HBX 2019 Recap
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2019 has definitely been an eventful year for fashion, with highlights that include the "Camp"-themed Met Gala, Stormzy's vest by Banksy at Glastonbury, the Off-White™ x IKEA collaboration, acquisition of Tiffany by LVMH, psychedelic garments, fashion weeks, to name a few. Before marching into the third decade of the millennium, we are taking a look at some of the top trends in menswear and how they have shaped fashion in the past year.
Tactical Wear
Back to the early 90s, Helmut Lang was one of the progenitors in introducing tactical garments to the world. Elements such as ballistic-styled vests, harness straps and piled-on functional layers have all influenced the development of contemporary fashion. Looking at the past few seasons, utilitarianism reigns. From the Chest Rig of 1017 ALYX 9SM to the Off-White™ “Industrial Belt” and the Heron Preston “Tape Belt”, many designers partake to challenge the wave of luxe-utility with their very own aesthetics.
Printed Shirts
Originated from Hawaiian shirts and bowling jerseys, short-sleeve button-up shirts have taken over menswear styles with bold graphics and statement texts. In the likes of luxury designers such as Valentino, Alexander Wang and Versace, the garment is also highly favored by Streetwear labels including Human Made, Stüssy and Wacko Maria.
Modern Sports Gear
As a fundamental pillar of streetwear culture, sportswear has caught the eye of modern and contemporary designers for elevated and premium pieces and resulted in multiple collaborations. Known for his disruptive vision in luxe streetwear and functional garments, founder and creative director of 1017 ALYX 9SM, Matthew M. Williams, collaborated with Nike for multiple ready-to-wear pieces and sneaker models with a contemporary touch. Other highlights of the year include the ongoing sneaker collaboration between 11 by Boris Bidjan Saberi and Saloman Boots, and the accessory range from White Mountaineering x Eastpak.
Tie Dye
From the halcyon days of the ‘70s, when American hippies brought the clashing colors to a blend by dying crumpled shirts, tie dye garments have now returned as one of the hottest trends after almost half a century. Donned by celebrities such as Beyoncé, Dree Hemmingway and Justin Bieber, the modern reinterpretation of the traditional method is ever so clean yet organic, bohemian yet tailored, nostalgic yet contemporary. It is a trend with immense juxtaposition, sweeping in full-force through designer collections and streetwear labels. Notable brands include Needles with their Multi-Cut Tie Dye T-Shirts, Brain Dead and Vyner Articles.
Fleece
In the past few seasons, fleece has grown in popularity on the runway. As both a sartorial and functional choice, fleece outerwear is ideal in combating lower temperatures and urban environments. Featured heavily in the Fall/Winter 2019 Collections of reputable outerwear manufacturers such as C.P. Company and Stone Island, the material is also seen to be adopted by modern streetwear labels including AMBUSH and ADER error.
Check out the photos for a look at our 2019 Mens Fashion Recap. Click here to read our latest feature about 1017 ALYX 9SM.
