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Retail Spotlight: Coat Of Arms

It’s kinda crazy watching kids who were born in 1991 dressing like it’s 1988. Luckily, there’s one streetwear outpost that schools kids on the authentic styles from the era: Coat Of Arms. The Lower East Side shop, which opened almost a year ago, digs up real remnants from the past, like rare Ralph Lauren gear and Starter jackets.

Owner Naghman Chaudry initially wanted to open a boutique that would house his burgeoning clothing line Subscript. But as the plans came to fruition with partner Brian Procell, they became the bridge between fashion’s old and new school, carrying brands like Rockers NYC, Prada, WESC, Creative Recreation, and vintage BAPE. “It’s like being an urban archeologist—you’re literally digging up everything that was ill in the hood back in the day,” says Procell. See photos from the store’s interior after the jump.

New Balance Goes Vintage

Sneaker heads had the screw-face on when Nike launched their vintage line, but apparently the brand was on to something. Converse, Puma, and now New Balance have all followed suit, hooking up classic silhouettes in an old-school steez.

The New Balance collection focuses on their 1970s-dated runner the 420, re-interpreted into a dusty aesthetic (see more models after the jump). Look for the throwbacks to hit Footlocker this July. $55, footlocker.com, newbalance.com

The Nike Vandal Will Go Vintage This April

If you haven’t gotten down with Nike’s vintage movement yet, consider yourself late to the game. In April expect to see classic colorways of the Vandal get the distressed treatment, continuing the swoosh’s unofficial “what’s-old-is-new-again” campaign. The Vandal first debuted in 1984 as an on-court basketball shoe, and was only produced until 1987. New styles of the sneaker came back around in 2003, but failed to catch on as heavy as it did when ballers were rocking with short shorts and crazy hair. This green/gold scheme is just one out of the set of colorups that will drop this spring. Check close up shots after the jump.
$80, niketown.com