Memorial Day: Summer Style, Then & Now

Memorial Day Weekend—the unofficial kickoff to summer in America—is here. Formerly called Decoration Day, the holiday is as much about memorializing war heroes as it is about embracing American history and lifestyle. Harking back to the post-war “Baby Boom” years of the 1950s and early 60s, this summer’s menswear trends are fun, nostalgic and lighthearted.

Heading into warmer weather, spring jeans work with lightweight cotton short-sleeve shirts. Pair it with some retro sunglasses and a straw trilby, and you'll be styling this weekend. I've been collaborating with the folks over at MYHABIT and The Fix; they've got some killer items this week that are catching my eye.

A.P.C. Hand-painted Denim Effects

Appealing to the Japanese market, A.P.C. painstakingly creates hand-finished effects on its "Butler" jean series. The A.P.C. Journal just posted these photos detailing the materials, rudimentary tools and hand techniques used to create these standout one-of-a-kind looks.

                  

HABITUAL Nude Tone Denim

Following up on last spring's khaki-tone denim, warmer nude tones are emerging this season. HABITUAL believes cosmetic neutrals are the next evolution for versatile year-round non-blue jeans. The label's "Alice" stretch skinny jean with its coated finish comes in a new fleshy touch-of-pink "Kiss" shade. Here are some color inspiration images from HABITUAL's website. For more, check out their Pinterest board.

                  

REPLAY lookbook FW12

For the women's FW12 collection, REPLAY gives fresh contemporary appeal to family-pass-down pieces. Layered looks pair vintage wash skinny denim (with exaggerated cuffs) and jean vests. The functional yet retro-style rope toggle coat has a one-of-a-kind 1970s-does-revival look. I love the contrast olive lining. 

Toggles work for cardigans as well, and the nautical intarsia knit is a welcome change to Fair Isle patterns. Jeans remain skinny and long through the leg; new boot-cut and flare hems evolve REPLAY'S offerings, and washes vary between dark indigo and faded farmgirl. Standout items are the white denim with metallic tuxedo stripe and gloss-coated super miniskirt.

                  

WONDERLAND MAGAZINE evokes the 1990s

The 90s never looked so good.

Wonderland Magazine takes a 90s pop culture direction for this strikingly well-styled spring editorial. While era-specific grunge trends have been big of late, this spread takes a more playful, urban approach that highlights the colorful (and less angst-ridden) side of the decade… Images of In Living Color, Saved by the Bell and Clueless keep running through my head.

Complemented by some seriously gelled spiky hair, the looks are sophisticated and chic for SS12. I love the double-breast jackets (a little more cropped than traditional styles) and quirky print shirts by PRADA, the baggy pleated pants and the gritty acid-washed jean shirts and denim jackets. In addition to GAP tees and LOUIS VUITTON jeans, other designer pieces are by DSQUARED2, DIESEL and BURBERRY PRORSUM.

 

                  

VIDEO: Roy Slaper for ROY DENIM sews a pair of jeans

 In this video, archival denim purist and expert technician Roy Slaper of ROY DENIM reveals the craftsmanship and techniques for creating a pair of quality jeans. Using a range of vintage machines, Slaper constructs the garment from quality raw denim, complete with sewn bartacks and traditional metal rivets and hardware.

 

 

                  

TRUE RELIGION men's lookbook FW12

Western themes remain strong at TRUE RELIGION for FW12. For the men's collection, the design team pulled from cowboy archives, featuring double pearl snap chest pockets on a peaked-yoke denim shirt, denim-on-denim looks, clean indigo rodeo jeans with narrow legs and pieced worker jeans with heavy distressing. 

Tinted chambray and classic cowboy plaid are key for shirts. As with all good styling, it is not about recreating the era or theme, but rather referencing it… I love the lace-up combat boots as alternatives to expected cowboy styles. And while I think we're at complete market saturation for tribal and Navajo-inspired motifs, thankfully TRUE RELIGION did not put the pattern on every piece. Along with a couple of  activewear knits thrown in, TRUE RELIGION presents a cohesive line of classic styles.

                  

DIESEL Friends & Family Sale - 30% off

DIESEL is offering a whopping 30% off its SS12 collection this week. Check out online (you'll have to log in to get discount) or in store for new killer looks from the denim giant.

CARHARTT HERITAGE lookbook FW12

Drawing inspiration from its 120-year history and storied archive, CARHARTT reintroduces authenticity to the somewhat diluted heritage trend. The legendary Detroit label has been creating durable workwear classics since 1889, and today's CARHARTT HERITAGE line shares the same detailing as original pieces. Here is a sneak peek of the FW12 lookbook. This brand has long been on my radar, so keep an eye out for further posts.

                  

VIDEO: ROY DENIM

 

In this short film by COOL HUNTING, denim purist Roy Slaper of archive-inspired ROY DENIM invites viewers to explore his workshop/studio. I'm in love with this brand and its thoroughly authentic take on heritage denim manufacturing. Check out the antique yet functioning machinery that Slaper has collected over the years.