It is only a fact of life that as consumers, we all get tired of “the same ol’, same ol'”. We welcome ingenuity, and at such static moments are quick to support those who go against the grain and introduce either a new take on a trend, or a totally new trend — the latter being reserved only for the brave. This is the point that men’s fashion finds itself today. Designers are drifting from the norms of menswear that have defined the last century and venturing into relatively uncharted territory. Over the course of the last year and a half, the hems, finishes and relating intricate parts of garments have been under the creative scrutiny of today’s fashion pioneers. Their efforts have resulted in a “fashion revolution”, which has been defined by the creation of timelesss pieces, and a refreshing makeover that has been accepted by fashion forward men. Most importantly, these individuals have reminded us that there is no end to the “fashion continuum”. They have inspired fellow designers and consumers alike to experiment with looks and refrain from settling for “the standard”.
From tinkering with the shape of neck lines to stitching zippers onto side seams, coupled with the gradual emergence of crop tops as an alternative and strategic means to layer and show off personal fashion steeze, here is the breakdown of today’s latest looks.
“Fancy” Neck Lines
Details such as the unique neck line of the Yohji Yamamoto piece above along with A$AP Rocky’s plunging neck line are hardly overlooked today. The abundance of “V necks”, “U necks”, “scoop necks” and “slouch tees” in the male market have fashion skeptics such as my mom asking, “Did you shop for that in the women’s section?” No mom, actually the simplicity of a crisp, white scoop neck tee adds the resounding “umph” to an outfit versus the everydayness of the familiar crew neck. A scoop neck, fitted jeans and a well worn in pair of Commes des Garçons Chucks is minimalism bliss for a weekend outing, that requires little effort, yet still speaks for your fashion consciousness.
Where to buy?
Personal Favorites: Alexander Wang Classic (top or tank), Acne Limit
Others: Zara Deluxe, ASOS (simply search “scoop neck”), H&M (online & in-store)
Making Moves Here
When Kid Cudi performed his set at this year’s Coachella, Hollywood’s young trendsetter set the internet buzzing with his outfit of choice…Sure enough crop tops are gradually transitioning from it’s stigma as a women’s piece, to the closests and wardrobes of select men. However, if the voice of the internet is any indication, Kid Cudi is way, wayy, wayyy ahead of the times with this one. I’m talking way out.
Trill Fashion
Layering once referred to walking out of the house literally wearing layers of clothing. An undershirt, t-shirt, sweater, jacket, the whole shebang—all in the name of combating the cold outside. Today, it’s a term used amongst the hypebeast community to refer to a distinct look, which has become associated with “trill fashion”, a movement that has gained momentum in the last year and some change. Simply put, “trill fashion” is the continuation of last year’s “street goth” style movement; “street goth 2.0”. Bold prints, staple pieces, and uniform coloring have all made the transition from last year’s “street goth” to this year’s “daily trill”. The key difference being less focus on brand name, and more emphasis on fit. From the waist up, “layering” refers to wearing a cropped, “cut off” or simply a shorter top in comparison to the elongated shirt you have on underneath. Waist down, various different looks can be considered “layering”, the most popular being the leggings/tights + shorts combo. Kilts, dropcrotch shorts, heck even skirts are being broken into by the trill community. Check out my initial report on 2013’s “meggings”/tights style trend here.
Nifty details like cut and zippered side seams, along with raw hems are the latest style offerings that make trill fashion the cleanest, and most ambitious look at the moment. Brands such as Fear of God LA, Stampd LA, John Elliot + Co, Adyn, Daniel Patrick and Skingraft have made a name for themselves by capitalizing on this trend in a distinct manner that is unlike the rest. Each brings quality along with brand identity such as the zippered side seams of FOG, the gratifying black and white aesthetic of Stampd, the overall classic and simplicity of John Elliot, and the wearable comfortability of Daniel Patrick. Pieces from these brands such as tanks, tees, hoodies and sweatshirts are generally cut slim for a cohesive and clean outward look instead of the disheveled bagginess one might expect. Mixing and matching certainly makes the possibilities endless, but just know that when styling up, it’s either going to be a hit or miss.
Where to buy?
Look no further than the designers and lines I mentioned above (online and in-store):
Various Looks
Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead
Intricacy is what I have always loved most about fashion. It pleases me that today’s designers are returning to this integral aspect of fashion for inspiration rather than playing off one another, or seemingly building upon the theme of the previous season. Nobody’s playing it safe, and anything pretty much goes. That’s how fashion should be. If you want to be a standout next time you and the gang are taking on the city nightlife, try a scoop neck instead of a crew neck. Feeling called to the dark side and want to become a part of the “trill movement”? I’d recommend starting off with the exaggerated silhouette of a Rick Owen’s shirt. Check out the latest street style pics from this month’s Milan and Paris Fashion Week for added motivation—the look is running rampant. Mid-season sales are happening right now, so it’s the perfect time to treat yourself (and feel good about it because you’re saving a lot of bread on designer threads) at online shops like SSENSE, Totokaelo, Forward by Elyse Walker and Oki-Ni. Finally here is what to look forward to next year (unless you have the real hookup who shopped the collection for you last week…).
Muchas gracias for the read
-T.K.O
MCMXCII 