BRAND: Noir Basic
SINCE: 2008
FOUNDED BY: Marc Leblond, Romain Bernardini & Antony Lellouche
HOME BASE: Paris
WHY WE CO-SIGN: If you can’t distinguish the lines between hot or not, our best advice is to stick with the classics. Stick with the timeless pieces that won’t go out of style just because a bunch of cool kids decide that it’s now lame. To dodge the hot-to-not cycle, there are certain brands you can trust to deliver goods that have staying power. One of them is the french brand Noir Basic
How does a streetwear brand stay afloat in the land of couture? By taking cue’s from Japan’s streetwear scene and mixing in craftsmanship and luxe materials like silk, washed lamb, stingray leather, alligator and sterling silver in a way that only french fashion culture can teach. All that produces some of the best leather jackets, varsity jackets, and blazers in the game. Only available at select retailers in the US, these pieces are well worth the search and the price tag. But you might wanna sign your wallet up with the nearest gym, just in case.
Keep reading to see co-founder Marc Leblond’s five winter essentials as well as some pics of Noir Basic’s Spring ‘10 collection…
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BRAND: No Mas
SINCE: 2004
FOUNDED BY: Chris Isenberg
HOME BASE: New York
WHY WE CO-SIGN: Wearing throwbacks, or any jersey short of a soccer kit, hasn’t been fashionable for a good six years now. So what’s a true sports fan to do when they want to express their love of all things athletic? They should check out No Mas. Founded in 2004 by sports monomaniac Chris Isenberg, the brand began humbly with Isenberg making T-shirts for himself and friends. The shirts featured depictions of iconic and infamous sports moments and some of his childhood athletic heroes. After receiving large amounts of attention, both good and bad, Isenberg began selling his creations at local NYC shops Nom de Guerre, and Union…
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BRAND: Martin + Osa
SINCE: 2006
HOME BASE: New York, NY
WHY WE CO-SIGN: If you want to deck yourself out in classic American styling, there are a number of stores available to suit your needs. Unfortunately, most of them are pretty pricey and tailor to your father’s group of friends. Looking to bring that style to a younger gen, is Martin & Osa. Started by American Eagle Outfitters back in ‘06 as their upscale outlet (think Banana Republic to the Gap), the brand focuses on making classic wardrobe staples and giving them a contemporary twist at price points that won’t break your bank account. Besides their own clothing, Martin & Osa go a step further and stock a select number of third party brands like Ray-Ban, Havaianas, Filson and Sperry Top Sider, at their retail locations. Which, by the way, are designed to look like high end boutiques, making the shopping experience all the more official. Bottom line: Martin & Osa deserve a look, unless you enjoy dressing like your pops.
Check out pics of Martin + Osa’s fall and holiday offerings…
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BRAND: C.P. Company
SINCE: 1975
OWNED BY: Carlo Rivetti
HOME BASE: Ravarino, Italy
WHY WE CO-SIGN: We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, uniforms are not something that we’re too fond of. It’s not like we have bad childhood memories of being forced to wear uniforms to our private schools, or totally hate the community service steeze like Chris Brown, it’s just we like to wear what we want. However, our thoughts changed a bit when we got familiar with Italian-based C.P company—a brand that transforms traditional military uniforms and working clothes into sophisticated and stylish pieces…
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BRAND: Pointer
SINCE: 2004
FOUNDED BY: Gareth Skewis
HOME BASE: London, England
WHY WE CO-SIGN: Look, we love Air Yeezy’s and all those other brightly colored, bulky high-tops that are now so heavily lusted after. But, despite what you may think, you can’t go around looking like an urbanized spaceman all the damn time. Sometimes you have to tone it down and class it up. We’re not saying you gotta go full hard bottom (although, that’s not such a bad idea), but there are sneaker companies that have found a middle ground between the formal and casual. One of the best is the London, England based brand Pointer…
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Jackets from Penfield x Staple Collaboration
BRAND: Penfield
SINCE: 1975
FOUNDED BY: Harvey Gross
HOME BASE: Hudson, MA
WHY WE CO-SIGN: If you’re like us, at some point, function becomes way more important then mere aesthetics. When we have to walk five blocks to the nearest subway in 20-degree weather, whether or not we look cool begins to matter less and less. Although your setting might be a little less urban then ours, freezing is universal. So when the temperature begins to drop, we turn to Penfield, a brand that has been keeping cats warm for nearly 35 years. Yeah, we know other brands make warm outerwear, but few get the job done with such stylish attention to detail.
Originally established in Hudson, Massachusetts 1975, Penfield has developed a tradition of protecting the masses from the elements with gear that looks great on a mountain climber or a city kid looking for something to get into on a Friday night. To make sure form matches function, Penfield has worked with other brands on special projects. This year, it has collaborated with the likes of rag & bone, Reed Space, Edifice, and Limoland. Using high-quality fabrics like water- and windproof Melton wool, along with the wisdom that comes with being in the game for 30-plus years, Penfield continues to hold us down on any frontier.
Keep reading to see pics of Penfield’s collaborative releases and CEO Jamie Barshalls’ five winter essentials…
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BRAND: Isaora
SINCE: 2008
FOUNDED BY: Marc Daniels
HOME BASE: New York City
WHY WE CO-SIGN: Imagine gearing up to rip up the slopes but still looking ready to stop off at a lounge first. We know what you’re thinking—impossible right? Think again! The first of its kind, Isaora holds down the dudes who bring style with them wherever they go, regardless of that insider bullshit. If Shaun White dressed like Kanye West, no doubt this would be his go-to label. In short, Isaora is like the refined older brother to Burton: the same technicality with a huge dash of “grown man.” With its flawless melding of performance and style, this brand is all about switchin’ lanes (word to Kid Cudi).
Normally when you think of a brand directed toward snowboarding you immediately picture baggy, brightly colored, gaudy jackets and snow pants. Not exactly stuff you would want to wear while walking down your block. For designer and founder Marc Daniels, that train of thought was exactly what inspired Isaora. Pieces from the Fall 2009 line will keep you comfortable as you rip up the slopes and confident while kickin’ it with the snow bunnies. So keep your swag on ice (literally) and check out some of the fresh Fall ‘09 releases at Bodega, and Paragon Sports.
Keep reading to see Marc Daniel’s five winter essentials as well as some pics of Isaora’s spring ‘10 collection…
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BRAND: Amongst Friends
SINCE: 2007
FOUNDED BY: Mikol Stambaugh
HOME BASE: New York City
WHY WE CO-SIGN: During hard economic times like these it is difficult to spend money on clothes, let alone a piece that you’ll only wear once and still costs your whole pay check. Amongst Friends is perfect for a climate where recession-proof purchases are a must. AF specializes in timeless, lasting pieces that will be sure to be an integral part of your wardrobe for years to come—think of it like the epitome of schoolboy fresh with a dash of Japanese(-style) flair and style-forward detailing. So don’t blow your wad (ayo!) on overpriced ‘fits—keep it clean and modern and remember that you are Amongst Friends.
WHERE TO FIND IT: Wealthy Hostage, Format NY, 5 & A Dime, Hall of Fame, In4mation, New Era, Standard, Karmaloop
Keep reading to peep dope pieces from the Holiday ‘09 collection…
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BRAND: Shipley Halmos
SINCE: 2008
FOUNDED BY: Sam Shipley and Jeff Halmos
HOME BASE: New York City
WHY WE CO-SIGN: Frank Lucas said it best: “The loudest man in the room is often the weakest.” When it comes to fashion, we believe ultra-flashy is not always the way to go. Low-key times call for low-key measures, and for that we turn to brands like Shipley & Halmos. It has mastered the art of effortless style, with an attention to detail and quality craftsmanship.
Originally known for co-founding and designing for popular L.A. brand Trovata, these two college friends relocated to the Big Apple to start anew. Their move to the right coast has inspired a more refined and tailored look. We got our hands on one of the lookbooks for S&H’s Spring 2010 line hitting stores this January, and it’s straight blue magic. The line features ill sweaters and jackets that can make any outfit pop. If you’re too pressed to wait ’til the new year, make sure to peep its fly fall releases at Barneys, Odin, and American Rag.
WHERE TO FIND IT: Odin, American Rag, Barneys, and Revolve Clothing
Keep reading to see some of Shipley & Halmos’ new collection.
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BRAND: Rachel Comey
SINCE: 2001
FOUNDED BY: Rachel Comey
HOME BASE: New York
WHY WE CO SIGN: Despite the name, dress shoes shouldn’t automatically be thought of as formal footwear. Now more than ever, hard bottoms have moved more into the casual and street wear world. So as we said before when we told you how to buy ‘em, if you haven’t already, it’s time to start incorporating some grown-up shoes into your repertoire. A good brand to start with is Rachel Comey footwear. Before she got into women’s wear, Comey found fame with her mens footwear line that was inspired by the “young music scene in New York.” Her newest collection features her signature handcrafted oxfords as well as spins on everyday classics like moccasins, and desert boots. Basically all the staple footwear pieces. The prices are a bit steep, but we guarantee you’ll get more wear out of them than your Yeezy’s.
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