Into the Grey

Sometimes I take a moment to think about the things I've really been wearing - just because (and usually on a Sunday).
So here I am, staring into my closet, having a think. Aside from the inevitable 'should I, shouldn't I's' and making sure all my hangers are facing the same direction (inwards - in case you're curious), I'm noticing an expanding collection of grey things. Was this intentional, and if so what happened to my bright(er) clothes? Even now as I write this I'm wearing my favorite (and only) zip-up hoodie - which is g-r-e-y (how's that for a subliminal message?). 

I suppose it's pretty normal really. I mean we are, if anything, creatures of habit. So why grey? What is the attraction? For starters it's sculptural and therefore inherently timeless. It's also the mother of 'greige' - a colour so perfect it has been mastered by Hermès and countless interior designers. So actually grey is where you want to be. It's a happy place, a soothing place. It's my place. 

- Alexander Atkins, photographed by Catia Macedo in Los Angeles, wearing Vince and Acne. This post is part of Mr Porter's Global Style Campaign. 

Basic Structure

People are always saying it's the simple things that count. So that means it's a good idea to talk about the basics, right?
Know this: people can be wrong. I mean I'd definitely categorize the short-sleeved shirt as a basic yet I've never really been a huge fan - they're all a bit too 'I'm a hardware engineer' or something. But then you have this moment when you see one and it's completely different. A wave of confusion washes over you so you're all '"whatever, it's just basic, it's nothing". WRONG! It's Marni, a fact which inherently means it's going to be very, very cool.

As a result I now find myself reconsidering things in a massive way. Should I commit to the chop or should I hold firm in my pre-conceived and usually unwavering thoughts regarding the short sleeve (ie: don't do it)? Does it actually look good or am I just trying really hard to be into it? And also, why am I trying to be into it? I don't know. But what I do know is it's November, so I should probably revisit this conversation in May. 

- This post is part of Mr Porter's Global Style Campaign. Alexander Atkins, photographed by Ai-Li Chiong Martinson in Half Moon Bay, wearing Marni and Acne.

The Reflective Shade

In the wise words Karl Lagerfeld, "Sunglasses are like eyeshadow. They make everything look younger and prettier."
And who doesn't want to look younger and prettier? Like the Kaiser, I'm an advocate of a great pair of shades, mostly for their ability to pull everything together with absolute ease. On most days I'll have, at some point at least, worn one of my Ray-Ban Wayfarers (mainly because they evoke a timeless sense of style and just go with everything, which is a huge deal). But recently I've found myself glaring at different shapes and colors in an effort to explore a world beyond tortoiseshell and stark angles. 

It goes without saying that hyper reflective lenses are the complete polar opposite to regular green and brown tints, and perhaps surprisingly, are not unfamiliar territory (reflective shades were all I wore skiing). So, in a rare full circle moment, I can't help but be completely drawn-in. And besides all the aforementioned jargon, reflective lenses shield an obtrusive wandering eye (boys will be boys). Not to mention the sun's unforgiving glare (rays will be rays). 

- Alexander Atkins, wearing Forever 21's Letterman Sweater and a vintage reflective sunglasses, photographed by Jessica Craig in Laguna Beach, California. 

Back To School Style

While sleeping-in probably was the best part of campus life, varsity style wasn't half bad either. So let's bring it back kids!
Maybe it's surprising that I never really got into the whole letterman thing at school (perhaps being there was reason enough to suppress the urge entirely). But the real point is who doesn't love getting a little Mona Lisa Smile from time to time? And on that note it's even more fun to do it now, without the verbose term papers and finals. 

It's safe to assume Ivy League anything is and will always be a good idea. There's something über sweet about rocking that huge lone letter and being like, "yeah, I go here". Trust me I get it, nothing touches that ultra sleek Kennedy-esque American royalty thing (it's just an added bonus that letterman pieces are both casual and put-together). For me the whole mood is only amplified by a color blocked bomber (mine is by Forever 21). I suppose you could go all-out and pair a letterman sweater with a traditional varsity jacket. But with age comes a sense of refinement, and with that comes little room for overkill.

- Alexander Atkins, wearing Forever 21, photographed by Irene de Jong in Los Gatos, California. 

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."