Summer Knits: Missoni Everything

It's mid-June which means things are potentially looking up. So what better time than the present to briefly chat Missoni?
Also Northern California evenings tend to get nippy (in all respects) so a little knitwear goes a long way - provided that's the intention (I'm all for nippy). But let's focus. To say I love Missoni would be an understatement. I adore Missoni. Every piece is consistently spectacular. Kind-of how every Prada shoe just fits, you know? Besides that, the family's dynamic and legacy is admirable (we'll just politely ignore that Target collaboration, OK?). I've been surrounded Missoni pillows, foulards and cardigans my whole life, but the first piece I finally managed to buy myself was a beanie - when in Rome, quite literally. Since then I've significantly added to my collection. But truthfully I knew I was onto something when the editor-in-chief of Esquire complimented me (then a lowly intern) on my chunky black-and-white zig-zagging knit. That's right. Winning.

Also, having lived in Italy for some time meant several things. Great pasta, regular traffic-related altercations (they get passionate you guys!), and several trips to Missoni. I bought this cardigan and shirt without hesitation, and with much encouragement from my mother; "if you don't buy it I will - for me!" Sure it severely dented my creditcard, but whatever. #YOLO (and I mean that). I know 'fashion people' are about the all-black-everything thing, but sometimes we need to let loose. Get kaleidoscopic. Inject colour, prints and textures into our lives. A little mohair didn't hurt anyone. Neither did a great pattern. 

Alexander Atkins, wearing a cashmere Missoni cardigan & shirt, photographed by Cara Beth Rogers in San Francisco.

*Discover the Missoni online, and shop the looks mentioned, below.

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. 

The New York City Beanie

Something obvious happened at New York Fashion Week: every Tom, Dick and Harry did the oversized beanie thing.

Perhaps we're all having a string of bad hair days? It's possible but let's be honest, this trend is everywhere. Practically speaking I get it, it's really cold (damn-you windchill factor!) and there really is nothing worse than freezing ears. 

Frostbite aside I've long been a fan of the basic beanie, especially my Missoni number. But I'll admit the oversized thing and I only recently became acquainted, and boy am I pleased we met! Paired with classic tortoise shell Ray-Ban Wayfarer's, some token camouflage, a Prada windbreaker and a standard grey hoodie (for good measure, you know?) - the oversized beanie has quickly become an integral part of my urban uniform. We'll reconvene in Spring, but I can pretty much guarantee the beanie and I are going to be hanging out for a while.

Happy Weekend!

*The olive cuffed acrylic-blend beanie is available to purchase at American Apparel. Click here to purchase.