The basketball legend LeBron James has had a long history with the American designer — Thom Browne even dressed James’ entire team (the Cleveland Cavaliers, for those who are into sports) in custom suits. And now UNKNWN, the streetwear and sportswear label James co-founded, is reportedly working on a capsule collection with the menswear brand for release later this winter.
According to WWD, the nine-piece collection is set to launch in December, following the opening of the UNKNWN store in Miami, right around the annual Art Basel festivities. Furthermore, Thom Browne recently announced the release of its first fragrance, a line of unisex scents.
Workwear continues to dominate as one of the biggest trends of the moment, with construction uniform staples like carpenter pants and utility vests making their way through numerous collections and street style shots alike. For a new collaboration, Los Angeled-based label John Elliott took a conceptual route in its collaboration with construction equipment manufacturer Caterpillar, delivering an elevated take on workwear pieces inspired by the construction of a coastal dream home.
Elliott went deep into Caterpillar’s extensive workwear archives to create a visually striking and highly functional collection. The designer incorporated Caterpillar’s 3M logo with reflective material to contrast the utilitarian structures of the pieces, including trousers, shorts, windbreakers, and sweatshirts, which were themselves constructed with premium materials like shiny Italian nylon. The pieces are grounded with a neutral color palette (the result of a new double-dye process) that prevents them from being too flashy and instead remain committed to practical design.
The John Elliott x Caterpillar launches online and in select stores tomorrow.
Willy Chavarria consistently delivers striking collections that subvert rigid ideas of masculinity through a combination of denim workwear, sports gear, and clubwear. His recent Spring 2020 presentation in New York was no different — hyper-muscular models showed off their assets in flowy and open tops to expose different types of necklaces including chokers and gold chains. Upon closer look, each had been made up with fake scars on their faces offering a harsh contrast to the delicate structures of some of the early pieces. Chavarria played to his familiar strengths (workwear and uniforms in dark colors) while exploring billowy denim and trouser shapes, and was even able to sneak in some political commentary too. (The standout was an oversized black graphic t-shirt that asked viewers to call the president and tell him to “fuck off,” and listed the hotline for Trump’s re-election campaign.) Business as usual.
The second half of the presentation was much sportier and introduced the designer’s collaboration with K-Swiss. In contrast with the first looks, these pieces were bright with neon and pastel hues and featured an array of heavy branded graphic prints. Spiked leather bracelets and anklets gave some looks a heavier edge, which was emphasized with a range of spiked white sneakers.
Inspired by a trip to Coca-Cola‘s archives in Atlanta, Japanese designer Facetasm is releasing a new workwear-inspired unisex capsule as part of its Fall/Winter 2019 line. The 22-piece collection includes t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, trousers, and caps that incorporate the industrial uniforms in a modern context, with subtle line-stitched detailing and branded Coke patches adorning the denim pieces.
“This project is a mashup of street and luxury. We hope consumers enjoy the vibe created by the two totally different companies coming together on this collaboration,” Facetasm founder Hiromichi Ochiai said in a statement. The collection launches today at L’Eclaireur in Paris and will roll-out internationally throughout the summer. Check out some of the pieces in the slideshow above.
Spring is here and Opening Ceremony x Dickies 1992 have your transitional wardrobe set. The latest collaboration for Spring ’19 is a unisex collection of workwear-inspired pieces — it’s Dickies after all — enhanced with bold striped patterns. The canvas material is the perfect balance of sturdy and breathable, ensuring a seamless structured fit and optimum comfort as we head into the warmer months. And to make sure everyone’s not going around in the same fits, on April 4th, Opening Ceremony is providing complimentary personalized embroidery for any of the Spring ’19 collection purchased at the SoHo store.
The Opening Ceremony x Dickies 1992 Spring ’19 collection is available in select stores and online now. Check out some of the looks below.
After debuting a beach-ready men’s collection in June, the French designer opted for a more practical approach with a strong workwear influence that was complemented by a light pastel color palette.
Converse and Carhartt WIP have teamed up for a gritty new edition of the One Star shoe. The new model features Carhartt’s signature workwear aesthetic infused in the footwear’s tongue patch, which is made from a tarp-like material seen on trucks. Military cues are also embedded, with a D-ring hardware steel detail on the shoe’s heel. Available in three colors (green, black, and white) the new shoe is a functional and sturdy upgrade to the classic silhouette.
As part of Concept Korea‘s initiative to introduce Korean designers to a global audience, IISE made its fashion week debut with an aggressive Spring/Summer 19 collection. The Seoul-based label, founded by brothers Terrence and Kevin Kim (born and raised in New Jersey), incorporated distinct elements of riot gear in the presentation inspired by the demonstrations in Seoul that led to the impeachment of the former president just last year. We should take note.
“We’re traditionally a menswear brand and more streetwear focused,” Kevin tells me in the studio, two days before the inaugural show. “But every season it gets a little more refined.” While it’s their first official presentation as part of New York Fashion Week, the designers cast male and female models to walk the show.
The brand originated in 2012 as a vehicle to merge the style influences of traditional Korean elements with streetwear edge and high-performance materials. “East and West, and old and new,” he clarifies. “It’s a true reflection of our identity ’cause we’re not 100% American or 100% Korean, but a mix of both cultures. That’s what is shown through our product.”
An example that stands out is the hanbok (a Korean kimono) made with a type of a nylon-like material. Additionally, the brand makes a case for the utility pack (a more literal reference to police uniforms) as the new fanny pack. The various interpretations being worn on the shoulders, arms, and legs almost like holsters is a welcome interpretation of the larger workwear trend. Mixing streetwear and workwear with a message of political dissent shows that now is the perfect time for IISE to introduce itself to the world.
Lou Dalton presented his Spring 2019 menswear collection today in London — printed striped button downs and structured jackets were a dominant theme, with influences from workwear peppered throughout. Shot by Andrew Barber for ESSENTIAL HOMME.
Just in case you were wondering, the workwear trend is here to stay. All American skater brand Dickies and Opening Ceremony have launched a 10-piece collection of workwear-inspired pieces, in versatile silhouettes and color hues that characterize both labels. The new collaborative line (not the first from the duo) is freshly updated in bold tones and prints. The first drop was released today — highlights include a pair of painter-inspired overalls and a scientist (or maybe Dior headquarters) inspired lab coat, among others. The second drop will follow on April 18th, offering several more pieces in plaid. Until then, peep the pieces below.
The collection is available at Opening Ceremony stores and online now.
