Cut It Out: Alexander Wang

Despite the title of this post please, Mr. Wang, don't stop cutting it out. We love it. And you! But you probably knew that.

I mean I can't get enough of the patchwork leather pants you made me (or Neimans rather - but that's just a technicality). Ok - enough rambling. The real point is this: cut-outs are so the tits, especially when infused with really strong tailoring and a basic trilby (you may have noticed my new-found interest in hats...). 

Remember when Dayne came over and rocked that seriously ripped-up Joy Division tee? Well, for his second look Dayne opted to wear something slightly more tailored. Unsurprisingly the Alex Wang blazer was an easy choice. I'm guessing its incredible fit and overtly nautical-meets-French-schoolgirl vibe (which is always lovely, isn't it?) played a huge part in what was a very rapid selection process. Design-wise the cut out is actually held in place by hundreds of little threads, like a tiny harp. Aside from creating a near invisible mesh effect that extends down the lapel, Wang's design also ensures the two sections of blazer flow seamlessly. Good thinking - because no one's got time for weird bunching, thanks. 

Dayne Arron Watai, wearing Alexander Wang's Cutaway Blazer and a vintage trilby, photographed by Alexander Atkins in San Francisco.

Dayne Arron Watai: The Vintage Tee

Let's be honest: a ripped-tee-and-Prada-shades weekend look is worth talking about. Really, what else are you doing?
So ok, you're probably going, "I'm beyond annoyed you're even suggesting ANYTHING weekend-related on a Tuesday". I get it (I do, really). It's like those people that open emails with 'Happy Monday'. (Seriously you guys, stop. 'Hi' is absolutely fine and Monday's are rarely 'happy'.) But despite all that (or in spite of it, your choice), there's no time like the present to be inspired. Besides, over here it's always about carpe-ing that diem. 

By now I'd like to think I've made my feelings known regarding Ziggy and Pink Hair. If not, well hello. I'm Alexander and I'm drawn to the whole rocker thing (on some level at least - who isn't?). I definitely have an appreciation, even if I'm not scouring eBay for vintage tees on my lunch break. There's something über-fascinating about being with a 'devotee' (aka addict) when they finally discover that one super beat-up (read held together by numerous safety pins) long-lost tee in a store and subsequently have zero qualms about its $500.00 price tag.

But back to the real point, which is: I'm into documenting how other people dress. Their subtle stylistic nuances, how they choose and put pieces together - it's everything. So when Dayne visited and decided to rock a seriously ripped Joy Division tee I most definitely was game. I like the high-low element. It's grunge meet glamour. For starters the tee obviously reminds me of my all-time favorite Joy Division song. As for the Prada sunglasses, well they're just exceptional (what else do you expect?). Together the whole thing conveys serious ease, becoming the perfect get-up to rock-out in.

Dayne Arron Watai, wearing a vintage Joy Division tee, Prada Sunglasses, T by Alexander Wang leather pants, Classic Doc Martens and a Degs and Sel skull bracelet. Photographed by Alexander Atkins in San Francisco.

While we were shooting I chatted with Dayne about style rules and influences to live by. Here's what he's thinking:

1. On what to where, when: "It's easy to decide what to wear here. The weather definitely plays a huge factor in my decisions. Then whatever color I feel like wearing."
2. On style influences: "Hedi Slimane and Willy Cartier. I also love Diane Boulenger and definitely am inspired by Fabien Baron. And of-course Cara."
3. On San Francisco: "I love the city. The food, the neighborhoods and the diversity. The bars. I love the shops in Hayes and on Haight Street - oh and obviously the coffee."
4. On Music, right now: "I've gotten into Walk the Moon - but specifically the song 'Ana Sun'. Also there's this YouTube channel. It's called 'MajecticCasual' with a ton of awesome tracks." 

Megan Mouren is The Cloudhunter

By now I'd say I've made my feelings clear regarding fantastically vibrant hair. Hairspiration is hairspiration - I'm all in.

Perhaps I'm compelled because I actually enjoy bright colours and tones - tis the season etc. But aside from that there's something refreshingly rare about seeing someone dye their hair several shades of highlighter (all at once) and still manage to look completely put-together. I mean, does a vintage blue plaid uniform circa Winona Ryder in 'Heathers' really pair with neon green tresses? Well, yes actually. It does. Here's how.

Megan Mouren (designer of Cloudhunter - who's Cali Roots reggae-inspired hair I covered here) is all about colour. Lot's of colour (Lucy, her pomeranian, wears a pink dress - just FYI). Now I know we've breached the whole DIY-dye job topic, but this time around the focus was on what to wear with neon hair. After all, hair is a big deal. It's a game-changer. I mean redheads are all about emerald green for a reason, right? With various Echo Park locations as backdrops, I shot and chatted with Megan about her love of the area. "I just love menu-exploring. You know? Discovering new restaurants is like an adventure. I'm all about the ones that use local produce. The quiet coffee shops - it's easy to feel like you're away from the city."  

In terms of inspiration it's clear there's a lot going on. "My spirit fashion animal is Gwen in the 90ies. Bianca Jagger is my favorite historical icon. Also, I loved Fran Drescher's outfits in 'The Nanny'. Right now Anna Della Russo is amazing. I'm into how she wears anything she wants, especially on her head. The watermelon, china dolls, eggs and disco balls were all pretty insane. Her stuffed lamb thing at Ungaro was super fun - I guess I'm just into her as a fashion individualist and all around super woman! Oh, and Sailor Moon obviously. Huge inspiration there."

With regards to menswear, Mouren is all about keeping things neat and tidy. "Having a polished gentleman around is a nice balance to my colourful, print-friendly style. You can tell a lot by a man's casual and loungewear - so great vintage tees and stylish sweats (think Alexander Wang) are a must."

  

Megan Mouren, wearing pieces from her vintage collection and jewelry by Camille K, photographed by 

Alexander Atkins in Los Angeles.

Throwback Thursday: Acne Tee

Throwback Thursday's are always a good time. But they're especially great when anything Acne is involved. Let's discuss...

Finding a good t-shirt is more complex than you may have initially thought, especially if you're the discerning type (which I'm hoping you are). I mean fit is everything, always. It goes without saying that this law applies to each item in your wardrobe (and yes, it even extends to the slouchiest of trousers- I'm looking at you, Vivienne Westwood). 

I'm all for staying true to form. So when I recently rediscovered my very first Acne purchase I was not at all surprised to find it was a bias-cut navy t-shirt (the bias adds a padded element - just FYI). At the time of purchase I distinctly remember thinking 70 euros was a tad exorbitant - especially for an impoverished university student. But looking back I'd consider the entire experience akin to putting money in the bank. Essentially I've discovered that solid basics are the building blocks of a great wardrobe. And don't fuck with your foundations.  

With all these revelations in-mind, a recent trip Barneys had me admiring (and buying) an Alexander Wang basic tee - which notably exudes the same core values as Acne's 'Limit' tee. Now I'm not entirely sure if it's ideal that I no longer bat an eyelid at a $95.00 price-tag. But I am sure it's great to invest in quality. Quality, cut, form and fit always prevail. Every single time. Sure, there's a whole graphic print thing happening now - and that's OK. I'd just rather not get into it. Instead I'm focusing on getting back to basics.  

Alexander Atkins in Acne's Limit Tee, with Ai-Li Chiong-Martinson in American Apparel, photographed by 

Camille Labat in St. Andrews, Scotland.

*Click the arrows above to browse and shop the tees mentioned in this post.

Leathery Love: Alexander Wang

I'd say leather pants have come a long way since Ross wore a pair on an episode of Friends. That is to say, I hope so.
Over the past few seasons we have seen a progressive rise in leather trouser-power. There was Acne, Bottega Venetta, Hermès (swoon), and of course Versace (didn't Donatella basically invent them?). But in terms of RLM (Real Life Menswear), the leather trouser thing is akin to seeing a wild Javan Rhino - essentially it's rare.

Unlike most people I know, I continue to credit Kanye West with a few great things: 1. writing The College Dropout - easily one of the best hip hop albums ever; 2. forcing Kim Kardashian to refrain from wearing bandage dresses; and 3. wearing leather pants day-in day-out for almost a year. I don't know if Kanye perpetuated the trend per se, but I will say his continued efforts in the leather-pants-department demonstrates their wearability to real men - so that's something.

Bearing all of the above in mind, a shopping excursion late last year had me trying on my very first pair of leather pants by Alexander Wang. Although originally intended for women, the fit was perfect (something I never argue with) - the feeling was mutual. To break-it down, the black stretch jersey provides comfort while the soft panels of lambs leather give fantastic structure. So maybe I should be grateful to the pioneering efforts of Ross Geller after all. Not for getting it right or wrong, but for planting the leather-pants seed in my sartorial sub-conscience. 

Alexander Atkins, wearing Alexander Wang leather pants and a Dries van Noten sweater, photographed by Sabrina Reddy in New York City.




*Wearing T by Alexander Wang leather pants, Dries van Noten sweatshirt and cashmere beanie by Rick Owens.