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. 

Vintage Knits: Louis Vuitton

When I go vintage shopping I have one simple rule. If the glove fits I'm buying it. Hesitating is a complete waste of time.
This trusty mantra was exactly what was going through my mind during an overdue and much needed visit to Wasteland in San Francisco. Perhaps now it's best to mention I'm a recent convert to the whole vintage thing. The idea, but really the smell were both very odd (eau de grandmother's-moth-ball is not exactly my favorite, anything Tom Ford is). But then you grow-up and get over it. You also discover the small miracles your local dry cleaners are capable of. 

So with sleeves rolled-up, nose firmly pinched and eyes sharp I began scanning the racks. Rocker tees, leather pants, plaid coats, hats - you probably know the drill. Then a glimmer of hope. A soft crewneck sweater in the most perfect shade of taupe. And then came the insane realization, 'Fuck - I just found a Louis Vuitton!?'. No previous vintage find (and there have been a few) was ever so exciting. Is that shallow? Don't answer that - I don't really care. The point is I found it, tried it, bought and now I'm here, wearing it. It's everything in that it's 1) Louis Vuitton (duh) and 2) not obnoxiously Louis Vuitton. I'm all about understated luxury and this, my friends, is the definition of. 

- Alexander Atkins, wearing a vintage Louis Vuitton sweater and a Forever 21 camouflage beanie, photographed by Irene de Jong in Los Gatos, California.

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'.