Union Los Angeles has tapped Thee Teen-Aged to create the first collaborative project between the two brands. The collection, entitled "Trust the Process," is inspired by Americana as a loaded concept and the Watts race riots that took place from 1964 to 1965.
Union's Chris Gibbs and The Teen-Aged's Alyasha Owerka-Moore are at the helm of this project that tells the story of Los Angeles and the youth culture of Watts in the 1960s. Together, the two have created a capsule that highlights the iconic style of the era, while also addressing forgotten aspects of black culture and the racism that was present during that time period. The title for the collection was pulled from a poetry zine by Owerka-Moore that also included images of black musicians from the era with processed hair, a style choice that dubbed them "less black" to some.
"Trust the Process" highlights aspects of style and culture that have since been stripped from the black narrative including rock n' roll and the greaser style, both of which were invented by black youth of the era. Pieces include a bevy of graphic T-shirts, hoodies, work jackets, short-sleeve button-ups, and even denim and trousers. Along with obvious branding hits throughout from both brands involved, graphics also include phrases inspired by the era like "The Angry Voices of Watts." The aforementioned imagery of iconic black musicians with processed hair are also used on T-shirts, as well as an all-over print short sleeve button-up that acts as a standout piece among an otherwise toned-down collection.
Look for the Union Los Angeles x Thee Teen-Aged "Trust the Process" collection to release in-store at Union Los Angeles on Feb. 1 with an online release coming the following day. Prices will range from $15-$275.
