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." 

Essentials: The Basics of Style

Sometimes it's good to take a moment and reflect on the details - our everyday items that we just can't live without.

I mean there are staples, and then there are staples (I'm referencing the latter). It's like when you leave your house without your keys or iPhone - you'll feel weird, potentially naked (not to mention all those missed selfie taking opportunities). Needless to say I used to think 'essentials' equated to many things. 'I totally need that aubergine pom-pom beanie, right?' One lost suitcase and much distress later taught me otherwise (and for that arduous lesson I'm grateful KLM - really). 

I suppose the point is there are three important things to do right. Wear great shades, always curate your wrist with something beautiful and wear sick kicks (for many the last is the most important). Sure, the three are completely interchangeable in that one day you'll want to wear a Rolex, and the next a Cartier Love Bracelet. And that's OK (it's actually really OK), however not the point. What I'm getting at is that every outfit has the potential to look polished (read put-together) when this 'trinity' is observed. 

And because I know you, dear reader, you might ask, 'perhaps there are rules and exceptions?'. Well, yes. Namely, piling on wrist 'gear' is never OK past the age of twenty-one whereas wearing apple-shaped red 'joke' shades are actually quite charming. Think of it as English grammar. There are rules and exceptions that you'll either get - just because - or you won't. And on that note, Happy Friday!

Alexander Atkins, wearing a Dolce & Gabbana bracelet, a Dries Van Noten sweatshirt, classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers and Prada shoes, photographed by Aleksander Tyszka in San Francisco.

*Click the arrows above to browse and shop 'the trinity'.

The Return of the Backpack

Ah, the backpack - we've all had one. Once frowned upon, now a hot commodity? That's right people, this is happening.

I’ve made several points about the benefits of a great backpack - remember that Louis Vuitton mountain climbing-inspired number? (which I’m still coveting in a major way, FYI). Truthfully I haven’t used a backpack since the ninth grade (I upgraded to a Prada messenger bag which I still use). But that’s not the point. The point is this: essentially the backpack is back, and I’m game.

I’m not talking bulky, ‘durable’ backpacks that your super outdoorsy, flanel-wearing (read granola) neighbor-type would wear on a hike upstate. I’m thinking fun, statement packs for urban jaunts to Dean and Deluca, you know? Burton’s aviary print is exceptional in that it a.) reminds me of hunting and the country, and b.) feels playfully preppy in an un-annoying way. I’d definitely wear it to work, dressed-up with a Burberry Prorsum double-breasted navy blazer, a Rag and Bone split-v-neck tee and a fine-stripe short-short. What’s more the aviary print comes in an iPad case too.

Welcome to Wednesday.

Alexander Atkins, holding a Burton Birds Tablet Case, photographed by Camille Labat in Palo Alto.