Chinatown Market, the viral LA-based streetwear brand, has released an exclusive capsule collection on ASOS. The 35-piece collection features new limited-edition prints and the label’s first womenswear items. Some of the highlights include all-over print hoodies and matching pant sets, a mixed animal print baseball cap and basketball, a smiley face umbrella, and vintage-inspired graphic tees in the brand’s signature friendly retro style. For a brand that only started in 2016 and quickly blew up due to its highly engaging social media presence, partnering with one of the world’s biggest e-tailers is definitely something to smile about.
The Chinatown Market x ASOS collection launches online later this week.
We select the best of the week so you don’t have to.
ART: Armory Art Show at Piers 92/94 until Sunday March 11th, $47
Image: Rebecca Smeyne.
For a 4 days, one of New York’s biggest art happenings of the year, the Armory Show, is here. Dedicated exclusively to 20th and 21st century art, the show presents artists from al around the globe. Visitors are invited to discover thousands of works across mediums, from various artistic time periods and cultures at this weekend, in the company of the city’s art elite. – AP
RUNWAY: Opening Ceremony x Mickey Mouse at Disneyland
Image: Greg Kessler Studios.
As the happiest place on earth, Opening Ceremony chose Disneyland in Anaheim, California as the site of its latest show. In addition to presenting its Spring ’18 collection, the retailer also revealed a collaboration with Disney featuring Mickey Mouse to celebrate the famed character’s 90th birthday. Oh Mickey, you’re so fine, even if you are nearing 100. The Disney x OC collection is available now. – RQ
We’ve long been fans of ASOS’ efforts to promote independent sellers from around the world with ASOS Marketplace. Today, the brand also launched its latest installment from “Rare Edits” that offers the top vintage finds from across all their featured boutiques. Think: Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Versace, Moschino, and more. Dig in! There are tons of classic marvels to be found just in time for spring. – AP
LISTEN: Shamir – Room
Image: Jason Macdonald.
I was an instant fan of Shamir when he emerged on the scene with “On the Regular,” bringing a new type of pop into the conversation. His latest album, self-released Resolution, out today along with a two-song EP titled Room, shows a departure from his regular sound, but still intrigues. Showcasing a more traditionally indie and alternative tone that was referenced in his previous album (last year’s Revelations), it proves the artist’s versatility and possibly serves as a preview to an upcoming album with Mac Demarco. Listen to it here. – RQ
SHOES: UWEZO cowhide shoes, $185
Image: UWEZO
We’re all about statement shoes, and what better way to make a statement than doing it while supporting a cause. UWEZO creates unique cowhide shoes (every pair is different) that flaunt funky immaculate style, but also offer it’s proceeds to generate scholarship funds for Empower African Children and opportunity for East African youth. Footwear for a cause. – AP
ASOS 4505, the British online retailer’s first athletic collection launches today. With over 100 styles, the first activewear collection will follow traditional athleisure shapes and techniques fused with the brand’s lauded ready-to-wear styles. The design team incorporated dynamic prints and colors to spice up the seasonless pieces. It’s a great selection for those winter workouts that’ll have you flaunting a summer body in no time.
Prices will range from $16.00 – $80.00 with a few ski styles going up to $222.00. The new affordable pricing options, chic styles and comfort is just another stepping stone for the already major clothing brand.
Fresh into fall, online fashion hub ASOS launches a new men’s footwear collection, Made in England. The eponymous collection is produced in Northampton, United Kingdom, which is evident in the styling itself: traditional designs with a modern, military twist. The line features classic Oxfords, brogues, and boots—some elasticated, some with laces—all made with scotch grain leather in black or camouflage. The oversized, cleated soles with camel-colored stitching are reminiscent of Dr. Marten’s with a subtle, more sophisticated finish. The range offers durability and style for the colder seasons, whether you spend them shopping around Northampton or on active duty. Together, Made in England honors ASOS’ British roots, from small London start-up to international online heavyweight that styles the likes of Ryan Gosling and ESSENTIAL HOMME August/September 2014 cover star Daniel Radcliffe. The brand has since become famous for its diversity – stocking close to a thousand brands – and inherently bold styling.
The ASOS “Made in England” collection is available online now.
We expect to see women in floral prints each spring, but when men don those blooms and blossoms, it’s something to talk about. This season’s menswear has flower power to spare, with tropical buds taking the lead.
Warm pastel gradients, playful polka patterns or light floral neckwear (take your pick!), and tailored, slim-fit cuts. ASOS’s new Spring/Summer 2014 Collection takes the best quirks of prep-school Springtime Formals, and offers them in an array of ready-to-wear separates. While the full collection won’t be available on the site until later this month, you can get a head start by browsing the look book below.
Art Basel might be over, but who said our way of dress should reflect that? We’re *creative* people, right? Well, we know creative people. So put on that black turtle neck, uncork that bottle of Trader Joes Merlot, and get ready, because here are our most favorite art-inspired pieces on the retail scene. We’ll take two of each please.
Comme Des Garcons x René Burri T-Shirt ($145): This 100% cotton tee from CDG is out of this world, featuring a rocket-print from legendary photographer Burri, famous for his portrayal of other equally-great artists including Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and more! Available for purchase online at DoverStreetMarket.com.
Kenzo Paris Day Clouds Puffy Jacket ($954.51): Body can’t keep with your mind? Bring the rest of your self up to the clouds with this surreal jacket in 100% polyester with a hook closing and side pockets. Available for purchase at select Kenzo Paris retailers and online at Kenzo.com.
Kit Neale AppleBerry Medley Baseball Cap ($65.16): This tropical-colored cap is as fresh as its name might imply. Forget the club, we’ll see you at the juice bar. Available for purchase at select Kit Neale retailers and online at KitNeale.com.
Christopher Kane Face Printed Sweatshirt ($488.70): Give a whole lot of face in this electro-wave outlined printed black and white sweatshirt with raglan sleeves and ribbed trimms. Available for purchase online at HarveyNichols.com.
Terence Koh x Opening Ceremony x Forfex Furry Sneaker ($250): Contemporary artist Koh gives his legendary all-white treatment to these faux fur winter high tops. With wrap-around laces and and a mini flat-form sole, you'll be sure to stand out in the snow. Available for purchase online at OpeningCeremony.com.
“Shadow Fux” by Harmony Korine and Rita Ackerman ($40): An exclusive 124-page hardcover book that documents filmmaker Harmony Korine and artist Rita Ackerman’s famous 2010 exhibition at New York’s Swiss Institute. Available for purchase at select agnés b. retailers and online at agnesb.com.
Y-3 Honja Low Sneakers ($189): It’s not the mild leather or the suede trim that will catch your eyes, but rather, the allover orange, black and olive geometric print. Available for purchase at select Y-3 retailers and online at Y-3.com.
Marc Jacobs Mini Pencil Set ($9): Give your writing some color, with this cute set of 12 mini pencils. The case also includes a sharpener and eraser, because why would you want to sharpen your designer pencils with anything else? Available for purchase at select Marc Jacobs retailers and online at MarcJacobs.com.
Damien Hirst x Alexander McQueen ($1,175): For the 10th anniversary of their skull scarf—perhaps the world’s most famous piece of neckwear—Alexander McQueen collaborated with artist Damien Hirst on an exclusive collection of 30 kaleidoscopic printed scarves that are truly pieces of art (and for that price, they better be!). Available for purchase at select Alexander McQueen retailers and online at AlexanderMcQueen.com.
ASOS Signature Matrix iPhone 5 Case ($27.22): Give your phone the Piet Mondriaan-effect with these tangential lines in bold blue or solemn black. Available for purchase online at ASOS.com.
Vivienne Westwood Dogtooth Neoprene Pants ($905): Are they trousers, or are they sweatpants? These hybrid pants take Westwood’s most famous pattern into a heavier debate with a slim fit, elastic ribbed detailing and an asymmetrical zipper. Available for purchase at select Vivienne Westwood retailers and online at VivienneWestwood.com.
To alleviate some of the stress of holiday shopping—or even just to help kill time at work, For The Guy is a new weekly column where we’ll be sharing our most favorite gift ideas for every possible guy you know. With products ranging from designer ready-to-wear to high-tech ready-to-plug-in devices, we hope you and your love ones enjoy these as much as we know we will! Hint, hint.
We’re gonna go ahead and say that Superman is about to rule the next few weeks. He’s 75 this year and June marks his return to the big screen (Man of Steel releases on June 14) in quite some time. Which has us thinking, of course, about some Superman style. No, not capes and contrasting primary colors. More his alter ego—one of the most interesting things about Superman is the duality he offers us with Clark Kent.
It’s been said that the Clark Kent persona is Superman’s overall perception of the human race. Clark is quiet, subtle and yet remains a head turner, much like his wardrobe. If you don’t believe me ask Lois. His iconic suits, fedoras and black frame glasses are pieces that are forever synonymous with Clark Kent, who’s just as much of an American icon as Supes himself. With June fast approaching we thought it’d be best to take some modern day style inspiration from our favorite reporter at the Daily Planet. But if you must change in a hurry, try not to rip these pieces. I’m sure you’ll want to keep them.
Look 1: Life at the Daily Planet- It’s time to hit the pavement running Monday morning and report the latest Lex Luther scandal at the Daily Planet. The look here is traditional Clark Kent, with a few modern tweaks. Everything here is business, polished and utilitarian.
Look 2: Date Night with Lois – Every superhero needs a little R&R sometimes. This ensemble is dark and textured, but still manages to keep it’s youth. A nice change for someone who wears blue spandex in the day.
Back in the early 1920’s when then Prince of Wales, Edward VIII, took to wearing some multi-color knit tank tops crafted on some place called Fair Isle in Scotland, he probably never imagined that some of the world’s most respected designers would, about 90 years later, make it one of the staples of menswear style. To be sure, true Fair Isle can only be made on the Scottish island of said name, but who is anyone in fashion to stick to the rules? And actually, who even said Fair Isle has to be knit? There’s a watch here that would beg to differ. After the jump, you’ll find the sharpest, styles of Fair Isle for sale right now. Backpacks, gloves, scarves, hats, hoodies, socks and, well…more.
1) The Sweater
White Mountaineering Fair Isle Sweater; $610 at Mrporter.com There are a lot of Fair Isle Sweaters popping up right about now, each one trying to out do the other with pops of colors, patterns, razzle-dazzle, what have you. Keeping it simple makes it unexpected.
2) The Zip Up
D&G Fair Isle Cardigan; $600 at farfetch.com Be warned, random people may snuggle up on you.
3) The Tie
Steven Alan Point End Knit Tie; $125 at stevenalan.com For business or pleasure.
4) The Belt
Topman Brown Fair Isle Belt; $28 at topman.com Trendy today, classic tomorrow.
5) The Jacket
Oliver Spencer Pilot Jacket; $545 at oliverspencer.com A Fair Isle Bomber? Why yes, says fine British designer Oliver Spencer. We concur.
6) The Sweater Vest
Ralph Lauren Wool Fair Isle Vest; $295 at ralphlauren.com To match with any color.
7) The Hat
Patrick Ervell Pattern Knit Cap; $105 at openingceremony.com Made from 100% Peruvian alpaca it's also really soft.
8) The Shoe
Keds Chukka Suede; $75 at keds.com Sometimes, it's just all about the lining.
9) The Hoodie
Brooks Brothers Fair Isle Hoodie; $148 at brooksbrothers.com Loud, but lambswool.
10) The Backpack
Junya Watanabe Blue Fair Isle Wool Backpack; $360 at number3store.com The authority on Fair Isle Backpacks.
11) The Gloves
Burberry Fair Isle Cashmere Gloves; $375 at burberry.com There may be other cashmere gloves out there, but they're not these.
12) The Scarf
Paul Smith Grey Fair Isle Scarf; $260 at paulsmith.com Children of the 80's and their grandparents might agree on this one.
13) The Sock
Chup Liomi Sock; $38 at unionlosangeles.com Your ankle will appreciate the pop.
14) The Watch
Asos Fair Isle Watch; $27 at asos.com Because the time should always be ten after the red stripe.
The best/worst thing about fashion in July (other than the completely irresponsible use of too much exposed skin in a look) is that it brings end of season sales! They’re bad for the constant reminder that summer’s end is near, but good for the excellent discounts it presents the shopper. Especially the savvy one. With that said, here’s the essential guide to shopping for next summer season (that’s 2013) at this season’s discounted prices. Huh? Impossible? Hardly. After the jump, you’ll find out which styles to eye as the sales unfold, and as an added bonus, links to a few pieces that are already on sale for a bargain.
What to look for:SUMMER TOP COATS
From Dior Homme to Ermenegildo Zegna, the men’s shows in Paris and Milan displayed a clear penchant for a summer top coat. While this may not be practical for, say, the dead of summer, don’t forget that much of our time is spent in seasonal pergatory—that strange kind of warm, kind of cold area that these lightweight coats are the perfect, stylish anecdote for. Chose something colorful, yellows and blues were both big on the runway, and look for double breasted or 3 button styles, both also big for next season.
Raf Simons Three Button Overcoat $1575 $549; on sale atbarneys.com
Paul Smith Navy Blue Cotton Trench $554 $334; on sale atfarfetch.com
What to look for:SPORT CHIC
One of the biggest trends for Spring/Summer 2013 will be dressed up winks and nods to athletics. The Olympic after effect? Who knows. What we do know is that Louis Vuitton, Prada and Hermes all presented collections that had clear references to sports. Look for color and softer fits.
Richard Chai Polka-Dot Baseball Shirt $300 $90; on sale atSaksfithavenue.com
Band of Outsiders Men’s Nylon Varsity Jacket$496 $248; on sale atoki-ni.com
What to look for: PRINT SHIRTS
Print shirts are a trend—this, you know—and it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The trick to buying one on the sale rack now is to go underground. As in, don’t get that prada shirt you’ve been eyeing all season, instead, shoot for something under the radar that follows the trend but wasn’t blown up all over the place.
Both Paris and Milan took the blazer up a few notches. Meaning, they cropped them. Double breasted and worn soft and loose, pair it with dark trousers or denim for a fall look and then with white or bright colors again next spring.
Selected Double Breated Cropped Blazer $182 $98; on sale atasos.com
What to look for: PRINT SUITS
Actually, keep an eye out for light print suits. This category, of all, continues to allude any good sale, yet discount season has just begun. With the warmth that designers, stores and shoppers have shown towards print, its safe to go a bit darker and even a little kookier than normal. If its on sale, why not get something a little daring. Besides, being that its a suit, you can chose to pair each piece sepearately. Below, we’d pair the pants sepeartely with a solid top and likewise, the blazer would be a stand out piece when worn with a slick pair of denim or trousers.
Some things just aren’t on sale right now but that doesn’t mean they won’t. Other trends we noticed at the London, Milan and Paris shows are….
– Pleated, high waist trousers. This isn’t a look for every guy, but for those of you who like to push the boundaries, there’s bound to be a few like styles hitting a sale rack soon.
– Color. A lot of guys are still a little intimidated by going big and bright but the sale rack can be a great place to experiment. The big colors of next season, and ones that will also work in fall, are teal and green tea. Try denim if you’re a first timer, or go more bold with a blazer if you’re ready.
