Public School Is The Next Brand To Watch

Photo: Freshnessmag

Besides being one dimensional, fashion statements are just too cliché. As those “rebellious” motorcycle jackets peel off into the sunset, New York’s it-designer Dao-Yi Chow is makng noise with Public School’s conversation pieces that speak volumes.

The former creative director of Sean John, and owner of Miami’s retail store, Arrive, pushes the limits of fashion with his line of premium leather jackets (varsity, trench coats), hoodies, and T-shirts, a throwback to New York’s grittier heyday without a web of zippers. They are like what Ethan Hunt would would wear'impossible designs made possible. Built-in ski-masks on hoodies, detatchable gloves, classic kangaroo pockets, all the way down to simple thumb slits (you know the way you’d hook your fingers on your belt tabs), Chow bridges the gap between form and function.

Public School’s utilitarian approach to streetwear trumps the maturity of button-ups. The latest trend the burgeoning brand is humping these days: suspenders. Those corny straps grandad uses to keep his oversized waist band from sagging are this year’s cardigan, also patterened by Nudie Jeans, John Varvatos, and Corpus. This fall/winter, when it’s time to go back-to-school shopping (college students, at least), like KRS-One said, “You must learn.” See more styles from Public School after the jump…

(l to r) Public School perforated leather jacket (from February/March 2008), grey Belmac pants with suspenders.