RVCA Mapreader: His & Hers

I wouldn't describe myself as a 'hat person' per se. But somehow this past weekend rapdily became all about the hat.

Having made a fashion-YOLO pact a while back means I'm continually forcing myself to try new things (kind of like those annoying people who are on a bizarre mission to eat exclusively raw, vegan food 'just because' - no offense, but ugh). I've done the beanie thing (perhaps that's an understatement - here's the proof), and I'll usually wear a cap of some variety to the gym. But a full on H-A-T? No. That was until my friend Nicole showed up in her RVCA Mapreader last Friday. 

The thing is, she looks good. That's undeniable. There's a whole free-spirited lovechild vibe happening - and it's incredibly lovely, but not exactly me. Nevertheless (and with that YOLO spirit kicking-in) I grabbed, I crowned and conquered. Besides, the best part about trying other people's things (aside from zero commitment) is you might actually learn something about yourself. I suppose I learnt I no longer hate hats. In fact, I might begin to maybe consider buying a wide-brimmed Stetson at some point (if I'm going there, I'm going there). And there's a lot to be said for that.   

Alexander Atkins and Nicole Umatum, both wearing RVCA's Mapreader, in San Francisco.

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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.

Hairspiration: The Dip Dye

By now I'd say I've made my views on hairspiration known, and so nothing is more exciting than seeing it become reality.

Hairspiration is a real thing and you, dear reader, are being led to it's very essence. Hairspiration in action! And if that sounds a bit too intense for a Tuesday morning, relax. Just look at the pictures and click the links - you'll get it.

When my friend Camille (who has always had great hair moments - remember?) decided she was going to go all Alison Mosshart-circa-right-now this past weekend, I was beyond excited. I mean who doesn't like The Kills? (Especially now that Jamie Hince is actually Mr. Kate Moss.) That's right, we all love them. 

Some of the best decisions we make are impulsive. Changing-up your look is real when it's impulsive, because your gut knows you want it. Camille settled on her hairspiration twenty minutes before her actual appointment. Judging from these shots I'd say it was a hugely successful source of inspiration. Centrally parted, teased or even tied back in a high-pony, the triple dip-dye job has proven its versatility. And besides all that, aren't we supposed to do this kind of thing in our twenties?

Tuesday just got a little more interesting.

Camille Labat, wearing an Acne leather jacket, photographed by Alexander Atkins in Palo Alto.

*Camille Labat wears blue-tinted Ray-Bans and an Acne leather jacket. Click here to visit her tumblr.