Fashion is an industry that runs on individuality, where the only way to make your mark among thousands of brands is to be brazen, loud, and most of all, provocative. After all, pioneers such as McQueen and Margiela didn’t make their names in fashion by churning out white tees. This week we’re showcasing streetwear brands who consistently surprise us with their bold attitude.
Emerging French label Fuck Art Make Tees is one that comes to mind – their fall/winter streetwear basics come printed with inflammatory statements like “Need money not friends” and “Don’t call me motherfucker, motherfucker.” LA-based RIPNDIP is also known for producing head-turning products, particularly those with their middle finger-waving feline mascot, Lord Nermal. Lastly, we’re featuring a brand new collaboration from PUMA with the black sheep of fashion, Alexander McQueen. Prepare yourself for the best and boldest of our new arrivals this week.
McQ x Puma Cell Bubble Runner Mid 2
We’ve seen a spate of designer sportswear collaborations recently, from Oliver Rousteing and NikeLab to Raf Simons and adidas Originals, but the latest to catch our eye is the sneaker collab between PUMA and McQ, Alexander McQueen’s younger diffusion line. The partnership between the sneaker giant and luxury fashion house has resulted in a shoe that is technical and futuristic, featuring a neoprene sock and multiple straps across the upper that give it a high-tech touch.
Fuck Art Make Tees Hell Is Real Hoodie
French streetwear brand Fuck Art Make Tees is known for telling it like it is, as their name clearly suggests. Their latest proclamation of the season is “Hell Is Real” (as if we didn’t know that already), printed in small sans-serif on a vivid orange hoodie. Perfect for cynics and fatalists in the streetwear scene.
Club 75 Cat Head Short Sleeve T-shirt
If you’re a sucker for whimsical graphics, Parisian streetwear brand Club 75 will definitely catch your eye. The brand has collaborated with bold, youthful labels such as Joyrich in the past, and maintains a reputation for producing eclectic printed pieces that reference French culture. This camo tee features the brand’s logo, designed by illustrator SoMe, printed in bright orange.
Reebok Instapump Fury Celebrate
With its exponential popularity in Asia, Reebok’s Instapump Fury seems to be on an endless streak of new releases. The latest iteration of the Instapump Fury Celebrate silhouette is clean and futuristic, featuring an all-white synthetic upper and tonal underlays, set off with a red tab at the heel.
RIPNDIP Go Away Rug
Welcome mats are supposed to offer uplifting messages, but RIPNDIP isn’t a brand that goes with the grain. This rug from the LA-based brand features a larger-than-life print of Lord Nermal the cat, waving his middle finger, as well as the welcoming words “Go Away” – sure to shoo away nosy neighbors.
Thom Browne Mohair Tweed Browne Fair Isle Jacquard Beanie With Pom Pom
Thom Browne’s designs are known for being clean-cut and preppy, but his accessories line inspired by his dog Hector bring a little whimsy to the brand. This cold-weather accessory, featuring Hector immortalized in a Fair Isle knit pattern, is the perfect gift for canine lovers and quirky dressers.
Val Kristopher Fading Knowledge Denim Jeans
Flannels and jeans may be a basic combination in itself, but Manchester designer Val Kristopher is giving them a new cool with hand painting and innovative distressing techniques. His latest drop features hand-printed jeans that read “Change and Adapt” in bold yellow and white paint, bringing new life to the denim.
Palm Angels Metal Skull Hoody Sweatshirt
If you’ve ever wanted to know what Bob Marley would look like as a skeleton, you no longer have to use your imagination. This eye-catching Palm Angels hoodie features a skeletal figure with familiar dreadlocks printed on the front, accented with a star and logo print on the sleeves.
White Mountaineering “White Mountai” Printed Short Sleeve T-shirt
White Mountaineering is known for producing high-end technical wear that merges function and minimal design. This white tee embodies that ethos, featuring a simple logo print on the front and back in bold sans-serif – the perfect starter graphic tee for minimalists.
Kenzo Velvet Flying Tiger Canvas Sneakers
If there’s any brand that can make historical Japanese motifs cool, it’s KENZO. The brand has transplanted an ornate tiger pattern onto canvas slip-ons, bringing a luxurious vibe to otherwise casual shoes. Pick up a pair to stay up to date with this season’s chinoiserie trend.
