created a massive delta of islands and waterways in the gaps between coastal dunes. After unusually severe spring tides devastated this region in 1953, the Dutch built an elaborate system of dikes, canals, dams, bridges, and locks to hold back the North Sea."]


[The Syrian Desert. "Between the fertile Euphrates River valley and the cultivated lands of the eastern Mediterranean coast, the Syrian Desert covers parts of modern Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq."]


[Mayn River. "The Mayn River, seen here with what is thought to be a portion of the Anadyr River, flows through the far northeastern corner of Siberia."


[Kamchatka Peninsula. "The eastern side of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula juts into the Pacific Ocean west of Alaska. In this winter image, a volcanic terrain is hidden under snow-covered peaks, and valley glaciers feed blue ice into coastal waters."]


[Meandering Mississippi. "Small, blocky shapes of towns, fields, and pastures surround the graceful swirls and whorls of the Mississippi River. Countless oxbow lakes and cutoffs accompany the meandering river south of Memphis, Tennessee, on the border between Arkansas and Mississippi, USA. The 'mighty Mississippi' is the largest river system in North America."]

 
—  —  —
 

These swirling snapshots of Earth’s diverse and complex surfaces (compiled by NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey in a series called Earth as Art) are intended to prompt viewers to ask, “How did the earth do that?” And, though enhanced and colorized by infrared and other light spectrums not visible to the naked eye, the insane patterns of land, ocean and ice are true to life.

Ready to do your part to preserve the planet’s rare beauty? We are. Here are a few eco-friendly Editor’s Picks to help keep us all on the path to leaving a smaller footprint:


From left:
Patagonia jacket, made with recycled materials
Aveda shampoo & conditioner with Gold-level Cradle to Cradle certification
Obey recycled-cotton T-shirt
Michael Rodger sketchbook made of up-cycled vintage records (each is one of a kind)


From left:
The North Face backpack, made with recycled, water-resistant fabric
Hurley ‘Phantom 60′ recycled swim trunks
Sprout compostable watch made with corn resin and tree bark
R44 Rogan Standard Issue sweatshirt made with recycled and organic fibers


From left:
- The North Face jacket, made with recycled materials
- Kikkerland Design bike bell, hand-painted using eco-friendly paints
- Threads for Thought hoodie, made with organic and recycled content
- Areaware MP3-compatible radio, handcrafted with sustainably harvested pine and mahogany


From left:
- WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie dopp kit, made with recycled cotton
- Alternative tank top, made with organic and recycled materials
- Timberland Earthkeepers boot, with recycled materials in the lining, footbed and sole
- Quiksilver Waterman Collection board shorts, made with recycled materials

 
 

Nordstrom has always followed a simple philosophy: “Leave it better than you found it.”
See how we apply this to environmental efforts at our social-responsibility site:
Nordstrom Cares

 
 
 

[Images and descriptions courtesy of NASA and the USGS. Purchase Earth as Art prints here, and download a free e-book and iPad app of the series here.]

Spring is here—and as much as we can appreciate bold color, we know it’s not for everyone. No one understands this better than Rick Owens, the reigning king of avant-garde, neo-ninja streetwear.

We took a trunk-full of his Spring 2013 collection for a test drive through our favorite Seattle neighborhoods, and found out that—despite their somber palette—these pieces are fully warm-weather-compatible. (Think butter-soft lambskin bombers, a feather-weight windbreaker and sweaters in airy Italian wool.)

When the rest of the world is in full bloom, what better way to differentiate yourself than donning all black? (Short of taking Owens’ own advice and shaving off your eyebrows—see rule #1.)


Rick Owens ‘Mollino’ Lambskin Leather Jacket
and ‘Island’ Hooded Merino Wool Sweater


Left: Rick Owens ‘Island’ Crewneck Merino Wool Sweater


Rick Owens ‘Mollino’ Bomber Jacket and Elastic-Waist Drop-Crotch Pants


Rick Owens ‘Sternberg’ Lambskin Leather Bomber Jacket
and ‘Perfecto’ Lambskin Leather Biker Jacket



Rick Owens ‘Perfecto’ Lambskin Leather Biker Jacket,
‘Island’ Merino Wool Cardigan and Elastic-Waist Drop-Crotch Pants

 

SHOP ALL: RICK OWENS | DESIGNER COLLECTIONS

 
 
 

[Photography: Robin Stein. Styling: Ashley Helvey. Model: Gus Drake.]

We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: On a world-wide web with so much capacity for good (exhibit A | B | C), the amount of cyberspace devoted to cute cats, baby sloths, bunnies riding goats, and hamsters on pianos is appalling. When co-workers forward us links to baby animals, we’re not LOL’ing, we’re WTF’ing. All that jaded cyber-skepticism goes out the window, though, when you take one of the dashing-est dog breeds out there, the noble Shiba Inu, and deck him out in timeless human wardrobe essentials from tweed blazers and denim jackets down to a perfectly tidy tie clip.

That’s the brilliantly simple concept behind Menswear Dog, an NYC-based Tumblr page that won over pretty much the entire Internet last week. We’re not sure if we want to scratch his head or bite his steez. Probably both. While he doesn’t shop exclusively at Nordstrom, you can re-create each of his outfits with the links below.

Above: “Punch Up That Vintage Blazer”
Get the Look: Blazers | Plaid Shirts | Knit Ties | Tie Clips


[L]: “The Most Versatile Jacket You’ll Own”
Get the Look: Denim Jackets | Crewneck SweatersButton-Down Shirts

[R]: “Go Sporty with a Varsity Jacket”
Get the Look: Varsity JacketsButton-Down Shirts | Neckties | Tie Clips


“Staying Warm with Layering”
Get the Look: Outerwear Vests | Henley T-Shirts


[L]: “Fly Fox Hunting”
Get the Look: Insulated Jackets | Newsboy Hats | V-Neck Sweaters

[R]: “How to Wear a Chunky Shawl-Collar Cardigan”
Get the Look: Shawl-Collar Sweaters | Button-Down Shirts | Neckties | Tie Clips

 

 

[Images and quotes courtesy of MenswearDog.Tumblr.com. Individuals pictured do not endorse Nordstrom.]

For the final installment in our three-part series with renowned street-style artiste Karl-Edwin Guerre (pronounced ‘Gear’) of Guerreisms.com, his travels lead us to Milan, Italy, where—betwixt runway shows and hearty plates of pasta—he captured stunning imagery of the Men’s Fashion Week set, as well as the city itself. One conclusion that’s impossible not to draw: The world’s best ‘menswear’ isn’t just for men.

Having covered Guerre’s photographic process last time, today we delve into the personal tastes of a man who, one might deduce from his photos alone, appreciates life’s most subtle pleasures. Read on for the conclusion of our Q&A, and catch up on past posts with Guerre here: Packing Tips | Pitti Uomo Street Style


[Shot by Guerre for Esquire.com.
Top image: Esther Quek of The Rake, via Guerreisms.com.]

MEN’S SHOP DAILY: When did you first become interested in personal style? Did you care about clothing as a kid?
GUERRE: “I lived in Haiti from age 10 to 15, and there was a period that I went to a private school where you had to wear a uniform. This was my first experience with a tailor, and while it didn’t mean much at 12, it certainly stayed with me as I approached adulthood. While I was in the states, it was about looking like your peers, and little by little, brands were important. After a brief moment of following the crowd, I realized I wanted to express myself in other ways—and personal style became one of those ways.”


[Shot by Guerre for Esquire.com.]

You’ve said in the past that you don’t follow runway trends too closely—but what emerging themes are you noticing out in the wild?
Knits are strong. I’m seeing blazers over bubble vests (not for everyone), and big scarfs are also a big trend (blanket-large as opposed to knit long).”


[Shot by Guerre, exclusive to Men's Shop Daily.]

Do you have a favorite photograph of all time? What about it inspires you?
“I try not to have a singular favorite of anything. I may have a favorite at the moment. Great photography evokes emotion, so my favorite (at the time) would be one that evokes an emotion that I’d like to evoke at that moment.”


[Via Guerreisms.com.]

Your current favorite film?
In the Mood for Love by Wong Kar Wai.”


[Via Guerreisms.com.]

Favorite music?
“Depends on my mood. Sometimes it’s jazz, sometimes classical, sometimes Afro Beat, sometimes ’80s.”


[Shot by Guerre for Esquire.com.]

Favorite food?
“Spicy.”


[Shot by Guerre, exclusive to Men's Shop Daily.]

Favorite era in history?
“The ’70s.”


[Shot by Guerre for Esquire.com.]

Favorite city?
“Culturally: Paris, France…


[Via Guerreisms.com.]

“…For peace of mind: Port-au-Prince…


[Stylist Tina Leung, via Guerreisms.com.]

“…For coziness: Milan, Italy…


[Shot by Guerre, exclusive to Men's Shop Daily.]

“…And for go-getter attitude: New York, USA.”


[Shot by Guerre for Esquire.com.]

An essential part of your morning routine?
“A good tea from Mariage Frères.”


[Shot by Guerre for Esquire.com.]

Your preferred way to unwind?
“A night at home.”


[Shot by Guerre for Esquire.com.]

What are some of your favorite places in Florence and Milan?
“In Florence, I make it a point to try new places each time. So in all honesty, I don’t try to remember places knowing I’ll be trying something new the next time. As cliché as it may seem, one of the things I enjoy is Ponte Vecchio and shopping at the little artisan market.


[Shot by Guerre, exclusive to Men's Shop Daily.]

“…As for Milan, I enjoy Grom for gelato, and I found a great restaurant by way of an Italian friend called Ristorante Da Oscar.”


[Shot by Guerre for Esquire.com.]

What is the general feeling you get from each city—Florence and Milan?
“There’s a certain coziness about both these cities that I like, because of their size and also because Italians have this unique sense of hospitality that would tend to make you feel at home.”


[Sarah Ann Murray of The Rake, via Guerreisms.com.]

Best advice you’ve received, or a quotation that hits home?
“Dreams are for people who sleep, vision for those who strive.”

 


Adept on either side of the lens.
Karl-Edwin Guerre, photographed by Jason Jean of Citizen Couture.

 

[All photos, except the last, are by Karl-Edwin Guerre of Guerreisms.com. Photos taken for Esquire.com except where noted otherwise. Individuals pictured do not endorse Nordstrom.]

Our very own street-shooting woman, Crystal Nicodemus, sent home a fresh batch of menswear from the bustling avenues of Paris Fashion Week. What’s the scene like on the ground over there? In Crystal’s words— “Summary: Soooooooooooo cold! Really, truly freezing.” That didn’t stop her from snagging shot after shot, between snow flurries, of well-turned-out runway patrons; in fact, all the better for capturing a wide cross-section of killer coats. DBs seem to be reigning supreme, with pops of orange and plaid making appearances. Scroll down to see for yourself—and in case you missed it, catch Crystal’s previous post featuring Kanye West, Tommy Ton, Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist and many more.



These two are ahead of the curve on emerging runway trends like turtlenecks and oversized outerwear.
(Shop: Turtlenecks | Double-Breasted Coats & Suits)


Shop: Boots | Bags



Shop: Peacoats | Overcoats
Varsity Jackets | Cords | Wingtips



This walking work of art looks like it came straight off a runway.
(In case you haven’t noticed, wearing your coat like a cape is the new killing it in 2013.)



Shop: Vests | Plaid Coats
Leather Jackets | Hoodies | Blazers


Shop: Camo | T-shirts



Shop: Scarves | Utility Coats | Backpacks
Bomber Jackets | Toggle Details | Snapback Hats


Shop: Shearling | Overcoats | Double-Breasted Coats & Suits



Shop: Peacoats | Newsboy Hats | Insulated Coats | Beanies | Jeans | Boots
Trench Coats | Sweaters | Chinos | Lightweight Jackets | Scarves


Eugene Tong (R) of Details Magazine.
(Shop: Utility Coats | Cardigans | Insulated Coats | Overcoats | Sunglasses | Sneakers)

 
 
 

[All photos by Crystal Nicodemus. Individuals pictured do not endorse Nordstrom.]

Following his recent tour de force in Italy, it’s time to check in once again with Karl-Edwin Guerre of Guerreisms.com. Earlier in the month, we brought you his pre-trip packing tips (and offered a sneak peek of his immaculate photography). Today, we’re honored to present the fruits of the first leg of his travels: The best-dressed men of Pitti Uomo in Florence, Italy. Guerre (pronounced ‘Gear’) was kind enough to answer a few questions as well; read on to hear the thought process behind his world-class street-style photography.


[Members of 'The Coal Project' by Art Comes First, shot by Guerre for Esquire.com.
Top image: via Guerreisms.com]

MEN’S SHOP DAILY: When is the first time you remember picking up a camera?
GUERRE: “The first time I picked up a camera with the intention of doing something serious was when I wanted to write a book. I remember looking for a photographer to capture scenes for me, but I soon learned that no one shares your passion when it’s your project. So I was forced to try to do it myself.”


[Nick Wooster. Shot by Guerre for Esquire.com.]

How did your interest in photography progress from there?
“After realizing I could capture a photo (not very well), I simply put the camera away. It wasn’t my passion, so I moved on to other things. A few years later I saw images of street style on a web publication and felt that I could contribute and bring something fresh to that scene. At the time there were only a small handful of sites geared toward street style.”


[Shot by Guerre for Esquire.com.]

Was there a turning point when you realized you might do this as a career?
“I started street style when it wasn’t about money. Maybe one or two people were making money from it, but it certainly wasn’t what led me to photography. At some point, a publication in Toronto gave me a chance to showcase my work, and little by little other publications became receptive. Is it my career? I’ll simply say I have been fortunate to make some money from street style. I’m an artist, do artists have careers?”


[Via Guerreisms.com.]

How has your photographic career evolved since then?
“My photography has evolved as I have as a person. Once I found what I liked to shoot, I focused on it, and decided to stay true to it even if that wasn’t the norm. I started to focus on details when 95% were shooting full-body shots.”


[Shot by Guerre for Esquire.com.]

Could you briefly explain the meaning and concept of ‘Guerreisms’ for readers?
“Consider Guerreisms as the theory/study of a constructive antagonism as pertaining to style. Guerreisms is about the details, the little things—especially those that tend to be contradictory—that, combined well, make the big things. It’s about knowing when to use imperfections and turning that into the perfect painting.”


[Shot by Guerre for Esquire.com.]

What, to you, are elements of a truly great photograph?
“Any element that evokes emotion is great—be it in photography, theatre, life.”


[The inimitable Bruce Pask—Men's Fashion Director at T Magazine and frequent contributor to our Men's Shop catalogs. Shot by Guerre for Esquire.com.]

Who are your favorite photographers (from any era), and why?
“I really enjoy Jamel Shabazz. He captured hip-hop at the beginning, when no one else did. To me, his street style is timeless. You won’t find shots like his anywhere; now that’s an icon.”


[Shot by Guerre for Esquire.com.]

Your own personal style (though far from boring) has a timeless feel to it. What ‘style icons’ inspire you, from any era—and why?
“I’d like to believe that I’m not inspired by the way a person dresses. Dressing is a personal thing (at least it should be), so inspiration should come from within. In terms of liking someone’s style, I really like Miles Davis – he had style behind the trumpet and in his dress. Frank Sinatra exemplified cool. And I liked the progression of Andre ’3000′ Benjamin. These three men have styles that seem to mirror their personas—or at least the little I know of their personas.”


[Via Guerreisms.com.]

You must have to react very quickly to photograph someone on the street. How do you make that determination—to shoot or not to shoot?
“If I look twice, it’s a go. If I look just once, I let it go by. While you have to be quick, I’ve trained my eye to see the details. I see the details, actually, before I see the whole outfit.”


[Shot by Guerre for Esquire.com.]

How do your interests in photography and style relate? Is one primary, or fuels the other, or are they inextricable?
“Style is not one-dimensional. It encompasses everything one does—how you walk, speak, dress, work. I had elements of style long before photography was a thought, but since it’s something I do, it’s natural that my style is reflected in it.”


[Via Guerreisms.com.]

What’s a specific item or general idea you’d like to see more men incorporate into their appearance?
“This is hard to answer. I don’t think there’s one thing all men should do or follow. We are all different in terms of personality, and it’s important that that’s reflected in style. If everyone wore a suit, I’d long to see many in jeans. At the end of the day, all I know is that I always enjoy seeing the chap who exudes his true personality.”

 


The man, the myth, the street-style visionary.
Karl-Edwin Guerre, photographed by Jason Jean of Citizen Couture.

 

[All photos, except the last, are by Karl-Edwin Guerre of Guerreisms.com. Photos taken for Esquire.com except where noted otherwise. Individuals pictured do not endorse Nordstrom.]

With the elite menswear trade show Pitti Uomo commencing today in Florence, Italy, there’s little doubt the internet will soon be rife with sprezz-laden street-style shots of the world’s best-dressed gents.

Luckily, one needn’t look further than this very site to spot the cream of the crop. We’re honored and privileged to have one of the best international correspondents we could ask for, Karl-Edwin Guerre of Guerreisms.com, on deck to send back snapshots of everything that catches his refined eye in Florence this week—as well as at Milan Fashion Week later this month.

Known simply as Guerre (pronounced ‘Gear’) to those who know him, this world traveler and pro photographer is a man of timeless taste. Intentionally impervious to fluctuating trends du jour, he prefers to shop for fabric and have custom clothing made to spec. His worst vice? A sip of port and top-shelf chocolate after each major accomplishment (which we’ll point out, if he won’t, are numerous). His best advice for fellow gentlemen? The simple things: Master the omelet, buy an antique, vacation solo.

In other words, Guerre’s personal mantra, ‘The art of details,’ applies to all aspects of life—from what he wears, to how he shoots, to how he prepares for a stylish business trip to Italy. Below, Guerre shares his thoughts on packing well while traveling abroad:

“Packing is one of those things that can be tedious when getting ready to travel. It’s about getting everything needed while still minimizing the load. There remain a few constants on every trip regardless of the city: For starters, I take two bags—my carry-on and a bag that gets checked in.

“Among my favorite items and must-haves that reside in my carry-on: A fountain pen, a Moleskine or other journal, a good book (I refuse to do e-books), quality sunglasses, my watch case from Quood, and a sentimental watch. The computer and camera accessories are always near, as are a bag of (plantain) chips and—being an East Flatbush, Brooklyn boy—a few photos that remind me that there’s nothing better than what awaits me at home (when not traveling with me).”

“The suitcase carries the expected: The clothing, cologne, and The Art of Shaving items. An evening suit is a must, and this trip, I’m packing some colorful laces for my favorite boots and wingtips.

“How do I pack? Efficiently. It’s all about the right pieces, blazers folded well, and camera always handy.”

Regards,
Guerre

 

As much as we’ve said about Mr. Guerre, his work really speaks for itself. Here’s a taste of what you can expect from Pitti and Milan in the weeks to come, courtesy of Guerre’s past work at Guerreisms.com. (Click each image to enlarge):




 
 

[Portrait of Guerre by Elisabetta Marzetti of The Chic Beat. Read her Q&A with Guerre here. Quotes and all other photos by Karl-Edwin Guerre of Guerreisms.com. Individuals featured do not endorse Nordstrom.]