For Spring/Summer 2013, LA denim label BLEULAB takes a refined but sexy approach, showing exclusive prints and shimmering mercury coatings on its sleek, reversible body-molding styles. Paisleys, graphic florals and ornate wallpaper patterns look fresh in a range of pastels and plays between neutrals and indigos.
"As is often our starting point at MiH, this Spring we thought of blue. We thought of cool English summers; the swimming pool blues of the sky, the stylized freshness of a Lido, inevitable drops of rain as we peer out the window. You can see it across denim, across our ready-to-wear; in dots, stripes, abstracted bandana print and wave-like brush strokes." - MiH
An Officer and a Gentleman
LA streetwear label PUBLISH merges archival militarywear with modern urban attitude for its Fall/Winter 2012 "Officer and a Gentleman" collection. Outdoorsy flannel shirts, down vests and camp prints are cut slim, forging elegance into layered street looks. I like the elasticized hems on the trousers; worn right, they reign in volume, looking tailored yet remaining masculine and casual.
Inspired by the late 50s, early 60s styles captured in photographs during the 1960 Squaw Valley Winter Olympics, AGAVE DENIM's Fall/Winter 2012 collection mixes retro jeans fits, chunky knits and layered vests.
Updating colored denim trends, women's over-dyed skinnies, trouser jeans and mini bootcut styles come in new tones like picante, hunter green, tapioca, pewter grey, otter brown and rose. The label is also pushing raw indigo denim, yarn-dyed corduroy and black 'n' blue looks. For men, Agave offers new slim and classic fits; the woodsman-style trouser and slim-fit selvedge jean are standouts. Black or indigo denim, melange cotton twill and double-faced fabrics give outdoorsy appeal to casual woven shirts. Rounding out the line, heavyweight ski sweaters take on intricate knit stitches.
AGAVE DENIM teamed up with the Portland Timbers soccer team to shoot the Fall/Winter 2012 men's collection. Nothing like some action shots to showcase stretch fits and technical performance!
For Fall/Winter 2012, NOTIFY JEANS continues to offer fabulous Italian-made fabrics in to-the-tee Parisian-designed fits. Always conscious of emerging denim trends, the label features flares for women and tailored trouser details for men. Check out some of these images but please don't be distracted by the questionable shirts; I'm perplexed by that sheer number on her, and the bib-front piece on him. But note, NOTIFY only makes jeans and denim jackets, so the tops are not theirs. I loved the Spring/Summer 2012 lookbook, so am finding this one a bit lackluster, with no real mood or identity.
Swedish childrenswear label I DIG DENIM brings coolness to a market inundated with overt preciousness. Believing that kids bring personality to what they wear (and therefore clothes need not dictate childlike themes), founder and mother-of-two Hanna Clavegard takes fashion for kids seriously. These are jeans that I wish were in my size. Rugged cuts for boys and tomboy styles for girls come in standout bleach-splatter washes and heavy distressing.
For Spring/Summer 2013, CHALAYAN GREY LINE draws inspiration from summer sports, appealing to a younger Chalayan customer who likes body-con fits and short tennis hemlines. A modern active take on garçon style, the collection mixes new and signature Chalayan looks. Fabrics are also influenced by American performance sportswear, and include cotton, jersey, denim and fleece.
Crisp white is the base for vibrant sunset orange, flora green, sky blue, melon and lime green. The V-neck hoodie and boyish sweats remain feminine with lace and organza trims. Layering, draping and ruching are everywhere. The digital floral print for the jumpsuit, dress, sleeveless blouse and tunics was originally shot in London's Kew Gardens.
After 50 years, British sailing brand HENRI-LLOYD has a formidable reputation for its innovative yet fashion-forward designs. Since the early days in a converted chapel in Manchester, England, the label has pioneered functional enhancements like hand-taped seams, safety harness constructions and the use of non-corrosive zippers. In addition to its tried-and-true waterproof yachting outerwear, the label stands out with exceptional sweaters for Fall/Winter 2012. Chunky cotton sweaters with knit shawl or polo collars have heritage yachtsman appeal that will bring sporty edge to brisk city streets this fall.
