Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren, men's SS12

Denim & Supply by Ralph Lauren follows the all-American theme of the parent brand, but takes a noticeably less preppy, more bohemian approach. Southern California surf culture meets New England dune life in the label's laid-back SS12 collection of lightweight layers and easy denim favorites.

For men, rugged surplus materials mix with faded vintage tee prints and sun-faded plaids. The "Old West gone urban" frayed denim shirt has multicolor enamel snaps on the flap pockets. Railroad stripe cotton, something that most brands somehow manage to do wrong and make gimmicky, looks right faded and subdued here at Denim & Supply. The collection offers four denim fits for men, usually with perfectly worn surface treatments:
- SLIM: modern low-rise slim; narrow, tapered leg
- SLOUCH: slim but with longer front and back rises; dropped seat
- STRAIT: classic blue jeans fit; closely cut through seat
- LOW SKINNY: masculine skinny sits square on hips; downtown look

I love the collection, but sometimes Ralph goes overboard with the lifestyle… i.e. the somewhat cringing meet-the-model videos. I'm uncomfortable thinking that the purchasing decisions of grown adults (or teens with the means) would be swayed by vapid testimonials on a model's "individuality". Who cares?